On The Rise Irish indie pop/rock artist Arlene – releases infectious new single ‘Racing Minds’

Hailing from Roscommon, ARLENE is a rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist making waves in the Irish music scene. Her sound is a distinctive blend of indie-pop and alt-rock, fused with experimental beats that push genre boundaries.

ARLENE gained national and international recognition in 2020 with her breakout single Send Me Any Sign, earning a spot as one of BBC Radio Introducing’s Top 5 Artists of the Week. Her follow-up track somebody else solidified her momentum, making her Artist of the Month across several Irish radio stations including Cork’s 96FM, Q102, LMFM, and Limerick’s Live 95.

After taking a step back to write and refine her craft, ARLENE returned in 2024 with Longshot — a bold new release already garnering radio support in the UK and Canada.

With performances at major Irish venues like Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Sound House, and festival appearances at Night & Day, K-Fest, TNBT, and Whelan’s Ones to Watch, ARLENE has built a reputation for electrifying live shows and genre-defying sets.

Unapologetically bold and creatively fearless, ARLENE is one of Ireland’s most compelling new voices — and she’s just getting started.

‘Racing Minds’ unpacks the toll of being stuck in cycles of overthinking, emotional betrayal, and growing disconnection. It opens with a stark existential question — “Does it matter what colour the sky is?” — immediately placing listeners inside the mind of someone who’s navigating a world that feels increasingly unsteady and detached. However, ARLENE’s raw edgy vocals along with hybrid electronic beats, melodic hooklines and layered synths only encourage listeners to dance or sing along to it.

‘Racing Minds’ is a slow-burning, genre-defying anthem – a raw confession wrapped in sound, made for late-night reflection, heartbreak recovery, and anyone confronting the chaos within, while still keeping a positive outlook.

“I wrote ‘Racing Minds’ some time ago now, and somehow I still find myself relating to it everyday. I kept it under wraps for as long as possible, because I was anxious to let everyone into my little world of thoughts and feelings by releasing it. I just hope people can connect emotionally with it the way I do.”

Artwork by Arlene with the photography by Niamh Barry.