CMAT, ‘Aw, Shoot!’

The Irish Country music queen is back and better than ever with a twangy new Americana number. Speaking about her latest searing release about self loathing, the Dublin artist said: “The song came pretty quickly as I realised who I represent and write for - The Uncomfortable”. 'Aw, Shoot!' effortlessly combines CMAT’s insightful songwriting with her mournful but humorous sensibility making for excellent Friday evening listening.

Gurriers, ‘Close Call’

Dublin noisemakers Gurriers have announced their debut album with an industrial meat grinder of a post-punk banger, ‘Close Call’, characterised by its galloping drums and alarm-like sliding bass and guitars. It’s the ideal backing track for a prison riot, and a fitting appetiser for the upcoming LP Come and See, set to drop 13 September, 2024. The lads are also set to hit the road at the tail end of this year, with their biggest headline tour to date seeing them play shows in Belfast, Listowel, Dublin, Galway and Cork across the month of November.

49^th & Main and SHEE, ‘Hold On’

Kilkenny indie-electronic duo 49th & Main team up with Kerry man SHEE on their latest single ‘Hold On’. The house-infused bop is typically infectious in its deep, thumping groove, and marks the band’s second release of the year, following up from March’s ‘Self Sabotage’.

“Working with SHEE has been something we’ve wanted to do for a while now… We both have similar ‘small town’ Irish upbringings and similar experiences with music growing up and this song exemplifies that,” said 49th & Main.

“It's a classic house sound. It has been such a fun song to work on and I think that comes across when you hear it. You can’t help but dance to it.”

Villagers, ‘I Want What I Don’t Need’

Taken from Dublin songwriter Conor O’Brien’s latest Villagers album That Golden Time, ‘I Want What I Don’t Need’ is serene, poetic, nostalgic and sweet, not least thanks to its gentle acoustic guitars and swathing strings, which accompany his musings on “the fairy-tale we call free will.”

“‘I Want What I Don’t Need’ actually came directly from an essay by [Arthur Schopenhauer], called ‘On The Freedom of the Will’,” O’Brien told Hot Press in our latest issue.  “He’s basically positing that there is no such thing as free will. He talks about the ripples in a river going towards the sea, choosing to go towards the ocean as if they have choice – and he uses that as a metaphor for human beings, and our choices that we make everyday.

“I find that a really beautiful concept – because it means that we’re completely connected to everything, and every choice we make, regardless of how free it feels, is actually just part of the plan of the universe.”

Chubby Cat, 'QUIET'

Chubby Cat, also known as Cat Doran, has released her new techno style single, ‘QUIET’, an electronic head-bopper with an infectious beat that supporting her typically splendid vocals. The Cork native will be coming to Dublin this summer to play a live show at the Forbidden Fruit Festival on June 1.

When talking about the single, Chubby Cat says, “‘QUIET’ talks about the way in which life is overwhelmingly busy, how at times I struggle with a mind that is chaotic and repetitive. In the midst of it all I have discovered the ability to tone everything down and block out the noise by spending time with a person who keeps it all at bay when I’m with them.”

Evie, 'Magpie'

Today, sonic dream-weaver Evie releases her sophomore EP Shiny Things. On ‘Magpie’ - the closing track - she strips down her sound to its gleaming bones, replete with flickers of shoegaze marrow and calcified indie folk.

Over raw strings and gossamer guitars, Evie’s haunting vocals sculpt silhouettes of church bells and warbling birdsong, scribbling countermelodies at the frayed edges of her strumming. As such, the song is stripped bare without sacrificing space to breathe.

The constant flow of metaphors on Shiny Things comes to a head on ‘Magpie.’ She holds a mirror to her stoic defiance, invoking the folklore of magpies and their penchant for gathering shiny trinkets: “We don’t rust the same, magpies won’t stay. There are shinier things to take.”

Atmospheric and crystalline, ‘Magpie’ is a scintillating offering from one of the Irish indie scene’s most compelling songsmiths.

Sophie Doyle Ryder, 'Steal Your Lover'

Sophie Doyle Ryder's has  new rocking pop single, ‘Steal Your Lover’ sees the 21-year-old Dubliner’s at her vibrant best, littered with dark guitar riffs and her powerful vocals.  ‘Steal Your Lover’ is a concert ready song that is surefire to have a crowd singing at the top of their lungs.

Ryder first started seeing success in 2022 when she released her debut EP Beginners Luck and has been releasing music nonstop since then. She has played many festivals including Forbidden Fruit, St Patrick’s Day Festival, Electric Picnic and more. She is a rising star in the Irish pop music scene.

 

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David Kitt, 'Love Someone Else,' feat. Niamh Regan

David Kitt has teamed up with fellow singer-songwriter Niamh Regan to create their new track ‘Love Someone Else’. This easy going single combines masterful acoustic guitar riffs with Kitt and Regan’s effortless harmonies. To celebrate, Kitt will also be performing a live show in Dublin on May 24 at SpinDizzy.

This track is a new song coming to Kitt’s re-release of his 2006 album Not Fade Away. When talking about the track, Kitt says, “‘Love Someone Else’ is a new song that looks at the struggles of self-love and how it finds its true fulfilment in the love of others. It came out in one sitting fully formed.”

Æ MAK, 'Let’s Do It'

Immediately off the bat, Æ MAK’s ‘Let’s Do It’ makes for a wonderfully ethereal, gravity-defying listen.

Drawing from an expansive palette of Sylvan Esso-esque synths and Fleet Foxes’ technicolour richness, the track is an undeniable earworm, a freight train of propulsive dance and electronic indie-pop.

“I wanted it to sound like giddy ass new love - capture that playfulness; the sparkle found in the in between of lust and love,” Æ MAK - aka Aoife McCann - says of the track. “Rolling around the sitting room on a Friday evening with someone you’re mad about; the excitement and silliness that can bring; dreaming up the relationship you could have together while also battling the insecurities and triggers that inevitably come between two people who feel very deeply about absolutely everything.”

O Deer, 'Syros'

O Deer, also known as Oisín Walsh-Peelo, has released his new single ‘Syros’ as he prepares to release his debut album OS which will be out on May 20. ‘Syros’ is a feel good track that includes riffs from traditional Greek instruments like the bouzouki and the baglamas.

When talking about the track, O Deer says, “I wrote Syros when I went away to an island of the same name in Greece to write music for a few weeks. I found it amusing that my problems followed me there - even within the most idyllic circumstance, you can be plagued with doubt. Equally, however, upon returning home I found within the mundanity of everyday life, an ability to slip into the more positive, ‘beach’ mindset as well.

Micah, 'No Love'

Hailing from Tipperary, Micah is a rising star with her dark pop singles that are radio ready, evident in her latest tune 'No Love'. Pulling inspiration from artists like Sia and Lady Gaga, Micah’s new single is the ideal summer love song, with an upbeat melody and lyrics that will be stuck in your head like the most stubborn of earworms.  Micah will be releasing her new EP Villain later this year.

When talking about the track, Micah says the song “navigates illusions of love, shattered trust and the agony of seeing her beloved with another. ‘No Love’ explores the complexities of human emotion and the delicate dance of love and pain.”

Leila Jane, ‘Tightrope’

Dublin dreampop merchant and Hot Press Y&E Series alumni Leila Jane dips her toes into the realms of electronica with her latest tune ‘Tightrope’ – a woozy song of emotional validation for anyone caught in the grips of a narcissistic relationship: “I’m intoxicated by your empty stare, knowing full well that no good love comes from there.”

Her second release of the year, Jane teamed with electronic producer Michael Heffernan, with Molly Mansukhani providing preliminary production to help craft the track’s sound.

Lavnengro, ‘Stuck in My Head’

Derry pop outfit Lavengro have revealed their latest radio-ready earworm to the world: ‘Stuck in My Head’. Authentic, energetic and most importantly, catchy, the band are formed of Gareth Borrow, Jordan Edgar and twins Dave and James Healy. Previously Pipped by many tastemakers, including Hot Press, 2024 looks set to be a fruitful year for the four-piece, with their latest release following up from February’s ‘Lie’.

Cell games, ‘The Optical World’

Cell Games take inspiration from Dune and Deftones on their latest headbanging single, which veers into nu-metal and ‘90s grunge territory through riffing guitars and anthemic choruses which interlace the intense, no-holds barred verses.

No strangers to incorporating pop culture influences and references to their sound, the song’s title draws from the documentary about the failed adaption of Frank Herberts epic, Jodorowsky's Dune. Lyrically it delves into dangers and pitfalls of hero worship, and “how sycophantic devotion can blind to the emptiness found in false deities”.

Aoife Doyle, ‘Summer in Dublin’.

Bray singer-songwriter Aoife Doyle teams up with guitarist Jack Maher and pianist Tim Doyle to offer her angelic vocals on this rendition of a Bagatelle classic. Performed live, the cover does an excellent job in rendering the warm nostalgia embedded in the original song’s photographic lyricism. This version was recorded for The Dublin Song documentary, a journey through Dublin's songs and the stories and city which influenced them. The feature was produced by Artscope and is available to watch on YouTube.

Barry McCormack, 'We Will Prevail'

Barry McCormack's 'We Will Prevail'  possesses spoken-word qualities, as he conversationally informs his listeners that even in difficult times, they will still triumph. The melody and bass of the track are light, highlighting McCormacks voice and the important message he is sending.

McCormack is an accomplished musician who was formerly a part of the Dublin based band Jubilee Allstars. Since he departed from the group, McCormack has released seven albums over the course of his career. The eighth, Painting Devils, is set to be released in September 2024.

Brawni, 'Aye'

Brawni's new single ‘Aye’, is upbeat and electric, and doesn't rely on words to get its listener on their feet. A whirlwind of synthesised tones and catchy beats, Brawni has released a performance video to accompany the track. The video is shot on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles which is a key place of inspiration for Brawni and many other artists.

When talking about the track Brawni says, "The city's dynamic atmosphere, its rich cultural tapestry, and its undeniable energy served as the driving force behind this track. It's my way of paying homage to the place that has inspired so many artists before me."

milk., ‘Don’t Miss It’

Four-piece Dublin pop band milk. are back with their long-awaited single ‘Don’t Miss It’, a high energy banger filled with the electric spirit of live music. Produced by frontman Mark McKenna and mixed by Olí Jacob’s, the track has quickly become a fan-favorite and staple of the band’s recent gigs. 

“For me, ‘Don’t Miss It’ is a track that details the self-reflection after a relationship taking stock of what went wrong and owning up to those feelings, just because things may not have ended the way you hoped doesn’t mean it wasn’t all bad, two things can be true at once,” explained lead guitarist Gorman. 

Sarah O’Moore, ‘Forget What It Was’

Irish-born, Berlin-based singer-songwriter Sarah O’Moore has unveiled her sophomore single, ‘Forget What It Was’ ahead of her debut EP Social Paralysis, out May 28. Delving into the weighty topics of domestic violence and self resilience, O’Moore sheds light on the harrowing experiences of those who have faced and overcome domestic abuse. 

The new track remains true to O'Moore’s commitment to give a voice to those silenced by their own struggles, inviting listeners to confront the unspoken truths of modern life. With a uniquely haunting tone, the Cork native offers a compelling narrative of human tenacity, spirit and life in the face of adversity. 

Gemma Hayes, 'Hardwired'

The third single from Gemma Hayes’ forthcoming album Blind Faith is an anthem that reaches for the heavens and never loosens its grip. Driven by a modest motorik pulse, ‘Hardwired’ drives an illusion of endless ascension, just when you think the sound is filled to the brim, high-flown, rip-roaring tones suffuse the foreground.

"I wanted to take a musical freeze frame of the world post-Covid,” Gemma says of the track. “A place where, according to statistics, we were more captured by our devices and social media content than ever before.”

“We were sitting ducks for bad actors to misinform us in a way that felt like real information. I felt like unplugging the world, waiting ten seconds and plugging it back in again and thus was born, ‘Hardwired.’”

Lilla Vargen, 'Drive'

Lilla Vargen has released her new single ‘Drive’ which is the third track on her upcoming EP entitled Drive. This heartfelt ballad combines a gentle piano melody with Vargens delicate voice, culminating in a soothing, song with anxiety-easing lyrics

When talking about the song, Vargen says, “'Drive' is a song about anxiety and finding a way to deal with it. I talk about how I don’t drive because I don’t trust myself to, and how all those nervous feelings feed into everything else that I can’t control. It’s a song about recognising your fears and trying to overcome them.”

$ONA BLUE, ‘IJWF’

Sri Lankan-born, Dublin-based indie artist $ONA BLUE returns with a catchy, electrifying offering. ‘IJWF’ pulsates with the electrifying energy of female empowerment, set against a backdrop of vibrant Jersey club beats and a striking formation of instruments.

The track showcases the singer’s harmonic mastery, featuring layered vocals that weave through the tranquillity of calm seas, the perils of stormy waters and the rhythmic ebb-and-flow of tidal waves. An anthem for embracing the full spectrum of emotions, ‘IJWF’ sees $ONA moving beyond constraints, and stepping confidently into a life lived fully and honestly.

“Each note and lyric in ‘IJWF’ embodies the ocean's diverse forms—peaceful, forceful, flowing—serving as a resonant call to action that invites listeners to navigate through life’s changes as effortlessly as water shapes its path through the world,” $ONA remarks.

Cosha, 'Glow'

The focus track from Cosha’s new EP MurMurs casts a lush, loose-jointed atmosphere that smoulders with sunlit possibilities and self-assured catharsis. ‘Glow’ sees the Wicklow-born artist dialling into an insatiable new groove, reprising an effusive, sensual point of view over a propulsive R&B and electropop framework.

Letting go of the shadows of the past, ‘Glow’ serves as a surging and hopeful closer, embodying the main sentiment of the EP: “we experience pain to understand the contrast of what joy actually is—and what we came here to do is to experience joy.”

Skies Behind, 'Dt. Bagabiche'

On the heels of releasing their extended EP The Spaces (Expanded), Cork-based rockers Skies Behind deliver a blistering explosion of epic sonic proportions.

‘Dt. Bagabiche’ sees the alt-rock outfit lean even further into the bellicose and aggressive soundscape they’ve made their calling card. A perennial staple of Skies Behind’s pummeling live sets, the track seizes upon punk rock’s abrasiveness and runs with it at breakneck speed. With its thrashing instrumentation, ‘Dt. Bagabiche’ is an alt-rock freight train of clanking-piston hooks and motorik finales.

Foreign Mornings, ‘I Don't Think I Love You Anymore’

Propulsive and cathartic, Foreign Mornings’ ‘I Don't Think I Love You Anymore’ makes for a biting heart-on-the-sleeve banger.

“This song was born of a period of great change,” the band says. “Not long after the first album had been released and we had no real idea of what we were doing next, along with a host of other life things. It’s a combination of that chaos and emotion and we really hope you like it.”

Entropic, rising and debilitating, there is an emotional fluster, a real tenderness to the track. With bold vocals and raucous instrumentation, ‘I Don't Think I Love You Anymore’ taps into an uncompromising electric current, catalysing a collective yolk-breaking into rolling, pathetic ecstasy.

Just Alice, ‘Wait’

The first single, ‘Wait,’ from Irish pop-folk artist Just Alice is a wonderous debut. The track details the trials and tribulations of young love, blending raw storytelling with an upbeat production.

Through her songwriting, Alice attempts to take listeners on a melodic journey through her lived experiences and her view of the world around her, writing songs that showcase her raw emotion and authenticity.

“The melody and chord progression of the song really ties in with the theme of resilience, so it was about representing that through the energy of the song,” says Alice. “The track rises and falls in line with the story being told, and really does portray a feeling of triumphant resilience which hopefully listeners will identify with.”

Ciara O’Neill, ‘The History of Grandmothers’

Ciara O’Neill’s latest EP Woman is a folk-laden exploration of the beauty and complexities of being a woman in modern society. On the final single ‘The History of Grandmothers,’ the Belfast singer-songwriter sends a love letter to matriarchs of the family.

Tender, soft and explorative in all the right ways, ‘The History of Grandmothers’ ties orchestral ribbons and warm guitar embellishments around the vibrant offering. Blissful and intimate, ‘The History of Grandmothers’ lovingly holds out its hands in a peaceful reminiscence and nostalgia.

Filmore!, ‘BOSS MUSIC’ feat. Twin Pumpkin

This arcade-infused track pairs elements of Screamo from Brazilian artist Twin Pumpkin with Filmore!'s signature thumping Hyperpop sensibility. ‘BOSS MUSIC’ is a high octane tune to electrify listeners this Friday. Of this single, Filmore! shares: "You know when you're after finishing a game and you're able to start again but in new game + mode? Like you have all your stats and knowledge from the previous playthrough and you're basically unstoppable. That's what kinda time we're on..."

Emmet Scanlan - Every Given Day

Lifted from Emmet Scanlon's EP of the same name ‘Every Given Day’ is a charming song about the particular love fathers have for their little treasures. The single comes accompanied with an adorable music video, which is an uplifting compilation of fathers with their children and makes for a beautiful accompaniment to the folksy single. 'Every Given Day' rounds out with a sweet harmony from Annabelle, adding a heartwarming finish to the track.

Sarah Crean 'Compliment Strike'

A badass but sultry offering from Crean, ‘Compliment Strike’ is a bass orientated track that highlights Sarah Crean’s lush vocals. Inspired by receiving negativity from online trolls, ‘Compliment Strike’ boasts a powerful reclamation of the artist’s identity and persona. Speaking on the conception of the song, Crean said: “I wrote this song in LA earlier this year after I got a rotten hate comment on a post of mine. It really stuck with me, upset at how much I felt like a product rather than a person to people”. Given she’s due to play a supporting slot for CMAT in London next week, this probably won’t be the last time you hear the name Sarah Crean.

Mórda, ‘You’ll Know How’

Building on sounds inspired by The War On Drugs and DMA’s, Mórda has delivered a guitar heavy tune with thick Dublin vocals, infusing the band’s international sound with a uniquely Irish feel. ‘You’ll Know How’ opens with a dirty guitar line, and evolves into a poignant and sincere message, with a life affirming message of “Save yourself/You know how”. The track’s message is heartbreaking, about the pain of dealing with a loved one who struggles with addiction and hoping they’ll change. Mórda masterfully captures this sentiment in a track that is feeling but not overwrought.

Scattered Ashes, ‘Ether’

Tackling psychosis and paranoia, Scattered Ashes’ latest single ‘Ether' is an oppressive guitar track featuring relentless tribal drumming patterns. The abrasive instrumentation is offset by an irresistibly catchy call and response chorus destined for big stages. ‘Ether’ is an anthemic indie rock offering lifted from the group’s forthcoming EP All That Is Solid Melts Into Air, which is  slated for release next month on June 14. A delicious teaser of what will hopefully be a noisy  guitar record.

Rory Sweeney, ‘Departed’ feat. Tony Bontana

Known for his high energy, high drama sets, Rory Sweeney is back with his latest offering ‘Departed’ featuring Tony Bontana. ‘Departed’ is a short but perfectly formed track, featuring Bontana’s bars and Sweeney beats in a harmonious equilibrium - delivering intensity and mellowness in parallel. Speaking about the opportunity to collaborate with Bontana, Sweeney said: “Tony to me is a legendary MC and producer and maybe my favourite rapper in the world. Years I’ve been following this guy, his work is so diverse and left field and consistently high quality”.

Sack, ‘Wake Up People’

Dublin based 5 piece Sack have released the first single of their upcoming album of the same name, ‘Wake Up People’. Providing a melodic taster of what is to come, ‘Wake Up People’ has been described by the group’s John Bereton as “a song urging everyone to be aware, be active, be kind, be fair and to use our most precious democratic provision; the right to vote, in a lawful, peaceful way". The track is a pop infused indie rock track, ‘Wake Up People’ maintains the band’s political conscious and new wave guitars and provides a delicious amuse bouche for the band’s first album in 23 years.

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