FORBIDDEN FRUIT 2017: Irish Ones to Watch

Soulé (Sunday)
A huge favourite here at Hot Press, the London-born, Dublin-based artist makes a bewitching brew of 2step, soul, noughties garage and cerebral pop. Inspired by the likes of Macy Gray, Nneka and Erykah Badu, the February-released ‘Good Life’ was a particularly infectious listen. If you’ll allow us to indulge our inner Mystic Meg for a second, we predict that her set will be talked about for months afterwards. Don’t say you weren’t told.

Rusangano Family (Monday)
The hip hop trio kicked this year off with a bang when they scooped the Choice Music Prize for their sublime Let The Dead Bury The Dead. Presently at the peak of their powers, we reckon they’ll bring the thunder like the mighty Thor himself during their eagerly anticipated show. If they drop the inventive, electric and exciting ‘Wasteman’ in Kilmainham, then expect shit to get real (to borrow a phrase from Bad Boys 2).

Ryan Vail (Monday)
Drawing inspiration from the worlds of electronic and modern classical music, the critically acclaimed, Derry-bred tunesmith has notched up rave reviews for his ambitious and emotionally affecting songs, as well as his collaborations with other acts. Last year, he further cemented his status as one of the North’s finest artists, when he unveiled his stunning debut solo album For Every Silence, which was every bit as jaw dropping as we hoped it would be.

Tara Lee (Saturday)
This singer, songwriter and actress is the proverbial triple threat. Hailing from Donard, Co. Wicklow, Ms Lee has been on quite the musical journey. Previously telling Hot Press that her sound has matured from confessional, acoustic-based music to darker material inspired by Massive Attack and Marilyn Manson, the likes of the haunting ‘If I Burn (You Burn Too)’ are a feast for the ears. Armed with a soon to be released EP, Paradise, miss her appearance at your peril.

Handsome Paddy (Sunday)
The self-confessed “unfortunately named DJ” has made believers out of shed-loads of gig goers of late, and we’d be surprised if the Handsome one (or Paddy O’Halpin to the tax-man) doesn’t make more than a few new admirers at this year’s bash. Primarily playing hip hop, but also incorporating many other styles, expect his set to be a hugely satisfying lesson in the joy of decks.