Waterford’s vibrant music scene goes from strength to strength
Pictured at City Hall where Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Seamus Ryan held a Mayoral Reception for the Barrack Street Concert Band. Photo: Joe Evans
The South East music scene is one of the most vibrant and energetic in the country.
The region’s counties boast some of the most eclectic and interesting acts in the country and within that Waterford is one of the leading lights in terms of its importance in the overall context of contemporary Irish music.
Throughout last year, there were many reasons to feel very positive about the local music scene and such was the variety of acts and the range of genres in which musicians showcased their talent within the Déise county that everything from rap to concert bands was very much to the fore throughout the year gone.
One of the highlights last year was the formal acknowledgement of the Barrack Street Concert band, which was honoured at City Hall with a Mayoral Reception, courtesy of Waterford City and County Mayor, Cllr Seamus Ryan.
Cllr Ryan shared warm words of welcome for the band and recognised their many years of musical service to Waterford. While acknowledging the band, he commented: “Few groups can lay claim to such a distinguished and unbroken tradition of music. Since the band’s founding in May 1870 at Mount Sion Christian Brothers School, the group has been at the very heart of Waterford’s cultural and musical life.”
Cllr Ryan went on to comment: “From its first performance at the May Processional, through countless civic and community occasions, the Barrack Street Band has contributed to the soundtrack to Waterford’s history.” Those in attendance were told how the band had evolved over the years from an amateur band to a Brass and Reed ensemble in the late 19th century, before developing into the concert band it’s known as today.
“This evolution has not only sustained the band but allowed it to flourish and grow,” said Cllr Ryan. “That growth in membership and variety of instrumentation has opened the world of music to generations of young people in Waterford, giving them discipline and joy, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts."
One of the most exciting rising stars of the Waterford music scene, rapper Flexx Carter, stepped it up a gear in 2025 and great things are expected of him throughout this year and beyond. The Waterford-based rapper released his debut EP, ‘The Strangest Life I’ve Ever Known’, in the spring and that followed on from the release of lead single, ‘No Discussion’.
Carter is known for delivering heartfelt lyrics with upbeat music and the single and EP enhanced that reputation, with ‘No Discussion’, in particular, exploring the complexities of a relationship that had run its course. The track was noteworthy too for the additional vocals of Dublin-based, Joe Butler, on the chorus.
As Waterford News & Star journalist, Darragh Murphy, wrote at the time: “Together, they create a powerful dynamic, blending vulnerability and conviction in a way that resonates deeply.”
Commenting about his music, Carter said the lead single was a track that many people could likely relate to: “I think everybody has experienced something like ‘No Discussion’.”
“My EP is called ‘The Strangest Life I’ve Ever Known’ for a reason, it is that,” said Carter.
“This part of the EP is about relationships, because they can be some of the strangest things we experience. I know people feel how I felt when I was recording this track.”
Like many original songwriters, whatever genre they work in, Carter said the creative process was akin to therapy: “It was like therapy for me to write and record it, and I think it will be therapy for people to listen to it as well. I think it will resonate in some way with everybody.”
Another young local singer-songwriter creating quite a name for himself is Patrick Dowling, who released his third single throughout 2025, to much acclaim.
The 24-year-old artist from Ringville, Slieverue, in South Kilkenny, grew up on his family’s busy farm, where his love for music first took root. A former student of Abbey Community College, in Ferrybank, he’s a songwriter who draws influence from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dermot Kennedy and Kingfishr.
When he was 15, he bought a Martin LX1-E guitar – the same model favoured by the aforementioned Ed Sheeran – and he then began honing his craft and stage presence while busking around Ireland. Though he went on to earn a BSc in Science from the University of Galway, Dowling ultimately followed his passion for music and that’s just as well because his introspective songwriting and powerful vocals have earned the amiable songwriter much praise.
Having already performed at some of the country’s most notable venues, including Galway’s Róisín Dubh and Uisce Beatha in Waterford City, Dowling is surely destined for great things as he sets about establishing himself as a distinct voice in Ireland’s contemporary music scene.
Another very interesting Waterford act who released new music during the year was Washed Out, who unleashed their EP, ‘Tús’, in August.
The indie-funk outfit exude an upbeat, positive vibe and in a very short space of time have carved an enviable reputation as one of Waterford’s most exciting new bands. Their particular brand of jazz-tinged, indie-funk pop has proved very popular with local music fans and the band has also had some standout performances at a range of events and festivals, including the 40,000-strong Waterford Spraoi parade.
The members’ passion for what they do was perhaps exemplified by the anticipation that preceded the release of their EP: “‘Tús’ is something we are all so proud of and we hope you’ll love it.”
The band’s developments in 2025 followed on from them being named as WLR FM’s ‘New Local Hero’ in 2024. The six-piece is definitely one to watch.
Another songwriter creating quite a stir for himself in 2025 was Oran Byrne, and he has continued that momentum this year. One of the fast-rising stars of the contemporary Irish original music scene his star is definitely in the ascendancy.
Among other noteworthy events during 2025 was the official launch of The Royal Hunt of the Sun's debut album. A brand-new collaborative led by well-known guitarist and songwriter Andrew Ryan, the band, who provided a hard rock bonanza for music fans, is composed of seven of Waterford’s most prominent and electrifying musicians, including: Ailise O'Neill, Calum McGavock and Seanie Whelan (on vocals), Darragh O'Connor (guitar), James Hayes (bass) and Darryl Brazil (drums).
Other artists such as Sonic Saints and Forge Hounds also highlighted the fact that the Waterford music scene is in a very healthy state at the moment.
Meanwhile, the annual All Together Now Festival attracted record crowds, while the Dunmore East Blues Festival provided rock and blues fans with an eclectic mix of acts.
Venues such as Electric Avenue provided a platform for a wide range of artists throughout the year and there were some fantastic gigs at the Seantí just a few minutes from Waterford.
Look out here on waterford-news.ie for a review later this year of some of the exciting acts producing music in 2026.
