Stepping Stone: A New Opportunity for Ireland’s Emerging Music Talent

Got a song sitting on your laptop that you think deserves to be heard? A new initiative launching across Irish radio could give you the chance to take that next step.

There is no shortage of talented musicians in Ireland. The difficult part can be getting that first break. Getting your music in front of the right people, securing radio play and figuring out what comes next can be a huge challenge for an emerging artist. That’s where Stepping Stone comes in.

Launching today, 5th October 2026, the new initiative is looking for emerging music talent from across Ireland, with the winning acts set to receive radio exposure, promotional support and a unique opportunity to spend time with music industry professionals.

And importantly, this isn't just about having your song played on the radio.

What is Stepping Stone?

Stepping Stone is a new talent competition designed to identify and support emerging music talent in Ireland.

It is being run across Today FM, 98FM, SPIN 1038, SPIN South West, iRadio, Beat and Red FM, giving artists the opportunity to put themselves forward to some of Ireland's biggest radio brands.

The competition is open to a wide range of acts. That includes solo artists, singers, songwriters, DJs, bands, groups, producers and performers.

So whether you're making indie in your bedroom, producing electronic music, fronting a band or writing songs with bigger ambitions, Stepping Stone is aimed at giving emerging talent a route into the industry.

What can you win?

This is where Stepping Stone gets particularly interesting. Each participating station may select one winning act, with successful artists receiving broadcast and promotional support from the station. That can include airplay, an on-air interview opportunity and promotion through the station's social media channels.

But the prize goes beyond radio exposure...

Winning acts will also be invited to Marconi House in Dublin during the week commencing 25th January 2027 for an industry development day.

The experience is expected to include:

• 90 minutes of professional studio time

• Recording a demo track

• Professionally produced promotional video content

• Practical music industry coaching

• Advice on music rights and licensing

• Social media and artist marketing guidance

• Advice on securing radio airplay in Ireland

• Business, tax, legal and career guidance

It's about more than getting on the radio

Radio play can be a massive milestone for an emerging artist, but knowing what to do with that opportunity is just as important.

That's one of the things that makes Stepping Stone stand out.

Rather than simply selecting an artist and giving them a bit of airtime, the initiative is designed to give the winners practical experience and advice that could help them navigate the music industry.

From understanding music rights to building a social media presence, marketing yourself as an artist and approaching radio, the development day is designed to cover some of the areas that aren't necessarily taught when you're starting out.

And let's face it, making the music is often only half the battle.

Who can enter?

Stepping Stone is aimed at emerging acts aged 18 and over.

The competition is deliberately broad, with individual artists, singers, songwriters, DJs, bands, groups, producers and performers all falling within the definition of an act.

There is also an important restriction: each act can submit just one entry.

Entrants must also have the legal rights and permissions required for any music, audio, images or other material submitted as part of their application.

When do entries close?

Entries opened on Monday, 5th October 2026 and close on Friday, 13th November 2026.

Entry is free, although entrants are responsible for their own internet or data costs.

The submissions will be reviewed by the Managing Editors of the participating stations together with the Music Content Editor.

Judging can take factors including the quality, originality, suitability, audience appeal and overall potential of the entry into consideration. So, if you've been thinking about sending your music out into the world, now might be a very good time to stop thinking about it and actually hit submit.

Could Stepping Stone be the break an emerging artist needs?

Breaking into the music industry isn't easy. There are thousands of talented artists trying to get their music heard, and sometimes the difference between being another song in someone's inbox and getting noticed is simply getting that opportunity in front of the right people.

Stepping Stone is interesting because it combines radio exposure with practical industry development. For an emerging artist, having your music considered by one of these stations is an opportunity in itself. If selected, getting airplay, promotional support, professional studio time and direct industry guidance could make a genuine difference.

And with entries now open, there is nothing stopping Ireland's next big act from giving it a shot.

Ready to take your Stepping Stone?

Entries are open until 13th November 2026, with one entry permitted per act.

If you've got the music, the ambition and a track you're ready to put in front of the industry, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Your next step could start here. Find out more and enter through 98FM here.

Stepping Stone is being run across Today FM, 98FM, SPIN 1038, SPIN South West, iRadio, Beat and Red FM. Terms and conditions apply.

Slán go fóill.