Leading EMFM

A collective running community-focused, pop-up music events

Overview

I started East Meath FM after feeling there was a lack of opportunities for emerging artists locally. Travelling abroad exposed me to a different approach to events, where brands and promoters would take over unexpected spaces and transform them into temporary cultural venues. I challenged myself to bring some of that energy home while creating a platform for musicians who, like myself, often struggled to find opportunities to perform.

All of the events thus far have taken place at Planet Retro, a vintage shop where I once worked. While balancing full-time study with part-time retail work, I built EMFM from the ground up, shaping its creative identity and managing each event from concept to delivery. This included briefing designers, approaching sponsors, curating line-ups, coordinating artists, sourcing equipment and building a team to document each night. I also worked closely with the shop’s staff to transform the space into a unique venue for each event.

Alongside organising the events, I perform at them myself, which has helped me to further my own career while also creating opportunities for the local artists I share the bill with. In this way, EMFM has allowed me to bring together my interests in music, design, media and event production, as well as build a platform for emerging artists and create the kind of alternative, community-focused nightlife I felt was missing in Ireland.

This project is ongoing, with each event building on the last. View more here.

Sponsors

EMFM has been fortunate to partner with a number of drinks brands including Micil, Galway Cider, X-Lite and Rí Rá. Our relationship with High Noon, however, has been particularly significant. What began as a brand partnership has developed into a strong working relationship built on trust, with High Noon continuing to support our growth and becoming closely aligned with the events.

Coverage

Genuine Irish is an independent Irish music and culture platform that champions emerging artists and grassroots scenes. They joined us at one of our EMFM nights in Planet Retro and captured the performances, DIY setup and community that has grown around the event

Gallery

Photography: Jamie Costello

Artwork

Design: 10000xl
Creative Direction: Jake Carroll

Design: 10000xl
Creative Direction: Jake arrol

Design: 10000xl
Creative Direction: Jake Carroll

Dsign: 1000xl
Creative Directi: Jake Carroll

Design: 10000xl
Creative Direction: Jake Carroll

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