By Rachel Dennehy
Festival Season is upon us and with that comes the arrival of some of the current greatest names in music. There is no better way to spend the summer than creating memories at the many summer festivals organised across Ireland. Students can take advantage of the benefits that come with the ISIC student card, which is available to all second and third level students, making festival season easier to navigate. The card allows students to have ease of access to these festivals whilst also having a range of discounts that are unique to students. With a wealth of talent already en route for the summer, this article notes some of the miraculous talents that cannot be missed this summer.
Doja Cat – Longitude
For the first time since 2018, it is thrilling to see that Doja Cat is making her grand return to Ireland as a headliner at the widely attended Longitude Festival. She can be identified as one of the most endearing artists of our time, attaining her success through a wide range of influences from rap to hip hop, identifying her as one of the biggest names in music at present. Doja Cat is on the rise, having experienced imminent fame and success since she last stepped foot in the country, cultivating two immaculate bodies of work that were an instant success amongst her fans here. Planet Her (2021) and Scarlet (2023) show different sides to Doja Cat establishing her a diverse audience, and whilst she may have recently uncovered a new much darker persona, it has only introduced her to more prosperity with her most recent single “Paint the Town Red”, her most successful single to date which will undeniably resonate as a must hear song at this year’s festival. Her range and experimentation have only allowed her to grow as an artist, suppressing any limitations that have been put on her up until this point.
Cian Ducrot – Sea Sessions
It would be impossible to discuss some of the greatest talents who visited our country without shining a light on some of our native talents that are returning home for a gig this summer, including the talent that is Cork’s Cian Ducrot. After selling out shows all over the world after the release of his incredible debut album Victory (2023), Ducrot’s success is on a high with no limitations on how far he can go. Ducrot will return to Ireland multiple times this summer as he performs at sell out shows in both Dublin and his hometown of Cork as well as going on to perform at this year’s Sea Sessions Music Festival up in Donegal. Ducrot has a track record of appealing to a crowd having previously supported Ed Sheeran on tour as well as achieving a number one album in Ireland showing the attention he garners from his fans. In recent times, he has achieved song writing credits for big stars including SZA making him not only a talented singer but an immaculate writer too whose live vocals have never disappointed making him a desirable artist to see for your summer festival plans.
Raye – Electric Picnic
Raye is one of the most anticipated artists to see this year after having a phenomenal year with the release of her debut album My Twenty First Century Blues (2023) last year which secured her with a top twenty debut album in Ireland as well as a number one single for her viral sensation “Escapism” which was also released last year. Since going independent in 2021, Raye has been experiencing an all-time high having secured six BRIT awards in the ceremony last February breaking the record for the most awarded artist in one night. With thirty million monthly listeners on Spotify, it is clear that this is only the beginning for Raye as her popularity continues to rise, her humble story to success is one that resonates with many making her an artist that you cannot help but root for as you continue to watch her prosper and succeed and what better way to do that than to watch her kill it at one of her first headline slots at one of Ireland’s most desirable music festivals?
Jorja Smith – All Together Now
If that was not appealing enough then how about Grammy Nominated, Brit award winner Jorja Smith who will be heading to Waterford this summer for a headlining spot at this year’s All Together Music Festival. Jorja Smith has had a phenomenal career up until this point, solidifying herself as a rising R&B star. Having debuted in 2016 and receiving global acclaim she has collaborated with some of the largest names in music including Burna Boy and Stormzy as well as securing slots as an opening act for Bruno Mars as well as being a guest performer for Drake as her career began to blossom. She is clearly admired by the greatest of greats, who have praised her for her authentic music style. Critics cannot help but praise her as her artistic vision and enchanting stage presence make her stand out from the crowd combined with her endearing vocal abilities. She is one not to be missed this summer.
Kodaline – Electric Picnic
Finally, Kodaline an Irish rock band that have been much admired by both young and old are returning to Ireland this summer to perform a headlining slot at this year’s Electric Picnic. Kodaline have experienced great success within Ireland with their diverse range of music that is beloved by all music lovers. Critics identify the band as one that does not disappoint due to their great musical diversity, creating an electric atmosphere at any gig they find themselves at. Whether you are a rock fan or not, Kodaline are the one act that do not disappoint, and their great diversity makes their music and performances enjoyable for all blending a sense of melancholy with enthusiasm creating a memorable and unforgettable experience for all. Whether you are familiar with their music or not, Kodaline is a one-way ticket for a remarkable night.
These are only five of the incredibly gifted stars that will be making an appearance in Ireland this summer and they could not be more dissimilar from one another with this list incorporating representations from a diverse range of musical styles and genres including rap, pop, hip hop, rock and R&B ensuring that regardless of your music taste, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy this summer at the many music festivals spread across Ireland. To guarantee that you have the summer of your life, consider including a stop at one of Ireland’s miraculous music festivals.
Whether you are experiencing festival season in Ireland or abroad, make sure to register for an ISIC student card to take advantage of all the benefits made available to you which are available worldwide due to the international recognition that this card holds for students. The ISIC card is a sure-fire way to have an enjoyable time this summer, allowing all card holders to avail of thousands of discounts exclusively for ISIC holders ensuring that students can save money whilst having a good time. Apply today for your ISIC card to ensure that you have the time of your life at festivals this summer.
Find out more about the ISIC card at https://www.isic.ie/about
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