Irish Music Month is back for 2026 and, once again, KCLR is proud to join over 20 other Irish radio stations in supporting all things Irish music.
This year’s edition of Irish Music Month, supported by Hot Press, the IBI (Independent Broadcasters of Ireland) and Coimisiun na Meán, runs from Monday 14 September to Sunday 11 October, promising more Irish music on air, more plays from some of your favourite (and new) Irish bands, more interviews and a celebration of Irish music from grassroots level to the international stage.
A big part of is our search for A New Local Hero and it all kicks off today (Monday).
Search begins for A New Local Hero
In October 2024, the last running of Irish Music Month, we crowned Carlow duo Asophonics as KCLR’s New Local Hero, the band going on to make the national finals in Dublin that year.
This time out, we’re looking for a new solo artist or band to crown A New Local Hero and, if you’re making music, that could be you.
“We’re looking for the local artists and bands to champion”, says KCLR’s Head of Programming, Ken McGuire.
“Irish music features across almost every show on the station’s schedule already, and our commitment to playing Irish music is unwavering. Our specialist shows do this exceptionally well at evenings and weekends, but there’s always room for more – and that’s what Irish Music Month is about.”
“Over the month we’ll have even more Irish music on air, chats with bands and artists local and far-flung, promos for more gigs, band merch. Really, it’s all about supporting those that are making the music, getting more ears on the music, and for the lucky few chosen as our finalists for A New Local Hero, putting hundreds of Euro straight into the pockets of artists for coming on air.”
You can listen to the full conversation about the launch from today’s edition of The KCLR Daily below.
How it all works
If you’re passionate about making music and keen to take the next step – or another big step – in your music career, then we want to hear from you. We’re calling on all artists and bands across Kilkenny and Carlow to take part by submitting an application and one recorded song (pick your best!) between now and Sunday 6 September.
From all submissions, we’ll select four acts who will record a studio session in Studio 2 at KCLR, and we’ll put your performance to a public vote and judging panel in a bid to crown A New Local Hero for KCLR, ultimately sending our winner on to the national finals in October. Each of our chosen finalists will receive close to €1,000 for their selection, before going on with a chance to record a single at Camden Studios with mixing at Spéir and a release on Rubyworks, expert mentoring, another €5,000 in cash and guaranteed airplay on over 20 radio stations around the country.
Getting paid to play live on air, for a chance to win a prize package worth €10,000? Not a bad return for making an application before 6 September.
Irish Music Month is brought to you by Hot Press and the IBI in association with KCLR, supported by Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound & Vision Scheme, funded by the Television License Fee.
