Live Report: Penultimate evening of Whelan's One To Watch glows with Irish talent

Over 15 acts across two stages proved why they deserve a spot on your radar during night five of Whelan’s Ones to Watch, which boasted everything from alternative rock to comedic hip-hop.

The night kicked off with Grenade Sports on the upstairs stage. The four-piece band started playing together back in July, and lead singer Daniel Clarke pulled down the hood of his sweatshirt when they first came out - a potential sign of shyness. After a few lyrics, the hood went back, and the whole band settled in for a performance of grungy, punk rock. The guitars were loud, the vocals were dark, and the drums were punchy. A large crowd was drawn in from the smoking area, and after the first song, people were lining up in the hallway to catch a glimpse.

SMO got things started on the main stage. Coming off a run of recent shows, including one at The Grand Social for NYF Dublin, he began with ‘Listen,’ a catchy song about the struggles of miscommunication.

Ones To Watch at Whelans on January 9th, 2026. By Maizy Kharrazian/ hotpress.com

The artist only started releasing music last January, but fans already knew the words. On stage he was relaxed, even during a brief technical difficulty, and got the audience involved by having them sing acapella. His groovy, almost disco-inspired indie rock sound, complete with poly synth and echoing guitar, guaranteed that the songs will be stuck in your head for days to come.

Upstairs, there were more stellar performances from acts like Lego Indiana Jones and Plum Texes.

Ones To Watch at Whelans on January 9th, 2026. By Maizy Kharrazian/ hotpress.com

With melodic indie tunes, minimal vocals and captivating instrumental breaks, Lego Indiana Jones, stood out, especially on ‘Cloudy w/ a Chance of Meatballs,' which snapped with an infectious drumbeat. Plum Texes, a Dublin-based jam band, improvised their whole set. Comprising members from other acts of the night, everyone in the band was an expert at their instrument, shifting from slow rhythms on the keys to intense guitar and drum sections, bringing listeners on a musical journey complete with twists and turns.

For Nina kept the energy going downstairs, with a dark, almost theatrical sound reminiscent of The Last Dinner Party. Lead singer, Holly, has a gorgeous voice and sang both delicately and passionately as the set progressed. She started off playing the guitar, but put it down for a song to instead move around the stage with confidence.

Switching vibes, Ria Rua wowed the audience with her deeply personal lyrics, which covered topics like grief and sexual assault. As her gloomy, alternative rock filled the room, Ria, along with her bass player, Chris and her drummer Chloe, kept everyone entertained. While the subject matter and sounds were heavy, Ria moved freely, even lying down while singing at one point, the emotion pouring out of her.

Calum Agnew, backed by a band of six, was another standout performer. The soul-pop singer, who was crowned Hot Press' New Local Hero in 2024, was beaming throughout his set and oozed confidence. Saxophone player Evan Gerry of Grooveline added depth and soulful warmth to Agnew’s flawless vocals, and everyone in the band looked to be having a great time. Drawing on inspirations like Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse, every part of this Ones to Watch performance was polished. Agnew definitely has a promising career ahead of him.

Ones To Watch at Whelans on January 9th, 2026. By Maizy Kharrazian/ hotpress.com

BABYRAT was a highlight of the night. The band from Cork started off with high energy, walking out with giant smiles to ‘I Think I Smell a Rat’ by The White Stripes on the main stage. They had an Olivia Rodrigo-esque vibe, with lyrics that capture young angst backed by edgy guitar and drums. Bass player Frankie Griffin could not have been more lively as he sang backing vocals, danced around the stage and motioned for the audience to give more. The crowd obliged, passionately jumping and nodding along. The music was great. The vibes were even better.

Ones To Watch at Whelans on January 9th, 2026. By Maizy Kharrazian/ hotpress.com

Finally, CLUELESS, a hip-hop duo from Wexford, played their first-ever show. The nerves were visible at first, but the crowd was buzzing with excitement as their set got underway. The duo, comprising Dej and fattymatty, already have a loyal fanbase, despite only having two releases to their name. Their lyrics are vulgar and comedic, ranging from describing women's bodies to a friend watching Rick and Morty. They played their biggest single, ‘Some Bitches,’ and immediately started it a second time, a move that was was greeted with loud cheers and excitement. While I mightn't play CLUELESS for my parents, the rappers showed a knack for entertaining, and captured the hearts of young internet culture obsessives.

Whelan’s Ones to Watch proved yet again why it's the place to be if you're looking for your new favourite artist.