3 Irish Bands Chosen for Dermot Kennedy's MISNEACH

At the launch of Ireland Music Week (IMW) 2024, Dermot Kennedy made an exciting announcement: three IMW ‘24 showcase artists will join him on the international stage at the inaugural MISNEACH Festival in March 2025. This unique festival, curated by Kennedy, will be held in Boston on March 16th and in Sydney on March 18th-19th, aligning with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Meet the Three Irish Acts Selected by Dermot Kennedy

After careful consideration Dermot chose Ireland Music Week ‘24 showcase artists Big Love, FYNCH, and Cliffords to join him at MISNEACH. Here’s a bit more about each act:

Big Love

BIG LOVE are an alternative rock outfit based in Dublin, Ireland. Their expansive sound is influenced by the likes of Radiohead, Go Go Penguin, Deftones, Cocteau Twins and The Strokes. They released their debut single ‘Lily’ in early 2021 to much critical acclaim, featuring multiple times in the RTÉ Recommends playlist. After a series of live shows across Ireland in 2023, including performances at Electric Picnic, Other Voices and another sold-out headline show at Workman's Club, the group has seen great success in 2024, being listed as one of Whelan's Ones to Watch and HotPress' Hot for 2024. Their album is now set for release in early 2025.

FYNCH

As Irish hip-hop continues to blossom with each passing year, artists like FYNCH are beginning to come to the fore for national and international audiences. Combining cutting social commentary with self-deprecation and a healthy dose of braggadocio via obscure footballer references, FYNCH is an Irish hip-hop artist whose star is steadily rising. The Drimnagh rapper released his first EP - Bookies Pens & Loose Ends - in October 2019, and in 2024, an album titled 'Youngfella', both to acclaim. Since then, Fynch has had a consistent release schedule, collaborating with the likes of Local Boy, 49th & Main, Gaptoof and Willhouse.

Cliffords

Cork-based indie rock/pop band Cliffords capture the essence of love, heartbreak, and cathartic joy through their dynamic and emotional sound. The band, comprised of Iona Lynch, on vocals, drummer Daniel Ryan, guitarist Harry Menton, Locon O Toole on keys and synth, and bassist Gavin Dawkins, have enjoyed national success, gigging in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Cork. As a live experience, Cliffords have solidified themselves as an emerging act not to be overlooked. Cliffords have recently been announced to play at ESNS 2025, as one of the eight announced Irish showcase artists.

MISNEACH Festival: A New Platform for Irish Talent

MISNEACH, meaning "courage" or "spirit" in Irish, is Dermot Kennedy’s vision of a festival that celebrates Irish music and culture internationally.This first edition of MISNEACH will see Dermot playing headline shows alongside showcases with a spotlight on rising local artists in Sydney and Boston respectively, together with independent Irish talent sponsored by Culture Ireland, and in partnership with Ireland Music Week. The festival offers a unique opportunity for Irish acts to connect with global audiences and expand their reach. Tickets for the Boston and Sydney festivals are now on sale here.