Kneecap, Bricknasty, Cardinals... 12 Irish music acts to watch out for in 2024

Some you've probably never heard of, while others look like they'll be taking a step up a level, here are a dozen of the best emerging bands and artists in Ireland 

Jordan Adetunji, Kneecap, and Nell Mescal are among the acts who could be taking a step up in 2024.

Nell Mescal

Yes, she’s Paul’s brother and yes, she came to prominence during lockdown, when a video of the siblings doing a cover of Villagers’ ‘Nothing Arrived’ on piano went viral. But Nell Mescal came into her own in 2023, with a string of singles showcasing a pop sensibility along the lines of — well, who else!? — Phoebe Bridgers, ‘In My Head’ proving particularly starry-eyed. She was alongside Kingfishr on support duties for Dermot Kennedy at Thomond Park, and while a tour in the second half of last year was briefly waylaid by tonsillitis, don’t bet against her continuing rise.