Limerick sets the tempo with music releases in 2024

I Love Limerick Music 2024 lookback on local music features some amazing highlights from debut artists to established artists!

I Love Limerick reflects on an amazing 2024 of local music that had our speakers popping and our earbuds buzzing from January to now

Approaching the end of an incredible 2024 and with the Christmas season in full swing, it is great to remember all of the local musicians we can support this festive season. Limerick has had it all this year with a showcase of diversity, talents, and genres producing the amazing sounds of the Treaty City and County.

With the upcoming Rock and roll Record Fair at The Commercial Bar/Record Room on Saturday, December 14 being the perfect way to support local music, I Love Limerick looks back on an inspirational year of sound where we said goodbye to some legendary acts such as Foxjaw while looking at the local talent who keep us entertained; from Limerick’s rap scene to jazz-inspired debuts it has been an incredible year of music in Limerick.

We had a year of empowerment and emotion which Emma Langford has left her mark on with the release of two hard-hitting releases in September and November with Boys Will Be Boys (Fuck That), taking a punk sound, a step outside Langford’s usual folk-inspired style, to drive home the artists message in a 90-second charge against male violence.

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

She followed it up in November with Hunting the Hare, a poignant commentary on femicide and genocide, using the lens of Ireland’s controversial hare coursing practices to deliver her message. Langford’s voice hauntingly opens the track before painting an image through her lyrics which will make any listener reflect on the song’s message.

Limerick’s Strange Boy continued to blend tradition and modernity with God Help Him (Seemingly He Didn’t), a beautiful October release which combined his trademark poetic rap style with traditional Irish music styles, a beautiful piece of music stripped-down blending two contrasting worlds of music.

Susan Quirke and Enda Gallery’s Ó a Bhríd – Ode to Brigid celebrated Irish mythology and meditative self-reflection, perfectly timed for St. Brigid’s Day was on of a number of Limerick releases which put Irish folklore centre stage.

Lúila’s November single, The Morrigan, explored Irish mythology with its layered lyrics and mesmerizing vocals, inviting listeners to embrace the duality of light and shadow. Folk musician Paul Dunworth released his EP “The House of Donn”  following positive reviews on his previous releases. Within Irish Mythology ”Donn” is said to have been the God of the Dead who resided in Teach Duinn, The house of Donn or The house of the Dark One.

Caroline’s Sober added another layer of emotion to Limerick’s 2024 output as her poignant lyrics and mesmerising vocals gave listeners a deeply emotional experience in what was a blend of power and haunting beauty.

Limerick was ready for an uplifting summer as JustG was sure to make it into many summer soundtracks across the country and beyond with infectious hits like Saved Me and Take Things Slow. The Limerick music producer kicked off the year with the release of ‘Oh La La’, a call to let loose and embrace the moment. The lyrics, filled with energy and charisma, convey the desire to enjoy the night without inhibitions.

Released in May and July respectively, Saved Me and Take Things Slow captured the essence of carefree sunshine with deep house beats and acoustic elements. JustG’s collaborative efforts with Paul Finnin and Sarah Mulcahy for Take Things Slow are the epitome of a summer anthem. Lee James also contributed to summer playlists with What You Need, a festival-ready piano-house track featuring Scottish artist EMIAH, debuting at Longitude Festival, the song earned immediate acclaim from live audiences.

Several Limerick artists took major steps forward in 2024 with their new releases; Tríona Horan explored themes of love and self-discovery in Love is Love, her heartfelt debut inspired by her journey of personal growth. Debut singles stood out this year too as Shona Cassidy’s Persephone, released in August, introduced her as a promising storyteller while Ava Bennett’s jazz-inspired Cadillac Ride brought 1950s glamour to contemporary audiences.

Emerging new artist, ARREN released his single, ‘It Takes One to Know’ this year coupled with the release of its captivatingly hilarious music video; directed by David Coleman, putting the artist’s playful side on display with a blend of romance and humour for what he describes as “the dumbest, most brilliant music video of all time”.

Kellie Lewis’ 102 was a beautiful homage to her mentor, Dolores O’Riordan, the emotionally charged track resonated as both a tribute and a reflection on love and loss.

“Limerick City” is a fun, dance-driven hip-hop anthem inspired by Harry Kelly‘s deep pride for his hometown as the singer-songwriter, known for pushing the boundaries with his music, blended genres seamlessly with this release in September.

Hermitage Green closed the summer with a bang, launching their album Connection at Treaty City Brewery during Limerick’s Culture Night celebrations, the band’s latest work reaffirmed their place as one of Limerick’s most beloved musical exports.

Meanwhile, much-loved Limerick soprano Eve Stafford recorded her debut album Songbird, marking a new chapter for the artist after a successful concert series of the same name.

Lloyd John capped off an amazing year of Limerick music with his release, ‘Take My Heart’, a song which captures “the feeling of finding The One”. The track is the first single from Lloyd John‘s up and coming EP ‘Am I Pretty Enough?’.

‘Take My Heart’ was born from a deeply vulnerable state of mind; Lloyd had just moved to London, newly single after a long-term relationship, and was navigating one-night stands and the complexities of adult single life for the first time. His emotions were unstable.

As we celebrate this year’s musical achievements, it’s clear Limerick is lucky to have the amazing talent it has, with such a diverse music scene there is something for everyone to add to their playlists, but it’s also important to remember to support our local artists through buying their music, picking up their merch when we can, and get to some of the many gigs which are on in the venues on our doorstep! Let’s support Limerick musicians this Christmas, we love Limerick music, and we Love Limerick!