The future of Irish music is looking bright.
RTÉ 2FM have published their Rising list for 2022, showcasing the best of Irish music talent.
Ireland’s music scene has gone from strength to strength in the past few years, with artists like For Those I Loved Before, Fontaines DC, and Denise Chalia finding success here and overseas.
“We’re really excited to announce our 10 new 2FM Rising artists for 2022,” Director of Music for 2FM, Adam Fogarty said.
“The music team and I deliberated over the list for a number months – which shows just how strong Irish music is right now.
“2FM Rising is a key initiative for all of us and our support of Irish music and artists is something we are incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about.
“We believe our Rising list for 2022 is a great example of how strong and diverse the Irish music scene is right now.
“We look forward to supporting our Rising acts and the many other great Irish acts across our platforms in 2022.”
Artists on the Rising list find themselves being added heavily to 2FM’s music rotation, and they also receive a €1,000 bursary from the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO).
“IMRO is delighted to continue its association with RTÉ 2FM Rising,” said Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing & Membership at IMRO.
“It remains to be an incredibly challenging time for the music and wider artistic community and the RTÉ 2FM Rising initiative will provide an invaluable showcase and support platform for all of the participating acts throughout 2022.”
Without further ado, here are the 10 artists featured on this year’s Rising list.
Lucy Blue
19-year-old bedroom pop artist Lucy Blue from Dublin has already released an eclectic collection of vibey tunes.
Check them out if you like: Frank Ocean, Billie Eilish, Lea Heart
Clip via Lucy Blue
Smoothboi Ezra
Smoothboi Ezra has already amassed half a million monthly Spotify listeners with their emotional uke driven ballads.
Check them out if you like: Rebecca Locke, Mongoose, The Moldy Peaches
Clip via Smoothboi Ezra
Aby Coulibaly
The 21-year-old singer-songwriter is already running her own record label, and releasing neo soul bangers like there’s no tomorrow.
Check them out if you like: Lauryn Hill, Noname, D’Angelo
Clip via Aby Coulibaly
Bklava
One of the most exciting new voices in dance music, Brighton based Bklava has been featured on BBC Radio 1 by Annie Mac and Pete Tong, and has remixed Jamiroquai’s Virtual Insanity.
Check them out if you like: Gemma Dunleavy, Jamiroquai, Bicep
Clip via BklavaVEVO
Sello
Sello is one of the best live acts in the country, and he’s got the tunes to back it up.
Check them out if you like: Hazey, Femz20, Chukz
Clip via GRM DAILY
EFÉ
A lo-fi R&B artist with silky smooth vocals, the Dublin artist is set to go on a European tour with Woozy this year.
Clip via EFÉ
NewDad
The alt-indie rockers from Galway have a new EP on the way, and if the singles are anything to go by, it’s set to be a soundtrack for the summer.
Check them out if you like: Just Mustard, Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail
Clip via NewDadVEVO
Sprints
The garage rock band are about to head on tour, and if you like catchy guitar riffs and pounding drums, it’ll be well worth a ticket.
Clip via SprintsMusic
Cian Ducrot
Emotional pop from the rebel county, perfect for a lonely night in, or a good cathartic cry.
Check them out if you like: Ryan Mack, Dermot Kennedy, Robert Grace
Clip via CianDucrotVEVO
Sophie Doyle Ryder
Ryder is part of the incredible new class of Irish women producing dance music. One to add to the pre-drinks playlist.
Check them out if you like: Bobbi Arlo, Elaine Mai, LYRA
Clip via Sophie Doyle Ryder
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