Supporting Irish Musicians and Artists

After selecting four worthy finalists, the northwest's Ocean FM have announced Paddy Keyes as their overall A New Local Hero winner!

The Sligo musician released his debut single ‘Tomorrow’ last April, mixed and produced by Dan de Burca with a Sam Fender sound.

The other fantastic finalists selected by Ocean FM, which serves Sligo, Donegal and North Leitrim, included Rowlette, Weird Ear and Memory.

Each finalist got the chance to play live on Ocean FM, with all of the artists – thanks to the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, under its Sound & Vision scheme – being paid for their performance.

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 25 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions as part of the talent search.

Listen to Paddy Keyes' latest single 'Best Friend' below.

25 acts, including Paddy Keyes, have been selected as their radio station's A New Local Hero. Now, an industry judging panel will choose just five of those 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.