Supporting Irish Musicians and Artists

President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins has congratulated Calum Agnew, the winner of of A New Local Hero Award 2024.

“The judges must have had an exceptionally difficult job selecting a shortlist of six from those uniquely talented artists – and so, in addition to Calum Agnew, Bobbi Arlo, Asophonics, Mia Black, Jessica Brett and Projective all deserve our most sincere congratulations," said President Higgins.

"We are in a very special moment here in Ireland, with brilliant young, creative artists like all six finalists delivering works of remarkable imagination, quality and strength. Calum Agnew is one of those admirable talents. A truly committed musician who has been writing songs ever since he was a young child."

As part of his prize, Agnew will receive €5,000 in prize money, as well as €5,000 worth of recording, mixing and mastering time at the renowned Camden Recording Studios.  He’ll also have his song released through the independent Irish record label Rubyworks – whose roster includes the likes of Hozier.

“He really has enormous potential – so it is marvellous to see him being recognised in this powerful way by a panel of judges from across the music industry – including experienced and highly successful artists of the calibre of Ruth-Anne Cunningham and Róisín O," continued the President.

"The prize is a very valuable one – but most of all, the title of A New Local Hero 2024, which has been conferred on Calum Agnew – and the support from Irish local radio that it guarantees – will I'm sure open the way for him to move on with confidence to the next level, in what should be a wonderfully productive, long-term career.

"Well done, Calum Agnew. I wish you a hugely successful career as an artist, a songwriter, a performer and a singer.

"Traoslaím leat agus gach rath ort don todhchaí.”

 

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The 2024 edition of the A New Local Hero talent search provided a crucial platform for a thrillingly eclectic selection of acts from right across the country - concluding in a phenomenal live finale at The Academy in Dublin on October 15.

Over the course of the evening, fans, friends, family and representatives from across the Irish music industry watched six of Ireland's most promising stars-in-the-making showcasing their talents.

The acts, who hail from across the country, each brought their own unique sounds and styles to the show – resulting in a brilliantly diverse celebration of the best of emerging homegrown music.

Despite fantastic performances from all of the acts, there could only be one winner – with Calum ultimately winning over the judging panel.

In addition to music from all six of the national finalists, the night also featured a special guest performance from Tolü Makay.

A New Local Hero is a key 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.