Ireland’s Favourite Trad Artists To Be Chosen
Tonight, the inaugraul Ireland’s Music Awards will take place as part of The World Fleadh in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. There has been an undeniable gap in the awards arena for celebrating the best of Irish music. Sure, there are other events that cater to more modern sounds such as the Meteor Awards and the Choice Music Prize. However, folk artists and contemporary traditional artists must be happy that they now have a fun night out all for themselves.
The awards will be focusing on Irish Traditional, Folk and Celtic Music in the following categories:
- Best Traditional Group
- Best Folk Group
- Best Celtic Group
- Best Male Vocalist
- Best Female Vocalist
- Best Instrumentalist
- Best Trad, Folk or Celtic Duo
- Best Crossover Act
- Best Newcomer (act or performer)
- Best Overseas Act (UK & Mainland Europe)
- Best Overseas Act (USA)
- Best Contemporary Act (with Trad, Folk or Celtic influence)
- Best Revival Act
- Recording of the Year (DVD/CD/TV)
- Best Composer (Traditional/Folk/Celtic)
- Traditional, Folk or Celtic Music Event of the Year
- Services to Industry Award
- Hall of Fame Award
I believe it takes time for an awards ceremony to truly be considered authentic. Unfortunately, there are those out there who use an awards ceremony template as a foundation for a business exercise in the same way as they might organise conferences. Award ceremony organisers must prove that they prioritise the artist’s and nominees interests above their attempts of making a profit. Of course, nobody would judge the organisers for having an entrepreneurial spirit – but in order for winning one of these awards to mean something, the awards have to mean something.
Thankfully, Ireland’s Music Awards seem to be ticking all the right boxes. Most importantly, the winners in each category is voted for by the public which should illustrate who truly has been the best each year. I am also impressed by the range of artists in each category and the night in general looks like it is going to be great fun. Click here to see the full list of nominees.
During the night, attendees will enjoy performances by Sharon Shannon, the High Kings and the Kilfenora Ceili Band.
Will you be going? Do you think there is a need for an awards ceremony for Irish music?
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