cicada

Cicada
Dublin, Ireland

Cicada are a five-piece folk rock band based in Dublin, made up of Chiara Giannini, Steven Lothian, Ali Carney, Harvey McNevin and Christopher Mason. Their work is centred on harmony led songwriting and carefully structured arrangements, moving between sparse folk passages and more expansive alternative textures.

In January of 2026, the band were named as Hot Press “Hot For ’26” A&R Pick, recognising them as one of Ireland’s emerging acts to watch.

Their debut EP, Isla’s House (due early Autumn), examines Irish generational trauma, faith and inherited silence. The record focuses on what is carried within families (emotionally and culturally) and how that shapes identity. The first single “Voicebox” will be released on March 27th. It introduces the thematic core of the EP and the difficulty of speaking openly.

Cicada’s live show reflects the same emphasis on control and cohesion, prioritising vocal blend and immersion into their world.

Cicada’s Three-Year Plan
Year 1 – Establish Momentum (2026)
Release Isla’s House through a structured single rollout (beginning with “Voicebox” on March 27th), building visual cohesion around the EP. Use the Hot Press “Hot For ’26” A&R Pick recognition to secure further national press coverage, radio support and strategic play listing. Expand live activity beyond Dublin into Cork, Galway, Belfast and key Irish festivals, positioning Cicada within Ireland’s alternative and harmony-driven indie space. Target support slots with compatible Irish and UK artists whose audiences align with ours. Continue developing a cohesive visual identity that reflects the thematic depth of the project.

Year 2 – UK & European Development (2027)
Secure booking representation and begin targeted expansion into the UK market, including showcase festivals such as The Great Escape. Undertake a UK support run and selected EU dates to test and grow audience outside Ireland. Pursue publishing representation with strong sync capabilities, targeting emotionally driven TV and film placements. Release a second project that builds on the conceptual foundations of Isla’s House, further defining Cicada’s identity within the alternative folk landscape.

Year 3 – Scale & Long-Term Partnerships (2028)
Headline established Irish venues and complete a UK tour. Secure partnership with an independent label aligned with narrative-driven alternative artists (dream partnerships include Partisan Records, Communion or Rough Trade). Establish consistent sync placements and grow streaming and ticketing metrics across Ireland, the UK and select EU territories. Position Cicada as a leading Irish harmony-led alternative act with a clear artistic identity and international reach.