Supporting Irish Musicians and Artists

Following last night's phenomenal showcase event at The Academy in Dublin – which saw Brad Heidi crowned the overall A New Local Hero winner – the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has shared a heartfelt message to the Irish singer-songwriter, congratulating him on the major achievement.

The President also praised the entire initiative for showing "just how extraordinarily rich musical talent is in Ireland right now."

As part of his prize, Brad – who was representing Galway Bay FM – 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.

This Galway-based singer-songwriter initially built up a following on the busking circuit – but successful singles, and a lauded performance at Dublin’s New Year’s Eve festival, have helped him garner a reputation as a serious star-on-the-rise. After quitting school, he travelled around Ireland & the UK busking with just an acoustic guitar, a suitcase and his earnest songs.

Brad has now gone from the streets to selling out his first headline Irish tour and London show, as well as recently supporting Lisa Hannigan, Royseven and Pa Sheehy. His debut EP The First went No.2 on the official Irish independent album charts in 2021.

As one of the central features of Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero saw all 25 participating radio stations reaching out for submissions as part of the talent search. 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.

On the night, Laura Jo was also crowned 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.

President Michael D. Higgins during a visit to the FINIRISH BATT HQ in South Lebanon.

Read the President's full statement below:

"May I extend my warmest congratulations to Brad Heidi, announced last night as the recipient of the innovative and prestigious A New Local Hero Award 2023, part of the Irish Music Month initiative organised by Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland. It is funded from the Sound & Vision fund by Coimisiún na Meán.

"The initiative showed how strong, how varied and just how extraordinarily rich musical talent is in Ireland right now. This was confirmed so emphatically with 25 independent radio stations all over Ireland choosing their own Local Hero as part of Irish Music Month.

"The judges, given the talent of the entrants, had an exceptionally difficult job in selecting a shortlist of six from 25 uniquely talented artists – and so, in addition to Brad Heidi, Eva Campbell, Negro Impacto, Darian June, Paddy Keyes and Temi Nla all deserve our heartiest congratulations on making the shortlist.

"We are indeed in a special time here in Ireland, with brilliant young, creative artists such as the six finalists coming through and delivering works of remarkable imagination, quality and maturity.

"At just 22 years of age, Brad Heidi is an outstanding one of those very special talents. Brad, who is based in Galway, was selected by Galway Bay FM. Brad is a brilliant singer, songwriter and performer, who has shown a remarkable single-mindedness and dedication, in his drive to establish himself as an artist.

"Starting out as a busker, Brad was working tirelessly before his exceptional talent was spotted, and he has gone on to play some of the biggest stages in Ireland, including the New Year’s Eve Festival in Dublin at the turn of the year. He has garnered a huge and growing following on social media. The potential is enormous and it is wonderful to see him being recognised in this prestigious way by a panel of judges from across the music industry, that included experienced and successful artists of the calibre of Ruth-Anne Cunningham and Róisín O.

"The prize is a very valuable one – but most of all, the title of A New Local Hero 2023, which has been conferred on Brad Heidi, will I am sure open the way for him to move on with confidence to the next level, in what promises to be a wonderfully creative, fulfilling and productive, long-term career.

"Well done, Brad Heidi. Long may you flourish as an artist, a songwriter, a performer and a singer.

"Traoslaím leat agus gach rath ort don todhchaí.”

A New Local Hero - Academy Dublin - 25th April 2023 - ©Glen Bollard / HotPress

Irish Music Month is a partnership between Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland. It is supported by the newly established Coimisiún na Meán (which has incorporated the role of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland) under the Sound & Vision scheme, and by MCD Productions, IMRO, Live Nation, RAAP, Ticketmaster, Rubyworks, and Camden Recording Studios.

The judges for the A New Local Hero shortlisting process were Cian Boylan (Camden Recording Studios), Ruth-Anne Cunningham (artist and songwriter), Keith Johnson (IMRO), Roisin O'Reilly (artist and songwriter/ RAAP), Lucy O'Toole (Hot Press) and Roger Quail (Rubyworks).