8 new Irish songs you should hear this week
A lot of Irish music comes Nialler9’s way and there’s little time to feature everything we think is worthy of a thumbs up or more ears. Every week, we collate the songs that pass our writers that deserve to be heard by you. For more extensive Irish coverage, follow our Spotify playlist or hit up the Irish section.
1.
Tara Lee
Drive
Musician and actress Tara Lee shows her theatrical side on her new single ‘Drive’ and the self-directed video which accompanies it. ‘Drive’ synthwave aesthetic and the suitably neon visuals give a tip of the hat to the film of the same name. It’s a song that seeks thrills and finds them in the punchy drums and rip-roaring analogue synth lines. Lee’s vocal performance is formidable, full of swagger and poise. From top to bottom, ‘Drive’ is a sleek synth-pop tune from an artist who has all the signs of being the real deal.
2.
Winter Aid
The Dance
Dublin-based musician Winter Aid has just released his Halfland EP. For those who are unaware, Winter Aid’s music is exactly the sort of dreamy lo-fi folk which perfectly suits these darker evenings.’The Dance’ is our favourite track from the release. Quietly expressive and heartbreakingly sweet, ‘The Dance’ cuts into the heart thanks largely to the dual vocals which run throughout its chorus of “Now that we’re safe and sound in the house tonight”. An intimate expression between two romantic partners and a superb song.
3.
Ushmush
Grá Mór
How about some dancehall as Gealige? Ushmush is a brand new recording artist. Working with Sesh FM, he’s just released ‘Grá Mor’ and a video to go with it. Exuberant, tightly produced and above all very catchy we’re absolutely delighted to hear how good Irish sounds when it meets Caribean beats. More of this, please.
4.
Myfault ft. Kayleigh Noble
Stay
‘Stay’ is a true blue contemporary pop song. Producer Myfault has joined forces with Kayleigh Noble, who provides vocals on the track. Immediately the listener is struck by the production quality on the track. Noble’s vocals are blended superbly with the rest of the mix, especially on the silky smooth chorus section. Supreme attention to detail has been paid to both the highs and lows of the track with airy synth patterns handling the former and the rumble of the bass dealing with the latter. Expressive and bombastic, be sure to check out ‘Stay’.
5.
Olympío
Your Love
A trap inspired pop tune now from singer and MC Olympío. ‘Your Love’ is a song with a message and a purpose, don’t be afraid to love. Even if it’s a bit blunt in delivering that message, there’s more than enough quality in the track to earn it a place on this week’s list. Alternating between a sugary sweet autotuned chorus and a fuzzed out rap lines over the verse, ‘Your Love’ is a song from ana rtist with plenty of versalitlity. Sure to bring a smile to your face.
6.
Conor Clinch
Red Rain
Dublin native and singer-songwriter Conor Clinch might be the sweetest voice you hear today. ‘Red Rain’ is an impressive singer-songwriter tune. Stripped down to the bare minimum, Clinch, his guitar and the odd piano line, ‘Red Rain’ still manages to provide plenty of material for fans of the genre to be excited about. An impressive debut single.
7.
Elkae
Sold
‘Sold’ is the debut single from new electronic soul project Elkae. Written and performed by Laura Keane, ‘Sold’ is absolutely fantastic. There’s a gorgeous influence of late 70s disco, heard best in the harmonies and rhythms of the chorus section. The verses bring in a more contemporary sense of pop music. Keane’s vocal delivery is precise and fluid. No surprise considering her musical education in BIMM. The artist is due to play a gig in the Sound House on the 16th of this month. Tickets at €8+ are available here.
8.
Subplots
Drunk Forest
Dublin three-piece Subplots have just released their new LP A Silent Phases. We’ve picked ‘Drunk Forest, a deep cut from that project to put on our Irish tracks list. There’s a palpable dark atmosphere to much of what Subplots do as a group and its typified in the haunting ‘Drunk Forest’. At three minutes long, the track combines ambient synth textures with sweet falsetto of the lead vocal lines to create a song that verges on both folk and contemporary classical. Be sure to check out the song and the album in full too.
