Archy Moor, 'Don’t Send For Your Dogs'

After the release of his deservedly lauded Bonnie Hill EP earlier this year, the Dublin-raised rapper teams up with producer Earl Saga (Loyle Carner, Arlo Parks) for a powerful, hypnotic new single. Delivering his typical anecdotal narratives through a deep cadence, Moor's laidback delivery pairs with the flickering, down-tempo beats. “Send for your dogs, but would they ever send for me?” he questions, touching on transactional relationships. Mastered by Joker (Skepta, Skrillex, Jammer), Moor's got all the right team members around him.

“This song is about recharging with oneself and not being tied down to a persona based through friends," Archy explains. "An expression about individuality and always looking out for yourself because at the end of the day you’re the only one you can rely on.”

The Fae, 'do you mind if i miss you?'

The Dublin alt-rockers achieved noteworthy success with their debut single 'Chloe' earlier this year, and the latest offering continues their guitar-focused journey. The enchanting second track from the trio is taken from their debut EP Bloodrush, which is due September 2023. "I tried to do my best, and I don't love you any less / There's no such thing as too far gone, but you don't make it easy," the lyrics read before a nostalgic, Cranberries-esque guitar chorus crashes together.

"Sometimes you understand why people behave the way they do but that doesn’t make it okay to be nasty," The Fae remark. "I guess it’s about finding compassion, the additional spoken word section reflects on the emotions that come up when you notice a sudden distance between someone you were once very close to..'

Naked Lungs, 'Relentless'

The Dublin noise rockers recently announced their debut album Doomscroll (out 18th August) with lead single 'Pressure'. Today, they've dropped the follow up track in the form of 'Relentless', and it does what it says on the tin. The album, produced by Gilla Band genius Daniel Fox, follows their 2022 Database EP and a year of high-profile gigs - including two sold-out Therapy? supports, a successful headline UK tour, several sold-out Dublin headline shows, and more. Tom Brady’s blistering and almost shamanic vocals effectively capture the frustration and helplessness we collectively feel while scrolling through news and social media updates online nowadays. We predict the record is going to be a form of youth time capsule.

Credit: Nicholas O’Donnell.

Newdad, 'Break in'

The indie gem was penned originally around five years ago by frontwoman Julie Dawson, before Newdad had ever released any tunes. Luckily for us, they knew it was too good to waste and have offered it as a treat single before the Galway quartet go deep into debut album mode. "The song is about feeling like a stranger in your own body, while losing your sense of self," the rising outfit noted on Instagram.

The ethereal single follows the beautiful 'In My Head', using playful yet simple guitar riffs as Dawson's layered, angelic vocals form a choir. "Haven't felt much in quite a while / And now all that's left is skin / I think there's been a break in / Another crawling through my veins, and this creature / It will reign supreme..."

49th & Main, 'Lovin' You'

"If you've seen us live over the last year you'll recognise this cheeky little f**ker," Paddy King and Ben O'Sullivan posted across socials of the funk-laden dance single. The banger, landing after previous singles 'Icy' and 'Crash and Burn', is taken from the Kilkenny duo's B.O.A.T.S. mixtape, due to be released on June 30th. Expect their trademark groove-heavy beats, addictive melodies and slick production serving up a bop in perfect time for the hotter temperatures embracing Ireland for festival season.

Picture This, 'Red Lights' / 'Ireland'

The Athy, Kildare quartet have released two tracks today, following news of a giant global collaboration with Paco Rabanne. Their fourth studio album, Parked Car Conversations, will be released via RCA Records, Germany on Friday, 29 September. The singles still maintain the four-piece's penchant for catchy choruses and booming hooks, with one paying a poignant tribute to their homeland. The band will play Belfast's SSE Arena on October 19th, Killarney's INEC Arena on October 21st, and Dublin's 3Arena on October 26th.

Picture This at The Storyteller. Tuesday 13th of June 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

FYNCH, 'Ceilings'

The glimmering 'Ceilings' marks Dublin artist Fynch's first single since featuring on a collaborative track with 49th & Main in early 2022. The faux sala-produced number is the first single from the hip-hop talent's debut album which is set for release later in 2023. It may be the only song to reference Irish international footballer Josh Cullen, Dublin's favourite convenience store, Gay Spar, and the 2021 FAI Cup Final. The single was also mixed, mastered and engineered by Fynch's fellow Burner Records co-founder Local Boy.

"It's been about a year and a half since I've actively released tunes so it has been a long time coming," Fynch notes. "'Ceilings' kind of encompasses the feeling that I've been aiming to achieve with the tunes I've been writing; still serious, though far more willing to allow humour to flow out of my work. I'm just delighted to get back on the horse, really".

Jehnova, 'world winds'

Taken from his new mixtape Stuyvescent, out only on Bandcamp, the final song on the six-track project sees the Dublin-raised South Africa-born rapper really come into his own, embracing creative freedom and introspection. His deep connection to his roots and those who paved the way for him echoes through every bar.

"For this one I didn’t have too many pre conceived ideas, I just let the beats talk and channelled what they sparked," London-based Nuxsense member Jehnova wrote on Bandcamp. "I just wanna thank my God, Life, my Ancestors for the chain of blessings and information passed down eventually reaching me to define this life energy with some guidance as the spear of my speech. At times I'm not sure what I’m trying to achieve when I place words down but I’ve learned that the act of channelling and creating are two of the same thing which bring me closer to what I do not understand."

Clare Sands + Brian Finnegan, 'Dealán Dé'

Weaving between Irish and English, ‘Dealán Dé’ (an ancient word from County Donegal meaning both butterfly and Northern lights) was recorded on and inspired by the most northerly point in Ireland, Malin Head. The accompanying video, directed and shot by visual artists and twin sisters Liadain and Kasia Kaminska, captures the contrasting nature of nature itself. Cork-born, Belfast-based fiddler, bilingual singer, and multi-instrumentalist Clare Sands will open the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury Festival on June 24th.

Today, she teamed up with Armagh flute and whistle player Brian Finnegan (FLOOK). The stunning ode to language and landscape took inspiration from the writing and poetry of Kerri Ní Dochartaigh and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. Featuring Inishowen Gospel Choir as part of the spine-tingling outro, the bluesy, tribal song conveys a journey from near extinction to survival and revival. The sounds of the sea, mysterious whistling and harmonies will raise your spirit.

Ailsha, 'Enemy'

The Wicklow punk rocker has been going heavier and heavier with each release, and 'Enemy' doesn't buck the trend. The makeup artist turned video game composer makes use of her love of gaming in this song, which was inspired by the excitement of boss fights. Influenced by Japanese electronic metal and elements of cyberpunk, the song conveys the journey of battling and defeating an enemy, but also ruminating on how circumstances escalated into a war. The track features a drum breakdown between Al Quiff of Beardfire Studios and Dublin-based metalcore drummer Veronika Švecová to symbolise the ferocious clash between forces.

"I never thought I could scream but I pushed myself to try it for this song, and the heavily distorted guitars and crazy drum-offs in the track pushed the song beyond my expectations," Ailsha remarks. "I always like to incorporate my career as a video games composer into my releases...I want to show the world my darker side."

Arthur Valentine, '405'

Opening with a curious, thumping synth and cruising vocals, '405' soon quickens into an upbeat, summer R&B banger characteristic of Arthur Valentine's work. A track that's "only ever been performed with sunglasses on," it takes on the carefree and minimalistic characteristics of a period of time in Valentine's life where he lived in Vancouver, Canada.

"I felt an awful lot of pressure and weight from external sources, as if I was being crushed by the weight of the world," Arthur recalls. Writing his first track of 2023, he notes, was a way to relieve that pressure. After all, Arthur isn't wrong when he says that "it's hard not to feel more upbeat when those drums kick in."

Connor McCann, 'Lady Rest'

Affectionately called ‘Lady Rest,’ this song is a pleading, mournful call begging for sleep’s swift return. In it, the Belfast-native Connor McCann introduces soft, dulcet tones to his acoustic-driven folk work as McCann introduces the listener to what is to be his upcoming EPs and debut album Without Wax. Overall, it’s a song meant to appeal to the struggles with insomnia - and the plight of being deprived of a “world of rest, hope, and peace.”

Still Blue, 'Downfall'

Encouraging people to take a step back from their life rather than go in metaphorical circles, ‘Downfall’ is a part of Still Blue’s new debut EP, All Over The Chip Shop. Like the rest of the music from the indie-pop band, it’s emotionally charged and captivating, with a story behind the lyrics and a journey in the music: “And how far will we go? / To find out what we already know~”

Brí, 'Illuminate'

Two worlds collide as the Dublin-based artists Ben ‘BENJAMYN’ Hogan, an electronic music producer experienced in the rock, acoustic folk, and hip-hop genres, and Brí, a rising star of the indie pop scene, have come together to make the optimistic, radiant ‘Illuminate.’ For BENJAMYN, it comes a few months after releasing his debut album FLOW. For Brí, it follows not just the release of debut track but her headlining shows at Whelan’s, The Sound House, and Spirit Store.

The collaboration wouldn’t have happened without BENJAMYN posting the first of the track’s heavy-hitting beats online, prompting Brí to eagerly approach BENJAMYN about working together - fostering the enlightening spark audible in ‘Illuminate’s’ lush sound. “Both of us were going through our own ‘uphill battle’ at the time,” Brí recalls. “‘Illuminate’ fuelled us to overcome those struggles and we hope it does the same for you.”

Superstar Yb, 'Love in Lagos'

With a popping beat, an infectious sound, and pulsing, energetic rhythm highlighted by light vocals, the Nigerian-Irish artist Superstar Yb encourages people to follow him with his stunning new single, ‘Love in Lagos.’ Exploring the idea of true love in the song’s namesake city, the track was recorded in both Dublin and Lagos and the award-winning Mr. Marz helped Superstar Yb produce the song, transforming it into the combined Afrobeat and Amapiano masterpiece it is

Featuring the talented Chinko Ekun, the new song also follows his debut EP, Afroking, and the single ‘Gum Body.’ You might also know Superstar Yb from his world-trending track ‘Bottles,’ his debut single that not only established him as an artist, but one with a global presence. His iconic sound and work, like what is found in  ‘Love in Lagos,’ pulls inspiration from all the places he claims as home - whether it be Lagos, Nigeria, Dublin, Ireland or London, England - creating material that can connect with people all over.

Pat Lagoon, 'Carousel'

Following the release of 'Jungle' earlier this year, the Waterford rapper continues to impress with his alternative hip-hop offering 'Carousel'. While drawing influence from the likes of Kaytranada, Channel Tres, Rejjie Snow and Aminé, the artist still marks himself as a captivatingly original talent on the new single.

"The lyrics of 'Carousel' navigate around the themes of misconstrual," Pat Lagoon says. "Not knowing where you stand with friends or partners. I felt the theme around this bouncy instrumental would deliver itself as a more uplifting track. Speaking up and providing clarity."

Melanin Tee, 'Hol' Up'

From the new Mixed Personalities EP, the multi-talented musician, dancer, and songwriter Melanin Tee's new track has a warm, dark sound. The lyrics are delivered in a captivating near-spoken-word style, ultimately crafting an unrepentant, sexy, and confident narrative about reclaiming herself and her body.

It keeps in line with the overarching concepts prevalent in the overall EP, declaring herself “the Queen of the King” in an effort to heal from trauma while also showing an empowered new and feminine side of the artist. And it’s not just Melanin Tee coming into her own, outright stating that “this song right here is for the real life baddies / the ones that might call you daddy,” extending an invite to audiences to be confident in themselves no matter how feminine, sexy, and strong they might be in their own ways.

Ezra Williams, 'Babyteeth'

Like the baby teeth we all eventually outgrow, this Supernuminaries track is a gorgeous song about maturing and moving on - it’s not something you can always help, but Ezra reminds people that there is wrong with “wishing you well because I choose to.” A soft ballad, it’s an  acknowledgement that sometimes life just involves growing apart from people you were once close to.

Ezra Williams Copyright Abigail Ring

John Lynch, 'Dark Horse on the Wind'

A grim and brooding piece, yet respectful, gentle, and mournful, the compelling drones that make the song’s powerful, driving beat create a haunting hymn that seeps into your bones. Taking the song from the Dublin ballad singer Liam Weldon, Lynch’s strong vocal control summons the memory of broken dreams from across Ireland’s history, keeping in theme with John’s EP 1922.

Beyond that, the rising folk singer known for City Stars, Lynch’s debut album, and ‘Guardian,’ Lynch’s latest track, hopes that the song also fulfills an important purpose: to remind people of the culture and identity in song and the relevance to keeping history alive.

Bowden, 'Everyone'

The second recorded single of a new phenomenal Cork band, ‘Everyone’ comes right after Bowden’s track ‘Peel,’ and it lives up to its predecessor. A pleading, rocking track, the 5-piece laments that “With you, in my head / I might as well stay in bed,” artfully articulating the complex emotions that come with the pressure to conform to societal standards.

“It can feel like our lives are just a source of breathless whispers for some of those around us,” Bowden reflects. “Serving as a commodity, where the currency is gossip.” Nonetheless, they rebel against it all, using their experimental sound to not only bring something fresh to the music scene but introducing raw and unrestrained energy that is vital to their music and sound to a large audience. Afterall, Bowden began as a performing band and is only now recording their work for fans to listen to in the recorded realm beyond their usual unmissable live-performance sets.

John Gibbons, 'All I Need' feat. Treetalk

A track with pumping beats and the flattering voice of Irish DJ and record producer for Blindsided, John Gibbons, ‘All I Need’ is a song expressing all-encompassing adoration for the song's recipient. While quick to disclose that “I am no Romeo,” the pleading desire to remain within the vicinity of the song’s vicinity and the enthralled love embedded into the lyrics reveal a man dead set on wooing the object of his affections. Featuring Treetalk, ‘All I Need’ is Gibbons’ latest song after ‘It’s A Fine Day,’ ‘Headlights On The Highway,’ and ‘Edge of Seventeen' with LYRA.

MOM + THE REBELS, 'Swayze'

The disco banjo track, ‘Swayze’ is Mom + The Rebels’ newest plucky, upbeat, summer anthem meant to get you dancing. A groovy, lyrically epiphany, it is a “spicy like baby” dance track for “when two become one.” Mom + The Rebels’ first track since 2021’s ‘Lonely Party,’ it details the connection and lively commitment found in life and dance partners alike with a sound that aligns the trad meets rebel pop vibe the duo expertly cultivates.

Ash, 'Race The Night'

A snippet from their first album in over five years, ‘Race The Night’ is the sound of a new era. It’s the joy of Ash returning to the studio manifested in bright, audible chords; a revolution and resolution to the time and distance that separated them before. Advising listeners to “take every chance as if it could be your last,” the building chords derived from the enthused band’s members sing a song about “racing the night” to seize any and all opportunities you come across.

Thom Southern, 'Let Someone Else In'

A follow-up to Thom’s 2022 award-winning track ‘Plaza,’ ‘Let Someone Else In’ is about healing after heartbreak. While filled with mournful and hurt emotions, Southern’s lyrics are also open-hearted and hopeful, expressing the idea that there can be something after a good relationship ends. Because while the idea of meeting your other half is nice, the emotional journey can be a strenuous struggle that doesn’t always end the way you hope it to. Like Southern says, it can kind of be like, “‘That was s**t, but it’s going to be ok. Do yourself a favour and let someone else in.’”

Unlike some of his other work, ‘Let Someone Else In’ primarily has acoustic elements, marking Southern’s return from experimenting with electric guitar and pedals. Alluding to future work, Thom adds that it sets the tone for a lot of his other work set to release this year. “It’s funny because it’s very similar to the music I used to make as a teenager, it feels like I’ve done a full creative circle at the moment, it's a real buzz.”

Lucy Blue, 'Deserve You'

Sometimes loving someone means letting go - and sometimes loving someone means leaving, no matter how much it can feel like a loss. Written back when Lucy was eighteen and going through a big life change, the songstress recalls that songwriting was one of her few solaces while trying to find her feet. Written with her friend Benji, Lucy discloses that ‘Deserve You’ came from one of their deep conversations about moving on and the complicated emotions that can come from leaving something behind - emotions like guilt. Still, the soft song has a sense of closure woven into the lyrics, taking on new meaning with each play - something Lucy hopes resonates with audiences and gives them meaning no matter what they’re going through in their lives.

Laoise Fitzgerald, 'How To Swallow Spiders'

Pulled from Laoise’s new debut EP, her soft lilting vocals backed by an echoing piano allude to be trapped in a melancholic cycle - but her lyrics show more than just a mournful, grieving piece, expressing a longing for love that doesn’t hesitate. It’s a hopeful piece, if a sombre one, moving beyond her loss to face her anxieties. There is a struggle found in unteaching yourself hate against yourself, as Laoise so artfully depicts, but there can be softness and relief in learning how to reach out and conquer your anxieties - even if it feels like swallowing spiders. The title track of her self-reflective new EP, it offers an intriguing and immersive listening experience as you follow this new songstress on her journey of self-reclamation.

Freddy Black & The Hotel Mosaic, 'Drainpipe Diamond'

A heavy song, it retells a story inspired by true events about an innocent, homeless girl surviving despite the perils inflicted upon her by life. Just a girl who just wants to live her life freely, “like you and me,” the song walks the listener through her tragic story from birth to when she ends up “ a slave to the streets,” addicted to drugs and relying on sex work to survive the harsh Dublin streets.

While a hard story to bear, it is nonetheless one that is powerful and moving, vocalising the demons the unnamed girl faces in her place. Recorded at Orphan Studios with Gavin Glass and angelic backing vocals from Rachel Grace, Freddy Black & The Hotel Mosaic hope to use their musical talents to uplift the marginalised and spark change.

Fizz, ‘High In Brighton’

With the opening vocals performed by the Irish artist Orla Gartland, the UK pop band Fizz’s new track gets down to the gist of it: there is a compelling urge to escape, to get out of your room and away from all the things threatening to crush you, and getting “High In Brighton” sounds like a good idea on how to do it. It’s a building, freeing piece from their debut album The Secret To Life, a collection of 12 tracks meant to exist somewhere between space and reality. A dreamlike, colourful and popping piece, it alludes to some interesting work in the future.

Malachy Tuohy, 'I Cross This Universe'

COVID’s lockdown era was hard on many people, including Tuohy - not that he let that stop him. Using his experiences to fuel his music, it’s no wonder how he’s gained a reputation as a soulful and genuine artist. While other tracks on his newest album are complex emotional journeys reflecting on loved-ones passed and the disconnection found in disrupted life events, the title track of the just-shared-today album, ‘I Cross This Universe’ is a hopeful piece. Drawing on the idea of parallel worlds, it is an heartfelt and compelling soft ballad, detailing not just the journey of two lost souls searching for each other, but what exactly they admire and value in one another.

Listen to the playlist in full below: