Hard Working Class Heroes, the annual music festival which showcases 50 emerging Irish musical acts, began yesterday and will run for a three-day period, finishing tomorrow. The festival takes place around Dublin City Centre in venues such as Workman’s, the Grand Social, Yamamori Tengu, Tramline, Doyle’s and the Chocolate Factory.
These showcases represent a microcosm of the Irish music scene, encompassing a range of different genres and styles. The festival’s acts are rigorously selected by a panel of 35 music industry judges who take into consideration the artist’s songwriting ability, the song and its recording quality, and a personal assessment of the artist.
Hard Working Class Heroes plays a vital role in supporting local musicians and has provided a prodigious platform, launching the careers of hundreds of acts. The showcase affords an opportunity for music industry professionals to be exposed to up-and-coming artists and allows casual music fans to revel in regional talent and discover new artists. Since its establishment in 2003, the festival has hosted various Irish artists who have proceeded to reap great success both nationally and internationally, including Republic of Loose, Bronagh Gallagher, Delorentos, Le Galaxie, Gavin James and The Strypes.
This year, Hard Working Class Heroes includes a diverse selection of local fan favourites and lesser-known Irish musicians. September 28th’s line up includes artists such as the experimental soundscapers Bicurious, distinctive indie darlings Pillow Queens, atmospheric pop artist Tim Chadwick, dynamic, fast-paced rock band Thumper and the hip hop-lyrical realist and melodic-flow espouser Awkward Z.
September 29th sustains the momentum with acts including the Dublin-based band Silverbacks, who may just be the country’s answer to Pavement, native Derry punk rockers The Wood Burning Savages, electro-pop producer and artist 1000 Beasts, understated yet enchanting singer-songwriter Alan Finan and folk mastermind Tiz McNamara, among many others.
Conferences are also a consistent feature at the festival and will be held in the Chocolate Factory. These conferences include networking sessions, workshops and panels that address various music industry matters. Topics of discussion range from mental health within the music industry and the importance of the media to the role of artists and the French music market. Key speakers include Paul Jones of Rough Trade Records and Marie Shields of BIMM Dublin.
Tickets for Hard Working Class Heroes are available from Eventbrite, with prices ranging from €25 to €55. Single venue tickets can also be purchased at the door of the venues, costing €12.50.
