The New Irish Music Playlist: Jena Keating, Plus One, K3:lu, The SMC & more

josef mac

Love is

Euphoric synth chords and hypnotic vocal twists make this a ravey winner from producer Josef Mac, another of the Irish brethren who has moved to Australia of late.

On a similar tip, I also loved Fozsa’s ‘home’ which was released recently too.

The SMC

Embassy Shadows

The Kildare duo of of Stephen Fahey (Super Extra Bonus Party) and Poggy Dillon (who recently featured on the 2023 SEBP album Late Nite 99) return with a new EP called A Dab For Dermo with this track that trades off gruff wiry punk and a softly sung refrain.

jena keating

That’s The Why.

London-based Cork R&B artist Jena Keating always approaches lyric writing with a thoughtful examination of mental health, chronic illness and learning from pain and experience.

Jena says:

Don’t fret pet is kind of the mother motto of this song. “Know that your trying and that’s the why.” In the chaos of living in London with 14 people to living in Doolin with a population of 500 jena learned through the consistency of change in life that letting it be is best learned through nature. Traveling Ireland living in a van she got to watch nature switch through its phases just because that’s the way it belongs.

“The leaves reset themselves to begins, they know never to cling.” This song, That’s the Why. Is the detachment theory to sing when your head just won’t shut up .Close your eyes , sit back and listen to the birds chirp.

Nia Keyo

Yeah

Bringing a poppy Afrobeat vibe to proceedings, is Dundalk songwriter Nia Keyo on a song produced by Chris Kabs about pure flirtin’.

‘‘Yeah’ is about recognizing the signs—those stolen glances, the light touches, and the lingering conversations that signal more than just casual interaction. The song’s protagonist is caught in this cycle of back-and-forth, where signals are sent but never fully articulated. With a catchy chorus and relatable verses, ‘Yeah’ empowers listeners to take control of these ambiguous interactions. The protagonist decides to break the loop by giving a clear green light, signalling to the other person that the next move is theirs to make. This decisive moment is both a challenge and an invitation, pushing the hesitant admirer to step up and express their feelings openly

K3:lu (Curlew)

Standing Ovation (Good People of the World)

Cork producer Patrick Hatchett (relation to Toby of the Soundsystems), is set to followup his 2021 debut album, on September 20th with Vol.II Cortis, which features contributuons from vocalist Senita Appiakorang, Alex Sampson (Talos) and Robin Hopcraft (Soothsayers, Jerry Dammers Spatial AKA Orchestra).

‘Standing Ovation (Good People of the World)’ is a light touch soul, jazz-dub and global rhythm track that stays bright and vibrant throughout its five minute running time.

“Standing Ovation (Good People of the World) shares its smiles with artists tracks like Trouble Funk’s ‘Drop the Bomb’ or maybe Wally Boudarou covering A Guy Called Geralds ‘Voodoo Ray’. Simply put, it’s a celebration of those folks in this world who make it a better place for us all. To all the sounders, the solids, the carers and supporters. To the quiet lovelies and the fierce as f**k fighters. To those that consistently show up for others without fanfare or reward. As the world continues to lose its ever-unstable footing, now is the time to hold, revere and learn from these great teachers. So, armed with Bass driven 80s Soul, Linn Drum Second Line celebrations and free party electronica, I invite them to stand up, take a bow and bathe in this musical thank you.”