We’ve got our own ideas on what some of the best tracks, albums and artists of the year are but thought it would be wise to get some external thoughts. As a result, we asked several movers and shakers within the local music scene for their opinions on the best releases from 2025 and who to be excited for in 2026.
May we present to you, Outsourced: Best of 2025
Hannah McCormack – Oh Yeah Centre
1. Favourite Single: RÓIS – CAOINE
My favourite single of 2025 was CAOINE by the singular RÓIS. I am lucky to have witnessed RÓIS in person a number of times now and I am always transported to whatever realm she came from. I hope she continues to share her sound with us.
2. Favourite EP or Album: George Houston – Drag Queen
Drag Queen is the best song I have heard in quite some time. It is a perfect example of what I think makes George so brilliant – it’s venomous. With this track and the entire EP, George has that twinkle of smoke and mirrors in his eye. His lyricism and wit define for me what makes him stand out. That and a detailed vision for his work that means everything is in its right place, so now we can have fun.
3. Hot Tip: Madams Last Discovery
My hot tip for 2026 is Madams Last Discovery. They are my favourite local band and I am always in awe. I think this year they have gone from strength to strength and I for one can’t wait for more music. Here’s to 2026 lads.
Dolores Vischer – Creative Tours Belfast
1. Favourite Single: Huartan – Dúlamán
A Huartan live performance is more than just a gig – there’s dance, theatre, politics, amazing costumes and projected artwork too. It is an intoxicating experience, particularly as audience members are encouraged to be part of it and to dress up. Dúlamán is the 3rd single off their first album. I love to hear the revved-up trad airs and songs given the band’s Tradtronica treatment. Growing up in Donegal, I had been surrounded by trad music and sessions by local musicians; and firm early favourites Clannad and Altan had both recorded their versions of Dúlamán. But this new version quickly hooked me and became a favourite track.
2. Favourite EP or Album: Problem Patterns – Boring Songs, for Boring People
I’m a longtime fan of this band and see them live as often as I can. From their first ever gig in The Empire in December 2018, to their album launch party for NI Prize Album winning ‘Blouse Club’ and more recently, the memorable ‘office party’ in the Black Box marking the release of EP ‘Boring Songs for Boring People’. Of course, there’s nothing remotely boring about any of the EP’s tracks. My favourite is ‘I’m Fine and I’m doing Great’ , but they’re all punk bangers with impactful lyrics.
3. Hot Tip: BFrank
I’ve always enjoyed Susie Blue’s music and was intrigued when they told me a few months ago about their new project launching in autumn, BFrank. I caught their first live performance in October and was impressed. Audrey Blue is now also part of the band. On top of being a talented photographer, visual artist and dancer, Audrey revealed another skill: a great singing voice that offered cool harmonies alongside wife Susie. They offer dreamy pop with refrains that stay with you, as heard on their first single ‘Brigid’.
This new vocal duo is worth checking out.
Michael Smyth – Old Crows Promotions
1. Favourite Single: Gush – Your World
Gush have steadily been making a name for themselves as one of Belfast’s brightest ones to watch. A departure from their normal grungy angsty selves, the track shows the band aren’t afraid to take risks while stretching themselves musically and sonically. ‘Your World’ offers up a garage-pop radio friendly unit shifter. As though The Stooges tied The Kinks to their jeep while Brody Dalle’s Spinnerette drove through the desert with The Hives soundtracking the whole sordid scene. The song writing here is razor sharp and concise with a focus on dynamics and melody.
2. Favourite EP or Album: Cloakroom Q – Tune You Have to Dance To
Cloakroom Q are the rarest of rare bands in the modern age, a band that strives for true originality, ignorant of pandering to algorithms, they are one of Belfast’s most singular voices. Their sophomore album ‘Tune You Have to Dance To’, is exhaustive in it’s presentation of ideas. From acoustic ballads to neck snapping heavy metal, to emotional trumpet embellishment and anime inspired hyper pop. ‘Tune You Have to Dance To’ leaves no stone unturned as Cloakroom Q provide a sonic backdrop to delve into themes of disconnection, perseverance and a yearning for something that seems perpetually out of reach.
3. Hot Tip: Gush
Gush, a band that I’ve watched go from strength to strength. Every release builds on the last, and their live shows have both a sense of community and exorcism. Their recent singles have helped establish them as a band, cementing their sound and identity. A larger body of work in 2026 seems like the logical next step!
Chelsea Andrews – Girls With Guts NI
1. Favourite Single: A.N.J.A. – When You’re The Worst You’re The Best
Our top single of the year would have to be A.N.J.A.’s When You’re The Worst You’re The Best. It’s absolutely dripping with attitude and chaos, and the guitars sound gnarly as hell! Anja’s lyricism is seriously clever and worldbuilding, and lends itself perfectly to her music. This song is just the epitome of rock and roll – thank you A.N.J.A. for keeping the spirit alive in 2025!
2. Favourite EP or Album: Banshee – When They Opened the Sky
Our top album/EP of the year would be Banshee’s When they Opened the Sky. Banshee has just breathed a new wave of life into Irish rock music; they know exactly what they’re doing and they do it so well. Their blend of classic rock with blues and grunge sounds so natural and like nothing else coming from Ireland right now. Rosie’s vocal range and power is ridiculously insane as well! The overall songwriting and musicality shown on this EP just is next level. The fact this was self recorded and produced as well is just the cherry on top! We anticipate really big things for Banshee in 2026 and hope they get the recognition they deserve.
3. Hot Tip: Susi Pagel
Following her performance at the Music for Youth Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, she’s well on her way to becoming a big name this year. She debuted a few new songs at her headline show in Oh Yeah Centre during the Sound of Belfast Festival, and we can’t wait for her to release them!
Lucie Chenet Rea – Regard
1. Favourite Single: Áine Gordon – Chauffeur
I didn’t know Áine until she got recommended to us to play an event in 2025. From the moment I listened to her EP until the event itself and still now, months later, her melodies, her poetry and her talent have stuck to me. I love her whole EP but if I had to pick a song off it it would have to be Chauffeur as Joshua Burnside’s voice blends itself beautifully with Áine’s on this track and I have been a fan of his since I moved to Belfast 9 years ago. It’s the perfect song of 2025 in my eyes.
2. Favourite EP or Album: Daisy Johnston – Maiden Name
We found Daisy online ahead of an event we were organising and booked her to play. It was an absolute revelation for me, I definitely cried a few times during her set (which made it very easy to MC a few minutes later as you can imagine!). She played a stripped back set of her EP and the depth of her voice filled the whole venue in such a powerful way. I never wanted it to end! I must since have listened to her EP a few hundred times. She is an incredible artist to watch and also a really lovely person, listen to her!
3. Hot Tip: Various
I don’t know if it’s because I’m naturally drawn to the folk scene but I have the feeling that the New Folk wave is getting bigger each year thanks to local artists like Joshua Burnside who are now helping with putting Northern Ireland on a map on the international scene. Artists like Áine Gordon, AOIBHA, Sarah Ann Rée, Connor McCann, Peadar Connor, The New Leaves and many many more, all these newer artists are now carrying the beautiful heritage of Irish Folk music and making it speak to people’s hearts and ears in 2026 and it’s beautiful to witness. So I say watch the folk scene, it’s only going to get bigger and better in 2026 as more and more collaborations happen and these younger artists develop themselves and their art!
Siobhan Brown – Soultrane Festival
1. Favourite Single: Blackjack & Jai Sian – Wait a Minute
This track immediately stood out for its understated confidence. Built around a laid-back Nu Jazz sensibility, it feels mature, unforced, and quietly timeless. The groove is creative and assured and is well produced by drummer and producer Henrique ‘Blacjack’ Franco —cool drum patterns layered with tasteful percussion that compliment the unique soulful sound of Jai Sian. Tasteful harmonies and thoughtful audio surprises woven throughout, revealing the duo’s deep soul roots and creativity. It’s the kind of track that effortlessly sets a mood: perfect for creating atmosphere and unwinding.
2. Favourite EP or Album: Winnie Ama – Deka
While the Northern Irish soul scene is still relatively young—meaning full albums and EPs are still emerging—Winnie Ama is already ahead of the curve. Deka is a confident, fully realised album that blends pop, disco, and soul with finesse. The songwriting is strong and accessible, acting as a natural gateway into deeper exploration of soul and jazz territories where her influences such as Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald can be heard in the way her vocals are shaped throughout the album. It’s an album that feels intentional, polished, and forward-looking—Winnie sets an important benchmark for the quality work that the soul community is producing here in Northern Ireland.
3: Hot Tip: Various
Much of the most exciting new music is coming from within the Soultrane community, where artists are developing distinctive voices of their own. One to watch closely is Tribal Ting, whose sound is genuinely unique within the Northern Irish landscape. Drawing from African gospel and soul traditions, his music is rich with emotional depth and spiritual grounding. Backed by a powerful band sound, his work translates exceptionally well live, giving it a creative edge that sets him apart.
Also keep an eye on Crystal Dawn, whose gospel-infused jazz is bold, beautiful, and quietly enchanting—anchored by a voice that quietly commands attention that I am always willing to give, especially when watching Crystal live. 2026 will also see more new releases from Leo Miyagee, who continues to display great quality in his music and is poised to take his career up yet another gear, and from Njambi, a rising soul artist with a fresh, youthful tone and subtle hints of Erykah Badu-inspired nuance.
On the jazz front, expect high-quality neo-soul-influenced new music from Zak Irvine and contemporary jazz music from Jozef Dani, both acts are great to watch live and both respectively pushing contemporary jazz in exciting new directions In the Northern Ireland music scene. Finally, Le Chéile are a standout prospect—an innovative trio blending traditional Irish music with funk in a way that feels both natural organic and original. Making them for me a band that are unquestionably one to watch in 2026 and whom I hope to see more from along with all the other artists name here.
