The feedback from our expert panel of music industry professionals highlighted that our 2025 longlist was one of the strongest to date.
The artists who have made it to the 2025 shortlist are as follows:
Alfie Norma
Alfie Norma is a Belfast based alternative folk singer, songwriter and producer. His self produced debut EP ‘Rhubarb Season’ was released in 2023, attracting comparisons to the likes of Bon Iver, Hozier and Joshua Burnside. Since then he has been honing a more expansive sound, taking influence from the alternative pop and Irish traditional to create a more cinematic backdrop for the imagery laden storytelling, in preparation for a second 5 track EP scheduled for release in October 2025.
Lorcan Nelson
Lorcan Nelson is quickly establishing himself as one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting emerging artists, following the release of his debut single this summer. Blending indie pop with folk influences, the singer-songwriter delivers a distinctive sound shaped by an eclectic musical background. His narrative-driven songwriting explores themes of romance and insecurity, all infused with a deeply personal and relatable touch.
Lord Jane
Lord Jane is a vibrant 5-piece band from Northern Ireland, delivering a unique blend of post punk, funky-pop, and alt-rock with a twist, crafting a musical experience that’s as emotionally engaging as it is energetic. Their distinctive sound has caught the attention of major publications like Hot Press and has been featured on BBC Introducing.
Monday’s Child
Belfast-based alternative rock band Monday’s Child was formed in 2022 by McKay sisters Jen (lead vocals/guitar), Lauren (vocals/guitar), Clara (bass), and friend Caitlin Lenfestey (drums). Their music blends heavy alternative rock with moody, ethereal pieces. Major influences include The Breeders, Queens of the Stone Age, Hole, Jeff Buckley and Alice in Chains.
The Thing Is…
The Thing Is… emerged from a group of school friends in the dusty town of Downpatrick. Having built a reputation within Belfast through busking and playing at Volume Control in the Oh Yeah Music Centre, they established our place in the scene. Now, three years, two more members, and a new drummer later, they have gigged across Ireland and England, at venues such as the Empire and Mandela Hall, including a headline show in Liverpool.
Playlist
Next Steps
Over the next two weeks, the organisations that are providing prizes to the eventual winner will review and listen to the shortlist. They will vote for their preferred artist(s) and those with the most votes will walk away as the winner of Kickstart 2025.
Prizes For Winner ►
► Single Recording – Courtesy of Half Bap Studios
Tucked away in the Cathedral Quarter, Half Bap Studios have been recording and mastering some of our favourite artists for over 10 years. Recent highlights include their work with WMG signed Panic:Over, NI nominated album for Dani Larkin, Lilla Vargen and many many more.
► Single Mastering – Courtesy of Aye Sound Mastering
Aye, Sound Mastering was started by Joel Harkin in 2021. Harkin graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Music Technology and Sonic Arts from Queen’s University Belfast in 2017. He has since completed a course in Digital Audio Mastering with Berklee Online and has worked with the likes of Joshua Burnside, Eve Belle, Bui, Gender Chores.
► Professional Career Advice – Courtesy of New Champion Management
From established artists like Joshua Burnside to future prospects Chalk, and Lemonade Shoelace, NCM hold arguably the finest roster of artists from these shores. You’ll have the opportunity to sit down with head honcho Ben Magee to flesh out a plan to develop your career.
► Video for your Single – Courtesy of Eoin Bannon
When he isn’t creating huge alt rock with Alpha Twin, Eoin Bannon is helping artists create music videos for their music. Highlights over the last few months include Reasy Ajarro, Wynona Bleach and Muck Savage.
► Festival Slot – Courtesy of Stendhal Festival of Art
Stendhal is the biggest and best festival on these shores and their line-ups are crammed with the cream of top international, national and local talent. Our winner will find themselves on the bill with the opportunity to make their mark in front of a huge audience. Due to timescales of this competition, it will be the 2026 edition of the festival that you’re playing.
► Single PR Campaign – Courtesy of Thrill Merchants
Thrill Merchants is a boutique PR and artist management agency based in Belfast. They have experience helping artists gain airplay and media coverage including Owen Denvir, Heart Shaped, Lucy Bell and Ben Cutler. A former judge on both the NI Music Prize and the Choice Music Prize and with over 14 years working in the industry, you’ll be in safe hands.
► Professional Photoshoot – Courtesy of Avcunningham Photography
Aside from doing a sterling job as deputy editor at Chordblossom, Aaron Cunningham is an excellent photographer. His work with Chalk, Joel Harkin, Brand New Friend & the mighty New Pagans has seen his shots featured on album covers, gig posters and music publications here and beyond.
► Support Slot at GIFTED – Courtesy of Chordblossom
We know our way round a launch gig at Chordblossom and we’ll ensure you’re on the line-up of a future GIFTED event live at the Belfast Empire.
Timeline For The Competition ►
– Wednesday 16th April 2025 – Competition announced and entry opens
– Sunday 11th May 2025 – Entries Close at 5PM– Monday 2nd June 2025 – Longlist Announced
– Tuesday 23rd June 2025 – Shortlist Announced
– Monday 7th July 2025 – Chordblossom’s Kickstart 2025 Winner Announced
