Alex Gough:

Coming up behind established talent like Rejjie Snow, 23 year old Artist/Drummer/Producer Alex Gough is helping blaze a trail for Irish hip-hop internationally. Following radio support and prominent placings in high profile playlists, he’s racked up millions of streams for his 2019 debut EP, ‘80%’, and earned a high profile sync on the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s ‘Normal People’.
Sonically, there’s dizzying variety within Gough’s productions. Graduating from the
sample-heavy sound of 2018’s acclaimed ‘Infomercial Tape’, ‘80%’ features both brilliantly old school beats on ‘Breakfast’ and jazz-influenced understatement in the shape of ‘Dear SJ’. On 2020 B-side ‘Be Kind’ he delves even further into the woozier side of the latter, as inspired by contemporary names like Yussef Dayes, Kamal Williams, and Alfa Mist, as he is undisputed giants of the form, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Chet Baker. Vocally, there’s an engaging authenticity to his easy flow, adding additional weight to his quick-witted bars.

According to Gough, future material is set to be even more diverse. Debut mixtape ‘FOREVER CLASSIC’ released in October 2020 is 90s-inspired but with a range that extends from bossa nova to the breakbeat and Beastie Boys-influence of lead single ‘Heart Attack’. Following this up not even 6 months later with a full live EP and Studio Documentary package entitled “BONUS FEATURES”, Gough shows no sign of taking his foot off the pedal. With 2022 EP “LEMON****” further pushing his artistic envelope, the combination of creative restlessness and undeniable talent makes Gough an exciting proposition, even if he’s far too modest himself to admit it.

Negro Impacto:

Negro Impacto are a Dundalk duo comprising of vocalist-songwriter Chi Chi and producer, multi-instrumentalist Laurence (aka StrangeLove). The pair quickly gained attention in the Irish music scene thanks to their unique neo-soul sound, impressive musicianship and fun live sets. Named as part of the ‘2FM Rising’ class of 2023 and ones to watch across many outlets, the duo are in for another incredible year.

clockwork graveyard:

Who is clockwork graveyard?

bill grim + mi swaco + Malarkey Ruse.

A London based Hip/hop collective combining poetic and political bars with impressive and niche production from the sonic prophet Malarkey Ruse himself. 

The trio have cosmic ties with quasi-conceptual Alt Hip/Hop Funk collective Kamriq Lareef, and their musical talents know no earthly bounds. Their debut album ‘Ink’ laid the foundations for an anticipated comeback in 2023, a project five years in the making featuring the richly constructed single ‘Find Peace’ (2023), showcasing the trio’s development as artists, solidifying their personas and unique sound.