New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Inhaler, 'These Are The Days'

The Dublin quartet's new single comes ahead of their hometown Fairview Park gig on June 25. Marking the first release since their hugely successful debut album, It Won't Always Be Like This, 'These Are The Days' has been incredibly well received so far.

Powered by 22-year-old Elijah Hewson's impassioned vocals, the Dublin group has prompted comparisons with The Killers, Kings of Leon – and inevitably, U2. With bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon, the soundscape is summer fuelled, with powerful guitar melodies driving the upbeat song forward. Read our chat with Inhaler in the new issue.

Hare Squead & Shauna Shadae, ‘Late Night Flex’

Dublin hip-hop/Afrobeats crossover pioneers Hare Squead are back with a bang as they team up with the break-through London neo-reggae artist Shauna Shadae for a new collaboration. The accompanying video for 'Late Night Flex' was directed by Capone - whose credits include Aitch, Headie One and Ms Banks.

The club-focused track from Lilo Blues and Tony Konstone was developed from a sample of T2’s bassline smash ‘Heartbroken’, which reached No.2 in the UK charts in 2007. After slowing the tempo and further developing the track with co-producer Jay Pryor, Shauna’s topline provided the magic final touch. Hare Squead are currently working towards the release of their debut album this autumn.

"We spent the pandemic, locked away in our studio in Tallaght, cooking up some new music," the duo comment. "We wanted to make a summer nightlife banger, something for everyone to party to."

Lucy McWilliams, 'Medication (demo)'

‘Medication’(demo) continues the sweet and alluring direction Berlin-based Dublin artist Lucy McWilliams has been exploring of late. Her piercing vocals tell a tragic story with care and compassion. With only a humbly-played piano and her own soaring voice, the new release highlights the raw and heartfelt songwriting she's quickly earning a reputation for.

“Losing someone who struggled all their life with mental health issues is a very hard thing to come to terms with, but I feel like unfortunately there are a lot of people who have gone through the same experience," McWilliams explains. "In writing ‘Medication’, it helped me try to understand where that person might have been to make them feel like this was their only option.”

Offica, Darko Vibes, A9Dbo Fundz, 'Kolomental'

Drogheda drill king Offica has released his brand new single 'Kolomental,' describing it as his "first Afrobeats track." The song features DarkoVibes and A9Dbo Fundz, arriving just in time for the summer months. The up-tempo 'Kolomental' takes inspiration from the Nigerian slang phrase for going crazy. With booming beats and warped raps, it's a completely infectious offering. With nearly one million monthly listeners on Spotify, 1.8 million likes on TikTok, and 108,000 Instagram followers, Offica has already reached many milestones considering he is still relatively new to the scene.

Belters Only, 'I Will Survive'

Dublin dance supergroup Belters Only have revealed their next guaranteed hit ‘I Will Survive’, out now via Polydor. Sampling the chorus from the iconic Gloria Gaynor disco classic, the single sees the Irish boys put their trademark spin on things – injecting euphoric piano chords and pulsating synths into the fray.

The pair have been booked for club shows across Europe, with a string of sold out shows in Ireland, two shows at Ibiza Rocks and 3Arena with MK. The third single released by Belters Only, the buzzworthy collective features famed DJ and producers Bissett and RobbieG. The single follows the acclaimed ‘Don’t Stop Just Yet’ (feat Jazzy). Read our chat with the lads in the new issue.

STRABE, 'Breathe Me In'

The London-based Irish/Scottish duo, comprised of Emmet and Angelia, have returned with the follow up to 'Magic' and 'Life On Pause'. The duo met briefly by chance in a Cork festival smoking area, reunited months later after forgetting to exchange numbers. New dance single 'Breathe Me In' takes samples and influences from 2000s pop/house tunes, adding a glorious accordion solo and riveting drum beats alongside Angelica's ethereal vocals. It's taken from their upcoming new Juvenoia EP.

"As much as it celebrates the freeing feeling of dance, it is an ode to the incredible friends who have loved and supported us from day one," STRABE wrote on Instagram. "We are so lucky to be surrounded by people who have encouraged our creativity, pushed us to try new things, and been the words of advice and supportive shoulders each time we have hesitated or stumbled. A particularly big thank you to our dear friends Jack and Andy, who this song quite literally wouldn’t exist without, as it’s Jack’s epic harmonica solo and Andy’s grungy bass that really brings it to life."

Kormac, 'New Day (Narolane Remix)'

Irish producer, composer and DJ, Kormac has officially launched new label Always the Sound. Its first offerings are remixes of Kormac’s track, 'New Day' from Ireland’s most exciting talent right now, Narolane (Denise Chaila, MuRli & God Knows) and Berlin-based producer New Spectrum (of Brame & Hamo fame). The original track, with Jack O’Rourke’s stunning vocal performance, is on its way to one million streams on Spotify.

Speaking on 'New Day (Narolane Remix)', the Narolane crew said: "Working on this track was a lot of fun for us as a collective. It was an opportunity to vibe off each other and see how we can reimagine the track à la Narolane while staying true to the essence of the original. In the end we found ourselves on a different dance floor to what we’re used to but with the same old steps."

Kormac (pictured).

Trick Mist, 'Flagbearer'

Irish songwriter, multi instrumentalist and producer Gavin Murray, aka Trick Mist, has shared a beautiful new single - with a podcast and video directed by Bob Gallagher (Lankum, Villagers, Gilla Band and Junior Brother) to follow. 'Flagbearer' is a song centred around the experience of his grandmother’s wake and the traditional rituals around Irish death - which can involve plenty of merriment conjoined with grief.

"My Nan was ‘waked’ in her home-house which I hadn’t been to in years," Pizza Pizza artist Gavin says of the therapeutic song. "The experience was so intense. Going back there and being confronted by my childhood memories of the house mixed with the whirlwind nature of a traditional Irish wake. A wake is a great Irish ritual. I think it's something we do well. The song is an ode to that as well as to her."

Myles O’Reilly, 'Shine'

Last month Myles shared the first taster of the album, ‘The Most Colourful Thread in the Loom’, a song directly inspired by the love for his wife Aideen. Today, he follows with a second track ‘Shine’, featuring Niamh Bury and Simon O’Reilly. The stunning video filmed at D-Light Studios in Dublin, was directed by Stephen Mogerly, and produced by Myles. Cocooning Heart, the Irish musician, composer and filmmaker's forthcoming album, is due for release on June 30th.

“'Shine' is an ode to my mother’s wish that I always keep singing," O'Reilly describes. "I grew up with a strict stepfather who thought making music was a waste of my time and an idle pursuit. My mother always thought the opposite but unfortunately I began to believe his negative views, and stopped playing music."

Evan Miles & Rudy, ‘So Stuck’

'So Stuck' marks Anomaly Collective co-founder Evan Miles' second release of 2022, following the Ross from Friends/DJ Seinfeld inspired 'Worry About You'. With this new release, the producer has collaborated with Dublin singer-songwriter Rudy, using her track 'Far Away' as a sample for the vocals.

"I've loved the original for so long and always thought I could make a version myself but put my own spin on it and change the meaning completely - to make it more haunting," Evan remarks. "I've tried to follow on from previous releases with a straight 4-4 type house track but incorporate my usual elements like the percussive foley drums as well as the eery pad sounds and playing around with the vocals.

Evan Miles.

Maria Kelly & Sive, 'like i used to (postcards version)'

The Mayo native's ‘Postcards In-between’ project sees Naas alt-folk musician Sive offer guest vocals. The single followes the previously-released ‘the sum of the in-between (feat. Paul Noonan)’ and ‘Martha (feat. Ciaran Lavery)’. The harmonious new version of her stunningly confessional album track sees the two artists’ intimate vocals entwine in classically bewitching fashion.

“It can be nerve-racking handing over a song to another artist, but on this collaboration with Sive, it was nothing but a huge treat to see her do her thing," Maria Kelly says of the new single. "Sive has an incredible brain for interesting rhythms and intricate melodies, and can layer vocals like nothing I’ve heard before!

Peter Richardson, 'Villain'

'Villain' is the central track from Dubliner Peter Richardson’s debut EP, Then & Now. Brought to life by prolific Cork producer Cian Sweeney (1000 Beasts), the single is an ambitious, menacing departure from the predominantly acoustic, uplifting folk worlds of ‘Pray’ and ‘The Coast’.

It's by far the biggest and boldest track on the EP, exploring a much darker, more brooding aspect of his sound which in stark contrast to his earlier works, is laced with an anger magnificently brought to bear through the lyricism and production. Beautifully brought to life with haunting backing vocals and crushing emotion, this dramatic track serves as a cathartic release of pain and anger.

ROE, 'I Can Change'

Derry singer-songwriter ROE has released Part I of her debut album That’s When The Panic Sets In today, featuring previewed singles 'I Dare You' and 'A Temporary Thing'. Driving guitar track 'I Can Change' goes inward, tracing the feeling of trying to develop as a person. Losing the will leads to inevitable frustration, as the indie-rock pop-tinged banger describes. It wouldn't be out of place in a Netflix teen drama, in the best way. "I've been hating myself lately," the Derry musician admits.

ROE (pictured).

Sinead O'Brien, 'Like Culture'

"There’s desperate love, there’s wanting, kissing in the booth, on the floor," Sinead O'Brien explains of her nightclub celebration track 'Like Culture'. Her new album with Chess Club Records (produced by maestro Dan Carey), Time Bend And Break the Bower, landed today. Nightlife and specifically the dancefloor can act as powerful microcosms for human expression and development, as the designer and poet declares in the song. Read our interview with the "Irish nightmare" in our new issue.

“'Like Culture' is part memory, part experience but it’s never nostalgic," Sinead explains. "I worked from memory, splicing and intercutting it with scenes or mantras from my present. I look ahead and behind, banging the two together. Part of this stems from a poem I wrote in Paris in 2012."

David Hope, 'Whiskey Mornings'

County Clare's David Hope has released a powerful new folk single, taken from his forthcoming new album And the Sea. With a rough-hewn voice somewhere between that of Tom Waits and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy (with a touch of Springsteen), Hope combines elements of folk, country, blues and soul. He will join headliners Damien Dempsey, Mary Black, and Ye Vagabonds for West Clare's Doolin Folk Festival.

Cavetown & Orla Gartland, 'Fall in Love With A Girl'

The London-based Dubliner jumps on a strikingly beautiful, honest track that oozes storytelling from Robin Daniel Skinner (aka English producer and musician Cavetown). Beabadoobee also put her spin on the single, and now there's Irish talent - following her song 'Why Am I Like This' getting an appearance on the Heartstopper soundtrack and going viral on TikTok. Gartland and Tessa Violet will support Cavetown at Dublin's 3Olympia Theatre later this year, excitingly.

Orla Gartland

Turnstiles, 'Bow Down'

Fast-paced, fierce guitar-riff rock is on the menu, following their 2022 single 'Dig It Out' and 2021 self-titled EP. "Bow down now, to the decider," they belt with IDLES-level passion. The Galway post-punk outfit are fast becoming a force of nature on the Irish and UK music scene, but 'Bow Down' marks their final single as a band, according to Blowtorch Records. It's a crying shame, but great things await the individual members.

R3D, 'Stuntman'

The visceral new track from the Irish hip-hop artist is his first of the year, following 2021's collaboration with Tony Konestone and Evans Junior, 'Don't Push Me'. The booming bassline and mile-a-minute raps go hand in hand on the raw 'Stuntman', which reminds the nation of his talent with an authoritative bang. R3D built up an enviable reputation for his high-energy sets as Tebi Rex's DJ, spent cultivating his unique sound in his own home studio, taking influence from West Coast rap, trap and ‘90s R&B.

Naked Lungs, 'Rumble'

The Dublin post-punks drop their 5-track EP today, marking a hugely impressive outing. The band have played shows at Dublin's iconic Whelan's – and even collaborated with Gilla Band's Daniel Fox. Wicklow frontman Tom Brady's voice is loud and in your face: exactly the way we like a head-banging introduction. Their huge 'Why Do People Change?' may have been their breakthrough single, but 'Rumble's screeching, industrial opening takes the money. Distorted soundscapes and cathartic lyrical screams are part and parcel of the shoegaze/DIY outfit.

Naked Lungs. Photo Credit: Nicholas O'Donnell.

anna leah, 'I Wonder'

Emerging Irish indie-pop artist anna leah has returned with a down-tempo, mesmerising new track. 'I Wonder' follows on from 'fall through the cracks' and 2021 debut numbers 'City Girls' and 'Don't Call Me'. Her honey-toned vocals kickstarts the single before a supportive drum and electric guitar riff supports her on the chorus. Addressing a romantic subject directly, she ponders: "And I wonder if the radio played the song that you sang to me, would you think of my name?" The partnership might be over, but she's reminded of them every day.

Miranda Faul, 'Rise Above It'

The 22-year-old Dubliner has released her debut single, with punchy vocals and an infectious melody to boot. The indie pop-rock ballad is about the importance of seeing and experiencing environments beyond the one you were born into. "There's a poverty of life and ideas around this deadbeat town," 'Rise Above It' opens with a phrase Miranda's dad used to say as they drove through his West of Ireland town. Mixed, mastered and recorded by Michael Richards, it's a noteworthy first effort from newcomer Faul.

Fortune Igiebor, 'Piss in the Corner'

Back with a raging, rock-fuelled hip-hop banger after 2022 gems 'The Prayer' and 'All My Love' (feat. Callum Wall and Skull the Pierre), the Blanchardstown-based artist brings a new sonic attitude to the industry. Although only beginning, he provides a hard-hitting trap sound hopes to pioneer as a fresh era of Irish trap. With a bristling bassline beat to begin, the Dublin rapper warped his flow with plenty of backing synths and even a guitar riff.

The Nation Mourns, 'Laura'

The brainchild of Irish songwriter Neil O'Shea, The Nation Mourns has only gifted us with two tracks thus far: 'Ogre' and 'While It Lasts'. Third single 'Laura' goes back to the nostalgic, true penmanship of Nick Drake, Tom Waits, Damien Jurado and Jackson C Frank. His rumbling, raspy vocals and guitar noodling are pure bliss combined, with the musician currently based in Berlin recording his debut album Remember/Leaving with producer and Universal Music Publishing artist Cameron James Laing.

Listen to the playlist in full below!