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“Oscillating between intensely ‘90s-inflected grunge and guitar-driven blues, to melodic indie tunes, Waterdogs’ sound is anchored by fiery lyricism and heavy riffage” – Hot Press

“Bringing the spirit of ’90s rock to Limerick with a healthy and unobjectionable modern twist, Waterdogs’ future is bright” – Limerick Voice

“A portal back to the realm of experimental rock” – Void Magazine on Waterdogs’ ‘Stone Driver’

Waterdogs is a four-piece Alt-Rock band based in Limerick, Ireland, consisting of Kat Casey (Limerick) (pictured below) on vocals, Aaron Griffin (Limerick) on guitar, Áine Hartnett (Limerick) on bass, and Eoghan Creedon (from Cork, Waterford-based) on drums.

Drawing influence from many genres, the sound is commonly described as ‘90s rock, with tracks varying from intense grunge and blues rock, to soft, melodic indie tunes.

Waterdogs just released their third single of the year ‘Ríastrad’ on July 18th, following the release of singles ‘Stuck’ and ‘Spiralling’ over recent months, and ahead of their final release of the summer, coming in August 2025.

‘Ríastrad’ is heavy and heady from the opening notes, with driving guitar and impactful drums laying the groundwork for the ever-ethereal vocals of Kat Casey. The track is a forceful, angry, and addictive listen, quickening your pulse and pulling you in for more.

Lyrically, the song details the death of Cú Chulainn – the mythological Irish warrior hero – as he lashes himself to a stone while fighting an army from Connacht. The track is named after the term “ríastrad” which refers to the ‘battle frenzy’ or ‘warp spasm’ that Cú Chulainn experiences before or during combat.

Much like intense combat ‘Ríastrad’ wanes and waxes musically as the track reaches its climax and you notice a whispering presence in the background – most noticeable for headphone users. This whisper is drummer Eoghan Creedon saying the words the Morrigan said to Cú Chulainn on their first meeting.

Overall, the track is an intense and passionate dedication to the world of Irish mythology.

Waterdogs’ guitarist and lyricist for ‘Ríastrad’, Aaron Griffin, says:

“‘Ríastrad’ is a song about the moment of Cú Chulainn dying. I have always been fascinated by this moment in the story as he ties himself to a stone so he can die on his feet and fighting. You’d wonder what went through his head.

“Did he feel grief for killing his son? Did he remember his first conversation with The Morrigan? We’ve included excerpts from that first conversation found in The Tain within the song.”

“This one needed to be heavy, something you could go to battle listening to. Something that would do a story of a warrior justice. I was going to call this song ‘A Hero’s Death’ when I initially wrote it, and use a picture of the statue of Cú Chulainn dying as the cover but Fontaines DC well and truly beat me to that one.”

Waterdogs debut single ‘Stone Driver’ has received approximately 5.5k streams to date on Spotify alone, received radio play though Limerick’s Live95 and Wired FM, landed itself on Hot Press’ New Irish Songs To Hear This Week playlist, and even scored the group an interview with RTÉ.

Their second single, ‘Victim (By Choice)’, a groovy, laid back melody with driving drums and a touch of reggae flair, won over another gaggle of fans, earning them radio play, Hot Press features, and more.

Waterdogs are a regular fixture on Rock Radio UK and have earned support slots with the likes of October Drift, Ren Marabou and the Berserkers, The Luminesc, Outsound, and Theatre. The four-piece have also headlined Pharmacia and Fred Zeppelins.

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Following on from their recent successful single ‘Open Water’ Cry Before Dawn return with a new single ‘Peace and Freedom’ on July 22nd. The single is a second taste of what fans can expect from the band’s EP ‘Open Water’, their first new material in 14 years, which is set for release on August 1st.

To mark the release, the band are set to do a week’s worth of gigs and in-store performances around Ireland. Dates…

Friday August 1st – Monroe’s, Galway – Tickets

Saturday August 2nd – Dolan’s, Limerick – Tickets

Sunday August 3rd – Spirit Store, Dundalk – Tickets

Monday August 4th – The Crown, Wexford – Tickets

Tuesday August 5th – Crane Lane, Cork – Tickets

Wednesday August 6th – Whelan’s in Dublin – Tickets

Thursday August 7th – Rollercoaster Records in Kilkenny – Instore

Thursday August 7th – Golden Discs in Waterford – Instore

Thursday August 7th – Electric Avenue, Waterford – Tickets

Cry Before Dawn first formed in Wexford in 1982. Masterfully combining the intensity of guitar-driven rock with the rich heritage of traditional Irish pipes and whistles, this fusion creates a powerful and dynamic sound that sets them apart in the music scene.

The band has reached incredible heights with two double platinum-selling albums and a collection of prestigious national awards. Among these, they won ‘Best Newcomer‘ in 1987 and ‘Best Irish Group‘ in 1989, showcasing their widespread acclaim and popularity across the nation. Renowned for their passionate and electrifying performances, they gained a dedicated following through extensive live shows in Ireland, the UK, and the USA, and sold-out Ireland’s National Stadium on two memorable occasions.

After a break, Cry Before Dawn reunited in 2011, marking the occasion with the release of a ‘Best Of’ CD, the new single ‘Is This What You Waited For,’ and a live album titled ‘Live at the Opera House.’ Their return was met with excitement, and they subsequently embarked on tours throughout Ireland and the UK.

In 2023, a rejuvenated Cry Before Dawn returned to the stage, performing at key festivals and sell-out headline shows across the country, earning rave reviews from the press that celebrated their return.

As they entered 2024, the band launched an extensive nationwide tour, selling out major venues across the country, including two consecutive nights at the Wexford Spiegeltent and three unforgettable nights at the iconic Whelan’s Main Venue in Dublin. Their explosive performances at prominent international festivals like Forest Fest and Night & Day further reinforced their status as one of Ireland’s premier live acts.

To coincide with their 2025 Irish Tour dates, the band have recently completed recording their first new material in over 10 years, produced by Grammy nominated Chris O’Brien and Graham Murphy at The Production Suite Dublin.

One of Ireland’s most captivating contemporary acts, The Murphy Sisters, are set to release their latest original single, “Burnt Bridges,” on July 29th, 2025. Known for their spine-tingling sibling harmonies and their fusion of traditional Irish, folk, pop, and country music, the trio continues to build on their growing reputation both at home and abroad.

From Mayo Roots to Global Recognition

Hailing from Claremorris, Co. Mayo, sisters Sarah Jane, Katie Alice, and Rachel Rose began their musical journey at a young age, rooted in a deeply musical family. What began as a casual introduction to traditional Irish music quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.

“We were always musical and artistic growing up,” Sarah Jane recalls. “It all really began when Katie Alice became obsessed with the fiddle. From there, each of us picked up an instrument and the journey took off naturally.”

Their unique sound and undeniable chemistry have earned them devoted fans across Ireland and further afield. Notably, they’ve made a strong impression with performances at TradFest in Temple Bar in both 2023 and 2024, where international audiences were drawn to their soulful harmonies and contemporary take on traditional music.

“What we bring to the stage is our harmonies,” says Sarah Jane. “Our background as a family is very important to us. It’s in the music we play and the songs we write.”

“Burnt Bridges” – A New Chapter

Produced by Billy Farrell at Deadeye Productions, Burnt Bridges represents a confident step into original songwriting for The Murphy Sisters. The single is the result of six months of intensive writing and studio work, with a follow-up track due in the autumn and a full album scheduled for early 2026.

“Katie Alice has a great way with words, but all three of us are co-writers,” says Sarah Jane. “We’re really proud of what we’re creating together.”

Blending Talent and Education

In addition to their musical achievements, all three sisters pursued third-level education. Sarah Jane earned a degree in Irish Music and Dance from the University of Limerick, while Katie Alice and Rachel Rose both graduated with degrees in Law.

Their original music has already found a wider audience — their track “Nightmare” was featured in the Netflix crime drama Jack Taylor, with Katie Alice even appearing onscreen, singing the song live during a poignant funeral scene.

Making Music Their Own

In performance, The Murphy Sisters seamlessly blend original compositions with creatively arranged covers, always adding their signature traditional twist. Whether performing at local sessions or on international stages, they remain grounded in the musical culture that shaped them.

“We make the songs our own. That trad influence is always there — it’s who we are,” says Sarah Jane.

What’s Next?

With a steady rise in recognition, an international fanbase, and a growing catalogue of original work, The Murphy Sisters are carving a distinctive path in the Irish music scene.

Their manager, Freddie Middleton — whose industry experience includes EMI, BMG, and Universal — is helping guide their career as they prepare for a busy year of releases and live performances.

“Burnt Bridges” will be available on all streaming platforms from July 29th, 2025.

Visit: www.themurphysisters.com

Photo Credit: Brid O’Donavan

‘A Dawning‘ is a poetic, observational film built around a series of living tableaus that trace connection, presence, and quiet resilience from West Cork to Reykjavík and the surrounding areas – told through real people, real places, their memories, celebrations and the slow transformation that follows loss. It is a celebration of life and the things that make it worth living.

Director: Niall O’Brien Producer: Steve Battle

Full biography and the story of how Ólafur and Eoin worked together on the album

A Dawning 2025 biog, Talos and Ólafur Arnalds

When we feel as though we might drown under the waves of our grief, there is music. On A Dawning, the astounding album from Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds and the late Irish artist Eoin French – known to many as Talos – music becomes a raft to keep us afloat in those dark, seemingly fathomless waters, guiding us towards a glimmer of light on the horizon. For both artists, this record serves as the apotheosis of their creative talents, two brilliant minds revelling in their shared love of music.

It is abundantly clear that French found a kind of freedom in the music he and Arnalds made together, while Arnalds relished the fresh challenge of working with someone new. On “Signs”, French’s voice shifts and morphs in unexpected ways, moving instinctively rather than following predictable patterns – a reminder of his masterful approach to composing.

“It sounds a little bit different from the other songs on the record because we were still trying to figure out what we were doing – what direction we were going to take,” Arnalds says.

We hear this in the stutter of the drums, the chopped vocal samples and improvisational quality, allowing us to sink into the song and be transported.

French and Arnalds met just before their residency at Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival in Cork, in 2023. “We instantly felt a very strong musical connection, and composed a few songs that ended up on the album,” Arnalds recalls.

The pair were natural collaborators: “It brings a certain ease to things when you’re working with other people, because when you’re alone in it, you tend to suffer quite a lot,” Arnalds says. “Bringing other people feels familial, and maybe more related to the origins of what music was, what music has always been.”

French later visited Arnalds’ studio in Reykjavík, where they realised they wanted to work on a full-length project. Devastatingly, French became ill during his stay and was admitted to hospital; too unwell to travel, he stayed with Arnalds and his wife, Indonesian-Filipino artist Sandrayati for a few weeks while receiving treatment.

“It brought us together like nothing else can, living there with our partners and being so deeply embedded in all of this,” Arnalds says.

“It put everything into perspective and we realised that we needed to finish this album, because we had something to tell.”

Lead single “We Didn’t Know We Were Ready”, featuring Niamh Regan and Ye Vagabonds with a choir of friends, begins with hushed, reverential piano notes before French starts to sing: “How did we doubt the evening sun?/ We didn’t know we were ready.”

As he is joined in harmony, strings glide in like swans on a still lake. In one moment, his voice disappears, and Regan and Ye Vagabonds take the lead, before he returns: “What if the silence said it?” Each vocal cascades over the other, growing louder then falling away again. It’s a beautiful work, one in which raw grief mingles with acceptance, and closes with a profound quiet.

When French eventually returned to Ireland, Arnalds began visiting him at his home in West Cork where they continued writing new songs.

“Slowly, the music became more and more serious – you knew the lyrics were poignant, and it started to feel like we were onto something really special.”

Arnalds describes their friendship as a perfect match: “I don’t think we even spoke that much, we could hang out for a whole evening and maybe say three words.”

This only changed towards the very end, when it became clear that French had little time left: “We started going through the album in a more organised way, working out how to finish it and what was important to him.”

A Dawning opens on “Shared Time”. Snatches of conversation are caught between strange murmurations of sound, as though preserved in amber that appears like warm honey when held to the sun.

“We both knew that I would have to finish parts of this record without him, but it was still our music, so Eoin suggested I go through his phone to find something there,” Arnalds says.

“‘Shared Time’ is the result of that idea, prefacing the record with thoughts on the importance of family and community. In a way it felt symbolic of my purpose, of keeping his creativity alive.”.

“We made this album together,” Arnalds says. “Even after, while I was there working on some arrangements, I never felt like I was truly alone. Near the end, where we saying how grateful we were to have met each other, he told me, “One day you’ll be sitting at the piano and suddenly get an idea, and you’ll know that’s me.”’

A Dawning is testament to those eternal bonds forged through music, a lasting monument to French’s incredible legacy, and the wonderful friendship that he and Arnalds shared.

Modern Irish troubadour, Podge Lane, wields both his alt-country stylings and weathered guitar case as he steps out onto new soil. Having packed that case with memories of home and an unyielding thirst for adventure, Podge is drawn to America to share his stories, announcing his fourth album and new single, ‘Heatwave’, out July 18th!

Renowned as a prolific songwriter (IMRO), Podge has released three albums via the independent, Irish record label, Teip Records, performed with many musical greats such as Charlie Parr, Cat Clyde and the Riptide Movement and released a live album from London’s iconic Green Note.

Moving to the States in February ’25, Podge continues to “redefine the alt-country genre” (The Grateful Web) as he shares tales from his journey in ‘Heatwave’, from the sweltering Georgian heat to the bustling streets of New York;

“I wanted this album to feel different from my usual recording methods, I needed a change. So I made this single five days ago. These songs feel immediate, telling ramshackled stories, like faded photos you find in the attic you didn’t take. You’re not quite sure what’s captured there but it lets you share in that memory.”

Forging his own spot in the rustic Americana pantheon, sitting sonically between Neil Young’s ‘Harvest’ and Zach Bryan’s ‘Summertime Blues’, Podge sings an ode to happy mistakes made in the mid-July sun as he buoyantly glides throughout ‘Heatwave’. Melding sincere lyricism with bright harmonica trills and warm upright piano chords, the track opens;

“A hundred degrees, yeah the glitter’s turned golden. Weatherman calls for a heart that’s frozen. Thawed out by a nice surprise, coastline hair and pale green eyes they’re calling, and I just can’t let go.”

Since landing off the plane, Podge has performed over 50 shows across the American South with stops in Georgia and South Carolina, all the way up to his recent headline show in the New York’s famous Pete’s Candy Store. Gathering stories from the road, ‘Heatwave’ promises to be a raucous glimpse into Podge’s hotly anticipated upcoming record.

‘Heatwave’ is set for release on July 18th via Teip Records and will be available across all streaming services.

About SYNTHIENT

‘SYNTHIENT‘ is the new collaborative alias for all songs composed and produced by Kayley Phelan (Kbob) and Aran Sheehy. Their self titled debut album is releasing in August of this year.

About Aran Sheehy

Named as a wave making Irish producer by Hot Press Magazine, Aran Sheehy is an electronic music artist and qualified video games composer. His work has been featured on platforms such as BBC Radio 1, RTÉ, Kiss FM, iHeartRadio, SBS Australia, and more. In his work as a freelancer, he has production credit on over 100 commercially released songs to date.

Aran specialises in making electronic music that is inspired by both the past and the future, and performs his live shows on his uniquely assembled semi-modular rig which includes his most prized possession of all, his Kaoss Pad KP3.

Kbob

Having made her Ministry Of Sound and Ibiza Debut at just 18 years of age, and having had one of her solo singles featured on a mix by David Guetta, Kayley Phelan is a Dublin inner city born audio engineer, producer and multi-instrumentalist looking to bring herself to stardom by the creation of deep and invigorating electronic music.

Influenced by the world of gaming, the Montreal DIY scene and the Canadian darkwave and EDM scenes, Kayley started playing drums and producing electronic music when she was just 11 years old, She also taught herself audio engineering at the age of 14 years old. She has finally graduated school and will set sail to travel the world continuing to produce, network and seek to bring herself to the top.

SYNTHIENT – ‘Larsson’

The third single from ‘SYNTHIENT‘ from their upcoming self titled debut album, ‘Larsson‘ is a progressive house song which pays homage to Henrik Larsson, the most deadly striker to ever wear Glasgow’s famous green and white.

All music written, produced, mixed, and mastered by Kayley Phelan and Aran Sheehy.

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Spotify // Instagram // Website

Photo Credit Michael Meade

“The guy who gave the crisis a soundtrack”  – The Guardian

‘Mother Jones‘ is the latest release from Cork singer and songwriter Martin Leahy. Martin has released the song to coincide with the upcoming Spirit Of Mother Jones Festival, which is a yearly event in Cork City.

The song is a tribute to the great Mary Harris who later became famous as “Mother Jones“. Born in Cork in 1837, she moved to the US and went on to become a prominent union organizer and activist. As well as paying homage to her life, energy, spirit and sense of justice, the track also relates her activism to today’s turbulent world by quoting one of her many great sayings – “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.”

Martin plays all the instruments on the track and produced and recorded it in his home studio in Bandon, Co Cork. The Spirit Of Mother Jones Festival will be held in and around the Shandon Historic Quarter in Cork City from Thursday, July 24th, until Saturday, July 26th, 2025, inclusive. Martin will perform his song at the closing ceremony.

Martin released his song, ‘Everyone Should Have A Home‘, in April 2022. He has been travelling from Cork to Dublin every week to protest outside Dáil Éireann by singing his song since May 2022.

He has performed at all the major Cost Of Living Crisis protests in Dublin and in Cork including the recent Raise The Roof Protest in Dublin. His song and protest has been featured on RTE News, Al Jazeera News, American public radio NPR, Dutch, German and French TV national broadcasters, The Guardian, The World.Org, The Irish Times (front cover) The Irish Examiner,  Irish Independent, Hot Press, Echo, Joe.ie, Virgin Media TV,  TG4 etc..

‘Everyone Should Have A Home‘ has also been covered multiple times by different artists as a means to raise awareness of the Irish housing crisis. The song is also mentioned in the latest edition of Rory Hearne’s book on the housing crisis called ‘Gaffs‘.

Martin has had the honour recently of Christy Moore covering ‘Snowflakes‘ on his album and at his live gigs. The song is related to Martin’s own experience of social media trolling. Martin joined Christy at Vicar Street and The Cork Opera House recently where they both performed ‘Everyone Should Have A Home‘ and ‘Snowflakes‘.

He also has written a number of songs in solidarity with the people of Palestine and performs weekly at the Cork City protests and has also performed at the national march in Dublin. His song ‘Palestine‘ has been shared multiple times including Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye and also by the activist and musician Lowkey.

Martin has been playing as a session musician on the Irish music scene for about 25 years. Along with his recent successes as a singer/songwriter he has worked with songwriters and musicians including Christy Moore (on his No.1 selling album ‘Listen’) John Spillane, Jimmy McCarthy, Seamus Begley and Jim Murray, Declan Sinnott among many others.

He has toured the world playing drums with the traditional band North Cregg. An accomplished multi instrumentalist, he has produced many albums including Leah Sohotra, Cormac O Caoimh, and the recent single by John Spillane called ‘Palestine Sunbird‘.

Photo Credit: Julie O’Brien

Dublin-based electronic duo Barbagianni are back with their electrifying second single, ‘Out Of My Head,’ set for release on July 18, 2025. Following their dreamy debut ‘Punch Drunk,’ the new track signals a bold sonic shift—embracing pulsating rhythms, rapid tempos, and a raw, kinetic energy that pushes their synth-pop roots into exhilarating new territory.

The band—comprised of Karl McCrone (producer/guitar) and Matthew Keating (producer/bass)—are no strangers to the scene, having collaborated with standout Irish talents including Lydia Ford, Lucy McWilliams, and Theo Fitzgibbon.

Now, with ‘Out Of My Head,’ Barbagianni showcase a dynamic evolution in their sound, weaving atmospheric synths with aggressive, dancefloor-ready beats.

“Out of My Head started out as ‘Teach,’ meaning ‘house’ in Irish. It’s an exciting sonic evolution for us, emerging from a creative exploration of faster tempos and more aggressive drum patterns,” says Barbagianni.

“The result was an irresistible groove, made truly unforgettable by London-based session vocalist Katie Ryan, whose soaring vocals inject unparalleled energy into every chorus.”

Katie Ryan’s powerhouse performance elevates the track to new heights, driving home the duo’s vision of an emotional yet explosive club-ready anthem.

With their debut album slated for release later this year, Barbagianni continue to carve out a unique niche in Ireland’s electronic scene—melding heartfelt songwriting with production built for both introspection and the dancefloor.

Irish alt-pop artist Liadh (pronounced Lee-ah) is set to release her new single, ‘Control,’ on July 18th. This track marks the third single from her forthcoming debut EP, Illusions, a project that delves into the deceptions and myths of the human mind.

‘Control,’ produced by Lisa Murray, finds Liadh exploring themes of mental struggle and the search for release. The song, with its alt-pop framework layered with synth and disco elements, offers a candid look at the artist’s personal journey.

“‘Control’ is an alt-pop track… about my struggle to control my own mind and search for oblivion,” Liadh explains.

“At this time of my life, I was repressing a lot of my emotions and coping in unhealthy ways. In this way, my search for control ended up controlling me. But ‘Control’ is also a mantra – a way to ground myself. I’d love for this song to help others escape their minds and feel present in their bodies, even if for a moment.”

Known for her powerful and theatrical stage presence, Liadh draws comparisons to artists like Kate Bush and Florence and the Machine. Her unique background, including a degree in psychology and fluency in Irish and French, informs her artistic approach.

Liadh’s fascination with the human mind and behavior is evident in her songwriting, which often tackles subjects such as sobriety, mental health, and neurodiversity. Her love of literature also influences her poetic lyricism, shaping her trajectory as an emerging artist unafraid to push boundaries.

‘Control‘ follows previous singles from the Illusions EP, further showcasing Liadh’s distinctive sound and lyrical depth.

‘Control‘ will be available on all major streaming platforms on July 18th.

About Liadh

Liadh (pronounced Lee-ah) is an Irish alt-pop singer from Athlane who merges synth and disco with vulnerable and introspective lyrics. With a background in psychology, Liadh explores themes of sobriety, mental health, and neurodiversity in her music. Fluent in Irish and French, her love of literature contributes to her poetic songwriting. Liadh is recognized for her powerful and theatrical stage presence.

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