It’s become “very difficult” for Irish musicians to get their songs played on the radio, according to Dublin band Keywest.

Lead singer Andrew Kavanagh said global superstars are often favoured over Irish musicians who feel it’s a “roll of the dice” whether they get on the airwaves at all.

It comes as the Oireachtas Media Committee meets industry representatives to discuss whether more Irish music should be played on the radio.

Mr Kavanagh told Newstalk Breakfast how he believes Irish music isn’t played on the radio often due to struggles in the industry.

“Radio stations need to make money, but it’s getting harder for them,” he said.

“It’s to do with the listenership and playing stuff that people want to hear. It can be very tricky for them [radio stations] to introduce new music.

“The more new music they introduce the more likely it is that they are going to send their listeners to a competitor who’s playing what the audience want to hear.”

Bono and The Edge performing with U2 in 2005

Even “U2 would struggle” to get airtime if they released a new song, Mr Kavanagh claimed, because of Irish radio’s unwillingness to take risks by playing new tunes.

He said streaming services such as Spotify compete with radio stations for listenership.

“There is declining listenership because of Spotify and other things like that which are popular with this generation coming through, there is less opportunity to listen to radio,” said Mr Kavanagh.

“If you’re driving to work there are great opportunities to listen to the radio but otherwise people aren’t carrying Walkman’s like they used to.”

Basic Income

Last year 2,000 musicians began receiving a basic income as part of a pilot scheme by Government which has been described as helpful in supporting Irish music.

“I think it’s making a massive difference. If you have a living wage, you can take your time and get better,” said the Keywest singer.

“It’s a test that will be going on for three years where musicians will be answering different weekly and monthly surveys.”