Jordan Adetunji ‘305’

The most recent Hot Press cover star is tipped for a massive 2025, and he gets things going the right way with his stellar new mixtape A Jaguar’s Dream.

“A Jaguar to me, is someone who moves through spaces and conquers every space it enters,” Adetunji says. “This is how I feel with my sound constantly evolving and conquering every space I enter into. A Jaguar’s Dream is an entry into my love life and my world of thoughts through sound and emotion. A real manifestation of my dreams I wish to make reality."

An example of the project's genre-bending capabilities, ’305’ is bass-laden, dramatic and sensual, and bleeds with infectious Weeknd-like vocals and hooks.

Another White Lie, ‘(and) This is why’

Opening with a spacey, dramatic guitarscape, this dark track slowly burns into a delicious wall of distorted sound, bursting with impassioned vocals. It’s another impressive tune taken from Kilkenny indie rock duo Another White Lie’s debut album ...in secret, break up, which earned praise for emotive exploration of love, life, depression, joy and everything in-between.

 

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J Ryan, ‘Stronger Man’

After playing music across the world, Dubliner J Ryan took the plunge in 2024 and began to release his own material. His latest track is a tightly knit, reflective piece of passionate soft rock that deals with the nature of our everyday relationships.

“At times we feel it’s all falling apart, at times we feel if we walked away we’d be better off, these stresses are mainly caused by other stresses, lack of sleep, boredom, the same day over and over,” Ryan says.

“But underneath it all, we wouldn’t actually change things, we wouldn’t walk away, it’s just one of those reactions to one of those days, hope you like it.”

Audrey Bridgeman, ‘Songbird’

Bright fingerpicked guitar and gleaming percussion are the order of the day on this radiating, uplifting ballad from Audrey Bridgeman. The track follows the hard-won journey of “letting go, being a light unto yourself, and making positive changes to make way for new people and opportunities” — and was written by the singer alongside Gerry Hendrick.

The song continues Bridgeman’s string of ambitious, percussion-focused releases, following on from ‘Highway’, ‘A Celtic Woman’ and ‘Come Away With Me’, the latter of which won three accolades at the LA Movie Awards and the Accolade Global Film Competition.

Annie-Dog, ‘Pease Forgive Me, David Gray’

Promising Dublin-based artist Annie-Dog offers up a cover of sorts, paying homage to the chart-topping English singer-songwriter. It’s fair to say the synth-popper takes a more electronic, experimental approach, with hypnotic fast-paced beats and washed out vocals filling out an eclectic track that is destined for your late-night playlist.

The musician is set to drop her second EP, titled 15, next month.

 

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Broncos, ‘Lights Out’

This noisy Belfast outfit reached back to late 90’s/early 2000’s post-hardcore for inspiration on their debut single track, eschewing rose-tinted nostalgic romanticism for joyous reckless abandon. Don’t be fooled by the ominous, clean guitar riff that welcomes you into the track, as things quickly descend into a speaker busting assault of thundering cymbals and distortion.

“Lyrically, Shane reflects on a cascading set of challenges he had to face, and the realisation that despite this, life doesn’t care how you feel and marches on regardless,” the band say. “Having come out the other side, it served as a reminder that these are only transient situations, there is always light is at the end of the tunnel.”

KhakiKid, ‘AppleBottomCigarets’

The latest single to be taken from his highly-anticipated Moanbag project, Dublin-based rapper KhakiKid starts off what’s set to be a busy 2025 with the bittersweet ‘AppleBottomCigarets.’ The zippy, glittery and romantic number follows his country-tinged tune ‘Boy Racer’, and comes ahead of his support slot for Kilkenny dance duo 49th & Main the 3Olympia at the end of the month.

Chris Wong, ‘When I Feel Your Love’

Irish/Hong-Kongese artist Chris Wong has shared his first release of 2025, ‘When I Feel Your Love’, a track spanning multiple genres, with Wong pouring his heart out gently through his vocals. The single tells the story of a long distance lover, wrong place wrong time, and a missed chance, delving into themes of love and sacrifice. Through a blend of electric and slide guitars, with a smooth falsetto and laid-back groove, the track encapsulates Wong’s signature soulful sound.

Talking about his new release, Chris said: “When I Feel Your Love represents a real period of growth in my life by acknowledging what can and can not be, understanding that the stars won’t always align. It was a missed opportunity at love and it stung me for a while. It’s the most personal song to date”.

Fin Furey, 'Japanese Death Poems'

Fin Furey has shared his latest single ‘Japanese Death Poems’, inspired by the ancient Japanese tradition of poems and Haikus written at life’s end by monks, poets, and warriors. Furey’s new track leans into the idea of imagining yourself on your deathbed, surrounded by the ghosts of your unfulfilled dreams, unused talents, and ideas you never acted on.

Blending the genres of folk, indie, and Irish trad, the track showcases Furey’s ability to weave themes of life and death into his craft. The singer’s dynamic vocals combined with a gripping acoustic guitar riff reflect the song’s powerful message and embracing death with dignity and capturing one’s final thoughts.

Blue Slate, ‘This Is How I Sleep at Night’

Kick-starting 2025 with a broody and noisy track, Kildare alt-rock band Blue Slate have shared their latest release, ‘This Is How I Sleep at Night’, the title track from their upcoming debut EP. Rife in blistering heavy guitar riffs, the new track explores the topic of body dysmorphia.

Vocalist Harney explains: “Lyrically, ‘This is how I sleep at Night’ is about the vulnerability and distaste of self image. It taps into a dark period of my life and explains my experience with an eating disorder and the thought process when experiencing it. I think the scariest thing about body dysmorphia or an eating disorder is that it may not be as visible to the naked eye, until you’re deep in it.”

Barkbeat, ‘Exit Wound’

New Dublin alternative Indie duo Barkbeat have released their debut single ‘Exit Wound’, the leading track from their forthcoming EP Doghouse which is set to drop on February 6.
Comprising Mark Lombard and Aoife McGrath, the duo’s debut EP marks the culmination of years of musical collaboration between two best friends.

‘Exit Wound’ is a smooth indie track that builds steadily to a thrilling climax with thundering drum fills and harmonious vocals. The EP itself is a lyrical exploration of heartbreak, from the depths of grief and the peaks of radical joy, to finally finding peace in acceptance.

Maria Kelly, ‘His Parent’s House’

Delving into the pertinent issue of the current housing crisis alternative/indie artist Maria Kelly has released her latest single ‘His Parents’ House’ taken from her upcoming second album Waiting Room. Similar to many young adults in Ireland, Maria and her then-partner moved in with his family to save money – an opportunity she was grateful for, while also mourning her loss of independence.

A delicately woven indie-folk track, Kelly’s sincerity shines through, as she sings over powerful drums in a Crannberries-esque manner. Reflecting on a topical issue young people in Ireland know only too well, ‘His Parent’s House’ is a thought-provoking and relatable anthem.

HANNAHBELLA, ‘Dainty Fae’

Hailing from Cork, musician HANNAHBELLA has released her latest track ‘Dainty Fae’, a seamless blend of ethereal electronic sounds with punchy lyrics and bold vocals. The single is taken from the artist’s upcoming EP Parasite, showcasing HANNAHBELLA’s genre-bending mix of glitchy hyper-pop, techno elements, and alt-rock. ‘Dainty Fae’ combines catchy melodies with theatrical performance, with live guitars, drums and synths merging to bring the playful track together.

Speaking about the track, the artist said: "Dainty Fae tells the story of a fae who, abandoned and consumed by loneliness,finds herself seething in self-pity. It’s a haunting exploration of isolation, yet wrapped in an unexpected, playful sonic package”.

Cloakroom Q, ‘Substance’

Belfast art-rock trio Cloakroom Q have released their latest single ‘Substance’, following the success of their last single ‘Nail In Your Head’. Having formed in late 2016, the group have been through many iterations to get to where they are today. The band’s latest releases have seen them explore their creative abilities without limitations. Their latest release ‘Substance’, builds gently and slowly, with the vocals gradually gaining momentum. Smooth indie guitar riffs propel the track forward, as the lead singer’s plaintive vocals gradually grow stronger and deeper. With more instrumentation finding its way into the song, it steadily builds to an impressive climax.

$ONA BLU€, ‘Good 4 You’

$ONA BLU€ has released her latest single ‘Good 4 You’, following on from last year’s single ‘Your Lady’. The artist’s new release comes accompanied by a stunning music video. ‘Good 4 You’ is a mellow groovy track, with BLU€’s vocals creating a steady melodious pace. Gradually the song becomes more dark and broody, with heavier percussion creating an almost eerie atmosphere.

BENJAMYN, ‘Begin Now’

The latest single ‘Begin Now’, by indie and electronic singer-songwriter, composer, and producer Benjamyn, is a classic techno bop. More than a typical techno tune, the track builds to a euphoric chorus, with an electronic keyboard melody steadily keeping the pace, and Benjaymn’s vocals shining through. ‘Begin Now’ is the perfect club tune, transporting its listeners on a journey to the dance floor.

Bobbi Arlo, ‘POWERPLAY’

Wicklow artist Bobbi Arlo has released her new single ‘POWERPLAY’, following the news that she is the first artist in the running to represent Ireland at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Sega Bodega and Shygirl, Arlo is known for her unique sound, blending club beats with deep lyrics. A rising star in the Irish music scene, ‘POWERPLAY’ is a classic Arlo track with an electric touch, as the artist opens fiercely “You wanna take my power, ground yourself, I’ll eat your heart out”. Explosive and dynamic, ‘POWERPLAY’ is a bold electro-pop track with powerful vocals.

Varo, ‘Red Robin’ feat. Alannah Thornburgh

Dublin-based trad outfit Varo today release the first single from their upcoming album The World That I Knew, which lands on 9th May.

With gorgeous harp stylings from Alannah Thornburgh, ‘Red Robin’ opens on an ethereal soundscape of a lightly plucked backing beneath mesmeric vocal harmonies.

“We learned this song from a 1977 recording of Mikey Kelleher (1907-1987), found in an online collection of songs from County Clare. We immediately fell in love with the melody and lyrics, which describes a state of mind rather than a real story,” Varo say of the track. “It seemed to paint a paysage of melancholy, memories and loneliness, and at the same time of extreme human warmth and connection with the elements of nature.”

Lisa O’Neill, ‘Homeless In The Thousands (Dublin in the Digital Age)’ feat. Peter Doherty

Lisa O’Neill speaks to the social injustice towards Dublin’s unhoused community on her latest single ‘Homeless In The Thousands (Dublin in the Digital Age)’ feat. Peter Doherty.

The song is a protest against Dublin's housing crisis and the government's failure to act on the issue. It was first performed on The Tommy Tiernan Show on January 18.

Speaking of her inspiration behind the track, the Cavan songsmith explains: “We write what we see. I have lived in Dublin City for 24 years . As winter 2024 approached, this is the song that came to me. And here are some thoughts on why I’ve chosen to put it out at the start of this new year”.

Pauric O’Meara, ‘Together Tonight’

As he releases his latest EP Reflections of what we could be, Pauric O’Meara kicks off the project with the upbeat, anthemic ‘Together Tonight’.

Replete with undeniable catchiness - pedalled by a high-octane pop-rock soundscape - the track boasts a shimmering guitar backing and propulsive rhythm section to accentuate O’Meara’s enlivened vocal performance.

On the track, O’Meara says: “‘Together tonight’ focuses on how much easier it is to just let people live their lives, let them do what makes them happy, because at the end of the day, what difference does it really make to you how they live? just because you may not agree with it, let them do them”.

Anna B Savage, ‘Donegal’

Out today, the newest record from Anna B Savage, You & i are Earth begets a love letter to IReland, where Savage is currently based.

Track 3, ‘Donegal’, lays bare this delicate, yet blossoming relationship with her new home, where amid skittering percussion, she asks the neighbouring sea to “please look after me”.

“One of the things that I was reading while I was making this record was Manchán Magan’s book 32 words for Field, and the idea that language can have an explicit connection to the land,” Savage says. When I am in Ireland, that sense of grounding is vast but also intimate, and sometimes it’s a bit magical and sometimes a bit scary”.

Woodsmen, ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’

Woodsmen are an up-and-coming folk-rock band from Dublin, looking to leave a lasting impression on the Irish music scene. Formed during their schooldays at BIMM, the band was founded by songwriter Arron Woods (rhythm guitar/vocals), who brought in acclaimed musicians Cam Teehan (drums) and Josh Hackett (lead guitar).

With their second single, ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’, inspired loosely by Brian Friel’s play of the same name, Woodsmen craft an unmistakably Irish narrative of hardship, longing, and hope. The track marks a new chapter in their exploration of the Irish rock scene.

To celebrate the release, Woodsmen will headline an exhilarating show at Whelan’s on January 30, 2025.

Tara Nome Doyle, ‘Lighthouse’

A first taste of Tara Nome Doyle’s upcoming album Ekko, ‘Lighthouse’ is a minimalistic yet ethereal track exuding ghostly gentleness through hauntingly beautiful vocals, richly textured arrangements and precisely eerie piano chords. Exploding in a bridge of poignant and dark harmonies and carefully placed analog synths, 'Lighthouse' is the story of a young artist breaking free from expectations that don’t align with her own.

Tara explains further, "I wrote ‘Lighthouse’ for a friend who was going through a difficult time. I saw myself in her struggles to please everyone while neglecting her own needs. This song is meant to be a warm embrace, offering reassurance and gentle encouragement. The mantra ‘those who matter won’t mind, and those who mind don’t matter’ has guided me through my lowest moments, and it felt meaningful to share it through this song. I hope it reaches someone who needs to hear it, remember it and repeat it."

UMUT, ‘Gold Rush’

An incredibly joyful release that is sure to warm up the cold winter months, UMUT’s ‘Gold Rush’ is a vibrant house track lined with bright lyrics and infectious melodies, complete with the artist’s signature warm vocals.

"‘Gold Rush’ is about that overwhelming feeling of finding someone who makes you feel complete,” says UMUT. “It’s a celebration of love and the joy of finding your perfect match.”

Robin Blakey x Nrthrd, ‘Up Your Tree’ new album Wallpaper Attic

Coming straight off Robin Blakey’s new album Wallpaper Attic, ‘Up Your Tree’ is a comforting and vulnerable love song, complete with lingering and gently catchy vocals, as well as a chilled out yet richly textured production from Nrthrd, offering a tantalising look into an album that promises to be as unique as it is transporting.

Commenting on the track, Blakey says: “I had the lyrics written since summer 2018 when living in Chicago. Couldn't make a song written around it that suited until I heard Nrthrd's beat. It was perfect - I know it’s been over half a decade getting to release this but the beat still slaps and I'm even more in love than I was when I wrote this somehow.”

Limerick Artists & Corpus Christi Choir, ‘Animal Instinct’

A number of Limerick artists including Limerick’s Emma Langford; Irish-Palestinian artist Róisín El Cherif; Noelle O’Riordan, cousin of the late Dolores; Classical singers Eve Stafford and Sarah Dolan; Rising indie-rock star Dylan Flynn; and the children’s choir from Corpus Christi School in Moyross, among others, have released their cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Animal Instinct’ in aid of The Haven Hub. The cover offers a gloriously emotional version of the iconic track, complete with delightfully layered vocals from both the artists and the children’s choir.

Brianna McGeehan, ‘The Roses’

Brianna McGeehan explores loss, resilience, and the complex emotions tied to letting go in her latest single ‘The Roses’, blends acoustic warmth with rich electronic elements, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and genre-bending. Mixing a heartfelt narrative with innovative musical arrangements, the piece was inspired by McGeehan’s childhood best friend, who left behind her past—both the good and the bad—to start anew. “In the story, me and her closest friends are the roses she pulled up with the weeds,” McGeehan shares. “It’s about what’s sacrificed in the pursuit of moving forward, and how those decisions shape us.”

Wynona Bleach, ‘Tangerine’

Blending alternative rock, shoegaze and power pop, Wynona Bleach’s ‘Tangerine’ marks the third single from the band’s sophomore record. A down tempo, crushing and popping ballad about wants and desires, it explores the delicate state one finds themselves in when they find themselves secretly crushing on someone they know they’ll never have.

Altara, ‘pleasedontleave’

Altara explores electronica and alt-pop influences on the brand new single ‘pleasedontleave’, a two-minutes-long hard-hitter that comes as a delightful surprise in the artist’s current catalogue, proving once again that he emerges as a refreshing master of his craft, no matter the form it may take.

“Something I struggle with a lot is how much faster life can move than music,” Altara comments. “After I put out my debut single, I already felt that creeping up on me, so I got straight back into the studio to work on how I was feeling.. I wrote and produced ‘pleasedontleave’ as intuitively as I could. The inspiration came from one particular moment; I vividly remember having an argument & being asked what happens next, and in that moment I said ‘I don’t know, but just please don’t leave. I don’t know why but it really stuck with me. I don’t like to think of myself in that place.”

The Murder Capital, ‘The Fall’

The Murder Capital today release their new single ‘The Fall’, a gritty hard-hitter of intricate percussions, abrasive guitar chords, razor-sharp riffs and urgent vocals, reaching its climax in an intensely powerful and delightfully noisy bridge, offering an exciting look into their upcoming album Blindness, set for release next month.

Listen to our New Irish Songs To Hear This Week playlist on Spotify below: