State.ie has announced its closure today, after a decade providing quality coverage of music and the arts in Ireland.

The publication, working both online and in print, was highly respected for being ahead of the curve in terms of coverage of Irish music, its in-depth features and photography. State also curated a host of live events and festival slots around the country, including Whelan’s Ones To Watch.

However, it was best known to the public for its annual series State Faces, which was a highlight of the Irish music calendar and will be sorely missed.

People from the outside may have considered us rivals, but we know that couldn’t be further from the truth. We were and will remain kindred spirits, pulling in the same direction for the love of music.  There has always been cross pollination of staff between State and GoldenPlec and we would like to thank State for their advice, support and most importantly friendship over the last decade.

In recent times members of the state family have been putting their music expertise into other areas of the music industry such as band management.

Dublin’s vital Word Up Collective, which has helped Ireland’s hip hop scene flourish in recent years, was born from the bravery of people within the State family.

GoldenPlec is sad to lose this vital resource for music in Ireland. We would like to thank State for all of the incredible work they’ve done, and for the joy they have brought us over the last decade. We look forward to seeing what you guys get up to next.

Whatever it is we know it will be exciting.

State Magazine, we salute you.