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04th Apr 2017

These Are The 13 Irish Female Music Artists You Need To Listen To Right Now

Sarah

Ireland’s music scene right now is absolutely buzzing, and it’s so exciting to see such a varied range of musical styles coming up through the ranks from our humble shores.

From electro beats, soulful symphonies and just all-round bangers, there’s a shit load of great tunes by Irish artists to feast your ears upon at the moment, and what makes for even more excitement is that much of the driving force is coming from mega-talented Irish women.

As we get closer and closer to festival season (YES!), it’s well worth checking out some of the artists you might not be so familiar with but who will be playing on the same stages as major international acts.

We’ve rounded up 13 (in no particular order because that would be way too impossible) of our favorite female musicians that will make your playlist SO much better.

Trust us on this and make it your goal to listen to each and every one of these gals – they’re gonna be big.

1. Barq

This Dublin band making Alt RnB (or Agrosoul, as they call it) is fronted by slick singer Jess Kav – so we’re officially popping them in our list of fab ladies.

Jess has previously sung with Jape, Kodaline, and Hozier, and her soulful voice shines through in each and every song. This is music you need to dance to.

2. Ailbhe Reddy

Ailbhe was the most recent winner of the IMRO Other Room public vote for Other Voices, and with a sold out gig at the Sugar Club and upcoming gigs in Canada and at home, she’s seriously rising high.

Her raw and gripping vocals are perfectly suited to the indie-folk style she’s proving herself to be the master of.

3. Rosa Nutty

Rosa’s an up-and-coming singer from Dublin who wowed with her debut LP ‘Bunny’ in 2015.

The main focus of her music is on her though-provoking lyrics, which are set to the lull of her guitar and dynamic vocals. Her second LP is due to be released shortly, and you’re gonna want to check it out, 100%.

4. Loah

Loah, the stage name of choice of Sallay Matu Garnett, has worked with members of Little Green Cars and co-wrote with Hozier.

Of Irish and Sierra Leonean origin, the fabulous singer takes West-African choral influences and adds her own soulful, jazzy vibe – she’s on her way to be HUGE.

5. Aine Cahill

Being compared to Lana Del Rey at the age of 21 is no mean feat, and Aine deserves the praise without a doubt – this gal is pure class.

Her pop-music is inspired by her love of both classic Jazz from the 1950’s and current music, and she’s already played Glastonbury and EP. We’re obsessed.

6. Soulé

Pronounced Soul-A, this electronic/Dance pop singer/songwriter is one of the most exciting new artists in Ireland’s soul scene, and her banging debut single ‘Love No More’ was even nominated for Choice Music Prize Irish Song of the Year.

Follow-up track ‘Good Life’ is the best 90’s bass and garage tune you’ll hear all week.

7. Pillow Queens

This pop-punk band will fast become one of your favourites, having played at Whelans’ Ones To Watch Festival earlier this year.

Their tunes are super catchy, and they even self-released their December EP -a ballsy move that we love them for.

8. Farah Elle

Mix hip-hop, ska, R&B and incredible vocals with an Arabian influence and you have Farah Elle.

This absolute delight of a singer will have a busy year playing at Ireland’s top music festivals and is currently working on her LP, so it’s only natural that a buzz has started for what she will bring to our ears in the next few months. 

9. Æ MAK

Aoife McCann and Ellie McMahon met while studying vocals in BIMM in 2011, and have been a song-writing duo ever since, impressing with their alternative/indie-pop sound that’s reminiscent of Lykke Li.

The pair’s harmonies and upbeat buzz made a stir with their 2016 EP release, and a steady stream of very fun live gigs that is #girlpower at its best.

10. Rosie Carney

Possibly Donegal’s finest musical export, Rosie Carney is not only an extremely skilled music artist (her songs are honestly breathtaking), she’s also become an inspiring advocate for mental health since her honest blog post and single ‘Awake Me’.

The folk beaut deals with depression and anxiety and the result is stunning.

11. Holly Macve

Born in Galway and now living in Brighton, Holly uses her goosebump-raising voice to create country and Western music that will completely change your perception of the genre.

Dramatic and emotional song lyrics just add to her hype. 

12. Siights

This electric Scottish/Dublin duo, Toni Etherson and Mia Fitz are making a name for themselves both in Ireland and abroad.

Their slick song ‘Dance’ was made in LA and perfectly showcases their electro-funk and disco music to a tee.

13. Bonzai

Indiana born and Wicklow raised, 20-year-old Bonzai is a neon-bright blend of rap, grime, dubstep, techno and D&B. The cool club-gals new BFF.

Bonzai has recently signed to Columbia Records, with her 2016 LP ‘Lunacy’ making critics bow down worldwide. 

Go forth and enjoy <3

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