Orla on song as her ‘Toxic Man’ makes it to IYMA grand final
MALLOW will be well represented at the 2017 Irish Youth Music Awards (IYMA’s), with a song written by Mourneabbey girl Orla O’Leary set to be performed at the grand final of the prestigious competition.
Her song ‘ Toxic Man; was the worthy winner of the Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service (CDYS) heat of the IYMA’s, held recently at the Mallow Community Youth Centre.
Orla, a 15-year-old pupil at St Mary’s Secondary School, beat off stiff opposition from nine other acts from Mallow, Fermoy and Midleton to win the best song category in the heat.
Her song will be performed by Midleton singer Cáit Kerrigan, who won the best act category in the heat, at the IMYA final in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday, April 22.
CDYS youth worker Miriam Nyhan said Orla, Cait and their CDYS support team are looking forward to going head-tohead against some of Ireland’s top young musicians.
“Orla is a prolific young writer who has penned a clutch of really great songs, ‘ Toxic Man’ being among them. We can’t wait to record the song at our studio in Mallow and will also be making a YouTube video to go with the song,” said Miriam.
In the meantime Orla, Cait and their back-up team of 24 support staff will be busy preparing for their big day at the Aviva.
Miriam said that while the spotlight maybe on Orla and Cait, the IMYA’s were not just about what happens onstage.
“It is also about how their back-up support team of PR people, stage managers, sound technicians and lighting engineers come together on the day. This is a great introduction for the entire team into the inner workings of music industry and what it takes to put together a live performance,” said Miriam.
“They are a great bunch who have worked really hard to get to the final and we wish them all the very best of luck. More than that, we hope they have a brilliant time and really enjoy the whole experience,” she added.
Miriam issued an open invitation to aspiring young musicians from the North Cork region to join them at the Music Project, which runs each Monday from 4pm - 6pm at the Mallow Youth Centre.
“This free club has inspired many young people, including Voice of Ireland finalist Shannon Murphy, to perfect their music skills alongside other like minded young people,” she said.
“All styles are welcome, just drop in and see us,” she added.
For more information on the Music Project contact Miriam on 086 803 1206.