Ireland’s Ria Rua Drops Powerful New Tune You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead

Alt-rock Irish artist and producer Ria Rua has dropped her latest single You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead alongside a live music video, recorded at Camden Recording Studios. The new tune takes aim at the patriarchy and the decline of serious journalism, peddling lyrics of unfiltered sexual expression and what it means to be truly who you are. Co-produced by Ria Rua and Just Chris, and mixed by GRAMMY®-winning engineer Ruadhri Cushnan (George Michael, Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran), the single blends thunderous drums and heavy guitar riffs, emerging as a raw and unapologetic anthem that cuts to the heart of fame’s twisted realities.

Ria Rua

Ria Rua (Just Chris)

Speaking of the track, Ria Rua says: “You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead took years to write. It’s a song about cynicism, but don’t be fooled; it’s not cynical. That would be too easy.

“What sparked the actual writing of the song though was the reaction to the death of Sinead O’Connor. People mocked her, tore her apart for her beliefs, her mental health struggles, and her search for something profound in this chaotic existence. But then she died, and wouldn’t you know it? Suddenly, she became a saint. Revered. Celebrated for the very things they once ridiculed her for. The transformation was nothing short of a sharp, brutal irony.”

Influenced by the artistic defiance of Björk, the grit of Nine Inch Nails, and the eclectic energy of Sonic Youth, Ria Rua’s sound is a blend of dark, pummeling rhythms and electrifying vocals that feel like you’re stepping into a souped-up feminist Hans Zimmer score. Her recent single – I Want You – received critical acclaim and playlist features on Spotify’s New Music Friday and An Alternative Future, in addition to radio play across Ireland, Germany, the US, and the UK. Ria Rua also made waves on the festival circuit, performing at Dublin’s Vicar Street supporting Soda Blonde and headlining the 2023 Musictown Festival.

Check out the live video for You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead below:

The latest release, You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead, continues to showcase Ria Rua’s fierce identity and desire to challenge societal expectations. With an upcoming tour in France set for Spring 2025, her momentum is only growing as she prepares for her debut album – a bold statement of Irish individuality, empowerment, and resistance.

Definitely, Maybe The Night Of Our Lives – Sunday At Reading Festival 2024

The Molotovs @ Electric Ballroom (Derek D'Souza)

The Molotovs Deliver Message Of Hope With Sold-Out Electric Ballroom Show

Rising British rock outfit The Molotovs took over Camden’s Electric Ballroom a sold-out show that cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting young live acts in the country. The gig came just days before the release of their new single Rhythm Of Yourself, out 31st October via Marshall Records, as the teenage sibling duo aim for a remarkable third consecutive UK No.1 physical single.

Courting @ Oslo, London (Charlie Harris)

Courting Share Deluxe Version Of Third Album ‘How To Thread The Needle And Come Out The Other Side To Tell The Story, Or: Lust For Life’

Liverpool four-piece Courting release the deluxe edition of their acclaimed album, How to Thread the Needle and Come Out the Other Side to Tell the Story, Or: ‘Lust for Life’, out now via Lower Third Recordings.

Henge performing at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea (Simon Reed)

Matthew C. Whitaker Unveils Dreamlike Solo Single ‘Lucid Dreamer’

Best known as the magnetic frontman, guitarist and songwriter for space-rave pioneers HENGE, Matthew C. Whitaker steps...

GUV Announces New Album ‘Warmer Than Gold’ – Out 30th January

Guitar pop visionary Ben Cook — formerly known as Young Guv — has announced his new album Warmer Than Gold, set for release on 30th January. The record marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Cook’s long-running project, now simply known as GUV, and arrives with the vibrant lead single Let Your Hands Go.

Sophie Grey. Reimagines ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ Ahead Of London Dates Supporting Sting

Rising electronic pop artist Sophie Grey. returns with a dazzling new take on Video Killed the Radio Star, reworking the Buggles’ 1979 classic into a lush, synth-driven dreamscape. The single — out now — arrives as Sophie prepares to open for Sting across three London shows later this month as part of her global Middle of October tour.

The Churnups (Foo Fighters) @ Glastonbury Festival 2023 (Kalpesh Patel)

Foo Fighters Return With Dark New Single ‘Asking For A Friend’ And 2026 North American Stadium Tour

Foo Fighters have returned with Asking For A Friend, a darkly melodic new single that channels both introspection and...

Bon Jovi Announce Long-Awaited Global Return With ‘Forever Tour’ — Including London, Dublin & Edinburgh Dates

Global rock icons Bon Jovi are set to make their long-awaited return to the road with the announcement of their 2026 Forever Tour — a series of monumental concerts that will see the band perform across New York, Edinburgh, Dublin, and London, marking their first full-scale live performances in years.

The Nocturnal Affair Return To The UK With Wednesday 13 And The SoapGirls

Las Vegas dark rockers The Nocturnal Affair are set to return to the UK this November, joining Wednesday 13 and The SoapGirls on the Mid Death Crisis UK Tour. Following their triumphant summer run alongside Wednesday 13, Drowning Pool and Max Cavalera’s NAILBOMB, the band are back to deliver their haunting brand of “dark rock” to British audiences once again.