Why Backline Live?
Musicians deserve opportunities to perform, develop their craft and be fairly rewarded for their work.
Audiences deserve opportunities to discover great artists without always travelling to major cities or established music hubs.
Through paid performance opportunities, artist promotion, interviews, audience development and community-building initiatives, we work to support musicians while creating memorable live music experiences for audiences across Ireland.
Backline Live was created to help make that happen. Backline Live isn’t just another ‘promoter’ either.
How Backline Live Works
Backline Live helps musicians, audiences and venues connect through live music experiences that create opportunities, build visibility and strengthen local music communities.
Grow
By creating paid opportunities, increasing visibility and building audiences, we help artists develop sustainable careers.
Discover
Audiences discover emerging artists through live events, interviews, artist features and community engagement.
Connect
We bring together musicians, audiences, venues and communities through shared live music experiences.
For Musicians
Building a music career is hard enough without having to do everything alone.
Many artists are balancing work, family, travel costs, promotion, booking enquiries and the challenge of simply being seen.
Backline Live exists to help make that journey more sustainable through paid performance opportunities, audience development, artist features and ongoing visibility.
Our goal is simple: help performing musicians spend more time making music and less time fighting to be noticed.
Backline Live is not built around one-off slots.
We aim to build ongoing relationships with artists, document their journeys, bring them back to new audiences, and help people follow their development over time.
For Audiences
Great live music should not be limited to major cities or established music hubs.
Backline Live exists to help audiences discover talented artists they might otherwise never encounter.
We believe live music is at its best when it is shared in a room with other people — not filtered through algorithms, playlists or social media feeds. Live performances create energy, connection and memories that recordings alone cannot replicate.
By supporting original artists and creating opportunities for musicians to perform, we help bring more great music to more communities.
Backline Live is about more than gigs. It’s about helping audiences discover new artists, follow their journeys and become part of a thriving live music community.
Follow musicians journeys
Artist interviews. Rehearsal visits. Live performance clips. Gig highlights. Behind-the-scenes stories.
Follow the musicians and discover new artists through our YouTube and Instagram channels as we document Ireland’s live music scene.
Backline Live in Action
We are launching our first live music showcase in Midleton, Cork on 4 July 2026.
Four Cork-based acts from across the live music spectrum will put on a night built on great performances, audience connection and a shared love of live music.
Every artist receives a guaranteed performance fee and 60% of ticket revenue after event costs, with Backline Live retaining 40% to support event delivery, promotion and future opportunities.
Artists also benefit from interviews, promotional features and audience-building activities designed to help people discover not just the music, but the musicians behind it.
This first event is more than a gig.
It’s the first step in building stronger connections between artists, audiences and live music communities.
Meet the Bands Playing in Our Launch Event
Four Cork-based artists and bands will perform at Backline Live’s inaugural event in Midleton on 4 July 2026.
Erin & The Lens
Erin & The Lens, based in Cork, is one of the artists performing at the inaugural Backline Live event in Midleton on 4 July 2026.
Through original music and live performance, Erin brings her own distinctive voice to the stage. In the coming weeks, Backline Live will be sharing interviews, rehearsal footage and artist features to help audiences get to know the musicians behind the music. C
Ruined Family Vacation
Ruined Family Vacation are a high-energy alternative rock band based in Cork. Combining powerful performances with a genuine passion for live music, they bring the energy, atmosphere and connection that great rock shows are built on. With a growing reputation on the local music scene, they are a band that demands to be experienced live and a must-see for fans of alternative and rock music alike.
Stephen Murphy
Stephen Murphy is a Cork-based blues-rock singer-songwriter whose performances combine powerful vocals, driving guitar work and a genuine passion for live music. Influenced by artists such as Rory Gallagher, The Black Keys and the rich traditions of blues and rock, Stephen delivers energetic, heartfelt performances built around strong songs and authentic storytelling. A natural performer with a deep appreciation for the craft of songwriting, he is equally at home captivating an intimate audience or getting a room moving with a foot-stomping blues-rock set.
On Paper Wings
On Paper Wings are an emerging punk-pop band from Cork City with a passion for original music and energetic live performance.
Having formed less than a year ago, the band has already begun making its mark on the local scene through live shows while working on its debut single and a growing catalogue of original material.
With plenty of momentum and a clear commitment to developing their sound, On Paper Wings are a promising new act and an exciting addition to the next generation of Irish live music.
Why I Started Backline Live
Music has given me some of the best experiences of my life.
My name is Teresa Murray and I’ve spent years working in creative fields as a writer, filmmaker and musician. I know how difficult it can be to build an audience while balancing work, financial pressures, time constraints and all the other responsibilities that come with everyday life.
The more musicians I met, the more I realised many artists are facing exactly the same challenges.
Many talented people aren’t held back by a lack of ability. They’re held back by a lack of time, visibility, opportunities and support.
At the same time, audiences are missing out on incredible artists because many musicians simply aren’t getting the chance to be seen and heard.
I started Backline Live to help change that.
Are you a musician?
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Whether you have gig experience or not, it doesn’t matter. Our goal is to help you move forward. Get in touch to see how we can help
Get in touch
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Send us an email about your band or music project.