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I told bassist Finn Walsh after their set at Coughlan’s Bar that I genuinely believe Little Known are going to be huge. That’s not something I say lightly, but after what I witnessed last night, there was no denying it. Opening for Fangclub at the intimate Douglas Street venue, Little Known completely blew me away. They might have been the support act, but they played like headliners.  Who Are Little Known? Little Known are Liam Daly, Finn Walsh, and Liam Berry - an indie/alternative trio formed in Cork. Their sound is unlike anything else I’ve come across. With the release of their debut album, “As It Is” in October 2023, they introduced themselves as a band rooted in introspective lyricism and a guitar-driven sound. It’s a powerful debut. Tracks like “Listen” have this mystical, otherworldly sound. I’ve had it on repeat for months. They’re not afraid to venture into heavier territory either. “I Don’t Care About You” hits harder, with grittier guitar lines. Little Known’s versatility is part of what makes them so compelling. Their recent single “Let Me Be Myself” is soft and vulnerable, focused on deep lyricism, while “Headwreck” makes you quite literally want to headbang. Little Known aren’t afraid to explore all genres and are constantly evolving their playing style. The release of “Headwreck” and “Let Me Be Myself” gave the band serious exposure, putting their listener count in the thousands. They’re set to support The Psychedelic Furs at both The Limelight in Belfast and The Academy in Dublin, clear signs that Little Known are quickly building a name for themselves. What stood out to me about Little Known is their chemistry, both on and off stage. I was fortunate enough to spend time with them before their set, and it was immediately clear that they’re not just bandmates, they’re close friends. Down-to-earth and genuinely passionate, they were more than willing to talk music with me. I even had the chance to collaborate with their incredible photographer, Leanne, on this piece. Drummer Liam Berry (captured by photographer Leanne Gabriel) Their stage presence is captivating. There’s a rawness to frontman Liam Daly’s voice that blends seamlessly with the band’s guitar-led style, his voice is unique and addictive. Drummer Liam Berry brings another layer of energy, pulling expressive faces mid-beat that only highlight his talent. Bassist Finn Walsh somehow manages to juggle basslines while controlling an intricate setup of effect pedals. Their talent is incomparable. Little Known is a band with something to say. With new single “The Richest Man” to be released on June 20, I am incredibly excited to see the direction Little Known takes next.   Bassist Finn Walsh (captured by Leanne Gabriel) Frontman and guitarist Liam Daly (captured by Leanne Gabriel)

There’s a certain courage in writing about love when you’re still learning how it feels. Grace Burns, in her debut poetry collection Derived From Us , does exactly that — and more.   At just 21 years old (age 20 at the time of release), Grace doesn’t pretend to have answers. Instead, she offers an open-handed collection of poems that wrestle with identity, heartbreak, longing, and the raw electricity of feeling something deeply for the first time.   Who is Grace Burns? For those unfamiliar, Grace Burns is more than a debut poet — she’s a young creative already finding her footing in multiple forms of art. The daughter of Christy Turlington and Edward Burns, Grace might be familiar to some from her public life, but her poetry and photography are a world apart. It speaks for itself, free from external expectations or celebrity weight.   Currently in her final year at NYU, she’s balancing education with creativity. There’s a kind of hunger in her work — not for fame, but for meaning. You get the sense she’s writing because she has  to, not because she thinks she should. That distinction matters, and it’s part of what makes this collection compelling.   A Voice Emerging — but Clear The first thing that struck me about Burns’ poetry is how unpolished it chooses to be. That’s not to say the writing lacks refinement — quite the opposite. But instead of filtering emotions through dense metaphor or academic distance, Burns leans into immediacy. Her work is personal, often direct, and delivered in a voice that is still forming but already confident in its emotional truth.   This is not poetry trying to be clever for the sake of it. It’s poetry that wants to be felt . Whether she’s exploring the ache of unrequited love or questioning her own sense of self, there’s an urgency to her words that resonates.     Standout Themes Derived From Us  is bound together by love — but not just romantic love. These poems move through different shades of connection: self-love, fractured friendships, admiration, confusion, maybe even spiritual yearning. What I appreciated most was how the collection never falls into cliché. Burns writes about love the way it actually feels when you’re young and unsure: overwhelming, contradictory, sometimes cruel, and always defining.   In one poem, she writes about her face as both a mirror and a mask— a powerful metaphor for the tension between internal self and public perception. Another piece muses on memory and its slippery nature — how we hold onto people who no longer exist the way we remember them.   There’s melancholy here, but also softness. Not despair, but introspection. These poems don’t demand answers — they live in the question.     A Promising First Flame Derived From Us  isn’t trying to be the definitive word on love or youth. It doesn’t need to be. What Grace Burns offers in this collection is honesty — sometimes awkward, sometimes lyrical, but always sincere. That’s rare. And it’s why this book works.   If you enjoy poetry that wears its heart without armour, that isn’t afraid to feel too much or not know enough, Derived From Us  is worth your time. Grace Burns might still be finding her poetic voice, but this debut proves she already has something worth saying, and something that’s worth listening to. Written by Emma Cody.

Lucy McWilliams’ latest single, “Even If We Say Goodbye,”  captures the fragile, final moments of a relationship with poetic subtlety and emotional intelligence. Anchored by a severely catchy production that covers the emotional and true lyrics of the song, and McWilliams’ achingly beautiful vocal delivery, the track offers a deeply human meditation on endings–those that happen quietly, and those that never quite resolve. The refrain– “Even if we say goodbye / Even if we’ve one more night”  –repeats like a mantra throughout the song. It’s not just a hook; it’s the sound of someone trying to come to terms with something slipping away, looping the thought in their mind to soften its impact. McWilliams builds the song not around closure, but around the absence  of it. In the verses, she paints quiet, devastating images: a lover leaving in the morning, moments of miscommunication and emotional imbalance. The line “Was it me? Do I love too much?”  in the pre-chorus hits like a self-inflicted wound–raw, uncertain, and heartbreakingly relatable. The repetition of “I guess I’m never good enough”  isn’t just self-doubt; it’s the echo of a conversation that didn’t end the way it should have. What makes “Even If We Say Goodbye” so compelling is how true it feels. It doesn’t offer easy answers, and it doesn’t pretend that walking away always comes with clarity. Instead, McWilliams invites us into the confusion, the denial, the mourning that comes before the acceptance. It’s the kind of track that will sit with listeners who’ve ever stayed one night too long, or who’ve wondered–quietly, maybe years later–if it was all their fault. Rating:  ★★★★☆  (4.5/5) An intimate and emotionally intelligent track that lingers with grace and ache. Written by Emma Cody.

Irish Indie-Rock band Inhaler has often faced criticism due to lead singer Elijah Hewson’s connection to U2’s Bono with some reducing their success to that famous family tie. Judging them based on this fact overlooks the dedication and determination that have driven their progress since the beginning. With the release of their latest album, fans have been quick to voice their opinions, questioning whether Inhaler is shifting from their Indie-Rock roots towards pop. I firmly believe that any band willing to explore new sounds is one that is constantly evolving and improving.   With their debut album, It won’t always be like this , Inhaler made waves in the Irish music scene, topping the charts. Playing alongside artists such as Harry Styles, Arctic Monkeys, Pearl Jam and Blossoms cemented their place within the music industry. Inhaler has carved out its own identity. With the success of their second album , Cuts and Bruises  released in 2023 they firmly established themselves as serious artists. The album demonstrated Inhaler’s artistic maturity in addition to their growing popularity.   Inhaler are natural-born performers, I’ve had the privilege of seeing them live through each album era. Having attended three of their shows, it's clear that while each album has a unique sound and approach, their diversity as artists sets them apart from any other band in the music scene. From the raw energy of It won't always be like this to the more refined depth of Cuts and Bruises , each era has felt like a natural progression, showcasing their ability to evolve. Obviously this new album will sound different, it’s a reflection of the band’s growth, shaped by new experiences, fresh ideas, and a willingness to explore uncharted territory. As artists, they have moved forward, and so should we in our expectations. Change is part of the creative process for many established artists.   The new album kicks off with “Eddie in the Darkness” immediately setting the tone of the album. Josh Jenkinson’s lead guitar riff brings a fresh, catchy energy that pulls you right in. What follows is an eclectic mix of songs that demonstrates Inhaler’s willingness to explore different genres. For anyone claiming that the album leans too heavily into pop, I’d point them to “X-Ray” a track that makes it clear that Inhaler hasn’t strayed too far from their indie rock roots. While the album may experiment with new influences, it’s still a reflection of the band’s original sound.   This album focuses on lyricism, offering fans a chance to connect with the themes on a personal level. Tracks like “Concrete” reflect on the challenges of change and growth, perfectly capturing the internal struggle of holding onto things that are no longer serving you, even when you know they're wrong for you. While Inhaler have definitely become more versatile with their sound, Open Wide  demonstrates their growth as artists. They’ve managed to experiment with new ideas while still maintaining the sound that made us fall in love with them in the first place. This is a very solid album, one that proves they’re not afraid to take risks and push boundaries. As they continue to evolve, there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing even bigger things from them in the future. Written by Sophie Lee.

At this point, the distinction between a concert and a camping trip is practically non-existent. You don’t just pack clothes, you pack like you’re heading off on a short holiday. Snacks, power banks, blankets… they all make the cut. I once witnessed a girl arrive with an entire rotisserie chicken and a fold-out chair, which was almost definitely stolen from her mum’s garden. You know you’ll be standing for hours, hoping to get a barricade spot. You arrive early, bond with strangers, and complain about the wait. Most of us are guilty of doing it, but is it worth it to be in the eyeline of your favourite band? Let me tell you about the time I gave in to concert culture myself. Until November 2023, I had never queued for a gig. That changed with Inhaler’s biggest headline show at the 3Arena. If I had known the implications of what that meant, maybe I wouldn’t have.. I booked a hotel in Dublin that cost so much it nearly financially ruined me. I came armed with a cowboy hat, matching boots, and zero sense of self-preservation. The night before the show, my friends and I chose double vodka whites over a decent night’s sleep. At 3 am, we made the walk of shame to the 3Arena, only to find a “queue” of three people. Yes, three people in pyjamas, wrapped in blankets, lying on pillows. We joined them on the freezing concrete of the Dublin quays, inflatable band member dolls in hand, while people waiting on the night bus tried to figure out what type of cult we’d joined. I briefly met a girl from America who told me she hadn’t even booked a hotel, she was just going to sleep in the queue. That made me feel a bit better about my own life choices. At least I had a bed waiting for me. I compare concert culture to a camping trip simply because of this interaction. By 8 am, the queue had exploded, my energy had vanished, and I was being micromanaged by a random girl who had appointed herself queue security. (Real security wouldn’t show up for hours.) On the brink of shouting at her, my friends and I fled to Wetherspoons for a couple of pints and some warmth. We pulled ourselves together and returned to the queue, where I shoved a heat pad down my top and braced myself for another few hours of borderline frostbite and quiet despair. Despite the cold, the exhaustion, and the hangover, there was something weirdly charming about it all. People shared blankets, sang along to Inhaler’s set list, and at one point we even started a mini dance party to keep spirits up. Still, by the time the doors opened, I was dizzy, aching, and felt like a geriatric in a mosh pit. We just about made it to the barricade, only to be shoved, elbowed, and squashed by the sea of people behind us. My ex appeared right behind me, someone who had rocked up hours later, looking fresher than I felt, and somehow got the same view. When Inhaler finally took the stage, I was tired, grumpy, and dangerously close to regretting everything. What frustrates me the most is that a few months later, I bumped into the band at the Grand Social. No queue, no chaos, no heat pad needed. After seventeen hours of suffering, it turns out I could’ve just waited. So, is it worth it? If you enjoy running on two hours of sleep, physically aching, and feeling like you’ve aged 40 years by the time the encore hits, then yes, completely. There’s something weirdly addictive about the chaos. One minute you’re wrapped in a blanket contemplating your existence, the next you’re screaming lyrics with strangers who somehow became your best friends. Concert culture is feral, unhinged, and borderline unhealthy, but to be completely honest, I’d probably do it all over again. Written by Sophie Lee.

The Irish music scene has been making waves in the global media, with chart-topping artists such as Fontaines DC, Kneecap, and Inhaler. Countless up-and-coming, talented Irish bands and artists are steadily gaining recognition beyond Ireland. Here’s my comprehensive list of Irish acts that should be added to your Spotify playlist.   FIONA O’CONNELL Fiona O’Connell hails from Clare and is an exceptionally talented singer-songwriter and producer. Her debut single ‘Easily’, released in February 2023, amassed thousands of listeners, putting her on the map. Fiona has molded the folk genre into something uniquely personal, focusing on intricate and heartfelt lyrics. Fiona’s music takes you on an emotional journey, offering a quiet space to reflect. I had the pleasure of watching Fiona’s set at the Grand Social in Dublin, armed with just a guitar, she’s capable of captivating an entire audience.   For fans of: Lizzy McAlpine, Hozier, and Phoebe Bridgers Song to start with: “In the end”   LUCY MCWILLIAMS Lucy McWilliams is a singer-songwriter from South Dublin. Lucy is an incredibly versatile artist whose music blends Indie, Folk, and Jazz influences. After relocating to London, Lucy immersed herself in the UK music scene. She’s a gifted lyricist, and the way Lucy writes has a way of evoking buried emotions. I first saw Lucy open for Inhaler at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin. I came for Inhaler but left as a fan of hers. Her latest single, “The Greatest Man,” is nothing short of amazing. Every time I listen to it, it hits me in a way that feels both familiar and otherworldly.   For fans of: Laufey and Olivia Dean Song to start with: “Plastic”   DISORDER Disorder is David England, Ewan McAra, Michael Tinnelly, and Jack Porter. They are a four-piece Alternative/Indie band based in Belfast. Disorder has gained serious traction since the release of their debut single “Pretty, Pretty, Pretty”. They took Belfast by storm, cementing themselves as key artists in the Northern Irish music scene. Disorder didn’t stay confined to Belfast, they’ve played various live shows throughout Ireland and in the UK. Their EP “Summerhouse” is a must-listen, frontman David England’s distinct vocal edge sets the EP apart. I discovered Disorder by accident while at Fred Zeppelin’s in Cork. They were playing, and I instantly fell in love with their sound.   For fans of: Inhaler and Wunderhorse Song to start with: “Millennial Dreaming”   SODA BLONDE Soda Blonde is Faye O’Rourke, Adam O’Regan, Dylan Lynch, and Donagh Seaver-O’Leary. Formed in Dublin, this Alternative/pop band has released two successful albums, “Dream Big” and “Small Talk”. Frontwoman Faye O’Rourke’s voice is distinctly unique, raw, and compelling. Their debut album “Small Talk” is a whirlwind of emotion, when listening you’re unsure if you want to cry or dance. With a sold-out European tour under their belt, the band is steadily gaining recognition beyond Ireland.   For fans of: Bleach Lab and Sunday (1994) Song to start with: “Terrible Hands”   LITTLE KNOWN Little Known are Liam Daly, Finn Walsh, and Liam Berry. Formed in Cork, Little Known’s debut Album “As it is” is a striking introduction to the band’s sound. With guitar-driven tracks, the album gained Little known well-deserved recognition in the Cork music scene. There’s something almost nostalgic about them, they remind me of the Indie bands I grew up listening to, but yet they’re completely different. Little known have carved out their own identity, and they’re undeniably natural-born performers. I had the pleasure of seeing Little Known’s set in Fred Zeppelins, Cork. It was one of the most enjoyable gigs I’ve been to.   For fans of: Slowdive and Nirvana Song to start with: “Listen”   KATE FIELD Kate Field is a singer-songwriter based in Dublin. Kate’s debut EP “And The Persian Rugs” is a deep reflection of a life lived with all its highs and lows. Notably, her single “21st Century Whore” explores the darker side of love. She captures her experience with toxic relationships, and the way she conveys it makes it incredibly relatable for anyone who has struggled with heartbreak. Kate’s transparency is what sets her apart as an artist.   For fans of: Lana Del Ray and Alanis Morisette Song to start with: “Party Pleaser” Written by Sophie Lee.

It is remarkable to captivate a room with your presence alone. We go to gigs and watch our favourite artists perform, but it’s only when the music is stripped back, just the artist and an instrument, that we truly see their art. I was privileged to see Lucy McWilliams perform an intimate set at Camden Recording Studios in Dublin. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. There was no explosive crowd, no stage lights, just a small room where we sat quietly on chairs surrounding a piano and a microphone. It felt comfortably quiet, nothing like the usual chaos of a gig. There’s something powerful about watching an artist in such a vulnerable state. Despite the small crowd, I imagined how exposed Lucy must have felt. She had no band, just her and the piano. Lucy sat at the piano with her notebook in hand, playing a mix of unreleased music and songs we already knew. The moment she began, a whirlwind of emotion hit me. It was beautiful, not because it was perfect, but because it felt so deeply human. The way her hands moved, the way she poured herself into the piano. It was incredibly personal and heartfelt. What stuck with me was when Lucy spoke about contemplating what makes something beautiful. She confessed that the song she’d just written didn’t meet that standard, and she had tried to capture that struggle within the lyrics. Lucy knew she had to play it anyway because performing it would challenge that doubt. The song moved me deeply, and at that moment, I realised how harshly we judge ourselves, endlessly critiquing every detail. When, in reality, there is beauty in imperfection. We often put artists on a pedestal. We forget they are just like us, that they have feelings, doubts, and struggles. Intimate gigs like this allow us to connect with the person behind the music. Lucy McWilliams is one of the kindest, most talented people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Written by Sophie Lee.

Before anything else, before the blog, the podcast, or even the gigs, music was the only thing that made me feel alive. It still is. This post isn’t about one band or album. It’s about why music matters when everything else feels empty. There are times when life feels like it’s moving in straight lines, no highs, no lows. Just a quiet, numbing sameness. You might remember the version of yourself that used to yearn, the version of yourself who felt everything with an aching intensity. “It’s getting bad again,” you might say. The emptiness you try so hard to suppress always finds its way back to the surface. You begin to question why nothing ever feels like it’s enough. Depression isn’t linear. You can have a life full of love and laughter, but still struggle to get out of bed in the morning. You might even convince yourself that this emotional weight is normal, that feeling inadequate is a part of growing up, until you’re reaching for the pills again. Is it better to feel everything, to feel as if the life is being sucked out of your bones or to feel nothing at all, to be fine, flat and regulated?. I still don’t have an answer. I do know this, life must mean something. It must be for something. Music means something, something real. It offers comfort in ways another person sometimes can’t. A song can speak for you when you don’t have the words. I’ve lost count of how many nights I’ve fallen asleep with headphones in, letting some stranger’s voice carry what I couldn’t say out loud. When you hear lyrics, it helps to remember someone wrote them. Someone lived through the experience they wrote about. They survived the pain and the numbness. The darkness didn't swallow them whole. Music brings people together. It reminds us that we’re never alone in how we feel. It creates space for understanding, even between strangers. I believe we can help heal each other by connecting through this. Find something you love, something that you can hold onto. It may not fix everything, but sometimes it’s enough to keep you going. Written by Sophie Lee.