It’s that time of year again… Just as you thought you’d seen the back of the debates surrounding end-of-year lists, the Choice Music Prize shortlist announcement comes along to get everyone all riled up again!
The Choice Music Prize was established in 2005 to highlight, promote and showcase the work of Irish bands and artists. What is unique, and most admirable, about the Choice Music Prize is that it rewards the music and no other factor – sales levels or amount of airplay are not considerations of the judging panel. Previous winners are Julie Feeney, The Divine Comedy, Super Extra Bonus Party, Jape, and Adrian Crowley.
So who will be joining the alumni of Choice Music Prize winners? The nominees are…
Adebesi Shank - This is the Second Album of a band called Adebisi Shank
The Cast of Cheers – Chariot
Cathy Davey - The Nameless
Fight Like Apes - The Body of Christ & The Legs of Tina Turner
Halves - It Goes, It Goes (Forever & Ever)
Imelda May – Mayhem
James Vincent McMorrow – Early in The Morning
O Emperor - Hither Thither
Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
Villagers - Becoming a Jackal
So there you have it – the shortlist of nominees for is year’s Choice Music Prize. In the run up to the big announcement Twitter was buzzing with thoughts, hopes and predictions – and once the shortlist was revealed, the debate REALLY came to life. The surprise nominees, the disappointing omissions (*cough* HAM SANDWICH *cough*), who will win, who SHOULD win – everyone has their opinions when it comes to the Choice Music Prize. But really, the only opinions that have any impact are those belonging to this lot – meet this year’s judging panel:
Phil Udell (State.ie), Michelle Doherty (Phantom 105.2), Celina Murphy (HotPress), Aidan Cuffe (Goldenplec.com), Ray Darcy (Today FM), Shane Hegarty (Irish Times), Dave Fanning (2fm), Chris Jones (Alternative Ulster), Danny McElhinney (Irish Mail on Sunday), John Meagher (Irish Independent), Jenny Mulligan (Entertainment.ie) and of course chairman of the judging panel Tony Clayton-Lea
So all that’s left to do now is sit tight until the Choice Music Prize live event on Thursday 3rd March in Vicar Street, where nominees will take to the stage to perform, and the judges will finalise their decision and give the title of Album of the Year to one of the acts (thus making them €10,000 richer!) Tickets for live event will go on sale this Friday 14th January, priced €22 (including booking fee) and available to purchase from Ticketmaster. The live event will also be broadcast live on Today FM on the night, in a special four hour extended programme during the Paul McLoone show.
In the meantime, take to the comments section below and let us know what YOU think of this year’s Choice Music Prize shortlist of nominees!
And if you fancy putting your money where your mouth is, the current betting odds are as follows…
Villagers – 7/4, James Vincent McMorrow – 5/1, O Emperor – 6/1, Halves – 6/1, Fight Like Apes – 6/1; Adebisi Shank – 7/1; Cathy Davey – 8/1; Two Door Cinema Club – 8/1; Imelda May – 8/1; The Cast of Cheers – 10/1
