2FM announces line-up of Rising Artists for 2025
RTÉ 2FM has today announced the eagerly anticipated list of 2FM Rising Artists for 2025. Chosen each year by a panel of experts, the class of 2025 are Amble, Annie-Dog, BOLD LOVE, CamrinWatsin, Celaviedmai, Cliffords, ESSIRAY, F3miii, Fortúne Igiebor and Pastiche.
All ten selection artists were announced today on The Tracy Clifford Show and 2FM will champion them all through the next year with particular focus on the acts unveiling exclusive new music and interviews during Rising Week which takes place from Monday 2nd December to Sunday 8th December.
Adam Fogarty, Director of Music at RTÉ 2FM said: “2FM is delighted to announce our 2FM Rising list for 2025. Now in its 8th year (since its inception in 2018) our ambition is to continue to build on 2FM’s rich history of supporting Irish artists and music. Building on the legacy of 2FM Rising – that in recent years has brought you acts such as Dermot Kennedy, Denise Chaila, For Those I Love, Fontaines DC, Jafaris, Pillow Queens, Kojaque, Biig Piig, Monjola, Gemma Dunleavy, Sello, Aby Coulibaly, Chubby Cat, Jordan Adetunji, New Dad, 49th & Main and many more – we remain committed to bringing our audiences exciting new Irish acts that are helping shape the future of Irish music. We’re very excited for another great year in Irish music and to bring 2FM Rising to audiences in 2025.”
Previous 2FM Rising artists also include Lyra, The Murder Capital and Wild Youth. For details on the all of this year’s artists visit: www.rte.ie/2fmrising
Director of Marketing & Membership Development with IMRO, Keith Johnson added: “IMRO is delighted to once again partner with RTÉ 2FM Rising to support Ireland’s next generation of musical talent. The Rising initiative has become a vital springboard for artists, offering them the resources and exposure needed to reach new audiences. In 2025, we’re excited to see these incredible songwriters and musicians bring their unique sounds to listeners across Ireland and beyond.”
ENDS
Date: 02/12/2023
RTÉ Communications: Sarah Neville
About the 2025 2FM Rising Acts 2025:
Amble
In the summer of 2023, the Irish folk trio, Amble – Longford’s Ross McNerney, Leitrim’s Robbie Cunningham and Sligo’s Oisin McCaffrey – had known each other for what the Irish call a ‘wet day’ when a phone call from Los Angeles changed their lives. They weren’t to know it then, but their day jobs (respectively, a secondary school teacher, a primary school teacher, and a data scientist) were soon to end. Amble jumped from relative obscurity to signing to a major label. Amble by name, amble by nature? You only have to hear the music to appreciate just how accurate this is. Amble’s tunes conjure up truisms instead of clichés: Across their newly released EP, The Commons, tracks such as latest singles “Little White Chapel” “The Commons,” plus “Thoughts Flood Back to You,” “One Man’s Love,” and “Luke the Navigator” present indelible marks of deft rural-related storytelling and a musicality that is equally traditional and current.
Annie-Dog
Influenced by a plethora of fellow idiosyncratic artists including Dean Blunt, Imogen Heap, and Alex G, Annie-Dog self-produces her own material and crafts bittersweet shapeshifting pop tracks that occupy a world somewhere between PinkPantheress and Grimes. Annie-Dog released her self-titled debut EP in 2024 via Leeds indie-label, “Dance to the Radio”, and is set to share her sophomore EP, “15”, in February 2025. Although her debut track, “The Pressures of the Heart”, only came out earlier this year, she has already been put on the bill for the likes of Ireland Music Week, Pitchfork Music Festival, Dot to Dot, Live at Leeds, and Other Voices.
BOLD LOVE
The band made up of Cian Ó’Maonlaí (lead vocals), Jack Cody (guitar/vocals), Megan Nic Ruairí (vocals, keys/synth), Dan Aherne (bass), Anton Shovlin (drums), and Adam Curtis (lead guitar) have been gathering significant momentum having been tipped by the likes of Hot Press in their Hot for 2024, Whelan’s Ones To Watch, and RTÉ Recommends, for their widescreen indie-pop inflected alt-rock live sound. This culminated in a scintillating show at the annual Ireland Music Week showcase festival and one of three acts chosen by Dermot Kennedy for his inaugural Misneach festival. Having sold-out numerous early headline shows around Dublin at staple venues such as The Workman’s Club and The Grand Social, as well as playing major festivals such as Electric Picnic and Other Voices, the band will mad their first headline appearance in London at Old Blue Last on 19th November.
CamrinWatsin
Cameron Watson first had success with a take on Jorja Smith’s hit “Blue Lights” which garnered over 120,000 plays on TikTok and was No.1 on Soundcloud New and Hot Charts in Ireland and England. Following multiple releases gaining success and a busy gig schedule, Camrin caught the eye of Sony label Robots & Humans, signing a record deal. The success keeps on rolling for CamrinWatsin as he collaborated with BL3SS to release the massive track “Kisses” featuring bbyclose. The track, as of the end of 2024, amassed 100milllion streams, entering the Top 5 in the Irish charts and the Top 5 of the UK singles chart. Camrin’s latest release on Sony “Blew My Life Up” has just dropped and with exciting collaborations and further releases ahead, CamrinWatsin continues to climb to the very top.
Celaviedmai
Celaviedmai has emerged as one of the most thrilling names in the Irish music scene. Her career reached new heights in 2023 with significant achievements such as opening for Kelis, being recognised as a Breakthrough Artist by GAY TIMES and Coca Cola, and performing live for the first time at UK festivals and in Prague and Brussels. This year, she released her most successful project, ‘ISSA NEW ERA!’, which received widespread praise, televised performances, headlined small festivals and was selected for Ireland Music Week 2024. Hailing from Galway, Celaviedmai’s music is revered for its genre-blending within urban contemporary music. Her lyrics include English, French, and Irish, paying homage to her Ivory Coast heritage. Mai’s live performances distinguish her from most rappers, with a full band, live vocals and unbelievable connection with the audience.
Cliffords
After forming in a garage in Cork as teenagers, Cliffords have emerged as an electrifying act bursting out of the Irish scene. The band built their dynamic indie-rock sound by relentlessly playing venues across Cork, captivating audiences with their emotional and cathartic performances. Cliffords went on to receive widespread recognition after the release of their critically acclaimed debut EP ‘Strawberry Scented’, which came out in April this year. Following this release the band went on to play numerous venues across Ireland and the UK,including a packed-out performance at Electric Picnic’s ‘3 Stage’, solidifying Cliffords as a live experience which is not to be overlooked
ESSIRAY
ESSIRAY is an Irish singer, songwriter, and producer known for her dynamic electronic pop music. She combines fast-paced breakbeats with layered vocals and harmonies, creating a vocal-led sound that feels both energising and calming. Rooted in storytelling, her music explores unique soundscapes that push genre boundaries. Having started her music career as an opera singer, ESSIRAY is no stranger to experimentation and thinking outside the box when it comes to her music-making. This year, she curated an all-female electronic night at Whelan’s, showcasing artists who blend electronic music with other genres. Since her debut two years ago, ESSIRAY has been recognised as “The Future of Irish Music” by District Magazine, won the Goldeneire Songwriting Competition, and performed at festivals such as Beyond the Pale and Forbidden Fruit. She showcased her work at Ireland Music Week 2023 and has supported acts like the South African electronic duo Goldfish at The Grand Social in Dublin and LA-based songwriter Miya Folick. Her work has also been featured on major Spotify playlists, including New Music Friday UK and Fresh Finds: Pop. Hot Press describes ESSIRAY as “a breath of fresh air.”
F3miii
Dublin-based producer and vocalist F3miii is known for his melodic voice and vibrant chords. Music has always been F3miii’s passion and he got his start singing in a gospel choir. The talented artist debuted his career with the release of ‘Beautiful’ on SoundCloud, this tune elevated him to where he is today with over 2 million streams on his last 3 singles collectively. F3miii has collaborated with amazing artists like KhakiKid, Pat Lagoon, Monjola, and Bricknasty. The vocalist finds solace in creating music about love and heartbreak that people can relate to. F3miii was chosen as a District Magazine Alumni 2024 and showcasing artist at Ireland Music Week in 2022. No stranger to live crowds, F3miii’s has performed at Electric Pinic, Forbidden Fruit festival, Cork Jazz Festival. The emerging artist also sold out his headline shows in London 2024 and Dublin 2022 and 2024.
Fortúne Igiebor
Fortúne Igiebor is a rising star in Irish hip-hop, praised not just for his musical talent but for his authentic approach to artistry. Known countrywide for his eccentric genius, combining heartfelt lyricism with bold, genre-blending production. Fortúne’s rapid rise includes sold-out shows, a documentary debut, and two #1 hits in 2023 alone, making him a standout voice in the Irish music community. His fearless approach and public persona make Fortúne an artist who captivates and inspires – a true breath of fresh air in Irish music.
Pastiche
Pastiche is undeniably transforming the Irish music landscape with her captivating pop sound. With a sonic blend reminiscent of Dua Lipa and Chappell Roan, she masterfully fuses classic electronic dark pop with vibrant 80s influences, all delivered through her sharp and witty lyrics.Her debut headline show at Whelan’s sold out in an astonishing 72 hours, a clear indicator of her surging popularity. Having showcased at Ireland Music Week, Iceland Airwaves and Primavera Pro, she is an export-ready star. Audiences have been mesmerised by her larger-than-life persona at venues like The 3Olympia and Collins Barracks. Additionally, she has secured spots at major Irish festivals, including Sea Sessions, Indiependence, SoFFt Nights, and Dublin’s Pride Festival.
Her debut EP, Freak Show Symphony, achieved remarkable success, garnering millions of radio impacts, hundreds of thousands of streams, and tens of thousands of radio plays. Following that, she dazzled listeners with “Dizzy” and “Abandon The Planet,” continuing to rack up millions more radio impacts and thousands of streams. With her consistent success, Pastiche firmly establishes herself as one of Ireland’s most promising independent pop writers, ready to take the world by storm.