New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Whenyoung, ‘Rubik’s Cube’

With a just over a month to go until new album Paragon Songs (out April 7th), married couple Aoife Power and Andrew Flood - aka Whenyoung - have shared their electrifying new single. The track is inspired by the mechanics of a Rubik’s cube, in the sense that they mind can brood over one problem until it’s solved, but there always seems to be another unsolved part of the other side.

It was composed by treating each section as a different side of the cube and each instrument as a square within that side, eventually coming to a resolution at the end. A bed of piano, synth and kick are carried along by interspersed guitar parts and soaring pop melodies. Power's propulsive, angelic sounds incredible on the bridge especially. "All these words are just pep talks to myself / I know that I'm not alone," she admits.

David Kitt & Katie Kim, 'Till The End'

Following January’s single release 'Wishing Well', Kerry-based musician David Kitt has shared double A-side 'Till the End' and 'Balances' - both featuring Katie Kim on vocals. The songs are taken from his ninth studio album Idiot Check (out 31 March via RE:WARM). The ambient, atmospheric 'Till The End' puts an eclectic experimental spin on traditional folk music. Gentle guitar twangs and musings on nature, patience and human connection make this a beguiling listen.

Of the AA-side release, Kitt says: “I decided to release ‘till the end/balances’ as a double a-side digital single because they come together on the album and they feel thematically and musically connected. They’re both abstract songs that explore commitment, memory, the miracle of endless love and the transformative powers of awe and wonder. Katie Kim's vocals on til the end really transformed the song and made it one of my favourite pieces of music that I’ve ever been involved in. Thanks Katie!”

The Florentinas, 'Weatherman'

The Bangor four-piece have had a rollercoaster year; releasing singles, 'Sandcastles' and 'It's Not In Vain' - having received support slots for Nothing But Thieves, The Amazons, Stereophonics and Snow Patrol. Entering the festival circuit last year and winning the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year award at the Northern Ireland Music Prize was just the beginning. They signed a publishing with BMG in 2020, and we're starting to hear some hook-heavy indie rock results. Fresh and fast-paced anthem 'Weatherman' has arrived ahead of the 2019-formed band's Belfast headliner on May 5th.

Paddy Boyd's vocals sound strong as the guitar-driven track introduces addictive pop melodies before a textured chorus of layered voices create a booming result. "Weatherman is a song about being realistic," The Florentinas said. "There's a fine line between positivity and burying your head in the sand. The weatherman is a figure that can tell you what you want to hear but that doesn't mean they can control the weather itself." The line "We're built to fall" describes how easy is it to get caught up in the age of overly-accessible information, most of which is entirely nonsense.

Roisin El Cherif, 'Love Again'

The Galway singer-songwriter is back with a stunning, genre-blending new single. Irish-Palestinian artist and music video director Roisin El Cherif penned the song during lockdown when the world's grief felt tangible."I wrote Love Again as a form of acceptance, inspired by the circle of life but also how grief was part of that circle," she tells Hot Press. "I hope you find kindness in my place / And I hope you never question what she says," El Cherif sings on the chorus, with impressive, gentle vocal strength. "And if sadness is a blessing / You’ve had your taste / And we’ll both learn to love again."

The song and video explore the musings of grief and letting go, produced, mixed and mastered by South African producers Evan Raffles and Jordan Simons. Ultimately, it traces memories of pain and love but concludes with the epiphany that healing will surely take place. "In a world where everything is connected, everything is timeless and where memories and dreams are one; recollections of time are precious," a press release reads.

I Have A Tribe, 'Oh Man'

Patrick O’Laoghaire has unveiled his new I Have A Tribe single ‘Oh Man’ - taken from his upcoming second album Changing of the Guard (out May 26th). The follow up to November 2022's 'Teddy's Song' is an uplifting folk-pop offering that distils earnestness and groove into one powerful gesture from Ireland’s west coast. O'Laoghaire’s warm voice floats atop of playful instrumentation and clap percussion sounds. "Take a good look at this face, I think it's changing / Take a good look at this place, I think I'm leaving," he opens the track, which dives into confusion at your life path ahead. Patrick's gorgeous dog Teddy appears in the new video for 'Oh Man', too.

Patrick says of his new single: “‘Oh Man’ is a song about that human experience of uncertainty, when you say to someone - 'tell me what to do.' Or, when you ask it of yourself… and listen for the answer.”

Cian Nugent, 'High Up Airplane'

The Irish guitarist has announced his new album She Brings Me Back To The Land Of The Living - due to arrive on May 5th via US label No Quarter - with lead single 'High Up Airplane'. The album title was inspired by his mother, Kathy, who was then recovering from a stroke and experiencing aphasia (difficulty with speech) during the time of the album's writing. The jangly blues-rock new single adds sprinkles of folk and country in a down-tempo groove. Simplistic lyricism but excellent storytelling is at the centre.

In 2020 Nugent moved back into his family home in Dublin to care for his mother. She began saying: “she brings me back to the land of the living” seemingly out of nowhere and with little knowledge of its origin or meaning. "It stuck with me," says Cian. "The songs here act as a way of processing change and accepting new futures." Seven years since Nugent's last album Night Fiction, Cian will perform at Whelan's and Workman's Cellar later this year.

Podge Lane, 'Too Late'

The Cork alt-country artist has dropped final single from his upcoming sophomore album Common Country Misconceptions, which is out March 10th Via Teip Records. 'Too Late' takes inspiration from The Avett Brothers and Nathaniel Rateliff, with twanging banjo hits and Lane's personal, comedy-tinged lyrics. Raw vocals, sharp guitars and a chugging riff burrowing into your ear are all key components of the authentic track, which turns the focus inwards at your own flaws and mistakes in a connection to someone you care deeply about. It essentially flips the silent country masculine singer trope and turns it on its head.

Lane comments on the song, “It’s a song examining your own faults in a relationship and how you can look back on those moments, instead of sweeping them under the rug, and actually talk honestly about them, and learn. I wanted to take the trope of the stoic hero in country music who is strong and silent and show that there’s strength in talking and owning your actions.” Lane will be performing an album launch show in Cork's Winthrop Avenue on March 10th.

Sam Segurado, 'JJ'

The Irish-Portuguese artist has penned a thoughtful ode to the women in his life, and their ability to fight back through struggles. Some of the lyrics reference some pretty dark topics, which are slightly at odds with the melodies, but it's catchy as hell. Moving from Cambridge to Paris and Dublin to St. Petersburg, music was the only constant in his life that kept him grounded during his upbringing. He's gearing up to release the follow up to 2017's debut album Looking for the Fox with The Remainder, featuring new single 'JJ'. The guitar and synth filled indie-pop anthem showcases Sam's full musical potential, injecting hook-filled guitar chords, thumping drums and stylish production from Stephen Lovatt and Shane Becker.

Sam describes 'JJ' as “one of the earliest songs written for the album. It may sound hackneyed as hell, but I wrote this song for the women I know, and the women I don’t. It’s theirs now. Whether they want it or not” Segurado laughs, and further elaborates: “An ode to the strength of women, to their experiences, a drop in the ocean of their pain. We can surround ourselves in darkness for protection, but that leaves us in the dark.”

Orwells '84, 'It's What They Want'

The Dundalk alternative-folk band have shared an infectious first single from the bands upcoming debut album - which will be released this spring/summer. The band found previous success with their debut single 'Cailin', with their latest '60s-influenced offering holding down twinges of The Beatles, Motown, Bob Dylan and the Byrds. Lyrically, Damien (McKenna) questions whether love and loss is the meaning of life. Their indie-folk style has definite pop stylings, we're curious about whether their debut album and follow up to Truth is the First Victim EP will maintain the current melodic pattern or go down a different route. Either way, they're certainly easy on the ear.

Bailey333, 'Fairytales Are Nightmares'

Produced by Cork-born, LA-based singer-songwriter Lenii, her crisp beats and snappy melodies are all over Bailey333's new track. Co-written by the artist, Lenii and Bill Maybury (best-known for writing with Cian Ducrot and Ryan Mack), 'Fairytales Are Nightmares' has a keen trap influence. "Told her I'm a Pisces now she wanna swing by," is a standout lyric for us. "Think I wanna be her only fan."

'Monsters In My Head' and 'Anymore' started a fire in his native Ireland, burning up the airwaves with over 500 plays across the nation. Bailey333 has already racked up an impressive nine million TikTok views across the two singles for the slick production and The Kid LAROI-esque vocals.

Karan Casey, 'Daughter Dear'

A beautiful, down-tempo duet with Ríoghnach Connolly, 'Daughter Dear' will make you grab the phone and call your matriarch within seconds. Haunting strings, gentle piano and melancholic harmonies comprise the album track from Casey's latest opus, Nine Apples of Gold. "I am lying here daughter dear, I have something that I wish to whisper in your small, round ear...Mama I don't like it when you're not here." The pair's crystal clear voices combine in perfect tandem, enunciating every earnest word of the song.

SAL, 'Red Wine'

Cork-based Sarah Ryan (aka SAL) is originally from Kildare, but has been crafting her tunes in Ireland's southwest for a while now. Her wispy vocals on down-track new single 'Red Wine' are fascinating as ever. Having signed with Charlie B Management in London, the folk-pop singer-songwriter's career is on the up. 'Red Wine' was penned specifically to tug on the heartstrings. The emotional track features a vibrant melting pot of impactful bass lines, understated acoustic guitars and accompanying slide guitars that ebb and flow.

Speaking about the single, SAL says: “I wrote 'Red Wine' in the depths of winter by candlelight. It's a song about struggling to let go and facing a painful truth. A longing to hold on to how things used to be and knowing that the weight of love you have for someone might always feel like an indulgence but it's all that you know. The song fell out of me effortlessly, it almost felt like the song was waiting for me to write it."

Lisa Murray, 'Stuck on You'

The brilliant ‘Stuck on You’ was recorded at Chamber Studio in Edinburgh as part of Lisa’s upcoming debut EP Empty Heart. The EP was produced by Lisa in collaboration with recording and mix engineer Graeme Young. Lisa also worked with bassist Mandy Clarke, drummer Davide Rinaldi and guitarist Marty Hailey to bring this pop/rock sound to life. It marks the second release from the EP, after November 2022's ‘Woman In A World’. The anthem encapsulates the feeling of knowing you’re better off without someone, but still being infatuated with them.

“I wrote ‘Stuck on You’ a number of years ago. When the idea came to me, I sat down and wrote it in about 15 minutes. Even though it’s an older song of mine, it’s one that was constantly turning around in my head. When I was deciding on a track list for the Empty Heart EP I knew I wanted to include it. I’m really thrilled with how the production and video came together to bring the track to life!”

Elaine Malone, 'Nothing Is Real'

The Limerick native has immersed herself in Cork's DIY scene for a couple of years, this week sharing a down-tempo psych-rock new single and video directed by M(h)aol's Zoe Greenway. Elements of 90s grunge, shoegaze, country, and psych-rock all scatter around 'Nothing is Real', which landed through Pizza Pizza Records. Jimmy Christie, Sam Clague, and Ruairi Dale instrumentally support Malone on the single, which will appear on her forthcoming album. Woozy guitar rhythms and faraway, layered vocals emphasise the diaristic introspective nature of Elaine's unique storytelling abilities.

In the years since her debut, Malone has continued to push boundaries and expand her musical repertoire, releasing two albums as the experimental folk-horror project Mantua and participating in several other musical projects, including punk outfit Land Crabs and Krautrock-led Soft Focus.

Lia, 'The One (not)'

The rising musician (Lia Hartnett) has released her debut single today, after being chosen as one of the finalists in Cork's 96FM Local Hero Talent Search for Irish Music Month 2023. Taking influence from the likes of Chaka Khan and Amy Winehouse, the 23-year-old pop/R&B artist articulates the experiences of being in your twenties with infectious rigour. "I saw you kiss her from across the bar / I didn't think that you'd go this far to prove that you're over me," LIA starts.

As you might have guessed, 'The One (not)' depicts a modern-day romance gone wrong. Unapologetic lyrics, catchy melodies and passionate vocals fuse to depict finding your self-worth post-breakup. Produced by Cian Sweeney of 1000 Beasts, ‘The One (not)’ is the perfect blend of slick textured pop with electronic production. These vibrant Cork creatives aren't taking their foot off the gas anytime soon...

Dubh Lee, 'Low Again'

The Irish guitarist and singer-songwriter has shared a debut single, following 2020's 'Carousel'. Lee's ability to narrate a story from her own perspective or a fictional tale of another's woe is admirable. "Your message from your bed gave me a little chill / You messaged, having trouble swallowing your pills / Your tapping fingers are just searching for a friend / You only message when you're feeling low again," she drawls. Dubh first emerged on the Dublin music scene in 2018 with her residency in The International Bar.

With wide-ranging influences from folk, blues and rock and an unadorned, honest vocal style, she writes songs that examine excess, ennui, heartache and womanhood. Her debut EP, Animals and Friends, will be released on 28th April 2023. Mellow indie-folk tune 'Low Again' explores how we seek each other out online for comfort and distraction. “I go on to deride my own online behaviour," Lee says.

Niamh McKinney, 'Up and Ran'

Written with her partner Stephen McKinney, singer-songwriter Niamh sounds amazing on indie-folk track 'Up and Ran'. "This is how I unravel / The sun a-parallel to me / Blades of sand are flying / The sculptor working his blade / Burning cold / Burning cold, he is," she croons atop of a gentle acoustic guitar line and delicate percussion oozing warmth. A steady drum beat and textured vocals support her storytelling and poetic lyrics, which describe the freedom-seeking feeling of escaping demons, embracing nature and exploring the world around you. The final chants of "Evil had me by the ears / then let go and I up and ran" will give you goosebumps.

Echotal, 'Serrated Dream'

Echotal – the collaborative vehicle established by David Rooney and Torsten Kinsella of God Is An Astronaut – have released a new single. An instrumental, the track is accompanied by a remarkable video, shot using a Victorian camera lens. Along with producing and mixing duties, Torsten wrote and played both acoustic and electric guitar parts. He is joined on the track by his brother and Co-GIAA founder Niels Kinsella on bass.

Torsten sees the emphasis on instrumentals as key to this Echotal release. “With the first EP, I felt – by the end – that we may have strayed too far away from the original concept by adding in the vocal songs. It was two totally different styles, aimed at totally different audiences. I feel that ‘Serrated Dream’ gets us back into the right frame. Towards the end of the recording, we added bass guitar to give the instrumentals a bit more weight – but it was important for it not be too busy and to honour the minimalist approach we had taken. Niels instinctively knew what was needed."

Hi Vista, 'Take Me Away'

Julianne Murray (Rumi) and Kevin Gubbins (Kubb_) feature on new project Hi Vista. The new tracks are inspired by their interest in exploring and writing in diverse genres from French House to Ambient to Indie Pop whilst the subject matter of the songs deals with themes of love, loss, life and everything in between. Kevin began work on the track back in 2021 in Athens, during the height of their major heatwave. That feeling of freedom is effortlessly encapsulated in the electronic track. The results are hypnotic, fun and effervescent.

Julianne says: “Take Me Away was fun to work on from the start. When Kevin sent me the early version of the track I instantly vibed with it and knew I wanted to do something with it; in fact I didn’t even ask him. I basically said “I’m doing vocals for this!”. I think it makes you feel free when you listen to it - like you’re dancing on a beach somewhere during sunset, or in a club somewhere in Europe."

Mob Wife, 'The Oil In It'

The band's frenetic new single is their first track since their award-nominated debut album Eat With Your Eyes. Composed of vocalist and guitarist Leckey, bassist and producer Carl Small, and drummer Wilson Davidson, the trio is ready and raring to go forward with new ventures after earning a NI Music Prize nomination. Frustration at issues like cost of living prices, home ownership and more add to the frustration at the core of 'The Oil In It' while bands like Dismemberment Plan and Blur inspired the sonic headspace.

"'The Oil In It' was written sitting in front of my laptop working from home looking at news articles about how I'll never be able to afford anything that previous generations had at my age while my work was commenting on my progression," Leckley said. "It's a song about the stunting of progression with an optimism for the future but anger towards those in power.”

Actrese, ‘Mind Your Love'

The singer-songwriter's new single is all lush electronics and simple flourishes that create a bewitching headspace. "I want to enjoy a single day with you, as if it wasn't the last / I am not asking for permission to feel," she starts. The follow up to 'Vivid But Vague' is immersive, alt-pop goodness that takes notes out of Romy from the XX's book. Actrese is based in London, we hear, but hopefully she'll build up a presence on the Irish scene soon. We first noticed her when she dropped her 2016 EP CALABASAS. If The Weeknd's Dawn FM and Lana Del Rey merged electro-pop with indie, that's where Actrese lies.

 

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Feather Beds, 'Really Disney'

The solo project of Dublin-born, London-based artist/producer Michael Orange (Feather Beds) announced his third full-length album Softer Measures with his new single ‘Really Disney’ this week. The accompanying music video, animated by Orange himself, also arrived. If Yo La Tengo, Andy Shauf, Cornelius, and The Microphones is on your Spotify playlists, 'Really Disney' is for you. Dreamy, playful piano and forlorn trumpet creates a subtly surreal space.

“It's about what is real and what isn't. The version of ourselves we present over reality,” Orange says of ‘Really Disney’. "I knew I wanted to do something with black on white as a primary aesthetic. I spent a few months making graphics and trying bits and pieces of 2D animation and really just experimenting with visuals that were coming into my head that I felt worked with the track."

Paper Tides, 'Home'

The indie-folk sibling duo features Odhran Murphy and Sionán Hanratty. New single 'Home' is uplifting, perfectly paced and features a duet of strong vocals from the pop-driven pair. Armagh musican Odhran was recently stunned to hear his self-penned track featuring on Love Island. Radio-ready single 'Home', meanwhile', fuses the best of each sibling's talent, while maintaining steady, soaring harmonies throughout. It has plenty of echoes of Kodaline and Philip Magee's production handiwork in its DNA of influences.

RÓGAN, 'Dazed & Confused'

Following two 2019 singles, 'Run it Down' and 'Different With It', ROGÁN returns with a sultry new banger - featuring KYNA. A self deprecating approach to dealing with heartbreak complimented by subtle, yet catchy production from WHSPR, KYNA.'s honey-toned voice offer a smooth juxtaposition from RÓGAN's carefree attitude. Most of the song's creation took place in WHSPR's bedroom studio – including writing, production, and recording. "I missed a few appointments, I ain't never missed an ex," ROGÁN raps, in his usual laidback monotone. "You win some, you lose some, six fights in a gunfight."

 

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T.A. Narrative, 'If I Was A Man'

The rising pair's new single was recorded and produced in SASP studios by T.A. Narrative, with mixing and additional production by Ian Ring. Drawing influences from post-punk, electronic, and sparkly pop music (from Fugazi to Carly Rae Jepsen), their authenticity and free expression of creativity is hugely exciting. The follow up to 2021's 'Braver' starts off with a pulsing drum beat before electric guitar riffs change it up. The lyrics don't hold anything back, but the addictive melodies allow the listener to embrace the tune. "If I was a man, would you respect me? Would you put on an act and portray a striking false performance?"

"This track is challenging to sum up... It is a reflection of the struggles we still face as a society. Our rights are constantly progressing and regressing. It’s a way to mark and archive where we have come from. We can highlight what we have and haven't achieved and what we can hope to strive for and celebrate in our future."

BENJAMYN, 'Sunrise'

Taken from the electronic act's new album FLOW, 'Sunrise' is a gorgeously lush opener. "I let you down too many times but you were always on my mind," he confesses, showing vulnerability within the dance beats. "You were the one - you were my soul and my sunrise." FLOW is a collection of songs written, recorded, and produced by Dublin-based Ben Hogan (aka BENJAMYN) during the two years of Covid restrictions and lockdowns. The album is a homage to his adult years this far, with themes of love, loss, existentialism, and finding his flow.

“This album isn’t an attempt at making a load of hit songs, it’s me being really raw and pure, and attempting to tell my story. I only hope that it sets a colour palette of who I am, and who I might become,” says Ben.

Amble, 'Mariner Boy'

With inspiration from John Prine, Ye Vagabonds, Paolo Nutini, Talos and more; this folk three-piece (Ross, Robbie and Oisín) are making a fine introduction to the scene with the beautiful 'Mariner Boy'. Armed with twinkling, finger-plucking and delicate guitar melodies that immediately evoke a sense of calm, the trio tell the story stunningly with sprinkled, spine-tingling harmonies. Recorded with Daniel de Burca, Amble are playing their first headline show in Workman's on April 8th and have an EP in the works. "Saving my flowers away for you / though it's homeward I know I should be / summer is gone, and the birds they have flown on the winds of the migrating sea...dark hair entwined down her magical spine / yes I'll always remember her name." OOF that's good. Keep an eye on these lads.

Shoresheh, 'Crescent Shore'

George Hutton's new moniker brings a new single, following on from 2022's 'Rays of Gold', 'Safe and Sound', 'Some Kind of Noise' and more. Shoresheh's jaw-dropping vocals are at the forefront of the track, layered atop a simple piano chord and electronic flourishes in the background. The video and song touches on events Hutton's family went through during the Troubles and the amazing resilience his parents had to raise nine children during all the trials and tribulations.

"I grew up here, wouldn't change it for the world," he sings. 'Crescent Shore' is a story of loss, fear and resilience. The emphasis is firmly on hope, healing and moving forward together - created in memory of all the friends and families displaced during the Troubles."

Enda Gallery, 'Take My Hand'

"I will always be your friend / When I think of your love I'm free...and I know how lucky I've been," the musician sings on his simplistic but earnest new track. "So long I've wasted never tasting the sun." Sweeping piano chords and warm backing instrumentation are laid on thick before the stunning chorus, declaring friendship and love as the pinnacle of heaven. The video is equally breathtaking, out now via Welcome to the World. If one of our pals wrote a song half this breathtaking for us, we'd probably cry an ocean. His debut album The Journey to Zero arrived in 2021, so hopefully we're going to get another full-length soon.

7th Obi, 'heartrender'

Following fellow 2023 single 'replace me' is a hugely compelling new hip-hop banger, full of warped vocals and electronic embellishments. The Irish-Nigerian artist adds plenty of trap flourishes and heavy basslines for an anthem that belongs in any club in the country. With a hugely melodic flow and epic production, the influence of American hip-hop artists couldn't be clearer. The Waterford-based sensation first emerged in 2018 with 'Taxi Club', and has gone from strength to strength ever since. We're (not so) patiently waiting on another full-length, after 2021's Love & Goodluck.

Gaff, 'right here waiting'

The first we've heard from Gaff since 2021's 'Friday on a Tuesday', and a string of singles across 2019 and 2020, Gaff's sound retains its DIY quality but there's still that magical, insanely catchy pace. The Roscommon native's style of music lives in the cracks between indie, pop, trap, alternative and hip-hop. As usual, he's playful and doesn't hold much back in his relaxed, conversational lyrical style. "Now I'm drinking in the day / Stuck inside man, can't get away...Fuck the news, I'm getting sick of it," he declares. He's got vocal tones and guitar lines in common with Dominic Fike, Dreamer Boy, Thomas Headon and Oscar Welsh, but with a unique flavour of his own. Does this mean his EP is coming?

Kesan, 'outspoken'

Following three singles in 2022 and 2021's 'Indigo' and 'Listen', Kesan returns with a compelling electro-pop offering. Galway native Mark Veerasingam, aka Kesan, merges heavy beats with sparkling synths and textured vocals. Meticulously crafted production skills comes from his current degree, where he's studying Electronic and Software Engineering. He finds inspiration from vorsa, amy michelle and Johnny Goth. "I wish I never spoke," he repeats on 'outspoken'. "Keep my mouth tightly closed."

The Ocelots, 'Basket Case'

The project was originally created by twins Ashley and Brandon Watson in Wexford, Ireland but they now reside in Leipzig. New tune 'Basket Case' is about "moving places and obtaining furniture", according to the pair. Following on from 2022 single 'Addlepated' and 2021's 'The Time We Need To Decide', the down-tempo new single retains their merged vocals and folk storytelling. "I've been walking around with you / Talking about the past in ways brand new / I've been writing differently / Maybe it's living a new country / The move has brought the child in me / The child has brought the move in me."

Saoirse, 'Mind Energy'

Arriving after last year's Two Bruised Egos EP, DJ and producer Saoirse returns with a shimmering electronic track. The trUst label boss and Body Movements festival co-director has worked hard to cement her reputation as a respected generational electronic artist, and 'Mind Energy' proves it. Speaking about the track to DJ Mag, Saoirse said: “I wanted to write something that was touching on elements of electronic music influences within my childhood, elated and positive, an energy that creates smiles on a dancefloor. The house anthem with some classic trance facets encapsulates freedom and joy from the Dubliner, much like her name.

 

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O'SULLIVAN, 'I/O'

With his latest acoustic/indie guitar melody, O'SULLIVAN is taking a new route from previous effort 'Could you be the Breeze'. The prolific Irishman (Ian O'Sullivan), who started his music career in Hungary, kickstarts the song with a steady but slow finger plucking chord before percussion begins to flesh out the tune itself. Though it's without lyrics, the clever interweaving of guitar melodies - both acoustic and electric - is thrilling to hear. Mingle electronic kicks, it creates almost a cinematic score atmosphere.

lowkick & Cal, 'Tenshin'

Dublin=based trio lowkick have tapped Cal for their newest single, blending traditional hip-hop with neosoul and jazz with exciting, groovy consequences. They're a breath of fresh air in the Irish rap scene. "I'm like a bird with a worm when I'm lookin' for clout / I'm in the 'burbs looking nervous / Cause it's stuck in my throat / I'm in the same place." Dexterous collaborators, the friends met in their school days and have promised to make music together 'til the bitter end. With all their beats made in-house, their smooth sound and funky flow is an ace up their sleeve.

Listen to the playlist in full below.