Next up in our A New Local Hero search, we're heading to the centre of the nation - where the great Midlands 103 have announced their four finalists. The talent search is heating up...

As one of the central features of Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero competition is a major call to arms for Irish musicians and bands – with all 25 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions in recent months.

Without further ado, let's meet Midlands 103's shortlisted artists...

Eva Coyle:

The talented West Cork-based, Athlone-raised singer-songwriter is predominantly influenced by Irish and Scandinavian folk genres with indie leanings.

James O'Connor:

The Portlaoise folk musician released his latest folk-rock album, A Cluster of Narratives, back in 2020, with a melodic lilt that sets him apart.

Brinda Irani:

Initially rising to prominence as a popular busker in Dublin, the 16-year-old singer-songwriter has cemented her status as a star-in-the-making with her stunning debut original single, ‘A Shadow’.

Paulie Martin & Friends:

The Mullingar musician is a recognisable voice and guitar player across Ireland, influenced by blues, funk and rock acts like Hendrix, Rory Gallagher and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Each of the selected artists at this stage in the campaign will get a chance to play live on their station, and all of those artists – thanks to the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, under its Sound & Vision scheme – will be paid for their performance.

From there, the four finalists representing the station will be whittled down to one ‘Local Hero’ from each  – a major honour in itself, which will serve as a huge milestone in the careers of the selected 25 artists.

All of this leads to the national stage of the journey. From the 25 artists selected locally, an industry judging panel will choose just five acts to go forward to play at a special showcase event in Dublin.

The A New Local Hero campaign will ultimately see over  €100,000 paid directly to Irish artists – and one worthy winning act selected, who will get to record a single at the prestigious Camden Recording Studios in Dublin, and release the single on the famed Irish independent record label Rubyworks.

As announced by Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), Irish Music Month will run from Monday, March 12, to Friday, April 13 – and will see significantly increased radio play for Irish music across 25 independent radio stations.

Irish Music Month is supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, under its Sound & Vision scheme.

The event is also supported by IMRO, RAAP, MCD Productions, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, Camden Recording Studios and the Rubyworks label.

Read more about Irish Music Month here.