Screaming Orphans, 'John I Love You' feat. John Reynolds [Sinéad O'Connor cover]

Donegal all-sister folk group Screaming Orphans commemorate the 1st anniversary of Sinéad O’Connor’s passing today with a cover of her Universal Mother classic ‘John I Love You’ (feat. John Reynolds).

The Bundoran sisters, and former back-up singers for Sinéad herself, stay true to the way in which they performed it live with the Irish music icon over the years.

Sinéad’s producer and longtime collaborator John Reynolds produced and lent drums to the single, making ‘John I Love You’ a full-circle, incredible tribute to Sinéad O’Connor, whose loss is especially felt today.

Rejjie Snow ‘All Night’

Irish hip-hop juggernaut Rejjie Snow teams up with Grammy-winning Kaytranada on this late-night groover, with the rapper's typically effortless and laidback delivery nestling amidst the Canadian's inimitable production and Dana Williams' soulful vocals.

His first release since the 2021 album Baw Baw black Sheep, the Dubliner also announced tour dates earlier this week, with a hometown gig in the 3Olympia pinned for November 6, 2024. Ireland will be the second stop on the tour, which kicks off in Glasgow and finishes in Oslo. Announcing it on social media, he described it as “The greatest show on planet earth.”

 

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Obskür, ‘I’ve Arrived’

One of the capital’s many attention-grabbing house duos, the Northside paring of Lorcan McCarthy and Fausto are fresh from seeing out Longitude’s Heineken Stage. Evidently not ones to rest on their laurels, their latest single is deep, dynamic and t-step inducing, with Dublin singer Tomike, as the title suggests, fastening her presence with an elusive vocal.

“We’ve been mates for 10 years – so we’ve got that chemistry,” Lorcan told Hot Press in our June issue. “The longer you know someone the easier it is to make music with them. If there’s something good we build on it.”

 

 

The Awning,  ‘July’

Formerly known as Scoth, Darragh Purcell and Evan Flaherty share the first single from their latest sonic venture. It’s an emotional one, with delicate and atmospheric folk instrumentation providing the backdrop for a tender tableau of grief.

“This song was written in the aftermath of losing a dear friend who passed away far too soon,” say the band. “It explores the vulnerable emotions of grief and serves as a poignant reminder of life's fragility.”

“The lyrics narrate the events from his drowning to the funeral, with each day passing swiftly and insignificantly. Such moments make you question life and confront the reality that you cannot control the broader course of events.”

 

 

 

 

 

K3:lu, ‘Standing Ovation (Good People Of The World)

K3:lu, AKA Patrick Hatchett, is set to drop a grooving, afrofunkalicious and soulful new LP titled Vol.II Cortis in September. Crafted in his West Cork studio, his new single provides a fine taster of the artist’s penchant for crafting psychedelic soundscapes, rife with layered guitars, sprightly synths and exotic rhythms.

“Simply put, it’s a celebration of those folks in this world who make it a better place for us all,” says Hatchett. “To all the sounders, the solids, the carers and supporters. To the quiet lovelies and the fierce as f**k fighters. To those that consistently show up for others without fanfare or reward. As the world continues to lose its ever-unstable footing, now is the time to hold, revere and learn from these great teachers.”

Bren Berry, ‘Come Alive’

The fifth single from Bren Berry’s solo project, ‘Come Alive’ is a song glowing with good vibes. With an earworm of a chorus backed up by beautiful harmonies and some powerful guitar playing, the song embodies a summery feeling.

Delving into the subject of the song, Berry said that “It’s about that feeling of a perfect day with friends and family - the sun’s shining, everyone’s in a great mood and loving being together, celebrating and listening to music…the song is a big widescreen, cinematic love song about family, friends, home and the power of music.”

SHY, 'On The Roof'

Combining delicate guitar work with intricate lyricism, ‘On the Roof’ is the latest entry into the catalogue of Dublin-based artist SHY. With lyrics that explore uncertainty, nostalgia and loss, SHY’s clear and gentle vocals help the honesty and vulnerability of the tune hit home.
A Ukrainian national now living in Dublin, SHY said the song is “about those quiet moments of reflection after saying goodbye to someone who has been a significant part of your life. Being on the roof symbolises a place where you can see everything clearly and begin to envision a new future."

In Between Honey, 'It's Alright'

‘It’s alright’ is yet another infectiously energetic song from Irish indie rockers Between Honey. With loud drums and even louder guitars, the band’s easy-going mentality creates a song that is as carefree as it is optimistic, that has echoes of bands like Bell X1 and Arcade Fire.
In a statement, the band spoke on the laid-back philosophy of the song, and their belief that there’s no such thing as a coincidence- “so just chill and take it as it comes in the sun...worry about the consequences later."

Fin Furey, 'Corners & Coins'

Dublin singer-songwriter Fin Furey explores the wince-worthy pain of unrequited love and the vicious circle of addiction on his latest offering.

A poignant folk ballad, ‘Corners and Coins’ imbues Furey’s low-fi vocals with tangible aching and seductive undertones which capture the rawness of feeling with such lyrics as: “Won’t you come down, rescue me. Deep are these wounds I need to heal".

The single vividly removes the wool from the eyes as the singer croons, "Hits and lines, help face their demand. Lonely hearts on corners for coins," echoing a palpable longing and sense of fleeting connection, a stark contrast with the song’s depiction of addiction.

Ewan McVicar & KETTAMA, ‘The Miracle Makers’

Irish DJs and producers Ewan McVicar and KETTAMA are teaming up on the track ‘The Miracle Maker’, a high-octane club tune of fast-paced, bass-heavy beats set against speedy vocal and electronic melodies.

Speaking of the release on Instagram, McVicar describes ‘The Miracle Makers’ as “a hungover idea in the hills of Devon Analogue Studio turned into a beast.”

Lorraine Nash, ‘Getting Started’

With its soft acoustic guitar chords and Lorraine Nash’s country-infused vocal performance, ‘Getting Started’ is a whimsical folk tune for the summer dreamers.

“'Getting Started’ is a song I wrote about trying to remain optimistic,” Nash says. “Working in the music industry, it can often feel like one step forward three steps back, but this song is about reminding myself I do it because I love it, and sometimes that's enough.”

Released ahead of her ahead of her Cambridge Folk Festival debut on July 28, and subsequent summer performances at All Together Now and Electric Picnic, ‘Getting Started’ is a hugely exciting release, showcasing Nash’s Irish trad sensibilities while offering an Americana-inspired sound.

Charlie Hanlon, ‘Stand’

Downpatrick singer-songwriter Charlie Hanlon is unveiling his new single ‘Stand’, a poignant track about growing up in a small Irish town and the feeling of being stuck in a never ending cycle.

With its distorted guitar lines and Hanlon’s gripping vocal performance, ‘Stand’ is grief-stricken and melancholic, gradually building in heaviness before finally exploding on its guttural bridge.

Anemoia, 'Threads'

Shoegaze merchants Anemoia cite Blue Smiley and Glare as inspirations for their latest slow-burning bop, which builds with a rattling, cataclysmic bassline before divulging into crushing wall of reverbed guitars a là My Bloody Valentine. Produced & Mixed in Sonic Studios by Janksy, the guttural and grunge-tinged vocals offer a sinister vibe, with the band describing the track as a “first-person journey of an ambiguous yearning.”

Edel Meade, ‘For Sinéad’

A year on from the legendary figure’s untimely passing, singer-songwriter Edel Meade pays a lyrical homage to the iconic Sinéad O’Connor, capturing the essence of her courage, strength, and enduring influence in Ireland and across the globe.

"Sinéad O’Connor was a trailblazer, a true warrior woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her truth,” says Meade. “'For Sinéad' is my way of honouring her legacy and expressing the deep gratitude felt by Mná na hÉireann (women of Ireland) and beyond."

Young Iz, ‘Naija Babe’

If this mild Irish summer isn’t delivering enough heat, look no further than Young Iz’s latest single ‘Naija Babe’.

Reimagining the Nelly classic ‘Hot in Herre’, the Dublin rapper puts a flagrant twist to the record with a pummelling club backbeat. Calm, cool and collected, Young Iz delivers raucous and raw bars in an up-tempo flow punctuated by quotable ad-libs and Neptunes-esque sonics. Here, he leans into a timeless turn-of-the-century vibe, while infusing it with his own undeniable attitude.

PostLast, ‘Hollywood Ending’

Alt-pop duo PostLast are back with their fantastical new track ‘Hollywood Ending.’ A highly unique and glittering meeting between an electric melody and a soft-toned vocal performance, the song is an atmospheric, almost feverish dream of angelic shoegaze sounds.

Speaking of ‘Hollywood Ending,’ the band says: “[It’s] about being absolutely fascinated by another human being and letting your imagination get the better of you. It’s exploring the idea of all-consuming obsession; the innocent and sometimes irresponsible ways we can build someone up and put them on a pedestal in our minds and create a whole fantasy life around them.”

Meljoann, ‘Bye’

Brighton-based, Irish, producer and vocalist Meljoann is releasing her new single 'Bye'. With its r’n’b inspired melody set against an industrial backdrop, the track takes a stand against “Big Tech”, data mining, algorithmic manipulation, and lack of privacy, making ‘Bye’ a timely anthem with a funky edge

Speaking of the track and its music video, Meljoann said: “When you realise what Big Social is, the best emoji reaction is your hand waving “Bye”. In the video, watch out for our favourite Big Tech billionaires: Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Daniel Ek.”

Dunny, ‘Not bothering’

The second single off Meltybrains?'s Dunny’s debut solo album Schtum, due out in September, ‘Not Bothering’ is an experimental electronic tune of slow, lazy synths set against fleeting percussions. With a singular, dragging vocal performance, the track feels like a slow, slightly dreary summer morning with a touch of funk.

 

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Sonny Fodera x Jazzy x D.O.D, ‘Somedays’

Having performed the track at this year’s Longitude, Irish audiences are well primed for Jazzy, Sonny Fodera and D.O.D’s euphoric feel good floor filler of a track ‘Somedays’. The sultry piece of house heaven was released today on Fodera’s own independent label, Solotoko. The melancholic chords of 'Somedays' are powered by sleek, dance drums before being overlaid with Jazzy’s honeyed vocals. The atmospheric vocal builds the mood before feel-good pianos kick in, making for some hands-in-the-aire worthy music. ‘Somedays’ is for sure a soundtrack for the good times.

Orla Gartland, ‘The Hit’

The latest offering from indie singer songwriter Orla Gartland ‘The Hit’ taps into the good and bad of feeling deep empathy for another. ‘The Hit’ is about when you’re so close to somebody that you take on their struggles and start to become the same person. Gartland describes the relationship in question as “like a voodoo doll thing… you’re so connected it hurts,” she explains “it’s a nice gesture, because you’re admitting you care about that person so much that when they’re in pain you feel it too, but there’s a point that it can go too far and that’s just not healthy or sustainable.”

Gonzo Fever, ‘I Got Luv 4 U’

A London based Irish psychedelic rock band, Gonzo Fever have just unleashed their slick and sleazy retro number ‘I Got Love 4 U'. With a clear Stooges influence- it’s not hard to picture this track playing over a heist scene in a 70s era movie. A sun drenched banger, the track's surreal vocals are intoxicating, especially combined with the dirty guitar line and propulsive drums. Recorded in a basement in Dalston, London ‘I Got Love 4 U’ is rock n roll both in spirit and inception, with the band’s DIY production approach at the helm of its creation.

Luke Clerkin, ‘Supernova’

'Supernova' is the second single to be released from Luke Clerkin's upcoming debut album Orpheus which is set for release in October of this year. The song depicts Clerkin's journey through self-love and dealing with the aftermath of having unrequited feelings for someone he was close with and the conversations that followed that revelation. An earnest string track, ‘Supernova’ sees Clerkin deliver a warm and folksy single. The lyrics wouldn’t be out of place in a Coldplay song, and the Irish artist imbues every note with his own emotive touch.

 

Under Starling, ‘Selkie’

Fresh off the press of their debut album Murmurations, which is slated for an October 25 release, ‘Selkie’ is the LP’s lead single. ‘Selkie’ by Under Starling will evoke the best of Walking on Car’s catalogue, with a more electronic twist. The mossy track has an almost atavistic quality, like the band gave an old folk song a makeover rather than wrote a new one. And it’s all the better for it. The single is a collaborative effort with Seal Rescue Ireland and 100% of the proceeds will go to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured Irish seals.

The Savage Hearts, ‘Speeding Bullets’

Featuring a host of hard-hitting sounds, The Savage Hearts have presented a wild mix of psychedelic and garage rock with ‘Speeding Bullets’. With a fast tempo and heavy guitars, the band have created a unique sound filled with headbanging potential.

Led by Evan Walsh, former drummer of The Strypes, the band consists of a mixture of musicians from Cavan and around Ireland. Their second single after ‘Gang War’, it features production work from Peter Holidai.

 

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The Kyd G, $ONA BLU€, HallowBoysDance, ‘Your Lady’

With vocals from three entirely individual sounding artists, ‘Your Lady’ is a funky blend of genres. A smooth, catchy hook by $ONA BLU€ separates the intricate lyricism of The Kyd G and HallowBoysDance, while a loud boom-bap drum beat adds to the song’s impact.

The song  also features production from GNS, who are longtime collaborators. Speaking on the track, The Kyd G said “The chill, sexy record portrays the yearning for love and affection displayed by each of the individual artists.”

 

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Podge Lane ‘This Is Not What I Was Promised’

Clacketing drums clash against twanging banjo as the alt-country troubadour, Podge Lane, unleashes his newest track, ‘This Is Not What I Was Promised’,

The single sees Lane continuing to peel back the curtain on what’s to come with his third studio album, Multiple Dead Ends. With every crying lap steel strum and thrashed banjo chord, Lane croons: “This is not what I was promised, when my whole life all got started.”

‘TINWIWP’ reaches a boiling point with palsied pace, combining the rock eccentricities akin to Jack White and The Stones with the country sensibilities of Zach Bryan or Orville Peck.

Sean Anthony, ‘Clean Sweep’

Drawing from the vibrant sonic palette of The Band and The Beach Boys, Sean Anthony is back with his second single ‘Clean Sweep’.

A mesmeric folk-pop offering, the track delves into themes of relationships and self discovery with introspective lyricism that highlights Anthony’s ability to weave poignant narratives with intricate melodies.

The schmaltz and treacle offer a wondrous accompaniment to the gleaming, doo-wop melodies that would certainly earn the approval of the artist’s rock-n-roll forefathers Brian Wilson and Robbie Robertson.

Four Faces, ‘Part Of You’

Undeniably catchy and groove-laden, the latest single from emergent rock outfit Four Faces leads the releases from their upcoming debut EP, out later this year.

‘Part Of You’ showcases the band’s evolving sound of infectious guitar solos and punch-packing hooks, which portray a sense of acceptance between two individuals trying to navigate their own paths, each grappling with an underlying uncertainty about which diverged roads to take.

“‘Part Of You’ was one of the first proper songs we wrote as a band and it became a blueprint for our sound in the early days,” says bandmember Tommy Malone. “Since then, we have moved in different sonic directions but it always stuck around as a favourite at live shows for both us and the audience. It felt right to put it forward as the lead single from our upcoming debut EP because it represents us the most in where we started and where we want to go”

Lorcan O’Rourke, ‘Get Me Home’

Emerging singer-songwriter Lorcan O’Rourke is set to break through the country folk-rock music scene with his debut single ‘Get Me Home’.

Hailing from Co. Offaly, O’Rourke is quickly establishing himself as a compelling sonic presence in the Irish music landscape. His sound blends the soulful stylings of country with the electrifying nerve of rock, tipping his hat to the likes of The Eagles, Shania Twain, The Chicks and Bruce Springsteen. ‘Get Me Home’ is a deftly-helmed offering that blends a catchy mix of nostalgic charm and contemporary energy.

 

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