More about: Pillow QueensNewDad

Feeling that St Patrick’s Day hangover? To ease the pain, press play on some of the most exciting sounds coming off the island right now. From lo-fi pop, to rap, to traditional singer-songwriter sounds, the music scene in Ireland is more vibrant than ever. Delivering a handful of the biggest names over the last couple of years including the likes of Fontaines D.C, Villagers and The Murder Capital; find the next big thing below.

NewDad

While supporting Fontaines D.C. at their Belfast gig last summer, Galway’s NewDad already had the crowd screaming their name like they were headlining the event. The Banshee EP was another gem from the first few months of 2022, and with their upcoming Dublin show sold out, you’d better get your hands on some tickets before you miss out. - Vicky Greer

Kynsy

Dublin multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ciara Lindsey (aka Kynsy) has been a shining light of alternative Irish electro-pop/indie since the release of her debut single 'Cold Blue Light' in 2020. Last year’s 'Elephant in the Room' is an abrasive tour-de-force, blending true to life lyrics with off-the-wall instrumentation. It’s a compass for a career that looks set to take her to the very top. - Cailean Coffey

Denise Chaila

Limerick-based Denise Chaila is the queen of Irish rap. Exuding pure talent and charisma, her work brings a cool breath of fresh air to the Irish music scene. Having already gained wide critical acclaim for her stunning debut ‘Go Bravely’, she remains on the rise and we predict very big things for the future. - Melissa Darragh

Pillow Queens

Dublin’s Pillow Queens dazzled us back in 2020 with their debut album In Waiting, where they gave a softer, indie edge to the booming Irish post-punk scene, exploring the complexities of religious culture and queer identity. There’s plenty more to come on their upcoming album Leave The Light On, which arrives 1 April. - Vicky Greer

Yenkee

Cork-born lo-fi pop producer Graham Cooney (aka Yenkee). Producing since the age of 15, tracks such as 'Lucy' and 'Cannibal Tree', as well as his debut project Yen which was released earlier this year, have combined classic pop instrumentation with sprinklings of indie-rock stylings. Yenkee, alongside fellow Soft Boy Records members Kean Kavanagh and Kojaque, have taken Irish contemporary indie and hip-hop to new levels, and they don't show any signs of slowing anytime soon. - Cailean Coffey

Sprints

Without a doubt one of the best rock bands to appear on the scene in recent years, Dublin-based Sprints have blown us away with their latest EP, A Modern Job. Their cutting, personal lyrics and noise-rock instrumentals make their sound completely unmissable. They’ve also been proving themselves as a powerhouse live act too, so don’t miss them next time they’re in town. - Vicky Greer

Silverbacks

A band that well and truly should already be on your radar. Having released their sophomore album ‘Archive Material’ earlier this year, Silverbacks continue to bring smartly composed guitar music packed full of wit and charm. - Melissa Darragh

Junk Drawer 

Belfast band Junk Drawer bring cool, indulgent guitar music with a stylish finesse. Having released their latest EP ‘The Dust Has Come To Stay’ just last week, the band continue to build momentum in the best way. - Melissa Darragh

For Those I Love

David Balfe AKA For Those I Love brings a fresh take to the art of spoken word. His stunning self titled debut takes on love and grief with his powerful prose and rich production. Gorgeous, artistic poetry that will grip you with it’s passion and intensity. - Melissa Darragh

Robert Grace

Completely immersive and emotive, County Kilkenny-born singer and songwriter Robert Grace takes candid lyricism to the next level when offering his music to the world. Known for wrapping touchy topics into preppy pop music, Grace shows his true form and takes no prisoners as he consistently puts pen to paper to produce some of the catchiest but most heartbreaking bangers out there. 

With plenty of plans for the rest of this year, the musical powerhouse is set to reveal his brand new EP 'XXVII' where we get to dive even deeper into the mind of Robert Grace. - Geo Blackman

It's Just Cat

Dublin-based It’s Just Cat radiates the kind of carefree energy you want to see from an emerging artist. Covering all the bases in her music, her bold persona, infatuating choruses and at times cutthroat lyrics make for a blissful blend of addictive electro-pop. Having only had a few releases so far, each track acquires its own distinct identity which only builds anticipation for what’s lurking around the corner." - Jordan White

Issue Three of the Gigwise Print magazine is preselling now! Order here.

More about: Pillow QueensNewDad