Artist Spotlight: hotgirl Are Making Noise And They’re Only Getting Started
Words: Rachel Hannon
Photo: aidanpostscringe
If you’re looking for a band that channels messy emotion, melodic dissonance, and pure DIY spirit into every single note, then look no further than hotgirl. Born from a bedroom demo, they have grown into one of Ireland’s most distinctive new acts. This quartet from Dublin/Drogheda blends noisy indie, rock, and even some lo-fi roots. This is the kind of music you’d expect to find in a 90s coming-of-age classic. And we’re here for it. We’ve teamed up with Beamish to spotlight rising Irish acts worth knowing, and hotgirl is bringing the noise you didn’t know you needed.
From SoundCloud to Stages: The Origin of hotgirl
hotgirl began their journey in 2021, when lead singer Ashley Abbedeen uploaded a trip-hop infused demo Jam to SoundCloud. The track caught ears including those of guitarist Sophie Boxwell, who joined after spotting Ashely’s Instagram call out for bandmates. Drummer Nick Stanley (aka Muttonhead), and bassist Jake Hurley (aka Local Boy) joined soon after, first filling in for a showcase and staying for good. What started off as lo-fi bedroom pop, soon evolved into a chaotic, crunchy, melodic force that’s impossible to ignore.
The hotgirl Sound: Coming-of-Age Chaos
Their sound really does remind you of a late 90s/early 00s indie film. It’s raw, emotional, and just the right amount noisy. Between Sophie’s jagged guitar lines, Jake’s bass crunch, Nick’s punchy backbeats, and Ashley’s sharp, reflective lyrics, they create a wall of sound that is distinctly their own. Their influences range from Juliana Hatfield to Demi Lovato in Camp Rock. So expect nostalgia and Disney knees when listening to them.
The Hits So Far: EPs, Singles & Live Highlights
Their debut EP ‘Sick Sad World’ dropped in December in 2023 earning spots on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds UK & IE, and All New Punk playlists. Since then, they have been hinting us with their 2025 EP ‘Blast Off‘, with hard-hitting tracks ‘The Stink’ and ‘Sisyphus.’ These tracks deliver their signature unpolished energy, which is also evident in their live set. They’ve shared stages with SPRINTS, Pillow Queens, Fraulein, and Krooked Kings, and made their London debut at The Windmill, Brixton. Oh, and they’ve even opened for The Libertines at Dublin’s Olympia.
Writing, Recording & Performing
What started as Ashley’s solo writing project has grown into a truly collaborative process. These days, the band often begin songs as rough sketches brought to the studio. From here, the band flesh them out together mixing their different tastes. Their live show isn’t just music, it’s part catharsis, part comedy, with bassist Jake weaving stand-up bits between songs and Ashely weaving the crowd with her huge vocals.
What’s Next: The Future Is Loud
With no signs of slowing down, expect more festival slots, unfiltered indie anthems, and more chaos. They will be playing We’ve Only Just Begun Festival, All Together Now, and who knows, maybe an Irish tour is on the horizon? Whatever they do, they’re ready for blast off.
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