Irish Music Month is back for 2026 and the search for KCLR’s New Local Hero is now underway!
Can you follow in the footsteps of 2024 winners Asophonics and make it all the way to the national finals? Are you ready to get your music on the radio?
If so, we want to hear from YOU before 6 September.
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 - Apply Today
Applications for KCLR’s A New Local Hero are open from Monday 17 August to Sunday 6 September.
Complete the form below, or alternatively email [email protected] including your name, a brief artist/band biography, some links to social media accounts, and an MP3 copy of one of your original songs that you think gives you the best chance to be named A New Local Hero for 2026.
Irish Music Month on KCLR - Latest News
Irish Music Month launches on KCLR on Monday 17 August. Tune to The KCLR Daily from 11.30am to hear more.
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.
