Pio Hartnett

Pio Hartnett is a singer-songwriter and producer from Galway, who has quickly become an emerging act to watch in the Irish music scene.

The artist's sound is a blend of pop, folk and indie rock, which can be identified by Pio's intricate harmonies, distinctive voice and poignant lyrics. 2023 saw him release his ambitious, 9-track, debut EP, as well consistently releasing tracks to critical acclaim, racking up over 142,000 streams in the past year alone, with placements on Spotify’s 'New Music Friday UK' and 'Alternative Ireland', even joining the likes of fellow Irish artist CMAT on 'Fresh Finds UK & IE - Best of 2023'.

Pio's quality songwriting and breathtaking live performances have been capturing people's hearts, with a growing listenership from Ireland to Canada to Japan. With a BIMM Diploma in Commercial Modern Music (specialising in songwriting) under his belt, Pio has a knack for relatable songs, described as dazzling, cinematic and heartfelt. Fans of Ben Howard, Matt Corby, Paolo Nutini and David Keenan will love Pio's ability to bounce from haunting soundscapes to sincere songwriting.

After graduating in 2020, he found himself ready to work, and yet waiting in a world ground to a halt. He decided he would collaborate remotely, everywhere and with everyone he could, working as a songwriter and vocal arranger for hire. Eventually, he met producer Zak Higgins (Tomike, JyellowL, Ellen Sleator). Together, they would spend the following two years crafting their own brand of organic pop. Three singles across 2022 won him local and international radio-play, Track of the Year for ‘Grand Prix’ by The Going Out Out Magazine, Dublin, and praise from Tom Rosenthal and Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script, Gavin James). He began quietly building his gig CV in 2022, showcasing his talent to packed venues, from big production shows with full band like Breaking Sound UK / IE (The Grand Social), to intimate shows like Low Light Sessions (Crowbar, Button Factory).

2023 would prove to be something of a breakout year for Pio. He invited a few trusted friends to his house, including Zak Higgins, and collaborators Amy Ellen and Jane Patterson (James Vincent McMorrow, Lisa Hannigan). They built a live set focused on vocal harmony and string, heavily laced into a full band set, road-ready. Meanwhile, the single ‘Will you be back before dark?’, brought Pio to a larger audience, and saw him collaborate with award-winning director Andy Asco for an accompanying music ‘film’ set in Phoenix Park, Dublin.

His debut EP 'Cargo' - a sprawling 9-track labour of love - was released in April 2023. To celebrate the launch of the ambitious project and to thank the community whose support made it all possible, Pio performed the project in its entirety at a sold out show at Workman's Club (Main Room), Dublin. He supported the likes of Pete Murray, Gavin Fox, and Teenage Dads, earning praise from Miss Grit and attention from certain Irish rappers, while preparing his highly anticipated second and third EPs.

Pio has been named one of legendary Irish music venue Whelan’s 'Ones to Watch' for 2024. He took to the iconic Whelan's (Main Room) stage to play a joint gig with critically acclaimed fellow Irish artist Last Apollo in February. He was asked to play again at the venue with his band - for a third time in three months - at the Whelan's St Patrick's Day 'Full Irish' event. Pio also recently opened for 2FM's recent 'Album of the Week' winner Anamoe Drive, at his debut album launch at Roisin Dubh, Galway.

Pio Hartnett, along with his collaborator and producer Zak Higgins, can perhaps be said to believe in one simple thing. For them, it's about making every track last; every project a legacy. They describe it sometimes as a 'bet' that they made together. So far, it seems to be paying off.

The young Galway artist has two EPs set for release in summer 2024, and winter 2024/2025.

WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING. . .

"A haunting collection of songs that will stick with you long after the final note... Pio captures the feeling of growing older, wiser, and slightly less afraid."
- Cailean Coffey, The Line of Best Fit

"Pio Hartnett looks set to take a step into centre stage."
- Ciaran Brennan, Hot Press

"While Hartnett’s vocals are rich and bold, there is also something haunting in their soulful execution"
- Nicole Mendes, The Other Side Reviews

"Pio was a dream for Low Light Sessions, he created a beautifully intimate atmosphere from the moment he started to the final goodbye, capturing the entire venue's attention and admiration"
- Eoghan O'Dowd (Venue Booker)

"Nothing short of phenomenal"
- Sha, The Bops Collective