The Irish singer-songwriter Brad Heidi and his new single ‘Don’t Let Go’ have officially become Ireland’s highest new entry of the year in the radio charts, rising to No. 23 just a week after its release.

Tellingly, that extensive radio play is working its magic. The song has risen to No.11 in the Shazam Irish Charts – a key measure of the engagement of listeners, who then proceed to search for more information on the track.

'Don't Lett Go' is hte official single delivered by Brad Heidi as a result of being chosen ad A New local Hero in 2023. That title – which carries a very substantial prize package, including a payment of €5,000 – is part of Irish Music Month, an initiative to increase the amount of radio play afforded to Irish music on the participating independent stations.

Based in Galway, Bra Heidi went from busking the streets for his current hometown to hitting chart-topping success in just a few years, playing prestigious gigs such as Electric Picnic last year and opening for music icons like Billy Joel, James Blunt, Lisa Hannigan and Gavin James.

In 2023, Heidi reached a new highpoint when he was the recipient of the A Local Hero award, as part of Irish Music Month 2023. The award is an initiative of Hot Press and Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, a major promotion of Irish music and Irish musicians.

Speaking of ‘Don’t Let Go’ in the new issue of Hot Press, Heidi confides: "I've never felt as vulnerable and as honest as on this recording. I'm going through a rough time at the minute. My sister is in the hospital. I was able to play the song by her bedside - I don't know if she heard it or not, but it felt like the song was serving its purpose to me.

"I've been dealing with a lot of emotions that I didn't ever want to have to deal with," he continues. "But the honest part of me is also saying what it means to see my sister on a ventilator and thinking 'Don't let go.' I'm trying to give her that strength."

Brad Heidi’s rapidly chart-rising single ‘Don’t Let Go’ is available now on all platforms.