This week [Monday - Friday] I'm counting down my Top 50 artists in my humble opinion at this moment in time. The artists are to have released an album/ep or played a gig since Jan 2009 in order to qualify for the list.
21. Padraig Digan
In 2005 Padraig released an album with his band Wallmark then quickly split the band up. After a break from live performing Padraig got writing again and re-visited old songs. Earlier this year he went to Kerry to record his debut solo album with Karl Odlum. I seen Padraig perform a gig upstairs in Anseo to a jammed packed audience. Padraig's songwriting is amazing and I'm eagerly looking forward to the album.
22. Pearse McGloughlin
About a year ago Pearse sent me his debut album to review and I instantly fell for the atmospheric moods of the album. Since then he has gained many fans including a few celebrity fans! Pearse is releasing a new EP in June and has just recorded a session for the Dan Hegerty show on 2fm.
23. Arrow in the Sky
Arrow in the Sky are three lads from Mullingar who write really good Americana folk rock music. They released a debut EP last Summer and are about to go on a nationwide tour as I write!
24. Lisa O'Neill
Lisa made one of the best albums of 2009 with her debut entitled 'has an album'! Lisa's vocals, lyrics and arrangements were outstanding on this album. Check out the Bobby D video.
25. Sean Needham
Now happily settled in Denmark, Sean released his second album 'Time is a Friend' last year. You'd be hard pushed to find a collection of uplifting and positive songs.
26. Kitty and the Can Openers
Belfast band Kitty and the Can Openers have something a little special. They write quirky indie pop songs with great vocals and lyrics.
27. The Garrett Wall Band
According to Andrew in Boyles the best band to have played in the sessions night so far is The Garrett Wall Band. They were perfect professionals who performed a great set even though they were completely knackered and recovering from a stomach bug.
28. Saramai and the Swords
Saramai from Navan is a singer, pianist and songwriter of immense talent. I was only given her debut demo of songs a few weeks back but already it's one of the best cds I've heard this year. Check out her MySpace for the demo songs.
29. Joe Echo
Joe Echo aka Ciaran Gribbin is the former lead singer with the band Leya. Joe however is now a celebrity songwriter writing songs for Madonna and with Francis Rossi from Status Quo! Joe is gonna be huge with his brand of indie pop!
30. Heathers
Ellie and Louise recorded their debut album 'Here, not There' two years ago and are still continuing making the most of the great songs on the album. Recently 'Remember When' was chosen as the song for Irish Tourist Board TV ad campaign. Heathers produce perfect acoustic pop!
31. Junah
32. Reader's Wives
33. Pony Club
34. Kiernan McMullan
35. Elder Roche
36. Michael Brunnock/Little Palace
37. The Lonely Schizophrenic
38. Adrian Crowley
39. Keith Mullins
40. Damien Dempsey
41. A Plastic Rose
42. Garry O'Brien
43. Pete Courtney
44. Valerie Francis
45. Dayo
46. Brendan O'Shea
47. Bobby Noonan
48. Entheos
49. BellaJane
50. Andy Delamere
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