Longford's Laura Jo makes the most of “exciting opportunity”

Longford musical sensation Laura Jo was making waves over the weekend as she took over the Hot Press Instagram account to perform a live set.

Laura Callaghan from Mullinalaghta took over the social media platform of the Irish music magazine as part of their Young and Emerging series.

Laura Jo delivered an acoustic country-folk set in the session that is sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

The young performer was the recipient of this year's A New Local Hero Wildcard award.

She has an established music career both as a solo artist and collaborator. Laura Jo took over the Hot Press Instagram on Saturday evening for an acoustic, live-streamed set.

Laura Jo spoke to the Leader of her delight at the opportunity: “They gave me a phone call two weeks ago asking if I would take part in the programme. They got me to perform for 20 minutes. It was a mix of original and covers.

“It was a great chance to use their platforms. Obviously they have more followers than an emerging singer from Longford,” she said.

There was an instant benefit for Laura Jo: “It went fierce well. They were quite happy with the performance.

I I got an increase in my followers, but they also got an increase in their followers. Overall it was great. It keeps momentum up, which is important,” she said of the experience.

Writing about the performance Hot Press scribe, Ruth Keyes, said: “Strumming her guitar as she welcomed the first viewers, Laura Jo introduced herself before launching into her first track - her debut single, titled ‘Places’.

“A folk ballad, it allowed the artist to really demonstrate her vocal range; with her quivering voice and acoustic guitar backing, there was a stripped-back ethereal, Americana sound to the music.”

Laura Jo's performance can still be viewed on the Hot Press Insta account.

This is just the latest breakthrough for the Mullinalaghtalady. She will be performing in January 2024 at the folk music convention, Your Roots Are Showing, Ireland's Folk Conference 2024.

Your Roots Are Showing presents the future of folk music performed by today's most exceptional talents.