Supporting Irish Musicians and Artists

Following a phenomenal response from artists right across the country, the results of the inaugural Amhrán na Laoch are finally in – with Huartan named the overall winners in this major Irish language song competition, for their genre-blending track 'Bean Udaí Thall'.

As part of their Amhrán na Laoch prize, the Belfast-based band will receive:

• €2,000 prize money
• The opportunity to release the track through the iconic Gael Linn record label
• Airplay support across 21 independent Irish radio stations
• Music industry mentoring and support

The groundbreaking 'tradtronica' collective – who scored the inaugural Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí Award for Best Emerging Artist at Gradaim Nós 2024 – first emerged on the Irish scene just last year. Originally centred around musicians Catriona Ní Ghribín and Múlú, and producer Stíofán Loughran, Huartan have since expanded their immersive live show to incorporate the talents of Anna Poloni and Micheál Ó'Coigligh.

After selling out both of their previous Belfast shows, the band are currently gearing up for a major Samhain celebration, with a headline gig at The Belfast Empire on Wednesday, October 30 (tickets are available here).

Huartan. Credit: Claire Loughran

'Bean Udaí Thall' is a bold reimagining of a traditional Irish murder ballad, telling the story 'of two sisters, one of whom drowns the other in a fit of jealousy.' The single is expected to feature on Huartan's upcoming EP.

Huartan's song was selected from a genre-transcending shortlist by the Amhrán na Laoch judging panel, which included legendary Co. Donegal fiddler and singer Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan, and renowned musician/broadcaster Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers.

Amhrán na Laoch was organised as part of Irish Music Month – an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, which is funded by Coimisiún na Meán. All-in, the value of Irish Music Month for Irish artists is in excess of €100,000.

Another key feature of Irish Music Month is the A New Local Hero talent search – which is set to have its live finale event at The Academy in Dublin on Tuesday, October 15. Tickets are available here.

Listen to Huartan's 'Bean Udaí Thall' – 2024's Amhrán na Laoch – below: