MUSIC Artists to Watch in 2023

MICHAEL SWEENEY MUSIC WRITER

While we all make resolutions to exercise more and start a new diet in an effort to improve ourselves - what are you doing to feed the creative side of yourself this year?

NewDad

From touring with Paolo Noutini to headlining Whelan’s, the Galway-born band is fresh off one of their most successful years yet. Although they are only getting started there are promises of a debut album to be released later this year. NewDads’ most recent release ILY2 is a departure from their staple shoegaze sound. In this album, the band experiments with loud guitar riffs and heavy drums. NewDad is making the statement that they aren’t afraid of new genres and concepts. The song is a glimpse into what the future might hold for the up-and-coming band who vow that 2023 is to be filled with more music and gigs.

The Murder Capital

26th February Vicar Street

Following the release of their latest album, Gigi’s Recovery, Irish favourites The Murder Capital will grace the stage at the heart of Dublin’s city centre. Their eclectic range of music is definitely one worth listening to, especially in such a intimate venue like Vicar Street.

Songs to Listen to Before You Attend: For Everything

On Twisted Ground Crying

Only Good Things

Kynsy

An artist that previously appeared in a College Tribune “Ones to Watch” article, she is clearly a Tribune favourite. The former Dublin-based musician is one of the country’s more radical yet insanely talented songwriters. Kynsy, who has spent the past two years releasing songs about heartbreak, abuse, and the irony of New Year’s resolutions (“New Year”), proves herself to be a breath of fresh air in the music scene. With a recent move to London to further progress her music, it feels as though more weird yet wonderful music is to come from Kynsy in the following months.

Efé

The 22-year-old singer is a perfect injection of sunny bedroom pop. Efé has slowly been making waves in the music scene, racking up appearances at major festivals such as Electric Picnic, Glastonbury, and Forbidden Fruit.

Her music is dreamy as she combines infectious beats with whimsical vocals, and her animated personality as seen on her summery EP Vitamin-C. This all results in vibrant live performances where she captures her sound with stunning visuals and a dancing bear. Efé is not only someone who you should listen to but someone who you should catch live this year.

Fizzy Orange

This Irish 6-piece isn’t afraid to serenade you with some of the most soulful beats you’ll hear on this side of the East Coast! 2022 was a huge year for the band with the releases of “Café Confidential” and “Rise and Shine” showing how they weren’t afraid to play around with sounds as each track utilises a different instrument. “Rise and Shine” feels like classic reggae as the banging of drums are infused with the roaring sounds of saxophones. Whereas, “Café Confidential” features more mellow rock with the band intertwining the stunning vocals of lead singer, Kevin Keely, with a deep

Biig Piig

28th March The Academy

Cork favourite Biig Piig will undoubtedly perform a memorable set in Dublin’s Academy this March. This will be a perfect excuse to hear her new album, Bubblegum, which was recently released. Undoubtedly, this concert will be a great night out for anyone who wants to support Irish music!

Songs To Listen To Before You Attend: Feels Right

405-Metronomy X Biig Piig

Sunny Shame

8th February and 1st March