Irish women are killing it in the music scene, despite not receiving a fraction of the Irish radio airplay they should be getting
How often do you hear Irish women played on your favourite radio station?
The findings in a new report outline the disparity of gender and race present in the Top 20 most played songs by Domestic Irish artists on radio stations in Ireland over the last year (1 June 2023 to 1 June 2024). The research focused on Irish artists exclusively and those whose music is registered on Radiomonitor.
Prepared by the Why Not Her? founder Linda Coogan Byrne, the Gender Disparity Data Report asks why Irish radio gatekeepers tend to promote new male Irish artists over contemporary female artists and if there are valid justifications for these practices to exclude Irish women from major radio playlists.
The research shows that international artists have taken up 80% of Irish airtime in the Top 100 so far in 2024. Shockingly, Irish women artists only make up 2% of that.
Last year, the report showed that 0% Irish female solo artists featured in the Top 50 Radio Charts songs of 2022. Meanwhile, only 3% of the Top 100 Songs on Irish radio in 2023 included solo/lead/front Irish female artists. Despite receiving public funds, Irish radio stations display a shocking lack of diversity and homegrown female performers.
To help balance the scales, we’re sharing some of our favourite Irish female artists that you should add to your playlist immediately.
CMAT
Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, known professionally as CMAT, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician that has been taking the Irish music world by storm since 2020.
Pillow Queens
Formed in 2016, the Pillow Queens are an Irish indie rock band composed of co-lead vocalists Pamela Connolly and Sarah Corcoran, lead guitarist/backing vocalist Cathy McGuinness, and drummer/backing vocalist Rachel Lyons.
Biig Piig
Biig Piig, the stage name of Jessica Smyth, is an Irish singer and rapper who is currently based in London. The name was inspired by a pizza from a place near her home. She describes the decision as ‘a drunken mistake that kinda stuck.’
Soda Blonde
This alternative pop band started is made up of former members of the band, Little Green Cars. They have gained a loyal fanbase in recent years following the release of two albums in 2021 and 2023 to critical acclaim.
Lyra
Lyra aka. Laura MacNamara, is one of Ireland’s most exciting singer/songwriters following her recent sold out tour and number one album on the Irish Album Charts. Her star is truly on the ascent.
Holly Macve
Described as having ‘vocal notes of Chris Isaak and Patsy Cline’ the 29-year-old has two albums under her belt and just released a new single Wonderland earlier this year.
Orla Gartland
Orla Gartland is an Irish singer songwriter who first came to public recognition following the release of her debut album, Woman on the Internet in 2021 to critical and commercial success. She is also one quarter of the band FIZZ which she started with several musical friends.
Mary Black
Celebrating 40 years in music this year, Mary Black is the undisputed queen of the Irish folk music scene. If you haven’t listened to her back catalogue yet, you’re in for a treat.
