1. Fontaines D.C.
Indie-punks Fontaines DC have exploded in the last year from small beginnings to one of the most talked-about new bands in the world. Debut album Dogrel hit the UK top 10 on the back of rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic (The Guardian and NME both gave it full marks) while their live potency was very much in evidence in their US network TV debut on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show.
Where are they playing?
All Together Now, Waterford, Fri 2 Aug
2. Fia Moon
A Dubliner now based in London, pop act Fia Moon has been building quite a buzz with the handful of tracks she has released so far. Drawing inspiration from smoky jazz, smooth R&B and pop bangers, she’s yet to nail down a sound but the talent is obvious. There are even suggestions that she could end up as Ireland’s answer to Dua Lipa...
Where is she playing?
Body & Soul, Westmeath, June 21-23 (day TBC)
Forbidden Fruit, Kilmainham, Sat 1 June
3. David Kitt/New Jackson
David Kitt has been one of Ireland’s best loved singer-songwriters for the best part of two decades, while in recent years he’s branched out into lush house and techno with his New Jackson alter-ego. At the minute his two careers are running parallel, so whether it’s melodic songcraft or late-night dancing you’re after, Kittser has you covered.
Where is he playing?
Beatyard, Dun Laoghaire, Sun 4 Aug (David Kitt live set)
Beatyard, Dun Laoghaire, Sun 4 Aug (New Jackson DJ set)
4. Kojaque
Blending dextrous rapping, jazzy beats and sharp social commentary, Cabra’s Kevin Smith (aka Kojaque) is very much a man on the rise. Last year’s concept album Deli Daydreams, which painted a picture of Dublin through the eyes of a young lad on minimum wage, snared him a Choice Prize nomination. He stole the show with his live performance on the night, flanked by Soft Boy Records colleagues Luka Palm and Kean Kavanagh.
Where is he playing?
Forbidden Fruit, Kilmainham, Sat 1 June
Body & Soul music festival is 10 this year and to celebrate 50 new acts have just been announced
5. Villagers
Conor O’Brien is well established at this stage as one of Ireland’s best songwriters, with his confessional lyrics, precise vocals and way with a winning melody. Live, he’s equally adept at filling the night with swelling sound from the full band, or reducing a crowd to awed silence with just his voice and an acoustic guitar. If you haven’t yet seen Villagers live, now is the time.
Where are they playing?
Live at the Iveagh Gardens, Fri 12 July
6. Mango & Mathman
If you like your hip-hop gritty and your live shows sweaty, then Mango and Mathman are your men. The rapper/DJ combination have been pushing grime – the sound of East London – in Ireland for years and now they’re getting their dues. Last year’s Lord Hear Us (with vocalist Day_S) was a crossover hit, but they still bring it hard and heavy on stage.
Where are they playing?
Body & Soul, Westmeath, June 21-23 (day TBC)
Forbidden Fruit Festival 2019 line up adds exciting new acts to the June Bank Holiday weekend
7. Pillow Queens
Meeting on a basketball court in a Dublin park was an appropriately unconventional start for such a singular band. Whether by accident or design, the foursome have become one of the voices of young Ireland, and their anthemic single Gay Girls was recognised as a song of 2018 by the Choice Prize. Live, expect DIY pop-punk characterised by loud guitars, impassioned vocals and memorable hooks.
Where are they playing?
Forbidden Fruit, Kilmainham, Sat 1 June
Body & Soul, Westmeath, June 21-23 (day TBC)
All Together Now, Waterford, Aug 2-4 (day TBC)
8. JyellowL
Born in Ireland of Jamaican/Nigerian parentage, fast-rising JyellowL mixes gritty raps with melodic hooks and ends up with serious crossover appeal. Last year’s Oh Lawd showed off his breezy pop side while new single Ozone is darker, but lifted by steel drums and bright horns. Most importantly of all, the guy can rap. Get in before he blows up.
Where is he playing?
Forbidden Fruit, Kilmainham, Sun 2 June
Body & Soul, Westmeath, Fri 21 June
Longitude, Marlay Park, Fri 5 July
Knockanstockan, Wicklow, Fri 19 July
