Irish Music Month is back for 2024 and the search for KCLR’s New Local Hero is now complete!
After a month of submissions in August, KCLR’s four chosen acts for 2024 were named as Asophonics, Charlotte Mackey, Sitting Room and The Southern Fold.
You’ve heard all four acts on KCLR across the start of September but there could only be one winner again this year…
KCLR's New Local Hero 2024 - And National Finalist!
Congratulations to Carlow duo Aaron Thompson and Sophia Jones aka Asophonics who have been named as KCLR’s New Local Hero for 2024. Read more on the announcement here.
Not only are Asophonics KCLR’s New Local Hero choice for 2024, but as of 26 September, they’re now in the final six nationally and will take part in a special showcase event at The Academy, Dublin, on Tuesday 15 October.
Asophonics
Carlow duo Asophonics aka Aaron Thompson and Sophia Jones blend folk rock, shoegaze and indie pop to stunning effect.
Since their inception in late 2023, they’ve made a splash on the local music scene. They opened for award-winning Irish representatives Encore at the International Pan Celtic festival before selling out their debut headline concert at Youngblood Sessions 14.
With new music coming soon, Asophonics are sure to see their local and online fanbase grow even more.
KCLR's 2024 Other Finalists
Charlotte Mackey
Kilkenny native Charlotte Mackey was the youngest of our four Local Hero finalists at just 13 years old.
She has been writing songs for three years, inspired by her favourite singers and songs from the 1980s and 1990s. Despite her young age, Charlotte is no stranger to the stage, with performances at Cleere’s, the National Concert Hall, and the National Stadium under her belt!
She’s even been seen on our TV screens, on Junior Eurovision on TG4.
Sitting Room
Sitting Room is a three-piece outfit from Carlow whose music, while in its early stages, is self-described as “folk-y, indie pop.”
Aoife, Emily and Ava cite established artists like Coldplay, Taylor Swift and Billy Joel as influences but we also have love for up and coming songwriters like Olivia Dean, Holly Humberstone and Chappell Roan.
Sitting Room are regularly seen busking on Kilkenny’s famous Parade.
The Southern Fold
Formed by Kilkenny native Emlyn Holden in 2014, The Southern Fold are no strangers to the local live circuit.
With an EP and full-length album already behind them, the band has also gigged across the pond in the UK.
Emlyn and co have been hard at work behind the scenes more recently, with a new album scheduled for release later in the year.
About Irish Music Month
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. The initiative is also supported by IMRO, RAAP, Live Nation, Rubyworks and Camden Recording Studios. All-in, the value of the Irish Music Month project for Irish artists is in excess of €100,000.
Read more here, and stay tuned to KCLR across the months of August and September for all the details on Irish Music Month and to hear more great Irish music on air.
