The Choice Music prize takes place in Vicar Street on Thursday March 3rd. Exactly a month after the debut of the Digital Socket Awards. The flashier affair will see 10 acts who had their 2010 album release shortlisted by the judges have their work debated and one winner will emerge triumphant as Choice Music Prize winner 2011.
On the night the 11 judges which include myself, Phil Udell (State), Ray Darcy, Dave Fanning, Michelle Doherty (Phantom), Chris Jones (AU), Shane Hegarty (Irish Times), Jenny Mulligan (Entertainment.ie), John Meagher (Irish Independent), Celina Murphy (Hotpress), Danny McElhinney (Irish Mail on Sunday) and Tony Clayton-Lea the chairman of the judging panel.
On the night we will be treated to an audio feast from a string of nominated bands (the event will be broadcast live from 7-11pm on the Paul McLoone show on Today FM) with Tickets costing €22 if you want to be there in person. The winning act taking the coveted title, 10k from IMRO and IRMA and a specially commissioned award (courtesy of RAAP).
The confirmed line-up to date is as follows (artists listed in alphabetical order):
Adebisi Shank
The Cast of Cheers
Fight Like Apes
Halves
James Vincent McMorrow
O Emperor
Villagers (solo)
Adebisi Shank / The Cast of Cheers / Cathy Davey /
Fight Like Apes / Halves / Imelda May / James Vincent McMorrow / O Emperor / Two Door Cinema Club / Villagers
The recipients of the Choice Prize thus far are as follows:
2005: Julie Feeney – 13 Songs (Julie Feeney)
2006: The Divine Comedy – Victory for the Comic Muse (Parlophone)
2007: Super Extra Bonus Party – Super Extra Bonus Party (Alphabet Set)
2008: Jape – Ritual (Co-Op Records)
2009: Adrian Crowley – Season of the Sparks (Chemikal Underground)