The nationwide search for A New Local Hero has suddenly intensified greatly, with Shimmer Boy being named as Cork 96 FM's own Local Hero! Shimmer Boy will now go forward onto the final long-list, which includes representatives from each of the participating stations. All 20+ of the Local Heroes will be revealed in a series of coming announcements. Watch this space for regular news updates!

Introducing Shimmer Boy

Shimmer Boy is the alter ego of Cork songwriter and guitarist Aaron O’Sullivan. Featuring an alternative indie-folk sound, Shimmer Boy is known for his raw, introspective lyricism and cinematic atmospheric production. Blending glitchy guitars, big drums and intimate songwriting, his music explores personal development, sobriety, lost relationships and rebirth.

In 2026, he played Electric Picnic, sold out his headline show at Coughlan’s and supported artists including Dave Lofts and Robert Grace. His music has received support from RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ 2FM, including Track of the Week, as well as a UK sync placement in Made in Chelsea.

His debut album, In the Aftermath, We Bloom, traces a long emotional arc - moving from collapse to clarity - and stands as the defining statement of the project to date. Following the release of the record, available both digitally and on limited edition vinyl, Shimmer Boy is now focused on building an international career through collaboration, publishing, songwriting, sync and live opportunities.

A New Local Hero: The Facts

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 22 participating radio stations having reached out for submissions in recent months. Now, with over 80 artists having performed and been interviewed on local radio, one act from each station is nominated for the long-list of contenders for the national A New Local Hero award.

Launched in 2021, Irish Music Month is an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, and is funded by Coimisiún na Meán. Irish Music Month is also supported by IMRO, RAAP and Live Nation, along with Ticketmaster, Rubyworks, Camden Recording Studios and Spéir Mix and Master.

And – what's more – we'll be putting over €100,000 into the hands of music makers and their crews across the country too.

The stations participating in Irish Music Month are: Clare FM, Classic Hits, Cork's 96FM, East Coast FM, FM104, Galway Bay FM, Highland Radio, KCLR, KFM, Limerick Live 95FM, LMFM, Midlands 103, Midwest Radio, Northern Sound, Ocean FM, Radio Kerry, Radio Nova, Shannonside FM, South East Radio, Sunshine FM, Tipp FM, and WLR FM.

What Irish Music Month means, across participating independent stations, is:

– More Irish music song plays

– More Irish music artist mentions

– More Irish music features

– More Irish artist gig pushes

– More Irish artist interview

• Keep an eye on hotpress.com and listen to your local participating station for more news on Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero and the Irish song competition, Amhrán na Laoch.