Ireland’s Annual Music Showcase and Conference Returns

Hard Working Class Heroes (HWCH) returns to Ireland this autumn with numerous gigs and conferences for would-be music industry members.

The festivities will take place from Thursday, September 27 to Saturday 29. Over 600 musicians and industry delegates applied to participate in this globally acclaimed event. It is the single largest gathering of labels, bookers, managers, radio folk and journalists in Ireland.

Currently, 50 Irish acts are being selected to perform in numerous venues across Dublin city centre. Some spectacular acts from last year include Bitch Falcon, Fontaines DC and Jafaris. All night-time gigs will be restricted to an 18+ crowd only. This year’s lineup will be announced next month.

Additionally, the HWCH music conference will take place in The Chocolate Factory. The conferences feature various panels, workshops and discussions on vital topics for those interested in the music business.

The music conference delegates are funded by the “See Here” award from Culture Ireland (CI). Director of CI, Christine Sisk, shared her praise of the event.

“We’re delighted to be once again supporting the inward travel of international delegates to Hard Working Class Heroes. Last year, Culture Ireland supported over 150 promoters and programmers to visit Ireland to see Irish artists at work. Based on outcomes, we know that this contact is critical to creating new opportunities for artists and that this year’s HWCH will be no exception,” Sisk said.

Tickets are on sale now. Prices range from €12.50 to €55 depending on the number of venues and days you wish to attend.

The first round of industry delegates are listed below:

Oskar Strajn - ESNS
Casper Mills - SXSW
Ciara George-Lynch - Reeperbahn
Javier Lopez - Midem
Lisa Hresko - A2IM
Will Larnach-Jones - Iceland Airwaves
Anna Wester - PIAS
Daniel Horitz - Lex Records
Anton Teichmann - Mansions & Millions
Sarah Casey - United Talent Agency
Ryan Leas - Stereogum
Rhys Bradley - Martian PR