The shortlist for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year has been announced, spotlighting some of the country’s finest talent from 2024. Among the celebrated nominees are queer artists Orla Gartland and Sprints, who stand out not just for their artistry but as prominent voices within the LGBTQ+ community.
Orla Gartland’s Everybody Needs a Hero is a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of identity, vulnerability, and self-empowerment. Gartland has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in the music industry, and her album is a reflection of her lived experiences.
Sprints’ Letter to Self is an unapologetic and gritty punk record that tackles themes of mental health, societal pressures, and queer identity. Their music is a fearless declaration of resistance and individuality, breaking traditional boundaries in the Irish punk scene.
Joining Orla Gartland and Sprints on the 2024 Album of the Year shortlist are a diverse range of incredible Irish acts that showcase the depth of talent in the country’s music scene. Fontaines D.C. returns with Romance, delivering their trademark post-punk sound, while Kneecap’s Fine Art brings their bold mix of hip-hop and cultural commentary to the forefront.
NewDad’s MADRA offers an atmospheric indie-rock experience, and Niamh Regan’s Come As You Are blends folk and contemporary pop with lyrical grace. Others nominated include Róis with Mo Léan, Silverbacks’ Easy Being A Winner, Curtisy’s What Was The Question? alongside Lazarus Soul’s No Flowers Grow In Cement Gardens.
The nominations for the 20th RTÉ Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year celebrate the diversity of Ireland’s music landscape. The prize, which comes with a €10,000 award and a specially commissioned trophy, underscores the importance of supporting artists whose work reflects the world around us in profound and meaningful ways. The winner will be announced on Thursday, March 6, during a live show at Vicar Street.
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In its 20th year, the RTÉ Choice Music Prize remains a vital platform for celebrating innovation and diversity, with artists like Gartland and Sprints exemplifying its enduring relevance. Fans eagerly await the results, while the public can also cast their vote for the Irish Song of the Year from Friday, January 10.
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