Supporting Irish Musicians and Artists

The A New Local Hero talent search takes us to Waterford – where WLR FM have announced Backroad Smokers Club as their overall winner!

The gifted mavericks specialise in a potent blend of funky beats, jazzy chords and psychedelic rock. They're set to celebrate the digital launch of their debut album, Open Mic Night At The Pink Flamingo, at Geoff's Cafe Bar in Waterford on April 15.

The other talented finalists selected by WLR FM included Etaoin, Cal Pacino, and Raya Mae.

Each finalist got the chance to play live on WLR FM, with all of the artists – thanks to the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, under its Sound & Vision scheme – being paid for their performance.

As one of the central features of Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero is a major call to arms for Irish musicians and bands – with all 25 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions as part of the talent search.

25 acts, including Backroad Smokers Club, have been selected as their radio station's A New Local Hero. Now, an industry judging panel will choose just five of those acts to go forward to play at a special showcase event in Dublin.

The A New Local Hero campaign will ultimately see over  €100,000 paid directly to Irish artists – and one worthy winning act selected, who will get to record a single at the prestigious Camden Recording Studios in Dublin, and release the single on the famed Irish independent record label Rubyworks.