New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Michelle Burke, 'American Cousins'

East Cork singer-songwriter Michelle Burke has released a brilliant new single ‘American Cousins’. Driven by jaunty piano and Burke’s unmistakable voice, the track is rooted in folk storytelling but with the energy of a stage song. 

It carries all the warmth and detail of the family story that inspired it - a Hillman Hunter and the day they put a man on the moon.

Dermot Kennedy, ‘Stockholm’

The star from Rathcoole, Dublin, has dropped the Extended Version of his latest album. New addition ‘Stockholm’ alternates between gentle and aggressive as Kennedy belts deeply personal lyrics with acoustic guitar backing, then tones down to a soft croon. A dramatic violin segment fills out the middle of the track before a rapid, angsty list of wishes. At nearly six minutes, it is the longest song on The Weight of the Woods (Extended Edition).

The Kyd G & GNS, ‘Last Slice’

Dublin R&B artist The Kyd G has released ‘Last Slice’ – a hopeless romantic anthem featuring GNS. Fusing rap and dancehall elements, The Kyd G romanticises a first connection with someone, “how you pay attention to every detail in that moment to almost never cross paths again, a bittersweet memory,” he said.

The track sees warm melodies alongside bumping synths and percussion. It begins with jangling acoustics and builds into a summery mix of sounds, making the backdrop to the artist’s infinitely catchy lyrics. Drawing inspiration from many different cultural backgrounds, the track is distinctly the work of Kyd G and GNS.

Soda Blonde, ‘My Violence’

Irish altpop band Soda Blonde return with ‘My Violence’ a track that brings strength through femininity. The band explained that the track is meant to take power back, for women who have shown politeness to men who didn’t deserve it. With an intense, cathartic sound and a powerful energy, Soda Blonde’s new song is a worthy track for the talented artist’s catalogue.

“I explain this song as a female rage anthem,”  the band said of ‘My Violence’. “This is for all the girls who have had their kindness taken advantage of.”

Gurriers, ‘Pins’

Gurriers have released ‘Pins’, the fourth track off Dublin band’s upcoming album, Nobody’s Coming To Save You. The track leans into a new direction, embracing a 90s style swagger while staying true to their alternative rock vibe. It is also their most vulnerable song, a track about loving someone completely while struggling to find any love for yourself.

Balancing raw emotion with driving intensity, the song sees Dan Hoff’s gritty vocals alongside vibrating guitar rhythms and intense drumming beats. The angsty energy works well with the track’s banging melodies – a great new addition to Gurrier’s already brilliant catalogue.

Cashell, ‘Game Show’

Irish electro-indie artist Cashell has released ‘Game Show’, a rock-infused track off his upcoming album If, by chance, estranged.

With a sound reminiscent of raw 90s garage rock, the track sees heavy guitar, grainy, vibrating textures and Cashell’s distinct vocals guiding the track through. Written and recorded entirely in his home studio, If, by chance, estranged tracks the realities of leaving Ireland and hunting for work in a new country during COVID.

His lyrics balance nostalgia with hopefulness and punk energy with surf-indie hooks – all blending to form a track that is distinctly Cashell.

Driven Snow, ‘Mother of Christ’

Irish husband-wife duo Driven Snow have released the title track off their album Mother of Christ. Built around Emily Aylmer’s vocals, the song gradually gathers momentum, turning the exasperation of everyday life into something uplifting.

The uniquely nostalgic track features beautiful lyricism, gentle acoustics and otherworldly melodies. A cathartic energy carries the song, making it worth screaming along to.

“The whole song feels like a welcome release,” Aylmer explained. “There’s something so comforting and healing about the build to the end of the song… the relief from getting all that pent-up frustration out!”

 

Nova Dream, ‘It Means Nothing’

Dublin-based alternative rock trio Nova Dream have released ‘It Means Nothing’ off their upcoming debut EP, The Ideal Start. The track blends crunching guitar tones, thick cinematic production and anthemic melodies reminiscent of 90s alt-rock. Featuring their signature high-intensity energy, the track gives us a powerful taste at what is sure to be a great record.

Speaking about the EP, Nova Dream explained, “The Ideal Start is an ironic title. Instead of a hopeful beginning, this 4-track EP charts the descent from internal anxiety into total detachment, representing the story of a band that underwent significant internal evolution.”

GARAGE, ‘Killin’ Time (In the Supermarket)’

Irish-American artist GARAGE, aka Charlie Travis, has returned with ‘Killin Time (In the Supermarket)’. A garage rock single with a distinctly punk-infused, raw feel – the song feels like it’s of a different era. Gritty, fuzzy and altogether GARAGE, it features lyrics that offer a stark depiction of Americana, midwestern depression.

Rumbling vocals, hazy guitars and intense drums make the song all-the-more interesting. GARAGE offers a unique perspective – equal parts Ohio and Ireland.

“I started playing rock in my parents’ garage in Toledo, Ohio,” he said, speaking to Hot Press about the name of his musical project last year. “So I thought GARAGE. It’s garage rock. I’ve done all the recording up in my attic studio here using GarageBand.”

Mark Duggan, ‘Don’t Know Why’

Waterford singer-songwriter Mark Duggan has released the lead single, ‘Don’t Know Why’ off his debut album Hold That Ghost Down. The single moves through the warmth and wistfulness of ‘90s soft rock, mixed with Duggan’s uniquely thoughtful storytelling. The arrangement mirrors the song’s emotional progression, while his voice centres the track.

The song, according to a statement, came out of “Duggan’s desire to create something that felt as though it was continually building from its opening note through to its conclusion.” With deliberate roughness around the edges and an organic feel, the track is authentically Duggan.

Opentide, ‘House From Here’

Indie duo Opentide launch into a new chapter with ‘House From Here’, an atmospheric single off their upcoming debut album. Having spent the last year at Wanderland Studios in Limerick, their current material moves away from their early style, delivering layered tracks enhanced by live arrangements of violin, cello and piano. ‘House From Here’ offers a glowing preview of what the record will have to offer.

The track is fueled by resonant lyrics, cathartic vocals and colorful acoustics. Beginning with gentle melodies and gradually growing into a vibrant, emotional single, ‘House From Here’ marks an impressive and worthwhile addition to their budding catalogue.

Edwina van Kuyk, ‘Floater’

Edwina van Kuyk returns with a serene new single, ‘Floating’. The track follows her gospel-infused anthem ‘Here To Stay’, taking a step back from emotional weight and leaning into stillness. With warm electric piano, Van Kuyk’s signature jazz vocals and upbeat melodies, the song offers a refreshing counterweight to the rush of modern life.

“I’ve always been someone who dreams big, and there’s often this pressure to know exactly where you’re going,” she said, speaking about the track. “At the moment, I’m learning to lean into the uncertainty. You don’t have to have it figured out all of the time. Sometimes it’s nice to just be floating.”

Robert Grace, ‘Where Does It Grow’

Robert Grace has released ‘Where Does It Grow?’, an anthemic pop ballad off his upcoming album My Father’s Son. The track is a duet featuring the debut performance and beautiful voice of Grace’s wife, Corrine.

With gentle acoustics, powerful vocals, honest songwriting and a cathartic energy, the track makes an impressive addition to Grace’s growing catalogue.

“’Where Does It Grow?’ is about searching for happiness and hope,” Grace said. “Eventually realising that the joy you’ve been chasing has been buried in the ordinary all along.”

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, 'Madam I'm A Darlin'

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin has released her debut solo single 'Madam I'm A Darlin', ahead of the release of her debut album, An Tairseach: The Threshold, in January 2027.

The song spins a playful yarn about a spirited Dublin woman who meets her match during a late-night wander in the city. Ní Ghlacáin's voice is light and full of energy, her lilting vocals add to the song's playful tone.

A wonderful example of the trad and folk revival sweeping Irish music, Ní Ghlacáin blends tradition with a modern female perspective. The song features Libby McCrohan, Peadar Tom Mercier and Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhgáin.

Jayne Pomplas, 'Sweeter Than Honey'

Jayne Pomplas has released her single 'Sweeter Than Honey', along with her debut album THIS IS HOW THE WORLD ENDS.

The song follows Pomplas admonishing somebody who, in her eyes, is sickly sweet and not genuine enough. The relaxed pace of the song, with a gentle fiddle and a well-placed piano, creates an interesting dichotomy with the critical lyrics.

Pomplas' vocals are a treat, with a richness that reminds the listener of Amy Winehouse or Dusty Springfield.

Jayne Pomplas will launch the album at The Liberties Lounge, Dublin on September 25.

Weird Haircut, 'Safari'

Electronic pop duo Weird Haircut have released their newest single 'Safari.' Barry Bracken and Colin Boylan, formerly with indie-rock band Bouts have returned with a new single that leans heavily into a warm synth sound. The song is the opening track on their self-titled debut album, out early 2027.

The pair first wrote the outline for the song 13 years ago.

"It was also written in an unconventional way through voice notes back and forth while we lived in different countries," they said.

"It captures the essence of the album. A spirit of perseverance, rebirth and renewal and seemed a fitting first single to launch our new collaboration."

Kaeyan, 'Keelings'

Dublin artist Kaeyan has released his new single 'Keelings'. The song begins with a statement sure to raise some eyebrows, but Kaeyan makes it clear through his lyrics that his delivery is tongue-in-cheek. The fast-paced beats combined with humorous lyrics create a lively portrait of a rising Irish artist.

With references to the Swords Pavilion shopping centre, and other local landmarks, Kaeyan clearly has a huge amount of pride for his hometown. He also references the likes of Bono and Katie Taylor, indicating his ambition to be one of the Irish greats.

M(h)aol, 'Scam Manifesto'

M(h)aol have released a new single 'Scam Manifesto'. The song was released on September 8, their newest output since their 2025 album Something Soft. Drummer and vocalist Constance Keane shares that the song is about her own insecurities, and the challenges of constant comparison in the age of social media.

"My entire feed was 'how to lose the last 5 lbs’ and obituaries for people I didn’t know. It’s about the guilt I feel about my own hypocrisy," she said.

The punk band's new song is sharp, with Keane's even vocals enabling the listener to hear each frustration she has, accompanied with grotty instrumentals and a booming drumbeat.

Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, 'Bury Me Right Here'

Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets have released a new single 'Bury Me Right Here', ahead of the release of their EP Raging of the Night. The song tells the story of the painful isolation of staying in your hometown while everyone around you leaves for new experiences.

"It’s a song about reflecting on your life and wondering if you have taken the right path. It follows the story of a person who has never left their hometown," said Dylan Flynn.

"They have watched most of their friends leave, and create new lives for themselves, while they have never left their small town."

The indie band have created a bittersweet tune, with a message that many young Irish people can relate to. The song's instrumental balances powerful drums, with soulful guitar, along with emotive vocals.

bodydouble, 'The Tone'

New duo bodydouble (Isaac Jones and Ethan Roe) released their first single 'The Tone', on September 9. The duo blends early 2000s R&B and pop influences with moody vocals, creating a world that feels slightly surreal. The song is a mix of dramatic fantasy and knowing irony, bodydouble are not afraid to embrace the absurdity.

"As the singles emerged, so too did the characters at the centre of our story. Part truth, part fantasy, bodydouble materialised. ‘The Tone’ revealed itself to us," the pair said about the single.

"The ‘problem’ at the heart of the song, is both the promise and impossibility of connection. The phone is the central object of this dilemma, the pair croon and lament, desperate for the subject of their desire to answer, but they are fated to wait in vain."

Nell Mescal, 'Hers'

Nell Mescal has released a new single 'Hers', the Maynooth artist explores the feeling of falling in love in her new song. Her heartfelt lyrics are accompanied by a beautiful guitar, along with Mescal's airy, light vocals. The listener is drawn into the song thanks to her talent for storytelling, along with her incredibly passionate vocals.

"'Hers' is a song about falling in love with someone for the first time. It’s about quickly realising the walls you built up or the fear you had around falling in love and letting someone in, don’t exist when you meet the right person, explains Mescal.

"It’s a love song about surrendering to the good stuff after spending too much time worrying it was never gonna find you."

Nell Mesal has several upcoming tour dates in the UK and Europe.

Ovie, 'Body'

Ovie has released his new single 'Body' on August 21, his first foray back into music following six years behind the scenes. The R&B track features tin whistle and fiddle, bringing an Irish spin to the song. Ovie speaks directly to a woman who may be lacking in self-confidence, he aims to champion her, no matter what she looks like. The song builds into a chanting chorus, perfect for shouting along to in a packed club. The lyrics are playful, with Ovie's energetic delivery showing his self-assurance in his musical talent.

"I want the music to feel Irish without somebody having to tell you that it is," Ovie says on his influences for the single. "I want it to be played on a yacht in Ibiza and still carry traditional Irish sounds. With ‘Body’, the inspiration behind the fiddle and tin whistle comes from the time I spent directing visuals for The High Kings. It begins that conversation, but I’m going to push the fusion much further on the next records."

Ovie has four further singles lined up for release.

Oliver Cole, 'Caroline'

Oliver Cole has released his new single 'Caroline', taken from the expanded edition of his 2025 album Wingspan. The song is nostalgic, with the Kells singer's mellow vocals and laid-back production allowing the story Cole has created to breathe. The song goes through different snippets of a life, Cole invites the listener into his own memories, both good and bad.

"Caroline is one of those songs I feel has always existed. It’s not reinventing the wheel but it’s my wheel. Lyrically it’s a Dylanesque approach, a stream of consciousness approach where I’m not quite sure what’s going on but I like it. A sort of doodle you might say," said Cole.

Broncos, 'In Amber'

Belfast band Broncos have released their album King Laugh, along with their lead single 'In Amber'. The post-hardcore band have created an entirely unique sound, blending the aggression of the genre with heartfelt lyricism. The song's heavy drums and guitar compliment the with melodic vocals during the verses of the song. The chorus comes pounding in, with the vocals amped up to a roar. The dual vocals allow the same story to be told in multiple perspectives; the song is about the debilitating grief that comes from losing a loved one.

Sadhbh Keane, 'Signals'

Sadhbh Keane has released her new single 'Signals', ahead of the release of her EP Anam on October 23. The indie rock artist has returned with a song about addiction as a relationship. The song is written in the first perspective, with Keane speaking directly to the drug. The song primarily addresses addiction; however, it is relatable to anyone who has found themselves trapped in a cycle that causes them harm.

Her songwriting ability shines through in the song; you can hear the pain in Keane's voice as she sings, but it does not feel excessive. Her band Na Réalta provide a rich acoustic sound to accompany Keane's vocals.

"I wrote Signals after seeing the impact of addiction. Seeing similarities to toxic relationships allowed me to write Signals in the first person to the drug. I tried to put myself in a person's shoes who is struggling with that endless loop," said Keane.

49th & Main, Caolan Ryan, and D38, 'Through The Rain'

49th & Main, Caolan Ryan, and D38 have released their new collaboration 'Through The Rain'. The three artists have joined forces to create an earworm of a track. D38's electric vocal delivery brings energy to the tune and uplifts the excellent production. Everything in the song feels perfectly placed, there is no excess, just a fantastic dance track that showcases the talents of three rising artists.

49th and Main will be performing at Cork Jazz Festival on October 24.

 

 

Kaoíva, 'Sweet Escape'

Kaoíva is a new name in the game from Cork City. Her newest release, ‘Sweet Escape’, is 3 minutes of dance pop beginning with an unusual sound: the erhu, a two-stringed instrument also called the chinese violin. The singer-songwriter’s Lady Gaga influence is apparent in this disco-infused tune.

d_abdu, ‘Flower Song’

Hailing from Ethio-Irish artist d_abdu’s brand new record we’re still down here, looking up, ‘Flower Song’ is a stirringly pretty folk tune, where gentle vocal interpretation joins delicate guitar arpeggios, slowly building in intensity thanks to the addition of lightly distorted electric guitar accompaniments, making for a tune that is as nostalgic as it is moving – an enticing look into a beautiful new record.

 

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Strange Boy, ‘Dionysus’

Limerick musician Strange Boy release his brand new album Say Nothin’, including the brilliant track ‘Dionysus’, featuring his signature blend of hip hop, spoken word and Irish traditional music. As distinctive as it is fun, the track pairs tongue-in-cheek storytelling with arrangements built around bodhrán, flute, banjo and guitar.

"Rap, to me,” says Strange Boy of his unique soundscapes, “is storytelling in a modern tongue. The same fire, different form."

Sorcha Richardson, ‘Dog’s Best Man’

Dublin-born singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson today releases her third album Draw The Outline, including the stunning indie-pop track ‘Dog’s Best Man’, a simpe yet perfectly effective tune, blending stirring lyricism with pretty vocal arrangements and a touch of light-heartedness weaved in.

Speaking of the new record, Richardson said: “‘Draw the Outline,’ to me, is kind of an instruction to start without needing to know where you're going.”

Bricknasty, ‘Honey Bee’ feat. MYCELLE

The ever-brilliant Bricknasty are back with their brand new single ‘Honey Bee’, featuring gentle string instrumentation, gorgeously choppy production, electronic elements and the band’s signature, distinctive vocal delivery, underlined by delicately built vocal harmonies. Halfway through the track, rhythmic section switches to live drums before building up into grandiose soundscapes.

Ciarán, ‘Galvarino’

Ciarán, previously known as Bearface from BROCKHAMPTON, releases his new single ‘Galvarino’, coming ahead of his debut solo album Róisín, due out on November 6. Across its five minute run, the track slowly expands, opening with Ciarán’s vocal and rhythm guitar. The arrangement gradually fills out before jumping into fuller, propulsive grooves.

Clare Sands, ‘Curlew Song’, feat. Ríoghnach Connolly

The third single from Clare Sands’ upcoming album They Tried to Bury Us, due out in October, ‘Curlew Song’, recorded with Ríoghnach Connolly, is a gorgeously dark trad track lines with pretty string instrumentation and delicate guitar arpeggios. Written in Gaoth Dobhair in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht of West Donegal, this song is said to be about that inner fire that keeps us going, drawing attention to the curlew.

The end of the track is inspired by Song of Amergin an ancient poem believed to be the oldest in Irish literature - and the first ever uttered on Irish shores.. “By bringing that ancient incantation into a song about the disappearance of the curlew,” says Sands, “I wanted to draw a connection with the deep respect for the natural world that existed in old pagan Ireland - when land and nature was deeply woven into our culture and beliefs.”

Pebbledash, ‘Tiles & Moss (Live at St. Lukes)’

Cork-based band Pebbledash have released a live acoustic version of their track ‘Tiles And Moss’, was recorded in the stunning backdrop of St. Luke's Church in Cork. It sees the band reimagine one of their most energetic tracks into a more hypnotic, drone-laden form tinged with acoustic guitar and harmonium, letting the song's turbulent lyrics shine.

Speaking on the track, Cormac Donovan O’Neill says, “St. Luke’s is such an absolutely singular venue that we’re incredibly fortunate to have in Cork City, and is a place in which we’ve long been dreaming of doing our first substantial live recording. The setting and the atmosphere of a deconsecrated cathedral truly put us in mind of the emotions and imagery that run through so much of our songwriting as we were playing the set in the round on the altar.

“‘Tiles’ and Moss is one of three tracks we chose to reimagine in an acoustic form for this live recording. We don’t often get to play acoustic, but whenever we have, we’ve found it reveals the songs to audiences and to ourselves in a whole new light; it’s a joy to be able to share that side of us to a wider audience who mightn’t have had the chance to see us play like that. Tiles and Moss was a favourite, particularly Fionnbharr’s rendition of Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór at the beginning, pared back to its O’Carolan roots in an acoustic form accompanied by the drone of my harmonium.”

Dok Beats x hikii x shiv x Westside Boogie, ‘Broken Kids’

The result of a collaboration between Dok Beats, hikii, shiv and Westside Boogie, ‘Broken Kids’ is a magnificently cinematic hip hop track, instrumentation reminiscent of Kanye West’s most classic tracks. This amazing production makes for the perfect backdrop for the rappers’ incomparable flow, and shiv’s silky smooth vocal performance on the track’s chorus: an absolute treat of a tune.

 

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Éire and Cú Chulainn, ‘Go Deo na nDeor’

Duo Éire and Cú Chulainn release their version of ‘Forever and More by Carl Corcoran and Rosemarie Taylor, reworked into Irish by acclaimed Irish poet and Aosdána member, the late Gabriel Rosenstock. In this rendition, mythical soundscapes of traditional Irish vocals and blended with gorgeously delicate instrumentation.

“It was clear that this talented duo had a unique voice of their own,” said original songwriter Corcoran about working with the two interpreters. “Éire with her beautiful singing voice and accompanying skills, and Cú Chulainn with his instrumental and technical abilities. Their arrangement ideas were fresh and modern, yet they displayed huge respect for the tradition as well as the sensibilities of the original song.”

Simple Things, ‘Runaway Renegade’

Kerry based, folk/pop three piece Simple Things have released their brand new single 'Runaway Renegade', a pretty folk track built on delicate harmonies and glistening guitar arpeggios, before bursting into a larger-than-life, cinematic chorus built for arena performances and large-scale singalongs - perfect for fans of The Coronas thanks to their unique pop soundscapes imbued with traditional Irish influences.

Lorraine Nash, ‘Whatever This May Be’

Kerry-born singer Lorraine Nash blends Irish trad influences with American country. Her newest song, about a budding relationship in the unclear figuring-it-out stage, exemplifies this through the twanging harmony of fiddle, banjo and vocals. Reminiscent of 'Every Time You Say Goodbye' by Alison Krauss & Union Station, who share the same producer, 'Whatever This May Be' is sentimental, catchy, and optimistic.

"Sometimes a person can change your outlook on life, even if they're only passing through", the widely beloved artist said. Nash is performing at Americana Fest in Nashville this month.

other mother, ‘anymore’

Emerging alt-rock band from Cork, other mother, have released the first single from their upcoming debut EP, Can't Help But Feel Dramatic. The five-piece describe themselves as "bubblegrunge", a mixture of pure rage and danceable guitar riffs.

"I wrote ‘anymore’ during a time in my life where I was quite unwell and was on a lot of medications", said lead singer Willow. "It’s based on the feelings of disgust I had towards my body and my health at the time. It’s sad to look back and see how hard I was on myself; this song is a reminder to me to be kinder to me and my body."

Telekura, ‘big nothing’

The grunge-pop Dubliners, named after a Japanese phone-dating service from the 90s, have a new single dissecting the pressures and expectations of adulthood in the age of AI. Drums and synth take the front line, creating a rebellious, angsty sound.

“It’s about coming up short against what’s considered a properly-functioning adult. This really began as a rant against these ‘life coaches’ on LinkedIn and how they seem to have a framework on how to succeed in life,” explains frontwoman Rachel Tan.

The band have announced their first Dublin headliner for November 27 at Whelan's.

Anton McLoughlin, ‘Only You’

The singer from Newry, NI has lived in Australia the past years, but plans to return to Ireland soon and rejoin the music scene. ‘Only You’ is a relaxed folk-pop tune, with a slow beat, tender lyrics and understated bass riffs.

“‘Only You’ is a song about finding home in the person you love, no matter where life takes you. I wrote it almost three years ago, just after moving in with my girlfriend, as we navigated a new chapter together”, McLoughlin said.

 

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Awesimon, ‘Heartbreak in the Summer’

A proud Irish-Nigerian from Drogheda, Awesimon has shifted from rap and hip-hop influences to R&B. ‘Heartbreak in the Summer’ is a groovy, catchy single, featuring electronic layered voices and a carrying drum beat. The track is an ironic contrast between the season of sunlight and the ache of lost love.

Nadia Desree, 'Thinking About You'

Nadia Desree strikes the balance between universally relatable and charmingly personal with this pop song backed by R&B-style guitar. The Dublin-based singer has built a small, dedicated following in Nigeria and Kenya.

Catchy, sweet and simple, ‘Thinking About You’ is a celebration of sapphic love. Commercially appealing yet unique, Desree is one to watch.

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