KNEECAP have today shared the single and video for ‘Sayōnara’, a brand-new, stand-alone track written and recorded in collaboration with Paul Hartnoll of Orbital.
The video, directed by Finn Keenan, features an appearance from Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, best known for her role as Michelle in the much-loved Derry Girls.
• WATCH THE VIDEO FOR SAYÕNARA •
Talking about appearing in the video, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell said:
“I had the best time filming the ‘Sayōnara’ music video. Not only is it a massive banger of a track but the intense yet euphoric video is sure to be remembered. The creativity and vision of director, Finn, created a fantastic environment for us all to create something really special. I was delighted to have been asked to be involved in this project especially as I am already a huge fan of Kneecap’s music and an admirer of their work overall.”
Finn Keenan added:
“The intensity and ominous tone of Sayõnara reminded me of both the best nights out and the brutal days that followed. That’s what sparked the idea. But I wanted to turn a typical dance video on its head and focus on the aftermath and how the chemicals in your body change as the week progresses. I wanted to capture the visceral intensity of paranoia and intrusive thoughts. Somehow, that “never again” anxiety of Monday slowly shifts by Friday into a “Weekend is here. Monday will never happen again! ” optimism.
“Through conversations with the band, we also wanted to nod to Belfast’s rave history. In the 90s, raves weren’t just parties — they were acts of resistance, dangerous but vital spaces where Catholics and Protestants could go to be together and dance. That spirit is what fuels the scene of Jamie Lee driving the pimped-up Kneecap Land Rover across the city — a kind of rave pied piper, spreading the idea that art, music, and creativity can break down the metaphorical walls which are often stronger than the physical ones. Pent up anger and frustration are released through dance instead of turning into hate.
Which is what the ludicrous end of the video is about. I wanted this end scene to be feral! Working with Jamie Lee made this possible. She’s one of the most open, vulnerable and fun people i’ve ever met. Working with her was incredible. We didnt have a choreographer so for the end dance we’d have a chat before each take and then she would channel her own stories and emotions into the performances, each one completely different than the last and each one genuinely left the crew speechless. It was an incredible thing to witness. She’s a powerhouse!
Massive thanks to RiffRaff for their support and to all the incredible cast and crew who created such a lovely vibe on set that meant everyone was comfortable doing some of the most bizarre stuff i’ve ever had to ask people to do on camera. And of course thank you once again to Kneecap for trusting me with this absolute pile of weird!”
• WATCH THE VIDEO FOR SAYŌNARA HERE •
The 12” is available on black vinyl and is available to pre-order now. Out on October 10th.
~ PRE-ORDER ~ HVN84312 ~ KNEECAP – Sayõnara ~ THE RECAP (12″ BLACK VINYL) ~
~ Bandcamp orders come with exclusive Kneecap £32 note ~
~ TRACKLIST ~
A1. Sayõnara ~ KNEECAP and Paul Hartnoll
A2. THE RECAP ~ KNEECAP ft MOZEY
B1. Sayõnara ~ KNEECAP and Paul Hartnoll (Instrumental)
B2. THE RECAP ~ KNEECAP ft MOZEY (Instrumental)
•••
~ Sayōnara ~ KNEECAP and Paul Hartnoll ~ OUT NOW ~
When it came to following up ‘sound of the summer so far’ single THE RECAP Ft. Mozey, Kneecap had it in their heads that they wanted to make a proper 100% rave festival banger. A few days in the studio with one of the masters of that art form – Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll – and the Belfast (and Derry) three piece emerge with an absolute classic of the genre – a mind pounding, drum heavy, relentless club monster of a single.
“Having worked on the Orbital track Belfast for the fantastic Kneecap film, I was delighted to be asked by the lads to help them make a rave festival banger. They loved the track and did it proud with their lyrics – it was all so easy and natural, just as a good collaboration should be. Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to be in a field this summer and hear it in its natural habitat , big , loud, and unashamed!” – Paul Hartnoll –
~ THE RECAP ~ KNEECAP and MOZEY ~
An astonishingly instant summer-smash in waiting, the West Belfast trio collaborated with drum & bass producer Mozey on the Kemi Badenoch baiting track which received its live debut at their momentous headline appearance at this year’s Wide Awake Festival in Brockwell Park, London. (Mozey appears courtesy of Rinse.)
– WATCH THE RECAP VIDEO – LISTEN HERE ~
•••
After facing a barrage of criticism and subsequently finding themselves in the middle of a media and political maelstrom for vocally advocating for peace and Palestinian freedom at this year’s Coachella, their Wide Awake show felt a massively significant moment – lauded by the Guardian, the Telegraph, Pitchfork, the Irish Times, the London Standard, and described by The Times as a “historic moment… Exciting, funny and anarchic, with a rebellious edge that has not been seen in rock or rap for years” the trio subsequently announced their biggest London show to date at the 12,500 capacity Wembley Arena on Thursday 18th September 2025.
This summer also sees them join forces with Fontaines D.C. for a series of massive summer outdoor shows across the UK and Ireland, head back to the studio to record the follow-up to Fine Art and perform at a number of huge festival dates around Europe, including a highly anticipated return to Glastonbury and Green Man later in the summer. They will also perform a massive outdoor show in Dublin, as well as two December concerts at Dublin’s 3Arena, the largest indoor arena on the island of Ireland.
Whether they’re rolling up to Sundance in a police Land Rover, encouraging tens of thousands of young people to learn Irish, breaking box office records, storming festivals with epic main stage sets, annoying right-wing politicians the world over, or earning support and solidarity from the likes of Annie Mac, Noel Gallagher, Elton John, Amyl & The Sniffers, Paul Weller, Primal Scream, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Massive Attack, on banners in football stadiums, or in graffiti on city walls around the world, Kneecap’s message and mode of unity, community, collective action and the power of raving, punk, and rap, is all underscored with a revolutionary sound, and blistering live performances that have built a global wave of fans unified in the joy of solidarity and the shared sweat that flings from fine art like no other.
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