Hard Working Class Heroes festival - your essential playlist

The Hard Working Class Heroes festival has been showcasing the crème de la crème of emerging Irish artists since 2003 - and this year's line-up is positively packed with potential future superstars.

During three days, from September 28th to September 30th, HWCH hosts a busy programme of talks and workshops - but it's mostly about exceptional gigs. With that in mind, we've made a playlist for you of some of the Irish music heroes of tomorrow…

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Loah

Not a big surprise... Yes, Sallay Matu Garnett AKA Loah, is one of the chosen ones this year. The Sierra Leonean-Irish artist with the stunning voice had a big year, releasing her first EP This Heart and collaborating with big names like Hozier, it’s Loah’s time to fly the nest - and we wish her the very best.

Jafaris

You’ve may have seen young prodigy Jafaris aka Percy Chamburuka this Summer, stealing the show at a bunch of festivals - anticipate a big splash at HWCH. After he blew everyone away with his tune Love Dies, he released his funky and poetic Velvet Cake EP to much acclaim.

Orchid Collective

This four-piece band, composed of David O’Shea (lead vocals, guitar), Shea Tohill (lead guitar, vocals), Hugh O’Neill (bass, vocals) and Darra Doyle (drums, vocals), are coming to to the HWCH festival with their melodious brand of indie-folk. Releasing their new single ‘Lazy’ on Otcober 13th , they’re gonna bewitch the crowd with their chilly and beautiful harmonies juste before, for the HWCH fest.

Laoise

With her bubbly-eerie universe and her electro-jazzy-pop sound, Laoise captured our hearts this year. From her debut single YOU to her Halfway EP and latest tune Rich, the 20-year old's star is on the ascendant - and nothing will take her down from her pink cloud.

Shookrah

Irish R&B is is officially having a moment, and Cork-based band Shookrah are the proof. Velvet voices and addictive grooves… it feels so good. And sounds even better.

Old Hannah

This splendid folk/blues/roots combo have already gigged across the UK, France and the US and - after two fine EPs - are working on their debut album. We predict a very bright future ahead.

Lilla Vargen

Lilla Vargen’ voice is sweet and powerful, and so are her lyrics. This formidable talent is top of everyone's 'Must See' list this year - anticipate a room full of A&R men fighting over the Next Big Thing.

Super Silly

These guys are already familiar to HWCH regulars, with a good reason - they’re super. And their groove is sick. Choice Irish R&B and hip hop, with a gospel influence, and a killer live set. Do. Not. Miss.

Dammy Ari

The very damn funky Dammy Ari from Carlow is back at this year’s HWCH, and we do love that. Dammy knows how to rap, and how to make you groove - make no mistake, this musical chameleon is the real deal.

Rosa Nutty

The velvet voice of young Rosa Nutty makes us feel like the girl has already lived a thousand lives. This makes sense, as she claims the aim of her music is to 'capture a sense of shared human experience'. She has already released two acclaimed EPs, Bunny and Pips, by turns melodious and mysterious. Catch up immediately.

Hard Working Class Heroes festival - your essential playlist

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