9 contemporary Irish folk acts to hear in 2024
Ireland has a long history of producing high-quality acts in the world of folk and traditional music. Here are 9 acts writing an exciting new chapter for the genre….
Click into each image to listen to our top pick for each artist, or read their bios below.
Niall McNamee:
Niall McNamee is an Irish singer-songwriter and actor known for his passionate, thoughtful and full-blooded songs. A self-taught musician, Niall has been immersed in music his whole life. Throughout years as a struggling young actor, Niall supported himself performing Irish folk songs, resulting in his knowledge of traditional music growing rich and deep. But all the while, he was writing his own material, drawing on that heritage but pushing into contemporary rock and pop territory.
The New Leaves:
The New Leaves, like so many contemporary music projects, emerged from the post pandemic wilderness. Consisting of four childhood friends from County Down in Northern Ireland, the band blend lush, three-part harmonies, nature inspired lyrics and modern folk aesthetics to brand them as a new, unique force in the genre. The four members came together to breathe life into an expanding songbook written by lead vocalist Declan McKay, who attempts to capture the natural beauty, history, and mythology of homelife beneath the Mourne Mountains and the beautiful townlands that surround Carlingford Lough.
Cobra Promotions is proud to be helping the band promote upcoming single, “Donaghaguy Reservoir” and debut album, “A Sketch of Home” (June 2024).
Bridín:
A native of west Sligo, BRÍDÍN, carries on the tradition of Irish music into the fourth generation of her family. She has developed her own style as influenced by her natural surroundings and background in Irish traditional music. Using loop and effect pedals, her layered melodies on harp and voice blend beautifully with contrapuntal fiddle, keyboard, electric guitar and bass, woven together with pulsating drums.
AMBLE:
Amble are a 3-piece contemporary folk based ensemble formed over a mutual grá for the music they curate. Hailing from the midlands and west of Ireland, the three men cite inspiration from artists such as John Prine, Paolo Nutini, Ye Vagabonds, Talos, as well as others. Although in its infancy, Amble have already gained a strong core following from playing intimate live gigs and through previous individual musical endeavors.
OSCAR JENNINGS:
Carving out a name for himself in his local independent scene, Oscar Jennings has been writing songs since the age of 13 and has been performing live just as long. Offering a songwriting style that is personal and heartfelt, the artist expresses a wiseness beyond his years - and a rare mixture of talent and humility.
Laura Jo:
One of the midlands’ most talented leading ladies in folk, Laura Jo initially gained recognition by touring nationally and internationally as a versatile multi-instrumentalist, captivating audiences on both land and sea. She has performed in Irish traditional bands such as The Young Irelanders, Billow Wood, and Briste since 2016 as a lead vocalist and musician. In 2018, she embarked on her solo career travelling across various continents, and amidst the pandemic, turned her focus to her own original music.
The Henry Girls:
The Henry Girls are three sisters from Co. Donegal whose music is imbued with compassion, insight and warmth, both in their lyrics and their magnificent musicianship. They have a unique rootsy sound which borrows elements from Irish traditional music.
David Howley:
David Howley is a mythic indie-folk artist from Galway, conjuring a mesmerizing journey into ethereal realms through his music. With soulful vocals, evocative storytelling and enchating melodies, he weaves a sonic tapestry of timeless allure. Inspired by ancient legends and raw emotions, Howley’s music captures the essence of tradition with a modern twist.
No Oil Paintings:
No Oil Paintings are a rowdy Americana four-piece from Belfast. Their mix of folk instrumentation, four-part harmonies and high energy live shows serve to create their own brand of genre-blending roots music. Expect to hear everything from swampy blues rock to straight up country waltzes.
These acts are included on our “Irish folk & trad” playlist. Stream below!
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A very strong debut that tickets our boxes. Irish garage rockers and post-punkers have some fresh competition