M(h)aol, 'Therapy'

The tongue-in-cheek new single from the Irish punk outfit is taken from their upcoming debut album, Attachment Styles (out February 3rd via TULLE). The down-tempo track arrives alongside the announcement that the band have signed a publishing deal with Rough Trade. 'Therapy' starts with a blend of guitar riffs and charismatic melodies before lead vocalist Róisín Nic Ghearailt enters the fray with her fascinating spoken word delivery. The track follows the release of 'Asking for It', 'Bored of Men' and 'No One Ever Talks To Us' from the album as well as M(h)aol's Gender Studies EP.

"You know you really fucked me up, I don't think that you care / I should bill you for my therapy but I don't want your name on there," Róisín Nic Ghearailt declares in her usual no-fucks-given tone.

Meltybrains?, 'Ease That Mind'

The Dublin outfit have shared the final single to be shared from their upcoming new album You (out January 25th). ‘Ease That Mind’ follows ‘Space Ghetto’, ‘Worth’, and ‘Journey To/From The Meltyworld’, build around a motif from Ryuichi Sakamoto’s 1978 song 'Thousand Knives'. It was written and elaborated on over the course of seven years, forged as a collage of every different version with a maximalist approach to melody and colour. At its core, it celebrates vulnerability and loneliness as telltale signs of love.

“Ease that mind is a song borne out of separation. A bittersweet longing for a loved one or a certain comfort in sadness," Meltybrains? said of the track, which was inspired by Super Furry Animals, Yellow Magic Orchestra, and The Zombies. "The song strives toward euphoric highs bordering on mania.”

MOIO, 'SUNBEAMING'

If you're familiar with Chamomile Records' work, MOIO's production has cemented his place in the Irish and UK music landscape. He's now ready to release his own work, and it hits the mark with a summer glow. With definite hints of Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator, Kenny Beats and BROCKHAMPTON, the track morphs and evolves into a heavier beat as the vocals declare, "Bitch, I'm in my bag". As the track instructs us to dance, a more hip-hop style trap beat kicks in with epic effects. Honey-toned layered voice effects echo the textures of Blonde, some might say. Fusing easygoing fun with effortless charisma, MOIO is a huge talent to watch in 2023.

MOIO by Instagram/@louis_osullivan.

The Murder Capital, 'Return My Head'

The Dublin band have unveiled 'Return My Head', the final single to land ahead of their forthcoming second album Gigi’s Recovery (out January 20th). 'Return My Head' might be the most visceral of the singles released so far - acting as an immediate, direct slice of alt-rock that delivers both aggression and melody paired to a lyrical motif that slots firmly into the sense of reinvention surrounding the album as a whole. "I had to realign, To begin, To survive," the track opens before moulding into explosive rock riffs and raw vocals from The Murder Capital frontman James McGovern, describing the need to regain control during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

McGovern explains further on the themes: “Return My Head was written in a place of pure frustration, feeling like our sanity had been unwillingly removed through periods of isolation. All I wanted at this point was to get my head back, and to throw it away again. But on my own terms. ‘Return my head, and throw it to the crowd’”

Eiza Murphy, 'Haunted'

The rising electro-pop singer-songwriter has shared an emotional, down-tempo single, following 2022's only track 'LA' and 2021's 'Movies' and 'Bat and Ball'. The Cork native first emerged in 2020 with 'Taxi' and 'Black Hole', both of which have racked up millions of streams. 'Haunted' is a diaristic offering that digs deep into Eiza's confessional style, using the metaphor of the supernatural to describe the haunting of a past relationship in a current romance. Warm strings and steady percussion backs up Eiza's gorgeously layered, ethereal vocals. "She's stuck in these four walls and I can't compete / There's no space in this house for me," she croons before the choral-like chorus creates chills.

Five to Two feat. jarjarjr, 'Song 50,000'

The Irish jazz trio (composed of Matthew Breen, Jonah Byrne and Finn Mac Anna) have shared the second single from their upcoming sophomore album in the form of 'Song 50,000'. Featuring rapper/producer jarjarjr, the follow up to 'Moretartar!' has been released via Softboy Records (Kojaque, Brien, Kean Kavanagh, Celia Tiab). Using down-tempo drum beat and mellow piano chords, jarjarjr's declaration that “this is what it sounds like when a soul flies” emphasises the slick power of the single. Building in anticipation, the beautiful jazz elements of Five to Two pair gorgeously with the Cork rapper's flow: "You blow the wheels off the spoke tryna chase us." The three-piece's new album Talk Soon is due to land on February 17th this year, with a gig at Bello Bar in Dublin on February 18th to celebrate the project. Tickets go on sale Monday, 16th January.

Modernlove., 'Ruin Your Night'

The Louth indie-pop rockers have released yet another banger, after their hugely successful UK & Irish tour, plus viral EP releases. With more music in the pipeline as they build towards EP3 (March 24th), the boys head out on their first US tour in March, including SXSW. For fans of The 1975, Inhaler, Block Party, Laney, Foals; the Drogheda outfit provide the coming-of-age soundtrack you've always yearned to find on Spotify. Addictive choruses, soaring hooks and relatable memories; modernlove. embrace the chaotic lifestyle of 20-somethings.

"Ruin Your Night explores those times we’ve all experienced in relationships where every night inevitably blows up into a huge fight and it seems futile to ever try going out and having fun together. We all sometimes, fall victim to alcohol fuelled self-sabotage and this song attempts to capture both the fire and intensity of those nights and the quiet gentle melancholy of the mornings after. The song has a sort of sonic irony in that it’s a straight up indie dance banger about having an awful night out."

Tracy Bruen, 'What To Do'

The Galway musician and actor is showcasing delicate voice in a new, uplifting single titled ‘What To Do’. This track is the third release from the singer’s album, Waiting. Bruen's latest song blends a mix of indie-folk music with a gentle melody which brings her traditional Irish vocal to the fore. Recorded and produced by Ray Diamond, her album is set for release on January 27th. 'What To Do' reflects on the unexpected twists and turns life has to offer, and sees Tracy express a sense of uncertainty in life’s next steps, “I don’t know what to do with myself anymore/ I don't know where to shelve these dreams I hold.” Choreographed and starring Sophie Hutchinson, the single’s video is directed by Bruen's longtime collaborator, AMW Visual.

Andy White, 'I Miss You'

The Belfast troubadour is returning to the UK and Ireland with his his latest album This Garden is Only Temporary, due for release on vinyl by Floating World on January 27th, 2023. Whilst touring Canada, White met LA producer Steve Dierkens. They hit it off penned the album's tracks in both Melbourne and Belfast, featuring Andy's long-time collaborator Rod McVey on keys and Kent McRae on drums. The punk-poet musician shared 'I Miss You' from the album on all platforms on last week. The single has a jangly, electric and acoustic guitar-driven tone before Andy's nostalgic, raw vocals kick in. Embodying the best parts of Sixties influences, the talent declares: "You lift me up and then you spin me 'round / Girl I miss you / I wouldn't mind if I drifted into space / I wouldn't mind if you lived in my place." The love song is simplistic lyrically, but features plenty of jazz, blues and soul facets.

Abe Soare, 'Oasis'

The 23-year-old Limerick singer songwriter (formerly releasing under Abby Butler) is back with an earnest new offering exploring personal pain and isolation. ‘Oasis’ was written during a difficult time in Abe’s life. Struggling with depression, identity confusion, and low self-esteem - with little hope of end in sight - Soare's ‘Oasis’ was imagined. The creation of Abe's happy place gave relief and peace in a troubled time. At the centre, the song is about searching for light in darkness, seeking guidance from a "North Star" but ultimately accepting that we are the only ones that can help ourselves: "Been a cold, dark night in the desert storm / we're all weary ones 'til we know we're strong."

Speaking of the powerful, husky-voiced song, Abe Soare says “I hope Oasis reaches someone else who feels lost and reminds them that it is ok not to have all the answers. To remind them they are doing their best and that they are stronger than they ever thought they could be.” Inspired by Wallis Bird and Emma Langford, Abe won the Live 95fm Local Hero award 2021 and was shortlisted to one of the 25 acts around the country. ‘Oasis’ marks the first in the beginning of a series of exciting new releases in 2023.

Abe Soare by Brian O'Keefe.

MR PINK, 'Biggin You Up'

The guitar-led single from the alt-rock quartet starts off small, before growing to big, Red Hot Chili Pepper/Foo Fighters heights. "I been bigging you up / You keep putting me down / Now you're shooting me out / Sayin' that you're leavin' now," the track starts. MR PINK formed in May 2020 at the beginning of the Covid lockdowns, comprising Nathan Kearns on bass, Rory O'Shea on drums, Ethan Crossen on guitar and Jonah Rennicks on vocals and rhythm guitar. The independent outfit are all between the ages of 20 and 23.

MR PINK originally broke onto the music scene in Dublin with their debut single 'Beat Down, Broken' in November 2021 - later performing around Dublin with Tung In Cheek, Ahmed with Love and Chameleon as well as playing a set at Electric Picnic 2022. The rockers have released a string of singles over the last two years, curating a 90s-influenced sound. Twinges of Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Rory Gallagher, Alice In Chains and King Krule are all over 'Biggin' You Up', but the vibe is all original soul and blues.

ROC, 'Clowns (demo)'

The Dublin-based producer, filmmaker and artist has already released four critically acclaimed musical projects, but now he's back with a hard-hitting hip-hop single. "I got no love for you clowns...we grew up on the streets, education cheat / no benefits like war and peace, please / don't send me what you don't believe in / i'm a fucking nightmare and I ain't even sleeping / you're so clueless to a world beyond yours," 'Clowns (demo)' opines. R.O.C burst onto the Irish music scene in the early 00s, performing under the moniker Bitter Rocc. After releasing the second part of his MMXIII EP series exclusively with Hot Press, ROC retired from releasing music in early 2014, saying, "I just fell out of love with it". Now married and a father of two, ROC has a new perspective on life and music, and is due to release his new album Songs to Cry Alone To. The long-player will tackle themes of toxic masculinity, fatherhood, love and self worth. 'Clowns' was originally produced amd recorded to be the album's intro track, but it didn't make the cut.

"I didn't want to leave it stuck on a hard drive, I wanted to put something out to test the waters so this was a perfect introduction to the vibe I'm on at the minute," ROC tells Hot Press. The track was recorded at home during the summer, the video was shot in hos kitchen during the Christmas break in just an hour.

Leila Jane, 'Wild'

The Dublin-based alternative artist with London and Donegal roots is heavily influenced by the likes of Big Thief, Mac Demarco, Angel Olsen, Miley Cyrus and Timber Timbre. Her inspirations can be heard on new Eurosong 2023 single 'Wild', which follows her 2022 Revolve EP. Starting with an indie-pop, electronic-driven beat, her textures voice sounds heavenly on the single. Infusing visually magnetic imagery into her lyrics, Leila Jane's vocals are at their best during the anthemic chorus. She'll be doing a live performance of the track on RTE on February 3rd for the Eurovision final. The track is a barrier breaking genre for Leila as she evolves her indie blues/60s folk sound into a stunning, powerful pop realm with a serious dance banger that screams Eurovision.

Strings & Things, 'Whispers'

"I've gone insane, please get me out of here," the new single from Irish up-and-coming neo-trad band Strings & Things starts. 'Whispers' tells the story of the mind, and was written over the lockdown period of 2021. Delving into the darkness of the isolation period in "unprecedented times", the chaotic musicality epitomises the restless mental anguish we all felt. This song displays the ever evolving sound of the band and how overtime the sounds, tones and melodies composed all vary from previous releases.

“This song was a fun one to work on because the opening lyrics, ‘I've gone insane, please get me out of here’ really just summed up how a lot of people were feeling throughout all the times we were restricted to our homes and all you were left with was staring at the four walls," says percussionist Eoin Shelly. "The rest of the song just came to life after that. I didn't want a sad song, just something a bit bop-y and people could sing along to and I felt that we achieved that in the feel of the song."

Mario Mannering, 'Bad Thing'

The Donegal native has shared his debut single, which comes as the first song of a five-track EP currently in production. Inspired by the likes of Eddie Vedder and Rory Gallagher, 'Bad Thing' is about the trials we face in life and our ability to overcome them regardless of how challenging they may seem in the moment. 'Bad Thing' was recorded and produced in Stonewall Studio, Oberhausen in Bavaria by Mario Mannering alone. It was co-produced, mixed and mastered at the studios fo RadioLee.ie in Tralee, Kerry by Derek Berrill in December.

Mario Mannering hails from the small, unassuming town of Glenties up North. Mannering describes the place as holding a "big spirit - much like the music it has inspired in me". Born into a large family of brothers and sisters, Mario spent his youth steeped in music of all varieties. "A thirst that has carried me to many different places and people." 'Bad Thing' has a rock, blues edge to it, crafted without a sleek, pop production element. It maintains the live feel, focusing just on Mannering's gravelly tone and rugged guitar playing.

Kerry-Ann, 'Motion of Love'

17-year-old singer-songwriter Kerry-Ann McCreery was raised in Kilcock, Co Kildare. Having released four original songs to date, she's back after signing to a record label in the US with 'Motion of Love'. Following on from electro-pop anthems 'Cold' and 'Fire', the new offering continues with the booming pop beats and sleek honey-toned vocals. Kerry-Ann was a Junior Eurovision finalist on RTE, where her track made it to the final four songs in Ireland. McCreery has won a string of singing competitions around the country, and now she's determined to break further into the Irish scene. 'Motion of Love' has a quiet intensity, and plenty of potential for pop stardom if she finds a bigger gap in the market.

Saibh Skelly, 'So What?'

Irish teenage singer-songwriter Saibh Skelly is starting off 2023 with a thrilling, uplifting new single - as featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK playlist today. 'So What?' is the follow-up to her single 'Grow Up', which has amassed 5.5 million radio impressions to date. Her Top 10 charting debut EP Undercover Heartbreak has further put Saibh's name on the map, with Skelly just wrapping up her first Irish tour and support slot for labelmate Lyra. With 88,000 Instagram followers, six million views on her YouTube channel and 3.5 million TikTok views, her audience is only getting bigger. 'So What' has her usual addictive choruses and universal, youthful themes with massively impressive vocal runs, as per.

"I've written a lot of sad songs about heartbreak, but 'So What?' is the opposite," Saibh explains of the release. "It's about the giddy, head-over-heels rush of falling in love with the right person right now." The music video is due to premiere at 6pm today.

Richard Farrell, 'Never Been Told'

The Denmark-based Irish musician is back with a soulful new gem, showcasing his enthralling vocal chops and ear for a catchy melody. 'Never Been Told' is the first single from Farrell's new album, Bathing In Cold Water. The album was recorded and mixed by Lars Heiberg Andersen and mastered at Kasablanka Mastering, featuring an all star cast of Danish musicians. Harnessing the live ambiance, the track is all raw groove, charisma and authenticity. Talented musicians Lars Emil Riis Madsen, Spencer Gross ,Lars Heiberg Andersen and Yannik Vikingo all make appearances on the album. Singer-songwriter Richard Farrell departed Ireland in 2015, later winning three Danish Music Awards for blues with his Trainman Blues project. Richard has been writing, recording and singing for musicians and producers from all around the world under his own name and under the moniker, J Fitz.

Bonneer, 'Strangers'

Blathin O'Connor, aka Bonneer, has unleashed her powerful, stunning and haunting debut single 'Strangers' today. The Meath singer-songwriter and pianist shows off her distinctive vocals with elements of folk, classical and pop flowing throughout the new single. The track details the feeling of the fact that nobody knows what the other has gone through or is going through in life. The track was recorded in Darklands Audio with the talented Dan Doherty. Bonneer discovered her love for music at the age of four when her mother started teaching her classical piano. She was also taught violin by her late father. To date, she has written over 100 songs and has composed several pieces for piano.

“I suppose it’s about what life can do to you. How those you allow close to you will often disappoint you," O'Connor notes of 'Strangers', penned during a rough patch in the 38-year-old's life. "How the ups and downs can shape you and often change you as a person; for better or worse.”

Bonneer.

Cash Cash feat. RuthAnne, 'Anyway'

Electronic music trio Cash Cash are currently signed to Ultra Records, composed of brothers Jean Paul Makhlouf and Alex Makhlouf, as well as life-long friend Samuel Frisch. The three-piece have tapped Grammy nominated Irish singer-songwriter RuthAnne Cunningham for their explosive latest single 'Anyway'. Best known for her part in co-writing Jojo’s ‘Too Little, Too Late’, her 2022 nomination this time comes from her work on Diana Ross’ ‘I Still Believe’ from the pop legend's latest album, Thank You, which is vying for an award in Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. RuthAnne's crystal-clear vocals sound bigger than ever on the new pop collaboration, sure to make waves in the dance/pop world if it gets radioplay.

Sarah McCreedy and AOIBHA, 'garden ghosts'

McCreedy has made a name for herself in the folk/pop, acoustic world since launching her duo project, Fall Coffee Collective, with Matt McIvor. Their debut single Ribcage was nominated for the NI Music Prize. 'garden ghosts' is a single from the forthcoming debut solo album, will be released this year. The follow up to 2021 single 'Wildflower' sees her team up with fellow singer-songwriter AOIBHA, with their combined vocals creating an ethereal glow on the tranquil, beautifully made single. 
Belfast-based AOIBHA writes with a raw vulnerability that translates into soft melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Together, Sarah and AOIBHA made a fine pairing. It's the Lizzy McAlpine and Phoebe Bridgers of the North.

TraviS and Elzzz, 'BBB'

Following last week's 'F**K Off', the Gliders pair are back with a hard-hitting collaboration with an epic beat. Injecting influences from hip-hop, drill, trap and everything in between, the Nigerian-Irish duo have blistering talent that demands a major audience. We've no idea how they haven't garnered more attention on Irish isles, but their wordplay gives us chills. Full of local references and confidence, the bassline could shake the walls of any room. "Star signs give them the ick", apparently (sounds very Scorpio man to us.) 'BBB' and 'F**K Off' will be included on their 8-track project Full Circle. The Dublin-based partners' breakout song 'ICL' has been contributed to their growth since it dropped last year.

KiD V, 'La Resistance'

The Tallaght rapper released a string of five singles last year, but 'La Resistance' is blazing a new trail. With polished, clever production and fast-paced lyricism, KiD V's bars need to be heard. Irish MC Victor Williams took a hiatus a few years ago, but is back with a bang, ready to take his place as a force to be reckoned with in the business. 'La Resistance' is full of pride, trap elements and a healthy dose of ego. "On the ground with no days off / I be on the ground with no days off / I be on my knees, pray that this pays off," he flows. There's a truly hypnotic buzz about the way he uses his vocals and layers his raps, his voice is an exciting addition to 2023.

KAZMS, 'Nothing I Can Say'

The collaboration of Berlin/Dublin based Irish singer-songwriter Eoin Keely, Dublin electronic producer Ciarán Byrne and traditional Irish musician Seán Ó Casaide; KAZMS' music is a stunning blend of their individual talents. Teaming up subtle electronica of artists like Talos and James Blake with the vocal raw power of acts like Dermot Kennedy and Hozier, the trio have found the perfect gap in the market to slot in. 'Nothing I Can Say' progresses their craft even further as a single, focusing on a romantic connection that should have been put to bed long before it eventually concluded in a blaze of smoke.

"This song is a reflection on the dying embers of a seven year relationship," KAZMS describe. "One that I should have ended years before I did. I didn't have the courage, maturity and honesty to do the right thing. It is, in part, an imagined conversation between unrequited lovers. I still harbour guilt about this 8 years on. Worried that I gave reason for my partner to hold on to hope when, for me, all hope was lost. Sad that I left her in limbo for far too long and didn't let her move on. "Hope will sink a ship that never moves on"."

Adgy, 'Too Good For Your Love'

Prolific songwriter, producer, and performer Adgy (Andrew Carr) takes influence from indie-pop, EDM, and hip-hop in his tunes. His latest one is a radio-ready, booming dance-pop single aching for a massive dancefloor crowd waiting for the beat to drop. "I've learned that I'm too good for your love," he declares in the chorus, throwing in catchy electronic embellishments that stick in your brain long after the first listen. Carr is one of six acts who will battle it out to represent Ireland in Liverpool this May at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. The finalists selected will perform on a special Late Late Show on Friday, February 3, where the winner will be chosen by a combination of National Jury, International Jury, and Public vote.

‘Too Good for Your Love’ was written by ADGY as a piano ballad during the lockdown and is a collaboration with producer Boksay. The two worked together remotely in creating the final version of the high-tempo track. The Donegal producer's music career took off in 2020 when he signed a record deal for his release ‘Like You Do’ with Universal Music Group. Since then, ADGY has released music that has accumulated over 10 million streams globally across streaming platforms and radio.

Listen to the playlist in full below.