Radio Nova is once again putting its support behind Ireland’s emerging music talent as Irish Music Month returns for 2026.
From Monday, September 14th until Sunday, October 11th, Radio Nova will join independent broadcasters across Ireland in giving additional airtime and exposure to Irish musicians and songwriters as part of the nationwide initiative.
Launched by Hot Press in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) in 2021, Irish Music Month gives radio stations an opportunity to put a greater spotlight on the wealth of musical talent coming through Ireland.
For Radio Nova, that commitment builds on the station’s ongoing support of Irish music and its role in connecting new artists with a large national audience.
Radio Nova CEO and Programme Director Kevin Branigan said the station has been proud to support Irish Music Month since its launch.
“We’re a proud supporter of Irish Music Month and we’ve thrown our full support behind it since its launch several years ago. Supporting Irish music is something that we take very seriously at Radio Nova; there’s so much fantastic Irish music from existing and upcoming bands and we’re proud to be involved in the initiative.”
A major part of this year’s campaign is A New Local Hero, which gives emerging artists the opportunity to get their music heard through participating radio stations.
Radio Nova will select four shortlisted artists from submissions in its area. Those artists will have the opportunity to perform and be interviewed on air before Radio Nova selects its Local Hero to progress to the national shortlist.
The national winner will receive a €5,000 prize and the opportunity to record and release a single through Rubyworks, alongside recording with Cian Boylan at Camden Recording Studios and mastering by Grammy-winning engineer Ruairi Cushnan of Spéir Mix & Mastering.
Radio Nova’s participation also forms part of the wider support provided by Ireland’s independent radio sector, which plays a key role in giving Irish artists airplay and helping new music reach audiences around the country.
With the overall value of support for Irish artists through Irish Music Month exceeding €100,000, the initiative brings together broadcasters and organisations from across the Irish music industry.
For Radio Nova, the 2026 campaign is another opportunity to use the station’s reach, programming and on-air platform to champion Irish talent and introduce its audience to the next generation of Irish artists.
