Audio File: Eight Irish Artists To Add To Your St. Patrick’s Day Playlist (Part 2)

Written by Anna Porter. Graphic by Anna Porter.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, and the lights in the bars of Savannah turn green, I can officially say that I’m a year older and a year more skilled in my Irish music expertise. I have nearly doubled my library of Irish music since my article last year was written, so I’m here to deliver all of my new recommendations of amazing talent to add to your St. Patrick’s Day Playlist. And if you are an Audio File fan and don’t have a St. Patrick’s day playlist, this is your sign to create one. Follow me through this article as I review some of the best Irish musicians of our time– and look out, there’s a pot of gold at the end of the article!

1. The Ocelots

The Ocelots are a stunning new indie-folk band alike to the kin of The Shins and other chamber pop acts. I have discovered them recently with their “holiday” song titled “The Good of a Bad Year,” which drew me in with the somber mood and beautiful melodies. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with another song, titled, “Australia.” The Ocelots stand out in their instrumentation choices and alluring lyrics that strike a deep chord within me. Their second album, “Everything, When Said Slowly,” was released in February. Go show them the support they deserve!

Check out: Australia, The Good of A Bad Year, Gold

2. KNEECAP

Hip hop spoken in British and Irish accents is truly a gift from the gods. And currently, KNEECAP is the best of this genre, shaping the hip hop landscape by singing in their native Irish language. I discovered KNEECAP when they released a song featuring Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C, and their music was like nothing I’ve heard before. On top of a catchy beat, KNEECAP lays political tongue-in-cheek lines. The trio tells more of their story in the Netflix documentary, “KNEECAP,” and how they are trying to preserve Irish culture through their music. Plus, their distinct look of wearing Irish balaclavas draws attention to them in the current music scene.

Check out: Get Your Brits Out, C.E.A.R.T.A, Parful

3. Adore

A relatively new band to the scene, Adore is a trio of garage-punk musicians. Currently, they only have four songs on Spotify, each with beautiful cover art. This band brings back the early-2000s emo punk sound but with a modern flair similar to many other emerging punk bands of the 2020’s. The electric guitar riffs are punchy and present throughout the tracks. Lead singer, Lara Minchin, delivers vocals alike to Hayley Williams of Paramore, and even Justine Frischmann of Elastica.

Check out: Postcards, Can We Talk, Stay Free Old Stranger

4. Chalk

Chalk is one of my recent discoveries, a band that falls deeper into the punk/neo-noise scene. Their electric, drum-heavy sound lies below the vocals, which many times reach the border of screaming. When a Chalk song first came up in my autoplay, I actually thought it was a Bauhaus song, but I was impressed to find that it was a modern band making similar music. Discoveries like this show me that this heavy (yet still tolerable) sound hasn’t died, and that you just have to search more for it. 

Check out: Them, Static, Asking

5. Lumiere

Ok, time for a full 180 from the last band. Lumiere is a modern band with a traditional Celtic sound. If you’re looking for mystical music to get drawn into as you imagine the Irish countryside, you’ve found the right musicians. Lumiere is made up of two female vocalists that craft beautiful harmonies together. They use instruments such as the fiddle, harp, and flutes to surround you in a magical, airy soundscape. Additionally, many of their songs are sung in the Irish language. I recommend listening to this music as you’re reading or falling asleep, as to envelope yourself in a lush musical blanket.

Check out: Oro Mo Bhaidin, Fair and Tender Ladies, Edward on Loch Erne’s Shore

6. The Academic

Indie-rock quartet The Academic are a set of young lads from Killucan. With a long catalog of singles and two studio albums so far, the band is well on their way to success in this genre, and they even opened for Louis Tomlinson on his tour in 2023. The Academic are known for their upbeat, fun songs that bring back the early 2010’s indie rock sound. Their music is best played in a car with the windows down, right around St. Patricks’ Day when the weather is getting warm.

Check Out: Why Can’t We Be Friends?, Different, Fake ID

7. The Gloaming

Circling back to the traditional Irish sound, we have The Gloaming, a very unique band. The fiddle is a prominent instrument in The Gloaming’s sound, and fun jigs can be found throughout their discography. Much of their music is focused on these instrumentals, which create a wistful, atmospheric sound. When vocals are used, it is usually in the Irish language. The Gloaming’s music is perfect for a study session– I’ve found that a fast Irish jig is equivalent to the motivation Mario Kart music can provide.

Check Out: The Sailor’s Bonnet, The Pink House, Song 44

8. CMAT

Finally, we have an up-and-coming artist and fashion icon, CMAT. From Dublin, she creates fun music with deeper meanings, navigating the typical obstacles of being a young woman. CMAT’s music is well-crafted with catchy beats and witty lyrics, but I think her true talent lies in her voice. Her rich vocals are full of range and can be addictive at times. 

Check out: 2 Wrecked 2 Care, I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!, California