- Music
- 16 Sep 26
Tipp FM: MICAH, Peadar Bradshaw, Nathan Maher and Gintaré chosen as the Tipperary station's A New Local Hero finalists
With Irish Music Month underway, the good news is continuing to roll in for rising stars across the nation, with more than eighty artists being named as local finalists in the national search for A New Local Hero over the coming weeks. Here are Tipp FM's four picks: MICAH, Peadar Bradshaw, Nathan Maher and Gintaré.
MICAH, Peadar Bradshaw, Nathan Maher and Gintaré have been picked as Tipp FM's local finalists in the A New Local Hero national talent search - a key part of Irish Music Month which is taking place on 22 stations across Ireland.
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. The excitement is rising, with a slew of announcements arriving over the next few days. Each of the acts selected by the stations will perform and be interviewed on their local station, with one act from each station going forward onto 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.
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 interviews
And – what's more – we'll be putting over €100,000 into the hands of music makers and their crews across the country too.
Without further ado, let's meet Tipp FM's shortlisted artists...
MICAH
Originally from Holycross, Co Tipperary, MICAH is an Irish emo-pop-rock and alternative artist whose music explores the raw realities of modern life, including anxiety, depression, fractured relationships and personal struggles.
Combining emotionally honest songwriting with infectious pop hooks, alternative rock influences and darker electronic textures, MICAH has been steadily building a loyal following through independent releases and live performances across Ireland and the UK. Following the release of her debut EP Villain in 2024, MICAH is currently working towards a highly anticipated debut album, Lessons Learned.
MICAHPeadar Bradshaw
At just 19 years of age, Peadar Bradshaw is already making a name for himself as one of Tipperary's most exciting young blues-rock musicians. Inspired by legendary artists such as Rory Gallagher, Joe Bonamassa and Dire Straits, Bradshaw's guitar-driven sound has captured audiences around the county. His band, The Peadar Bradshaw Band, recently won the award for Best Original Music at the Tipperary Battle of the Bands competition.
Bradshaw has also performed at a number of local festivals in Clonmel, including When Next We Meet, Junction Festival and The Busking Festival, earning a growing reputation for energetic live performances and original songwriting.
Peadar BradshawNathan Maher
Nathan Maher, from Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, has become one of the county's most talked-about emerging artists thanks to his unique blend of Irish folk music and comedy.
Performing under the moniker 'Rough and Reliable', Maher has attracted significant online attention, particularly following the release of his popular track 'Macroom'.
His humorous and relatable approach to songwriting has connected with audiences far beyond Tipperary. Maher says winning the competition would help him continue recording new material while also giving him the opportunity to properly reward the musicians who support his growing project.
Nathan MaherGintaré
Gintaré Sliurpaite has been passionate about music from a young age, with pop music serving as her biggest creative influence. Driven by a desire to inspire other young people to pursue their ambitions, particularly those from smaller Irish towns, Gintaré aims to create original songs with distinctive lyrics and a unique artistic identity.
A regular performer on local stages, Gintaré has appeared at the Battle of the Bands Carrick-on-Suir, Christmas acoustic showcases, school productions, theatre performances and dance events. She is currently working on her next single and continues to build momentum as an exciting new voice on the local music scene.
Gintaré• 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.

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