Paddy Hanna – New York Sidewalk

King of the hill.

Irish songsmith and former Grand Pocket Orchestra leader Paddy Hanna (top) charms with a languid stroll through the Big Apple on his new single on the Strange Brew label.

Paddy writes:

“I rather optimistically believe that many of the mistakes or misadventures that happen in our lives can become great anecdotes down the line, a sense of humour can be a real balm in tough times. ‘New York Sidewalk’ is very simply about that – moving on from the past with a wry grin. It’s about laying to bed past failures, leaping forward and seeing the love that’s all around you.”

Nick says: Pavement fan.

Paddy Hanna

Badhands – Wasted

In good hands.

Badhands is Dublin songwriter, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Fitzpatrick (top).

His new album Far Away is released on April 1st.

Nick says: The Fitz parade.

Badhands

Wynona Bleach – Aubergines

I am the Eggplant.

Wynona Bleach are an indie guitar troupe from Belfast whose new album Moonsoake has just been released on Fierce Panda Records.

Recorded in central Portugal, the album features: Melyssa Shannon (vocals), Jonny Woods (guitar, vocals), Aaron Black (guitar), Matt Killen (drums) and Carl Gilmore (bass).

Nick says: Wynona forever.

Wynona Bleach

Silverbacks – A Job Worth Something

Skull duggery.

Dublin post-punk acolytes get a head in the video for the latest single from their album Archive Material on Full Time Hobby Records.

The quintet are led by brothers Kilian and Daniel O’Kelly and will appeal to fans of The Strokes.

Nick says: ‘Backs to the future.

Silverbacks

Whozyerman? – The Year (…)

That is the question.

Whozyerman? is a solo project of Paul Savage from Waterford’s O Emperor. His new album Blink is available at bandcamp. And it’s rather good.

Nick says: The Savage ear.

Whozyerman?

Thumper – The Loser

Send in the clown.

Thumper (top) style themselves as “a noise-pop sextet from Dublin, delivering bubble-gum psych through a wall of sonic death.”

Couldn’t have put it better myself. The Loser is from their forthcoming album Delusions Of Grandeur, due March 18.

The video is directed and edited by Luke Byrne.

Nick says: Loser wins.

Thumper

wornoc – Deep Within

Subterranean homesick astronaut.

wornoc is the alter ego of Dublin electronica artist Conor Walsh (top), whose music is effortlessly melodic.

Conor produced, engineered and mixed the tune while the widescreen video is by Oscar Hackett at Never Meant Films.

Wonderful stuff all round.

Nick says: Giant steps.

wornoc

Lyndsey Lawlor – Love, Lust, Indifference & Hatred

“When you have love, every day is a great day.”

A bright new voice from Tallaght, Dublin, Lyndsey Lawlor (top) delivers spoken word over electronic beats that call to mind The Streets.

Her album Dearest Philistine came out last month. Kildare producer Gary O’Reilly is behind the desk.

Nick says: Love, naturally.

Lyndsey Lawlor

Slaney – All I Want (Seas of Rhythm remix)

Life is a long, quiet river.

Carlow-based electro-pop singer Slaney has has had her single from last year re-imagined for full-on dancefloor vibes.

Quick, before they ban dancing again.

Nick says: A river runs through it.

Slaney

Lucy Blue – Postman

Letter into your heart.

“If you’re replaced by a robot, I’ll need you still.”

What a charming, thoughtful and empathetic new single from Lucy Blue (top left) imagining the trials and tribulations of her neighbourhood postman.

Born Lucy McDonell, the 19-year-old Dubliner has a new EP Suburban Hollywood out now.

Nick says: Special delivery.

Lucy Blue