Top 5 Irish Artists Right Now

St. Paddy’s Day is this weekend, which means that, across the world, everyone will be pulling out their Irish heritage and celebrating for the day. While that’s all good fun, we’d like to take it as an opportunity to celebrate some of the top musical talent in Ireland right now. These 5 artists are making a splash both at home and globally, so we invite you to have a listen to each if you’re unfamiliar and maybe keep them in mind while wearing your shamrock hat this weekend.

Dermot Kennedy

If you haven’t heard of Dermot Kennedy yet, you will soon enough. Over the last two years, the Dublin-born artist has exploded onto the scene with a sound that combines what was thought to be impossible–folk and hip hop, rap and R&B, grit and delicacy. His latest single, “Young & Free,” showcases his soulful range, haunting lyrics, and ability to meld analogue and electronics, which makes for a truly unique sound and listening experience. This year, Kennedy will be touring North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom before making festival appearances all across the Europe.

Chasing Abbey

From Tullamore to the global stage, Chasing Abbey has experienced what’s being called a meteoric rise. Formed in the summer of 2016, the three-piece band of artists under the age of 23 brings a unique and fresh blend of pop, hip hop and dance to the table. 

Chasing Abbey made a sharp break from traditional Midlands folk musicianship, choosing to create an innovative sound that rivals big acts like Soulé. Having grown up mesmerised by artists like Dr. Dre, Eminem, Michael Jackson, and Biggy Smalls, the Tullamore trio excitedly brings a new type of charisma that blends their influences with modern tastes to live audiences. A UK and North American tour are in the works, so keep an eye out for tickets. This is a live show that you just don’t want to miss.

Niall Horan

Niall Horan hasn’t let One Direction’s “hiatus” keep him from making music. On the contrary, the Westmeath-born musician is currently on a world tour promoting his new album, Flicker, which was released in October of 2017. Horan’s debut solo album marks a departure from 1D’s teen pop style. Horan himself states that he drew inspiration from Bon Jovi, Fleetwood Mac, and the Eagles, ultimately creating an album that he deems “folk-with-a-pop-feel.” And it’s been a hit–selling over a quarter of a million copies worldwide and topping the Billboard 200. In Ireland alone, Horan performed at a sold out 3Arena before continuing on to the UK and Europe, where he has been met with positive critique.

Sean OB

After you hear him, he sticks with you. With a sound reminiscent of Thin Lizzy and the Clash, the troubadour from Tallaght is refreshing. “Alive” was his first single, which established him as a tour-de-force of pop punk, lighting up Dublin music venues with his energetic and explosive style. His latest single “Teacher,” has the catchiness of a pop hit, the musicianship of Buddy Holly, and the lyrics of a born poet. A much-anticipated EP is currently in the works, so keep your eye out for tour and album release dates.

Picture This

Picture This is an internet success story. In 2015, Ryan Hennessy and Jimmy Rainsford of Athy recorded a version of “Take My Hand” on an iPhone, and after posting it to Facebook and YouTube, they both became instant hits amassing over 1.2 million views. Since then, the dynamic duo has sold out dozens of live shows across the Ireland and the UK, including a much-anticipated show at RDS in Dublin. Their sound is a unique blend of pop, folk, and rock with soulful vocals and lyrics, which have been enchanting audiences all over the world. Watch out for new releases and tour dates in the future!