It's the end of the year, time to work my way through all the live gigs I've been to in the last 12 months, pick my best gigs, festivals, songs and so on...
Seven, SEVEN, gigs I got to this year. Yes yes, I know there are others that didn't even get to one, but when 2019 had in excess of 50 gigs, well, you can see why I'm frustrated.
Enough complaining though, time to get to the 2020 MJs!
First up is Best Irish Single. There were a lot of contenders this year, but for me, Cold Blue Light by Kynsy edged them all out.
Next up is Best Irish Album. Again there were many contenders, but for me, All The Leaves Are Falling by Nealo was the best. Irish hip-hop is coming of age!
Best Irish Gig is next. This gig would win any year! It was Denise Chaila in Dolans, Limerick. Amazing night.
I've listed to the Irish Music Industry Podcast since it launched and find it both entertaining and informative. This year though, they produced two specials this year that deep dived into the MISP debacle. So, for that alone, they win Best Irish Podcast.
2020 should have been a big one for Corks very own Happyalone. Well COVID put paid to that, so they are my Ones to Watch for 2021!
Did you ever here an album that spoke to you straight away? I did.
The Best International Album goes to Idles for Ultra Mono, a powerful, rage filled, passionate piece of music.
The last award is for the Best Irish Campaign. This had to go to Linda Coogan Byrne and her team for their Gender Disparity Data Report on Irish Radio. It's only when the facts are pointed out to you, in black and white, that you go 'oh shit...'
And that's it for the 2020 MJs. Hopefully next year will bring back some normality, some gigs, some festivals, who knows... Wash your hands, wear your mask and social distance. The live music industry depends on you!!!