New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Morgana, 'You Are Never Gone From Me'

Co-founder of the Saint Sister duo, Morgana, is stepping decisively into the spotlight with her brand new single, 'You Are Never Gone From Me'.

The track was written for her friend diagnosed with stage four cancer. Punchy drums, shimmering synths and intricate vocal harmonies weave through an organic acoustic arrangement, allowing the song to hold both hope and heartbreak in equal measure.

"I wrote this song for my friend and manager Conor Cusack," she explains.

"2 years ago, he was diagnosed with stage four cancer. For over 10 years we have been like brother and sister.

"Conor asked me when he was gonna get his 'cancer album'. I couldn't quite muster an album, but before he underwent life-saving surgery in Brussels a few months ago I brought him 'You Are Never Gone From Me'. He says it's his favourite."

The Mary Wallopers, 'Kit Kat Club'

The folk-punkrockers have returned with another single from their upcoming, highly anticipated third studio album Paddywhackery due for release next month.

'Kit Kat Club' is The Mary Wallopers' ode to nightlife. From the hedonistic Berlin club in the track's name to LGBT superclubs under railway arches in London. Drug and drink-fuelled nights are recounted with their signature raw, high-energy, and rebellious sound, transporting listeners into the atmosphere of a sweaty, packed pub.

Building to a climax before slowing into a driving banjo and strumming guitar, they pick the energy right back up with punchy accordion and bass before signing off.

Muireann Bradley, 'True Love Will Find You In The End'

The song is a modern and simple cover of Daniel Johnston's track by Muireann Bradley. Retaining its lo-fi style and heartfelt lyrics, she adds her own touches with soft guitars and gentle synth.

"I decided to record a cover of Daniel Johnston's 'True Love Will Find You In The End' because I was fascinated by the song and Daniel's story after discovering him," said Bradley.

"Daniel's recording of the song is deeply emotional and sincere, but it also has that childlike purity and naivety lyrically and musically that all music has.

"I was interested to see if I could add a little more structure and complexity to the arrangement without losing the simplicity that's at the heart of why the song works."

Macdara Yeates, 'Alexander'

The Dublin folk singer revives forgotten street songs uncovered in the archives of the National Library of Ireland, alongside a collection of traditional ballads reimagined with a bold contemporary sound in new album Mudlark Ballads. Macdara Yeates reaches across centuries of stories and legends, and summons a cast of mythological figures to make his case, before involving the song's namesake, Alexander the Great.

In the track, Yeates steps into a brand-new sound world, combing strings, found sounds of the sea and more with his signature blend of Irish folk.

Shakalak, 'Bikki'

The Irish psychedelic hip-hop collective are back with another single ahead of the release of their second album Kulture, 'Bikki'.

Shakalak sharpens their unique identity on a track that demands your full attention. Powerful spoken word sets the scene before giving way to smooth riffs and shimmering percussion. Melodic instrumental takes over before handing it back to John Cummins - lyricist, poet and frontman for his signature staccato and hip-hop vocals.

Johnluke, ‘Could Be Dancin’’

Johnluke has released a new folk-pop track perfect for summer. Blending modern pop with two-stepping country, the emerging artist paints a love story fitted with feelings of freedom and possibility. It captures the instant connection that happens when two strangers meet on a dance floor, letting the world fade away.

“I was happy and feeling so good when writing ‘Could Be Dancin’,” Johnluke said. “So, this song captures that feeling and sets out to just make you smile. Sets the tone for living in the moment – whether you’re sitting at home doing nothing, singing along in your car or out on the dancefloor.”

ActionRec, ‘Evolve’

ActionRec have released ‘Evolve’, the first single off their next album and their 8^th release of the year. The independent Irish artistic collective’s new track features a distinct sound, with a catchy guitar riff, a low-key beat and exciting lyrics. Their devotion to all different forms of art shines on the piece, highlighting their unique approach to music. With this song, ActionRec have undoubtedly ‘evolved.’

The group are devoted to their music, “We don’t think about genre, we only think about the music and making it our own,” they said. “As multi-instrumentalists and singer-songwriters, we provide a wide range of sounds and feels.”

Really Good Time, ‘On Dublin Bus’

Dublin garage rocker Really Good Time today release their brand new album Affirmations including the brilliant single ‘On Dublin Bus’. A gloriously noisy number lined with gritty guitars and wonderfully tongue-in-cheek tones, the track is as enthralling as it is heavy , thanks to pounding guitar riffs and driving melodies.

deathtoricky, ‘lemon haze’

The brilliant deathtoricky is back with the glistening new single ‘lemon haze’, a melodic rap number imbued with delightful summer energy, hauling from the brand new EP pre life, out now. With widely melodic production and auto-tuned vocals reminiscent of the best of BROCKHAMPTON’s early offerings, the track is an absolute ear-worm if we’ve ever heard one.

Local Boy, ‘Crypto’

Local Boy returns with his new single ‘Crypto’, a gorgeous indie flavoured number, lined with lazy guitar riffs and bouncy bass lines, accompanying the relaxed, slow-paced but widely compelling vocal delivery, giving the tongue-in-cheek track the shimmering quality that makes the musician’s offerings so distinctive.

Bradley Marshall, ‘How Is It Fair’

Bradley Marshall today offers the emotionally resonant track ‘How Is It Fair’, a gentle folk pop number looking at how heartbreak shapes the way we look at everyday life, offering a powerful look at grief through the musician’s moving songwriting and his perfectly measured vocal performance.

earfzilla, ‘backroads’

Earfzilla today releases the brand new track ‘backroads’, a glisteningly brilliant tune mixing heavy beats with free-flowing melodies, gentle bars and widely compelling lyricism, all packed in a two-minutes run time that simply begs for a sec ond listen once the first one is over.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by earf (@earfzilla)

Underachiever & The Letdowns, ‘Babyman’

Hailing from Underachiever & The Letdowns’s brand new album Adventures In Disappointment, launched this week through the band’s Tony McLoughlin’s own label Nobody Cares Records, ‘Babyman’ is the ultimate transporting track. A gorgeously unsettling folk tunes, lines with dissonant vocal melodies and gorgeous harmonies, the track quickly explodes in a shimmering blend of electric guitars and catchy rhythmic sections, making for a deeply distinctive folk rock offering.

OMEGA, ‘blood on my hands’

OMEGA today releases the beautiful single ‘blood on my hands’, a rap tune flavoured like classic Kanye West tracks, mixing powerful flow with glistening instrumentations featuring sampled female vocals and wildly compelling rhythmic sections, infused with gorgeous lyricism.

The Swedish Railway Orchestra, ‘Dead Man’s Ghost’

Hailing from The Swedish Railway Orchestra’s upcoming final album Repetition Without Permission, lead single ‘Dead Man’s Ghost’ features acclaimed Mancunian poet Mike Garry. Accompanied by a powerful spoken word performance from Garry, the track blends shimmering pianos with richly moving string arrangements, slowly building until it reaches heart-thumping intensity.

“"I started TSRO simply as a way of making a different kind of music," Rob Smith explained. "I said I'd give it ten years and just make records. No gigs, no collaborations and no covers. I guess it's run its course now. But I'm really happy with the discography. I'm leaving it behind with what I think is the best work I've ever created."

Currents, ‘Back In Time’

Emerging Limerick six-piece Currents release their debut single ‘Back In Time’, a dark a silky offering featuring a gentle, honey-smooth vocal performance and glistening, slow-building, swirling guitar arpeggios, creating heavy and shoegazy sonic textures that are as pretty as they are addictive. An enticing first look into the new band’s discography.

CJ Penn, ‘Light Will Come’

Irish singer-songwriter CJ Penn returns with the highly uplifting ‘Light WIll Come’, an emotionally powerful folk-pop anthem that celebrates resilience, healing and the quiet strength found in hope. Blending organic instrumentation, cinematic production and soaring melodies, the track builds from reflective verses into an anthemic chorus that lingers long after the final note.

Speaking about the song, CJ Penn says: "’Light Will Come’ is just about finding hope within yourself, the belief that the human spirit can overcome life’s burdens, reclaim its strength and find a brighter path through difficult seasons.”

Travy, ‘Keep Up’

Dublin rapper Travy is back with his electrifying new single ‘Keep Up’, a deeply hard-hitting, short and sweet tune lined with drill favours and beautifully harsh rhythmic sections, all wrapped up in the rapper’ deft bars and impeccable sense of lyricism.

Sarah Power, ‘Prelude in E Minor (Reimagined)’

Irish composer, pianist and producer Sarah Power releases 'Prelude in E Minor (Reimagined)', a bold and deeply personal reimagining of Frédéric Chopin's beloved masterpiece. Retaining the original melody while rebuilding its harmonic landscape through original string arrangements by Gareth Quinn Redmond, cinematic production and subtle electronic textures, the piece bridges nearly two centuries of musical history while remaining emotionally faithful to the original.

"I never wanted to make a traditional cover of Chopin because there are already so many beautiful performances of this Prelude," Sarah explains. "Instead, I wanted to give it its own contemporary voice. I kept the original melody, but completely reimagined the harmony around it with original string arrangements by Gareth Quinn Redmond, immersive sound design and the warm character of a restored August Förster upright piano. It slowly became something entirely its own while still carrying the emotional weight of the original."

Paddy Keyes, ’12:15’

Sligo indie artist Paddy Keyes has released the first single ’12:15’ off his second EP. On it, he explores a more alternative edge – driven by guitar, with rock influences and heartfelt storytelling. The song features a mix of sounds, including a captivating saxophone finish. Keyes’ raw, live-instrument feel remains present on the track, forming a welcome addition to his already brilliant catalogue.

“The song explores the lack of impulse control after a few drinks, jumping to decisions made in moments of excitement and uncertainty which inevitably come back to haunt you the next morning,” according to a press release.

Lou McMahon, ‘Dead Sound’ feat. Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg

Vocalist and video game composer, Lou McMahon is back with a symphonic, melancholy reworked version of her original track ‘Dead Sound’.

According to the artist, the song is “in quantum coherence with the Ocean,” featuring a unique, otherworldly sound with haunting vocals. McMahon was inspired by the effects of “climate change, alien emotion and the weight of modern isolation.”

“‘Dead Sound’ is composed with love for our world,” according to the song’s official description. “It was written by Lou while cold water swimming one winter in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly Seafield Beach in Quilty, County Clare, Ireland. From there it expanded into a work of science fiction for orchestra and vocal textures.”

Kyle Duffy, ‘Adelaide’

Kyle Duffy returns with a new track ‘Adelaide’, featuring a slow, understated sound sure to capture the hearts of many. The Wicklow artist’s characteristic voice soothes on the resonant track written about holding onto memories through the passage of time. ‘Adelaide’ graces Duffy’s discography as his third independent release.

“I wrote this song about the people, places and memories that somehow stay with you, even when life moves on,” Duffy wrote on Instagram. “Bringing it to life in the studio over the past few months has been a huge step for me, and I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing people along the way.”

Micko Roche, ‘Dub Is Di Vibe’

Musician, songwriter and producer Micko Roche has released his atmospheric track, ‘Dub Is Di Vibe’ today. Hailing from Waterford, he brings together chilled grooves and live instruments to create a lively song whose roots are firmly shaped by Rock, Reggae and Soul. The instrumental track has been released on the artist's personal label my.co_records and features alongside tunes like ‘Ketch Ah Sunset Dub’. The artist embraces classic Jamaican dub with a modern twist, presenting a laid back track perfect for a chill playlist.

“‘Dub Is Di Vibe’ is about the universal feeling that dub music creates,” says Roche. 

“It’s more than a genre - it’s an atmosphere, a mindset, and a rhythm that connects people wherever they are.”

Tender Claws, ‘Tear Him To Pieces’

Grunge Singer Tender Claws released her new single ’Tear Him to Pieces’ on Wednesday ahead of her EP. Deriving from influences such as Queens of the Stone Age, PJ Harvey and Nine Inch Nails comes the five-track debut EP Tear Him to Pieces, out today.

The Belfast artist totes a dark alternative rock sound, incorporating elements of grunge, indie and shoegaze. The heavy electric guitar punctuated with mellow and sombre vocals creates a rich grunge-pop soundscape. The single joins previously released ‘Twinge’ and ’Spring Time Cull’. 

“This EP explores the idea of corrupted and lost innocence, and tainted idealism, in various guises," says Tender Claws.

"I don’t like to restrict myself too much thematically or in terms of production between songs, which I think is apparent in this debut EP. Each song on this EP provides a different texture and mood."

Penny’sband, ‘She Makes Me Cry’

Belfast-based indie rock artist Penny’sband have released their latest single ‘She Makes Me Cry’ on August 5. It is the first single from their forthcoming EP.

Drawing from pop, new-wave and alternative-rock influences, the track uses messy guitar, resonant bass and dramatic lyrics. The punchy beat coupled with the dancing guitar hooks propel you forward into the twisting motion of the song. Reminiscent of Paramore’s 'Hard Times' and The Cure’s 'Inbetween Days', this is music for fans of The Academic, The 1975 and Pulp. 

“I keep our pictures in a drawer of mine/It’s the only way I ever see her smile/Wish it was different, maybe we’ll fix it/Some other day down the line."

KAR, ‘Common Denominator’ 

Cork singer-songwriter KAR returns with her latest single ‘Common Denominator’ today. The upbeat indie-pop track is lyrically vulnerable and raw, reminiscent of Nell Mescal and Gracie Abrams. It reflects on the struggles of ignoring warning signs in a relationship and the eventual breakdown of communication as a result, exploring themes of anxiety and heartbreak.

“Did I miss the warning signs/Run through red lights in my mind.”

The clap-along bridge break allows the catchy chorus to reappear with strength, Theeating a full circle and uplifting sense of finality to the tune. Her song ’TIME’ was previously chosen for Today FM’s track of the week and she has been featured in Hot Press’ New Irish Songs round-up in the past. 

Sorcha Richardson, 'Ellen Forever'

Dublin-born singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson has shared her poignant new single, 'Ellen Forever'.

Over rolling fingerpicking and subtle double bass, the track sees Richardson reflect on an unassumingly powerful conversation with a friend.

"I wrote 'Ellen Forever' after a casual but very confronting conversation with my friend Ellen, after she asked me how writing was going for my album," said Richardson.

"Sometimes someone else telling you that you're doing well is the most alienating thing to hear in the world. It sent me into a bit of a spiral about wanting to express myself and feel understood, but not being quite sure about how much of myself and my life to share in order to get there. I said goodbye and wrote half the song on the way home."

Aby Coulibaly, ‘It’s Too Late’

Aby Coulibaly is back with an R&B track that makes for an upbeat, fun addition to her catalogue. ‘It’s Too Late’ is about self-confidence, being independent and seeking out the life she deserves. With playful, experimental instrumentals, a beachy sound and beautiful vocals, the track comes perfectly in time for that end-of-summer feeling.

Her reggae rhythms, inspiration from Senegalese musical traditions and the warmth of ‘90s R&B combine together to form a track uniquely Coulibaly. The independent artist is shaped by a connection to music since childhood which comes across on her intuitive and wholly authentic sound.

Makayla Chloe, ‘Love Letter From The Moon’

Athy artist Makayla Chloe has released her debut single as a solo artist, a gentle track that showcases her skilled instrumentals and beautiful voice. ‘Love Letter From The Moon’ features resonant and deeply emotional lyrics paired with her classically gorgeous sound – an impressive addition to the 18-year-old’s catalogue.

The song, according to Chloe, is about “a recent NASA mission in April called Artemis 2. Unfortunately, while preparing for the mission one of the astronauts lost his wife and when they went to space he named a crater on the moon after his late wife. So I wrote the song about it as he had the whole universe in front of him but only thought of her.”

Aaron Rowe, ‘Hollywood Sign’

Aaron Rowe returns with an emotionally vulnerable track that details the lonely side of Rowe’s life. ‘Hollywood Sign’ is an honest, heartfelt and understated song that captures the quiet sadness that can exist behind a rapidly rising career. With raw vocals, gentle guitar and a characteristically authentic sound, Rowe’s new track might be his most masterful yet.

“Written whilst spending longer away from home than ever before, the song reflects on the emotional weight of life on the road and the distance that touring can create between family, friends and the people who matter most,” according to a press release.

Florence Road, ‘7563’

Florence Road’s momentum continues to build as they release their new single, ‘7563’. The band, named Hot Press’ Most Promising Act of the Year, have seen a whirlwind these past few months. ‘7563’ amps up their energy with a rhythm that builds and explodes into catharsis. The song pairs hook-laden guitars, soaring vocals, masterful lyricism and, as usual, effortless chemistry.

“’7563’ is about feeling out of place, lost and confused. Not being sure of who you are,” Florence Road said. “It’s about knowing that you need to break yourself out of it, feeling that something is calling at you to wake you up from this ‘bad dream.’”

Basht, ‘Terror TV’

Rising Dublin band Basht have released their new single ‘Terror TV’ from their upcoming debut album Poor Advice, out on October 9 via LAB Records. It follows their recent singles ‘Keira Knightley’ and ‘Perfume’. 

The post-punk tune examines the modern day horrors that we are confronted with on a daily basis through our screens. 

“Terror TV is about trying to make sense of what we’ve been watching unfold on our screens over the past few years,” said vocalist and guitarist Jack Leavy. 

“ordinary people [are] caught in the middle trying to process it all in real time"

Known for their energetic live shows and dedicated fan base, their emotionally heavy lyrics slip perfectly into the chaos of their music. 

Jazzy, ‘My People’

Following the success of ‘Satisfy’, which the Dublin DJ vocalist released with Calvin Harris comes her latest electrifying track ‘My People’, out today. The electronic artist rounds out Jazzy's summer of hits with this punchy dance track that celebrates being young and surrounded by the ones you love. The track is perfect for nightclubs with catchy lyrics, groovy beat and atmospheric fills. Her seamless storytelling creates an uplifting spirit, she really is the people’s DJ. 

“As long as you’re there with me/That’s all I’ll ever need.” 

The song comes ahead of her highly anticipated album, Peace & Patience, arriving on October 23. She is set to play her biggest headline show to date at Dublin’s 3Arena, making history as the only female DJ to sell out the venue. 

Gareth Quinn Redmond & Francis Harris, ‘Wind with Wings’ 

Gareth Quinn Redmond typically sings as gaeilge and is known for being entrenched in the Irish ambient music scene. His music focuses on creating a rich soundscape that allows the listener to connect to their surroundings - drawing from Japanese concept of Kankyō Ongaku or environmental music.

Francis Harris has had a varied musical career, with over 20 years of DJing under his belt, using elements of club music as well as classical music.

The latest song from the duo, 'Wind with Wings', is an atmospheric instrumental that would be perfect for a chill playlist, with the track’s trance-like motion.

Listen to our playlist: