The nationwide search for A New Local Hero has suddenly intensified greatly, with newly-emerged trio Johnny D'Fawkes being announced as Ocean FM's own Local Heroes! Johnny D'Fawkes 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 Johnny D'Fawkes

Johnny D'Fawkes are a force from the Irish North West with one foot in the blues and the other planted firmly in Irish hard rock. The power trio is driven by a single guitar, a thunderous rhythm section and fearless improvisation, channelling the Celtic charge of Thin Lizzy and the raw intensity of Rory Gallagher in a set built for the stage.

Rooted in the tradition of high-voltage Irish rock, the band blends hard-driving blues riffs with dynamic musicianship and a strong sense of storytelling. Their original material draws on cinematic themes of western-style shootouts, backstreet confrontations and larger-than-life characters, delivered with grit, groove and a live-first mentality.

Though newly emerging - having formed in 2026 - Johnny D'Fawkes have already made an impact on the live circuit, including multiple performances at the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2026, at both open-air and club stages. These appearances are quickly establishing the band as a compelling live act.

With a debut double single set for release and a run of Irish shows planned, Johnny D'Fawkes are putting their foot forward into the rock revival.

 

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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.