New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Méav, 'Caoin'

Celtic Woman founding member Méav Ní Mhaolchatha has released 'Caoin', one track from her Sweet Sorrow album.

The track reflects on loss and remembrance with restraint and warmth; influences from her Irish-speaking background creep in over traditional harp and piano. Rather than using heavy vocal styles, she relies on her natural clarity to carry the emotion through.

This results in a song that moves between reflection and healing, balancing traditional songcraft with contemporary textures, shaped by Méav's artistic vision and distinctive sound.

Fynch, 'WHAT'S AFTER HAPPENING?'

New track, 'WHAT'S AFTER HAPPENING?' marks Fynch's first new music release since 2024, following a hiatus. 

Voice distortion and heavy beats make up most of the Drimnagh man's track, with a laid-back and monotone flow.

The warm, electronic instrumentals give way to his sharp social commentary and dry, tongue-in-cheek humour.

Boa Morte, ‘Dream State’

Cork-based avant-folk band Boa Morte have released ‘Dream State’ off their new album Signal: Lost. With melancholy tones, distinct, calming vocals and a fittingly dream-like energy – the song features an intriguing and unique sound that encapsulates what Boa Morte is all about: following their innate melodic compass.

Taking listeners on an unpredictable and winding instrumental and vocal journey - with the quality of their songwriting remaining centre stage - ‘Dream State’ makes for an excellent addition to their catalogue.

Sadhbh Keane, ‘Hot Seat’

Rising Irish indie-rocker Sadhbh Keane has released ‘Hot Seat’ off her new EP Anam. The track addresses the severe issue of child sex abuse, delivering a profound message of survival and justice. Her rare, empathic gift for songwriting creates a safe vessel, transforming an unbearable psychological burden into a shared, cathartic release.

Lifted by intensely emotional vocals and a crescendo of musical solos, the track builds toward a cathartic realisation of justice. The lyrics narrate a friend’s true story of bravely taking his childhood abuser to court – the title referring to the courtroom chair where the survivor sat daily.

Conor Furlong, ‘I’m Not The One You Love’

Conor Furlong has released ‘I’m Not The One You Love’ off his new album Descent, with a music video inspired by film The Virgin Suicides. With gentle guitar strums, Furlong’s characteristic, enthralling voice and cathartic, building instrumentals – the track offers a nostalgic and sentimental energy which perfectly fits into the rest of the impressive album.

“I aimed to combine darkness with melody and haunting beauty,” he said of the new record. “Whilst it is sad and at times very dark, I don’t think it’s a depressing album, quite the opposite. It’s a recognition of fairly universal themes. A problem shared is not a problem doubled.”

L. Weary, ‘Not That Kind of Funny’

Dublin musician L. Weary has released his debut single ‘Not That Kind of Funny’, exploring the idea of humour as an access point for memory and how that’s shared, but atomising. Taking cues from The Magnetic Fields, David Berman and Kurt Vile, the song features wistful instrumentals, creative lyricism and Weary’s raw, compelling vocals.

The song comes alongside a music video influenced by the video essays of filmmaker Kogonada and the music videos of Richard Dawson.

“The video is primarily interested in confronting how memories are made, why the ones we have are the ones we have, and the resulting comedy of involuntarily indexed experiences that make us up,” he said.

Ellis Nayr, ‘Wax’

Melodic Dublin rapper Ellis Nayr has released a new trap single ‘Wax’. The lyrics revolve around channeling your inner power and unbreakable strength when at times it may seem like you’re at your lowest. The dark, intense beat flows heavily with his rapping guiding the track through. With Halloween on the way, this track makes a perfectly eerie addition to his brilliant catalogue.

“Bump it in the car, start a ritual in a dark creepy forest, I don’t care, the spooky season is in session and we’re just getting started!” he wrote on social media, announcing the song.

 

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Scullion, ‘They’ve Been Swimming’

Irish band Scullion have released a new single ‘They’ve Been Swimming’, offering a further glimpse into Home In The Sky, their upcoming album. The band’s music is defined by their folk-rock, Americana and traditional Irish influences, creating a sound with adventurous musicianship, unexpected melodies and poetic storytelling. This track is no different. With unique guitar textures, rousing vocals and calming, emotion-heavy energies, the track marks a great addition to Scullion’s already highly impressive catalogue.

“This is a song that came to me in a rush one morning,” said singer-songwriter Sonny Condell. “I think they are often the better ones. It is about thoughts that are swimming about under the surface of our days.”

Grey City Riot, ‘Silence Without You’

Dublin-based rock band Grey City Riot have released their second single ‘Silence Without You’, a pop-punk track driven by a punchy drumbeat and an infinitely catchy chorus. The song captures a relationship that’s slowly falling apart, as two people try to hold things together while the cracks become hard to ignore.

The heavy, rock track sees a unique blend of vocalist Luke Somer’s alt-rock influence with drummer Marilo Batiuk’s more punk upbringing. The lyrics poignantly contrast the jumpy, percussive song, offering a sound that is distinctly Grey City Riot.

Jazzy, ‘Depart’

Jazzy today releases her highly anticipated debut album Peace & Patience, including the brilliant single ‘Depart’, featuring highly inventive club production and the musician’s signature silky smooth, dance-floor ready vocals. Blending emotional vulnerability with incredibly danceable melodies, the tune is a perfect first look into a record that was rated a 9/10 by Hot Press, and prompted Will Russel to write: “When the Choice Music Prize field is announced in January, expect Jazzy to be a bookies favourite.”

CABL, ‘Reason Why’

CABL have released their new single ‘Reason Why’, the second single from their new EP Dog Collar, out 6 November 2026, produced by guitarist Luke White and mixed by Dan Fox (Gilla Band). A naughties flavoured shimmery dream, the track is infused with rock and emo flavours, while keeping highly catchy pop textures at the forefront.

Speaking about the EP, vocalist Ava Durran says: “The main point of the project was to narrate the rapid destruction of innocence in our young people today.”

BICEP, ‘Gas’ feat. Lauren Duffus & SOARR

BICEP have announced the release of their third studio album SLUG with three very special singles, inducing the cinematic dream of a track ‘Gas’, featuring Lauren Duffus and SOARR. With grandiose synth production and head-spinning electronic instrumentals, the tune makes for the perfect background to velvety, hypnotising vocals.

The album’s title was inspired by the stark contrast between the land slug most people immediately picture and the extraordinary colours, shapes and intricate forms of their underwater counterparts. Speaking on the idea, BICEP say: “It felt like an amazing metaphor: you think one thing, but actually there’s a whole world beyond what you initially perceive.”

Muireann Bradley, ‘Clementine’

Donegal blues singer Muireann Bradley has released her brand new EP Blackwood Pew, with the gently transporting ‘Clementine’, a delicate guitar ballad infused with Americana flavours, thanks to its slow building strings and Bradley’s graceful and tender vocals, topped off with carefully constructed harmonies.

Caitlín Nic Gabhann, ‘Again and Again’

Concertina player and dancer Caitlín Nic Gabhann recently announced her forthcoming second solo album, An Ciúnas, and today shares the second single from the LP, ‘Again and Again’. A pretty and deeply moving instrumental piece, the tune instills and sense of calm and stillness while still bringing a perfectly warm sound to the listener.

Speaking about the single, Caitlín says “This melody was slowly taking shape in my mind for years before finally putting it down during a residency at the beautiful Tyrone Guthrie Centre in 2024. This one is for Ciarán.”

ActionRec, ‘Ascending’

ActionRec today release their genre-bending album New Synths, including the widely atmospheric tune ‘Ascending’, a hypnotising piece blending velevety guitar riffs with hip-hop and synth-pop flavours. Infused with nostalgic 90’s soundscapes and incredibly distinctive, the track is an enticing first look into this unique record.

“This album consists of pop, rap, R’n’B, rock, and electronica, blended together with dramatic, orchestral and sci-fi elements,” says the band “At 32 minutes, we recommend listening from start to finish. This will give you the full experience and help see the vision.”

Chanele McGuinness, ‘Let You In’

Donegal singer-songwriter Chanele McGuinness today releases her stirring new single ‘Let You In’, a track mixing the singer’s delicate vocal performance and slow tempo with gritty guitar riffs and driving bass lines, slowly building into a gorgeously intense second part.

Arcadian Shadows, ‘Valediction (Def Nettle remix)’

Dublin post punk heroes Arcadian Shadows today release their new single ‘Valediction’, remixed and reworked by Irish electronic producer Def Nettle. A carefully built and deliciously breathless piece of rock music, the track is unapologetically wild with its mix of bouncy synths and head-spinning riffs.

IMLÉ, ‘NÁ CUIR GLAOCH’

Blending indie, chilled guitar and rap, 'NÁ CUIR GLAOCH' tells the story of a relationship that seemed destined to last - but ultimately falls apart through indecision, regret, and broken promises.

The Irish-language track's lyrics are some of IMLÉ vocalist James Shannon's most personal: "Once I heard the demo, I knew there was something there, and the song kind of wrote itself. I'm back writing sad, reflective, heartbreak music and that makes me happy in a weird way."

The track achieves a brilliant sense of nostalgia through its production, incorporating recordings from Shannon's mother's old tape machine to fully tie the track together. He described it as: "just a load of old voicemails from before I was born when my parents had emigrated to New York during the 80s/90s. Karl Odlum chopped them up, and I love how they sound on the track."

Adam Loughran, 'White Flags'

'White Flags' is a new cinematic pop track from Adam Loughran that explores the false hope of reconciliation and the painful realisation that making peace doesn't always mean moving forward.

At its heart, the track delves into the difference between surrendering in the hope of finding peace and recognising when there is nothing left to save.

Emotive storytelling aside, the expansive production, massive instrumentation, and bedroom-recorded style make Loughran a promising indie-pop artist.

New Enemy, 'Baby Pretty Please'

Dublin-based alternative rock band New Enemy blend elements of nu-metal, emo and hard rock on their latest track, 'Baby Pretty Please.'

The band stays true to their signature heavy riffs, intense percussion, and infectious energy, while delivering raw emotional vocals.

This is a track that will surely do rounds in the Irish alternative scene.

Molly Donnery, 'The Stream'

Ethereal new single, 'The Stream', is the latest release from harpist and songwriter Molly Donnery.

Rooted in contemporary folk, Donnery's songwriting on the track is laced with poetic storytelling and gentle introspection.

Written just days before moving from Berlin back to Ireland, 'The Stream' marks a period of uncertainty and change for Donnery.

"It was written as a way to cope with the huge changes I was going through at the time, and the fear of choosing to try to make music work as a full-time job in a place like Dublin.

The song was more of a momentary escape at the time, but very quickly became one of my favourite songs to perform live."

Miriam Ingram & Seán Mac Erlaine, 'Pale Blue Dress'

'Pale Blue Dress' is one track in a selection called From The Americas on the new album From The Tombs, a journey through the history of crime, law and order in Ireland and among the Irish Diaspora in the nineteenth century.

Experimental musician Miriam Ingram's dreamlike and visceral layered vocal loops give the track a whimsical and psychedelic depth. With composer Seán Mac Erlaine, they construct a seamless sound-world that evokes the murder of 14-year-old Elizabeth "Mamie" Kelly, who was shot in San Francisco in November 1886 by 18-year-old Alexander Goldenson, who claimed they were lovers.

CHALK, 'Heaven' ft. Phantogram & cosign

CHALK have released their new single 'Heaven', featuring Phantogram and cosign. The song was also released with a b-side track 'Hell'. The Belfast duo dropped their debut album Crystalpunk in March 2026.

The track is bursting with barely contained energy. Combining angsty lyrics with an electronic sound, the song reflects CHALK's unique style. Vocals by CHALK's Ross Cullen and Phantogram's Sarah Barthel pair well together. The single tells the story of one person desperate to be reunited with their lover, Barthel acts as the lost love, providing a haunting quality to the tune as her vocals fade in and out.

Ciarán 'Red 99'

Ciarán has released his new single 'Red 99'. The former Brockhampton member, known as 'Bearface', will drop his debut album Róisín on November 6.

The track is both soulful and energetic, beginning with soft guitar on top of an R&B sample. Ciarán's smooth vocals balance with the layered back string section. The song builds to a soaring, emotive crescendo, before dropping back abruptly to the guitar and the singer's voice.

'Red 99' is an exciting taste of the musician's upcoming debut album.

Tom Gee, 'Better'

Tom Gee has released his new single 'Better'. The Belfast-based singer's upcoming EP, Doubting Thomas, will be released in November. The EP features several Belfast musicians, and explores connection, uncertainty, and resilience. He created 'Better' out of political disappointment, environmental concerns, and the prevalence of internet toxicity.

Gee calls for people to do better on the track, to benefit others and the wider world. The song, despite its origins in frustration, is hopeful. He recognises that issues cannot be solved overnight, however, he wants people to know that even the smallest actions can have a positive impact.

Grace Cotter, 'So Embarrassing'

Cork singer-songwriter Grace Cotter has released her debut single 'So Embarrassing'. The fifteen-year-old has been writing songs since the age of eight. 'So Embarrassing' is a perfect pop anthem to scream along to in your bedroom, or to dance around in your kitchen.

The song explores all the complicated, messy feelings that young love brings. The track reflects on these emotions following the end of a relationship and concludes that the behaviour was 'so embarrassing.' The track combines upbeat pop production with Cotter's emotive, bewitching vocals. A strong debut from a singer that clearly loves what she does.

Mute The TV, 'Glitter On A Grey Day'

Mute The TV have released their new single 'Glitter On A Grey Day'. The Greystones band will be performing a gig at The Sound House this evening. Their debut EP is currently in production and is due for release in early 2027.

The indie-rock band's new single is an expansive exploration of love and loss. The track combines powerful guitar and punchy drums with heartfelt lyrics. The band shared their inspiration for the song.

"I know a guy, we grew up in the same town, our friend groups had crossed paths as teenagers. Unfortunately, this acquaintance's mom passed away when he was younger. Earlier this year, he was raising money for the Irish Cancer Society and he had written a story about his mom in which he described her as ‘glitter on a grey day’. I read this story and was really moved by it and I knew I wanted to write a song with that name. It was a beautiful story.

"I spend a lot of my time in my head and one of my recurring thoughts is how will I cope when I lose a parent. Reading my friend's story gave me hope and comfort. We all experience loss in some shape or form at some time or another. Maybe remembering those we lose fondly helps them to live on and us, too."

KIDD & Podge Collins, 'Strange'

Meath-based hip-hop artist KIDD and Drogheda-based Podge Collins have released their new EP College Heights, which features the track 'Strange'. The title of the EP is named after their student accommodation when they attended DKIT.

'Strange' is a trippy, layered track. KIDD's lyrics are catchy, delving into feelings of isolation, creative burnout, and disillusionment. The upbeat production combined with the heavy subject matter create an interesting juxtaposition.

Conleth McGeary, 'Still Hers'

With ‘Still Hers’, Conleth McGeary has written a beautiful love song that isn’t romantic. After losing his aunt, he imagines heaven and realises the sunrise, her piano, and he himself, are still tied to her. The Tyrone singer will be supporting The Coronas at 3Olympia on December 10, and playing his biggest headline show yet at Belfast's Mandela Hall on December 3.

His voice and guitar are assured on the relaxed melody, while the lyrics could be tragic but settle for affectionately bittersweet. “Do you still sing in the morning when you wake before the others? / Does the sun still rise and does it make you smile? / Is the city white, I wonder? / Do you still hear when I’m calling? I still dream about those summers / Do you see the child? Does he make you smile? / Through the city now, I wonder”, McGeary croons.

Whozyerman?, 'Belly of the Beast'

Whozyerman? is the solo project of former O Emperor member Paul Savage. He has now released his second album, Belly of the Beast. Described as both fantastical and ordinary, it came together while he was learning to play the piano. The title track is an eerie, dizzying journey with varying speeds and unusual guitar riffs.

"For this album, I wanted to write from different character perspectives—drawing inspiration from people I often see in my area, or from fleeting encounters that stayed with me”, the artist said. “Creating these character sketches gave me parameters to explore lyrics, themes, and moods outside my own personal experience. By avoiding my own personal experience as inspiration, I found myself excavating something subconscious. I think all my lyrics contain some projection of myself—an uncovering of something hidden, forgotten, or surprising."

2manycolours, 'Body (feat. Hopetown)'

“This song is a deconstruction and remangling of what I love about pop music and Internet informed EDM genres. It’s tender and frustrated which results in a sonic release of longing”, said Meath-based artist 2manycolours of his new track.

‘Body (feat. Hopetown)’ is a distorted, electronic song that drops the listener straight into a club at 1 a.m. It features one of Hopetown’s two members on vocals, as 2manycolours is primarily a producer and DJ. ‘Body’ is the last single to be released prior to his debut album Ring Runner, due November 6.

The Southern Fold, 'Weathered Storms'

Kilkenny alternative folk/country five-piece The Southern Fold have released their new album, Beneath the Blaze of the Burning Sun. It deals with everything from depression to love, birth to death. 

‘Weathered Storms’, track 7, feels like it was pulled from a 60s folk album, with a brighter sound than some of the more melancholy tracks on the LP. The slow, introspective vocals are backed by a patient drumline, plus guitar and cello.

Foy Vance, 'Don't Move'

Foy Vance is releasing his album IF in three parts, with the first, IF:WE, coming out on October 30. Single ‘Don’t Move’ will be on IF:WE, though Vance originally wrote the song in the early 2000s for an album that wasn’t made. Described as equally “mythic allegory and hauntingly tender outpouring”, the song processes failure and the struggle of rebuilding.

“I’d made that first album with intentions that weren’t altruistic, and that’s why everything fell apart,” said Vance. “But it was okay, because I realized that instead of chasing something I didn’t believe in, I just needed to write the songs I wanted to write—and whoever liked them would be my audience. I think that song was sort of telling me, ‘Don’t move, don’t give up, don’t lose your hope.’”

Ryan Flanagan, 'Rita's Road'

Ryan Flanagan has released his debut single, 'Rita's Road'. The singer-songwriter is originally from Dublin, but is currently based in Sydney, Australia. His music draws on traditional Irish folk, as well as contemporary influences.

Flanagan explains the meaning behind the song.

"'Rita's Road' named after my amazing grandmother Rita, is the first song I have ever released. I believe the best way to describe this song, would be through one of the lyrics. "Give her hope, that I'll return before she grows old".

"While writing the song in Australia, I became aware of the sad reality that although I had moved far away from home to start a new life. The people I loved were still living their lives in Ireland, just without me. The idea that I would miss amazing moments with the people I loved, moments I will never get back, was the inspiration for 'Rita's Road'."

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