Winners of the NI Music Prize 2024 Live Act of the Year, Belfast-based ‘tradtronica’ group Huartan have been breathing new life into ancient words and melodies. Since 2023, they have been sweeping audiences away with their unique fusion of Irish traditional music and electronica. At the core of this dynamic ensemble are three Irish traditional musicians—Catriona Ní Ghribín, Múlú, and Stiofán Ó Luachráin, who also serves as the band’s producer. Their mission is to reconnect contemporary audiences with the oral singing tradition and native language of Ulster. Rooted in anti-colonial and anti-capitalist ideals, Huartan playfully channel collective imaginaries of a pre-Christian and mythic Ireland, with enrapturing live shows featuring performers who embody the unsettling presence of the síogaí (fairies/shapeshifters).

Their debut single, Bean Udaí Thall, revitalises one of the oldest Irish-language murder ballads. Featuring ethereal vocals and droning synths in hypnotic repetition, Bean Udaí Thall won Huartan the inaugural Amhrán na Laoch competition by Hot Press. Their following single, Uiseog, expands on their signature sound, intertwining eerie, atmospheric synth lines with the simple tune of a popular Manx lullaby.

As journalist Peter McGoran writes, ‘their music is Irish trad, but trad that’s injected with urgent, pulsating electronica, warping what this genre or term means.’

‘Huartan have been one of the key voices in a serious ‘realignment’ of modern Irish music and culture.’ – Hot Press

‘When you hear Huartan, you start to wonder why people haven’t been putting Irish traditional music and electronica together more: there’s an element of trance about both when done right.’ – Dig With It