Monjola ‘Go Wrong’

Dublin-based Monjola offers his reflective musings on failing relationships on ‘Go Wrong’. The tune has arrived in timely fashion, with its summery melodies and typically soulful, smooth production making it a fine addition to any balmy evening soundtrack.

“It's a journey through the labyrinth of past relationships, where the corridors echo with the haunting whispers of regret,” says Monjola of the track. “The song is about reflecting on  past relationships. Thinking about things that you might have done wrong and situations you wish you could revisit. Whilst revisiting this feeling it's also about feeling a sense of peace, knowing you can't change the past and you need to focus on you.”

Carlos Danger, ‘Roma Chipper Louglhinstown,’ feat. Smokey and Curtisy.

The brainchild of  Dublin-producer Rory Sweeney, Carlos Danger presents: Irish Hash Mafia is a project documenting the island’s budding Hip Hop scene. ‘Roma Chipper Loughlinstown’ is emblematic of the album’s collaborative spirit, with Dubs Smokey and Curtisy flaunting witty wordplay over a frenetic, exotic-sounding beat.

“Irish Hash Mafia mixtape is a love letter to the DIY sound and ethos of 90s Southern Hip Hop, as well as a time capsule of the left field DIY sounds being explored by the Irish underground,” said Sweeney in a statement. “Myself and a lot of the artists here are starting to get caught up in the cogs of the music industry and I think it’s important to put out this mixtape as an archive of the free spirited sounds we’ve been exploring together over the past 2-3 years.”

Tadhg Williams, ‘Frank Edwards’

The latest single from Tadhg Williams looks back to the past, with an eye on the present. ‘Frank Edwards’ was inspired by eleven men who left Waterford to fight facism in the Spanish Civil War. Sung from the perspective of its titular character, the offering explores what influences a person to fight in a war hundreds of leagues away and their experiences leaving home. Over resplendent piano and delicate guitar, Williams’ mesmeric vocals and deft songwriting carry the track to atmospheric heights.

‘Frank Edwards’ is just as much a song about the present, than it is about the past:

“I want to dedicate the song to the memories of those eleven Waterford men who fought fascism in Spain,” Williams offers. “I hope that while the growth of the far-right continues in Ireland, this song serves as a reminder that Ireland has always been a loving country on the side of free people.”

Offica, ‘Smack Down’

Following the release of his critically acclaimed two-part debut mixtape ‘Hokage’ & Hokage in Lagos, hip-hop heavyweight Offica is back with a vengeance on his latest WWE-inspired track. The bop is equally brimming with witty football-referencing quips, and sees the Nigerian-Irish drill merchant set the tone with a refined sonic direction – brimming with hard bars and even punchier flows.

Darren Kiely, ‘Ocean’

Nashville-based Corkonian Darren Kiely is seemingly tireless when it comes to his musical output, arriving with a new EP in the form of From The Dark. ‘Ocean’ is indicative on the young songwriter’s Lumineers-flavoured folk pop, characterised by chirpy acoustic guitars and a massive, heart-bleeding chorus.

“This collection of songs was written from a darker place,” said Kiely of his latest project. “One where there was not a lot of hope and where I was searching for the smallest bit of that hope in different things. It is not as hopeful as some of my previous releases in the sense that I really tried to capture or describe the moments where hope is the very faintest thing in the distance.”

GNS, 'DONT MATTER'

Malawian-born, Irish-raised artist GNS,  new single ‘DONT MATTER’ opens with crackling electric chords with the artist's electronic voice singing “it don’t matter where I saw you, now I miss you, that’s a fact,” before breaking into a fast-paced pop track that is destined to become stuck in the heads of anyone who hears it.

Pulling influence from artists like Frank Ocean, Saba, Tyler, The Creator, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper and Dave, GNS crosses barriers by mixing genres like rap and alternative pop with experimental sounds. When talking about the track, GNS says, “The song is about my clingy attachment issues, missing a girl right after just seeing her, and being honest enough to tell her.”

Landless, 'Death and the Lady'

The second offering from Landless’ upcoming album Lúireach wears a halo of spectre. The hauntingly ethereal ‘Death and the Lady’ sees the quartet add a greater supernatural air of mortality to an already fatalistic trad song.

The four-part harmonies boast minimal accompaniment, with tender organ peals and low-bleating drones.

The spirit of Landless is worth more than any modern convenience. Their music pairs perfectly with life's deepest joys and sorrows. It seems an error that one can merely purchase and possess it on their phone. Their music belongs to all time — and 2024 is quite the lucky year for having it.

NO PHOTOS, 'Slippy'

Dubliners NO PHOTOS' last single from their new EP Blink And You Miss It, ‘Slippy’, is four minutes of danceable delight, with an adagio style melody and  heartfelt lyrics to boot.

When talking about the track, the five-piece indie rockers say, “The song feels like a soundtrack to moving on even though you mightn't feel ready to yet, it encapsulates a bittersweet release of finally letting go of something you were so attached to. Which is also sort of how it feels releasing the song.”

iNNUENDO, 'Clear Motion'

Dublin based alt-rock band iNNUENDO has released their second single ‘Clear Motion’. This single is the second track from their upcoming debut EP. ‘Clear Motion’ is filled with intense guitar riffs, strong bass and prolonged powerful vocals that highlight the talent of his up and coming band.

To celebrate the release of ‘Clear Motion’, iNNUENDO will be playing a live show at Sin É on May 23. More music from iNNUENDO is on the way because on their Instagram, the band said, “we’re finding it hard to contain our excitement, but we’re very ready to show the world our new music…”

 

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The Belgian Blue, 'The Bare Minimum'

Vienna-based Indie rockers The Belgian Blue, have shared their debut single ‘The Bare Minimum’, a heartfelt track which encapsulates the love the group has for performing live. Among the song's highlights are a striking guitar solo and gripping vocals that compels you to sing along.

When talking about recording the track, The Belgian Blue said, “The biggest challenge was to translate the electricity and emotion of us playing live, onto record. Which we hope we succeeded in, by playing live to tape in the studio, and leaving the track as raw and rough as possible.”

Niamh Regan, 'Music'

Critically acclaimed indie-folk artist Niamh Regan is back with the third and final advanced release off her upcoming sophomore album Come As You Are. Entitled ‘Music’, the new track is inspired by Regan’s love of Wilco, Julia Jacklin and Caroline Rose and showcases the singer’s talents to their fullest extent.  

“‘Music’ is one of my favourite songs on the record,” Regan explained. “I was listening to a lot of Wilco while making this record and this song is like a nod to that with regards to production. It's the first song that I wrote where I thought this might be an earworm, and just had lots of fun with the lyrics and melody and I hope that comes across in the recording now.”

Toria, 'Final Draw'

Modern alt-rocker Toria has announced her formidable presence on the Irish music scene with the release of her debut EP Belief, featuring the powerful new single ‘Final Draw’. A mix of beauty, passion, frustration and anger, Toria’s melancholic vocals are underlaid by an energetic rock soundtrack, drawing inspiration from generations of Irish female artists while also delivering a sound that is uniquely her own. 

“'Final Draw' is definitely a more laid back and chilled song, and when I wrote this I had been listening to a lot of R’n’B at the time,” said Toria. “I think that inspiration really comes through in this track. I love listening to ‘Final Draw,’ because it brings me back to nights in my room where I’d be experimenting with all different kinds of sounds, and trying to implement different influences while also putting my own spin on them.” 

BEX, ‘Freedom’

In their latest single, ‘Freedom,’ BEX deliver a powerful anthem of resilience and hope.

Crafted by frontwoman Rebecca's heartfelt lyrics and infectious melody, accompanied by the masterful and vibrant instrumental arrangement, this captivating track delves into the universal yearning for liberation in the face of adversity. With each verse, the track unleashes a soul-stirring performance, channelling the raw emotion and resilience embodied in the lyricism and pummeling instrumental.

BEX offer a dynamic track which salutes the different backgrounds of each member, hailing from Cork, Argentina and Italy. One thing each locale has in common is the undeniable vibrance of their respective music scenes. ‘Freedom’ showcases this vibrance deftly.

“This is more than just a song—it's a testament to the collaborative spirit of creativity and the ability of music to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of listeners around the world,” the band offers.

Callum Orr, 'Crushing Machine'

Folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Callum Orr has announced his debut album, The Trials of Knowing, with the release of his gut-wrenching new single ‘Crushing Machine’. Written in 2021 after his mother was diagnosed with stage four cancer, the new track is a bleakly poignant meditation on mortality and the human experience.  

“I had this feeling of hopelessness in the face of this machine of death, envisioning that I and everyone I love are just sitting on this conveyor belt waiting for this final violence of being destroyed and taken from life,” Orr said of the new track. “I was almost confused as to why everyone wasn’t just running around screaming with terror, how are we all acting like this is OK?”

Shaun Warner, 'What Things Could Have Been'

Rising Irish DJ and producer Shaun Warner has released the first single ahead of his upcoming album Morning Light, out June 21. Entitled ‘What Things Could Have Been’, the wistful new track dives into the deep-rooted regret that comes with lost friendship, lamenting over the missed signals of a friend who could have grown into something more. 

The single comes paired with a scenic music video designed by AI artist Abdul Moheez. An artistic interpretation of the pair’s chance meeting in the Maldives as well as the song’s intimate lyrics, the video uses artificial intelligence to depict vibrant colour, effortless movement and serene beach life.

Gerr Walsh feat. Naimee Coleman, ‘Dream in D'

After receiving a wave of tastemaker support for his debut LP Ghost of Hope & Magic in 2021, the first single from Gerr Walsh’s upcoming sophomore Album, ‘Dream in D’, is a wistful and lush indie folk offering. The sweet lyrics are buttressed by delicately excellent production,  courtesy of some renowned musicians in the form of  Naimee Coleman on backing vocals, Keith Duffy on bass and Adam Marcello on drums and percussion.

 

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Louis McTeggart, 'Hugs'

Singer-songwriter and Derry native Louis McTeggart has today released his latest single ‘Hugs’, recorded alongside his long-time collaborator Peter Doherty. A departure from McTeggart’s usual folk-pop style, the new track leans into the pair’s love of dance music and anthemic, indie-pop beats.

Inspired by the realisation that he and his close friend had grown distant, ‘Hugs’ is a melancholic lament to the beautiful, yet fleeting, relationships that many of us have loved and lost. 

McTeggart has spent the last year and a half performing on cruise ships and traveling the world, recording and releasing new music whenever he finds himself back in his hometown.

Exmagician, 'Keep Your Nose Clean'

Belfast duo Exmagician consists of lifelong friends Daniel Todd and James Smith. With ‘Keep Your Nose Clean’, they've created a calm song that showcases their musical talent through a soothing melody and powerful vocals.

‘Keep Your Nose Clean’ is the second track from their upcoming LP, Sit Tight, which is set to be out on June 21. It follows ‘Sharpen These’ which came out this past April. When talking about the track, Smith says, "It’s a bit of vague social commentary mixed with some internal pep talk and a desire to set the record straight with someone you used to care about."

Cardinals, 'Nineteen'

Cardinals’ new single ‘Nineteen’ is set to make a memorable impact in the tracklist of their upcoming debut EP, set for release on June 7. Opening with a laid-back vocal pick up from Euan Manning, and quickly followed by direct, almost punky guitar riff and rhythmic section, the track is short, hard-hitting and highly spirited.

Talking about the single, Manning said: "Nineteen came from a desire to write a song that was shorter than two minutes, I had been listening to lots of Buddy Holly and he’s got some great short songs. It was written very quickly in a practice session but was about four minutes originally so we whittled it down to the 1 minutes and 53 seconds you hear now. The lyrics were the first thing that came to mind, usually I’d go home and do re-writes but these were simple somehow, I liked them enough to keep them as they were."

Áine Tyrrell, 'People Like Me and You

The first single from multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Áine Tyrrell’s forthcoming album, ‘People Like Me and You’ sits at the crossroads between powerful spoken words and singing. Tyrell tells the story of her escape from a decade of domestic violence with her three children, and shifting her own narrative from victimhood to pride. With this new release, the singer and her team will be providing resources to grassroots organisations supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“We’re not just releasing music,” she said, “we’re shifting things, making change, one step at a time. Our mission is to raise awareness, hope, and to holistically bring art into healing spaces.”

Cold Soviets, 'Revolution Day'

Belfast “doom-pop” multi-instrumentalist Cold Soviets, also known as John Bakewell, has released his indie-rock single ‘Revolution Day’, a raw and thought-provoking tune hinging on the theme of love and friendship enduring through cataclysmic events.

Speaking about the ‘Revolution Day,’ Bakewell said: "It's about a group of friends living through the collapse of a protest movement and building new lives on the other side of it. More generally it's about letting go of deeply held beliefs and aspirations and being liberated by that rather than broken by it."

The Script, 'Both Ways'

Beloved Irish pop-rock band The Script have returned with the announcement of their long awaited new studio album, Satellites, due out August 16. The news comes paired with the project’s lead single, ‘Both Ways’, an infectious summer anthem of boisterous funk rhythms and lively dance-floor spirit. 

“‘Both Ways’ is high energy, and maybe not what people might expect from us,” said drummer Glen Power. “But we’re The Script, and now we have something to prove: that there is life and light after the darkness. It’s why we’re coming fast and strong with that one.”

Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers, ‘A Thousand Guesses’

Alternative indie rock band Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers have released their debut single ‘A Thousand Guesses’. Mixing elements of folk, jazz and rock in lively instrumental section, the song is an infectious and breezy tune about two lovers marked by unconditional and unrequited tendencies.

Speaking about 'A Thousand Guesses', frontman Seán Finn said: “‘This was one of those songs that I thought was a little simple at first, but it actually lends itself incredibly well to a live band context. The chords are simple, the melodies are easy to latch onto, and there’s a lot of space to fill.”

Chris Wilson dc, ‘Silent Revolution’

Ahead of his Beyond The Pale Festival appearance Dublin Singer - songwriter Chris Wilson dc has released the single ‘Silent Revolution.’ The love song is mellow and comforting, thanks to Wilson’s smooth vocal performance and its accompanying nostalgic cello and acoustic guitar lines.

“The song is about feeling vulnerable in love,” Wilson said about ‘Silent Revolution, “not feeling like you deserve the love you receive. Overcoming that is like a revolution against self-doubt.”

RÓGAN, ‘Pink’

Irish hip-hop artist RÓGAN collaborates with fellow rapper James Shannon on the catchy and hard-hitting ‘Pink’. Supported by a groovy bass-line and head-bopping beats, RÓGAN’s high-octane voice and electric spirit blend into the perfect straight to the point tune.

Speaking of his collaboration with Shannon on this track, RÓGAN said: “He has been a pivotal part of what inspires me and he absolutely set the tone when he sent his verse for this record.”

Toshín, ‘Living In My Fantasy’

‘Living in My Fantasy’ is all about dreaming big in love and then facing the harsh reality check that things might not quite work out as you imagined. A song for the delulu among us, Toshín, in a relatable and intimate way, tells a small story with big vocals. The song's subject matter is about when you think on a romantic date only to find out it's not what you imagined. At 3 minutes, 'Living in My Fantasy', is compact love-lorn perfection with a strong jazz and funk backing, allowing Toshín's honeyed vocals to shine. Speaking on the new single Toshín said: “Massive THANK YOU to the guy who I fantasised about and then let me down and broke my heart, this song wouldn’t have been possible without you”

Orla Gartland, ‘Little Chaos’

Featuring a blistering guitar line, ‘Little Chaos’ is Orla Gartland’s latest offering. Described by the Dublin singer songwriter as “a love song, a giant surrendering”, ‘Little Chaos’ is a prickly and abrasive song about how difficult it can be to be your authentic self in a relationship. Walking the line between softly sung introspective lyrics, and defiant and gutsy choruses- Gartland delivers her signature indie-rock sound. ‘Little Chaos’ is definitely a listen for anyone experiencing feminine rage.

Ciara Rose, ‘Daughter Of James Connolly’

Emerging pop folk singer Ciara Rose has released a stunning version of the republican folk song ‘Daughter Of James Connolly’, first penned by Frank Allen in 2005. Hailing from Blanchardstown, Ciara Rose discovered a passion for music at a young age with her music career tracing its origins to impromptu performances of her belting out tunes in the front garden for the neighbours.The artist’s latest historical single is every bit as raw and authentic as her performance roots, featuring heartfelt singing and a powerful string behind her.

The track beautifully encapsulates the poignant final moments between James Connolly and his daughter, Nora, drawing deeply from the heartfelt last words exchanged between them, as recounted in the book Portrait of a Rebel Father. Allen gifted the song to Ciara two years ago and she has been working on it ever since, coming to its magnificent fruition this week.

 

Rory Gillanders, ‘Soulless World’

An instantly warm and emotional track, ‘Soulless World’ is a song that protests the sanitised nature of modern life. The influence of Rory Gillanders' hero Bob Dylan is clearly audible in this raw no-bullshit track. Speaking on ‘Soulless World’, Gillanders says: ‘It's a song for anyone who is feeling isolated”. The raspy vocal paired with the rich timbre of the strings, along with the soulful backing vocals make for a rick sonic tapestry in Rory Gillanders' authentic folk single.

 

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Lucy Blue, ‘Home’

A single written over 3 years ago, ‘home’ is a heartfelt and tender offering that has come to its creative fruition. Speaking on the nostalgic indie folk track, Lucy Blue said: “I have found so many different versions of home since I wrote it. Sometimes it wasn’t always the house I lived in but the people I met. I’ve lived away from home for three years but have never felt so connected to it. It knows me so well and I feel lucky to call it my home”.

A lullaby for the 20 something year old feeling lost and looking for a little bit of home.