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. In the lead up to his ambitious, 9-track, debut EP (dropping April 21st), he has been consistently releasing tracks to critical acclaim, racking up over 142,000 streams this year alone, with placements on Spotify’s 'New Music Friday UK', 'Fresh Finds UK & IE' and 'Alternative Ireland'.

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 real knack for relatable songs which have been described so far as dazzling, cinematic and heartfelt. Fans of Ben Howard, Matt Corby and David Keenan will love Pio's ability to bounce from haunting soundscapes to sincere songwriting.

In 2020, he met producer Zak Higgins (Tomike, Omo Aston, Dendo) and together spent the next two years crafting their own brand of organic pop. Quietly building his musical repertoire and gig CV across 2022, Pio showcased his talent to packed venues, from big production shows with full band like that at Breaking Sound UK / IE (at The Grand Social), to beautiful intimate shows like that at Low Light Sessions (in Crowbar, Button Factory). Three singles across the year 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). His recent release, ‘Will you be back before dark?’, saw him collaborate with award-winning director Andy Asco for an accompanying music ‘film’ set in Phoenix Park, Dublin - and Pio has since received placements in Spotify’s 'New Music Friday UK', 'Fresh Finds UK & IE' and 'Alternative Ireland'.

He is to release his debut EP 'Cargo' - a sprawling 9-track labour of love - on the 21st of April 2023. To celebrate the launch of this ambitious project and to celebrate his recent success, Pio is putting on a live show including the explosive full-band accompaniment. The Cargo EP launch will take place in The Workman's Club (Main Room) on 18 April 2023, with free (but ticketed) spots almost completely booked out.

WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING. . .

"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)

"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

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

"Astounding vocals and enchanting instrumentation"
- Karley Myall, Strike A Note