Following a whirlwind 2025 that saw him move from Dublin’s pub circuit to the world’s most iconic stages, Aaron Rowe has officially entered his next era. The Irish singer-songwriter has kicked off 2026 with the release of his latest single, 'Please Don’t Hate Me', a track that further cements his reputation as a master of the "confessional" anthem.
The new release follows the meteoric success of his debut EP, 'Exodus', which featured fan favourites like 'Hey Ma' and 'Talking With You'. While that project was steeped in the themes of heritage and the bittersweet reality of leaving home, 'Please Don’t Hate Me' leans into a more intimate vulnerability. It is a song that breathes with raw honesty, stripping back the layers to reveal the man behind the rising stardom.
Despite the heavy emotional weight of his lyrics, Rowe remains refreshingly grounded regarding how his work is consumed. He prefers to leave the door open for the listener, stating: “I don’t want to tell people how to feel. Art should be in the eye of the beholder. I just put the songs out there, and everyone can find their own meaning.”
Rowe’s ascent has been nothing short of cinematic. Last year, he was the name on everyone’s lips after a standout Glastonbury debut at the Wishing Well stage—a performance that reportedly drew the attention of Emily Eavis and Fred again.., and high-profile support slots for the likes of Sam Fender and Zach Bryan. After closing out last year on the road with Lewis Capaldi, the momentum is only accelerating.
Fans won’t have to wait long to hear the new material live. Rowe is set to reunite with Ed Sheeran for the 2026 leg of The Loop Tour, joining the global superstar for massive stadium dates across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. It is a fitting stage for an artist whose sound, heavily influenced by the warmth of Motown and the grit of classic soul, seems designed to fill the largest of spaces.
With 'Please Don’t Hate Me' currently soundtracking his journey, 2026 looks to be the year Aaron Rowe transcends his "ones to watch" status to become a definitive voice in modern folk-soul. For more, join Aaron Rowe today on Instagram, TikTok, and X.
