Supporting Irish Musicians and Artists

Following the tremendous success of last night's A New Local Hero finale event – which saw Brad Heidi crowned the overall winner of the nationwide talent search – the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, has praised the Irish Music Month initiative, and congratulated the winner alongside the excellent national and regional finalists.

Niall Stokes and Brad Heidi at Irish Music Month's 'A New Local Hero' event at The Academy on April 25th, 2022. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Over the past two months, in partnership with Hot Press, 25 of Ireland’s independent radio stations have been highlighting the extraordinary music talent at local level in Ireland – and picking their own ‘local hero’. From the 25 regional finalists, an industry panel selected the six acts to go forward to play at the special showcase event at The Academy. As well as featuring music from the finalists, the night also included a special guest performance from acclaimed Dublin rapper Nealo. The Dubliner's latest single 'Forest' features Morgana – one half of Saint Sister – and she also appeared at what was a powerful celebration of Irish talent.

In addition, this year's finale saw Laura Jo announced as the winner of the Wildcard Award – a special new element of A New Local Hero, in which the public got the chance to vote for their favourite of the 25 regional finalists.

Irish Music Month is an initiative of Hot Press and Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and is funded by the Coimisiún na Meán, under its Sound & Vision scheme and supported by MCD Productions, IMRO, RAAP, Live Nation, as well as Camden Recording Studios, Spéir Mix & Master and Ticketmaster.

Brad Heidi at Irish Music Month's 'A New Local Hero' event at The Academy on April 25th, 2022. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

“I would like to congratulate not only the New Local Hero Award winner, Brad Heidi, but all six finalists as well as the twenty-five local heroes who have been nominated by their local radio station," Minister Martin remarked.

"I would also like to congratulate Hot Press for their continued championing of new Irish musical talent, and the IBI and their member stations for their commitment to giving radio play to Irish artists and Irish music, not only as part of Irish Music Month but all through the year.

"As Minister for Arts, Culture and Media, I am conscious of the need to continue to support live Irish music, and in particular to provide opportunities for audiences to enjoy live music even from the comfort of their own homes. For this reason, I provided additional funding to the former Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to launch a dedicated live music round of the Sound and Vision Scheme which last October awarded almost €2m to 10 TV and radio TV projects including Irish Music Month.

"I wish Brad and all the other local heroes continued musical and personal success, and also look forward to seeing and hearing the benefits of the support which Hot Press and IBI give to Irish artists of all genres.”

As part of his A New Local Hero prize, Brad Heidi receives:

• €5,000 in cash
• €6,000 worth of recording and mixing from Camden Recording Studios and Spéir Mix and Master
• The release of a single via the Rubyworks label (home of Hozier)
• A guaranteed 30 plays on all 25 stations, adding up to a minimum of 750 in total
• National exposure via an interview and extensive coverage in Hot Press
• A full PR campaign around the release of the single

The A New Local Hero campaign will ultimately see over  €100,000 paid directly to Irish artists.

Judges for the A New Local Hero Award include representatives from IMRO, RAAP, Rubyworks, the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and Hot Press, as well as musicians and songwriters, RuthAnne Cunningham and Róisín O.