Qbanaa, Rachael Lavelle and Caleb Kunle Rock The Grand Social

Ireland Music Week 2023 was a proper extravaganza of local music, with over 50 Irish artists performing on six stages across three Dublin city venues – The Grand Social, The Workman’s Club and Tengu. It was an opportunity for artists to showcase their music, and for fans to familiarise themselves with upcoming Irish talent.

There were enthusiastic reports from the Hot Press talent scouts on performances by Yard, The Love Buzz from Kinsale, Really Good Time, The Altered Hours from Cork, Thanks Mom from Kildare, Cruel Sister, fast-rising Dubliners Basht, Chubby Cat, Hot Girl (whose debut single was highly praised by Hot Press back in June) and Melina Malone, among others.

I was lucky enough to catch the Cuban-Irish artist Qbanaa in The Grand Social Loft on Friday night. Backed by a seven-piece band, she put on a truly powerful show – lighting up the intimate venue with her special blend of Neo Soul, R&B and Alt-pop.

Qbanaa at Ireland Music Week 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Qbanaa has pedigree. Her debut single ‘Truth and Desire’ was released in October 2022 and was met with immediate praise. Watching her live, you could immediately see why. She has a great voice and her stellar melodies – drawing sweetly on her Cuban heritage – make it easy to fall in love with her music. Inspired by artists such as Jorja Smith and Biig Piig, Qbanaa radiates effortlessly cool girl energy.

She played a couple of unreleased tracks. My favourite was 'Demon in the Liffey', a song about her relationship with her mother and the sad fact that it is often much harder than it should be to communicate your love to the people that are closest to you. She finished off her set with another unreleased song, titled ‘Running’, concluding her set on a high note.

Following on from Qbanaa after a short break, Rachael Lavelle was up, backed by a three piece band. With all the members dressed in white, they certainly looked the part – and proceeded to captivate the audience thoroughly, with their ethereal, alt-folk set. Rachael performed her latest single 'Big Dreams' which she describes as “an existential ballad; a meditation on love, expectations, failure and the passing of time.” The Dublin born singer and composer – who recently opened for The Villagers – has a calming presence and soothing vocals. Combining spoken word elements with her dream-like lyrics, Rachael let us share in her personal, soul-searching journey. Her outlook on this ever-peculiar world is never less than fascinating.

Rachael Lavelle at Ireland Music Week 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

To end the night, Laois based Caleb Kunle took to the stage. Kunle has powerful stories to tell and does so impressively. He incorporated dance throughout his performance, especially in his unreleased song “Child of the Sun”, which is dedicated to his daughter.

From fatherhood to friendship, he touches on a multitude of topics. His lyrics are powerful and authentic, his vocals emotional and soulful.

As these three artists highlighted – and our ringside reporters generally confirmed – there’s a lot to be excited about in Irish music right now. Long may it continue...

Ireland Music Week took place from October 3 - 6 2023.