Misneach, a new global Irish music festival curated and headlined by multi-platinum artist Dermot Kennedy that will visit Sydney next March, have revealed their inaugural line-up.
A celebration of contemporary and traditional Irish music and thriving Irish culture – as well as featuring two of Australia's most popular artists – where Guinness will be served on tap, Misneach (pron. mish-nyach) means 'courage' in Gaelic."I've always been so moved by the way Irish history and culture is celebrated all over the world," Dermot says, "but I've also had the feeling that, for a country so rich in culture, I didn't see it being represented fully in these events worldwide and I wondered, 'could we change that?'.
"With this inaugural year we hope to begin an annual tradition that will enrich the St. Patrick's Day celebrations around the world with music and the arts, by showcasing some of the best new and established Irish musical talent, as well as musical talent of the Irish diaspora."
With the 'Power Over Me', 'Outnumbered' and 'Giants' songwriter playing an active role in selecting who'll play the Sydney leg of Misneach, the bill will feature an exclusive performance from Irish legends The Frames ('Seven Day Mile', 'Falling Slowly') who return to Australia for the first time since supporting Bob Dylan in 2007.
Soul-rock-folk singer-songwriter Matt Corby ('Resolution', 'Miracle Love') and alternative pop-rock-blues artist Meg Mac ('Roll Up Your Sleeves', 'Low Blows') will represent Australia at Misneach.
"The first ever Misneach Festival celebrating Irish music! So excited to join Dermot Kennedy and everyone in Sydney on St Patrick's Day Eve for this festival," Meg says.
Then there's controversial Irish rappers KNEECAP ('Get Your Brits Out', 'H.O.O.D'), blending socially-conscious lyrics and bass-heavy energy with a commitment to rattle the status quo, while Amble are a West Coast modern Irish folk three-piece who've sold-out shows across Ireland, UK and America the last 12 months.
"Australia! We are coming," shares Amble. "Thank you to Dermot Kennedy and Misneach Festival – this will be nuts."
The line-up also boasts Sorcha Richardson, who The Irish Times declared 'one of Ireland's most intriguing songwriters', Dublin band The Scratch, who blend traditional Irish music with heavy metal that has seen then recently tour the US with Dropkick Murphys and Pennywise, and singer-songwriter Susan O'Neill, who has toured with the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Calexico, and The Teskey Brothers.
The remainder of the bill is filled by Cork five-piece Cliffords, heralded by Under The Radar as 'Ireland's next great band', and rising Irish hip hop artist and Burner Record co-founder FYNCH.
"Australia!!! 🇦🇺🦘 We're finally making our way down under next year," shares The Scratch. "Misneach is a brand new global Irish festival taking place in Sydney and curated by Dermot Kennedy and he's a legend for doing it. Cheers for the invite mate!"
Tickets on sale.
Misneach takes place at The Domain (Sydney) on 16 March, 2025.
Misneach 2025 Line-up
Dermot KennedyThe Frames* Australian exclusive)
Matt Corby
KNEECAP
Meg Mac
Amble
Sorcha Richardson
The Scratch
Susan O'Neill
Cliffords
FYNCH
