13 up and coming Northern Ireland music artists to watch out for
With buskers galore and music playing from every corner of the country, there’s no doubt that Northern Ireland is brimming with musical talent just waiting to be discovered.
By Robin Elliott and Zahra Baz
Published 9th Jan 2023, 14:03 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2023, 14:26 BST
Featuring an eclectic mix of musicians of all calibres, Northern Ireland is home to classical pianists, country rockers, multi-award winning blues stars and even famous TikTokers.
In a country featuring a little something for everyone, check out these 13 up and coming Northern Irish music artists to watch out for:
5. The Rising
The Rising are a country rock band consisting of Chantelle McAteer and Chris Logan. Best described as blending fresh-faced pop/rock with modern country stylings straight from Nashville. Since the beginning, their music has enjoyed heavy radio play and play listing globally, including the USA, UK, Europe, Ireland and beyond. The duo have received good support on UK national radio including extensive radio play on the likes of BBC Radio 2, BBC London, including support and sessions with the likes of Graham Norton, Gaby Roslin and Alex Lester.
The Rising have also toured extensively, from headline tours, festivals through to touring with Ward Thomas, The Shires and Jess & The Bandits.The band have also been privileged to perform at the UK's leading Country Festival, Country 2 Country Festival at London’s O2 for two consecutive years.
2022 has seen the release of ‘Bruise You Left’, ‘Highway To The Lost & Found’ and ‘Ain’t Nobody Got Me Here But Me’, with their regular live stream events ensuring entertainment for fans old and new.
For more information, go to www.therisingmusic.com Photo: therisingmusic.com
6. Wynona Bleach
Alternative rock band Wynona Bleach have been around since 2018 and feature Melyssa Shannon, Jonny Woods, Aaron Black, Matt Killen and Carl Gilmore. Their influence on the scene became evident after playing the BBC Introducing stages at the Reading and Leeds festivals, supported Feeder, and performed on a televised anniversary of the BBC’s Introducing Music Show at a sold out show in the Ulster Hall alongside Therapy? SOAK, Villagers and The Divine Comedy.
After releasing their debut single ‘Eyes Burning’ and the ‘Sugar’ EP, Wynona Bleach supported Alice In Chains on the Irish leg of their World Tour in 2019. Following the tour, the quintet retreated to an abandoned warehouse in Portugal where they recorded their debut album ‘Moonsoake’.
2021 saw a signed record deal with London-based Fierce Panda Records and singles ‘Glimmer’ and ‘Drag’ making their debut on the BBC Radio Ulster playlist. Lined up for SXSW in Austin, Texas, 2023 is set to be another successful year for Wynona Bleach.
For more information, go to www.wynonableach.com Photo: Wynona Bleach via Facebook
7. Beauty Sleep
Derry-based band Beauty Sleep are producer and songwriting duo Cheylene and Ryan, also commonly known as ‘the Irish King and Queen of Indie-Pop’. These partners in crime released their debut album ‘Be Kind' in 2019 which saw them shortlisted for Best Album at the Northern Irish Music Prize and picked up national radio support from BBC Radio One, 6Music, and RTE2fm. Their dreamy soundscapes and dizzying songwriting have drawn comparisons to Tame Impala, Orange Juice and Confidence Man.
For more information, go to www.beautysleeptheband.com Photo: Beauty Sleep via Facebook
8. Odhran Murphy
Co Armagh singer/songwriter and Tik-Tok star Odhran Murphy went viral after his Greatest Showman inspired song ‘Stars’ was featured in hit dating TV show Love Island. Since then, Odhran has gone on to land a publishing deal with Dublin-based record label Evolving Music, the brand behind Hozier. After the release of his debut EP, ‘Make It Happen’ Odhran has performed at a number of high profile gigs and is set to perform at the Indiependence Festival in Cork next year.
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/odhranmurphymusic Photo: Odhran Murphy via Facebook