Datqidexcel, Robert Dawson, Noelle O'Sullivan and Shivonne have been picked as local finalists in the A New Local Hero national talent search - a key part of Irish Music Month which is set to kick off on 21 stations across Ireland on September 1st.

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 21 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions in recent months. The excitement is rising, with a slew of announcements arriving over the next few days. Each of the acts selected by the stations will perform and be interviewed on their local station, with one act from each station going forward onto 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.

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

– More Irish music song plays

– More Irish music features

– More Irish artist gig pushes

– More Irish artist interviews

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

So, let's meet Live 95's shortlisted artists...

Datqidexcel:

Pronounced dat-kid-excel, this Treaty City hip-hop starlet spent his formative years in Dooradoyle, where he grew up surrounded by music. His flow and delivery are smooth and assured, taking inspiration from UK heavyweights like Hedie One, Dave and Stormzy. At just 19-years-old, the rapper has already earned himself a reputation for a commanding stage presence and lyrical profundity, proving he's a talent whose wisdom and confidence stems beyond his years.

Datqidexcel (Photo Credit: Jesse Donovan)

Shivonne:

Combing intense, grooving synth-funk with bulletproof self-assuredness and romantic, introspective lyricism, Shivonne is one of the more unique-sounding acts to come out of the Irish circuit as of late. Describing her tunes as "very in the moment pieces of work," the artist announced herself with the 2022 single 'Ice Queen'. She's since been steadily releasing tunes, the most recent of which was a futuristic-sounding collab with Drogheda rockers Filthy Algortihm, 'Situation'. Bass-laden and infectious stuff.

Shivvone (Photo:Instagram)

Noelle O'Sullivan:

This Glin songwriter was primed for a life in music, having grown up in a house steeped in Irish trad thanks to her father's passion for singing and playing the fiddle. With an infectious sound rooted in folk and pop, O'Sullivan shared her debut LP Seeds back in 2011, with its opening track 'Sunny Days' going on to be featured on multiple episodes of popular UK soap Hollyoaks. The sweet-sounding singer also recently unveiled plans for a her sophomore album Pink Sky. Set for release in early 2025 - it's undoubtedly worth the wait .

Noelle O'Sullivan (Photo: noelosullivan.com)

Robert Dawson:

This 22-year-old was placed in stage school in Limerick when he was 10, igniting a love of performing and singing. An advocate for Focus Ireland, he has about his experience of youth homelessness and performed has to crowds across Ireland, including Croke Park and Electric Picnic. Not afraid to be open about his own personal struggles, this acoustic-pop balladsmith traverses delicate subject matter with poise and wisdom beyond his years.

Robert Dawson (Photo: Facebook)

See the full list of participating radio stations below:

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
South-East Radio
Tipp FM
WLR FM

• Irish Music Month - Irish Radio Supporting Artists - in association with IBI, Hot Press & Coimisiún na Meán's Sound & Vision Scheme, funded by the Television License Fee.