Chalk, ‘Claw’

Ben Goddard, Luke Niblock and Ross Cullen’s rise continues with their latest release ‘Claw’, from Chalk’s upcoming Conditions II EP.

Taking inspiration from Dublin’s post-punk guitar scene as well as the hardcore electronic landscape of their native Belfast, the tune is a characteristically intense gothic banger, with a pounding digitised rhythm section and screeching guitar strokes buttressing frontman Cullen’s morose delivery.

“There’s a mixture of loss and relief that we wanted to capture,” he says.” There are still a few feelings we want to explore and staying in the world of Conditions is something we’ve grown to enjoy - we don’t want to leave just yet”.

Picture This, ‘Act Of Innocence’

After rocking the nation into the new year with their televised countdown gig at Dublin Castle, Kildare favourites Picture This get 2024 off to a start with the driving, anthemic and loved-up ‘Act Of Innocence’.

“’Act of Innocence’ is all about the intense feelings of first love - it's real, raw, and a bit naïve,” said a statement from the band.

“The song captures those moments when someone you love fills your every thought and you just can't get enough of them. It also looks at how we sometimes mess up things we care about, especially relationships, and how we rely on our partners to help keep things on track.”

Nell Mescal, ‘Killing Time’

Following a packed 2023, Nell Mescal kickstarts her year with the latest addition to a steadily growing list of alt-pop bangers. ‘Killing Time’ is “about looking back on a relationship and wondering if the other person was just as invested or just killing time” explains the singer.

The Maynooth native has also shared news of her debut EP Can I Miss It For a Minute, out May 3 2024 via Lab Records.

“Can I Miss it for a Minute is a concept EP written about growing up, moving away, friendship breakups and trying to navigate between current emotions and negative memories” says Mescal. “Each song tells a part of the same story with a beginning, middle and an end. It talks about my life and how I deal with experiences that have shaped me.”

Spearside, ‘Passion Merchant’

Meath power trio Spearside’s fuzz-filled banger ‘Passion Merchant’ has finally been released. Oozing psych-rock flavours reminiscent of The Oh Sees and early Tame Impala, the song has been a fan-favourite at their gigs since 2022.

"On the recording we tried to capture the best parts from various improvised jams we would go off on in the middle of playing 'Passion Merchant' live,” said frontman Oisin Walsh.

“I recently moved to Rome, and most of the mid-section was recorded the night before I left Ireland because I’ve never been one for deadlines. ‘Passion Merchant’ will hopefully share a side of our band that to this point has been reserved for our live audiences.”

 

Megan Nic Ruarí, ‘Made Of Sin’

Megan Nic Ruairí blends modern songwriting with the sounds of her Irish heritage on the title track from her eagerly awaited debut EP Made Of Sin.

Sparse, slowly escalating production allows her captivating vocals to shine, as she traverses the pitfalls of toxic relationships over delicately arpeggiated piano.

“’Made of Sin’ is about not being able to understand why some of the people that work their way into our lives can treat us so terribly and how I was able to find the strength to heal from that,” said the singer.

Bless, ‘Outside’

Bless details the importance of family, meaningful relationships, and treating his lady right on the refreshing, UK hip-hop-inspired ‘Outside’. The bop is entwined with upbeat instrumentation, as jazzy guitar licks and sliding 808s compliment the Cavan rapper’s bars.

"Being home for Christmas was a realization of how hard I've been working to make a career in music,” says Bless.

“It reminded me that I haven't been taking out time to see the people I truly care about. This song is essentially a message to my family and fans, detailing what I've been up to these past few months."

TV People, ‘Rain’

Alt-rock pairing Paul Donohoe and Brendan Clarke explore emigrational loneliness on the rousing ‘Rain’.

With a doleful, atmospheric sound that harks back to ‘00s alternative acts like Interpol, and an attitude akin to contemporaries such as The Murder Capital, TV People have been steadily building a reputation for their electrifying live shows at venues across the UK and Ireland.

“The song captures the superficiality of long-distance communication and the concealed struggles that individuals often keep hidden from the world,” said a statement from the band. “Ultimately, 'Rain' is an emotive articulation of profound sadness and solitude, representing a universal need for connection in the face of disquieting isolation.”

 

Sam O.G, ‘Michelin Star’

This rising Nigerian/Irish artist emanates self-belief in times of adversity on his well-executed and fittingly titled track ‘Michelin Star’.

Featuring a trap beat, violins, and carefully layered autotuned harmonies, the song was written in a swift but fruitful thirty minutes. The self-produced single is the first from his upcoming project Midnight Painter, which refers to how the rapper “draws creative ideas from victories during dark periods.”

Coming from a musical family, it seemed only a matter of time before Sam O.G kicked off his own career, beginning with 2019’s ‘How Can I Leave’, which he shared alongside brother and fellow artist Natural B.

ØMEGA, ‘olive branch freestyle’

Louth rapper ØMEGA makes his return as a solo artistic with his latest releases ‘olive branch freestyle’ and ‘settled scores’.

On the Former, the wordsmith reflects on his past mistakes, lost friendships and the decisions which led him down a brutal battle with his mental health.

“To look into one’s self and become familiar with your flaws and imperfections and then trying finding a way to find peace with these flaws and thoughts through music was extremely difficult but extremely rewarding,” said the artist. “Having suffered with mental health trouble all my life this has been the most healing song writing experience I have ever had.”

Kingfishr, ‘Leave’

Limerick-based trio Kingfishr offer up another slice of radio-ready, banjo-driven folk-pop on their latest slow-burning single ‘Leave’.

“It’s about the naivety of taking family for granted as we grow up,” said the band via social media. “The realisation that you should have done better isn’t something that fades, but doing all you can to make up for the time lost is important because they’re worth it in the end.”

It’s set to be an exciting 2024 for the Shannonsiders, with two headline gigs at Dublin’s 3 Olympia and a hometown support slot for Snow Patrol at Thomond Park lined up.

 

Villagers, ‘That Golden Time’

It’s been a busy week for award-winning songwriter and Dún Laoghaire native Conor O’Brien, having announced a new album That Golden Time, and a show at Trinity College this summer. He also shared the title track and video from the LP, a wistful, atmospheric acoustic track which dips its toes into psychedelia.

“‘That Golden Time’ explores disorientation, metamorphosis, value and currency,” said Villagers on Instagram.  “I found myself writing about power, avarice, and the cloudy grey area between the extremes.

“It’s probably the most vulnerable album I’ve made. Sometimes it gets blinded by the lights and the shiny screens. It’s always leaning towards a transcendence of sorts.”

 

SIIGHTS, ‘Words’

Irish-Scottish duo Mia Fitz and Toni Etherson offer thier insights into young relationships on ‘Words’. A funky, new-wave bassline cements the verses, as the pair flaunt their ear for a pop smash with powerful singalong choruses capping off the uplifting .

“If you’ve ever caught yourself overthinking a text reply or debating whether or not to deep it w/ someone - this is that song,” said SIIGHTS. “We think life’s too short to not say how you feel.”

The Hot Press Hot For 2021 alumni released their debut EP last year, earning admiration from the likes of Lana Del Rey, whom they supported at her mammoth Hyde Park gig in July.

Ro Yourell, ‘Dance With You’

Hotly tipped Dubliner Ro Yourell offers a glimpse of positivity in the age of helplessness with his tasteful, sparsely produced new single ‘Dance With You’.

“In a social media age where comparison is shoved in our faces, it is easy to feel worthless, that we don’t match up, or that we aren’t capable of making a difference,” says Yourell. “‘Dance With You’  explores the feelings and ideas associated with this, moving from the brink of despair, to a point of quiet revolution.

“Any change, however small, can be the catalyst to renew our existence, to give us fresh perspective, or blast us into a completely new trajectory.”

 

TraviS & Elzzz, 'Blockbuster

2023 was a groundbreaking year for homegrown hip-hop. TraviS and Elzzz were amongst those spearheading the genre’s huge surge in popularity with their debut album Full Circle becoming the highest-ever charting Irish rap release. They pick up where they left off with ‘Blockbuster’, a gnarly, bass heavy number laced with the unflinching confidence and pinpoint delivery on which the duo have made their names.

The pair joined us in The Workman's Club in Dublin last summer for the Hot Press x Monster Energy ‘Monster Sessions’ – catch an exclusive interview with the rising boundary pushers here.

Conchúr White 'The Holy Death'

Featuring White’s masterful guitar plucking and ethereal vocals, ‘The Holy Death’ is the album opener to White debut Swirling Violets, and what an opener it is. Beginning with these sonically gentle elements, the track soars about a minute in when a psychedelic wave takes over the song. The track develops into this immersive and full sound, transporting the listener with it. A singer songwriter from County Armagh, White navigates the dreamlike and the grounded with blissful fluency on his stunning debut album. Swirling Violets is out today on streaming platforms and for purchase.

Fears, ‘4th of the 1st’

A refreshing blend of pop and folk with a beat- Fears’ new track ‘4th of the 1st’ is candy floss light and icy. ‘4th of the 1st’ is the latest track off the singer’s upcoming sophomore album, affinity. ‘4th of the 1st’ offers a delectable taster of what listeners can expect from the upcoming album- which was recorded in three cities; London, New York and Dublin. Fans can expect apathetic cool girl vocals combined with electronic folk beats. Affinity can be expected on shelves from March 12th and comes in two forms of vinyl: the standard black and a special edition pink marble.

Robbie Stickland, ‘Waiting For You’

A indie rock offering from Robbie Stickland, ‘Waiting for You’ is a feel good summer track gifted to us in the depths of this Friday January. For those who want to microdose the feeling of being at the beach of the sunny day, Robbie Stickland’s ‘Waiting for You’ is the perfect track. Featuring wicked guitar that effortlessly moves between sliding noise, and sweet riffs line, ‘Waiting for You’ sounds like a simple indie track but it’s masterfully made- and that’s the beauty of the thing. Stickland’s new album Lastingness comes out on streaming and vinyl on February 10th, and fans can catch the launch party at Bello’s Bar on February 15th.

Unquiet Nights, ‘Diamond and the Missing Son’

Swinging into force in 2024 with Americana/rock songwriting, Unquiet Nights have today dropped their new album ‘Seasons in Exile’, one of the highlights of which is their new track ‘Diamond and the Missing Son’ which will delight fans of the likes of Rick Springfield and Deep Blue Something. With crystal clear vocals and scratchy guitar, the track will have you nostalgic for a time you never experienced- evoking images of big American cars, blistering hot summers and denim cut offs. Unquiet Nights hope their new single won’t just do well in the digisphere, but that people will buy physical copies: ‘‘We hope it will do millions of streams, but even more we hope some people will still want to buy it!”. And with tracks like ‘Diamond and the Missing Son’ why wouldn’t you?

Pauric O’Meara, ‘Smoke & Mirrors’

Breeze into the weekend with Pauric O’Meara’s fresh new single ‘Smoke & Mirrors’, a fun upbeat party track. ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ is a suave new number for the Tipperary indie artist that features clipped and polished guitar with huge instrumentality bouncing off this playful track. The ultimate feel good track, O’Meara describes ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ as “A song that gives the middle finger to those who ever said you weren’t worth it”, and sometimes we all need a song to give us that pep in our step.

The Psychs, ‘The Bullet Song’

The Psychs are back and have kicked open the swinging doors of the new year with brand new single and video 'The Bullet Song',- a menacing two minutes and forty-eight seconds of wild western guitar riffs and gothic church organs. A glam rock cowboy and western track, ‘The Bullet Song’ will have you sashaying into your weekend like a badass. Having featured on Other Voices in Dingle twice last year, as well as releasing their debut EP The Devil’s Favourite Son, the band are taking 2024 by the horns. The Kildare quartet are billed to play their first headliner of the year at the Workman’s Club Cellar on Saturday 3rd February with Wicklow rockers Raw Cuts billed as support.

Vintage Culture, Maverick Sabre, Tom Brue, ‘Weak’

A three part collaboration between Paraguayan Vintage Culture, Wexford’s Maverick Sabre, and German DJ Tom Breu, ‘Weak’ is a pulsating new dance track by the trio. Maverick Sabre has described ‘Weak’ as ‘a little monster’ of a tune. In an era of an Irish dance music renaissance, Maverick Sabre’s at the forefront; pushing boundaries and making fresh new sounds that sound deceptively simple and catchy- songs to get your feet moving. ‘Weak’ is the fruit of the melting pot that is music, bringing together international influences to make something universal.

Dave Nulty, 'Yeti'

A melodic techno house track, ‘Yeti’ is the latest offering from Irish artist Dave Nulty. Speaking of the track, Dave said; “The process of writing Yeti was one of looking back to look forward and came together in the run up to the New Year. After a busy & somewhat difficult 2023, I took some time to pause & breathe in”. Take a breath with Nulty on his new easy listening track, ‘Yeti’- it gives a sense of renewal, of possibilities- a feeling that all of us could use at the turn of the new year.

 

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SPIDER, ‘Daisy Chains’

Dublin singer songwriter SPIDER brings her signature punk sound and badass attitude to the table with her new track ‘daisy chains’. A Joan Jett for the zoomer generation, SPIDER describes herself as ‘a catholic school girl turned rockstar’ and ‘daisy chains’ embodies all the feminine rage that you expect; featuring heavy guitars, tight drums and belted vocals when required, while never compromising on melody, ‘daisy chains’ is the girly punk track of dreams.

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