A lot music from Ireland and Northern Ireland comes Nialler9’s way and every week, we listen through it all and select the tracks from emerging artists (and some established acts) that deserve to be heard by you.
For more extensive Irish and new music coverage, follow our Spotify playlist or hit up the Irish section for individual track features.
1.
Awkward Z
Truth [feat Evan Miles]
Anomaly Collective MC Awkward Z has previously brought the ‘Fuego’ , got wild with Tebi Rex and wrote a song about mental health in a pandemic, while ‘Truth’ finds the artist teaming up with producer Evan Miles for a Kaytranada-esque summer jam.
Truth represents the start of a sunny day, you’re having a few drinks, waking up to a bright blue day while also representing seeing the light by finding your truth. Then floating was more for the end of the day, the evenings are long slowly getting dark, you’re still outside just vibing by a bonfire or something, the representation behind the song was to show you that you’ve got potential, don’t waste it floating around but float in the direction you want. actions speak louder than words so go get it now. It was a great process with miles and being able to have input on the beat itself and him throwing in his input was so refreshing and fun!
Awkward Z
2.
Nienna
Wish I Could
The newest release on Beijing/Irish label and radio show Sesh FM draws lines between Ireland and China via producer Nienna’s immersion of China’s club scene. The Musings EP is out on September 17th, and is lead by ‘Wish I Could’, a future garage-indebted track with ambient production qualities.
A remix on the EP comes from Chinese producer Luxixi.
3.
POL
Everybody
POL (pronounced Pole) is a new Irish dance producer setting out his stall with the pitched-down vocals and percussive synth stabs of ‘Everybody’.
The video directed by Brian Mc Donnell and starring dancers Adam O’Reilly and Jessie Thompson (check the Big Love video and this NOAH video for more or her work).
4.
Laura Duff
Wayside
It’s been nearly four years since Limerick artist Laura Duff’s debut song, but you know, a lot has happened.
Duff has a second EP forthcoming called Heavy Summer, and ‘Wayside’ demonstrates the musician’s alt-pop nous that has been evident in her music since the start.
The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton Co. Cork and a full four-piece band features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums and Finn Fogarty (lead guitar).
5.
Rudy
Far Away
Rudy is a new 21-year-old artist from Drimnagh in Dublin, who names Mitski and Porches as key influences.
‘Far Away’ is the artist’s debut song, an ethereal one that production wise (by Greg Tisdall) buries the artist’s vocals in the mix creating more of a mood than the front-and-centre indie-pop track this could be. It’s all dreamy and pleasant for a debut but I’d like to hear more of Rudy next time.
6.
Jack Murphy, Nowazaki
Breathe
Jack Murphy previously featured here with fellow Cork artist Jena Keating, and the Cork collaborations continue on ‘Breathe’ with Nowazaki, a song suspended in a glass box, such is the tone of the textures here, with R&B-leaning vocals that sound a bit like The Weeknd, especially when paired with the electro vibes of this track.
7.
CK & MCG
Billenit
CK & MCG are a rap duo from Dublin who were formerly in the group Gracepark, who are stepping out on their own as CK and MCG (not the most memorable name it must be said).
‘Billenit’ is the duo’s opening gambit, a track that harks back to classic rap tones and casual rhymes styles. Production is by CK, while both rap.
8.
Me Auld Flower
Fr. Griffin Avenue
The first single from Connemara-based artist Me Auld Flower released The Vaults of Consciousness, Volume I last January 2020, and a Volume II is out in November.
‘Fr. Griffin Avenue’ references a road near Galway city, and has the vibe of an early ’90s indie bedroom track.
9.
Sven
Spare Tyre
Sven is one of the newest artists on Diffusion Lab’s roster. ‘Spare Tyre’ is the artist’s third single, coming across like an R&B take on The 1975 and was inspired by a post-lockdown drive and a friendship that seems like its hurtling towards something more.
10.
Fya Fox
Need It
Fya Fox’s new song ‘Need It’ is built on a funk-bass riff that makes this R&B pop tune stand out from the crowd, on a tune about extracting yourself from relationship toxicity.
11.
Plantain Papi
Take You
For more extensive Irish and new music coverage, follow our Spotify playlist or hit up the Irish section for individual track features.
