• In Photos: The Choice Music Prize 2023

    The RTE Choice Music Prize 2023 took place at Vicar Street in Dublin last night, with CMAT winning the coveted Irish Album of the Year award, accepted on her behalf by drag artist Lavender. In other awards, Moncrieff took home the Irish Song of the Year prize for ‘Warm,’ Fontaines D.C. won Irish Artist of the Year, Cian Ducrot scooped the Irish Breakthrough Artist and Sinéad O’Connor made an appearance to be awarded the inaugural Irish Classic Album for ‘I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. Live performances on the night came from Pillow Queens, Just Mustard, Aoife Nessa…

  • RTÉ Choice Music Prize Shortlist Revealed

    The shortlist for the 18th annual Irish Album of the Year in association with IMRO and IRMA has been revealed, as well as the announcement of three new prizes. The nominees for the main prize are as follows: Anna Mieke – Theatre (Anna Mieke under license to Nettwerk Music Group) Aoife Nessa Frances – Protector (Partisan Records) CMAT – If My Wife New I’d Be Dead (CMATBABY) Dermot Kennedy – Sonder (Island) Fontaines D.C. – Skinty Fia (Partisan Records) Just Mustard – Heart Under (Partisan Records) Pillow Queens – Leave the Light On (Royal Mountain Records) Sorcha Richardson – Smiling Like An Idiot (Faction Records) The Mary Wallopers – The Mary Wallopers (The Mary Wallopers) Thumper – Delusions of…

  • Dermot Kennedy – Without Fear

    As Dublin’s Dermot Kennedy releases his debut album, Without Fear, it’s odd to think he’s already been performing to packed-out audiences for two years. For an artist who recently sold out the 5,000-capacity Brixton Academy in London without even having a UK single, and who has collaborated with regular Kanye West producer Mike Dean, you’d almost be forgiven for thinking of an album as an unnecessary afterthought. Nevertheless, Without Fear, released on UK major Island, puts Kennedy’s towering voice on full display with a collection of deeply personal, hip hop-infused pop songs ruminating on heartbreak, hope and healing. While it may be tempting to…

  • Denise Ryan Fundraiser @ Button Factory, Dublin

    A fundraiser for Denise Ryan who is suffering with Lyme Disease was held in the Button Factory last week to help raise money towards her treatment in America. Enemies, Roisin O, Ailbhe Reddy, Dermot Kennedy and more performed live to support the cause. Photos by Lucy Foster. A contribution was made on behalf of The Thin Air team. If you wish to donate please click here.