New generation of Irish artists gaining international recognition

The Irish music scene is thriving, with a new wave of talented artists gaining both local and international attention. Here are ten emerging musicians to explore before next St. Patrick’s Day. Ria Rua, from Meath, is a drummer turned alt-rock singer. She aims to help listeners confront their issues through her music. Her upcoming debut album tackles tough topics, including a song critiquing modern sociopaths like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The band Hotgirl features four members from Dublin. Their new EP will be out next month. They blend '90s grunge and punk with early 2000s pop, describing their sound as fitting for a coming-of-age movie. Cardinals is a Cork band gaining recognition. Their latest EP shows a shift from post-punk to more melodic indie rock. Frontman Euan Manning says their music is warm beneath the noise. Galway's Adore recently released a song that reflects personal struggles from when their leader, Lara Minchin, was just 16. The song carries a message about self-acceptance and not needing everyone’s approval. Efé is a singer-songwriter from Dublin. Her earlier work had a softer sound, but she is now embracing rock influences. She's signed with a US label and is excited about her new direction. Dea Matrona, a duo from Belfast, has gone from street performances to larger festivals like BST Hyde Park. Their hard rock sound mixes influences from iconic bands like Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. Cork's Cliffords is another promising new group. They are inspired by acts like Radiohead and Phoebe Bridgers. With a UK tour coming up, they are ready to showcase their electrifying style. Peer Pleasure from Wexford describes their music as noisy garage punk. Their lyrics are bold and unfiltered, touching on social issues and personal opinions. They have a debut album set to release this year. Sister Ghost, led by Shannon Delores O'Neill from Derry, has recently launched her debut album. It includes empowering tracks influenced by '90s rock and addresses feminist themes. Lastly, Thumper is back on the radar. They recently previewed songs from their forthcoming album, creating excitement among fans. Although not new, their evolving sound keeps them relevant in today’s music scene. These artists reflect the strength and variety of contemporary Irish music. They are set to make waves and deserve your attention as they rise to fame.