Seán Mulrooney, ‘No Two Sides’

‘No Two Sides’ is a clarion call for compassion and peace. It is a reminder of our collective humanity and a deliberate naming of that which so many are failing to name; genocide. “I want the perpetrators and conspirators of this genocide to hear our message loud and clear; 'Even with the violence, we will not be silenced. Our love is greater than fear'.”

All profits from the single will go to PCRF(Palestine Children's Relief Fund).

Mulrooney says “We are hoping that people across Ireland and the world will support this single and help it reach #2 in the Irish charts. Please buy on iTunes or Bandcamp from Friday, December 15 to ensure it charts and please share widely.”

Seán Mulrooney

Lou McMahon and Terry Woods, ‘Sabai’

Returning to the studio with legendary Pogues member Terry woods, singer-songwriter Lou McMahon’s latest single ‘Sabai’ is an enchantingly atmospheric sonic tapestry of folky mysticism – commemorating two decades of musical collaboration for the duo. An evocatively enveloping cut, ‘Sabai’ is anchored by Lou’s haunting vocals, Wood’s virtuosic stylings on a custom Veillette guitar completing the picture, as the pair speak to sorrow, loss, and reconciliation.

The track has been released to coincide with McMahon’s 40^th birthday: "I don't care for fancy gifts or parties, the greatest gift I could ever want is the gift of music, and that's why we are releasing Sabai on this day,” says Lou. Essential listening for Irish music aficionados this Friday…

Lou McMahon

Curtisy, ‘Tree Sap’

Dublin rapper Curtisy has been taking the Irish music scene by storm. His latest offering, ‘Tree Sap’ sees the artist showcase his laid-back style and seamless lyrical flow, balancing self-deprecation with tongue-in-cheek humour.

“This song has themes of addiction, love, deception, all things I was experiencing at the time. It’s a diary entry with no rules. This song was just for me originally, to understand my thoughts but after our first listen back to this song, HIKII and I both felt that this track was different and we’re excited to see if people agree.”

Curtisy at the 3Olympia Theatre. Copyright Sofia Urrutia/hotpress.com

Varley, ‘Extra’

Completing a stellar gauntlet of 2023 singles, ‘Extra’ is the newest track from Dublin/Berlin indie-pop trio Varley. Since their 2021 studio debut Smalltalk and DMCs, the band have delighted listeners with a stream of beautifully resonant singles, such as ‘Biggest Lie Of The Century,’ ‘Hate Myself (So Much Sometimes)’ and last month’s ‘Footsteps.’ Citing the likes of indie-folk royalty like Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers, Varley’s latest is a rich, atmospheric soundscape of warm synth, lush vocals, and cathartically confessional lyricism – as Dublin-native Claire-Ann Varley hauntingly reflects on the raw emotional turmoil of a failed relationship.

 

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Larissa Tormey, 'In The Bleak Midwinter'

The latest from Westmeath-based singer-songwriter Larissa Tormey, ‘In The Bleak Midwinter,’ sees the classically trained vocalist turn her hand to the classic Rossetti/Holst winter carol. A suitably powerhouse display of vocal capability, it’s an icy, melancholy-tinged new spin on a well-known classic, deftly reinterpreted with stirring shades of modern musical flair. Perfect listening for a chilly winter’s night.

Larissa Tormey, 'In The Bleak Midwinter'

Underworld and KETTAMA, ‘g-town euphoria (luna) [edit]’

Galway DJ and Producer KETTAMA and electronic music group Underworld have joined forces for this floor-filling techno banger. It’s no surprise that this collaboration is electric.
KETTAMA took to Instagram to describe working with the duo: “two of the most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and to make music with them is a serious pinch myself moment, g-town euphoria is out now everywhere and I hope you all like it as much as we did making it”

 

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Really Good Time, ‘Mountain of Spit (Arveene’s Spitting Fire Edit)’

Dublin, post-crunk band, Really Good Time have teamed up with Irish DJ and producer Arveene for a hypnotic version of ‘Mountain of Spit’. Originally released in September, the new remix of the tune adds a funky new vibe to the already catchy tune. Really Good Time has found the perfect balance of chaos and melodious perfection. Their anthemic bangers stick with you and Arveenes stamp on the track adds a whole other layer.

 

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WILDES, ‘heartbreak is silent’

WILDES is the recording project of London-based Anglo-Irish musician and producer Ella Walker, who released her debut album Other Words Fail Me in January this year to a wave of critical acclaim. After being compared to Lana Del Rey and Angel Olsen, she must be doing something right. ‘heartbreak is silent’ is the lead single of her next EP, Subsidence, which is set for release in March 2024. "The EP centres around the abrupt end of a loving relationship that left me quite devastated and shocked," WILDES explains. The new project is led by the new single "heartbreak is silent", a suitably subtle, oscillating song dutifully capturing her fractured emotions post-breakup.

WILDES (Photo Credit: Alina Zum Hebel)

Monjola, ‘I’ll Be There’

Fresh from touring alongside Kojaque across Europe, The UK and Ireland, Monjola returns with another addition to his steadily growing discography with ‘I’LL BE THERE’. A beat which ebbs between garage and trap underlines the R&B artist’s upliftingly reassuring lyrics – tied together with swooning backing vocals and addictive synth licks.

The track features on his mini-EP WHILE YOU WAIT alongside the previously released singles ‘WOOWOO’ and ‘AM I TOO MUCH’, capping off another characteristically prolific year for the Chamomile Club member.

Monjola supporting Kojaque at Set Theatre Kilkenny. Copyright Trevor McGrath.

Becky McNeice and Alicia Raye, ‘ Far Away’

Belfast songwriter/producer Becky McNeice teams up with Cameroonian Irish artist Alicia Raye on “Ireland’s first-ever female collaborative EP” Love Letters.

Brimming with the feminine energy which defines the project, ‘Far Away’ is a dreamily produced pop number, with slick electronic piano complimented by an exotic-sounding beat. The vocals fall between R&B and Hip-Hop, with McNeice’s sensitive, self-doubting verses juxtaposing nicely with Raye’s confident delivery.

“This one feels different,” said McNeice on Instagram. “No Skips, No Fillers, No fking about".

 

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Nile Ezra feat. St Sutton, ‘Cry’

An acoustic collaboration between North Londoner Nile Ezra and St Sutton (aka Goldie Bron$on), ‘Cry’ is a vulnerable, guitar-based track that sees a different, more emotional side to both artists. From Cork City, St Sutton has built a reputation from himself not only in his city but across Ireland; this year alone he’s released a long list of singles and even recorded an EP released in March. He’s undoubtedly up and coming: watch this space.

St Sutton.

Tiz McNamara, ‘Far From Home’

Known for his signature “sad songs for happy people”, Tiz McNamara returns with the second single from his upcoming project, his first new music since 2021. In the past supporting James Bay and other massive artists, McNamara is now a name of his own, having racked up more than 30k Spotify listeners alone. It’s not hard to see why with tracks like ‘Far From Home’: the track turns a simple acoustic guitar part into an emotional lament on brotherhood and loneliness.

Tiz McNamara.

Olivia Emade, ‘Dear God’

Olivia Emade’s work is a love letter and a prayer to God, but not only that, it’s a smooth R&B exploration. ‘Dear God’ is no exception, featuring feel good energy and suave vocals with dulcet tones like honey dripping . ‘Dear God’ is heavily based on Psalms 139, a psalm about God knowing you better than anyone. An easy listen and a life and faith affirming song, ‘Dear God’ is the perfect Friday pick me up from Olivia Emade, a song about love, gratitude and radical self acceptance.

Olivia Emade, 'Dear God'

NEVE, ‘Blood On The Walls’

Featuring the singer songwriter's signature dramatic flare, ‘Blood on the Walls’ is a glam pop anthem that’s deliciously dark and slightly vampiric. The London based Irish musician NEVE has today released a gothic pop song that’s like if Adam Ant and Olivia Rodrigo had a musical love child. ‘Blood on the Walls’ has a resounding cathartic chorus of ‘I want you to cry’ for, in the word’s of the artist, “when you are sick of being the being person”. ‘Blood on the Walls’ is written about a brutal friendship falling out NEVE experienced and is the perfect listening for letting it all out this weekend, especially if you can’t bear to hear another twee Christmas song.

NEVE. Photo: Instagram

Check out our New Irish Songs To Hear This Week Playlist below!