Celebrating the best of up-and-coming talent in Ireland, A New Local Hero is back for a hugely anticipated second year – with Tipp FM having just announced their four finalists.

As one of the most imperative features of Irish Music Month, A New Local Hero acts as a thrilling call to arms for Irish musicians and bands – with all 25 participating radio stations having called out for submissions as part of the talent search.

So, let's meet Tipp FM's shortlist...

The Cedartowns:

Made up of Mary and Michele Nugent, Tom Kenna, Andrew Kennedy, Seamus Hayes and Brendan Hunter, The Cedartowns blend blues, folk and pop influences into a distinct and exciting new sound.

Dayna Quinlan:

The Tipperary teenager’s powerful version of 'Jealous' by UK artist Labrinth earned her top spot in the Offaly’s Next Superstar competition in 2021.

Beautiful Apes:

The four-piece rockers from Newport have been together for years, led by vocalist Adrian O’Connell, and are known for their rip-roaring style.

Locklin:

Barry Thomas McLoughlin (aka Locklin) launched his four-track debut EP, entitled Never Forget, back in 2018. McLoughlin was previously rhythm guitarist in The Rumours.

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.