Its fair to say that Irish musicians and artists have in some form or another been well represented on the global stage. We’ve produced some of the biggest bands in the world with U2, and Thin Lizzy, some of the finest singers with Sinead O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan. But there is something about Irelands music scene now that is incredibly exciting.
I can’t tell if this is something that is new, or if it something that I am just now coming to realise. Either way the energy and buzz around Irish musicians is palpable. We have homegrown talent making conscious efforts to represent our culture for what it is, and not just for it to be exported for financial gain.
The focus is on the art, and the people behind it.
Our music is no longer following the trends but is instead creating them. Its relatable, its new, its refreshing. So, I think it’s important to talk about the culture surrounding Ireland’s music scene. To take stock of the achievements of our local talent.
Why is Ireland’s music scene so exciting?
For me personally my interest in Irish musicians, as may be the case with many others, started with Deli Daydreams by Kojaque. The well-produced and powerful album showcases what Ireland has to offer musically and lyrically. The raw album is a true representation of what it is to be a young, working class person in Ireland right now. The ups, and downs, the struggles and the joys, the serious and the comical.
The album drew me in to what we as a nation were capable of musically. It made me realised the insurgence in Irish Hip-Hop, and the unbelievable talent that it has produced. It also forced me to become aware of so many other career musicians in Ireland that have taken the DIY approach to success. Not just in Hip-hop but across the board, with such acts as Lankum giving new life to Irish Trad music, Dermot Kennedy proving that we can create pop music as good as any around the world, and the Fontaines DC and Murder Capital leading the way in Punk music.
Why is this important?
Covid excluded, this has been great for Ireland’s gigs culture. We no longer must wait around for the big bands and acts of the day to play in massive concert venues in Dublin or at some festival. We now have the ability to see up and coming bands, the next big thing, in our beloved local venues. Which gives us the chance to make a personal connection with the music and musicians.
We can now say that we saw an act way back when. Not simply when they became big enough to grace Ireland with a tour. Being an avid music lover myself, I know the thrill of seeing an act and later watching their rise to success. It draws you in. It’s what motivated me to start this blog. To seek out others who feel the same.
It is in my opinion what will expand our great Culture of Music to the rest of the world. What will make us look back in years to come and realise that we lived through something great. So I’m just happy to be apart of the discussion and can promote and applaud the Irish music scene for what it is, Irish.
So, if you agree with any of what I’m saying, or if you want to tell me off for how wrong I am. Then please give the page a follow, and a retweet, or most importantly drop a comment. There is plenty more content to come, such as updates on gigs, reviews of albums, some of my own opinions on the music Culture in Ireland, and some interesting Irish playlists.
Mousey's Music Blog 