On the last evening of this small but mighty festival at Whelan’s, the rooms were busier than previous nights as folks used their Saturday night to discover new female and non-binary fronted Irish acts. It’s a testament to Ireland’s vibrant music scene that new talent can be discovered at such affordable prices. While some might opt for expensive stadium shows, Dublin’s small venues consistently book talented newcomers—and some classics—for less than the cost of a pint, making it a no-brainer for any music fan.

I Dreamed I Dream at Vicar Street, Dublin 9.3.2024 Copyright Colm Kelly

The evening began with Cork’s I Dreamed I Dream, who hit the main stage with a mix of loud, grungy tunes and killer basslines, all delivered with a general “IDGAF” attitude. Each band member was fully committed, showing their dedication even after some had to work in Cork over the weekend. These artists exude a “cool girl” vibe, with space-like keys contrasting against grungy guitars, landing somewhere between Lambrini Girls and Pillow Queens for an energetic start to the night.

Upstairs, Sjaney offered a completely different vibe. Her silky vocals and soft jazz style were like walking into a spa after the chaos of the main stage. Her songs were deeply emotional and hauntingly beautiful, a powerful voice that was impossible to turn away from. This welcome change showed that these events have a little something for everyone.

Back downstairs, Sarah Crean and her band took the stage, with Sarah honestly admitting it was a dream come true to play Whelan’s main stage. She played an unforgettable set, giving everything to the audience and even stepping into the crowd at one point. Crean and her band were a well-oiled machine, and fans added a perfect layer of backing vocals. With new songs moving in an angrier direction, it’s exciting to see where her music will go next as her discography—and fanbase—grows.

Continuing the shift from grunge rock to jazz to indie pop, SHMONEYDOLL brought rap to the room. Her outfit was on point, complete with a stunning pair of heeled boots she joked she might have to take off. With clever lines, catchy beats, and 150% effort, it was impossible not to have a good time and appreciate the breadth of variety in Irish music.

EFÉ brought us back into a fairytale of indie music with her blue hair and elf-ear aesthetic, which was as captivating as her skill. Having seen her a couple of times, it’s clear she’s an artist who’s coming into her own and improving with every show. Her growing popularity was evident when she got the whole crowd—even those peering from the balcony—to sing along to her song “Loving Girl.”

Upstairs again, Telekura let us escape into a calmer reality that felt like the audible version of a botanical garden. The layering of smooth synths and cheeky lyrics was a nice contrast to the heavier tunes from earlier. They have an eclectic style that comes across perfectly, and with a variety of vocal techniques, they seem poised to branch into different styles as they grow as artists.

Finally, the increasingly popular Florence Road hit the main stage. For a girl band that will truly blow you away, look no further. Their set was another moment to remember; with so much talent, they’re bound to move on to bigger things. You would never know these girls are only beginning to break into the scene, given the way they command the room. The effortless switching between sweet soprano vocals and kick-ass guitar solos was impressive. They created a fun environment that was a perfect fit for a Saturday night, and I can’t wait to see where they go next.

Read our recent interview with Florence Road by clicking on the image below