CHASING THE PRIZE

WHO’S IN AND WHO’S OUT OF THIS YEARS NI MUSIC PRIZE SHORTLIST?

Usually, we judge the quality of Northern Irish music by taking a look at the NI Music Prize shortlist for album of the year. While awards of this nature are a little flawed, this annual list of a dozen records (unveiled on Monday ahead of a ceremony on November 15th at The Ulster Hall) works as a good indication as to exactly where we’re at.

This year, however – I think it’s more useful to consider the albums which have been overlooked. Take my own personal favourite – the debut record from Mmode. It’s a gorgeous collection of sun kissed, woozy dream-pop – I love it. Imagine my outrage to find out it’s apparently not good enough to make the shortlist. What nonsense!

Lurgan duo Bonnevilles released another quality collection of blues-y punk while Rory Nellis’‘there Are Not Enough Songs in the World’ is gem after gem. Female duo Rews have been on a lengthy victory lap around the UK following their debut album while Derry’s Strength N. I. A released possibly the weirdest (in a good way) record by a Northern Irish act this decade. Versechorusverse’s second album has gone down a storm and there’s a handful of noisy metal and alternative rock albums – Trucker Diablo, Elder Druid and Stormzone and the like. Oh – and Van Morrison had two albums out earlier this year.

I list these records – all of which missed out on a nomination – not to criticize the NI Music Prize. I’m just thinking about folk who sneered at the very idea of compiling a dozen Northern Irish albums every year, back when this prize was first mooted. Barrels were expected to be scraped. Yet, in 2018, there’s a bunch of wonderful, much loved albums by well-respected bands and singers which have ended up missing the grade.

But hey – what to do. It’s still a good idea to take a look at the albums that did make the list and work out why that might be….

TOUGH COMPETITION: Who will win this years coveted award?