Every Friday, I pick out four new music picks from the best of the music blogosphere as part of my Day & Night digital section. Follow Day & Night on Twitter or Facebook. It’s out today in print with every copy of the Irish Independent.
The Suzan
North American indie-pop as performed by four Japanese girls from Tokyo. The band have a debut album which was produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John ready to go on Fool’s Gold Records. Check out the boptastic day-glowing video for Ha Ha Ha.
Baio
Like the rest of his fellow Vampire Weekend bandmates, bass player Chris Baio isn’t resting on his bumcheeks. He’s made a name for himself as a decent club DJ and now he’s releasing original tropical dance music on the Greco Roman label.
Phantom
Proving that almost anyone can break new music if they’ve got a big enough following these days, downbeat electronic Helsinki duo Phantom were first brought to attention of the world via The xx’s Tumblr blog.
Hidden Highways
Limerick label Out On A Limb come correct once again with this collaborative EP release by Vertigo Smyth and Carol Anne McGowan of dusty country-besotted folk music.

Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.