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. Fans of Paolo Nutini, Mitski, Medium Build and CMAT can expect a blend of haunting soundscapes with sincere songwriting.

After graduating from BIMM Dublin in 2020, 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 2025, and also recently opened for 2FM's 'Album of the Week' winner Anamoe Drive, at the Roisin Dubh, Galway.

Pio Hartnett, along with his collaborator and producer Zak Higgins, can be said to believe in a simple thing. For them, it's about making music that won't embarrass them when their grandchildren find it. Even if it embarrasses their grandchildren.

The Galway artist's follow up EP is set for release in late 2025, with an additional two parts of a new double, story EP to follow in 2026.

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