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Author: Hannah Horan

Alt-Rock Band WIFESWAP Release Debut EP

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Member News, Music Releases.

Photo credit: Aidan Dowling

Wifeswap, Dublin based band released their debut EP Digging on 28th May with single ‘Calliope’. The EP was recorded by Michael Bell in Start Together Studio, Belfast, and follows an impressive run of singles from the band.

Combining art-rock and literary influences, the band formed in 2022 quickly craving their niche in the independent Dublin scene. The band consists of Joe Brody (vocals, guitar, song writing), Jasper Ryan (guitar), Cian Bates (bass) and Lorcan Connolly (drums), all from different parts of the country, finding their way together in college.

Cover Art – credit –  Martina McHugh

The EP is supported by impact track ‘Calliope’, according to front man Joe Brody the song is “a pulsing love letter to writing. Despite getting distracted by meaningless, empty pursuits of easy dopamine, writing is always on my mind”.

Brody describes the key to understanding the EP is “digging in to its endless looping nature. I think either becoming numb to the words and the feelings on show or feeling it heavier with each repetition is the best encapsulation of grief in my mind”.

The band have previously supported acclaimed local acts such as Yard and Nerves, as well as international names such as Pete Doherty (The Libertines) and Been Stellar. Since their 2022 sold out debut in the Workman’s Cellar, the band have taken to the main stage at Whelan’s Ones to Watch festival and Workman’s events. Their presence in the independent Dublin scene has gained the group support from 2FM, Amazing Radio UK, Hot Press and Goldenplec.

Digging, debut EP from Wifeswap, out now.

Connect with Wifeswap

Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

IMRO Signs CISAC’S Paris Commitment in Support of Human Creativity.

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Featured, Industry News, Member News.

On Friday, 4 June 2026, creators from across the globe united in Paris to issue a landmark declaration calling for the protection of human creativity as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms cultural and creative landscapes. 

Presented during the centenary General Assembly of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), The Paris Commitment outlines a series of principles calling on governments, technology companies and cultural industries to ensure that human creativity remains protected, recognised and remunerated in the AI era.

The declaration was unveiled to an audience of more than 450 creators, policymakers, collective management leaders and cultural industry representatives from around the world, underscoring the growing global momentum behind protecting human creativity in the age of AI. 

The commitment comes amid growing international debate over how copyrighted works are used in AI systems, and rising concern about the lack of transparency, consent and fair payment for creators whose work is helping to train these technologies. 

The four key principles outlined in the document include:  

  • the protection of human creativity and cultural diversity; 
  • transparency, licensing and fair remuneration in AI systems; 
  • the importance of collective management in sustaining creative ecosystems; 
  • and the need for governments and policymakers to safeguard creators’ rights and cultural expression. 

IMRO are proud to join the many organisations and individuals protecting creators’ rights by signing The Paris Commitment. We also invite our members to join us and add their names to this declaration on the importance of human creativity.

Sign The Paris Commitment Here: Sign the declaration

Read the full declaration here: The Paris Commitment | CISAC

Wallis Bird Shares New Album – I Can See Your House From Here

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Member News.

Photo by Rory Grubb

Released from her own label, Bród Records, Wallis Bird returns with her anticipated eight studio album I Can See Your House From Here. This album marks the first time Bird has served as sole producer for an entire work.

The opening track, ‘And So Turns The Wheel’, perfectly sets the tone for the songs that follow. Inviting listeners into the album soundscape with a gentle swell to develops into a timeless folk ballad with an overarching message of love beyond life’s measure. The track boldly confronts the most delicate of subjects, the sudden death of a friend. Bird laments, “Life goes on/ But it was better with you”. Her candour from the very first minutes of the album allows the listener to break down their walls and journey through the sonic world Bird has built in I Can See Your House From Here.

According to Bird, the album “is about personal and collective grief. Death is a dangerous subject to write about but it’s the most hypnotic, secret reflection of life. I found myself staring straight into a portal, compulsively documenting, not so much looking for answers as just looking. I felt simultaneously heartbroken and opened.”

The album is distinctive in its blend of folk, rock, acoustic and pop. A blend of genres that has be developed over years of dedication to her craft. Bird draws inspiration from a myriad of experiences, in particular her eight studio album sprang from two sources: the crisis in Gaza that broke out almost three years ago, and the sudden passing of Bird’s close friend, fellow Berlin resident Kevin Ryan. Amid these songs and their mournful issues, Bird stands purposeful, calling for connection amid the hurt. This is a thread that remains a consistently sober positivity shinning throughout the album.

I Can See Your House From Here is another impressive release from Wallis Bird, start to finish the listener gets the impression this is more than an album, this is a call for connection.

Bird is set to embark on an Irish tour this September, tickets on sale now from https://ffm.live/wallisbird.

CONNECT WITH WALLIS BIRD 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

Sounds from a Safe Harbour presents SIRENS

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Member News, Press Releases.

 Artwork by Emer Kiely 

Hosted by Lisa Hannigan, SIRENS is a live music experience bringing together an evolving ensemble of powerful female voices from Ireland and around the world.

The project draws inspiration from mythology, harmony and the transformative power of the voice as a shared human experience. Following its acclaimed debut at St. Anne’s Church, SIRENS will tour in autumn 2026, with performances in Inis Oírr, Dublin, Cork and London and additional UK and EU dates to be announced.

The tour featured a remarkable line-up of artists which varies from show to show, names include Lisa Hannigan, Amanda Bergman, Kate Stables, Angie McMahon, Loah, Anna Mieke, The Staves, Victoria Canal, Amano de Londra Miura, Meav Ní Mhaolchatha, Lasairfhíona Ní Chonaola, and more.

Musical direction and original arrangements by Theodora Byrne and featured performances by her Trio, the evening moves fluidly between intimate acoustic moments, layered vocal experimentation and deeply collaborative interpretation. Each iteration of SIRENS features a unique combination of artists responding to place, audience, and atmosphere, creating an immersive and unrepeatable live experience. SIRENS offers a unique opportunity to champion women in music across the island and abroad.

Tickets on sale now. See https://soundsfromasafeharbour.com/ for more details.

Dublin Band Trinkets Releases New Single ‘No Good’

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Member News, Music Releases.

Photos by Kate Lawlor @daisychainsphotos

5-piece Dublin based band, Trinkets, showcase their unique sound with latest track ‘No Good’. Seamlessly blending evocative vocals, shimmering guitar tones and infectious bass lines to deliver another impressive track to their catalogue. ‘No Good’ serves as further evidence of their fast-rising reputation as one of the most exciting artists in Dublin’s Indie scene.

Trinkets draw inspiration from classic 80s bands such as Joy Division and The Cure blending with modern artists such as Girl in Red and Wolf Alice to deliver this distinct sound- Dystopian, Energetic and Honest.

Artwork by Grace Clerkin @gveronxca and Rosie Spiro

‘No Good’ showcases the bands ability to merge lush guitar melodies, anthemic energy and driving beats to deliver their rich sound. The song is infectious from the beginning, drawing listeners in with a strong bass line that is quickly layered with expressive vocals and glistening guitar tones. The drum and bass work together to build momentum that drives the dynamic impact of this track, making you hit repeat.

Trinkets added:

“We wanted to write a fast paced ambient song that captured the feeling of taking back control“

The band has been featured on CLASH Magazine, RTE Entertainment, Hot Press, and VOID magazine.  With radio support from RTE Radio, BBC Introducing, Radio Nova, and FM104.

‘No Good’ is another impressive release from Trinkets available now on all streaming platforms.

Connect with Trinkets

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Muirġen Shines With Debut EP ‘Loinnir’

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Member News.

Cork Irish-Fusion Artist Muirġen shares her highly anticipated Debut EP Loinnir, out now.

The EP blends Irish traditional influences with contemporary electropop textures and bilingual storytelling. This project marks a striking introduction to an artist fully stepping into her own voice.

Muirġen featured as a member of Grammy-nominated ensemble Celtic Woman, touring internationally for five years. Highlights include performances at the Royal Albert Hall, The Kennedy Centre with the National Symphony Orchestra, and numerous appearances as a guest soloist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. These experiences have shaped a vocal style defined by melismatic lines, textured harmonies and an inherently Irish sensibility.

Loinnir is a comprised of windows of self-discovery. Following with a longing to reconnect with Ireland is told through atmospheric production, bilingual storytelling an stacked vocal lines that envelop the listener into the world of Loinnir. The subtle through-line of water across the EP carries the listener through this journey. From Muirġen’s childhood pull toward the sea, to the mythological roots of her name, derived from Lí Ban, a figure in Irish folklore transformed into a mermaid, each track is, often unintentionally, tied to themes of immersion, movement, and return. Carrying the listener on a push and pull journey through each track, as if moved by waves.

Speaking about the EP’s title track, Muirġen added:

“The word ‘Loinnir’ can have two meanings; the feeling of giddy joy you might feel after two pints in the middle of the day, as you enter out into the fresh air… or the star-like sparkle of light reflecting on water. Though the visual of the latter gave inspiration for this song, the energy of the former was definitely still present.“

The titular track features Hector Ó hEochagáin providing a spoken word element. The EP is a labour of love, an uplifting of community and a love letter to the Irish Language.

Loinnir is available now on all streaming platforms

Connect with Muirġen

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Sarah Crean returns with new single ‘Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead)’ May 28th

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Member News, Music Releases.

Following her successful 2025 release, 22 angel, Crean’s latest track is equally as powerful.

Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead) is a ferocious lo-fi indie cut driven by guitar-heavy production, razor-sharp lyricism and a defiant sense of humour by Irish artist Sarah Crean.

The track positions itself as an act of defiance against an industry that constantly underestimates women, transforming frustration into a direct, unfiltered act of reclamation- of voice, space and control. Crean flips the power switch through her lyricism in this new track. Conveying an earnest mix of humour and hurt, offering a refreshing insider take on the modern music industry.

Sarah explains:

“Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead) was written honestly like a spoof at first, a very angry early 20s perspective that feels so raw still. It stemmed from the frustration I felt as a woman in the music industry, constantly belittled by my male counterparts. I kind of thought, “how can I humble these lads very quickly?”, and it was this all over. Even in the production I wanted to grab that particular subsidiary of the music scene, giving it a mk.gee/guitar dude feel, so that they paid attention almost instantly. Then surprise! The humbling chorus is a wallop. What started as a bit of a joke turned genuinely into this chant that people have been singing back to me for the last 2 and a half years. It feels really cool to have taken that power back.”

The release follows a fast-rising catalogue that includes her 2023 EP Death by Laundry, featuring viral single 02:00am. Recent single, 22 Angel, marked a new chapter, surpassing 200k streams and landing Crean a place on Spotify’s New Pop UK.

Sarah Crean has recently toured with Florence Road, U.S Girls and Bombay Bicycle  Club, and played standout shows such as London’s O2 forum with CMAT. Fresh from SXSW Austin and heading into a packed festival run with more music to come, Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead) arrives as a loud, unfiltered reclamation of power.

Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead) is set to be released 28 May.

Connect with Sarah Crean

LinkTree | TikTok | Instagram | Spotify | Website

The Riptide Movement celebrates 20 Years with orchestral reimagining of “All Works Out”

Written by Hannah Horan on . Posted in Music Releases.

Irish rock band collaborates with the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland to deliver a powerful release.

The Riptide movement celebrates 20 years together with a striking reimagining of their acclaimed song All Works Out in collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland.

Release Friday, 22nd May 2026, the track has emerged from a series of collaborations with the NSOI to commemorate the bands anniversary.

Orchestral arrangements by Brian Byrne and conducted by Gavin Murphy, this reimagining showcases the bands songwriting talents with the rich sounds of the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland.

Originally released in 2014, All Works Out features on Gold-selling album Getting Through. The track has become one of the bands most recognisable songs to date, with themes of resilience, connection and support.

The release marks a landmark moment in the band’s career, celebrating two decades of music, touring and connection with audiences.  

Speaking about the project, the band added:

“All Works Out has always been a really important song for us and for everyone who has connected with the band over the years. We’ve played it hundreds of times live, but hearing it performed with National Symphony Orchestra Ireland brought a whole new emotion to the song. It feels nostalgic, cinematic and new all at once, and releasing it now feels like the perfect way to celebrate 20 years together as a band.”

“All Works Out” featuring National Symphony Orchestra Ireland now available exclusively via Spotify and YouTube.

Connect with The Riptide Movement

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