- Music
- 24 Nov 23
Check out some of our favourite Irish releases from the week below!
Chalk, 'The Gate'
Belfast Post-punk trio Chalk mark their signing to Nice Swan Records with ‘The Gate’ – a screeching and gorgeously industrial blast of their signature brand of electronic noise rock. The much-anticipated track comes after the band were named ‘Best Live Act’ at the 2023 Northern Irish Music Prize earlier this month.
“The Gate’ is a song about the pressures that surround you,” said frontman Ross Cullen. “I wanted to create a track inspired by Locked Club or Mica Levi, something that had a type of deranged percussion playing at a 1/16 rate. We’re leaning into sampling a lot more - especially our own field recordings - sounds of public transport, and construction that we’ve built a library of.”
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Megan Nic Ruairí, 'Twenty Two'
Singer-songwriter Megan Nic Ruairí enchants audiences once again with her latest single, 'Twenty Two'. Swathed in the artist’s distinct mix of Irish traditional and modern sounds, the track explores the naivety of young love and the enduring impact it can have on one's heart, even in the absence of concrete commitment.
"My love songs are about everyone and no one and some of my stories are about nothing yet everything but I love telling these stories and allowing the melodies to work hand in hand with the piano,” said Nic Ruairí, discussing her upcoming EP Made Of Sin.
James Shannon, ‘Tough Lovin’ Dublin’
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James Shannon’s new single ‘Tough Lovin’ Dublin’ is a critique of the political and social state of modern Dublin. “This is another one I've had in the vault for a long time, however, every time I've played it live or shown it to people the response has been phenomenal. People really connect with it. Since I wrote it, it's only become more relevant and I really connect with it more as time passes. So many amazing people had a hand in bringing this song to what it is now and I can't wait to tell you all about them and the journey of this tune.”
Blue Slate, ‘Prospect’
Blue Slate have released their second single, ‘Prospect’. John Harney spoke to the fact that the song was written during a particularly dark period of time in his life, not knowing where he was going to be in a week, a month or even in years and feeling of being trapped that this circumstance evoked in him. Lyrically the band don’t feel the need to hide behind metaphor or have messages draped in flowery language, instead preferring vulnerability and to bear their souls upfront. This shoegaze track is quite the offering for being so early on in their career.
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ANOMALyS, ‘Messiah (The Line)’
ANOMALyS have released their debut single, ‘Messiah (The Line) – and what a way to kick off the band's journey. A song about “an acidic dissection of misplaced power in those that only seek to use it to further their own agendas”, it’s punchy and fun. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics lend themselves really nicely to the southern rock-tinged wall of guitars, bass and drums.
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Look To The North, ‘Disintegrating Consoles And Cartridges’
Look To The North is the "dronefolk" duo comprising David Colohan (United Bible Studies, Raising Holy Sparks) and Zachary Corsa (Nonconnah, Lost Trail).
‘Disintegrating Consoles And Cartridges’ is an eerie spoken-word piece paired with an unearthly instrumental. This song is unique and mysterious and gears the listener up for the remainder of the 4 track project, called A Shadow Homeland. It was recorded in 2021 and is a concoction of atmospheric, melancholic ambience interspersed with sparse piano, spoken word and field recordings, creating an immersive listening experience.
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Just Mustard, ‘I Am You (Space Afrika Remix)’
If you liked Just Mustard’s ‘I Am You’, which featured on their most recent album, Heart Under, Then you’re going to love this Space Afrika Remix of it. The Dundalk band originally released the tune as a single in 2021 but have now re-released it with the accompanying remix for the track's two-year anniversary. The remix is modern, electronic and well, spacey. Space Afrika stripped the song back and added an ambient, urban techno feel to it.
Picture This, ‘Call It Love’
Kildare pop four-piece have released another single, ‘Call It Love’, before the release of their upcoming album, Parked Car Conversations. The band took to Instagram to express their excitement for the new pop ballad: “We’ve been excited to share this one with you for a while and we hope you love it as much as we enjoyed creating it!”
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Laura Elizabeth Hughes, 'Pandemonium'
Laura Elizabeth Hughes’ ‘Pandemonium’ is a harrowingly ornate piano ballad - singer’s powerful vocals nestling over the tune’s gentle orchestral instrumentation.
The song is from the upcoming Hear Us Roar, a collaborative album featuring a range of Irish female artists including; ELKIN, Alicia Raye, Jackie Beverly, Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Dena Anuk$a, and Lisa Gorry .
Under the direction of Lia Lieghio of HearOne Music, the project emerged as a beacon of creativity during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Le Boom, ‘Orange Glow’
Dublin-based, Navan-bred brothers Le Boom release their latest single ‘Orange Glow’ today with a sublimely modern song which fuses high-energy dance music and spoken word to create dream-like nostalgia. The track utilises choppy vocal samples built around hard hitting percussion and inventive synth pads, with a bumping beat and cathartic sonic releases crafted for a hazy dancefloor.
Composed of Christy and Andy, the dynamic duo have come a long way since their underground secret raves, recently signing with UK label Another Rhythm. Le Boom are set to conclude their 2023 journey with a Dublin warehouse takeover tonight and tomorrow, where they will be hosting 'Pre Drinks’ at a local pub in Dublin. 2024 is looking bright for the live act as they embark on a wider European, UK and Ireland tour.
Alex Eydt, ‘The Vertigo’
Hailing from rural Ireland, 24-year-old producer and singer-songwriter Alex Eydt is a breath of fresh air on his debut single, ‘The Vertigo.’ Having only discovered music in 2020, Eydt has spent the few years since crafting his genre-defying sound – an ambitious mixture of new wave and avant-garde pop, with influences from Gorillaz to The Beatles.
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“I like it for how easy it is, it’s not trying to be a great song but it ended up being one of my favourites from the album,” shares Eydt. With a lolloping bassline and fuzzy drum beat, his vocals on the track are stony over spine-tingling techno production, cementing his distinctive yet boundless sound already. The rising Irish artist has a breakout year ahead of him, with his debut album Guardians due in February.
Micah, ‘Narcissist’
Emerging Irish pop sensation Micah continues to evolve her sound, displaying a rockier edge on her newest single ‘Narcissist,’ the Tipperary native’s most anthemic release to date. The singer’s impressive vocal talent shines bright on the infectious melody, transitioning smoothly from gutted belting to softer, subtle high notes as she delivers strikingly authentic lyrics.
The emotionally charged track delves into the complexities of dealing with difficult personalities, releasing pent-up rage with its empowering, charged chorus. "This song is coming from a place of pain, but through it, I found strength,” shares Micah of the tune. “When you're around people who say all the right things but their actions are the opposite you need to protect yourself.”
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Davie Furey, ‘The Rose of Bohermeen’
Teaming up with his former English teacher, the talented playwright Richard Ball, alt-fock mainstay Davie Furey gifts us his newest evocative folk single, ‘The Rose of Bohermeen.’ Concluding a busy year that saw the singer-songwriter tour with the legendary Paul Brady, the artist sat down to put music to Ball’s penned words, resulting in a haunting melody marked by Furey’s penchant for storytelling and arresting instrumentals.
The tune starts off soft, with buoyant, tender guitar strings, enfolding listeners within its warm caress. A love song steeped in nostalgia unfolds, which has at its centre a girl in a midnight choir. “‘The Rose of Bohermeen’ recalls an aunt I never knew who used to sing with her younger brother, my dad, at Christmas midnight mass many years ago,” Ball shares of the song’s inspiration. “It's the only story he ever told of her. She died at seventeen.”
Four Faces, ‘The Circle’
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Dublin-based indie act Four Faces release their final single of the year in the form of ‘The Circle,’ an uplifting indie folk rock anthem. Out today, the song echoes strong sentiments of friendship and comradery, accompanied by a musical arrangement that delicately builds in energy and intent throughout.
Fulfilling their potential as Whelans’ Ones to Watch this year, 2024 is already shaping up to be a busy one for the quickly rising Irish band, as they prepare to support Damien Dempsey on December 15 and 22 in Belfast and Dublin. Of their newest single, singer Dan French expresses, “We hope that ‘The Circle’ helps listeners during a difficult patch, with your own circle forming around your fire the way it did for us.”
Eleanor McEvoy, ‘South Anne St. (The Christmas Mix)’
Having once made history when she composed ‘Only A Woman’s Heart,’ the title track of the best-selling Irish album in history, Eleanor McEvoy has proven time and again that hers is a flame that can’t be stamped out. The singer-songwriter delivers a festive treat with her new single ‘South Anne St (The Christmas Mix),’ marking the season with its enchanting melody paired with McEvoy’s personal lyricism.
The tune captures a chance encounter with a former flame on a Tuesday afternoon before Christmas, ensuing awkward conversations-turned-warm moments at McDaid’s pub on Harry Street. Grammy award-winning sound engineer Ciaran Byrne, known for his work with musical legends like U2, Ed Sheeran and The Pogues, also sprinkled his magic on the tune.
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The Psychs, ‘Sweet Tooth Outlaw’
4-piece Irish band The Psychs are bringing rock ‘n roll back to the Irish scene with ‘Sweet Tooth Outlaw,’ their most recent single. The track shows a different side of the band, where they’ve taken a left turn and are galloping off into the neon sunset of the wild west to the sound of groovy riffs and electrifying bass. The tune combines elements from their musical tastes, fusing 80’s disco and country blues with their classic rock grit.
The single is released alongside a new music video shot on location at The Medley on Fleet Street, Dublin. Adam Stewart stars in his debut role as the swagger-dripped, strutting ‘Sweet Tooth Outlaw,’ who ultimately meets his tragically comic fate. The Psychs are gearing up to play Other Voices on December 2, before they headline The Workman’s Club Cellar on February 3.
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Luan Parle, ‘Forever in My Mid’
Award-winning Irish songwriter and educator Luan Parle’s latest single is a beautifully orchestrated love song, characterised by fingerpicked guitars and tasteful piano chords – Parle offers a confessional and nostalgic longing for love – capped off by her stunning vocals.
The Wicklow native’s 2020 album made the Hot Press Hot For 2020 album list and since then the singer-songwriter has gone from strength-to-strength, writing and recording with some of the world’s most acclaimed producers including the Grammy-winning Bill Bottrell and Billy Steinberg.
DOGPOND, 'Kilnamanagh Blues'
The latest musical venture from the seasoned veterans of former rock outfits Hot Sprockets and Punch Face Champion, DOGPOND brings together the best of indie, garage, rock, Blues, Folk, and lo-fi dream Pop, to cultivate a rich sound that is simultaneously distinctive yet soothingly recognisable. Conjured up on a Hammond organ in frontman Franky’s music room in Blanchardstown, the band’s latest single ‘Kilnamanagh Blues’ is a lovingly penned ode to Kilnamanagh, with infectious basslines and nostalgically blues-inflected lyricism, as Franky’s vocals fondly reminisce about days gone. "I myself as a songwriter have been hugely inspired by country, folk, and blues music.” Franky explains. “I have always valued artists that sang love songs and odes about their hometowns, or places that have significance. I thought to myself, if you can write a hit song about Louisiana or Alabama, why not write a song about a housing estate in Tallaght?”
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Paul Casey, ‘Peace Bridge’
A tender, trad-infused love song, Paul Casey’s latest track ‘Peace Bridge’ was written for him by slide guitarist Chris Rea. A “song for the times we live in,” the track is a nostalgic and wintery wash of lilting slide guitar, whistle and fiddle, with a triumphant choral closer. Having been long-time friends and collaborators ever since Casey was a teenager in Derry sending Rea tapes in the hopes of his talent being recognised, the ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ singer penned the festive track for Casey. ‘Peace Bridge’ is also accompanied by a suitably introspective music video, filmed on location against the backdrop of Derry's Peace Bridge, a powerfully evocative symbol used by Rea in the song.
The malefactors, ‘Missing Molly’
Following the release of their EP Head in Your Hands earlier this year, Dublin-based indie quartet the malefactors return with ‘Missing Molly.’ A cut steeped in shades of ‘90s alt rock, the track is a moody soundscape of driving drums, guitar fuzz and frontwoman Lucille’s powerhouse vocals. It's a suitably fiery and resonant lyrical reflection on romantic relationships and the woes of heartbreak.
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Rebūke, ‘Rise’
A frenetic rush of hypnotically pounding rave beats and wailing synths, Irish DJ Rebūke’s latest track is a rave-worthy gem of dance/electronic excellence. A breakout act forged in the white-hot atmosphere of Ireland’s vibrant underground music scene, Rebūke has captured the attention of listeners with his unique sense of creative futurism, pairing expertly crafted soundscapes of melodic techno with mind bending visuals to create an altogether singular sonic experience. ‘Rise’ is a haelstrom of fever pitch atmospherics, seeing Rebūke at the experiment with lush vocal samples, choppy instrumentation and pulsing beats. Bound to blow a few winter cobwebs off this Friday!
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Annika Kilkenny, ‘Taken Out By The Wind’
Following the release of singles ‘Look Ma I Made It’ and ‘The Middle,’ Kilkenny-based singer-songwriter Annika Kilkenny’s latest ‘Taken Out By the Wind’ is yet another warmly nostalgic and folky cut. Finding joy in penning rich and cosy songs that extend sentiments of self-acceptance and personal growth, Annika’s atmospheric lyricism and acoustic arrangements echo the confessional songwriting of artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Laufey and Emily Bear. A stirringly lo-fi wash of lyrical introspection, strummed acoustic guitar, clapped percussion and soft vocals, ‘Taken Out By The Wind’ is a wonderfully understated and intimate slice of singer-songwriter brilliance.
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Molly O’ Mahony, ‘Quietly’
Ahead of her forthcoming EP Extension, a follow-up to 2022’s The House of David, singer-songwriter Molly O’ Mahony shares the first track from the collection, ‘Quietly.’ After graduating from UCD in 2012, Molly formed the art-folk group Mongoose with three friends, wherein she honed her distinctive singing voice and songwriting abilities. Ever since, Molly has garnered critical acclaim for her dulcet vocality and striking ability to convey raw emotion through her music. A soaringly triumphant track, ‘Quietly’ sees O’ Mahony emphatically reflect on the joyous throes of head-over-heels love. “It’s a very wholesome track about first love and being madly in it. I wrote it when I was twenty-two." Accompanied by an enveloping soundscape of folk-inflected guitars, rich backing vocals and elegant piano, ‘Quietly’ perfectly showcases Molly’s powerful vocals and evocatively poetic lyricism.
Layzee Gold, ‘SHE’S NOT LEAVIN’
Wicklow indie poppers Layzee Gold are back with their fourth single of the year. ‘SHE’S NOT LEAVING’, is an earworm banger - the fun staccato guitar strokes, heavy bassline and trap beat offering an upbeat contrast to the chaotic turmoil depicted through the lyrics.
The duo, consisting of Philip and Jamie Nolan, started out by cutting their teeth in the underground EDM scene until they decided to shift their focus towards making addictive and melodic pop tunes – bearing influences of juggernauts like Sam Fender, Dermot Kennedy and The xx.
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ARXX feat. Ailbhe Reddy, ‘Baby Uh Huh’
Dubliner Ailbhe Reddy is one of the many names to feature on Brighton pop duo ARXX’s latest track ‘Baby Uh Huh’ - also contributing are Beth White, Belot, CLT DRP, crysometimes, Cherym, Ida Just, Merpire, Phoebe Green and SOFT LAD.
An infectious and powerful indie-pop anthem, the song is a charity single made in collaboration with the charity We Exist, who work in supporting trans and queer communities. "We were looking at the world around us, at all the attacks on Queer lives and in particular
Trans lives and we wanted to do something to show our support with our Queer community,” commented ARXX in a recent interview (via The Line Of Best Fit).
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Emma Noodles, ‘Sore Heart’
Fresh to the Dublin music scene, emerging Irish singer-songwriter Emma Noodle’s second release arrives with ‘Sore Heart,’ out everywhere today. “I wrote this song about heartbreak from a sister's perspective. Missing my big sister/best friend as she moved away and not being able to be there to comfort her when she was going through a difficult time,” shares the singer. “It’s also about missing your childhood, life not feeling as magical as it used to be.”
The single is released with a music video directed by the artist herself, pairing the haunting and eerie track with some stunning visuals. Noodles blends elements of soul-stirring folk into her modern songwriting, crafting an acoustic ballad with vintage production that sparkles throughout.
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Dàwna, ‘Did You Ever’
Irish rising pop artist Dàwna (taken from the Irish word Dána) has made a name for himself in the industry since moving from busking around Irish cities and towns to gaining traction on TikTok. Off the back of his debut The Mythology EP, released earlier this year, the independent artist’s newest single ‘Did You Ever’ lands today.
A big pop ballad full of smooth, soulful vocals, Dàwna’s newest track is latent with lyrical nostalgia and moving instrumentals. The emotive number follows a big year for the Nenagh native, who supported Irish headliners Hermitage Green, The Blizzard, Mundy, Susan O Neill, Ryan Sheridan and international artists like Labyrinth, along with playing magical sets at festivals like INDIEPENDENCE and Electric Picnic. It’s on an up from here for Dàwna.
Junior Brother 'The Men Who Eat Ringforts'
Irish alt-folk linchpin Junior Brother – the moniker for Kerry native Ronan Kealy – shares his newest, daring single ‘The Men Who Eat Ringforts,’ along with a thought-provoking music video. “The song recounts a scene in rural Ireland all too common today: the bulldozing of a ringfort for a coming motorway,” the singer-songwriter explains.
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The track opens up with intricate, fiery guitar, as furious instrumentals join the chorus to build a solid wall for the singer’s tense vocals to chip away at, singing in his twisted, distinct brogue. The song swarms with a storm of clashing noise and voices, as Junior Brother utilises his forthright and uncompromising songwriting spirit to call out the people behind the machines destroying us all. The release arrives ahead of his EU, UK and Ireland tour dates, including a headline, full band gig at Whelan’s, Dublin on December 23.
Ciaran Lavery, 'Shame (10 Years Later) - feat. Lydia Luce’
After sharing the sweeping melancholic ballad ‘Lovers Who Make Love (10 Years Later)’ last month to mark the ten-year anniversary of his debut album Not Nearly Dark, the award-winning Northern Irish singer-songwriter and musician Ciaran Lavery has today released a video for his new single ‘Shame (10 Years Later) - feat. Lydia Luce’. The track was originally released on his 2013 debut album. This new version, recorded entirely to tape in one session, features Nashville singer-songwriter Lydia Luce.
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Will Troy, ‘Tell You More’
Wexford Singer-songwriter, Will Troy has released his most recent single, ‘Tell You More’. The artist released his debut EP, All Our Ceiling Sees, last year and has been going from strength to strength since with a steady flow of gigs and now two stellar singles this year.
“Tell You More” was written in my bedroom when I was just 17. I never thought it would leave there. But now feels right. I hope this means something for you.”
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Niall Teague & Padraic Joyce, ‘Another Merry Christmas’
Niall Teague & Padraic Joyce have gotten into the Christmas spirit for this release. The pair have joined forces, with the help of the Contempo Quartet, for this festive offering that is sure to make you smile.
“'Another Merry Christmas' is what we’re all hoping for. Through the storms, wars, and grief, in our own lives and across the world, the thought of holding our nearest and dearest close whilst the snow falls softly amongst twinkling fairy lights never fails to sustain us through long, sometimes lonely winter nights.”
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R.F. Chaney, ‘Tropism’
The title track from R.F. Chaney’s debut album, Tropism, is a 6-minute experimental piece. Mysterious and unique, this electronic, instrumental piece is a great example of what R.F. Chaney has to offer. The Dublin-based producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist has something special and we’re excited to see what else he has up his sleeve.
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Uly, ‘Alex’
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From Uly’s new EP ‘Sometimes Sad, Sometimes Groovy’, Uly’s new single fits squarely into the latter of the two categories, featuring a funky guitar line and a neat horn accompaniment. Known as Rafino Murphy to few and Uly to his bewitched listeners, the rising Dublin singer-songwriter, has produced new song ‘Alex’ to honour his ‘very dear and old friend from when I lived another life’ on Alex’s wedding day. ‘Sometimes Sad, Sometimes Groovy’ is out today for listeners who need more than a three and half minute Uly fix.
Skies Behind, ‘So Many Ways’
Cork’s own Skies Behind has released a new midwest emo inspired track titled ‘So Many Ways’ that will leave you with a sentimental nostalgic feel. Fans of the like of Modern Baseball and The Front Bottoms are in for a fan as Ireland’s answer to these bands. "So Many Ways is a reflection on how I’ve shared different spaces with people who are no longer in my life”. Frontman Dan Sheedy shares that behind the new track lies a poignant narrative of personal discovery and emotional exploration. “I sought to recapture their essence in these familiar places, only to realise that their absence left an irreplaceable void”.
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Anamoe Drive, ‘Out Like A Light’
Anamoe Drive is the solo moniker of Thumper frontman Oisín Leahy Furlong, but is a far cry from Thumper's grunge punk, instead the solo project provides dreamy guitar lines with thoughtful lyrics. ‘Out Like a Light’ feels like a fuzzy and soft sonic experience, a soothing balm to a stressful working week. 2024 is set to be a big year for Anamoe Drive, who recently signed to Faction Records and is set to release his debut album ‘Breakfast in Bed’ with the label next year, along with a tour.
Lisa Hannigan & Jeff Russo, ‘Toxic’ [from Fargo Year 5 soundtrack]
Lisa Hannigan lends her voice to the US TV series, Fargo, yet again, having previously featured on the seventh episode of the second season with a version of "Danny Boy". This time around she has performed a rendition of Britney Spears' 'Toxic' for the fifth season. The international smash hit Britney Spears’ song has a deeply entwined history with Ireland, having allegedly been written about Laois man Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick. Of course, Hannigan puts her own ethereal spin on the beloved pop track.
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Eleanor McEvoy - South Anne St (The Christmas Mix)
If you’re feeling some festive cheer (and who isn’t with the Toy Show on tonight), then Eleanor McEvoy has just the festive audio treat for you. A remix of her nostalgic and tender track, McEvoy has added bells, whistles and horns, to give it a Christmassy revamp. This version of ‘South Anne Street’ feels like a love letter to Dublin, however, the singer-songwriter won’t be spending much of 2024 in the capital city, as she jets off for shows in Australia, Germany, The Uk and of course, a couple of gigs on the Irish circuit.
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Anna Leah ‘She’s Got This’
An homage to all things girly, ‘She’s Got This’ by 22 year old Dubliner Anna Leah is a song detailing the story of what it’s like to be a young woman working and the growing pains of early female adulthood in Ireland today. Having first released music covers from the comfort of her bedroom as a sixteen year old, Leah’s songwriting has gone from strength to strength after she began writing her own material in 2020. ‘She’s Got This’ is a testament to her gentle and beautiful songwriting practice, Anna Leah does, well and truly got this.
Fish Go Deep ‘You Came Into My Life’
House music duo Fish Go Deep, comprising of DJs Greg Dowling and Shane Johnson have released a fresh electronic track today to kick off your weekend and dance your worries away. ‘You Came Into My Life’ is a fresh new take on electro music with a sick beat and rhythm from the pair’s new album ‘What I Mean by Beautiful’. For those looking for something fun, clean, and crisp, look no further that Fish Go Deep’s new track ‘You Came Into My Life’.
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Tiz McNamara ‘Ready for Love’
A piano ballad ‘Ready for Love’ reminds listeners the importance of vulnerability in romantic affairs and provides an affirming track to listen to this Friday. The Irish singer-songwriter prides himself in creating extremely raw and honest songs and creating “sad songs for happy people” and ‘Ready for Love’ is no exception to his oeuvre. The Cork singer songwriter has created a track that will have you melting, with its androgynous vocals and melodic guitar lines.
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Paro Pablo 'You Got The Love Remix'
If you need a good bop this Friday night after a tough week, Dublin Rapper Paro Pablo has you covered with a dance remix of Florence Welsh’s ‘You Got the Love’ featuring carefully crafted rap bars over the track by the Finglas musician, bringing his working class message and raw authenticity when he sings “Who’s got the love?”. The remix comes off of Paro Pablo’s new album ‘Comfort in The Chaos’, which was released today and is available on Spotify.