WATCH MUSIC VIDEO FOR MAD AS HELL HERE
27.02.26 – Irish alt-rock artist and producer Ria Rua has today released her highly anticipated debut album, SCAPEG.O.A.T., a bold, uncompromising body of work that cements her as one of Ireland’s most fearless new voices. Listen/ buy here.
A radical statement of individuality and self-liberation, SCAPEG.O.A.T. channels Rua’s ferociously energetic sound through thunderous drums, heavy guitars and provocative lyricism. The album fuses high-energy alt-rock with eclectic pop, balancing raw intensity with sharp wit, sexual defiance and emotional vulnerability. Across SCAPEG.O.A.T., Rua tackles power, patriarchy, conformity and identity.
Speaking on the release, Ria says: “SCAPEG.O.A.T is a protest album. It’s personal – in that all the songs are about my experiences in the world – but at its core it’s about getting angry and standing up for yourself in a world that’s gone mad.”
The album arrives following a run of striking singles including Ass Movin’, Black And Tan, You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead, and I Love That For You.
Opening track Ass Movin’ captures Rua at her unapologetic best. A thunderous track about recognising toxic environments and walking away before they can do harm. With Black And Tan, Rua delivers a ferocious critique of power and corruption, a sonic gut-punch that embodies defiance.
Elsewhere, I Love That For You blends haunting vocals and industrial undertones to explore the pressure to compromise one’s identity, while You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead takes aim at the patriarchy and the erosion of serious journalism. Co-produced by Rua and Just Chris, and mixed by Grammy-winner Ruadhri Cushnan (George Michael, Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran).
Raised in rural Meath, Ireland, Rua built her sound from percussion ensembles and marching bands into a cinematic, industrial alt-rock world influenced by Björk, Nine Inch Nails, Sonic Youth and Billie Eilish. Her music addresses ADHD, bisexuality and defying societal norms, aiming to create a sense of belonging for young neurodivergent and queer women.
To coincide with the release, Ria Rua will take the album on the road in early 2026, with headline dates across Dublin, Galway, Cork and Belfast, alongside a London date at Windmill Brixton on 2nd March.
SCAPEG.O.A.T. is a bold declaration of individuality, freedom and unapologetic artistry.
SCAPEG.O.A.T. Tracklist
- Ass Movin’
- Mad As Hell
- Black And Tan
- BITCHSHEMIAN RHAPSODY
- You’ll Only Like Me When I’m Dead
- I Love That For You
- It’s a Hit…
- Whatchagonnado
- LOVESICK
- Bi Sexy
SCAPEG.O.A.T. Tour – 2026
- 26 February – Whelan’s, Dublin
- 28 February – Róisín Dubh, Galway
- 2 March – Windmill Brixton, London
- 5 March – Fred Zeppelins, Cork
- 28 March – Banana Block, Belfast
Credit: Just Chris
Connect with Ria Rua
