Happy Bandcamp Day: fifteen Irish artists to support on Bandcamp

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bandcamp CEO Ethan Diamond announced the platform's intentions to waive revenue shares in the hopes of getting artists more money. More recently, the streaming/purchasing platform released a statement that these 'Bandcamp Fridays' would continue for the rest of 2020, as the live music industry attempts to grapple with the extreme effects of COVID-19.

This announcement came just a few days prior to a comment from Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who said “you can’t record music once every three to four years and think that’s going to be enough. The artists today that are making it realise that it’s about creating a continuous engagement with their fans. It is about putting the work in, about the storytelling around the album, and about keeping a continuous dialogue with your fans.”

Naturally, artists have been responding negatively to those comments. But luckily, today is Bandcamp Friday, and we've compiled a list of fifteen Irish artists to support on the platform.

Soda Blonde
Purchase recommendation: isolation content

One of Ireland's most respected alt-pop bands, the Dublin-based quartet have their EP isolation content available on the platform from €5. It features hits such as 'June' and 'Motion'.

Yenkee
Purchase recommendation: 'Cannibal Tree' 

The Corkonian indie pop singer-songwriter and producer is fresh from having 'Cannibal Tree' featured on Normal People. As one of our Hot for 2020 acts, we know Yenkee will go far.

Joshua Burnside
Purchase: Far O'er The Sounding Main

One of the greatest things about Bandcamp is that artists will often release material exclusive to the platform. Joshua Burnside might be best described as an experimental folk artist, but the influence of traditional Irish music that runs through his original material is represented beautifully in Far O'er The Sounding Main, a five-track EP Burnside released solely on Bandcamp.

Denise Chaila
Purchase recommendation: 'Down' 

Limerick-based Denise Chaila is the reigning queen of Irish hip-hop at the moment. Her track 'Down' is a perfect introduction to her unique sound.

Lemoncello
Purchase recommendation: Oil & Water EP

Lemoncello's singular alchemy is displayed in stunning form on Oil & Water, the Dublin-based duo's sophomore EP. Pairing mournful cello with unique vocal stylings, this is the folk group's best work to date.

Junior Brother
Purchase recommendation: Pull The Right Rope.

An RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominee, Pull The Right Rope is the perfect introduction to Junior Brother's weird and wonderful world.

CMAT
Purchase recommendation: 'Another Day (KFC)' 

After recently selling out multiple dates at Whelan's, we can confirm that CMAT is set for superstardom. Known for its hilarious quirky video, CMAT's debut single is a perfect introduction to the pop singer's catalogue.

The Mary Wallopers
Purchase recommendation: A Mouthful of The Mary Wallopers 

Dundalk trio The Mary Wallopers rework traditional songs like 'Cod Liver Oil & The Orange Juice' and 'Barbara Allen' on their debut offering A Mouthful of The Mary Wallopers. 

TPM
Purchase recommendation: 'Fuck RTÉ'

If tongue-in-cheek hip-hop is more your style, the lads from The Mary Wallopers also do that. Whether they're taking the piss out of the national broadcaster or Ireland's political structure, brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and DJ snakey bastard never disappoint.

Maija Sofia
Purchase recommendation: Bath Time

Another RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominee, Maija Sofia's Bath Time is a refreshing, feminist take on the male-dominated folk world, and includes songs like 'The Wife of Michael Cleary' and Edie Sedgwick.

Lankum
Purchase recommendation: The Livelong Day

This album was the winner of last year's RTÉ Choice Music Prize award, and saw the folk group lean further into their droning, vaguely punk sound. It's a stunning addition to anyone's library.

Uly
Purchase recommendation: if you were a day, you'd be sunday – songs to go walking to

Uly's debut EP proved that the lo-fi bedroom pop artist is rapidly on his way to becoming one of Dublin's most respected acts. He concocts warm, breezy tunes that are and perfect for summer. He also has a track exclusive to Bandcamp called 'yeah, me too (sunday 10:47)'.

Aoife Nessa Frances
Purchase recommendation: Land of No Junction

Aoife Nessa Frances' debut album Land of No Junction was called "delicate, vast and sincere" by Hot Press. Another knockout album. Frances has also made the Land of No Junction demos available on Bandcamp.

Rachael Lavelle
Purchase recommendation: 'Perpetual Party'

Rachael Lavelle's quirky, haunting music is both dark and euphoric. Trained in classical music, she merges those influences with an expansive electronic soundscape. Her debut single 'Perpetual Party' is a must-hear.

Ailbhe Reddy
Purchase recommendation: pre-order her debut album Personal History

Ailbhe Reddy's debut album Personal History is due for release in early October, but trust us when we say that this young singer-songwriter is worth the pre-order. The first singles to come from the album have felt exciting and new, while undeniably true to Reddy's established sound.

Gemma Bradley
Purchase recommendation: 'Hollow Heartbeat' 

The Derry native is crashing onto the scene with her smooth, summery R&B infused pop. After a successful collaboration with Malaki, it seems there's no stopping the young singer-songwriter.