‘Over the West Online Radio’ was launched on May 18, 2024 at The Devlin Hall in Letterkenny, with local artists coming together to celebrate this exciting event.
The online station, founded by singer-songwriter Maria McCormack, provides a platform for emerging artists from all over the country.
Maria expressed the station’s motto, saying, “If You Create It, We Will Play It.”
She explained that the idea for an independent station came about in 2021 because she was frustrated with local musicians not getting their music played on traditional radio stations.
After obtaining the necessary licences, she set about building the platform and station and now, finally the emerging artists of Ireland now have a home for their music.
J’mok who travelled from Belfast to perform at the launch event said it was great to know that their music would always be played on Over the West and he said it was wonderful to know that there would be “no more rejections”.
During the launch, Maria praised the “family” of 52 artists from different genres and locations in Ireland who have already entrusted their music to her to promote and showcase.
“The team behind the scenes consists of thirteen DJs mainly of whom are independent artists from all corners of Ireland including Ben McCormack (Galway), Aine Duffy (Cork), Keith Eastwood (Dublin), David Dee Moore (Mayo) all well known to be incredible supporters of Irish talent.
“This platform is dedicated to building strong musical relationships with other like minded DJs on other stations to help get the emerging artists music to a wider audience,” said Maria.
The event was a lively celebration of the supportive community, with over 24 acts from all over the country taking the stage and showcasing the incredible talent featured on the station.
It was also showcased on the RTE Nuacht on Saturday evening.
MC John Muldowney highlighted the abundance of unsigned talent that often goes unnoticed and credited Maria for giving them the recognition they deserve.
Odyssey, a young band from Donegal comprised of Dylan Gallagher, Finlay Sheridan, Odhran McGinley, and Tony Gallagher, had the honour of switching on the ‘On Air’ sign and opening the showcase.
A special tribute was also paid to the late Paul Mooney, who played a significant role in the station’s inception.
Paul, a talented musician, producer, and friend, tragically passed away in a road accident in December.
Maria shared that they had great plans for the future and expressed her love for Paul, whose jingle can now be heard on the station every day.
Listeners can now download the Over the West Radio app to start enjoying and supporting the diverse range of music available.
