NOW THAT WE’VE made it through the end-of-year lists, ranking the best and worst albums and artists of 2022, it’s time to shift our focus on who to keep our eyes (and ears) open for over in 2023.
From U2 to Fontaines D.C. and Lankum to Planxty, Ireland has produced some of the most successful and celebrated acts and artists across the globe. Whether it’s pop music or traditional tunes, there’s an insurmountable amount of music for everyone to appreciate. With technology at our fingertips, the process of recording has become more accessible to musicians. This means there’s always a plethora of new artists and songs to get excited about.
Earlier this week, the nominations for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize album of 2022 were announced. Since it began back in 2005, Choice Music Prize has always sought to “encourage, highlight, showcase and promote Irish music of excellence,” as it states on its website. Part of the support shown by the organisation is awarding the winning artist a cash prize of €10,000. The winner of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize 2022 will be announced at the ceremony held in Dublin’s Vicar Street on Thursday, March 9. Tickets for the night, which will include live performances from nominated artists, are available to buy.
Amongst the 10 nominees included on this year’s list are Aoife Nessa Frances, The Mary Wallopers, Just Mustard, Dermot Kennedy, and Thumper. The strength of albums released by Irish artists across 2022 was so strong, you could easily compile an equally exemplary list of 10 albums that did not feature on the shortlist. Notable mentions in this regard go to Junior Brother, Paddy Hanna and Cork-based artist Elaine Howley, all of whom released excellent records last year.
For many, the RTÉ Choice Prize is not only a highlight in the Irish music calendar but an annual reminder of the abundance of talent in Ireland across a variety of genres. As we get stuck into 2023, it’s the perfect time to highlight some emerging artists and acts we predict are primed to come to prominence this year.
Here are 5 artists hailing from both ends of the country making the finest in 80s synth-pop, Neo-Soul, post-punk and everything in-between to take note of for 2023.
Who: Despite only forming in 2021, the artistic assuredness captured across Negro Impacto’s recorded material is tremendously exciting. Their self-titled debut EP (released months after producer/multi-instrumentalist StrangeLove and vocalist/songwriter Chi Chi formed the project) immediately demonstrated the magic between the pair across their material, incorporating elements of Neo-Soul, Funk and Rock. The strength of that release – so early in their tenure – has critics and fans extremely excited to see (and hear!) what’s to come from the Dundalk-based duo.
Listen to: ‘Anomaly’
Who: If you’re a fan of the gorgeous melancholic lilt of 90s dream-pop group Mazzy Star, then Daire Heffernan is the artist you need to listen to in 2023. Dublin-born and Belfast-based, Heffernan introduced her immediately engaging material in 2022 with the release of her debut single ‘Skeletons’ at the start of 2022. That was followed by her accomplished EP entitled Wasters. So far, her live shows have showcased her immense talent as a songwriter, musician and natural performer.
Listen to: ‘Skeletons’
Who: The art-punk trio from Cork – comprised of siblings Abbey and Aran Blake and completed by their best friend, drummer Andy Killian - are set to accelerate the extraordinary momentum they built throughout 2022. Before releasing their visceral debut EP, Echo Boy, Pretty Happy had opened for American alt-rock royalty Pavement in Vicar Street and joined Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon on her European tour last summer. Singular in their sound and amongst one of Ireland’s most impressive live acts, Pretty Happy is set for great things.
Listen to: ‘Boots’
Who: Dublin-based post-punk quintet M(h)aol has been around for a little while now, but 2022 was the year where everything came together for the band. At the core of their music, M(h)aol writes about pertinent social issues and harrowing personal experiences with the hope that their songs will educate or inspire audiences. The band closed 2022 by opening for Gilla Band on the European leg of their tour and announced that their highly anticipated debut album Attachment Styles, due to be released on February 3.
Listen to: ‘Laundries’
Who: There’s nothing as infectious as the kaleidoscopic melodies of 80s synth-pop. Once you press play on Aonair’s (the moniker for Donegal-born artist Brendan McGlynn) Loveheart Birthmark EP from last year, you won’t want to leave this rich body of work. Layering synths and reverb-drenched guitar tones to accompany his impressive vocals, Aonair’s multifaceted arrangements are immense in both their sonic stature and impact.
Listen to: ‘Bad Decisions’
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