Irish Music Month is back for 2026 and the search for KCLR’s New Local Hero is now underway!
We’ve got our four finalists, all looking for your support- so who’s your choice for KCLR’s New Local Hero for 2026?
A New Local Hero - Vote Now
The public vote is now open, and you can cast yours for Becca Mitchell, BRENN, MARYANN or Patrick Dowling before 6pm on Sunday 27 September.
The public vote will be joined with that of a KCLR selection panel, with KCLR’s winner set to be announced on The Home Run on Monday 28 September after 4pm.
Hear this year's New Local Hero finalists...
Irish Music Month on KCLR - What's it all about?
Irish Music Month runs on 22 Irish radio stations, KCLR included, from 14 September to 11 October. Across the month, we’ll be playing even more great Irish music, featuring more chats, more mentions, and putting more money in creators’ pockets!
As part of Irish Music Month, we’re searching for A New Local Hero, and if you (or someone you know) is making amazing original music in Kilkenny or Carlow, then get in touch with us!
Out of all the local submissions, we’ll choose four acts to join us in studio, record a studio session and interview, in return taking home close to €1,000 each.
We’ll then put each act forward to a public vote and judging panel to help decide KCLR’s New Local Hero for 2026, and put them forward for consideration for the national final.
The overall top prize includes €5,000 cash, a single release on Rubyworks (recorded at Camden Recording Studios with Cian Boylan, mastered by Grammy-winner Ruairi Cushnan of Spéir Mix & Master), a month of guaranteed airplay on every radio station taking part and more. The grand finale will take place in Dublin w/e 11 October.
Irish Music Month on KCLR - Latest News
Kilkenny and Carlow acts announced as national search for A New Local Hero takes off
Becca Mitchell, BRENN, MARYANN, and Patrick Dowling all feature in A New Local Hero for 2026.
Which acts will represent Carlow and Kilkenny for Irish Music Month?
Four acts will be announced as possible contenders later today
Asophonics from Carlow make New Local Hero national final
The duo of Aaron Thompson and Sophia Jones won the KCLR heat and went onto the next round from which...
Carlow duo Asophonics crowned KCLR’s New Local Hero for 2024
Carlow's Asophonics have been named KCLR's New Local Hero for 2024.
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.
