Limerick-based band indie folk band Kingfishr follow in the footsteps of Hozier when they represent Ireland at the Music Moves Europe Awards in The Netherlands next week.

They are among 15 European artists who have been nominated at the annual awards which recognises new talent emerging across Europe.

Comprised of Wexford native Eddie, Tipperary native McGoo, and Cork native Fitz, Kingfishr met while studying engineering at University of Limerick in 2017 and formed the band in 2021.

Behind the music: Kingfishr

In 2023, they supported Bruce Springsteen, George Ezra and Dermot Kennedy’s Limerick shows at Thomond Park & in Dublin at Marlay Park.

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In November 2023, the band released their first EP Live From Doonan, which featured stripped back versions of their singles Headlands, Caroline, Anyway and Heart In The Water.

Kingfishr’s nomination was announced at Ireland Music Week in Dublin last year and they will join Boko Yout (Sweden), Daniela Pes (Italy), Hillari (Norway), Joalin (Finland), Judeline (Spain), Loverman (Belgium), Maella (Czechia), Mina Okabe (Denmark), Naomi Sharon (Netherlands), Night Tapes (Estonia), UCHE YARA (Austria), Woomb (Bulgaria), Yamê (France) and Zimmer90 (Germany) at the event on Thursday 16 January at ESNS in Groningen.

In a statement, organisers of the Music Moves Europe Awards said, “The MME Awards is the European Union Prize celebrating the emerging artists who represent the European sound of today and tomorrow. The MME Awards are designed to accelerate the international careers of upcoming European artists.”

Over the past 20 years acts such as Hozier, Dua Lipa, ROSALÍA, Meduza, and Christine and the Queens have won an MME Award.

Music fans across Europe can also vote to choose the winner of the MME Public Choice Award 2025 through the MME Awards website.

Five artists will be selected as winners by an international jury and one artist will be chosen for the Grand Jury Prize.

Each winner will receive €10.000. The winner of the Grand Jury Award will receive an additional green touring voucher worth €5.000. The winner of the MME Public Choice Award 2025 will receive €5.000.

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