New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Wild Youth, 'Live Without You'

The band's first single of the summer is radio-ready pop. With slick production amplifying the voice of frontman Conor O'Donohoe, layered harmonies in the bridge build up anticipation for a soaring chorus. Rather than writing about break-ups, recent releases 'Seventeen' and now 'Live Without You' are all about feeling love in the moment and refusing to leave its embrace. The band have been supporting some of pop music's biggest male acts as well as tearing up the festival circuit.

God Knows and Jah Master, 'Twelve 61'

Zimbabwean-Irish rapper God Knows (dubbed the 'Architect of Irish Hip-Hop' from his time in Limerick with Rusangano Family and co-founding Narolane records with Denise Chaila and MuRli) has unveiled a new single with dancehall act Jah Master. 'Twelve 61' is taken from his forthcoming EP, We Move The Needle, which arrives on July 8. The single delves deep into God Knows' passion for culture.

Cork producer Boku samples African unity anthem ‘Vanhu VemuAfrica’, later popularised by God Knows’ uncle CDE Chinx Chingaira. As it turns out, Jah Master is a cousin of his! The groove-heavy beats and rapid-fire flows merge to create the ideal summertime anthem. Check out the video from Emma Murphy and Darragh Scott.

N.O.A.H, 'The Wrong Side Of Town'

Meath-born, Dublin-based indie-rockers N.O.A.H have been making waves since emerging over the pandemic. 2021 saw the release of their Echoes of the Night EP, with the band returning this year with 'The Way We Are Told'. New offering 'The Wrong Side Of Town' is infectiously catchy, rock riffs propelling the powerful, uplifing track forward. Stomping drum beats and frenetic energy, plus raw vocals from Ryan Hill. Think U2 with more synths and oomph.

jena keating, 'Nobody Can Have Me'

The follow up to previous 2022 single 'Boundaries' sees soulful, jazz-infused R&B artist jena keating (a Cork native) return with her trademark smoky vocals. Focusing on attachment styles and protecting your peace, the sultry single isn't the longest, but you won't forget it in a hurry. With simple instrumentation and a gripping guitar riff, all it takes are keating's vocals to make major moves. Releasing a string of stellar singles since 2021, we're gunning for an EP from the talent.

According to the musician, 'Nobody Can Have Me’ “encapsulates the painful detachment from a love not capable of lasting that long but did. It stores a solid truth that nobody ever will ‘have’ wholefully me, but it comes from a source deeply burrowed in fear. It is misfortune, longing, resentments. It holds the process of healing while also grasping the sound of no more.”

Zaska and J. Smith, 'Gone in a Minute'

The third neo-soul single from ZASKA’s upcoming album, A Better Way features former Gypsies on the Autobahn frontman and producer J Smith. It marks his first single out on edbl recordings, the UK label of neo-soul artist edbl (Ed Black) who, like Zaska, is known for his collaborations. 'Gone in a Minute' makes gorgeous use of J Smith’s soaring falsetto, paired with Max Zaska’s soulful guitar over a captivating melody and lush strings.

Exploring the possibility of saving Mother Nature, despite all the odds, it's an enchanting effort. Indie-soul influences can clearly be seen from Jodan Rekei, James Blake, and Nick Hakim; as well as alt-R&B elements from Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean, and The Kount.

Arthur Valentine, 'Rocket Fuel'

Following recent 1000 Beasts collaboration 'Glass Magic', a take on Tyler track 'EARFQUAKE', a sell-out Dublin debut and national tour with his Hausu labelmates, Cork's Arthur Valentine is back with more electro-pop glory. 'Rocket Fuel' leans into dense yet delicate drum programming and atmospheric synths. Slick songwriting and smooth vocals are Valentine's bread and butter, obviously.

'Rocket Fuel' draws from production influences like Vegyn, John Glacier, Oli XL and Iglooghost - despite taking sonic inspiration from the likes of BROCKHAMPTON and Charli XCX. Actualacid (Jack Corrigan) directed the video, a DIY sci-fi cut which wraps the windows of a car with green screens.

Geoffrey Harold, ‘Birdcall’

'Birdcall' is the first single from the Swedish-based musician's debut album I Was Afraid You Wouldn't Come Back, and his second offering overall. Harold uses a clever blend of layered harmonies and carefully placed auto-tune effects to bring the single into the indie-folk genre.

According to a press release, the song is about "a couple's realisation that things are coming to an end and some things need to change to get back to the real world." Harold explained: "This song was written in the aftermath of a breakup while experiencing those peak chest tightening withdrawal symptoms from someone you are close to. It’s a document of that heartbreak and period of devastation."

Geoffrey Harold - Shot by Neil J Smyth

Thom Southern, ‘My My Honey’

Belfast singer-songwriter is back, following 'Strange Invitations' and new album PLAZA. The prolific musician blasts open the track with trad instrumentation (accordion) and a snarling guitar line that doesn't overshadow Southern's rock-fuelled vocals. "I feel a cinematic way for you," he declares. It's got hints of indie-rock bangers by Oasis and Radiohead with a totally unique, contemporary feel. Thom initially rose to prominence as one half of sibling duo MMODE, alongside his sister Lucy Gaffney. The pair shared stages with the likes of Bill Ryder-Jones, The Coral, Jake Bugg, Bastille, Hudson Taylor, Catfish & The Bottlemen and The Kooks.

Bradley Marshall, ‘Better Left Unsaid’

Having dropped debut single 'Make Believe' back in April, Bradley Marshall returns another vulnerable ballad. The Dublin based artist-songwriter has garnered a big following across social media by posting heartfelt, soulful videos singing a mix of both covers & self-penned songs. 'Better Left Unsaid' continues down the road of confessional lyricism, stating: "With every single message, now it's better left unread/ Now I'm only going to hurt so it's better left unsaid." Layers of the rising star's vocals make for a beautiful, spine-tingling chorus. Marshall spent the last few months carefully honing his craft with top songwriters in the Irish industry, and is set to make his mark in 2022.

Daire Heffernan, 'Wasters'

The Dublin-raised, Belfast-based indie rocker has just revealed her new EP Wasters, and the five-minute title track is a standout. Featuring previous singles 'Skeleton' and 'Midwest Emo', the four-track EP paves the way for Daire's place in the business. "Someday they'll call me an addict, but I don't think that's fair," the soft track opens with her usual punchy, gripping words. "My first love was an asshole/He used to paint his nails black." 'Wasters' traces the experiences of toxic relationships, addiction, substance abuse, parenting, sad nostalgia and growing up. A gentle guitar riff and strings section adds ambience and an otherwordly atmosphere, with gusto. Further, warped and industrial noise-guitar builds on the down-tempo song as it progresses. It's a bit like if Effie from Skins was a relaxed song.

Daire Heffernan.

Eoin Devereux, 'Stay In Bed'

19-year-old Wexford singer-songwriter shines a spotlight on a relatable experience for those dealing with mental health struggles. Trying to get out of bed can be a monumental task for some, and Devereux captures the feeling effortlessly on up-tempo indie-rock anthem 'Stay In Bed'. Synths add pop melodies over banging drums and Devereux's laidback vocals.

"I wrote this song about depression and my experience with it," Eoin tells Hot Press. "Depression is something so many of us deal with on a daily basis and it is not something you can 'snap out of'. When you feel down the only thing you want to do is stay in bed and close the curtains. This song is quite upbeat and gives a positive message that it's okay to not be okay and tomorrow is a new day."

Viscose, 'Focus'

If summertime dance anthems are what you're searching on Spotify, look no further. Electro-pop producer sensation Viscose is back to light up the room with a track about the simple thrill of having a temporary love interest. It shifts all your attention, "and gives you those butterfly feelings, legs get weak, thoughts get muffled but the confidence grows strong," they declare. It's about having harmless, fun distractions and boosting your self-esteem - if even for a moment. It's giving Eurovision pop fusion with The George and Street 66 dancefloors.

"You know that feeling when you're in the club? You catch eyes with a certain someone and suddenly every single move you make is correlated with how they will perceive you? That's what Focus is about," Viscose explains.

Viscose.

James Vincent McMorrow, 'A Lot To Take

Taken from the Malahide musician's brand new album, The Less I Knew (the first of two to be released this year via Faction Records), concluding track 'A Lot To Take' kickstarts with a blues melody, drum beat and soulful vocals from the Dubliner. Next, an Arctic Monkeys AM-era guitar riff bleeds through, and we're hypnotised. "The city I know is fading, always a different crowd/Me, I just wanna be someone who can slow it down," he croons, with smoky vocals effortlessly guiding us through the jazz-infused instrumentation. It's soothing, laidback and highlights McMorrows ability as a songwriter to totally immerse himself in a project and capture a mood. He's clearly trying to find freedom in his art form, and 'A Lot To Take' sees him having fun while refusing to exit his trademark genre-melding skillset that continues to excite listeners.

HamsandwicH, 'Le Soleil'

Premiered exclusively on hotpress.com, the quirky animated video for the Meath band's new single 'Le Soleil' was produced and directed by long-time collaborator Marc Corrigan, whose unique concept brings a surreal vision to the offering. Opening with scratchy instrumentation, acoustic guitar riffs bring the song to life alongside ethereal harmonies and a driving pop-fuelled drum beat. "Do you find that you have too little time/Making the decisions that you wouldn't care for?" Niamh Farrell and Podge McNamee croon in tandem.

'Le Soleil' marks the band's second single release following 'Electro-Wave'. The Kells indie-rockers will unveil their anticipated forthcoming fourth studio album later this year, with more details expected to come in the coming months. The vibrant single was produced and recorded by Michael Heffernan, and mixed by Justin Justin Gerrish (Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, Glasvegas, Yeah Yeah Yeahs).

Tommy Cullen, 'New Love (Live at Workman's 2021)'

The Dublin-based singer-songwriter has unveiled a rendition of 'New Love' from his Workman's show last year ahead of his Wild Atlantic Way tour this summer. The special acoustic shows will feature a mix of fan favourites, a few covers and a selection of brand new tunes from Tommy’s upcoming debut album. Previously the frontman of Dublin alternative band The False and the Fair, Tommy has been performing live for over a decade. ‘New Love (Live at Workmans)’ is his tenth single since he began his solo career a little over two years ago. The live footage of this performance has been viewed over 170,000 times online, so his appeal clearly hasn't wavered.

Talos, ‘All Ours’

Cork artist Talos (Eoin French) continues his comeback with a new single, the epic 'All Ours'. The Irish indie-electronic musician has also announced his long-awaited third album, Dear Chaos - due out on October 7th this year via BMG. ‘All Ours’ is his second single in quick succession following last month’s mesmerising 'Dance Against The Calm'. Recorded at his home studio with long-time partner Ross Dowling, the powerful offering was finished with co-producer Brian Joseph in his Eaux Claire studio in late 2021. Check out the stunning West Cork-set video directed by Niall O'Brien here.

“'All Ours' is about hope, and the destructive nature of it," Talos explains. "It’s also about resilience and about walking with someone through the hardest of times. I've watched someone place limitless hope in another and be continually let down. And it was crushing. Sometimes we get to bear witness to another's tempest, and the only thing we can do is offer to be an accomplice on those climbs.”

Clare Sands, ‘Sail On’

After releasing her critically acclaimed EP, Tírdhreacha Agus Fuaimdhreacha (Landscapes & Soundscapes), and smashing subsequent single ‘Awe na Mná’; Clare Sands has announced her self-titled album alongside the stunning video for new single ‘Sail On’. The sixth generation fiddler, bilingual singer and multi-instrumentalist describes the song as a sensual and passionate outpouring of the heart - one that speaks one truth: "ní neart go cur le chéile". The incredible video, premiered below by Hot press, takes inspiration from Tadhg Ó Ciardha’s painting 'Mná Aránn (Aran Women)'. The work of art depicts two women in traditional Aran island dress embracing.

To mark Pride month, Clare Sands and long-time collaborator ​​Liadain Ní Bhraonáin invited four couples to join them in celebrating their love - with powerful and passionate results.

Seba Safe, 'Spitfire'

Dublin singer-songwriter Micheal D'Alton always delivers gut-wrenching, deeply personal videos - and he doesn't disappoint on new single 'Spitfire'. The song focuses on regrets, moving forward in your life and forgiving yourself for your past decisions. As usual, Seba Safe's poetic yet accessible lyrics tell a story with kindness and compassion. His Map Runner EP in 2021 put him on the scene with a vengeance, and 2022 singles 'Oscars' and 'I'm on Fire' also garnered critical and commercial acclaim for the beautiful blend of authenticity and soulful wordplay.

"Gotta give into my own mind/Gotta give into the times that I didn't try/Gotta give into my own life/Gotta give into the love that went right on by," he sings on 'Spitfire'. Keep an eye out for D'Alton, 2022 is his year.

Doppler, 'It's Your Fault Too'

After an influential recording session in Clew Bay Studios in Westport with multi award winning, double platinum-selling Polish producer Bart de Boer (EMI/Universal), Doppler’s second single 'It’s Your Fault Too' was born. The track follows 'A Memory', which landed in summer 2020 and climbed the charts. With well renowned Raph Dziubinski (Joe Cocker/ Average White Band/ Simply Red) on percussion and Kevin Donnellan (BRÍDÍN/Third Rehearsal) laying his incredibly rich and diverse sound on fiddle, it was just a matter of days before the track was completed.

“The subject matter in 'It’s Your Fault Too' attempts to address the complexities of relationships. Compassion, forgiveness, tolerance and the desire to seek happiness of the other. It’s very hard to put on genre on it too but if I had to it’d be Alternative Folk with some traditional touches, Doppler's Jamie Mulrooney says.

Yinyang, 'Happy Money’

Moving on from 2021 singles 'Skitz', ‘Black Mamba’ and 'Bloodhound/Earthbound', the chaotic rising alternative hip-hop act Yinyang is back with 'Happy Money' - which landed on June 9. Tackling the frustration with spending cash on over-the-counter medications like anti-depressants with fascinating and frenetic energy, the talent has one of the most distinctive styles of music around these days. The video (below) was created by the artist themselves and Lauren Hannan.

Filmore!, 'Where's Your Hall Pass?'

Max Zanga from Tebi Rex has emerged with a mysterious, charismatic new alter ego: Filmore! Debut track 'Where's Your Hall Pass?' infuses rock with pop and hip-hop elements for a radio-friendly banger. It's got Max's signature flair but the intense synths paired with snarling guitar riffs don't overshadow Zanga's flow. With tongue-in-cheek wordplay and a pulsating beat that turns into drum 'n' bass, it's a track full of surprises. Hearing it at a rave in the woods would be bliss.

Mike Hanrahan, 'Inside I’m Dancing'

Produced and arranged by Gavin Glass and Mike Hanrahan at Orphan Studios Wexford, 'Inside I’m Dancing' is taken from the Stockton's Wing musician's forthcoming album Songs from the Box Room.

“Believe it or not I started writing this song twelve years ago," Hanrahan said in a press release. "I had just about dragged myself out of an emotional bear pit and I wanted to mark the transition. Then an exciting career in food unfolded, consuming all my creative energy. After returning to the music a couple of years ago I was somehow drawn back to this song. It seemed to me it deserved completion. All those years later and the message was more powerful than ever."

VJ Jaxson, 'Rosanna'

The Tallaght multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer has delivered his first release since 2021 EP Finding Myself. The Dublin-raised Nigerian artist is swimming in pop waters, and we love him for it. Falsetto notes and a soulful, jazzy guitar hook will have you swaying in your seat, itching for the dancefloor and a drink in the sun. It's a straight up love song, about wanting to give your magnetic partner everything they want.

Papa Romeo, 'Runway'

2021's 'Team Sports' and 'Yellow Magic Orchestra' were warm-up singles for this super smooth gem from Dublin-based outfit Papa Romeo (featuring Dan Coyne of Cooks But We're Chefs/LUGE - plus Chris Wong, Rob de Boer, Paddy Rogers and Mark Rogers from Cracked Skull Records). The five-piece band bring elements of nu jazz and jazz fusion to their indie rock and bed-pop roots.

'Runway' is a slowed down track that slowly builds an evocative moods with dreamy vocals and chilled out keys. Their third single “tells the story of reluctant emigration, heartache and cold feet when leaving people behind.” Catch Papa Romeo at All Together Now this year.

Cursed Murphy Versus The Resistance, 'Hold That Line'

Written and co-produced by Cursed Murphy, Dan Comerford and Johnny Fox and engineered and mixed by Johnny Fox; 'Hold That Line' has a beautiful blend of twangy guitar riffs and Murphy's eccentric vocal delivery that resembles spoken word poetry. The chorus is noise-rock gloriousness, and makes it worth the wait. "Fix your hair, straighten your tie and take that shot of iodine/pass me up that flask of wine, get your head up/hold that line" he demands of us.

Finnian, 'Without You'

Since 2015, Dundalk singer-songwriter Finnian has been making himself known. Frequently using the medium of live performance in a studio context, it's all about the genuine love for the craft. With country-folk roots, 'Without You' is about the emptiness of waking up with a stranger after a rough break-up. It's his first song release since his gorgeous 2020 album Under the Influence, and proves he's not one to forget about. Roping in some of the finest local musicians, he's as real as they come.

Swedish Railway Orchestra, 'Go'

Clocking in at just 1 minute and 39 seconds long, it's short but sweet electronic alt-rock madness. After 'Book the Engineer (I'm Going On My Holidays Tomorrow), 'Fallen Devil', 'Mickey Money', 'The Ballhaus' and 'Half and Half' - all released this year - the prolific musician isn't giving in. The brainchild of Dublin based musician, DJ and producer Rob Smith; Swedish Railway Orchestra added a new flavour of drama to the alternative scene when he dropped debut album This Is A Dream in September 2017 to critical acclaim.

Swedish Railway Orchestra.

DREAM, 'Crybaby (Demo)'

Irish artist DREAM (Benjamin Fraser) has released his latest demo single 'Crybaby' to celebrate six months of his debut album Dream. DREAM, began on October 31 2021, with his first single aptly named 'Halloween'. Dream consists of variations of popsynth, darkwave, lofi and classical piano inspired pieces, putting Ben on the map as an eclectic Irish artist.

In a press release, Fraser explained his latest drop: "After six months of Dream and working on my next upcoming release, I wanted to give people a taste of what is to come next. I often struggle with rhythm and vocal rhythm," Fraser adds. "With 'Crybaby' I wanted to break that pattern, much like in R. from Dream. Seeing artists such as Tadgh, Ahmed, With Love, KK Lewis, Bricknasty and Amy Michelle really opened my eyes to many different musical directions and flows and reminded me that the Irish music scene is, has and always will be full of hard-working talented individuals."

Love Command 0 – 'Guilty (Release The Wolf)'

Synth-pop is never going away, thank God. Love Command 0 is the Musical collaboration between Husband and Wife duo Fox & Bex. Inspired by a relentless passion for 1980s Italo Disco, Freestyle and New York Mutant Disco, the duo have cherry-picked the best of these styles, combining this into a psychoanalytic musical examination of marriage, toxic masculinity, Jungian psychology and the rebirth of love. 'Guilty (Release The Wolf)' is the first of many bangers to feature on their debut album Integration, out on June 24, 2022.

Lisa Canny, 'Snakeskin'

Empowerment anthem 'Snakeskin' is about bouncing back after betrayal. The Irish songstress rallies her listeners through a blend of RnB, electronica and folk-pop. Her dynamic vocals paint a vivid picture of growth, self-worth, and becoming whole again. We're here for it.

“Snakeskin is about me finding out, minutes before going live for a TV performance that my boyfriend at the time was cheating on me," Lisa said. "The situation at hand forced me to make a quick decision. Either I could fall apart and let it ruin my day or I could just immediately forget him - shedding his BS and all the hurt he caused and moving on in my shiny new skin. Needless to say, I chose the latter!”

Listen to the playlist in full below.