As part of our Future of Irish Music series with Hennessy, we’re hosting four panels spanning across the creative sphere with some leaders in the Irish industry. We’re going to be touching on topics such as utilising social media, sculpting the best visuals possible, the business side of creativity and what does the future hold for Irish music. Grab tickets
All hosted within the walls of The Big Romance, with complementary drinks on arrival, our talks will be every Tuesday spanning from 22 April to 13 May, drawing from the many minds who have carved out their journey in the Irish and international creative landscape. Click here to grab your tickets before they sell out.
Panel 01 – What Is The Future of Irish Music – 22 April
Kicking off our panel discussion is one of the most exciting conversations developing across Ireland right now, what’s next for Irish music? We’re all waiting with bated breath as we see Irish artists’ influence growing on a global stage, but what are the elements that cause an artist to see success? How does an artist capitalise on the latest trends in streaming, media, touring and music?
Hosted in The Big Romance, Co-founder of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize, David Reid will be joining Simon Merriman, Director of one of Ireland’s leading music promotion organisations, Singular artists. Drawing on decades of knowledge gathered from being ingrained in the music industry, the panel will be examining the process which Irish music seems to be accelerating through. Joining them will be the multifaceted Gemma Bradley. Musician, BBC Radio presenter, DJ and producer, Gemma has a contemporary view on the development of Ireland’s sound.
Click here to grab your tickets to What Is The Future Of Irish Music?
Panel 02 – The Future Of Music Videos And Artist Photography – 29 April
Artists can sometimes overlook the importance of visuals. As an artist, how do you communicate and actualise your creative vision when working with a team? How do you leave a lasting impression on your audience through visuals? How do you tailor your visuals to suit different mediums such as long form video, press photos and more?
On 29 April, The Big Romance will host film and music video director Niamh Bryson, who has worked on projects for esteemed Irish clothing brand Pellador, RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominees Sprints and Future of Irish Music alumni Qbanaa. Alongside her, one of Ireland’s most forefront music photographers, Kate Lawlor, will be joining. Under the name daisychainphotos, Kate has built a following on her distinctive photo style, capturing the likes of Chappell Roan, Ethel Cain and Magdalene Bay. Rounding our panel off, is a veteran of the visual world, Ellius Grace. Long-time friend of District and one of the most respected photographers in the Irish scene, Ellius has captured Shane MacGowan, Sinéad O’Connor and Thundercat.
Panel 03 – What is Social Media’s Role In Music In 2025- 6 May
Social media. An immovable object in the world of creative expansion. It may be unfortunate but it is a fact that so many facets of creativity. How often should an artist be posting on social media? How should an artist approach different forms of content to suit different platforms? How does an artist balance polish and authenticity in their output, whilst keeping their music at the forefront of their content? Can artists survive without social media?
Here, we’re drawing on figures from various aspects of the music world. Maya Cullen Petrović has played a contributing role in the explosion of Irish bands, through her PR and management company Jawdropper Music. Managing the likes of Big Sleep, Chubby Cat and Chalk, she draws on behind-the-curtain experience to shed some light on how to navigate the online world. Joining her is Irish artist EFÉ. EFÉ is a success story, coming out of Ireland and transcending the borders into the boundless internet world. Head of blankbar music, Siún Moriarty has had eyes on the underground, fostering a fanbase through the many artists who prop up Irish music at its core.
Panel 04 – How to Succeed in the Music Industry in 2025– 13 May
Sometimes the business side of the music industry seems almost too daunting to conquer. Acquiring the knowledge behind the artistry is an essential step forward to seeing success. How do I navigate finding management that suits me? How do I budget as an artist? How do I balance the administrative and creative sides of my craft?
On this panel, founder of management organisation SOS Artists and PR specialist for Ireland’s largest promoter, MCD – Sarah O’Sullivan. Joining her is CEO of Waverton Corp and PR specialist, specifically in the burgeoning hip hop world in Ireland, Nathan Sauramba. Finally, our very own Rachel Mae Hannon, head of District Music and a successful independent artist, will be giving her first hand insight into the music business world.
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Each year, District and Hennessy come together to celebrate the Future of Irish Music. As part of our campaign, we are hosting a series of panel discussions on the current state of the music industry. These are essential conversations fostering collaboration and creative and professional development. Tickets can be found here.