Whether it’s Bono, Thin Lizzy, An Dreoilín or bucket loads of Eurovisions – Ireland has always had a way with music.
All you need to do is stroll down Grafton Street any given lunchtime and you’ll see the vast amount of talent we have cascading in from our side streets. And it’s getting better all the time.
Here’s our pick of new artists to watch out for over the coming months in 2016…
1. Elm
Elm have gone from strength to strength this year, from Body&Soul, to headlining Gay Pride to the Notting Hill Club in London. Their music is haunting, soulful and personable and really takes into consideration the feelings of the time.
Their latest single, Concentrate, follows the tale of being transgender in Ireland. It’s refreshing, catchy and representative of the complex feelings at the same time.
2. The Ocelots
With hints and riffs of beauty only heard previously by Paolo Nutini and Tom Smith of The Editors, The Ocelots have vocal ranges well beyond their years. The twins hail from Wexford, and play guitar and harmonica effortlessly and phenomenally.
Already boasting an impressive repertoire, these two are destined for great things.
3. Voxx
Glamorous champions of the festival scene, VOXX is made up of three guys, two ladies and a whole lot of talent. You may have spotted them performing around the country, clad in fish nets, glitter, animal skin and not much else.
Their music is as infectious as they are – with catchy rhythmic progressions that your parents would be proud of.
4. Hare Squead
Gaining traction quickly, impressively and quite steadily is Hare Squead.
With soulful sounds, fresh lyrics and natural expression that some musicians would kill for, these three lads are bringing RnB, hip-hop, soul and pop together to create one of the most unique sounds you’ll hear in Ireland at present.
5. All Tvvins
While they’re not entirely new to the music scene, All Tvvins have just this week released their debut album IIVV – with more of a pop-feel than anything they’ve produced previously.
Get ready to play it on repeat, because these tunes are bangers.
6. Saint Sister
Hailing from Belfast and Dublin, these two ladies are as haunting as they are ethereal.
Singing soulfully and honestly, and bagging life-changing gigs such as Glastonbury and Latitude this year, these two have musicality coming out of their ears. And with a harp on their side, they’re just as dreamy as you could imagine.
7. Katie Laffan
With rhythmical lyrics that would put early Lily Allen to shame, Katie Laffan‘s indie pop sound has what other artists crave: heart.
Free-spirited and wildly charismatic, her music echoes individuality and freedom, as she somehow manages to mix funk, pop, hip-hop, jazz and reggae together effortlessly.
This Dublin native is an individual, that’s for sure, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what else she comes up with.
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