Is your playlist in need of some new queer Irish music? Well, fear not, as there is an array of artists providing just that. Whether you’re looking for a Pride anthem, a political call to action or an emotional ballad, this list has something for everyone.
Dani Larkin – Next of Kin
Dani Larkin released her highly anticipated new album Next of Kin earlier this year. The ambitious and deeply emotive body of work is a sonic exploration of life’s most universal milestones, from the innocence of birth to the acceptance of the end.
Wayne Power – Better Days
Better Days is the new album from spoken word artist and playwright Wayne Power. It features nine original pieces that form a vivid, urgent portrait of contemporary Ireland, covering politics, intimacy, contradictions and hope.
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George Feely & PrYmary Colours – ‘This Is Our House’
Dublin-born George Feely teamed up with PrYmary Colours for this track, which is an ode to house music and the freedom of expression it offers. If you’re searching for a song to get you in the dancefloor spirit, look no further.
AIDXN G – ‘DIRTY LAUNDRY’
AIDXN G’s latest single captures the moment clarity hits after a betrayal. Blending influences from pop and alternative pop, the song pairs emotional lyricism with a modern, upbeat sound.
Elina Filice – ‘Bury Me’
BIMM graduate Elina Filice’s ‘Bury Me’ might just be the perfect queer anthem to soundtrack your summer. The pop-punk track revolves around an old t-shirt, stolen from a past love, and the debates that ensued over who it truly belongs to.
Holylight – ‘everything goes’
The newest release from Holylight is about the unrelenting river of time, and is a perfect addition to any Irish queer music playlist. It blends ’90s slacker rock with grunge and shoegaze, as the artist once again offers beautiful music by a buff butch.
Frances Wilde – ‘Love Me (Without Leaving?)’
Dublin-based multi-instrumentalist Frances Wilde released a new track earlier this year, accompanied by a video that follows her going on a series of dates with a skeleton. Together, they visit an array of notable spots in Phibsoborough, including Blessington Basin, Bang Bang Cafe and Eddie Rockets.
Cat Turner – ‘Figure It Out’
Released through Limerick-based SASP Records, Cat Turner’s new song is dark, sexy and moody. It was first released exclusively on Bandcamp, but is now available on other platforms.
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Dose – Sycophantic
The debut EP from indie/alt-rock band Dose is here, a collection of five sharp, emotionally volatile tracks that deal with manipulation, narcissism, alienation and the absurdity of trying to remain functional in a collapsing world. One of the lead songs is ‘Shelley’, which is accompanied by a music video inspired by The Shining.
SexyTadhg – Tadhg
Earlier this summer, rising LGBTQ+ artist SexyTadhg released their newest EP. The genre-blurring project pulls on trad-folk influences, exploring the musician’s journey through vulnerability, heritage and belonging.
Emét – ‘Oh, the Joy, the Infinite Joy’
Recorded over two years in Calgary, Alberta, this song highlights the frustrations of finding your feet in your 20s. The single takes influence from Irish romantics, including Hozier and Damien Rice, alongside nods to Canadian legends Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.
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The Kates – ‘Between Truths’
This new track from The Kates is about the political propaganda people are facing on a daily basis. As vocalist Eve Clague explains, “It is about war and feeling helpless in a world that appears to value greed and control over kindness and humanity.” ‘Between Truths’ is the second offering from the band’s debut album, due to release in October.
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Shark School – Selachimorpha
Galway’s fiercest new noise-makers, Shark School, have released their debut album Selachimorpha. The project is a furious, funny, cathartic and uncompromising introduction to the garage-punk trio.
Princess Fianna – ‘When I Play for the County’
Kerry drag queen Princess Fianna has written an alternative version of The 2 Johnnies’ song ‘When I Play for the County’. While the original track focused on the men’s side of GAA, this edition is written from a girl’s perspective.
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Florence Road – ‘Hanging Out To Dry’
Formed in Bray, Co. Wicklow, Florence Road made history by reaching Number 1 on the Irish Airplay Chart with their breakout single ‘Hanging Out To Dry’. The band has been going from strength to strength, currently on a world tour that culminates in a show at Electric Picnic in August.
Wallis Bird – I Can See Your House From Here
Wallis Bird has released her eighth studio album, delivering her most vulnerable and courageous work to date. The project is a deeply personal journey that navigates the intersection of private heartbreak and collective grief.
Makeshift Art Bar – Marionette
Makeshift Art Bar’s sophomore EP is out now, folding post-punk into grunge into electronica, by way of proto sludge metal, hardcore and art rock. Thematically, the project encompasses bleak attitudes and mindsets. As the group says, shining a light on struggle is vital to progress.
That concludes our list of queer Irish music to freshen up your playlist. If you think there’s an artist we’ve missed, get in touch at [email protected].
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