Weekly news update
- Sophie Lee
- Dec 8, 2025
- 3 min read
An Seomra Ceol
By Sophie Lee . Founder . 08/12/25
This week delivered some of the most politically charged and culturally significant Irish music news in recent times. Alongside major releases, arena-level announcements and the first signs of festival season returning. Here’s everything that shaped this week across Irish and global indie, rock and pop.
RTÉ Confirms Ireland Will Not Compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026
RTÉ confirmed this week that Ireland will not take part in Eurovision 2026, following widespread criticism across Europe surrounding Israel’s participation while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues.
In the months leading up to this decision, artists, fans and organisations repeatedly called on broadcasters to acknowledge the human cost behind the headlines. RTÉ’s withdrawal places Ireland among several countries who have chosen to step back rather than continue with business as usual.
While Eurovision has long been a staple of Irish pop culture, this moment feels bigger than the contest itself. It reflects how deeply global conflict now intersects with music, media and public conscience and how cultural institutions are being asked to respond in real time.
Inhaler Release “Hole In The Ground” + “Nightcall” cover
On 28 November, Inhaler officially launched their next era with:
Their brand-new single “Hole In The Ground”
heavy cover of “Nightcall”
The dual release marks their first major release since their last album "Open Wide", with fans already picking up on a darker shift in sound. It feels like the clear beginning of a new creative chapter.
CMAT Announced for Major Belfast Outdoor Show (2026)
CMAT was officially confirmed this week for a headline outdoor Belfast show in 2026, adding another major standalone date to her expanding live calendar.
Her Euro Country era continues to scale beyond album success into full outdoor headline territory, a level currently occupied by very few Irish artists.
Kneecap Announce Headline 3Arena Show (2026)
Kneecap will headline the 3 Arena on the 16 & 17th of December.
Their rise from underground venues to Ireland’s largest indoor arena reflects a major shift in what Irish alternative success now looks like (politically, culturally and commercially).
Festival & Live Scene Developments
Electric Picnic 2026 — First Line-Up Wave Revealed
The first wave of Electric Picnic 2026 has officially landed, with early confirmations already placing Irish acts at the centre once again.
With homegrown talent sharing space with major international names, EP26 is already shaping up as another statement year for Ireland’s position within the global festival circuit.
For more on the EP26 lineup, read our feature article.
Global Highlights
The Cure Hint at Studio Activity After Late-2025 Live Run
After a string of late-2025 live dates, members of The Cure have hinted that studio work may be resuming. If confirmed, this would mark their first full creative chapter in over a decade, one of the most anticipated potential returns in alternative music.
Bright Eyes Announce Full-Album Anniversary Shows for 2026
Bright Eyes have announced a run of massive 2026 anniversary shows where they’ll perform both I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn in full. With dates set for Red Rocks, the Hollywood Bowl and Forest Hills Stadium, this feels like one of those rare moments where indie nostalgia meets genuine cultural weight. A huge win for the early-2000s alt generation.
Geese Finish 2025 as One of Rock’s Most Unpredictable Acts
Following a completely sold-out North American tour and overwhelming critical praise, Geese are closing out 2025 as one of the most exciting and volatile rock bands in circulation right now. Their latest album Getting Killed has positioned them as a chaotic, emotional torch-bearer for modern alternative rock and it’s only accelerating.
Water From Your Eyes Drop Surprise Experimental EP Ahead of 2026 Touring
Brooklyn duo Water From Your Eyes have surprise-released a new EP, "It’s Beautiful", reworking tracks from their previous album into stranger, more distorted forms. It’s glitchy, unsettling and very on-brand for where underground indie is heading into 2026, inward, experimental and slightly uncomfortable.
Recommended Listening This Week
“Hole In The Ground” - Inhaler
“Euro Country” - CMAT
“Better Way To Live” - Kneecap
"Taxes" - Geese
Upcoming Gigs & Events (2026)
CMAT — Belfast Outdoor Show — 2026 (31 Aug)
Kneecap — 3Arena, Dublin — 2025 (16th & 17th Dec)
Electric Picnic 2026 — August, Stradbally
Major Irish tour announcements expected throughout January
Emerging Irish Artists to Watch — Weekly Discovery Core
CLIFFORDS
Sound: Indie Rock
Recent release: Marsh
MADRA SALACH
Sound: Folk, Alternative
Recent release: I was just a boy
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