Shiv, 'Late Now'

Having freshly inked a record deal with Warner Music Ireland, the R&B/pop sensation's star is about to go stratospheric. Produced by Superparka when Shiv was in Paris, 'Late Now' kickstarts with a fast-paced, almost drum 'n' bass hip-hop beat before the musician's captivating vocals are cleverly layered on top of the warped, spellbinding vocal runs. It's a refreshing turn in a new direction for the star, whose talent is being recognised by the majors by now. It's about time. "I've been waiting patiently for the day you change your mind, baby," shiv croons on the pre-chorus. It's got the moves and shakes of '90s and early 2000s beats paired with contemporary soul and electronic flourishes. That production is squeaky clean, it's a massively exciting re-introduction to Shiv as she prepares to take over 2023. "Lay your foundations on my ancestors' grave / 'cause if you're winning you've got nothing to prove."

Archy Moor, 'I've Been'

The Dublin-raised hip-hop aficionado has released a string of singles in the last two years, with electric new anthem 'I've Been' coming after 'Have It In My Hands'. "My love, my home, is where, I've been," the chorus repeats, as the Nigerian-born rapper enlisted producer Earl Saga for the effervescent beat. Archy returns with visuals from South Korea and Japan, check out the video here. "I never played basic, I always made changes...I won't stoop to all these negative relations," he raps, his confident tone showcasing dexterous flow that demands to be heard. With enrapturing production and introspective raps about destiny, growth and the value of remembering your values, Moore is a once-in-a generation talent to watch this year. Anyone not paying attention is royally missing out.

Aby Coulibaly, 'Rewind'

If this track doesn't give you chills, we guarantee nothing will. Opening with soul-dripping vocals and a melancholic piano melody before strings kick in and a more alternative R&B-leaning beat kicks in, her voice never wavers as she delivers the punchy message. "It's just another day / hopeless I gotta stay / It’s just another day / I might just have to pray for me / Hoping for heaven’s sake / Hearts asleep I’m awake / Cold but it feels like 100 degrees / Woke up this morning, pulled down my blinds oh no no It ain’t as bad as it seems."

"Rewind is a song about looking back on a moment/time where you wish you did things differently whether that’s speak your mind more, stick up for yourself or just say something you didn’t have the courage to at the time," Aby says of the song's origins. Check out the nostalgic video below, co-directed by the Chamomile Records co-founder with Pippa Molony.

banríon, 'Departure Party'

Dublin-based indie rockers banríon are returning on February 1st with their second EP release, Dare to Crush - and Hot Press premiered their vibrant new single from the project, 'Departure Party', earlier this week. Making deserved digs at Dublin landlords, the four-piece declare: "we've no homes to go to and nothing to lose" on 'Departure Party'. The single was recorded in Meadow Lodge by Rian Trench, mixed by Chris Barry and mastered by Morgan Beausang - tracking pairs crunchy chords with a floaty lead guitar line.

Songwriter Róisín Ní Haicéid sings a Dublin ballad that attempts to summarise how the city has been making her feel, missing her friends, favourite club and now-deceased beloved dog. She manages to inserts hope into the otherwise hopeless lyrics: "There’s no point in looking back, so we just look at what’s to come, I think it’s looking pretty good, depending on how I wake up".

Sorcha Richardson, 'Jackpot (Edit)'

A pared back version of her Smiling Like An Idiot album track, 'Jackpot' is a beautiful, vulnerable song that plays to Richardson's strengths as a storyteller with an eye for fascinating melodies. Honing in on small but powerful moments in her life, the single is all about yearning for a loved one who may not be feeling the same way. Do they let it go, is it still a pure form of compassion they're feeling for each other? Applicable to friendships, romance, familial love and more; it's both universal but hugely intimate in theme. The light melodies and layers of the Dublin indie artist's soft voice on the edit make it even more unassuming yet gorgeous.

"If it's a long game then I know how to play it / That's my first name, I like the way you say it / It was just us in every crowded living room / My lost love, you know I almost kissed you on the front step," her clear vocals ring out.

Pauric O'Meara, 'come home'

The new alternative indie ballad from the Dublin-based, Tipperary-raised musician discusses personal experience with addiction and the impact it has on all involved. The story is told through the lens of a metaphorical love with a girl and the negative traits of the dependent relationship, with Pauric's trademark raw vocals and lofi guitar acoustic pop/rock production adding the necessary stark power.

"This song came from a place of vulnerability and desperation," O'Meara describes. "A long time friendship ending for reasons beyond my control or capability. Living with addiction is difficult for all involved. Unless the person in question wants to help themselves, the rest becomes obsolete. The love I had and still have for my friend will always be the same, and after years of trying to help, all that's left to do now is hope that they will find solace and 'Come Home', come back to the people who love them and live the life they deserve to live."

SAIGE, 'Emulsify'

The soulful, down-tempo new single is the third offering from Saige's forthcoming debut EP Sparks, out March 2023. It's a delicate love song; one which melds the singer-songwriter's alt-pop sensibilities with dream/pop elements to envelope the listener in dreamy sonance. Brimming with textural layering and delicate vocals, juxtaposed by a lo-fi beat and shimmering choral guitars, the song was produced by top Irish producer Chris Bubenzer of Diffusion Lab. Catch her headline show on Friday, March 24th in The Workman’s Cellar

"I think 'Emulsify' is the only non-sad love song I've written, and ironically it's my favourite," the rising talent explained. "I moved in with the right person, and being with them just made me feel so content, calm and at ease. I wrote the song about the magic in those intimate day-to-day moments living together, just enjoying being in their company."

Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, 'More'

The fast-rising Limerick indie band ave announced their debut album how are you feeling today? with Americana-tinged single 'More'. With inflections of Sam Fender, Circa Waves, Sea Girls, The Night Café and more indie stalwarts, the five-piece band's debut LP will arrive on March 10th this year.

‘More’ is a laidback offering that takes a slight detour from the bands usual upbeat indie-rock sound. Hypnotic country-esque drums are complemented by gentle picked guitars and warm saxophone lines. The lyrics of the song reflect on different snippets of Dylan Flynn’s life where himself, and others close to him, felt that there was more out there in the universe. The track touches on themes friendship, lost time and regret: "Don't give up on hope / it won't come running, you've gotta search beneath the fear."

Levi Evans and Chameleon, 'You I Think Of'

LA-based musician Levi Evans has teamed up with his friend and collaborator Matthew Harris, aka Chameleon, on a new single. Fresh from dropping the video for 'Show Me Where Your Heart Is', out last July via Rubyworks after he won the A New Local Hero competition, Chameleon's slick production matches smoothly with Evans' laidback pop vocals.

The Flavours, 'Other Song'

Four-piece band The Flavours have revealed their latest single in the form of the ultra-catchy 'Other Song'. With production from Chris O'Brien (Clannad, Westlife, Aslan), the Cork group inject influences of classic soul, funk and indie rock into the funky new track. 'Other Song' marks the first single from the outfit since 2022's 'Race to the Heart', their first in two years. The song itself takes the listener through the timeline of a relationship, from its inception to breakdown, featuring Ella Comton's mesmerising vocals.

“This breakdown of a relationship is not because the protagonists don’t love each other but because their own individual mental health isn’t at the right place to give each other what they need," The Flavours explain. "The first verse and chorus mirror the simplistic opening stages of the relationship, followed by a rhythmically and harmonically different bridge to represent changes in the protagonist's feelings. The final crescendo takes place sometime after the relationship is finished, with a retrospective horn idea mirroring the backing vocals.”

No Photos, 'Exhausted'

The Dublin indie quintet are impressing those on the Irish music scene with their addictive melodies, and 'Exhausted' continues their progress. After releasing a potential-filled mixtape last year, No Photos are working hard in the studio at the moment. Their first single of the year has a danceable alternative R&B and indie-rock groove, and delves into being stuck in a failing relationship but not wanting to leave it all behind. With infectious vocals, shimmery guitars, a catchy hook and plenty of surprises, it's a surefire banger.

"Out of breath / Chasing nothing / Running till my legs are numb and I can barely stand up / I will put my hands up like."

Bklava and Jamie Boy Bassline, 'It's Your Time'

"I feel more in control and confident now than ever before," Bklava says of 'Its Your Time' from her new EP. "The track is one for peak time dance floors. 'It’s Your Time' is about owning your emotions and letting everything go in the rave. I love nothing better than being behind the decks, or in the crowd, and noticing the ravers that are so in the moment, not caring about anything around them. They’ve got their eyes closed, throwing their hands in the air and they are just feeling it! This one’s for that exact moment."

Seba Safe, 'Afterlife'

Mike D'Alton, aka Seba Safe, has released a soothing, introspective new single in the form of 'Afterlife'. It marks the first single to be shared from his upcoming sophomore EP Rainy. Following Irish and UK touring towards the end of 2022, the new year brings new music and a great evolution from the Irish singer-songwriter. The soft vocals and hypnotic melody of 'Afterlife' are the draw, but confessional lyrics and lush instrumentation make it special. Infusing dreamy, acoustic elements to the electronics, the influence of DOPE LEMON and Big Thief shine through. There's a gorgeous gentleness about Seba Safe's words and observations.

According to the musician himself, 'Afterlife' is “a song about navigating through life after a long period of keeping to yourself and meeting up with the person who caused your break from social life."

Shane Codd, 'Same Mistake'

Electronic stomper ‘Same Mistake’ is guaranteed to be a dancefloor favourite for 2023, combining soaring vocals, with infectious melodies and euphoric drops. The single follows the Irishman's massive 2022 hits ‘Feels So Good’, ‘Rather Be Alone’, and ‘Love Me Or Let Me Go’. Amassing over 400 million streams, UK and US chart-topping anthems and huge support in his homeland, Shane Codd is at the forefront of dance production on these shores. He taps LA Vision (Marco Sissa, a Brazilian/Italian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist obsessed with UK music) and London artist BIM for the single. Having provided distinctive vocals for Elton John, Dua Lipa, Bastille and more; BIM is now making space for her rich, emotive voice and deft songwriting.

Chloë Agnew and Zapho, 'Ladies'

The Rathfarnham-based musicians have teamed up for a new collaboration yesterday, titled 'Ladies'. The X Collective members have crafted a hypnotising, groovy synth single delving further into female empowerment. 'Ladies' marks The X Collective's fourth release, and the second of Zapho and Chloë Agnew. Their debut, 'WB,' made waves in the Irish music scene in April 2021.

Zapho and Agnew met in a different songwriting camp in 2019, paired by destiny and the programme itself. 'Ladies' is a manifestation of what the friendship that was born that day, a product of their collaboration, chemistry, and experiences as women. The track also bears the vocals of Senita Appiakorang and Jess Kav, lending their artistic talent to the siren call.

The Neon Cars, 'Hold Onto It'

The Cork indie quartet have been working hard since the release of their debut single ‘When I Met You In The Summer’ back in 2020, with energetic new single 'Hold Onto It' building on their strengths. Produced by Aidan Cunningham (The Blizzards, The Scratch), the idea for the hopeful rock-driven anthem was created in early 2022. The origins of the song stemmed from a countryside bedroom in Cork, when frontman. Kevin O’Brien penciled the lyrics and music in a time of mass uncertainty and doubt.

“In times like this we don’t know what’s going to happen from one day to the next," he offers. "It’s a puzzle. You feel like giving up hope sometimes. Why am I doing this? What’s the point? They were the thoughts running around my head. Being in lockdown really made me think and I wasn’t going to let my thoughts get the better of me. I got to hold on to my dreams”.

Kill 'Em Charlie, 'Local High Roller'

Another Cork indie-rock outfit (what's in the water down there?), Kill 'Em Charlie have dropped the first single from their new upcoming EP, No Ties To The Morning - coming this Spring. 'Local High Roller' takes cues from early Kings Of Leon and Arctic Monkeys. A small town Ireland character is the subject at the lyrical centre, someone who feels like they run things as a beloved figure while being anything but. Stay tuned for an upcoming music video for the single, plus their Cyprus Avenue gig on February 17th. Produced by Triss in Youghal, the chancer anthem showcases the depth and observational style of their songwriting.

Ailsha, 'Sucker’

Emerging punk rock princess Ailsha returns with another scorcher. Playful, authentic and endlessly creative, the former makeup artist-turned-video game composer (yes, you read that right - impressive) from Wicklow is one of the most intriguing rockers to emerge from Ireland in this decade. 'Sucker' has a warped babydoll vocal that might make your head spin but the foot-stomping guitar lines and psychedelic elements are one-of-a-kind.

"Sucker' is about the emotional hangover of romantically pursuing a crush who was previously a friend and how messy and regretful a situation like that can feel," Ailsha muses. "I wanted to create a chaotic, fast-paced track that conveys the messiness of the situation, but also showcase my love of rock and video game music. I feel the track is an explosion of a bunch of fun ideas that have been waiting to burst out of me- having always been a rocker at heart, I'm really excited to finally be releasing this kind of music. I've found my sound.”

John Spillane, 'Passage West'

The renowned Irish songwriter is continuing to entwine the past and present with a brand new single, 'Passage West' - taken from his live album, In Another Light (February 3rd). ‘Passage West’ is the third single to be released and forms part of a triptych of singles and videos that are semi-autobiographical in nature. The career spanning In Another Light (1983 onwards) was recorded live with Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra and includes performances by John Spillane and Pauline Scanlon. Daniel Murphy’s orchestral interpretation is absolutely breathtaking.

Of the video for ‘Passage West’ John says: “I am immensely proud of this beautiful and tender video. Al (director) and I took off on a boat on a misty winter morning to capture it. The history of the song is linked with the main character in the video, local Passage man Walty Murphy. Walty approached me and asked me to write a song about the town where he was born and reared. I adopted the very same place as my home 25 years ago. The resulting song has travelled far and wide, been sung by many talented musicians and has come home in the most wonderful way. Every time I hear this live version with the orchestra I experience waves of emotion."

Myles McCormack, 'What I've Been Promising'

Belfast folk, trad fusion songwriter releases his second full-length album, To Better All Things, today. Album highlight 'What I've Been Promising' uses subtle fingerstyle guitar and intimate hand percussion as the explores social pressures to present a positive image and communication breakdowns within relationships. The track, co-produced with Ben McAuley, began life in a small writing room upstairs in the Oh Yeah Centre (Belfast), with drums (Conor McAuley) and some other layers being added in studios and at home during the making of the album. A similar process was taken across the record. Much of the music was recorded and mixed at home, with a combination of location and studio sessions used to balance intimacy with scale.

“I wanted this track to feel a bit off-kilter as it was inspired by peoples’ struggles with communication, but the intention is to lead towards optimism and self-betterment so it gradually becomes more groovy and eventually ends in a much more cathartic place," Myles tells Hot Press. "It is an illustration of an emotional journey; the struggle for deeper connection in an increasingly digital world and the deteriorating mental health that goes with that. So, if it feels uneasy at times that is all absolutely intentional”.

david omfg, 'note to myself'

The Arklow emo artist has released his cinematic dream-pop debut single today, and what an impact it has. Although he mainly performed as a session guitarist with bands such as modernlove. and Dog Day Afternoon, the Wicklow man has now begun writing and recording his own solo material. Harnessing specific, intimate experiences from his past and present, the progressive singer-songwriter has truly found a niche. 'note to myself' was produced alongside david's childhood friend Daniel Rooney of modernlove., who was inspired by James Blake and Bon Iver's ethereal, dreamlike method of writing as if engrossed in a non-linear memory.

"This song is basically a series of vignettes surrounding a difficult time in my life," says david omfg. "It was specifically written in a way to allow the listener to project their own experiences into the song. The details of the lyrics are vague yet oddly specific, adding a personal touch to the song as if reminiscing on a repressed memory. The song deals with difficult subject matter such as dissociative disorder and self harm, which I believe are very important topics to explore without being exploitative."

Poser, 'Letter to Dublin'

The Irish producer is finishing January with his latest single, ‘Letter to Dublin’. Following the success of his latest single, ‘Yours’, POSER is back with an emotional, heartfelt dance song inspired by Fred Again.. and DJ Seinfeld. The newcomer samples a viral TikTok poem by Alice Kiernan in the track, which describes the frustration of living in the capital city. The city we love is abandoning its youth, tearing down clubs and locking its doors to those who need accommodation, throwing away the key. This is set against a backdrop of deep, blissful pads and drums that are made for those elongated moments of club euphoria.

"The first time I heard this poem by Alice, it really resonated with me and probably the majority of the people that feel Dublin is squeezing them out," Poser tells Hot Press.

Karan Casey, 'Sister I Am Here For You'

As we await the release of album Nine Apples of Gold on February 24th, veteran Irish folk/trad singer-songwriter Karan has teamed up with singer Niamh Dunne for a stunning duet. Casey had been reading The Book of the Cailleach by Gearóid Ó Crualaoich, which is "all about an Chailleach, the wise-woman healer or hag or witch or whatever you’d like to call the amazing women of the past and present who have stood their ground," as she recalls.

Speaking of the song, Karan says “In singing the song with the fabulous Niamh Dunne I’m reminded of the profound beauty found in female friendship and camaraderie, and how much I rely on her. Sometimes listening to her singing away beside me I try not to cry. And in writing the song with Sean Óg Graham, we talked a lot about the sisterhood, about the need for a feminist song speaking to the bond that can be built through collaborating and working together, all genders, campaigning for women’s rights everywhere in the world. He has been just brilliant in helping me realise this long-time dream of mine, to write a singalong that is uplifting and joyful."

Tracy Bruen, 'Silence Crawls'

The Galway singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and spellbinding vocalist is forging a reputation for blending folk, prog and pop with classical and theatrical influences to create epic compositions of power and vulnerability. Glueing together the folk musings of Joni Mitchell and art pop of Kate Bush, her new album Waiting is an ode to love and loss, landing after her 2017 debut Mirror. 'Silence Crawls' adds the jangly rock tones of great blues artists with ethereal, clear vocals that enunciate every word. "It's the silence that draws me in, a weapon designed for a win," she croons. "And you may say sorry to me, but apologies never come free." Soaring vocals, rich instrumentation and a live presence will mean that her show at the Róisín Dubh tomorrow night should be packed out.

The Answer, 'Livin’ On The Line'

Coming hot on the heels of their latest track, Northern Irish rockers The Answer continue their comeback with the release of 'Livin’ On The Line' today. It preempts their highly anticipated new album, Sundowners, the first in seven years - due to be released on March 17th, 2023. The thumping new offering was produced and mixed by rising British rock producer Dan Weller. The video, shot in Paris, was directed by Jonny Finnis.

Says Cormac Neeson, “The song harks back to our days on the road when everything we was an incessant dash from show to show, market to market all living on the edge, fuelled by alcohol and rock ‘n’ roll! The song is about getting through one of those days when you know that just making it out the other side in once piece is achievement enough. It’s been great to make a fresh return after seven years and we’ve got that hunger and desire back.”

Cronin, 'When Everybody's Gone to Bed'

The Irish indie band, based around Mullingar brothers Jonathon and Michael Cronin, are starting off the year with an incendiary new single. The track features long-term friend and collaborator Ger Eaton on Vox Continental Organ with recording duties by Mick Cronin and Karl Odlum (The Frames, Glen Hansard) at Transmission Rooms, Drumlish. Cronin mixed 'When Everybody's Gone to Bed' in mono "to go for the old school 60s". With an EP and new album planned for later this year, touring and festival dates; Groningen's Eurosonic was just the start.

"We're channeling The Kinks, Elvis Costello and 60's garage vibes. We wanted to write a song Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf could sing," Johnny Cronin notes. "We had a mad night a few years back in the 8mm bar in Berlin and met a fellow that was a cross between Brian Ferry and Bella Lugosi. He said his name was Sebastian Melmoth which I knew was a pseudonym that Oscar Wilde took in his later years."

JyellowL and Kamakaze, 'Stepped In'

Collaborating with Leicester-born footballer-turned-rapper Kamakaze on a new hip-hop-orientated single, featuring the Kildare artist's smooth flow and fast-paced wordplay. The juxtaposition of their tones and styles over a laidback but playful beat works surprisingly well. The independent Choice Music Prize nominated rapper is hopefully preparing to release a bigger project this year, his shades of yellow EP, following 2020 DiVision, his debut album that got everyone's attention. A keen eye for teamwork, grime artist Kamakaze passes the mic back and forth to JyellowL as they trade quips and confident bars.

NEVE, 'Should've Been Us'

NEVE moved to Reading from Holywood up North for University, later finding her way quickly into the pop music scene at Ealing Studios after years of studying musical theatre and enduring classical training in Ireland. Her songwriting ability has seen her work with the likes of Anne Marie, Nicole Scherzinger and Little Mix - to name a few. New single 'Should've Been Us' was a team songwriting effort with heavyweights, and is drenched with deep sadness at the breakdown of a relationship. Warm strings and delicate piano chords underlay NEVE's gorgeous pop vocals, while the belter chorus is crafted for teary diary entries.

Speaking about the single, NEVE says: “I co-wrote this song with two incredible musicians that I am so blessed to have worked with, Mr Hudson and Maestro the Baker, both of them have Grammy’s first of all which at this stage of my career is wild that I get to make music with them. We wrote this song about that one person who even though they may not physically appear in your life anymore they never truly leave your mind. I made it very awkward by crying in the booth multiple times while recording the chorus haha but this one feels really special.”

Wild Youth, 'We Are One'

Following 2022 single 'Live Without You', the Irish pop outfit deliver another radio-ready anthem about picking yourself up after a knock. "Life can be a long road but at least we're not alone." Armed with another catchy-as-hell chorus and layered choral vocals for amplified sound and power, it's a feel good banger that emphasises muscular vocals and addictive melodies that have gotten the lads to the top of Irish charts and national radioplay. With influences ranging from Imagine Dragons, to The XX, The Script, and The 1975, the four-piece play a melodic brand of pop with electronic touches. The song wouldn't be out of a place in a coming-of-age Netflix teen movie, where the hero protagonist finally faces their demons.

Meltybrains?, 'Worth'

Years in the making, the Irish band’s new LP is about a journey of five men trying to get from one end of their 20s to the other. Injecting cinematic sci-fi and otherworldly electronics, the project was written in bursts, throwing voice memos, repetitive mantras, immersive psychedelic concepts excavating self-growth into the rollercoaster sonic mix. 'Worth' is a genre-blending experience that pulls us into the Meltybrains universe with gusto, exploring self-esteem and identity. Wild drum beats in the chorus are an epic standout.

Speaking about the new single ‘Worth’ the band says: “In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde stated that “the cynic knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing”. Worth is a song about value. About the financial value of material things and how that value differs, according to your situation. Ultimately it is a song about what is worthwhile in the contemporary world of money and material goods. It’s also a song about self-worth, which is something that no price tag can be put on. The song’s arrangement has been influenced by artists as diverse as Kanye West, Hudson Mohawke, and Hans Zimmer, it features other-worldly vocals and synths, lulling the listener into a false sense of security before the drums, bass, and strings attempt to pummel the listener into submission.”

Perlee, 'Lampshade'

Berlin-based Saramai and Cormac relocated from Ireland in 2018 to the industrial Moabit. They had the good fortune, through friends, of finding a rehearsal space on the grounds of an old hospital around the corner & began developing the sound they had first struck upon while living in the remote Irish countryside. When the pandemic hit, they had played an EP launch and were supposed to do a radio session with BBC legend Janice Long. "We had more shows lined up in Berlin and a support tour in Ireland. All postponed and then cancelled of course.”

They began to focus fully on the production of their album during lockdown. The songs were mainly written in their Berlin studio, while drummer Matt Ingram (Laura Marling, LUMP) recorded his parts in London. Matt also mixed the album, which was then mastered by Stephan Mathieu. The gorgeously dreamy single 'Lampshade' has textures of Fleetwood Mac, paired with Saramai's jaw-droppingly beautiful voice. Their melodies ebb and flow like a river, transporting us to new realms. Lush instrumentation is the cherry on top of a great new single.

Conor Miley, 'Father's Day

Wexford-based songwriter and composer Conor Miley is examining the struggles faced by single parents in Ireland on 'Father's Day'. The release follows a Hot Press premiere of the song and accompanying music video on 24th January. Following the breakup of his original project We Raise Bears, Miley discovered that he was to become a father a month after a relationship ended. Mired in a personal crisis, he threw himself into writing and recording music. The song’s intricate musical arrangement reflects Miley’s years studying classical music and jazz.

"Originally written on an acoustic guitar, I set about making an arrangement high on drama and tension, using strings, brass, and dissonance to deliver the musical punch," Conor notes of his debut. "The music complements the personal lyrics, reflecting my experience as a single parent in Ireland and the institutional and cultural obstacles where the expectation is still on one parent to do most of the child-rearing. This stone age version of parenting has added immense stress to my life where, as a responsible and loving parent, I have had to fight to be a father to my son. The lyrics were written at a time when I was not even a legal guardian to my child due to the outdated and obsolete establishment views and laws related to unmarried fathers. Being a single parent is not easy on either parent, but it should be a shared relationship with the expectation of equal responsibility. Ireland is stuck in another time when it comes to progressing this issue, one that goes against all research that confirms that children benefit most from equal access to both parents.”

AikJ, 'Ether'

The R&B sensation (Aikulola Jolayemi) has shared a down-tempo, soul-driven track full of vulnerable declarations and raw observations of his own flaws. "Sorry I'm distant, I know you tell me that you're here / But that's not what I'm trying to hear right now / I'm not sorry I was missing / I know we're supposed to be a team but this one's kind of different / Can you tell me how to fix me?" Describing how trawling through the mess in his head would drive his partner crazy, he concedes his emotions in a flow of total candid honesty. Produced by Timmy Holiday, the calm, sultry beat doesn't take away from AikJ's words, instead supporting his sonic monologue like a best friend in a time of need.

Listen to the playlist in full below.