Annie-Dog, ‘What Happened’

‘What Happened.’ effuses FKA Twigs eclecticism via glitchy guitar loops, driving electro-percussion, and an overarching sense of vulnerability permeated by the impassioned vocal.

It’s the opener off Annie-Dog’s third EP, 15, from which she has been treating us to a healthy drip feed of singles over the past few months. The project’s arrival wraps up a busy week for the idiosyncratic Dublin artist, who announced that she’ll be among the hotly-tipped talented gracing SXSW in Austin, Texas in March.

“I’m very excited to finally release this EP,” the artist says. “Although at this stage it feels like more of a shedding than a release. In a good way. I like sharing my music. I don’t usually like sharing the meaning behind my music though. Not because I’m too cool, or evasive. But because I do my music a disservice in explaining what I meant when I said (you can fill in literally anything I’ve ever said or written here). The mirror of the thing can never be the thing, you know?”

 

Joshua Burnside, ‘Sycamore Queen’

Belfast-based artist Joshua Burnside’s new album, Teeth Of Time, was described by Hot Press as being “a remarkable record that’s nostalgic in spirit, yet contemporary by design”.

It’s a fitting summation. Listen no further than ‘Sycamore Queen’, which opens with crushing, electro-folk instrumentation, laying the beautifully harrowing groundwork for Burnside’s poetic, ecological lyricism - which takes inspiration from northern landscapes.

“This feels like my happiest family of songs to date,” Burnside says. “Or the most joy-filled ones anyway… which isn’t much of a boast. This album was written against the background of my becoming a father for the first time, and of my family growing alongside my wife Emily.

“And, alongside that joy, comes a lot of fear and anxiety, both of which are also pretty prevalent throughout this album.”

Maria Kelly, ‘Nearly Thirty’

With atmospheric, echoing pianos and guitars , ‘Nearly Thirty’ serves as an honest mediation on the restlessness of growing up. The delicate track falls in line with the overarching theme of Kelly’s weighty, self-reflective new opus Waiting Room, which is all about the ups and downs of adulthood.

“I think that part of your life is a sort of Saturn return, as they say, where you change yourself into this new version of yourself,” Kelly told Hot Press. ‘There’s a lot of uncomfortable growth and you’re really aware of all these things in your life, but maybe you're not able to change them yet.”

Rebel Phoenix, ‘God’s Tear’ feat. Jehnova

Grizzled Dublin rapper Rebel Phoenix teams up with Jehnova to offer up some highly enjoyable and technically proficient bar spitting over a gorgeous, trip-hop beat on ‘God’s Tear’. The track brims with spiritual lyricism, as well as fitting cameo from David Lynch, who’s on hand to diligently discuss the benefits of transcendental meditation.

“After spending the entirety of last year producing and writing songs for 2025, this one in particular always stood out to me,” Rebel Phoenix said on Instagram. “The noir energy and vivid lyrics make it feel like a motion picture. One that I still can’t get enough of and can’t wait for others to enjoy.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rebel P (@rebel.phoenix)

Obskür, ‘Another Life’

Another rapidly-rising act from Ireland’s salubrious dance scene, Obskür’s latest number arrives alongside the fun ‘Can You dig It’, as part of a new two song EP released by Dublin duo Faustas Astrauskas and Lorcan McCarthy.

On ‘Another Life’, the bassline offers a pulmonary, boogie-inducing countermelody to the dramatic synths, which act as the primary motif throughout this verified groover. It’s sure to entice many a stateside listener, as the lads head to the US on tour next month.

Ria Rua, ‘Black and Tan’

On ‘Black And Tan’, Meath artist Ria Rua weaponises her signature foreboding sound, drawing parallels between history and modern-day events to confront the modern sociopath. The result is a deliciously dark and intelligent protest song.

“From Elon, to Trump, to Ye to Ukraine and the war in Gaza, there are unfortunately a long and growing list of examples,” Rua says. “The Black And Tan's were a British paramilitary force in Ireland that were known for their lawlessness and hyper-violence towards innocents.

“Their atrocities created a worldwide scandal, undermining supposed British Imperial moral authority, and made Irish independence inevitable. The sociopaths that rule our world at the moment will not rule it forever. The lesson of The Black And Tan's is that the more desperate sociopaths become, the more inevitable their collapse."

Fintan Warfield, ‘Jake Mulraney On The Wing’

Dublin singer songwriter (and Sinn Féin senator) Fintan Warfield offers a catchy, rousing rendition of a chant often sung by the impassioned Shed End Invincibles of Richmond Park. An ode to St Patrick’s Athletic’s star man, winger and local hero Jake Mulraney, the single arrives at the cusp of the new League of Ireland season, and will undoubtedly get Saints fans riled up ahead of the coming matchdays.

49th & Main, ‘Distractions’

The newest indie-dance bop from Kilkenny pair 49th & Main, adorned with their typical feel-good blend of indie guitars and easygoing lyricism, has its roots in a writing brief they received from an unnamed electronics company.

Originally setting out to send off the song for commercial use, the lads apparently ended up liking it so much that they kept it for themselves. A sagacious decision if you ask us.

‘Distractions’ arrives amid exciting times for the band, who are now in their North American tour, after they graced the 3Olympia with a headline show at the beginning of February.

Chubby Cat, ‘Cowboys!’

The first release of the year from Corkonian songwriter Chubby Cat is a fun, uptempo and bittersweet dreampop tune. With glittery production, hypnotically processed vocals and some smooth sax thrown in for good measure, the track stands as a charming, radio-destined coming to terms of a relationship ending.

Real name Cat Doran, has been one of the most hotly-tipped acts in Ireland in the last couple of years, as evident through her second successive Choice Prize song of the year nomination with 2024’s ‘Quiet’.

Khakikid, 'Date Night' feat Saint Demarcus

The opener from capital city hip-hop favourite Khakikid's Moanbag EP kicks off with a '60s strut doo-wop strut, with a vintage rock and roll guitar line echoing throughout the song. The witty and youthful bars detail drunken escapades, as Saint Demarcus rounds things off with a sweet, catchy vocal.

This latest project sticks out as a matured, genre-bending effort, with real name Abdu Huss leaning into influences as varied as jazz and country throughout the four versatile tracks.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KHAKI (@khakikid)

 

Hotgirl, 'Sisyphus'

Dublin risers Hotgirl return with a propulsive new single, ‘Sisyphus’, following the fanfare of previous releases ‘On The Brink’ and ‘In Your Head’.

From the outset, the throbbing rhythm section (bassist Jake Hurley and drummer Nick Stanley) constructs a rousing backing for frontwoman Ashley Abbedeen. ‘Sisyphus’ unravels itself with brilliant, sun-soaked riffage from lead guitarist Sophie Boxwell, and Abbedeen’s magnetic vocals at the centre of it all.

Speaking about the track, Aberdeen says: “I never was able to say exactly what I wanted in any profound way so I didn’t bother. With this song, I found myself getting excited about analogising my life.

“I’m trying to make sense of why I am the way I am, and as I slowly make peace with all my traumas, I start to forget why I couldn’t let them go in the first place".

Jimmy Crowley, 'Haunted'

The latest offering from Jimmy Crowley is a wonder of decadent blues and magnetic storytelling.

‘Haunted’ situates the listener in the leafy suburban outskirts of an Irish city, with bombastic detonations that see Crowley’s quick turns of phrase put through their paces.

Set to a propulsive, yet mellow rock backing, the track conducts an autopsy of a once stable life and the challenges of an obscure future.

Walshy, 'Fight Club' feat. Curtisy

Kicking off 2025 with a bang, Walshy teams up with Dublin rapper Curtisy on the compelling new track ‘Fight Club’.

The hip-hop number pairs infectious humour with razors-edge commentary, blending high-octane production with a tongue-in-cheek critique of modern trends.

Inspired by a voice note Walshy sent into a groupchat, ‘Fight Club’ takes aim at the recent trend of podcast bros spreading toxic masculinity across airwaves, while also poking fun at the wave of gym-obsessed, cold-shower advocates flooding social media with cliched self-help affirmations.

The hook especially captures this tone to dazzling effect: “If you wanna accomplish anything in your life, you’ll have to watch the film, Fight Club, at least six times.”

Celaviedmai, ‘Wicked Witch (Osmosis Jones Remix)’

Celaviedmai has collaborated with Australian producer Osmosis Jones for his dynamic new remix of ‘Wicked Witch.’

The dance song has spread across the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and the remix was released yesterday. Celaviedmai’s voice glides across the layered beats, intensifying the song's infectious rhythm, with the pair perhaps taking some inspiration from Interplanetary Criminal, with their high energy and intense sound.

Novatone, 'Spotlight'

The debut single from Wexford-based duo Novatone is an offering of indie-pop resplendence that speaks to an affliction among countless up and comers.

Exploring feelings of stage fright, ‘Spotlight’ shows what it’s like when fear takes hold under the stage lights - and leads to the overwhelming question of what brings an artist back into the spotlight again to conquer it.

With Novatone now we’re shifting our focus away from the limitations that stage fright has created in the past to being brave by releasing our debut single and playing with a band - getting out there, sharing our music and to hell with the fear!”

Blakkheart & Aran Sheehy, 'There is a Mermaid Using the Computer'

Blakkheart has collaborated with Aran Sheehy to create the new pop track ‘There is a Mermaid Using the Computer.’

Reminiscent of artists like Grimes and PinkPanththress, Blakkheart’s voice transports listeners into a musical abyss. Layered vocals and dynamic beats enhance the song’s lyrics, referencing talking fish, mermaids and aquatic life. Full of energy and liveliness, this track is a must-listen for music lovers everywhere.

Hannahbella, 'Oh My Goodness'

Cork experimental electro-pop artist HANNAHBELLA returns with her highly-anticipated EP Parasite.

Track 4, ‘Oh My Goodness’, is a fitting showcase of the genre-blending dynamic of Parasite: a vibrant concoction of electronics, pop and alt-rock that create a dramatic yet playful sonic experience.

Speaking about the new EP, HANNAHBELLA says: “[Parasite] dives into the depths of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief, loneliness and love, offering a raw and honest space for these emotions to breathe and be confronted. I think it’s so important to honor how we feel/react as people because we need to nurture ourselves”.

The Violet Breaks, ‘Lux’

Coming with the release of their debut album Triple Volt, The Violet Breaks have dropped their new song ‘Lux.’

Energetic and guitar-heavy, Eoghan O'Neill gives a stellar vocal performance. Passion and angst exudes from each syllable, amplifying a clear sense of tension. The Violet Breaks take inspiration from bands like The Strokes, Bloc Party and Radiohead, with a launch show set for later tonight at The Workman’s Club in Dublin.

Love, Builder of Worlds, ‘Rheumatological Blues’

Love, Builder of Worlds’ new single, ‘Rheumatological Blues,’ delicately embodies the weight of chronic illness. This downtempo track features electric guitar repeating softly over an ever-present jazzy ride cymbal. Undulating saxophones get progressively heavier, before the track reaches a hammering climax.

"This single was made from pain," says the Dublin-based artist. "I made it to reflect my chronic illness struggles and I dedicate it to everyone currently struggling with autoimmune issues—particularly the housebound and bedbound people practising COVID safety."

Amy Michelle, 'nothing holy is free'

From Amy Michelle's third EP, her new single 'nothing holy is free' explores the struggle of leaving an unhealthy relationship, and is a gently melancholic, earnest, and emotionally vulnerable number. Michelle's breathy, ethereal vocals contrast with the raw, layered instrumentals - a mixture of muted guitar, deep bass and quietly buzzing static that forms a foggy, dream-like sound.

"To me, 'nothing holy is free' means worshipping something or someone comes with a price," the Mullingar singer says. "The title track provided me with a vessel to express the emotions that were begging to be released for so long.

"It's hard to share these stories but I wear my heart on my sleeve, and if these songs can help just one person feel less alone, that's the most important thing to me."

Altara, ‘knewyouright’

Irish newcomer Altara’s new single, ‘knewyouright,’ is bound to make you feel nostalgic of 2010’s summers where EDM was inescapable. Piano syncopations reminiscent of Jonas Blue and RAYE’s ‘By Your Side’, and an enveloping electropop chorus are the driving forces behind this track. With soft, Troye Sivan-style vocals, Altara sings about coming to terms with the realisation that the love interest you had put on a pedestal is not so perfect after all.

"I had built up this ideal version of someone in my head, and they were just never gonna be that, nobody could," said the Dublin-based singer. "It sounds like a dig, but it’s more a song of acceptance, that I was wrong. I think that it’s okay to be wrong about people, from both perspectives."

God Knows, ‘The Art of Alienation’

Zimbabwean-Irish rapper God Knows embarks on a self-exploration journey through his new single, ‘The Art of Alienation,’ released just ahead of his headline show in Limerick tomorrow, Saturday, March 1. 

‘The Art of Alienation’’s lo-fi trip hop beat sounds like it could belong in an Arlo Parks record, only it is rawer, purposefully less polished so as to match the song’s subject matter: the rapper's "journey as a first generation immigrant" from Shannon, "the first made-up town in Ireland," said the RTÉ Choice Music Prize recipient.

"I explore the rich history that it holds and my trials grappling between my identity as a Zimbabwean and as an Irish man," added the rapper.

The track, inspired by Outkast’s ‘Da Art of Storytellin’ series, features soft electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, distorted background vocals, occasional spoken vocal samples, and strings, all of which create an excellent backdrop for the rapper’s heartfelt lyrics and energetic line delivery.

Laura Duff, ‘Sea Legs’

The titular track from Laura Duff’s upcoming debut album, ‘Sea Legs’ is a transporting and gentle guitar tune, with intricate arpeggios effortlessly blending into honey-rich vocals for a tune that is as warm as it is atmospheric and thought-provoking.

"’Sea Legs’ and the album as a whole is an exploration of loss, memory and the spaces that shape us,” says Duff. “It’s been a deeply personal process, so I feel very lucky to be collaborating with and surrounded by close friends in bringing each element of this album to life. It’s taken time to get to this point, but we needed to allow for that time and space. I'm excited to finally start sharing the work, I hope it resonates with those who hear it.”

Dee Armstrong 'Birch Wind’

Dee Armstong, best known for her work in the band Kíla, today releases her debut solo album Deichtine's Daughter, including the Americana-flavoured track ‘Brich Wind’. Mixing traditional Irish soundscapes with Irish trad influences, the track was written on the banjo and evokes dark and mysterious landscapes by juxtaposing precise arpeggios, fiddle melodies and harmonica accompaniments.

Anthony Byrne, ‘Strike The Match’

An 80s synth-pop inspired electro banger, Anthony Byrne’s ‘Strike the Match’ is a delightfully angry, electrifying mid-tempo tune of heavy bass lines and innovative, robotic vocals, juxtaposing deeply personal songwriting with a universally catchy production. The track was inspired by “a local bigot slipping into my DM’s,” says Byrne. “This person is not gay, very much straight but seems to fetishize queerness.”

“The lyrics reflect the pain and anger caused by being called derogatory names,” the musician continues, “and the lack of support from authority figures and parents.”

Chris McGrath, ‘Smile Again’

County Cork musician Chris McGrath returns with his second single ‘Smile Again’ a bright and hopeful 60s inspired tune, offering an early glimpse into the upcoming spring through joyful vocals, intricate strings and uplifting melodies.

D. Cullen, ‘Where Did You Go’

Alternative-rocker D. Cullen has dropped his new single ‘Where Did You Go.’ With influences from The Killers, Foo Fighters and Fontaines D.C., the guitar-heavy track acts as a “mission statement” for his second album, Standalone.

“The early-mid 2000’s were a golden time for indie music,” said Cullen. “Big guitars, big drums, records that simultaneously sounded raw and massive on the radio, big hooky pop songs played loosely and dangerously. That’s the sound I wanted to convey on this album, and ‘Where Did You Go?’ perfectly captures that.”

Dynamic and layered, Cullen’s new track brings the early 2000’s back to life.

Lowkick, 'Mayfair 200' feat. Curtisy

Lowkick's latest single, 'Mayfair 200', makes impressive use of simple backing tracks, as a repeating piano sample, deep bass, and quick-fire drums provide  an excellent stage to showcase the rhythm and flow of their lyrics.

Fusing hip-hop with neo-classical elements, 'Mayfair 200' reveals the trio's determination to carve out their own path in the Dublin rap scene, while a slick cameo from capital city favourite Curtisy sees them continue their history of collaborative works.

Lowkick's first release since 'Heartbreak Pt.2' feat. Half Pipe back in 2023, this track signals a strong start to 2025 for the North Dublin group.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by lowkick (@lowkickdbn)

The Halez, ‘Coming For You’

The Halez’s anthemic new track ‘Coming For You’ invokes a spirited energy for alternative-rock listeners.

"The hook just came to me and it refused to leave!” said lead vocalist Kieran Murphy. “I brought it to the boys the next day and it all came together in the first jam. They say the best tunes come easy and this felt like one of those for us.”

Influenced by bands like Oasis, The Stone Roses and The Beatles, The Halez takes inspiration from Britpop. Their songwriting process for the new song was open and relaxed.

“It was the depths of winter—freezing cold—so the four of us huddled around a mic, chanting ‘Na Na Na Na’ and trying to stay warm. Whiskey may or may not have been involved,” said Murphy. “After a few takes and a few sips we started taking the piss and sang it in a Darth Vader voice, thinking, ‘No one will ever hear this.’ But somehow, that take made it into the final mix! If you crank up your headphones, you can actually hear it.”

John Gibbons and Aimée, ‘Stronger’

With their new single, Dublin-native DJ/producer John Gibbons and rising pop force Aimée ride atop the wave of Eurodance revival that has been populating radios for the last couple of years. The song is high-octane and melodic, and presents the genre’s classic features: synthesiser riffs, drum machines, steep risers and heavy chorus drops. The way Aimée’s clean vocals interact with Gibbons’ bass-heavy, four-on-the-floor beat reminds of David Guetta and Ellie Goulding’s ‘Miracle,’ but the Irish collaborators opt for a more old-school, ’90s sound in this new track, and deliver it fiercely.

Van Morrison, ‘Down To Joy’

The legendary Van Morrison has shared ‘Down To Joy,’ the first single off his upcoming album Remembering Now, set for release on June 13 of this year. The single’s official release follows its feature in Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar and BAFTA-winning film Belfast (2021).

'Down to Joy' is a mid-tempo track that features a radiant, timeless blend of soul and rock. Its arrangement is centred around a big band and an electric guitar, with organ, piano, and gospel-like backing vocals adding texture and depth. 

The song’s open-ended lyrics deal with spirituality, and describe a joy-inducing epiphany without ever quite revealing what the epiphany was about. "Went to sleep last night / I had a kind of dream, for sure / When I woke up in the morning / Felt like I was coming down to joy," are the first lines Morrison sings.

'Down To Joy' offers a first glance at Van Morrison's upcoming album, which promises a return "to the transcendent, uncategorisable rhapsodies that make him unique." The record is described as "soul, jazz, blues, folk, country," a "conversation with all of (these genres), but limited by none."

HUNTINGS, ‘Yes I Am’

Alternative rock two-piece HUNTINGS have dropped the track ‘Yes I Am,’ alongside ‘Howl.’

The songs were originally from their debut album Songs of Last Resort, but have been re-released as a double A-side. Guitar heavy and full of energy, the lyrics to ‘Yes I Am’ place listeners alongside a deranged driver. Created by brothers Brian and James Edwards, their guttural vocals ebb and flow, creating a dynamic sound.

Adore, 'Stay Free Old Stranger'

A celebration of those people you meet in your day-to-day, but never actually know, 'Stay Free Old Stranger' is a high-energy, punchy new track from garage punk trio Adore. Distorted guitar, crashing drums, and rapid bass riffs drive the song forward as it steadily accelerates to a breakneck pace. Recorded at Dublin's Sonic Studios, the song was written by singer and guitarist Lara Minchin when she was 16, influenced by acts like The Jam, Misfits, and Le Tigre.

"The lyrics are juvenile," says Minchin. "They are telling the story of being aware that some people might not care for you and that’s okay because you don’t have to care for them either.

"You don’t have to be everybody’s friend.”

Def Nettle, ‘Get Me Here’

Punk-funk band Def Nettle have returned with their new single, ‘Get Me Here.’

The song builds gradually, kicking off with just vocals and a guitar. The stripped-back feel highlights another side of the band, different from their high energy debut album DN001. Glen Brady’s voice is raw and soulful, with lyrics touching on the role of masculinity and vulnerability in the modern world .

Barnburner, ‘Hills’

Dublin-based indie folk two-piece Barnburner have shared their second-ever single, ‘Hills,’ ahead of the release of their EP, Nothing to Hold, later this year. Pippa Molony’s vocals tread softly over David Mac Dhubáins nimble guitar picking, while a hushed, dissonant cello gives the track an atmospheric quality reminiscent of Daughter’s 2011 EP, His Young Heart.

"Ultimately, this song is a love letter to those in-between moments: the times when we feel most alive, yet already aware they won’t last forever," said Barnburner. "It’s about movement, memory, and the places that shape us."

"The moonlight soft on the skin / As I take your body in / A long drive home / Your shoulder on mine, nothing to hold," sings Molony, laying bare the deep sense of longing beneath this delicate track.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @barnburnerofficial

modernlove., ‘Out The Door’

modernlove.’s new pop track ‘Out The Door’ is full of punchy drums and starry guitars.

Released today, the song touches on themes of complex love and romance. The toe-tapping melodies invite listeners to sing along, with the band deriving inspiration from The 1975 and The Japanese House. modernlove. are set to tour across Europe and the UK, with shows kicking off in May.

The Kid G, 'Cafe Blues'

The latest track from Dublin artist and producer The Kyd G, 'Cafe Blues' features a complex layer of beats and samples, which bolster his impressive lyricism and flow. The individual elements of the song blend and crash together, replicating the chaotic yet comfortable sound of a busy cafe.

The Kyd G takes his hip-hop core in new directions with hyperpop, alternative rap, and a hint of gospel influence creating this distinctive track.

"'Cafe Blues' was written entirely from the perspective of being in a coffee shop having a conversation with a woman of interest," The Kyd G says.

Robert Grace & Ryan Mack, 'Leave You Behind'

Robert Grace and Ryan Mack have teamed up once again with their new single 'Leave You Behind'. Leaning into a vibrant pop-punk style, the pair play to their individual strengths in this catchy tune - with energetic instrumentals, rhythmic lyrics, it's clear the two knew exactly what they wanted for the song and executed it.

Robert Grace rose to popularity through TikTok during the pandemic, while Ryan Mack had previously been a member of boyband HomeTown, striking out on his own a few years after the band broke up. The two previously collaborated on 'Memories' and 'Dive In'.

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