Chubby Cat and Problem Patterns among Irish acts longlisted for 2024 Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition

The anticipation for Glastonbury Festival 2024 is building as the longlist for its Emerging Talent Competition has been announced. With 90 acts competing for a chance to shine on one of the festival's main stages, excitement is growing among music enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

The Emerging Talent Competition, a staple of the festival, provides a platform for rising artists from various musical genres. This year's longlist, curated by 30 esteemed music writers, features an array of promising talents, each with the opportunity to win the coveted prize and secure a slot at the Worthy Farm festival.

Among the notable events of the competition is the generous support from PRS for Music and PRS Foundation, who offer a £5,000 Talent Development prize to the winner, along with £2,500 prizes for two runners-up.

The live final, set to take place in Pilton, Somerset, will see a panel of judges, including festival organizers Emily and Michael Eavis, deliberating over the finalists to determine the winner.

Reflecting on the competition, Emily Eavis expressed enthusiasm for the range of talent showcased by saying, “At a time when it’s not always easy for acts to get their foot on the ladder, we’re really happy to be able to offer this opportunity for rising artists. So many amazing acts have been showcased by the Emerging Talent Competition over the years – and, as with the Festival, we welcome artists from all musical genres. I’m really excited to hear what 2024’s entries bring. It’s free to enter, so it definitely can’t hurt to give it a go!” She emphasized the festival's commitment to providing a platform for emerging artists, regardless of their musical background.

Michelle Escoffery, President of the PRS Members’ Council, echoed Eavis' sentiments, stating, “Our continued partnership with Glastonbury Festival and our charity arm PRS Foundation aims to discover and champion the trailblazing homegrown talent we have in the UK and Ireland. The Emerging Talent Competition provides an exciting and unique platform for artists and bands to gain major exposure with new audiences and industry leaders, as well as the opportunity to win talent development prize money to elevate their music careers. If you’ve ever dreamed of performing at this iconic festival, now is the time. Submit your song and good luck!”

The 90 longlisted acts for our 2024 Emerging Talent Competition - supported by @PRSforMusic & @PRSFoundation - have just been announced! Listen to them at -> https://t.co/qm7OzxwsWF #ETC2024 pic.twitter.com/OX9rpdHbTq

— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) March 19, 2024

The impact of winning the competition is exemplified by past winners like N’famady Kouyaté, whose success following his victory in 2023 underscores the transformative power of the Emerging Talent Competition. He describes, “Winning Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition was amazing and has opened loads of doors for me. It gave me and the band a chance to perform on an amazing stage at an incredible festival. Winning also meant that I could take the next steps to further my career. If you think you’re ready to take the next steps too, I highly suggest you enter this year’s contest!”

In addition to the excitement surrounding the Emerging Talent Competition, the eagerly awaited lineup for Glastonbury 2024 has been unveiled, featuring a mix of headline acts and rising stars. Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and SZA are set to take top billing, marking a departure from last year's all-male lineup and signalling a commitment to gender diversity.

Notable acts like Shania Twain, IDLES, and Cyndi Lauper also appear on the lineup, with promises of additional acts and attractions to be announced in the coming months.

As the countdown to the festival begins, attention turns to the live finals of the Emerging Talent Competition and the unveiling of the final lineup. For aspiring artists and music enthusiasts, Glastonbury Festival 2024 promises to be a celebration of talent, and diversity.

Some Irish acts include:

George Houston  ('In Aeternum Vive'). Gold Flake Paint says that the song, “Really stood out as something heartfelt, unique and accomplished. There’s a subtle, slightly haunting edge to George’s voice which really comes out in his work.”

Kynsy ('Simple Life'). “Simple Life is Kynsy’s all-out pop banger – an infectious indie dancefloor earworm – but this Dubliner has a strong, broad range of guitar-focused hit records elsewhere. She’s also got that perfect NME-leaning attitude – think The Strokes via Charli XCX,” described Mark Muldoon.

Chubby Cat ('Not A Vibe'). Music Like Dirt stated, “Chubby Cat is like catching an unexpected ray of sunlight on a gloomy day. Her alt-pop gems have a ‘take me as I am’ positive energy. Whether flanked by three Irish drag queens in the gloriously celebratory ‘Not a vibe’ video or sat on a throne singing live, you can’t help but conclude – as one of her song hooks goes – ‘it’s so f***ing good.’"

Rowan ('Nothing’s Gonna Change'). Natty Kasambala expressed that, “This band has a real effortless ease in their performance and the lead vocalist has such rich tone and emotion in his delivery. Their songs are expertly constructed, just catchy enough whilst still feeling fresh and original – quite addictively uplifting too.”

Problem Patterns ('Letter of Resignation'). Neon Filler says, “Belfast four-piece punk band follow in the fine tradition of fellow Northern Irish act The Undertones, writing about everyday life, and whatever makes them angry, through witty, tongue in cheek lyrics. Their 2023 debut album Blouse Club is garnering critical acclaim and their track Letter of Resignation is a particular standout. Who hasn’t wanted to say “you can’t fire me, I’m leaving” at least once in their life!”

Caleb Kunle ('All in Your Head'). “Caleb Kunle’s music is why festivals exist. This is a blue tent, heart beating flashing light joy of a song. This is music at its finest,” says Nialler9.