Alpine Skies, ‘Walls’<\/h3>\n
Dublin-based duo Alpine Skies<\/a> return with their second single to date, \u2018Walls\u2019 \u2013 a powerful alternative-rock offering that places the value of memories at its emotional core. Cinematic in scope and rich in texture, it blends raw, emotive lyricism with expansive, atmospheric soundscapes. The chemistry between the pair is undeniable, with tight, cohesive instrumentation and commanding vocals anchoring the track\u2019s drive.<\/p>\n \u201cThe overall style is one of a relentless drive to cling on to those possibilities,\u201d explains lead vocalist Kevin Homan. \u201cListening to, and experimenting with alternate tunings at home during the writing process, allowed the whole structure of \u2018Walls\u2019 to take shape.\u201d<\/p>\n Mayo-born multi-instrumentalist and producer Conor Waters \u2013 the creative force behind Stepping On Lego<\/a> – delivers a genre-blurring alt-pop gem with \u2018Teen in the Eighties\u2019, the latest single ahead of his upcoming debut LP Wide Eye<\/em>s, out September 12. Atmospheric and immersive, the track wraps itself around you with lush synths, shimmering guitars and an irresistible chorus that lingers long after the final note. \u201cThe track captures the ache for authenticity in an age of curated illusions. It\u2019s both a throwback and a protest, inviting listeners to reclaim something real amid the noise,\u201d explains Waters.<\/p>\n Retro-futuristic in sound yet emotionally rooted in the present, expect to have it on repeat.<\/p>\n Delush<\/a> are carving out their place in Ireland\u2019s indie rock scene with \u2018Long Way Down\u2019, a gritty, guitar-driven anthem that oozes 90s nostalgia. The track seamlessly blends dreamy basslines with tight, punchy drums, setting the stage for the raw, textured guitar. Think early Britpop grit meets the modern urgency of bands like Fontaines D.C. The chorus builds into a chant-like hook, one that\u2019s truly built for sweaty rooms and shouted sing-alongs, which makes it easy to imagine this one going off live. And you won\u2019t have to wait long, catch them this Saturday at Courtney\u2019s Bar, Killarney and Grand Social, Dublin on August 14.<\/p>\n For Those I Love<\/a>, the brainchild of Dublin artist David Balfe, returns with \u2018The Ox \/ The Afters\u2019, a stirring cut from his just-released second album Carving the Stone<\/i>. Where his debut dealt with intimate grief, Balfe\u2019s new material broadens its scope by targeting the systemic forces eroding working-class life in Ireland. Set against a backdrop of pounding drums, jagged guitar lines, soaring strings and euphoric synths, \u2018The Ox \/ The Afters\u2019 is emotionally raw and politically sharp. Whether half-rapping or half-sobbing, Balfe\u2019s voice crackles with urgency as he confronts the crushing realities of rent hikes, debt, and cultural decay: “a strangling of a city and a generation,” as he puts it. Catch him live at Electric Picnic, Stradbally on August 30.<\/p>\n From her debut EP Squiggle<\/i>, out today, LARAbEL<\/a>\u2019s \u2018WashItAllAway\u2019 is a serene, transportive moment from an artist unafraid to bare her soul. \u201cAll five tracks are deeply personal journeys. You are essentially reading my diary,\u201d she says of the record. \u201cIt is a responsibility to be introspective, to not weigh others down with my burdens, the necessity for healing and growing up.\u201d That openness flows through \u2018WashItAllAway\u2019, a song that invites you to close your eyes and drift. Her mesmerising vocals glide over soft guitar lines and delicate, airy drums, creating a soundscape that\u2019s dreamy, ethereal and brimming with quiet peace. It\u2019s an intimate listen that lingers long after the final note.<\/p>\n A chance dog-walking encounter sparked this inspired collaboration between Def Nettle<\/a> and Neosupervital<\/a> (a.k.a. Tim O\u2019Donovan), resulting in a psychedelic pop-funk reimagining of the latter\u2019s classy original single. On \u2018Factory Presets (Def Nettle Remix)\u2019, Brady steers the track toward the indie-dance\/post-punk dance floor, injecting it with a raw, celebratory energy that nods to the best of Soulwax\u2019s remix catalogue without feeling derivative. Ely Siegel\u2019s fluid, funky bassline ties the whole thing together, giving the production a quirky, joyful lift. The result? A groove-laden cut that\u2019s as stylish as it is infectious, one that\u2019s bound to get your head nodding.<\/p>\n Irish rapper Nice Celine<\/a> has unveiled \u2018Okay\u2019, a no-nonsense, high-gloss anthem for women who know exactly who they are and what they bring to the table. Mixing swagger with substance, it\u2019s a melodic flex steeped in cool confidence, underpinned by her signature lyrical wit. \u201cThis one\u2019s for the Boss Babes,\u201d Celine said. \u201cIt\u2019s about knowing your worth and never settling for less just because someone shows up with a little flash. Nine times out of ten, we already own what they\u2019re offering \u2013 and we\u2019re not that easy to impress.\u201d Built on gorgeous piano layers and driven by Celine\u2019s flawlessly confident rapping, \u2018Okay\u2019 flows with rhythm, charm and razor-sharp delivery. It\u2019s truly a statement track from an artist who knows exactly how to command the room.<\/p>\n Gritty, raw, and unapologetically personal, \u2018JAY-Z\u2019 sees Youngiz<\/a> nod to the hit rapper while boldly carving his own lane. Written during a game-changing trip to New York City, the track fuses street-level wisdom with a cinematic sense of scale \u2013 vulnerability laced with venom, swagger sharpened by soul. Emotionally charged and creatively untamed, Youngiz isn\u2019t interested in fitting into any mould; he\u2019s breaking it entirely. His music doesn\u2019t just land; it lingers, weaving pain into poetry laced with swagger, turning it into something unforgettable.<\/p>\n Laois\u2019 June has released her new single \u2018MerryGoRound\u2019. The bop opens with an attention grabbing, staccato piano line, which June\u2019s voice echos. The rhythm of the song then gradually gets calmer; however, it still maintains a fast-paced rhythmic tone, mimicking the feeling of being on a marry-go-round. June\u2019s soft, emotional voice masterfully delivers the track\u2019s complex lyrics.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Merry Go Round is a metaphor for the dizzying pace of modern society and how difficult it is not to get swept up into materialistic ideologies. It is intended to make the listener pause and reflect upon their lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n The new track is June\u2019s second single, with \u2018Up\u2019 releasing last month.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Galway, Dublin and Donegal trio, Adore<\/a> have released their manic new single \u2018Sweet Keith\u2019 ahead of their debut EP.<\/span><\/p>\n The garage-punk band describes the song as \u201ca volatile, abrasive ode to chosen family and the affection we hold for the weirdos who make us feel safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n This track is a fuzzy, explosive and distortion filled display of the band’s courageous songwriting. It\u2019s loud and fast but has sincerity above all else. Punchy drums and breathy reverberated vocals make the song an exhilarating listen along with real meaning, making this an exciting release ahead of their upcoming EP.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dublin alt-pop artist Methodactor<\/a> has released new single \u2018Like This.\u2019 The track is a moody, introspection on identity and the self.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This comes ahead of his debut EP <\/span>Fool\u2019s Errand <\/span><\/i>coming out September 12.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Like This\u2019 has a synth infused sound with a slow melodic tempo. The lyrics provide an explorative and wandering nature along with a bold electric guitar riff in the latter half of the song. It\u2019s a track that opens up slowly and crescendos with an outro of ethereal sounds and heartfelt muffled vocals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018A Mh\u00e1ire\u2019 is the first single off of the collaborative album <\/span>Cos\u00e1n Casta<\/span><\/i> by Aoife N\u00ed Bhriain<\/a> and Cormac McCarthy<\/a>. The track is based on <\/span>\u201cA Mh\u00e1ire\u2019s a Mhuirn\u00edn,\u201d collected by the Joyce brothers in 1844, from a blind piper named O\u2019Hannigan in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork,\u00a0 a year before the Great Famine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis tune carries a weight of history,\u201d explains the duo\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt’s a remnant of a people, a culture, songs, stories, and a way of life on the brink of devastation. In that sense, it is a startling similarity to what we are watching happen in the world today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n This traditional Irish track is a lamenting and soulful mix of fiddle and piano. The song speaks without words, the emotion can be both heard and felt through the music. \u2018A Mhaire\u2019 is like listening to a piece of Irish history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n DUG \u2018Have At It!\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n Irish-American duo DUG<\/a> have released the title track from their upcoming album, out September 19.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Have At It!\u2019 is an energetic mix of Irish and American influences making for a fresh take on folk music. It is lively, jovial and a fun time for all involved. The vocals are rich and vibrant, \u2018Have At It!\u2019 is a seamless combination of two worlds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The track was inspired by a message received through the family Whatsapp during covid.<\/span><\/p>\n “My mum was really worried, so she decided to get a will written,” explained vocalist Conor Lorkin O\u2019Reilly.<\/span><\/p>\n “She took a photo of it and shared it in the group chat, i<\/span>n response, my dad sent a picture of his will \u2014 a napkin with the words “Have at it!<\/span>“<\/b> scribbled across the front!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ruthanne \u2018Through It All\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n Two-time Grammy nominee songwriter Ruthanne<\/a> has released the new single \u2018Through It All.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Pop-singer has been a prolific songwriter for over two decades, writing hits for JoJo, Britney Spears and One Direction. She released her first solo album Matters of the Heart<\/span> in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Through It All\u2019 is a soulful ballad of love and thankfulness, with powerhouse vocals and lyrics that tell a story with some real vulnerability. The track has a 2000s R&B flavour to it and is reminiscent of classic hits from that era. Ruthanne\u2019s years of experience in the i<\/span>ndustry can be felt in this track through the stunning writing and performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Some One\u2019s Sons \u2018Paddy O\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n Mullingar folk band Some One\u2019s Sons<\/a> return with new single \u2018Paddy O.\u2019 An anthem about the struggles of immigrant labour, through themes of exploitation, resilience and solidarity.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/span>Paddy O\u201d tells the story of an Irish worker toiling under harsh conditions, facing unjust treatment from the ganger man who withholds pay and exploits desperate labourers – all while deepening his own pockets,\u201d said songwriters Daniel Allen and Greg Dunne.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The song is a tale told through an upbeat tempo with a sarcastic tongue. It\u2019s a quick-witted jig but its story is sharp and despairing. The sea-shanty-esque tone highlights the evocative songwriting from the quintet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Alternative pop band mischa and the bear<\/a> have released their debut EP Even Unto The Next World<\/em> featuring ‘Sing It\u2019.<\/p>\n The Dublin duo have previously released three singles \u2018Deny\u2019 released in April, \u2018Get Away\u2019 in June and \u2018Forever Ago\u2019 in July (all appearing on their new EP).<\/p>\n The EP is \u201can exploration of obsession and loss through the lens of synth pop dreamy club,\u201d according to a post on the group\u2019s Instagram.<\/p>\n \u2018Sing it\u2019 is a classic electronic dance song that pairs smoothly with Bear\u2019s light, soft voice. The track\u2019s vibrant synths bring Bear\u2019s voice to life.<\/p>\n Rapper Kaeyan<\/a> has released his new single \u2018Zero\u2019.<\/p>\n The artist recently appeared on the Irish freestyle rap platform The Firing Range and has so much success on his episode that he was inspired to release \u2018Zero\u2019.<\/p>\n The new single features clever lyrics and a classic rap beat. His style can be compared to English rapper Dave<\/a>.<\/p>\n Neo-soul artist ZASKA<\/a> has released his new single \u2018What We Had\u2019 featuring Dublin-based artist Shiv.<\/p>\n The guitarist, songwriter musical director and producer is known for his genera defying music and collaborations with other Irish artists. In 2014 Hozier<\/a> was featured on ZASKA\u2019s song \u2018In Your Own Sweet Time\u2019.<\/p>\n Since his start in 2014, ZASKA has released three albums It Takes a Village<\/em> released in 2019, A Better Way<\/em> in 2022 and his live album Live In Dublin<\/em> in 2023.<\/p>\n \u2018What We Had\u2019, featuring Shiv on vocals and ZASKA on guitar, employs a modern jazz sound.<\/p>\n Shiv\u2019s light yet powerful voice effortlessly glides along the snappy guitar riff.<\/p>\n Singer-songwriter \u00c1ine Tyrrell<\/a> has released her new single \u2018Singing Our Way Home\u2019 ahead of her upcoming album MISE \u00c9IRE<\/em>.<\/p>\n After living in Australia for over a decade, the artis has returned to Ireland. Her new single is about remembering your roots.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are 80 million members of the Irish diaspora scattered across the world; I\u2019ve been one of them. This song is for all of us who\u2019ve had to leave, and all of us trying to find our way back. Now, as I return home to Ireland with my family, the song has become something we live, a daily act of remembering. And in times like these, that remembering goes beyond the personal. It\u2019s a collective call; a reclaiming not just for Ireland, but for all people finding their way back to land, to language, to truth,\u201d said Tyrrell.<\/p>\n \u2018Singing Our Way Home\u2019 is an Irish folk style song with simple yet deeply impactful lyrics.<\/p>\n The track\u2019s light instrumentals seamlessly pair with Tyrrell\u2019s soft, graceful voice.<\/p>\n Conn Thornton<\/a> has released their new single \u2018Heaven, I\u2019m in Heaven\u2019 head of their upcoming EP When Bethesda Lands They\u2019ll Throw Us a Parade<\/em>.<\/p>\n Thornton grew up as a classical pianist, however, in 2020, the artist decided to use for counterparty influences to shape their music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Sufjan Stevens<\/a>.<\/p>\n Their new single was inspired by Tony Kushner\u2019s play Angels In America which discusses the AIDs epidemic.<\/p>\n \u201cI have repurposed it as a call to stand up for trans people as their human rights are consistently being rolled back by governments that do not see them as equals,\u201d said Thornton.<\/p>\n The lyrically heavy \u2018Heaven, I\u2019m in Heaven\u2019 opens with the singer\u2019s delicate voice. The slow-paced song uses soft instrumentals to create a deeply emotional tone.<\/p>\nStepping On Lego, ‘Teen in the Eighties’<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/07144120\/Stepping-on-Lego.jpg\")
Stepping on Lego<\/div>\nDelush, ‘Long Way Down’<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/07145337\/Screenshot-2025-08-07-at-14.52.38.png\")
Delush<\/div>\nFor Those I Love, ‘The Ox \/ The Afters’<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/07145524\/ForThoseILove.HugQuberzky.png\")
For Those I Love. Photo credit: Hugh Quberzky.<\/div>\nLARAbEL, \u2018WashItAllAway\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/07110125\/LARAbEL-Press-pic1-1-e1751882574619.png\")
LARAbEL<\/div>\nNeosupervital, \u2018Factory Presets (Def Nettle Remix)\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08113939\/NEOSUPERVITAL_GREEN_PORTRAIT.jpg\")
Neosupervital. Photocredit: Brendan Duffy.<\/div>\nNice Celine, \u2018Okay\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08125401\/Celine.jpg\")
Nice Celine.<\/div>\nYoungiz, \u2018JAY-Z\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/02\/14123013\/Iz-Solo-2.png\")
Youngiz<\/div>\n\u00a0June, ‘MerryGoRound’<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/07154135\/IMG_9335.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAdore \u2018Sweet Keith\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/12113115\/Adore-Pic-BL25ADR-e1731411224628.png\")
Adore<\/div>\nMethodactor, \u2018Like This\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08115444\/Like-This-Artwork.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nAoife N\u00ed Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy, \u2018A Mh\u00e1ire\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08115738\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.55.45.png\")
Aoife N\u00cd Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2024\/12\/17113811\/dug-at-the-cobblestone-6.jpg\")
DUG at the Cobblestone \/ copyright Patrik Meier\/hotpress.com<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/04\/30104839\/unnamed-251-e1746006566637.jpg\")
RuthAnne.<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2024\/01\/22175137\/Some-Ones-Sons.png\")
Some One’s Sons<\/div>\nmischa and the bear, \u2018Sing It\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08122748\/IMG_2133-1536x1024-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nKaeyan, \u2018Zero\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08122943\/Zero_-Cover-Art.png\")
<\/p>\nZASKA, \u2018What We Had\u2019 feat. Shiv<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08123130\/491755652_1276694907501484_4230346996062309546_n.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\u00c1ine Tyrrell, \u2018Singing Our Way Home\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08123241\/unnamed.jpg\")
<\/p>\nConn Thornton, \u2018Heaven, I\u2019m in Heaven\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08123459\/american.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nJamie Duffy, \u2018Rising\u2019<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.hotpress.com\/uploads\/2025\/08\/08140311\/image002.jpg\")
<\/p>\n