Irish Indie Band NewDad Discuss Their Sophomore Album, Altar and Playing Coachella in 2026

Irish indie rock band NewDad have been turning a lot of heads over the last few years, and after releasing their debut album, Madra, in January of 2024, they didn't waste any time getting back into the studio to continue their story.

The follow-up album, Altar, released on Sep. 19, with vocalist/guitarist Julie Dawson, guitarist Sean O'Dowd and drummer Fiachra Parslow further refining and exploring their lush alt-rock sound and lyrical complexity. The album's 12 tracks are a reflection on the meaning of home, what it means to step out into the world and the push and pull between feelings of safety, familiarity and stagnation and risking it all to venture into the unknown to follow your calling.

Its message is felt even more strongly considering how busy the band has been. They're currently on tour across Europe and will be heading across North America in the spring of 2026—including their debut at Coachella. We had the pleasure of chatting with frontwoman Julie Dawson about the new album, their growth and their excitement around the upcoming festival. Read our full interview with her below.

Sweety High: What does the album title Altar mean to you? 

Julie Dawson: It means love and admiration for home. It means hope—hope that one day I'll get back, and hope that one day I'll be strong enough to put myself first and lead the life I want.

(Photo credit: Peter Eason Daniels)

 

SH: Why did the name Altar feel like the perfect way to summarize this group of songs?

Julie: The album is a love letter to home. An altar is where you worship, and it made sense with the themes of pleading and praying for home, but also the themes of people-pleasing and pandering to others.

The overarching themes are love, homesickness, frustration, people-pleasing and expectations vs. reality. All stemmed from our move away from Galway to a major city and trying to find our place in London and in the music industry.

 

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SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

Julie: I would say it's confident, feels like a breath of fresh air, but spiky and aggressive in moments.

Sam ["Shrink" Breathwick], who produced the record, really brought so much to the NewDad sound. There were a lot of instruments we hadn't used before, like cello and violin, but we also experimented a lot more with synths. All these extra components gave the album a slightly more sophisticated sound.

 

SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?

Julie: I guess it represents acceptance. We've learned a lot in the six years we've been doing this, and I suppose we know now it's not all sunshine and rainbows and that you've got to work hard and be patient in this biz. We've also learned to stand up for ourselves more and to be who we are, not a version of ourselves that other people want.

 

SH: What are each of your favorite songs on the album, and why?

Julie: Sean's favorite song on the album is "Pretty." It reminds him of home.

Mine is "Misery" just because it shows a different side of a NewDad, a sound and feeling that we can tap into, which really excites me.

 

SH: How do you think you've evolved as artists since Madra?

NewDad: I think we're more confident in ourselves and our playing. We're willing to try different things and experiment.

 

SH: Congrats on being part of the Coachella lineup next year! What does it mean to you all to be part of the world-famous music festival?

NewDad: It's really mad. It's exciting and encouraging, too. Makes us feel like we're doing something right to be playing at such a well-regarded festival hehehe. Can't wait to see what it's like.

 

SH: Anything you're looking forward to most?

Julie: Coming back to the U.S. and seeing new cities! Also, just so excited to play this album to more people 🙂

 

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SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

NewDad: We'd like to thank all the people who have listened to and bought the album, and come to the shows. We really feel like we've built up a strong community around these songs and the feelings behind them, and appreciate the love people have been sending our way around it.

 

For even more insights from artists we admire, click HERE to read our interview with Mimi Webb on her new album, Confessions.