The nationwide search for A New Local Hero has suddenly intensified greatly, with Java Light being announced as Midlands 103's own Local Heroes! Java Light will now go forward onto the final long-list, which includes representatives from each of the participating stations. All 20+ of the Local Heroes will be revealed in a series of coming announcements. Watch this space for regular news updates!

Introducing Java Light

A five-piece alternative indie rock band, Java Light blends atmospheric indie textures with driving rhythms, melodic hooks, and haunting lyrics. Known for their tight, energetic live performances—including shows at Fred Zeppelin's and supporting artists like Heidi Curtis—the band released their debut single 'Solid Stone' in August, followed by their single 'Always Almost'.

Hailing from all over between Cork, Laois and Kildare, the band formed on Valentines Day in 2025. They place strong emphasis on tight musicianship, creative lyrics and creating an immersive set that connects with audiences. The band is made up of Millie Thomas on vocals, James Foxall on lead guitar (and vocals), Lavinia Waldron on rhythm guitar (and vocals), Paddy Bergin on bass and Conor Dunphy on drums.

 

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A New Local Hero: The Facts

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 22 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions in recent months. Now, with over 80 artists having performed and been interviewed on local radio, one act from each station is nominated for 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. Irish Music Month is also supported by IMRO, RAAP and Live Nation, along with Ticketmaster, Rubyworks, Camden Recording Studios and Spéir Mix and Master.

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

The stations participating in Irish Music Month are: 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 FM, South East Radio, Sunshine FM, Tipp FM, and WLR FM.

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

– More Irish music song plays

– More Irish music artist mentions

– More Irish music features

– More Irish artist gig pushes

– More Irish artist interview

• Keep an eye on hotpress.com and listen to your local participating station for more news on Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero and the Irish song competition, Amhrán na Laoch.