Irish Tunes To Add To Your Playlist
It’s another week bursting with fresh Irish music, and we’re here to guide you through the best new releases lighting up playlists across the country. From heartfelt indie anthems to bass-heavy bangers and reimagined classics, there’s something here for every taste. Pop on your headphones, turn up the volume, and dance like nobody is watching!
Album Recommendation
Kyabram with Kisses XX by Declan O’Rourke
Release Date: 12th April 2025
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Genre: Folk/Singer-Songwriter
To mark the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed debut, Declan O’Rourke releases Kyabram with Kisses XX, a lovingly curated project that both revisits and reimagines the songs that first established him as one of Ireland’s most gifted singer-songwriters. This special edition is more than just a re-release—it’s a celebration of friendship, artistry, and the creative journey that began with Since Kyabram in 2004, an album that quickly went double platinum and became a touchstone in modern Irish music.
Among the highlights are two brand new recordings—Paul Weller lends his legendary touch to a fresh take on “Galileo,” bringing new warmth and depth to one of O’Rourke’s most beloved songs, while Imelda May’s soulful vocals on “Love is the Way” add a rich new dimension to the track.
For those new to O’Rourke’s work, Kyabram with Kisses XX is the perfect introduction to his melodic craft. Standout tracks like “Sarah” and “No Place to Hide” remain as evocative as ever, blending poetic lyricism with heartfelt delivery. “We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea” and “Marrying the Sea” showcase his gift for weaving Irish tradition and contemporary folk into something timeless and deeply personal.
What makes this release truly special is the behind-the-scenes material and alternate takes, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process that shaped these songs. O’Rourke’s reflections on the album’s journey—how it was crafted with a close-knit group of musicians, and how it grew into something larger than he ever imagined—add a touching layer of nostalgia and gratitude.
Whether you’re a long time fan or discovering Declan O’Rourke for the first time, this anniversary collection is a must-listen, brimming with warmth, artistry, and the unmistakable spirit of Irish folk.
Singles Recommendations
Release Date: April 16th, 2025
Genre: Indie/Post-Punk
Skinner puts his own gritty, guitar-driven spin on "Eisbär," the cult 1980s synth-pop classic by Swiss band Grauzone. Sung in German, this cover captures the stark beauty and loneliness at the heart of the original, while adding Skinner’s raw, energetic edge. It’s a striking take that blends nostalgia with fresh, no-wave attitude—perfect for fans of both classic and contemporary post-punk sounds.
I’m Cooked, I’m Done by Tebi Rex & Natalya O’Flaherty
Release Date: April 9th, 2025
Genre: Hip-Hop/Spoken Word
As Tebi Rex approach the final chapter of their project, "I’m Cooked, I’m Done" stands out as a poignant love song and a meditation on endings. Featuring a moving spoken verse from Dublin poet Natalya O’Flaherty, the track explores the bittersweet transition from single life to lasting devotion—capturing the moment when love transforms from something new and passionate into something enduring and familiar. Honest and reflective, it’s a fitting ode to the passage of time and the evolution of relationships, resonating with anyone who has loved deeply and changed because of it.
BEBO BBY V2 by LIL **** & Lil Skag (feat. Alex Gough, lil beep)
Release Date: April 11th, 2025
Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop/Electronic
BEBO BBY V2 is a bass-heavy, club-ready banger from the revived !important Audio issue series, bringing together LIL ****, Lil Skag, Alex Gough, and lil beep for a wild, collaborative ride. The track is packed with rumbling low-end, playful flows, and a tongue-in-cheek energy that nods to the golden days of Bebo and internet culture. Each artist brings their own flair, making this one a standout for fans of Ireland’s experimental rap and electronic underground. It’s a bold, infectious anthem that’s impossible not to bounce to.
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Genre: Rap/Drill/Trap
Offica storms back onto the scene with "Go Mo," a thumping, genre-blurring anthem that signals his bold return and hints at a major mainstream breakthrough. Drawing on the raw energy of underground UK and NYC sounds, Offica fuses hard-hitting rap flows with a hyper-infectious jerk-drill rhythm, creating a track that’s impossible to sit still to. Produced by the powerhouse duo BlackCoach (Italy) and Saint Saint (NYC), "Go Mo" is a high-octane reintroduction that sets the stage for Offica’s next chapter—turn it up and get ready to move!
The Thief of Leaving by MCVEIGH
Release Date: April 11th, 2025
Genre: Indie/Folk/Rock
Joe McVeigh, originally from Co. Tyrone and a familiar face on the Belfast live circuit, delivers a deeply moving single with "The Thief of Leaving." Inspired by a friend’s poem on grief and loss, the track is a heartfelt meditation on the pain and beauty of parting. Entirely self-recorded and produced in his Tyrone studio, McVeigh weaves together rock, pop, folk, and indie influences, creating a fresh yet timeless sound. The song’s storytelling roots and honest emotion shine through, making it a powerful listen for anyone who’s ever grappled with letting go.
That’s a wrap on this week’s essential Irish music picks! Whether you’re dancing in the kitchen, or sharing tunes with friends, these releases are sure to shake up your week with style!
Topics: Ireland
Paul Farrelly