Happy New Year to all our followers and subscribers. We have enjoyed finding new artists and music this year and we look forward to listening to the songs 2023 has to bring. Thank you to all who have donated to the blog keeping us caffeinated all year round and the PR Companies, Tour Managers, Managers and Artists who have worked with us all year.
We have created a playlist on Spotify with all the artists we have featured in 2022 for you to listen to. Enjoy!
Bio: Teen Roscommon rock and roll band The Flies will release a self-produced new single ‘Split in Two’ on all platforms on Friday 25th March. A new video will be released to coincide with the release. The song was produced and engineered by Flies bassist JJ Doherty and mastered by Luke Devaney at The Blue Room, Sligo. The Flies have released two EPs since the COVID 19 pandemic began in March 2020. The ‘Looser’ and ‘Back in the Garage’ EPs attracted significant critical praise and the lead tracks from both have gained significant national radio play. In the period before the pandemic, The Flies were a busy live act. Some of their last gigs before things shut down in March 2020 were support slots with Jinx Lennon and The Stunning. They are looking forward to taking things up on the live front where they left off.
Track: Split in Two
Why We Like It: It’s a catchy slice of indie rock that showcases The Flies’ knack for infectious melodies and energetic musicianship. With radiant guitar jangling through a tight drum foundation and irresistible bass groove, it’s a tune sure to have listeners singing along in no time. Oozing confidence and charm ‘Split in Two’ is a lively ditty that marks The Flies as a band to keep an eye on.
Bio: Irish trio Rowan have released their second single, ‘Honesty’, from the band’s upcoming debut album, Does It Make You Happy? due out May 6th via Beverly Martel. ‘Honesty’ is the follow-up track from the band’s previous singles ‘Irish To My Bones’ and ‘Youth & Youthhood’ which have received support from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Lauren Laverne at 6 Music.
Track: Honesty
Why We Like It: Filled with sunkissed melodies and shredding guitar moments, ‘Honesty’ is a glorious new single from Rowan. The band weave garage rock elements over dreamy shoegaze tones to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. Rowan’s exquisite sound is blossoming wonderfully. Looking forward to the debut album from this talented trio.
Bio: Ryan Egan has announced the release of his long-anticipated debut album ‘Soft Power’, set for release on April 8th, 2022. The album’s fourth single ‘We Do It On Purpose’ has been released alongside the announcement. The album was produced by Kevin Basko (Foxygen, The Lemon Twigs).
Track: We Do It On Purpose
Why We Like It: It’s a dreamy slow jam, filled with nostalgic melodies, mellow guitar and soft beats. This tune is a fine display of indie-pop and Egan’s lush musicianship as he croons over a supple melody while elegant keys and a soothing choir fill out the song’s ethereal soundscapes. ‘We Do It On Purpose’ is well crafted and beckons repeat plays.
Bio: Birmingham anti-pop quartet Y!KES have released their new single ‘Iron Deficiency’. Produced by Jim Pinder (BMTH / WSS) at Treehouse Studio, the single is accompanied by a classic music video shot inside Birmingham’s botanical gardens.
Track: Iron Deficiency
Why We Like It: It’s a mighty alternative rock mammoth that boasts the mesmerising sound of Y!KES. The band blast a blitz of crashing guitars over a pounding drum assault while eerie bass lines create a chilling tone throughout. The song is smothered in distortion and ominous soundscapes to create a thrilling listening experience for listeners to immerse themselves in. Filled with fiery alternative rock angst, ‘Iron Deficiency’ is a fantastic new single from Y!KES. Enjoy.
Bio: Coming off the back of their hit single ‘Champagne Butterflies’, Wild Youth are back with a fresh new indie-pop sound, with ‘Seventeen’. Having taken time out with family & friends during the pandemic, the guys spent time reflecting on the simplicity of their younger days and are back with this impressive single. Co-written by Conor O Donohoe & JC Stewart, and produced By Tristen Evans (The Vamps), Seventeen is the 1st single to be taken from Wild Youth’s upcoming EP.
Track: Seventeen
Why We Like It: This shimmering slice of indie-pop surges with emotion, nostalgic melodies and cinematic musicianship. Delicate keys flutter through a suspenseful rush on drums while supple guitar chimes throughout. The track is a joy to listen to and oozes heartfelt passion and a wonderfully bittersweet melody. ‘Seventeen’ is a breathtaking new single from Wild Youth.
Bio : Alt pop sensation Bobbi Arlo has unleashed her highly anticipated new single ‘Parasite’. ‘Parasite’ marks the start of a new musical journey for Bobbi Arlo as she embarks on what promises to be a very exciting and hectic 2022.
Track: Parasite
Why We Like It: ‘Parasite’ presents the refreshing alternative pop sound of Bobbi Arlo through a chilled R&B perspective. The artist injects irresistible melodies into an intoxicating electronic backdrop while icy keys and pulsing beats create a contrasting push-pull effect. Filled with pristine vocals and lush backing vocals atop dark bubbling soundscapes the track is an enjoyable, musically immersive gem that showcases Arlo’s wonderful ability to create evocative music which exudes swagger, sass and earnestness all at once. Love it.
Bio: Alexis Kings have released the Metta remix of their song ‘Velvet’. Alexis Kings’ delivery is that of quintessential British rock & roll with a contemporary undertone made up of catchy hooks and melodic vocals. The band consists of Brendan Aherne (Vocals) and Fabio Bocca (Drums). Taking aspects of each member’s influence and fusing each style with elements of Country, Soul, Hip-hop and Funk sitting on top of a solid Rock n Roll base, they aim to create a sound distinctive to Alexis Kings.
Track: Velvet Metta Remix
Why We Like It: Metta puts a new spin on this swaggered single to create a chilled groove-rooted rendition for listeners to indulge in. Utilizing biting electronics and shimmering synths weaved between muggy beats and 70’s-esque disco elements this remix is a glitter ball of infectiousness that will repeat in your head for days. Press play and enjoy.
Bio : Tipperary artist Culleton has released her new single ‘Broken Mirror’.
Track: Broken Mirror
Why We Like It: It’s an enjoyably intoxicating display of alternative pop filled with bubbling hip hop moments and rich intricate production. Culleton presents a haunting and enticing tune that revolves around eerie twinkles on keys while asphyxiating beats punctuate the track’s airy soundscape. For the verses, Culleton’s raps break up the sweet vocal lulls that adorn the chorus in ghostly coos – the effect is a sublime, contrasting assault on the senses. Filled with enthralling textures and dark undertones ‘Broken Mirror’ is a thrilling new single from this talented artist.
Bio: Bullet Girl have released their new single, ‘McViolence’. McViolence follows the band’s highly acclaimed previous single ‘The Hunt’. Where their previous single took on corrupt politicians, this time the band take aim at a culture of violence and toxic masculinity within groups of young men. The song was inspired by an unprovoked attack on two of the band members from a group of teenagers in their hometown.
Track: McViolence
Why We Like It: This thrilling tune is a swirling hotbed of post-punk angst and riveting musicianship. The band create a backdrop of sharp guitars and driving bass lines while pounding drums lay down a lean mean foundation that builds and intensifies to a glorious mammoth crescendo. ‘McViolence’ is an excitingly savage new tune from Bullet Girl and a sterling display of this band’s expressive sound and boundless talent. Prepare to be amazed.
Bio: East Manchester indie band Palava have released their new single ‘Yesterday Is Calling’.The track is taken off the band’s upcoming EP.
Track: Yesterday Is Calling
Why We Like It: The track blisters with the dynamic indie rock of Palava. The band lace a driving rhythmic backdrop in acute raw guitar riffs to create an invigorating wall of sound while the anthemic chorus and soaring melodies evoke images of live crowd sing-alongs. Boasting a shredding crescendo and thrilling guitar work ‘Yesterday Is Calling’ is a fantastic new single from Palava.
Bio: Jack Joyce has released his new single, ‘Mountain and the Door’.The song follows on from Jack’s 6th single release and hit single ‘’Black Cat by the Bins’’ which was released back on 3rd September 2021. Early in 2020, Jack featured on Mute The TV band’s hit debut single ‘With You’ which got airplay around Ireland.
Track: Mountain and the Door
Why We Like It: ‘Mountain and the Door’ is exhilarating indie rock. With moments of dazed psychedelia weaved through swirling soundscapes, the track simmers with dark undertones while sharp guitar melodies triumphantly stride through a punchy drum foundation. Densely crafted and oozing suspense throughout, ‘Mountain and the Door’ is an impressive tune and a fine example of this artist’s growing talent.
Bio: Having just formed in April 2021, Dublin based alt-electronic artist wornoc (aka Conor Walsh) has carved out a niche in forward-pushing alternative-electronic sounds from these shores.
Track: The Blackhole Paradox
Why We Like It: It’s an exciting piece of music that boasts rippling electronics and moments of heavy alternative rock alongside dreamy undertones. The track is an enthralling listening experience; twinkling guitar and soft keys give way to instrumental builds while intricate rhythms and driving beats add a contrasting element to the track’s ambient soundscapes. ‘The Blackhole Paradox’ is an immersive and compelling tune that marks warnoc an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio: With over 800 million streams to date, 5 million monthly listeners at Spotify, and international acclaim, the singer and songwriter LÉON will release her third studio album ‘Circles’ on March 4th. Released via LL Entertainment and BMG, the album is available to pre-save. The album is launched alongside the brand new single ‘Wishful Thinking’.
Track: Wishful Thinking
Why We Like It: It’s a nostalgic ballad that highlights the beautiful vocals of LÉON. Filled with warm soft instrumentation, the track blends soothing folk tones with tender pop sensibilities to create an elegant tune filled with passion and poignant lyrical content. Exuding a soothing earworm melody, ethereal soundscapes and buoyant guitar strums, ‘Wishful Thinking’ is a luxuriant new tune to indulge in.
Happy New Year to all our followers and subscribers. We have enjoyed finding new artists and music this year and we look forward to listening to the songs 2022 has to bring. Thank you to all who have donated to the blog keeping us caffeinated all year round and the PR Companies, Tour Managers, Managers and Artists who have worked with us all year. A big Thank You, to the talented Musicians who performed as part of our Indie Buddie Sessions this year. We have created a playlist on Spotify with all the artists we have featured in 2021 for you to have a listen to. Enjoy!
Bio: My Twisted Heart (MT Heart) the moniker of singer/songwriter and member of the creative collective Outsiders Entertainment, Po Ki Ching. Born and raised in Hong Kong, My Twisted Heart’s music was originally inspired by Asian music genres, namely Canton-Pop, J-Rock and K-Pop. My Twisted Heart developed an interest in singing at an early age and he would perform cover tracks at school talent and singing contests. Later during his College years in Ireland, My Twisted Heart officially became a member of the Outsiders and was introduced to Western music genres such as Hip-Hop, Electronic, R&B etc.
Track: idontneedyou
Why We Like It: This tune draws on elements of hip hop, swirling synths and glimmers of warm indie to create a lush wall of sound. The tight layering and intricate production teamed with kinetic electronic pulses and reverb vocals provides a refreshing and compelling listening experience. The song floats on a sweet melancholic melody and acoustic guitar embellishments that create a buoyant and rich texture within the track. ‘Idontneedyou’ is a compelling and innovative piece of music that marks My Twisted Heart an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio: Critically acclaimed Indie-pop artist Jack Dora is back with his driving new single ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’.This is the title track from Dora’s upcoming debut EP which will be released sometime early in 2022. Jack wrote, recorded and produced the track in his bedroom in Dublin. It was mixed by Cork musician Yenkee and mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Republic of Loose, Sinead O’ Connor).
Track: Take What You’ve Been Given
Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering bite of indie-pop that surges with mouth-watering melodies, 80’s dance-pop soundscapes and upbeat vibes. Doused in effervescent synths and jaunty guitar adornment, the track exudes glittering charm while the driving bassline and slapping beat add an edge to the track. With smooth vocals adding swagger between slick guitar elements, ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’ is a fantastic synth-pop earworm to indulge in.
Bio: Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘War’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.
Track: War
Why We Like It: Hegan presents his emotive and compelling songwriting through this beautifully arranged song. With a metronomic beat creating a subtle sense of tension while lush strings flourish between elegant piano, Hegan creates a bittersweet and tear-jerking track for listeners to enjoy. His warm vocals caress the dreamy melody with a tone of melancholy as he fleshes out his ability to create an eloquent and catchy tune filled with emotion and passion.
Bio: Dublin’s VLLNS have released their final single of 2021, ‘Black Palm’.Having been awarded a grant as part of the Music Industry Stimulus Package 2020, VLLNS recorded Black Palm in Darklands Audio at the tail end of the COVID 19 restrictions.’Black Palm’ explores the internal struggles we face when we make our way through the bereavement process, trying to process our grief, yearning for a time when we hadn’t truly considered death and the mortality of both our loved ones, and ourselves.
Track: Black Palm
Why We Like It: It’s a dark tune saturated in sharp guitars, rumbling drums and sinister undertones. The foundation of the track is a bristly energetic blend of punk rock and moody grunge with a sweet peppering of indie on top. A punchy drum beat crashes between a resounding rumble on bass while jaunty guitars meander between striking, acute pines and gentle laments. VLLNS have created a concise, energetic and hard-hitting track that is sure to knock your socks off as they build diverse textures throughout to create a thrilling listening experience.
Bio: After the success of their last single ‘Sorry’, Galway-based band Rofi James return with their latest song ‘Berlin Wall’. The song was written during Ireland’s initial lockdown during the Covid 19 pandemic. Berlin Wall is a song about the desire to escape the monotonous routine and daily troubles of life during a pandemic. The song was written by Ronan Flaherty, Jamie Murray and Joseph Flaherty, and mixed and produced by Dave Skelton. It was then mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Republic of Loose, The Divine Comedy).
Track: Berlin Wall
Why We Like It: ‘Berlin Wall’ surges with anthemic indie as Rofi James display their knack with driving melodies and heart-racing instrumentation. Blending jaunty indie guitars with rich pulsing rhythms, washes of electronic dance and shimmering synths the track has a kinetic and energetic wall of sound. With smooth vocals caressing the infectious melody while the soundscapes wisp between the rock peppered guitar moments ‘Berlin Wall’ has an epic backdrop and sing-along quality that is quite impressive.
Bio : World’s First Cinema return with their new single ‘NightChild’. The duo’s previous releases ‘Make Me A Monster’, ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Perfect Hell’ all follow on from the huge support for their recently released debut EP ‘Rituals’, and follow-up single ‘The Woods’, which received airplay on BBC Radio 2 and found itself placed on Spotify playlists Pop Rock Shot, Future Hits, New Noise, and Rock The World!, as well as Apple Music’s New in Alternative, New in Rock, New Music Daily and New In Pop. The pair have also recently cracked the 11 million streams milestone since their last release.
Track: NightChild
Why We Like It: Drenched in a dark intoxicating beat and 80’s flavourings, ‘NightChild’ blazes with the hook-filled songwriting of World’s First Cinema. The song is chic and chilling with epic chorus builds, driving guitars and lush backing vocals while the dynamic rhythm compels you to dance. With soaring synths, dramatic outbursts, and flawless vocals, ‘NightChild’ is a thrilling new single that is a joy to listen to.
Bio: Birmingham four-piece Big Image have released their new single, ‘Parallel Love Affair’. The band are composed of George, vocals; Luke, bass; Connor, guitar; and Seb, drums. All of the members are previously known under the name Ivory Wave, and have already built a considerable live following through festival shows and supports with the likes of The Sherlocks, DMA’s and The Twang. The sudden pause in touring last year led to an opportunity to refocus, rebrand and hone their sound into something altogether more ambitious for 2021 and beyond.
Track: Parallel Love Affair
Why We Like It: This energetic blast of indie-pop surges with vibrant melodies, rich musicianship and lush production. With smooth vocals drifting upon the upbeat melody and shimmering synths bouncing off the shimmying rhythm, this track is a golden ray of sunshine. The band blend indie pop with psychedelic tones to create an expansive and lush soundscape that builds into a blazing indie anthem. It’s absolutely glorious on the ears.
Bio : Emerging artist Rosa has released her debut track Unravel Me. The track was produced by Ben Matravers (Easy Life, Hannah Trigwell)
Track: Unravel Me
Why We Like It: It’s a beautiful, time stopping debut from Rosa. A lamenting piano elegantly accompanies Rosa’s emotional vocal delivery while tense haunting soundscapes stain the backdrop in a dark undertone. The lyrics discuss “the all-consuming fear of someone discovering your deepest insecurities and flaws” while highlighting her pristine and heartfelt vocals at the same time. ‘Unravel Me’ is a heartbreaking, deep and mesmerising tune with a powerful rawness that marks Rosa as an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio : Clara Byrne is a socialist singer-songwriter from Bray. She has supported a wealth of Irish talent including Wallis Bird, Mick Pyro (Republic Of Loose), Cathy Davey and Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy).
Track: What Have We?
Why We Like It: The track displays a thrilling, darker side to Clara Byrne as she takes her eloquent lyrics and spreads them through a mysterious backdrop that blends elements of indie, country and tantalizing moments of psychedelia. Byrne’s warm vocals croon through haunting soundscapes creating an ominous tone throughout that is enhanced by strident guitars, rumbling rhythms and a chilling atmosphere. Showcasing Byrne’s refined musicianship, ‘What Have We? is a sublime new single from this talented artist.
Bio : Rising Irish 5-piece Just Mustard have released, ‘I Am You’,the first look at their anticipated new album to be released in 2022 on their new label home Partisan Records. The song was produced by the band, mixed by David Wrench (FKA Twigs, Frank Ocean, The XX, Caribou), and recorded at Attica Studios in Donegal, Ireland during lockdown. Fresh off a sold-out UK & IE tour, Just Mustard will headline a short IE tour in Jan, followed by a European tour in Feb. Just Mustard will also head out on tour with Fontaines D.C. on the EU leg of their 2022 tour.
Track: I Am You
Why We Like It: It’s a hypnotic mind melter that gradually builds from brooding psychedelia to a more intense atmospheric soundscape. The band layer their sound meticulously; sharp guitar jabs strike between tense thuds on drums and Katie Ball’s lulling vocals while deep bass rumbles create an eerie wall of sound throughout. The track is an absolute delight to listen to and boasts the exquisite, exciting sound of Just Mustard.
Bio: Having just completed a superb run of festivals and headline shows, including a sold-out show at Glasgow’s 1300 capacity SWG3, Retro Video Club return with their new song, ‘Boys Like Me’.Retro Video Club burst onto the scene in 2017 with a series of high-octane single releases and a sell-out hometown show. Just a few months later, they were selling out 1,000 capacity venues (Edinburgh Assembly Rooms), and sharing stages with The Libertines among others.
Track: Boys Like Me
Why We Like It: It’s an instant shot of adrenaline as Retro Video Club rush a blitz of sharp guitars through a brisk rhythmic foundation to create an arena-worthy tune. The band flesh out their driving sound with resounding drums and hook-filled melodies while raspy vocals add an edge-like quality to the track. It’s a catchy banger laced in earworm melodies, tight production and an exhilarating indie rock wall of sound that evokes images of live crowds bellowing back the lyrics at the top of their lungs.
Bio: Irish Alt-rockers, Paper Tigers have released the first single, ‘Blue Light Trails’ taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Graceless’. Formed in 2018 by Michael Smyth with Hayley Norton on vocals, Emma Rose on bass and joined by Matt Milner on drums. 2019 saw Paper Tigers come out swinging, gigging incessantly and releasing debut single ‘Gucci Smiles’ which earned them a nomination for Best Single at the NI Music Prize. To date the band have had plays on iHeartRadio, John Bakers Totally Irish show on 98fm, Dan Hegarty on RTE2fm, BBC Radio Ulster Across the Line as well as a number of other local and international radio stations.
Track: Blue Light Trails
Why We Like It: This dynamic anthem erupts with Paper Tigers’ vigorous and illustrious sound as they take a catchy sing-along chorus and back it with raw and powerful alternative rock. With clashing guitars, acute bass and pummeling drums, the band create the perfect mosh pit frenzy while the cooler more chilled verses balance the energy with an undertone of melancholy. Love it.
Bio: Having recently signed her song ‘Savage’ to Sony US & Babygrande records, Tana is an artist and songwriter with charge and unique flair for lyrics and melody. Her tracks have been championed by Sean Kingston on Instagram, played on BBC introducing, and featured in numerous publications – as well as writing for artists such as ‘Jike Junyi’.
Track: Fake Friends
Why We Like It: It’s a punchy attitude-soaked gem. Tana spreads honest lyrics over an effervescent electronic backdrop and beat progression to create a groovy and compelling tune for listeners to immerse themselves in. As the swirling synths brew beneath Tana’s smooth vocals the catchy melody ensures the tune stays in your head all day. It’s well crafted, with lush soundscapes melting into a zesty epic guitar embellishment for the hair-raising crescendo.
Bio: In 2019, after backpacking through Asia for six months, Noah Elliott teamed up with Dylan Bauld to create his EP ‘End of Summer’. In August of 2020, he began releasing singles off the EP, garnering over 250k Spotify listens and praise from Live Nation’s Ones To Watch. ‘Undone’ is the last single off the record.
Track: Undone
Why We Like It: It’s a moving R&B pop ballad that ripples with soft electronics and pulsing beats while a delicate piano glides throughout. Finely layered and boasting Elliott’s infectious musicianship the track is ready for repeat plays and an absolute joy to listen to. ‘Undone’ is a beautiful piece of music.
Bio: Darkroom Data follow up their Hype Machine top ten favourite ‘Hydrogen’ with their new single ‘Fall With You’. Darkroom Data are an indie electro-pop duo, comprising Irish vocalist Gillian NoVa and Brazilian composer Márcio Paz.
Track: Fall With You
Why We Like It: It’s an enticing song that floats on vaporous soundscapes and silken R&B flirtations. With a sensual bassline weaving between soft synths and elastic beats, the track has a lucid and ethereal texture that is reined in by the tightly knit groovy rhythm. Gillian NoVa’s lulling vocals drift over the dreamy melody with ease delivering a lush and luring listening experience. Darkroom Data display their masterful musicianship as they craft a song that is simply glorious to listen to again and again.
Bio: Hallie is an Irish multiple award-winning cross-genre singer/songwriter/recording artist. She emerged as ‘Hallie’ in early 2019 with her debut single “Familiar Place” to critical acclaim, with rotation on multiple national/worldwide radio stations. Hallie has made the ‘RTE Recommends Playlist’ with all her singles to date. Hallie is an avid mental health and chronic pain advocate living with chronic illnesses and wants to use her platform to advocate & remind others who’ve struggled that they’re never alone.
Track: Circles
Why We Like It: It’s a heartfelt dance-pop tune laced in pulsing beats, shimmering synths and intricate lush production. Hallie’s beautiful vocals ooze passion and emotion as driving rhythms and intoxicating electronics exude a muggy and dark undertone while the flickering synths and ethereal melody create a breezy and fun atmosphere throughout. ‘Circles’ is a glittering and upbeat anthem ready for repeat plays.
Bio: Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her single, ‘Good Form’.Following ‘Wayside’, ‘Good Form’ is the second single from her sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’,The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band line up features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar).Laura is a past student of University College Cork’s Music Department, and an award-winning songwriter. She was named the Paul Clancy Songwriter of the Year at 2015’s Irish Youth Music Awards. More recently, she was selected as Circuit Arts Festival Music Project Awardee in April 2021.
Track: Good Form
Why We Like It: It’s a dreamy tune with a rich tapestry of musical embellishments that exudes an indie undertone. As Laura Duff croons the sweet melody in a half-spoken half lulling tone, chiming guitars and steady punchy rhythms adorn the backdrop. The track oozes the luring noir pop we have come to love from Laura Duff while edgy instrumental flirtations venture into psychedelic rock as the music meanders between sweet guitar melodies, heavier distorted intervals and rich percussion moments while the vocal coo’s maintain a supple sense of innocence throughout. The track is well crafted and reveals new and exciting elements and melodies with each subsequent listen.
Bio: SOMEFINN are an alternative rock band whose story begins where that of another band ends. Paul Finn was lead vocalist and songwriter for Irish Choice Music Prize Nominees The Flaws, who called it quits in 2016. Finn then took up an offer from Shane Clarke, to tour as guitarist with his band Elephant, with whom he played shows all over Ireland to rave reviews.The band’s line-up was completed when an accomplished roster of multi-genre veterans came onboard. David Marron (Sanzkrit, Derek Ryan), Paul Markey (Sanzkrit), Paul Carolan (Finnian) and Darren Finn, Paul’s brother, are to be found on guitars, bass, drums and keyboards respectively.
Track: Contact
Why We Like It: Saturated in protrusive rhythms, majestic guitar and dark soundscapes ‘Contact’ is an enticing and utterly magnificent single. From the brooding verse to the catchy chorus and building instrumentation SOMEFINN crafts the song perfectly, making each musical moment ecstasy to the ears. Smooth vocals ooze emotion over a dark pulsing rhythm while subtle electronics and echoing backing vocals intensify as the song reaches its dynamic and thrilling crescendo. ‘Contact’ is an exciting track that showcases SOMEFINN’s eloquent songwriting and masterful musicianship.
Bio: Irish electro-pop artist Slaney has released her new single ‘Heaven’.Slaney’s previous two releases, ‘Love Is Like A Drug” and ‘All I Want’, were included on Spotify New Music Friday, received extensive airplay support and led to her been snapped up by super live agent Sol Parker at Paradigm ( Billie Eilish / Take That etc ) for worldwide representation. Slaney is also a very talented actress and recently appeared in the BAFTA nominated hit TV show Normal People and a new Apple TV show Foundation and has a small role in new RTE drama KIN.
Track: Heaven
Why We Like It: It’s a dance-infused hypnotic tune that boasts the catchy and immersive sound of Slaney. The track is an absolute delight to listen to. Laced in swirling electronics and muggy beats Slaney creates an intoxicating darkly-hued atmosphere that contrasts the breath of fresh air her sweet vocals provide. This glittering electronic pop track shimmers with soft 70’s disco vibes and washes of 90’s dance to create an edgy yet infectious bop sure to revolve in your head for days.
Bio : Dublin artist James Lonergan has released his new single ‘ohno’. Lonergan joined his first band, aged 10; since then, he has steadily fronted bands – most notably as the vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk.
Track: ohno
Why We Like It: Beautifully layered with folk hues that weave between psychedelic moments and intricate dance peppered rhythms, Lonergan presents an intriguing tune for listeners to enjoy. The track flows with twinkling mellow guitar and warm vocals that glide over a catchy melody while haunting soundscapes wisp throughout the backdrop creating an expansive and mysterious quality to the song. Lonergan manages to create dance elements in the tune without using electronic instruments boasting his progressive and extraordinary use of instruments. Filled with dark tones that blend between bright glimmers on guitars, smoky bass and driving magnetic beats ‘ohno’ is an utterly magnificent composition from this talented and revolutionary artist.
Bio : Scattered Ashes come straight out of the Dublin post punk underground that birthed Murder Capital and Fontaines DC. The abrasive four-piece burst on to the scene November 2020 with their debut single ‘Love Is Not An Option’ receiving immediate support and airplay from Steve Lamacq (BBC Radio 6) and KEXP over in the states.
Track: Slow Motion
Why We Like It: This gloomy, brooding tune boasts the expressive, dense and sublime sound of Scattered Ashes. The band combine heavy drums, throbbing basslines and sweet chiming guitars with Rob Dalton’s drawling emotionally tortured vocals to create an intense and heartbreaking tune that is simply outstanding. It’s a musical description of a relationship breakdown through vivid instrumentation and emotive soundscapes. Veering from delicate downtempo moments to an ear-shredding crescendo with breathtaking ease ‘Slow Motion’ is a spectacular and moving new tune from Scattered Ashes.
Bio : Hot on the heels of an RTÉ 2FM Track Of The Week with their previous release ‘Breathe Easy’, Limerick four-piece Raging Sons are keeping the momentum going with their new single ‘Square One’. With their debut album ‘20:20’ set for release on October 22nd, ‘Square One’, mastered by Robin Schmidt (The 1975, Sam Fender, Nothing But Thieves) is their fourth recent single.
Track: Square One
Why We Like It: It’s a powerful anthem that boasts the emotive and spine-tingling sound of Raging Sons. The band’s expansive arena-worthy wall of sound creates a passionate and dynamic listening experience for listeners to immerse themselves in. Throbbing drums create a tense blustery atmosphere while twinkling keys and soaring guitars create an instant rush of adrenaline throughout as the band display their refined and impressive ability to create an expressive soundscape filled with 80’s hued synths and epic rock bravado. Boasting warm vocals, lush harmonies and dark undertones that simmer between cinematic builds ‘Square One’ is a fantastic new single from this very talented band.
Bio : Raw Cuts are a four-piece garage rock band from Greystones. Their debut single ‘Charismatic Automatic’ was released on the 13th of September. The band have just released their sophomore single ‘You’re Absolutely Right Love’.
Track: You’re Absolutely Right Love
Why We Like It: Encased in a sweet nostalgic guitar melody and steady beat ‘You’re Absolutely Right Love’ is a charming and catchy tune that boasts the growing and melodic sound of Raw Cuts. With witty lyrics and warm vocals gliding over an elastic bass, the band create a laid back indie rock song that is easy on the ears. The highlight within the track is the expressive and lush guitar embellishments; from jagged riffs, bittersweet jangles and shredding solos the song pivots around the guitar melodies beautifully. ‘You’re Absolutely Right Love’ strips back the blistering sound we heard from Raw Cuts debut ‘Charismatic Automatic’ to give us an intriguing glimpse into the many facets of this bands exciting sound.
Bio : Deer Anna is an Indie-Folk/Ambient artist based in Hamburg who has released her debut single ‘Dawn’
Track: Dawn
Why We Like It: It’s a beautiful and instrumentally elegant tune that showcases Deer Anna’s vivid songwriting and deft musicianship. Filled with evocative instrumentation, emotive soundscapes and a vibrant backdrop the track is simply a joy to listen to while eloquent poetic lyrics showcase Deer Anna’s enviable talent as a songwriter “And the red and yellow light of the rising sun turns your face into gold, Makes your eyes look like two diamonds reflecting the fire of your soul”. With soft guitar twinkling between wispy soundscapes and warm vocals caressing a dreamy melody ‘Dawn’ is a wholesome and heartfelt tune that marks Deer Anna as an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio : Los Angeles-based artist and songwriter iamnotshane has released a new single titled, ‘Don’t Say That’ via Snafu Records.
Track: Don’t Say That
Why We Like It: This infectious gem is a glittering indie-pop delight saturated in sweet melodies, lush instrumentation and tender lyrics. With shimmering synths creating an 80’s pop backdrop while intricate beats add a shimmy quality, the track is instantly likeable. iamnotshane’s smooth vocals glide through the velvety melody while zesty injections on guitar add a refreshing sting to the songs sugary sweetness. Utterly infectious and glorious to the ears ‘Don’t Say That’ is a magnificent new addition to iamnotshane’s repertoire.
