Niamh Hogan, Shafto, Jennifer Stratton and Lee Wall have been selected as local finalists in the A New Local Hero national talent search - a key part of Irish Music Month which is set to kick off on 21 stations across Ireland on September 1st.

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 21 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions in recent months. The excitement is rising, with a slew of announcements arriving over the next few days. Each of the acts selected by the stations will perform and be interviewed on their local station, with one act from each station going forward onto 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.

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

– More Irish music song plays

– More Irish music features

– More Irish artist gig pushes

– More Irish artist interviews

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

Now then, let's have a look at Clare FM's shortlisted artists...

Lee Wall:

This acoustic singer-songwriter has, quite literally, performed across the world, as an entertainment provider to holidaying punters aboard Princess Cruise ships. Wall is also a sought after musician when he's ashore, playing to packed out pubs, venues and festivals across Ireland.Debut single 'Let Me Tell You' offered a promising glimpse into his artistic prowess, with a country-pop, southern-US drawl clearly present in his finely tuned voice.

Lee Wall (Photo: Spotfy)

Shafto:

With experience in hip-hop for over twenty years, this alternative rapper isn't afraid to dip his toes into a range of genres, combing elements of jazz and soul with a penchant for introspective, observational bars. Originally from Sixmilebridge, Shafto started out producing and DJ'ing with a friend - rapping during the pair's live shows at various hip-hop events across Ireland. Having lived abroad in London and Canada, the rhyme-smith recently returned home and is a welcome (re)addition to the South West's thriving music scene.

Shafto

Niamh Hogan:

Adept as a singer, guitarist and fiddle player, Dublin-based Niamh Hogan exhibits a particular love for Celtic and traditional Irish music. The uber-talented Clare native can often be seen solo or with her band working as a wedding performer, and with such a heavenly voice, it's no wonder why so many newlyweds trust the elegant musician with providing the soundtrack to their big day.

Niamh Hogan (Photo: Letstalkweddings.ie)

Jennifer Stratton:

Based out of Ennis, Jennifer Stratton took up songwriting and production only a year ago. Listening to her debut single 'Fairytale', which dropped last May, you'd think she was a seasoned industry veteran, with the track offering a fine example of her abilities as a big-sounding, heart-rending ballad writer. Originally coming from Donegal, this powerful singer has a number of collaborations and singles planned for the rest of the year. We'll be waiting with our ears cupped!

Jennifer Stratton (Screenshot: clarechampion.ie)

Irish Music Month is also supported by IMRO, RAAP, Live Nation, Rubyworks and Camden Recording Studios.

See the full list of participating radio stations below:

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
South-East Radio
Tipp FM
WLR FM

• Irish Music Month - Irish Radio Supporting Artists - in association with IBI, Hot Press & Coimisiún na Meán's Sound & Vision Scheme, funded by the Television License Fee.

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