The nationwide search for A New Local Hero is intensifying greatly, with alternative folk band BRIARS being announced as Clare FM's own Local Heroes! BRIARS will go forward onto the final long-list, which includes representatives from each of the participating stations. All 20+ of the Local Heroes will be revealed in a series of coming announcements. Watch this space for regular news updates!

Introducing BRIARS
BRIARS are an alternative/indie-folk and trad band from Cork City, Ireland. Their sound ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, visiting every stop along the way, always underlined with a signature twist.

The first full lineup was put together in 2023, with a live debut in one of Cork City’s most iconic venues, Coughlan’s. Word would spread quickly about the band’s energetic 6-piece live show and original, authentic sound, combining their traditional influences with more contemporary approaches and textures. BRIARS sound like nobody else.

With performances at some high profile Irish festivals (Electric Picnic, Whelans Folk And Trad Fest, Doolin Folk Fest, West Goes West, Guinness Cork Jazz Fest, Galway Folk Fest, Cork Roots Fest and more), BRIARS have quickly gained “must-see” status as a live act, constantly picking up new fans along the way. They have also shared bills with the likes of The Scratch, The Wran, Leevy, Billow Wood and more. Their debut studio EP is set for release in February 2027.

A New Local Hero: The Facts

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 22 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions in recent months. Now with, over 80 artists having performed and been interviewed on local radio, one act from each station is nominated for the long-list of contenders for the national A New Local Hero award.

Launched in 2021, Irish Music Month is an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, and is funded by Coimisiún na Meán. Irish Music Month is also supported by IMRO, RAAP and Live Nation, along with Ticketmaster, Rubyworks, Camden Recording Studios and Spéir Mix and Master.

And – what's more – we'll be putting over €100,000 into the hands of music makers and their crews across the country too.

The stations participating in Irish Music Month are: Clare FM, Classic Hits, Cork's 96FM, East Coast FM, FM104, Galway Bay FM, Highland Radio, KCLR, KFM, Limerick Live 95FM, LMFM, Midlands 103, Midwest Radio, Northern Sound, Ocean FM, Radio Kerry, Radio Nova, Shannonside FM, South East Radio, Sunshine FM, Tipp FM, and WLR FM.

What Irish Music Month means, across participating independent stations, is:

– More Irish music song plays

– More Irish music artist mentions

– More Irish music features

– More Irish artist gig pushes

– More Irish artist interview

• Keep an eye on hotpress.com and listen to your local participating station for more news on Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero and the Irish song competition, Amhrán na Laoch.