Electric Picnic has grown exponentially in the years since it’s inception, and is now considered Ireland’s premier arts festival and one of the biggest and most prestigious in Europe. Every year the line up gathers together a wide range of acts, with every possible music taste and persuasion catered for in some way or other, and this year is no different with it looking like being another stellar year in Stradbally. To play the festival is often seen as a massive launching pad for new bands as well, and last night in Workman’s Cellar four artists were give given the opportunity to compete for a place at the festival this year.

Organised by Fluttertone, in collaboration with Artlot by Glowdepot, the competition provided the opportunity to take a slot on the Artlot Stage at Electric Picnic. It would see five acts take to the stage to try and win a place in the final next week – Melo Bliss, Euan Hart, Rowdy Outsider, Don’t Tell Mum, and Ryder’s Blu.

It was a great night of live music, and another demonstration of the quality of act that is operating in Irish music at the moment.

First up on the night was Australian singer/songwriter Euan Hart. Joined on stage by Harry Fennell and Jordan Higgins, Hart treated those in attendance to a beautiful set of intelligent and emotional songs that demonstrated his ability as a songwriter. It was a great way to begin the evening.

It was an extremely strong start to the evening, and the great music continued with Dublin four-piece, Don’t Tell Mum. The indie-rock group brought an infectious energy on to the stage with their brilliant stagemanship and instrumentation and it was clear that they were going to be a strong candidate for the competition.

Rowdy Outsider were next up, and the Drogheda three piece brought their rock sound to the stage and enthralled the assembled crowd with their tight instrumentation. Another band whom it will be fun to follow as they grow into their sound in the coming years.

Another of the performers on the night was Kildare duo, Ryder’s Blu. The group brought their outstanding musicianship to the Workman’s stage and continued the energy of the night. It’ll be fun to see how their career continues to grow from here.

Melo Bliss were the finally performer on the night, and they brought a sophistication and emotion to the proceedings. They were another example of the standard of the night as a whole and the difficult job that was presented to the judges.

The competition would eventually result in Don’t Tell Mum winning on the night, and going through to the final next week.

MK