Few endeavours shine a brighter light on the wealth of musical talent in Ireland than Irish Music Month. A collaboration between Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), this initiative stands as a testament to the vibrancy of Ireland’s homegrown music scene. With the backing of Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound & Vision scheme, and the support of industry heavyweights such as Live Nation, IMRO, RAAP, and the Rubyworks label, Irish Music Month serves as a powerful platform to amplify Irish voices. Among the 21 participating IBI stations championing this effort, Radio Nova stands at the forefront, bringing the very best of emerging Irish artists to an audience that appreciates authenticity, innovation, and artistic excellence.
At the heart of Irish Music Month is A New Local Hero, an initiative designed to seek out and support the rising stars of Irish music. The 2024 recipient of this prestigious accolade is none other than Calum Agnew, a name swiftly becoming synonymous with soul-infused pop brilliance. Representing LMFM in the final rounds, Agnew emerged victorious in a competition brimming with extraordinary talent, capturing the attention of judges and audiences alike. His win is not merely a title—it is a launchpad, granting him unparalleled exposure across Ireland’s independent radio network and beyond.
Now, Agnew steps forward with ‘Anymore’, a strikingly assured single released via Rubyworks. Recorded at Camden Recordings Studios in Dublin and shaped under the expert guidance of producer Cian Boylan (Bono, The Villagers) and mixer Ruadhri Cushnan (Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons), the track embodies the essence of breaking free—both musically and thematically. Inspired by the tumult of unrequited affection, ‘Anymore’ is the sound of liberation, the shedding of emotional entanglement, and the reclaiming of self.
“It was complicated, but I think most people will agree that love is quite complicated,” Agnew reflects. “You’ve got to know when to let go. When I did, it was freeing. I had my life back again. Writing ‘Anymore’ was my way of expressing that anger. It was a final goodbye and a definite throwing away of that key.”
The single is a statement of intent, an assertion of Agnew’s undeniable prowess as a songwriter, performer, and vocal powerhouse. Backed by his formidable seven-piece band—featuring Jamie Dalton (keys), Harry Luck (drums), Patrick Griffin (guitar), Glen Feely (bass), Evan Gerry (saxophone), and vocalists Lily May Craig and Shauna Byrne—Agnew delivers a sound that is at once contemporary and timeless. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Raye, Lana Del Rey, and Amy Winehouse, he brings a distinctive Irish sensibility to the world of global pop.
The excitement surrounding Agnew’s next steps is palpable. Having already graced the stages of Electric Picnic, Whelan’s Ones to Watch Festival, and a sold-out Workman’s Cellar show, he now sets his sights on a future filled with promise. With ‘Anymore’ leading the charge and a debut EP on the horizon, Agnew’s trajectory is unmistakably upward.
The significance of Irish Music Month cannot be overstated. At a time when the industry is constantly evolving, this initiative reaffirms the vital role of local radio in fostering and promoting Irish talent. It is a movement that not only supports artists like Agnew but also enriches the cultural fabric of the nation.
As President Michael D. Higgins aptly remarked: “We are in a very special moment here in Ireland, with brilliant young, creative artists delivering works of remarkable imagination, quality, and strength. Calum Agnew is one of those admirable talents… The support from Irish local radio will, I’m sure, open the way for him to move on with confidence to the next level.”
Indeed, as Agnew’s star rises, so too does the reputation of Irish music on the global stage. And with Irish Music Month and A New Local Hero leading the charge, the future of Irish music has never looked brighter
