Celaviedmai, Biig Piig, and more live Irish music to look forward to this June
From headline shows to festival sets, June is looking a lot like the busiest month of the year, music wise. Biig Piig, Soda Blonde, Lisa O’Neill, Celaviedmai — the list goes on. So, here are the best Irish acts to see live this month…
Lisa O’Neill
16 June, Empire Music Hall, Belfast, tickets here
Having been nominated for the Choice Music Prize on two separate occasions, the deeply affecting talent of folk singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill isn’t exactly new information to many. Her soulful storytelling, the timbre of her voice, the lilting crescendos — it all makes for an almost spiritual sonic experience.
LYRA
16 June, Live at the Marquee, Cork, tickets here
Back in her old stomping ground of Cork, LYRA will bring her extraordinary vocal vibrancy and stage presence to Ballintemple for a Live at the Marquee show to remember. The queen of unfettered self-expression, her latest single ‘Drink Me Up’ is guaranteed to get you dancing.
The Academic
19 June, Róisín Dubh, Galway, tickets here
Taking place as part of the Róisín Dubh’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Westmeath indie rockers The Academic always bring an infectious energy to the stage. Earlier this year, they released their latest singer, ‘Easy on the Eye’, so make sure you acquaint yourself and brush up on some classics like ‘Bear Claws’ and ‘Mixtape 2003’ before the main event.
Biig Piig
20 June, The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, tickets here
Based in London, Irish singer and rapper Biig Piig has been flying the flag for Ireland on an international scale since she first entered our eyeline in 2017, and last year’s album, Bubblegum, reasserted her as one of our proudest exports. Plus, anyone who saw Biig Piig’s set at All Together Now in 2023 can attest to her magnetic stage presence.
Sea Sessions
21-23 June, Bundoran, Donegal, tickets here
Bringing together music, surf, and sports, Sea Sessions is Ireland’s biggest beach party, and Irish names are making up a healthy portion of this year’s lineup. Across the weekend, you can expect Soulé, blk., JAZZY, Bricknasty, Conchúr White, Big Sleep, Elaine Mai & Maykay, Mathman, and loads more.
Soda Blonde
22 June, Róisín Dubh, Galway, tickets here
Another gig celebrating 20 years of the Róisín Dubh, Soda Blonde’s unique alt-pop sound is one to be relished. Their second LP, Big Dreams, was just nominated for the 2023 Choice Music Prize and will have you frolicking, swaying, and on your feet all evening. This show comes ahead of their biggest headline performance to date in the National Concert Hall next month, playing alongside the National Symphony Orchestra.
Two Door Cinema Club
22 June, Fairview Park, Dublin, tickets here
I think it’s fair to say that seeing ‘Something Good Can Work’ and ‘Undercover Martyn’ live would fix many of us. Hailing from Bangor in Co. Down, Two Door Cinema Club have been in our eyeline since their debut album was released in 2010, and their latest single ‘Happy Customers’ has whetted our appetites for more TDCC tunes to come.
Night and Day
28-30 June, Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon, tickets here
A magical, musical medley of performance, art and interaction, Night and Day festival features a wealth of homegrown talent including Gemma Hayes, Susan O’Neill, Arlene, Efa O’Neill, Dea Matrona, Chalk, Ailbhe Reddy, and Morgana — among some incredible international names set to take over the midlands.
Beyond the Pale
21-23 June, Glendalough Estate, Wicklow, tickets here
For three days only, the wild woodlands and stunning surroundings of Glendalough Estate will be transformed into a whole new world of music, arts and food for what I believe to be Ireland’s best festival, Beyond the Pale. Irish acts to be seen across the weekend include John Francis Flynn, Shark School, 49th & Main, Rachael Lavelle, Cailín, Sunil Sharpe, and many, many more.
The Cliffords
29 June, The Workman’s Cellar, Dublin, tickets here
Cork-based indie rock/pop five-piece The Cliffords capture the essence of love, heartbreak, and cathartic joy through their dynamic and emotional sound. Ahead of this date, they’ll also be playing Live at St Luke’s on 22 June with fellow Corkonians The Love Buzz and Pebbledash.
Villagers
29 June, Trinity College, Dublin, tickets here
An indie folk musical project from singer-songwriter-producer Conor J O’Brien, the music of Villagers fuses folk, pop and rock, and has been featured in soundtracks like Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman’s Big Little Lies, and Irish thriller-drama series, Smother.
Celaviedmai at MOTHER Pride Block Party
29 June, National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, tickets here
Having just stepped into a new era with her brand new aptly titled EP ISSA NEW ERA, Celaviedmai should be bursting from every sound system this summer. Her sound’s shifting and evolving with every release, and it’s so exciting to see, so make sure you catch her playing at the MOTHER Block Party during this year’s Pride celebrations.
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