Summer Hits 2024

Summer’s Soundtrack: Ireland’s Hottest Hits of 2024

As summer turns into autumn, let’s look back at the songs that defined this sunny season. In 2024, Ireland's music scene has pulsed with vibrant energy, delivering a playlist of hits that captured the essence of summer. From Kleio's infectious rhythms to Paddy Keyes' soulful melodies and Flexx Carter's electrifying beats, these artists have crafted the perfect anthems for long days and warm nights. Join us as we dive into the top Irish summer hits that made this season unforgettable.

Four- Kleio

Waterford-based indie-rock band Kleio dropped an emotionally charged new track, Four, earlier this summer. The song features mesmerising drum patterns, shimmering distorted guitar riffs, and ethereal choir-like vocals. It seamlessly shifts between intense, high-energy moments and more delicate, stripped-down sections, keeping listeners hooked from start to finish.

Four opens with tight hi-hat rhythms, lush guitar melodies, and soft vocals, building steadily to a chorus that evokes the feeling of a crowd cheering in unison. Each instrument stands out in the verses, weaving together to create a dynamic sound that culminates in a soaring final chorus, making it the perfect closing track for their live performances.

Band member Luke reflects, "When we wrote Four, we really thought about how it would resonate with a live audience. A highlight for us was performing it to a sold-out crowd in Belfast, where the audience took over the second half of the song—it was an unforgettable moment."

Favourite- Fontaines D.C.

Released on June 18th, The track Favourite by Fontaines D.C. has a timeless quality, blending a fresh energy with a nostalgic feel. Reminiscent of Johnny Marr and The Cure, the song’s dreamy atmosphere is amplified by shimmering guitar riffs, while intense drum rhythms and rich bass tones capture the essence of post-punk. The band fuses their signature post-punk style with the iconic sound of ‘90s indie rock, creating something truly special.

Drawing inspiration from late ‘80s Irish indie and early ‘90s UK bands like the Stone Roses, Favourite evokes a nostalgic sound while remaining modern and compelling. Lead singer Grain Chatten describes the track as having a "never-ending sound," cycling between euphoria and sadness to symbolize two worlds spinning endlessly.

Satellites- Picture This

Released in June, Picture This explores the depths of human connection with their track Satellites, capturing the essence of unconditional love and support. The band explains that the song is about being there for someone you care about without hesitation, shouldering the responsibility and pressure with open arms. It’s a reflection on those unbreakable bonds where, sometimes, you take the wheel for a loved one when they need it most—something that comes naturally when you deeply care for someone.

With their signature melodic touch and heartfelt lyrics, Satellites offers a narrative that many will find profoundly relatable, providing both comfort and inspiration to listeners.

Can't Walk Away- 49th and Main (ft. A Little Sound)

Kilkenny-based electronic pop duo 49th & Main, consisting of Paddy King and Ben O’Sullivan, have teamed up with singer-songwriter A Little Sound to deliver Can’t Walk Away, a track brimming with the warmth of summer. Blending indie pop, D&B, and house, the song offers a uniquely energetic sound, with heartfelt vocals from King and A Little Sound that express optimism in the face of a breakup.

Can’t Walk Away explores an unbreakable bond that endures despite distance, capturing a journey of love and growth between two partners. Through high-energy percussion and soft harmonies, the track reflects on the hope of reuniting someday, as echoed in the lyrics, "Yeah, you and I / So lost in time / But maybe someday we will finally start over." While the partners drift apart, they leave room for the possibility of a new beginning.

Take it- Paddy Keyes

Paddy Keyes, an up-and-coming indie pop artist from Sligo, has unveiled his latest single, Take It. This track highlights Keyes' unique style, featuring infectious melodies and relatable lyrics that define his expanding repertoire. With its upbeat yet introspective tone, Take It delves into themes of letting go and moving forward, striking a personal chord with listeners. Renowned for his dynamic live shows, Keyes continues to gain traction, having performed at sold-out venues and earned a spot on Spotify's "New Music Friday UK" playlist.

DateNight- Flexx Carter

In July, Flexx Carter, a dynamic rap artist from Waterford, has made a name for himself by channeling his life experiences into music that resonates deeply with his audience. His track Datenight is described as a "musical journey," blending personal reflections with Chris Kabs' melodic hooks to create a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging experience. The song explores the complexities of relationships, capturing the highs and lows of romance with authenticity, offering listeners a relatable and reflective take on love and its challenges.

I cried, I Wept- Kingfishr

Kingfishr's latest release on the 30th of July, I Cried, I Wept, marks a new chapter for the band, showcasing a fresh energy born from rousing, guitar-led melodies that capture the raw intensity of the trio playing together. This punchy, energetic track adds a lively indie anthem to their rapidly growing catalogue, blending acoustic-driven soundscapes with a deeper exploration of modern life's superficiality. Lead singer Eddie Keogh delves into the idea of putting on a façade to navigate everyday interactions.

Reflecting on the song, the band explains that it represents the internal struggle of burying a part of yourself to survive and questioning whether that sacrifice will ultimately matter. I Cried, I Wept reveals a new side to Kingfishr, combining thought-provoking lyrics with their signature melodic power.

Us- Ryan McMullan

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan has unveiled his new single Us ahead of his highly anticipated debut album Redesign, set for release on November 1. Dropping on August 30, Us showcases McMullan’s signature blend of soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic instrumentation. The track begins with modest lo-fi vocals before launching into an infectious, fast-paced melody that keeps listeners hooked.

Us delves into the pain of being hurt by someone you trust. Ryan explains the inspiration behind the song, saying, “It was written right after a phone call with one friend about another who had stung me. Instead of confronting them, I wrote a song. I doubt they’ll ever realize it’s about them though!”