Dublin retro-soul band Foinse is selected as one of Ireland's Classic Hits Radio Finalist for Irish Music Month 2026.
Foinse are a six-piece retro-soul band from County Dublin. Their sound is driven by jazzy guitar arrangements, vibrant saxophone melodies, rich harmonies and emotionally vulnerable songwriting.
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Formed in 2021 as a two-piece project, the band has evolved into a tight-knit six-piece ensemble renowned for energetic and highly interactive live performances.
Over the past two years, Foinse have performed at some of Dublin's most respected venues, including The Workman's Club, Whelan's, The Grand Social, Sin É, The Sound House and The Racket Space.
Their forthcoming debut EP, Moneyman, is set for release at the end of September and marks the next chapter in the band's rapid rise.
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Irish Music Month is bringing together Ireland's Classic Hits Radio and 22 other independent radio stations across the country. Launched in 2021 by Hot Press in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) and funded by Coimisiún na Meán, the initiative aims to increase Irish music airplay while creating meaningful opportunities for new and developing artists.
With more than €100,000 in funding and support available for Irish artists and crews, the programme continues its mission to discover Ireland's next 'New Local Hero'.
As one of Ireland's Classic Hits Radio's finalists, Foinse will compete on the programme's Local Stage, with each finalist receiving €875. One act will then be selected as the station's overall Local Hero and progress to national consideration.
Hot Press
Six artists from around the country will be selected to perform at the Irish Music Month Grand Finale at The Academy, Dublin, with each finalist receiving an additional €1,400 prize. The overall national winner will receive a cash prize alongside a further €5,000 support package, including studio recording time with Cian Boylan at Camden Recording Studios, mastering by Grammy-winning engineer Ruadhri Cushnan at Spéir Mix & Mastering, a single release through Rubyworks, professional mentoring, a national PR campaign and guaranteed radio play across all participating stations.
