Here are some great female singers and musicians who originated from Northern Ireland who are well worth catching up with.
1. OR:LA
Céad Label owner Orlagh Dooley from Derry / Londonderry is also a producer and electronic artist who emerged into the dance music scene almost a decade ago. Named Best DJ at the DJ Magazine's 2021 awards, Orlagh has grown her name through performing at festivals, Boiler Rooms and clubs across the world. Growing up on a tiny island on the Irish border in County Donegal, allowed her to grow her imagination and creativity. Later on Orlagh’s love for the electronic music and clubbing scene emerged when she moved from the country to the city. Going on to throw her own raves in abandoned buildings and taught herself everything she knows about DJing. Photo: ORLA via Instagram
2. Janet Devlin
Janet’s first appearance in the eighth series of The X Factor, had her finishing in fifth place, but this didn’t stop her going on to release her debut album the year after. Janet’s music style is heavily influenced by alternative artists such as City and Colour and Nirvana. In recent years Janet has taken to social platforms to reveal a lot about her personal life and struggles she has faced, in hope that she can help others in similar situations. In Janet’s early stages of her career, 2012, she performed at Croke Park, in front of a capacity 82,300 crowd, as part of the half-time show for the All Ireland Gaelic Football final, going back to her Irish roots. She also performed at Dalai Lama in 2013 as part of Northern Ireland charity, Children in Crossfire's 'Culture of Compassion' event in Derry / Londonderry. Photo: Janet Devlin via Instagram
3. Saint Sister
Saint Sister broke their way into the music industry with beautiful harmonies, lyrics and visuals. The perfect collaboration of songwriter, Morgana MacIntyre and harpist/ composer, Gemma Doherty. The duo often perform with a full seven -piece band to orchestrate a memorable and engaging performance. The Irish duo’s record, Where I Should End won Best Album at Northern Ireland Music Prize and was nominated for Album of the Year at Choice Music Prize. Photo: Saint Sister via Instagram
4. Annabelle
The young Annabelle Millar, 23, from Belfast, used her time throughout lockdowns to focus and perfect her music and released the EP Back To You in 2021. With admiration for artists such as Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande and Becky Hill, Annabelle hopes to make her way into the dance-pop space. Annabelle began by releasing covers on Soundcloud, which inspired her to write her own music. Taking inspiration from her partner, Annabelle writes about finding love and hopes to inspire others. Growing on her own social media platforms Annabelle shares with her supporters, her everyday life and relatability. Photo: Annabelle via Instagram