New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Biig Piig, 'Kerosene'

The hypnotic 'Kerosene' is a track that's destined to cure your end-of-summer blues, fresh off the success of June single 'Fun', which was subsequently remixed by Yuné Pinku. The sex positivity-driven cut was written alongside her ‘Feels Right’ collaborators Zach Nahome and Maverick Sabre. Catch Biig Piig's Dublin shows at The Sound House on November 9 and 10 and check out the Tommy Davis-directed 3D video here.

“‘Kerosene’ is the first track off a wider project I’m working on,” the Irish-raised, London-based artist (real name Jess Smyth) explained in a statement. “It’s about wanting someone to rip my clothes off, and the tension of that relationship...my own hot girl summer anthem, tbh.”

Ispíní na hÉireann, 'Talk to Joe'

The hilarious outfit have released a powerful new single today, written about Tomás Mulligan's' time working on the phones for RTÉ’s Liveline radio show hosted by Joe Duffy. ‘Talk to Joe’, written by Ispíní na hÉireann (Mulligan and Adam J. Holohan), is taken from their upcoming debut album The Hard Working Men - out on October 28th. “Lyrics stem from real situations but are altered to protect the guilty,” the band explain.

"Well would you look at the state of the country, its all gone to the dogs," the energetic anti-corruption track begins. "Me landlord’s poisoning me water, and it’s killing all me frogs/They’re putting up the price of the motor tax, the sea level and the drink/And I called my plumber six weeks ago and he still hasn’t fixed me sink....Well there’s a man down in Donnybrook, you can tell him all your woes/If no one will give you a second look, you can come on and talk to Joe."

Aoife Nessa Francis, 'This Still Life'

The North Dublin native shared the single and accompanying video for 'This Still Life', the third offering from her sophomore album Protector, this week. The album is due to arrive on October 28th via Partisan Records. The floating sonics of Aoife's latest, beautiful track land with visuals directed by Ella Margolin and follow on the heels of the lead single 'Way To Say Goodbye'.

According to the musician herself, "The song is about the juxtaposition of feeling small in an endless universe while reflecting on the significance of my own birth and existence. It’s about learning to move slowly through the world, listening to nature, and trusting that I can find my answers within."

Orla Gartland, 'Afterlife'

The anniversary edition of the Dubliner's debut album Woman On The Internet features five previously unheard tracks - including new song ‘Afterlife’, live versions of ‘Bloodline’ and ‘You’re Not Special, Babe’, an acoustic version of ‘More Like You’, and a thrilling remix of ‘Over Your Head’ by LA-based musician SASAMI. The short track demo of 'Afterlife' stands out a mile on the deluxe edition, a steady set of piano chords placing Orla's crystal clear vocals and lyrics front and centre.

"Let me know, I'll be waiting in the wings with a popcorn and a coke/watching all the people choke/'cause they don't know it's a warm up round," she croons above a soothing piano melody. "Thank God we get one more try, 'cause we're fucking this one up/I guess I'll see you in the afterlife."

Somebody's Child, 'Broken Record'

The Dublin outfit, led by Cian Godfrey, return this week with a new single, tour dates and the announcement that they've signed to indie label Frenchkiss Records. Not bad, eh? 'Broken Record' is a driving indie-rock banger, full of Godfrey's relatable experiences of youth and infectious choruses. The video juxtaposes images of Cian and a younger version of himself with insanely powerful results. It needs radioplay STAT.

Of the video to new single 'Broken Record', Somebody's Child says, “It explores my fear of growing up. Getting older and feeling trapped, attempting to reconnect with my former self and trying to regain a sense of innocence that was once taken for granted."

Laytha, 'Strawberry Moon'

The Irish indie-folk duo have unveiled a new track from their debut album, scheduled for a November release. 'Strawberry Moon' is typical of their trademark harmony infused alt-folk sound, with the Enniskillen-based songwriters writing about daughterhood, their home and the raw, rugged landscape of Ireland. 2022 has seen them release a debut trio of singles and perform alongside Joshua Burnside, Saint Sister and Niamh Regan. Their latest venture is a poignant offering that digs deep into their respect for fellow creators.

"'Strawberry Moon' is about how people deal with loss and work through their emotions," the duo say of the track. "It was inspired by a gig we went to where the artists were dealing with a lot, including grieving the loss of a very dear friend. We were in complete admiration of how they channeled their emotions into their performances and drew us into a moment that was purely theirs, something we tried to capture in this song."

Laytha.

YAWA, ‘Things I’m Not Supposed To See’

Depressed about the summer's end? Never fear, YAWA are here. After their 2022 singles 'Margarita' and 'Show Me Cool' continued their indie journey, 'Things I'm Not Supposed To See' goes one step further. Infusing glittering synths, escapist electronic soundscapes and a driving beat, the single is totally immersive. The swirling whirlpool of a track makes even more sense when you hear the bittersweet backstory behind it:

"This song is about a time when Tim took a break to travel to South America and connect with himself but instead he found love," YAWA tell Hot Press. "Both decided to travel together until they had to continue on their own separate paths. The song opens with a real-life voice message from this girl which leads to a conversation where both do not know how to continue their trips and the relationship."

Catch YAWA's Whelan's show on Thursday, September 15th for a treat.

Jackie Beverly, ‘Changeling’

The new track from her debut EP Temporary State continues Beverly’s ballad style narrative that’s typical in her writing, and is filled with her well-known pure vocal at the forefront. 'Changeling' is accompanied by reassuring electric guitar and a new feature of trumpet and piano while Jackie delves into Irish mythology themes and reflects upon inner battles of loneliness. The 4 tracks from the project are all ballad in style, and filled with delicate lyrics, indie-folk songwriting. Beverly performed her biggest show to date last night in Whelan's to celebrate the release of Temporary State, with a big year ahead.

Rews, 'Pretty Face'

The alt-rock artist penned the punchy track to encourage people to step away from anyone who manipulates them into feeling they need to be something they feel uncomfortable with. Helmed by the multi-instrumentalist Northern Irish musician Shauna Tohill and a revolving cast of musical friends; Rews showed her empowering energy on last single 'Breathe into Me' and albums Pyro and Warriors. Frustration-fuelled single 'Pretty Face' is released via the Earache Records family before Rews supports Therapy?.

"Pretty Face attempts to deconstruct some of the toxic comments, stories and expressed expectations that I’ve heard about what women, and those who identify as women, should look like, dress like and behave like in the world," Rews explains. "I wrote this song in an attempt to remind people that a ‘pretty face’ is not a thing that should define a person, their capabilities or talents, nor should you let someone else’s opinions own you. I hope it will empower people to express beauty in their own way."

Rews.

Crook (feat. fijitrip), 'ANTI-AMERICAN POPSTAR'

Irish-born, Berlin-based artist and producer CROOK has teamed up with hyperpop talent fijitrip on an exciting new single, released via The Orchard/Sleep Well Records. 'ANTI-AMERICAN POPSTAR' is a full-throttle maximalist pop song that leans on experimental production while paying homage to European trance. The tongue-in-cheek banger sees the pair trade verses between the track’s infectious hook. The single concludes with a maximalist outro, paying homage to Cascada, Vengaboys and Eiffel65 and hyperpop heroes SOPHIE and A.G. Cook.

CROOK explains: "this song started with the hook and I just needed to build the song from there… The US is such a force in all of our lives, pretty much wherever we live, whether we like it or not. It felt necessary to make something that poked at that a bit, while also delivering something which - on the surface - feels just as sugary as classic American pop, but which accelerates and contorts it into something which demonstrates there are so many other ways to be a popstar."

Conor Furlong, 'It’s OK To Feel Sad'

The cinematic new offering marks the third single from the singer-songwriter's upcoming album In Ruins. Opening with a kaleidoscope of synths, guitar chords, drums and distant Morrissey-sounding vocals; 'It's OK To Feel Sad' is wistful and deeply empathetic. ITV Studios granted Furlong permission to use footage from The Red Shoes in the gorgeous, nostalgic video. The prolific Dublin musician released his last album, Vibrating at the Speed of Sound, in 2020, followed by 2021's Recurring Dream.

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, 'The Deepest Breath'

The Dublin-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has announced his debut solo album, due for release on November 10th. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Alex Borwick at Hellfire Studios and at his own studio, The title track, released this week, features himself on vocals, concertina & flute; Ian Kinsella on guitar & vocals; Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz on cello & vocals; and Alex Borwick on harmonium & piano.

“I was trying to write this song for a while before I got to it," Ó Ceannabháin says of 'The Deepest Breath. "I wanted to write about art and freedom and dreams, the attack on all of these, and the need to fight for them. Ultimately what sparked it was reading about a woman called Annie who died in homeless accommodation in Churchtown, half a mile from where I grew up. She left behind her two children.

"Hyper individualistic stuff ignores the system and the social reality so many people are living in," he adds, of the "Follow your dreams" fluff. "Ultimately it promotes a vision of success that sees the individual climb the ladder, and to hell with everyone underneath. For me the song is about rejecting that, but reclaiming dreams that are deep, collective, and genuinely meaningful.”

Photo by Ríona Ní Ríagáin.

Cruel Sister, 'solaris'

Dublin newcomer Faith Nico (Cruel Sister) has shared her debut EP, featuring the previously released 'chihiro', 'too much' and 'my forever'. Fifth track 'solaris' is a mesh of shoegaze indie-rock, infusing her otherworldly, distorted vocals atop of riotous guitar noise. Nico's girls my age EP gives further insight into the complexities of her music - which she writes records and produces all herself - and comes alongside a cool DIY video for 'sister sister', which Faith filmed herself in a rainy Phoenix Park.

"I filmed this on a fucking torrential day in phoenix park with one umbrella, a camera, and a dream," Cruel Sister says. "Virgos get shit done what can i say xxx”. Nico just played her first ever Electric Picnic festival and announced her debut headline show, which will be Upstairs at Whelan's in Dublin on October 28th.

Narolane, 'Rent Free'

Produced by Boku, the new single from God Knows, Denise Chaila and MuRli (aka Narolane) is packed with inescapable energy. "These streets saw me startin'/Now you wanna act like I'm boring/Rent free in their minds when they're trollin'/I just set my eyes on the target," Chaila's gorgeous vocals open up the slick new single before her captivating rap verses enter the fray. The clapback single is all power, pride for their community and empowerment. Enriching production and bars from God Knows and MuRli only elevate the hip-hop trio to thrilling new heights. "Relatable Black excellence," as they declare on the single.

Daithí & Neil Dexter, ‘Keep It For The Next One'

Acclaimed Irish electronic musician Daithí has released his third album, I'm Here Now, today via Strange Brew. He also shares the focus track ‘Keep It For The Next One,’ featuring Neil Dexter. The dancefloor-ready pop single keeps the listener on their toes, the sublime melody transforming as buzzing, Daft Punk-esque synths come in. Dexter's debut album I'll Be Ready is due out 14th October.

The video was directed, shot, produced and edited by Daithi - starring the handsome Neil Dexter and his daughter Dolly. "Will you always love me, even when you're not around? Break it to me softly," the vocalist sings on the track's mantra. Compelling beats and uplifting synths fuse for a stunning new Daithí cut. That sci-fi-sounding electronic line threading the song together should be hung in a digital museum.

Gavin James & Sam Feldt, 'Better'

Dublin singer-songwriter Gavin has added his vocals to Dutch DJ/producer Sam Feldt's new dance/pop single. Fresh from releasing his latest album The Sweetest Part, James' voice sounds better than ever on the radio-friendly new track. "You know it's gonna hurt before it gets better," he croons. Lush electronics mingle with Gavin's crystal clear tone with ease - it won't be a surprise to see 'Better' climbing up the charts in the coming weeks. After Kygo's massively successful remix of 'Tired', DJs must have taken note of James' vocal prowess and streaming numbers.

Lea Heart, 'Happier'

Following fellow 2022 singles 'Mood', 'Perfect Opposites' and 'Taking Back My Heart', the Kildare native is back with another pop banger. Adding elements of Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Anne-Marie and Paramore to the mix, 'Happier' is a stormy anthem for pulling yourself up after getting knocked down. Aiming for national radioplay and chart success, the single has an infectious build up towards the chorus before guitar riffs not dissimilar to 'good 4 u' kick in. Her clear, powerful vocals aren't outperformed by the background noise.

EDEN, 'Call Me Back'

The Dublin producer and multi-instrumentalist (Blackrock native Jonathon Ng) has just dropped his third album ICYMI (In Case You Missed It), the follow up to 2020's no future and 2018's vertigo. Heartbreak plays a key role thematically on Ng's third effort. Opening with warped, faraway electronics before an audio clip of "What went wrong?" is introduced, EDEN expresses how he hope his past lover is gone and "lost in better days": "Running on empty, I waited years in a past life/Running out of rope and the water's high/I drowned for you and I didn't regret it/Don't text me back in the afterlife."

EDEN (pictured).

N.O.A.H, 'Stay Alive'

‘Stay Here’ was self produced by the band, with mixing and finessing by Grammy winner Ruadhri Cushnan. With this latest release, N.O.A.H indulge in all things ‘indie-synth-pop’, from groovy bass lines, 80s-inspired synths and an irresistible chorus. Amongst the noise, the lyrics tell a story of someone who observes, confronts and comforts a friend in need, offering an unconditional, selfless vow to help without recognition.

“‘Stay Here’ is a song we’ve always wanted to make, it’s musically explorative and pulls from a multitude of influences that we have never really shown before," N.O.A.H explain. The trio is made up of lifelong friends Ryan Hill, Adam Rooney, and Ronan Hynes, who came together to create the band at the start of the pandemic.

Sprints, 'Literary Mind'

The Dublin band's latest single is a rollercoaster of emotions tracing the art of falling in love as a queer person, with all the hot sweats, fever dreams, happiness, giddiness and excitement captured in the energy and pace of the song. Sprints have established themselves as a compelling voice in the rock and alternative underground scenes since their inception in 2019. Check out the stunning new video for the track, helmed by Niamh Barry. Released via Nice Swan Records and produced by Daniel Fox (Gilla Band), the track is a joyful ode to the community.

“‘Literary Mind’ is probably one of our most light-hearted songs in terms of subject matter, while still exploring something quite close to heart,” explains vocalist Karla Chubb. “It’s a real deep dive and exploration into the feeling of falling in love, particularly queer love, in which you feel like you’ve been conditioned to believe a heteronormative way of life is the only ‘right’ way to live, which leads to incredible difficulty and emotional oppression. You push these feelings down, ignoring them, praying them away even but eventually with acceptance comes a rush of emotion that you never thought you’d feel."

Junior Brother, 'The Long Meadows'

Following the release of his sophomore album The Great Irish Famine, Junior Brother has released the music video for album track 'The Long Meadows'. Ronan Kealy, under the moniker Junior Brother, has skyrocketed in popularity over the last year for his weird and wonderful music and videos, as well as his mesmerising live shows. The video features clips of Irish life, a quietly cathartic and poignant visual. Clips of derelict sites and older men playing music are interspersed.

The Great Irish Famine was produced by Julie MacLarnon and Ronan Kealy, with mixing and additional production by John 'Spud' Murphy. "And when a stream, Boy pucked hurley-ball/Into the dog's mouth/In dying, made boy bigger/That's how the hound got in us/the bed bare where river dry/Great Irish famine suit and tie," he croons on 'The Long Meadows' in his trademark tone.

Kaya T, 'Flight Mode'

24-year-old Dubliner Kaya T (Katie O'Connor) is obsessed with pop and R&B, but loves to infuse jazz into her sound. 'Flight Mode' has faultless production and soulful, multi-layered vocals paired with an addictive beat. "My phone can't take no more calls tonight, I'll save it all and set it to flight mode," she sings in honey-toned vocals before the glittering, sparkly chorus grabs the listener. It has echoes of Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa but also incorporates Kaya's own style. We'll keep our eyes on this one, she's got huge potential.

AOIBHA, 'I Know You Well'

Opening with a soft, lo-fi acoustic guitar melody before intricate textures are interwoven, AOIBHA's gripping vocals could halt anyone in their tracks. Gentle storytelling and spine-tingling harmonies make this a special debut. "I hear you softly telling me that you'll be back around again come summertime/you forget I know you well, don't be offering anything baby when you're you're leaving me," she sings. The folk-pop track uses love, distrust and loss as its core themes, but without any of the usual clichés, adding rock-edged guitar later in the song for power and drama.

Katie Kim, 'Feeding On The Metals'

After releasing 'Eraser' and 'Mona' as singles this year, alternative artist Katie Kim (Katie Sullivan) is back with new album Hour of the Ox. 'Feeding On The Metals' has a raw edge to it, adding that irrepressible magnetism that she's known for. Darkened corners, icy atmospheres and hypnotic knife edge soundscapes are Katie's bread and butter. Textured vocals above a grungy guitar riff and down-tempo drum beat grab the spotlight instantly, forcing the listener to soak in every poetic lyric. Allow yourself to be transported by her tracks to an otherworldly realm full of angst and introspection.

Kingfishr, 'eyes don't lie'

Following the release of their debut single 'flowers-fire' earlier this year, the trio have returned with an equally superb offering. Eddie, McGoo & Fitz met in college in UL in 2017. The dissolution of Eddie's
previous band elm094 gave space for the three to convene on a new project, Kingfishr. The lads grew up on Mumford and Sons and U2 and matured musically on the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Ben Howard, We Banjo 3, and Bear's Den. 'eyes don't lie' is about the duality of trying to make a relationship function. It's also the first song the trio wrote together. They did a killer job with the banjo, lyrics and epic vocals.

"'eyes don't lie' is a collection of thoughts based around the paradoxical nature of love," Fitz explains. "Breaking up with someone, while simultaneously questioning whether you it might still be possible to make it work. The duality between these two stances is ever present. Chance encounters post breakup, when a momentary glance conveys years worth of pain and regret, wishing the world would swallow you up and that you could
be anywhere else. The sorrow at how it all turned out, and the thought that in some other life you could have been happy together. A fantasy, but one you can't help but indulge yourself in."

Kingfishr.

Scattered Ashes, 'Feral'

Following on from 'This New Will', 'Feral' sees the quartet of rockers, who released their ‘Parallel Lines EP’ on blood red vinyl last year. It sold out in its first week in Rough Trade stores throughout the UK, before the band completed sell-out Dublin and London shows, alongside support with Sprints and THUMPER. Scattered Ashes come straight out of the Dublin post-punk underground that birthed Murder Capital and Fontaines DC. With their heady blend of Gothic influence and Brutalist imagery, the abrasive four-piece rapidly developed a name for themselves with their debut single ‘Love Is Not An Option’.

Frontman Robert Dalton sounds more compelling than ever on 'Feral', which steadily builds in intensity for a euphoric crescendo of a concluding. "We fall again," he repeats. "At a faster pace."

Le Boom, 'Chiqueness in Paris'

Following his Day 2 EP and scorcher sets at Electric Picnic last weekend, Le Boom is back. Ahead of his 3Olympia Theatre show in Dublin, the new single creates a new buzz around his forthcoming show as a singular act. The dance beat on 'Chiqueness in Paris' would draw anyone to the dancefloor, with skilful electronic flourishes merging areas of trance, house, disco and dance genres for electric results.

"I’ve been really inspired by the secret location parties we’ve been doing in cities around Europe- we’ve played in basements, disused warehouses and woodland areas and I want to bring all of that energy and intimacy to the 3Olympia," Christy Le Boom said of the upcoming gig. "3Olympia is so iconic, such a gorgeous place and feels like the perfect setting for our next big one. It feels like everything we’ve been doing recently is gearing towards this party and I’m absolutely buzzed for it."

Photography by Mj Smyth

The Coronas, 'If You Let Me'

The title track from the band's new 5-track EP, 'If You Let Me' is a wonderfully catchy indie-rock number with pop melodies. Produced by long-time collaborator George Murphy (Mumford & Sons, The Specials, Ellie Goulding) and mixed by Grammy award-winning Peter Katis (The National), sonically the song is the Coronas at their jaunty best. It’s the featured single from their highly-anticipated seventh album Time Stopped, which will be released on October 7th, after which the band will be embarking on a world tour with UK, EU, North American and Australian dates all in the calendar before Christmas.

"‘If You Let Me’ is a firm declaration of support, about those times when you see that someone you care about is going through a tough time and even though you know that you should wait until they ask for your help, you can’t stop yourself from telling them how you feel," the band explain, citing the Jackson 5’s ‘I’ll Be There’ as inspiration.

Listen to the playlist in full below.