Babyrat – announce their highly anticipated debut EP, ‘Pretty Ugly’ + share new single ‘Say!’( What You Wanna Say)

Following the release of their debut single ‘Roses’ and a breakthrough year on the Irish live music scene, rising Cork four-piece BABYRAT today announce their highly anticipated debut EP, ‘Pretty Ugly’, arriving 5 February 2027, alongside the release of their powerful new single ‘Say! (What You Wanna Say)’.

Bigger, bolder and grittier than its predecessor, ‘Say!’ marks an exciting evolution in BABYRAT’s sound. Blending infectious indie-rock hooks, driving guitars, soaring synths and commanding vocals, the track is a defiant anthem about breaking free from manipulation, finding your voice and reclaiming your power.

At its heart, ‘Say!’ is a song about liberation. Rather than dwelling on the pain of a toxic relationship, it celebrates the triumph of reaching a place where someone else’s cruelty no longer holds any power. 

Speaking about the single, BABYRAT explain:

“‘Say!’ is about escaping a manipulative grasp and realising you don’t actually need to feel the way that person makes you feel. It’s about regaining strength and power, and the triumph of getting to a place where you’re no longer affected by their cruel nature. This song isn’t about suffering, it’s about overcoming.”

Musically, ‘Say!’ signals an exciting evolution for BABYRAT. Drawing on the sharp, interlocking guitars of The Strokes, the driving energy of Paramore and the synth-led anthems of Blossoms and The Killers, the band deliver their most ambitious sound yet. A prominent lead synth makes its first appearance in a BABYRAT release, while the commanding lead vocal cuts through the production with equal measures of grit, attitude and pop sensibility.

Written by Jamie Kierans, Zoe Jordan, Matthew Lucas and Stevie Healy, the single was produced by Jamie Kierans alongside Alessandro Di Camillo.

Accompanying the release is the official music video for ‘Say! (What You Wanna Say)’, directed by the band’s own Jamie Kierans, shot by Grace Dempsey and Kate Globa, and edited by Grace Dempsey.

The single also offers a first taste of ‘Pretty Ugly’, BABYRAT’s debut five-track EP, arriving 5 February 2027. Exploring the highs, lows and contradictions of early adulthood, the project navigates friendships, relationships and self-discovery, pairing bright, infectious melodies with darker, emotionally charged lyrics. Recorded at Camden Studios in Dublin, the EP promises to capture the energy and contrasting sides of a band whose sound continues to evolve.

‘PRETTY UGLY’ – TRACKLIST
Roses
Say! (What You Wanna Say)
Talk Talk
Bite The Bullet
First To Know

BABYRAT ANNOUNCE DEBUT EP ‘PRETTY UGLY’ OUT 5TH FEBRUARY 2027 PRE-SAVE HERE

BABYRAT’s arrival with debut single ‘Roses’ in September 2026 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Cork-based band, following a year spent building their reputation through high-energy live performances. The single quickly attracted support across Irish radio, including RTÉ 2FM, Today FM, SPIN, iRadio, BEAT and Red FM, establishing BABYRAT as an exciting new name on the Irish music scene.

Having already built a dedicated following on the live circuit, including performances at Electric Picnic and All Together Now, BABYRAT are now translating that undeniable onstage energy into their recorded music. With ‘Say! (What You Wanna Say)’ and the announcement of ‘Pretty Ugly’, the band are offering their clearest statement of intent yet: bold, energetic guitar music with infectious hooks, emotional honesty and plenty of attitude.

With their debut EP on the horizon, BABYRAT are ready to introduce a whole new audience to their world. And if ‘Say!’ is anything to go by, they’re only getting louder.

LIVE / TICKETS HERE
13 November 2026 – SHINE x BBC INTRODUCING presents DON’T SLEEP, Belfast
27 – 29 November 2026— Other Voices Music Trail, Dingle
30 December 2026 – NYF, Dublin
15 January 2027 – EUROSONIC, Groningen, Netherlands
23 February 2027 – Dolan’s Kasbah, Limerick
24 February 2027 – Róisín Dubh, Galway
25 February 2027 – The Grand Social, Dublin
26 February 2027 – Savoy, Cork
4 March 2027 – Dublin Castle, London