Brad Heidi, ‘Don’t Let Go’

A year after winning the live finale of Hot Press: A New Local Hero, Brad Heidi has finally shared his single, 'Don't Let Go' – recorded as part of the prestigious talent search's top prize.  The Galway singer-songwriter got the chance to record the tune at at the iconic Camden Recording Studios in Dublin, working with the acclaimed producer and arranger Cian Boylan and mixer Ruadhri Cushnan.

Speaking on the track, Heidi says: “‘Don't Let Go' isn't just a song; it's a reflection of a million emotions intertwined with my personal journey through the agonies and the ecstasies of the music industry," says Heidi. “It's melody echoes the emotional struggle of battling through the multiple challenges involved in being an artist – and, perhaps more significantly, on occasion battling with my inner self to pursue my musical dreams to the fullest."

Evie, 'Paris'

Evie has released the third single, ‘Paris’, from her sophomore EP, Shiny Things. Airy and peaceful, the acoustic number highlights the singer's vivacious vocals, with the calming guitar chords falling in line with much Evie’s steadily growing discography. The rest of Shiny Things is set to be released this coming May.

Evie has already released two other tracks from the record, ‘Devil’ and ‘Mighty Boy’. As Evie puts it, “‘Paris’ is the solace song of the EP. Less fuss, more fiddle and showcased in a way that I think, extends a lot more grit to a snug tune like this.”

Side 4 Collective x Sacred Animals, ‘Four Letters’ feat. Adrian Crowley

Side 4 Collective, Sacred Animals and Adrian Crowley have come together to create a new track titled ‘Four Letters’. Irish drummer Dave Hingerty, brought this group together. He has become known for bringing together an eclectic group of artists to create unique and compelling tracks. ‘Four Letters’ is cinematic song that pulls the listener in with a dark melody that is contrasted with its hopeful lyrics.

“I don’t remember spending much time trying to create anything, the song kinda just fell out in that nice way that songs do occasionally…Overall the song came together very naturally & I like all the collaborative elements as it gets me out of my usual processes, & you know, it’s good to meet new people & create things, always,” said Sacred Animals.

Red Eye Pariah, ‘These Daze Have Just Begun’

Red Eye Pariah has released their new single ‘These Daze Have Just Begun’. The track relies on its strong bass and killer guitar chords to make it the perfect song to sing and dance to with your friends. Since the band's formation in 2021, they have been on the rise, and are set to embark on their Doin The Rounds UK tour this April.

"Nerves have quickly turned into anticipation. We are raring to get out and show some new faces what all the fuss is about. We've been told the crowd in the UK is a bit more up for it so we're very excited to see what they'll think of us," said their guitarist Sammy Stevenson.

Pastiche, 'Forfeit Control'

After being diagnosed with stage four endometriosis and going through a life-changing surgery, Pastiche found the inspiration to write ‘Forfeit Control’. The Dublin-born artist has created a wild track that captures the essence of full freedom one feels in their early 20s.

“After my surgery, I felt like I could breathe again. I could hear music again. I could sing again. I wrote 30 songs in two months, including ‘Forfeit Control’,” Pastiche says. “In a way, this song is about my youth that I feel has been taken away from me. I’m in my 20s and meant to be making mistakes, going out, creating memories, being carefree, forfeiting control of life and not worrying about the future.”

 

BADSCANDAL, ‘Someone There’

BADSCANDAL, aka Luke Power, has become one of the hottest EDM producers in Ireland, amassing over 100 million streams in only two years. This time, he steps out from behind the mixing desk to offer his most recent piece of emotive-electronica ‘Someone There’, a track which he describes as “being about the complexities of the human condition.”

“The lyrics explore pain and longing, but offer a glimpse into the shared experiences that unite us all,” says Power. “I’ve wrapped it up in my own unique sound and I’m hoping ‘Someone There’ resonates with listeners on a deep level”.

Arrow In The Sky, 'Time Of Need'

Midlands songwriting duo Conor McCauley and Brian Murphy offer some gritty old-school blues on their latest number ‘Time Of Need’. Slippery slide guitar, harmonicas and a bassline conjured from the foot pedals of a resurrected church organ provide the foundation for what the band refer to as “bog blues.”

McCauley, a self-proclaimed 'hardcore atheist' maintains the song 'Time Of Need' is not religious in its connotation but is more so dealing with the themes of salvation and wondering whether or not redemption is possible.

Elaphi, 'The Wind'

Four piece Dublin band, Elaphi, has released their new single ‘The Wind’. This is the third single from their upcoming debut album. The adagio from the track creates a soft intensity that builds up to a crescendoing guitar solo.

As Elaphi puts it, ‘The Wind’ is “a journey through the power of the natural element, blending vulnerability with strength in a powerful musical experience.” To celebrate the release of their album, the band will be playing a Launch show in Dublin at The Workman’s Cellar on April 17. Tickets can be found here.

Bricknasty, 'Boyfriend'

Their first release of the year, Ballymun collective Bricknasty are back with ‘Boyfriend,’ a hypnotic jam that cross-pollinates R&B, soul and psychedelic jazz fusion. During a recent stint in London, the group shot an intimate live performance video at the renowned Bush Hall.

“I wrote this song for me ma and her girlfriend at the time (2019) they're split up now but it was good while it lasted and I’m happy for her always and happy this song came from them two’s relationship,” Bricknasty frontman Fatboy says of the ​​inspiration behind the track.

With its effervescent groove, unyielding vocals and rip-roaring melody, ‘Boyfriend’ joins a number of dazzling tunes that continue to push Bricknasty to the forefront of a new wave of Irish innovators with a narrative bent and ambitions for new formulas.

Cooks But We’re Chefs, 'RoseGold'

Exceptional displays of the independent neo-soul scene flow through Cooks But We’re Chefs - their work on ‘RoseGold’ a flagship moment for the broad strokes of a genre that has seen a meteoric rise in recent years.

Here, the Dublin 7-piece wield dazzling neo-soul and jazz-fusion chops to convey a mellow mood under the dreamlike lyricism. The track then builds to a groovy climax and the vocals lead an intense instrumental finale.

Silkened vocals and tight harmonies drift from a low register to a high octave, washed over by Luke O’Dwyer’s keys, Dougie Sealy’s melodic bass, Siofra Nolan’s whirling vocals and washy trumpet and saxophone lines by Jesse Russell and Dan Coyne, which collide with the thundering, interactive drums by Daniel Kearns to create tension.

New Jackson, 'I Wanna Be Adored'

New Jackson, aka David Kitt, revamps a Stone Roses classic on the latest single from his upcoming album OOPS!... POP, out 19th April via Permanent Vacation.

The sonic polymath reimagines the Madchester legends’ ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ as a kraut-pop classic lost to the sands of time. With robotic Daft Punk-esque vocals, shimmering cosmic synths and a propulsive beat, New Jackson’s gives the rock n roll classic a fresh, lively take.

“There's a real magic and elegance to the melodic interplay between Ian Brown, John Squire, and Mani on the Stone Roses 'I Wanna Be Adored' that I thought would really suit a New Jackson synthesizer treatment. It was a lot of fun to make,” says Kitt.

Sick Love, 'Don’t Wait'

Sick Love's ‘Don’t Wait’ starts out with a rousing guitar pulse before introducing the dynamic vocal powerhouse that is frontwoman Rebecca Geary.

Such is the expectation from Irish alt-rock purveyors Sick Love (Geary, Conor McLoughlin, Sean O’Connor and Cormac O’Neill), who made a name for themselves with a string of enthralling singles in 2023. With ‘Don’t Wait,’ the latest from their first full-length LP Champagne (out 3 May), Sick Love continue this streak.

“‘Don’t Wait’ is about realising that you’ve finally moved on from that person who broke your heart, and they no longer take up space in your head,” says the band. “When you realise that it wasn’t meant to be and you’ve stopped holding on to what might have been, you can finally let yourself be free.”

Scattered Ashes, 'Kingdom'

Post punk quartet Scattered Ashes are back with a dazzling new single from their upcoming debut EP All That Is Solid Melts Into Air. ‘Kingdom’ sees the band at their best, expanding their sound and drawing from a high-voltage palette of Massive Attack, Portishead and New Order.

“‘Kingdom’ is a reflection on the acute sense of loss felt at the end of an intense physical relationship and the possibility of rebirth in its aftermath,” says vocalist Rob Dalton. “The track examines the sanctifying nature of intimacy and how we as humans find our purpose in its ultimate end.”

With a poetic bent towards lyricism, Dalton infuses biblical imagery to enclose a certain salvation — “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, is this the makings of heaven, a moment of trust” — and highlights the chasm of depression one finds in its wake: “Can’t get out of my bed, a slow death underrated, just leave me one in the head, low depth soul feels weightless.”

CODYY, 'White Lightning'

Opening with high-octane vocals over a catchy guitar riff and driving rhythm section, ‘White Lightning’ from indie-pop artist CODYY is an instant attention-grabber.

Speaking about the single, CODYY remarks: "’White Lightning’ explores the unpredictable nature of love and the exhilaration that comes with embracing the unknown. While writing it; I found myself in a sonic journey that explores the highs and lows of love and the transformative power of embracing the unexpected."

A robust blend of sonic interplay that steadily builds over the bridge towards an anthemic chorus, the track tells the story of being struck by an intense force that connects a person to the unknown, that familiar yet unexplainable feeling of instant chemistry.

a lazarus soul, 'The Flowers I Flung Into Her Grave'

A lazarus soul has released the first single from their upcoming album No Flowers Grow in Cement Gardens available on July 5. ‘The Flowers I Flung Into Her Grave’ is a potent new track that combines heartwarming lyrics with a dynamic melody that feels like a happy ending of a movie.

The band, which is split with members in Ireland and some in France, met up at Miracle Studios in Rennes for four days to record together. This was the first time the band had been together in two years. As they put it recording was “a fury of largely improvised and incendiary versions of ten brand new Brannigan-penned songs, forms the basis of this new record.”

Picture This, 'Parked Car Conversations'

Picture This has released their new heartwarming track ‘Parked Car Conversations’. Their new track feels nostalgic with its hard hitting base and lyrics that are reminiscent of when you first get your licence and you and your friends can drive around, making the best memories together.

Music from Picture This has continually topped Irish charts as they have amassed a global fan base. The band is currently on tour and will be in Dublin on June 1 at St. Anne’s Park. Picture This will also be performing at Ormeau Park in Belfast on June 8 and Cork’s Virgin Media Park on June 15.

Grooveline, 'Let Loose Let Go'

Hailing from Leitrim, Irish band Grooveline have released their new single ‘Let Loose Let Go’. This high energy track mixes modern pop music with jazzy guitar riffs that make you want to do exactly what the name says, let loose, let go, and dance.

When describing the track, Grooveline says it “strives in capturing the ultra-manic and high octane energy pumped out at a Grooveline gig. This highly anticipated single blends both studio and live sounds, while also delivering on the elements which this Leitrim sextet do so well. Infectious melodies, dynamic and upbeat rap verses, and a CHIC inspired instrumental, designed to elevate the crowd to euphoria.”

Papa Boyle, ‘Between Two Fools’

Drawing inspiration from the vibrancy of ’50s and 60’s Rock n Roll, Dublin’s Papa Boyle is well-placed to make waves in the indie-rock resurgence with his debut single ‘Between Two Fools.’ With rousing melodies and pondering punchlines, Boyle delivers the goods.

Boyle suffuses the retro soundscape with modern rock sensibilities, genuflecting at the altar of Father John Misty and riding sidecar to Orville Peck’s Harley Davidson.

From the outset, it sounds as if ‘Between Two Fools’ was meant to be played over diner speakers, the result of a coin slipped into teal jukeboxes on laminate countertops.

“‘Between Two Fools’ was forged from outside observation of how things can pan out when a big decision is made in a relationship, Papa Boyle put himself in the shoes of the people who went through this and mulled over the thoughts or situations they may find themselves in, taken the role of the narrator in this instance.”

pMad, 'Missing'

Hailing from Galway, new wave Irish rocker, pMad, has released his new single ‘Missing’. This track comes from his new album that was released today entitled I In Power. ‘Missing’ embraces the intense, head-banging nature of rock n roll music while still sending a powerful message about the value of relationships. It blends across the post punk and metal rock genre to create a unique and exciting sound.

When talking about the track the singer says, "pMad is about embracing the imperfect nature of existence, delivering powerful messages through music. 'Missing' is a reflection on the importance of cherishing relationships before it's too late."

Kellie Lewis, ‘Delicate’

Limerick pop-rock singer Kellie Lewis returns from a successful 2023 with a new offering of alt-pop airs.  ‘Delicate’ is an emotive tune that boasts subtle instrumentation and blistering crescendos, taking listeners on a sonic journey that captivates the senses and tugs at the heartstrings.

Speaking about the single, Kellie Lewis comments: “‘Delicate’ is a sonic journey that captivates the senses and touches the depths of the soul.”

The earnest lyricism resonates with authenticity, exploring themes of accountability, vulnerability and the desire for redemption. With its catchy hook and heartfelt delivery, ‘Delicate’ serves as a powerful reminder of the gossamer balance between love and regret.

Paddy Keyes, ‘Over & Over’

23-year-old Paddy Keyes shifts 2024 into high gear with the unveiling of his stellar indie-pop single ‘Over & Over.’ The sister song to last year’s release ‘Complicated,’ the new track follows the trials and tribulations of toxic relationships, speaking directly to those of us who have allowed love to take the form of a 9-5 job.

“Writing this song, I felt really stuck in where I wanted to go in life,” Keyes explained. “I was working in a customer service job that I hated. I tried linking that to a horrible relationship in the lyrics, knowing you want to get out of there but leaving is risking losing what you have, which is everything you know.”

Shobsy, ‘The Way We Are’

Irish singer-songwriter Shobsy is back with another powerhouse single entitled ‘The Way We Are,’ an exciting pop banger that features the Dubliner’s iconic falsetto and expansive vocal range. Further cementing Shobsy’s ability to blend genres and push the boundaries of pop, synth and R&B, the new track offers listeners a blanket of ear-worm melodies and dreamy production.

After two high-flying performances earlier this month at the prestigious MUSEXPO event in Los Angeles alongside countless TV appearances and sold-out gigs in his Dublin hometown, Shobsy’s remarkable vocal talent and skillful lyrics continue to take centre stage. 

Ryan Sheridan, ‘Shackles and Chains’

Acclaimed Irish artist Ryan Sheridan has released the eagerly awaited second single from his upcoming album, set to hit streaming in August. Entitled ‘Shackles and Chains,’ the new single is a testament to the universal experience of overcoming adversity and breaking free from those that hold us back. 

“‘Shackles and Chains’ is about self awareness and the constant fight of being true to yourself when faced with choices,” Sheridan explained. With his upcoming album out this summer, the Irish songwriter is gearing up to step into a new era of musical and personal growth. 

Lilla Vargen, ‘No Fool’

Miranda Faul - ‘Not Much of a Man’ Acoustic version

Characterised by her unique blend of folk, R n B, and indie pop influences, and her poignant lyrics and soulful vocals, Miranda Faul’s ‘Not Much 0f a Man’ is emblematic of the artist’s genre-bending capabilities. Originally released in folksy R n B format, today’s version leans into the folksy undertones of the break up track. Speaking on the new release Faul said: “If the original version carries the sass, the acoustic version carries the vulnerability”. The two version of the single demonstrate the wildly different reads listeners can get form the single depending on the performance, and would make the perfect a side/ b side duo for a physical release.

Kojaque, ‘EASTSIDE’

Released as part of the director’s cut of Kojaque epic concept album PHANTOM OF THE AFTERS, 'EASTSIDE' follows the artist’s continuous storyline of Jackie Dandelion (a reference to Fontaine’s D.C.’s ‘Jackie Down the Line’) who emigrates from Dublin to London and all the struggles and culture shocks that come with that. 'EASTSIDE' is an anxiety ridden, pulsating rap track. Using stream of consciousness style writing to form his verses, the artist builds into high energy angry choruses which will speak to any young Irish person trying to carve out a life for themselves in this day and age . Kojaque is quite simply an artist at his creative zenith and EASTSIDE is part of this catalogue.

TCXL, ‘Come Outside’ feat Local Boy

Opening with a striking a capella “bom bom bom” before crashing into a bass heavy hip hop track, ‘Come Outside’ is a startling opening to TCXL's sophomore album I Am Bollixed. A jolting and high energy track with hedonistic, humorous lyrics, what better way to be inducted into the weird and wonderful world of TCXL? While TCXL’s lyrics touch on profound and heavy topics, there is always a playful tongue in cheek element- as can be seen by the artist’s choice to release I Am Bollixed on April 1. ‘Come Outside’ is everything the title suggests, inviting and only the beginning of further antics.

Cardinals, ‘If I Could Make You Care’

Speaking on their latest single Cardinals’ frontman Euan Manning said: "There’s not much to say about the lyrics of the song past its title which was stolen from Frank Sinatra’s ‘I Could Make You Care’” . However there’s quite a lot to say about the six minute long experimental rock track which marks a stylistic divergence in the Cork group’s repertoire. Continuing Manning said: "It was co-written between myself and Oskar and we worked away at it quietly until it became something special between us.The arrangement with the band brought the drama and scale, it grew into something bigger than we expected. It was a great relief to write the song, like we had come to the end of some part of our lives."

‘If I Could Make You Care’ Is the latest release from the group’s upcoming debut EP Cardinals, out June 7.

Nixer, ‘Saccharine Smile’

Opening with a russian darkwave bassline, 'Saccharine Smile' marks the third single from Nixer’s forthcoming EP I hit the town and the town hit me back. Describing the track lyricist Seán Keenan states: “'Saccharine Smile' is about mobile phones and our relationship with them. When I started to write the lyrics for this track I literally googled ‘How much does an iPhone weigh?’ and since it was in the 7 ounces ballpark I coined it as ‘7 crucial ounces’ as described in the opening lyric”. An appropriately angst ridden and existential track, ‘Saccharine Smile’ speaks to the Louth artist’s versatility as a musician.

Lilla Vargen, ‘No Fool’

Following her powerful January release of ‘Belong,’ Lilla Vargen has returned with her new stunning single ‘No Fool.’ One of Ireland’s finest songwriting talents, Vargen music never ceases to amaze, accumulating over 70 million streams across all digital platforms. Her next release, a four-track EP entitled Drive, is due out on May 10th. 

“‘No Fool’ highlights some of the negativity I have faced in the music industry,” Vargen said of the new track. “It’s a song about moving on and accepting what has happened, forgiving but not forgetting. The sound here is a little more country, that along with some Big Thief guitar slides!”

April, ‘Stretch’

April Lawlor, known mononymously as April, has released her latest ethereal lo-fi single entitled ‘Stretch.’ Drawing inspiration from the likes of Gus Dapperton, Kojaque and Clairo alongside a host of classic jazz and old-school hip hop influences, the 20-year-old Dublin-native has quickly found herself at the forefront of Ireland's alt-indie movement. 

“I wrote Stretch in this bedroom in London in 2022, Kaelan DiJulio playing the most beautiful guitar,” April wrote in a recent instagram post. “I recorded the whole thing on my iPad, then by miracle I sent it to Haley Briasco and Koby Berman and they ‘stretched’ it out into the most beautiful world, it’s like they got into my heart and understood exactly what I wanted and needed, I definitely took a long needed break from sharing music but I couldn’t feel more ready for you to hear this and more soon..”

 

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Welshy feat. Hayley May, ‘Feel’

Ross Walsh, a.k.a. Welshy, is back with another electro-dance banger entitled ‘Feel’. Featuring stellar vocals from British singer Hayley May, the new track is a multicoloured soundscape of lush production and driving beats. Since his appearance on the scene in 2020, Welshy has quickly evolved into an international sensation, extensively touring his homeland of Ireland before moving on to conquer the UK and Europe. 

In a recent social media post, Welshy wrote, “Having suffered with producer's block recently, I decided to strip it all back and create something that reminds me why I love making music so much. ‘Feel’ was that for me, I hope you love it.”

 

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Soft Launch, ‘Cartwheels’

Having already supported the likes of CMAT and Declan McKenna, Soft Launch have today released their debut single, ‘Cartwheels’ in what some might describe as a hard launch, completely with a funky music video. Featuring The Strypes' Josh McClorey, Soft Launch have a rock n’ roll sensibility infused with a zany and fun offbeat Declan McKenna-esque sound.

With their clean indie rock sound- it’s not hard to imagine Soft Launch appearing regularly in the New Irish Song listicle.

 

Check out our New Irish Songs Playlist below: