Homegrown talent shaping the Northern Ireland music scene
If you grew up in Northern Ireland, chances are you’re familiar with the sound of a classroom full of schoolchildren attempting to play the tin whistle or recorder…
…it’s not always pleasant.
But that progression from music classrooms to sold out shows is unique to NI.
And these days, the Northern Ireland music scene is home to huge events like Belsonic, AVA, Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival, Belfast TradFest… as well as live music in most pubs every weekend.
In fact, back in 2021 Belfast became only the third city in the UK to be awarded the UNESCO City of Music title – and rightly so.
Add to that a thriving music tourism scene worth £136 million to the Northern Ireland economy every year (according to a UK Music report).
But what is it that makes Northern Ireland a great place for music?
Some might say it’s the unique culture, the community spirit and the growing musical infrastructure… or it could be the Primary School sing-a-alongs were just that good.
We think it’s both!
So, what makes Northern Ireland a great place for music?
Northern Ireland music is built on community
From shared Spotify playlists to belting out ‘Sweet Caroline’ on the karaoke: music brings people together.
That’s why the work of community centres, youth projects, accessible rehearsal rooms and local gigs are so important.
Take the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast – founded by Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, it’s become a hub for aspiring musicians and music-lovers to connect, collaborate and grow.
And as the first NI venue to win the ‘UK Grassroots Venue: Spirit of The Scene’ Award, it shows the social and economic impact music brings to Northern Ireland.
In Derry~Londonderry, the Nerve Centre is giving young people in disadvantaged areas access to studio equipment, hands-on training and even qualifications.
Meanwhile, The Drake Music Project Northern Ireland helps children and adults with complex disabilities make music independently, and Hotbox Entertainment is championing the next generation of producers, videographers and musicians.
They’re laying the groundwork for a vibrant and inclusive music industry in Northern Ireland – and we love to see it.
Global love for the Northern Ireland music scene
We’re not the only ones noticing the opportunities here.
In 2025, none other than Ed Sheeran is using his Foundation to fund three of these local organisations - Drake Music Northern Ireland, Hotbox Entertainment and the Oh Yeah Music Centre.
The funds will go towards supporting aspiring musicians with mentoring, instruments, tuition and performance opportunities.
And there’s a personal connection here too.
Ed’s dad hails from Belfast, and Ed himself has a self-confessed love for Northern Ireland, telling Cool FM that he thinks it’s really beautiful (we have to agree!).
It goes without saying… Northern Ireland is full of musical creativity worth investing in.
Iconic Northern Ireland music venues – big and small
Of course, we all love the big gigs.
The whole of NI feels the buzz when huge international artists make their way to the SSE Arena or brave the rain at Belsonic.
But the smaller venues can be just as iconic.
In Belfast, you’ve got the Ulster Hall, where Led Zeppelin famously played ‘Stairway to Heaven’ for the first time.
While The Millenium Forum in Derry~Londonderry has one of the largest purpose-built theatres across Ireland.
And with local arts centre in towns and villages all over, Northern Ireland’s wide range of music venues keep music accessible for everyone.
Homegrown musicians from Northern Ireland
We can’t talk about the Northern Ireland music scene without shouting out some of the up-and-coming artists, musicians and bands that made their start here.
Ryan McMullan
The Down singer-songwriter has toured the world with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Kodaline and The Coronas.
He’s played on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, yet still wrote a whole song about Belfast City and what a fab night out it is… need we say more?
Dea Matrona
The duo has come a long way from their roots at their school talent show, having been told by a teacher to perform together at their Belfast Grammar School.
They’ve since written and self-produced all of their music catalogue, released a debut album in 2024 and played this year at Glastonbury.
And after hearing the incredible music these two create together, huge kudos goes to that teacher!
JC Stewart
From a TikTok cover going viral to jetting off to LA to being featured on Lewis Capaldi’s new album… and all the way back to the farm he grew up on in Magherafelt.
JC has quite the career already (and we’re betting loads more to come) but still loves coming back to the Northern Irish coast to find inspiration and, “make music that I love with my best friends.”
Us too, JC.
Proof that you can journey all around the world, but there are some things you can only find in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland’s music infrastructure might be attracting international attention, but our Northern Irish diaspora can play a big part in that success.
Whether by supporting homegrown talent, investing in our creative industries or simply spreading the word – there’s real opportunity in the Northern Ireland music industry.
But we could chat all day about that and the incredible musical talent in Northern Ireland… we’d just rather hear it from you.
Who are you listening to? What music helps you stay connected to home, wherever you find yourself?
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