RTÉ Choice Music Prize

Showcasing a diverse selection of Irish music, the 2020 shortlists document the development of Ireland’s music scene which is flourishing as artist’s are entering new creative territory. Genres are being fused, boundaries have been broken and artistic freedom is being held as a core component in order to generate some of the country’s most exciting music to date.

With such an exciting list, we have decided to take a look at a selection of the nominees from this year’s RTÉ Choice Music Prize. 

1. Dermot Kennedy
2. Denise Chaila – WINNER – Album of the Year 2020 ‘Go Bravely’
3. Gemma Dunleavy
4. Picture This
5. Róisín Murphy
6. Niall Horan – WINNER – Song of the Year 2020 ‘No Judgement’
7. Jafaris

Dermot Kennedy

Dermot Kennedy’s Giants has been nominated for the 2020 Song of the Year. Fusing the Dubliners exquisite songwriting and vocals with bold modern production, Giants landed right when we needed it most in the middle of last summer. Kennedy has risen to the top both here at home and overseas while maintaining a level of honesty and humbleness which is undeniably endearing. Kennedy has brought his soulfully charged vocals to the masses over the past two years and his support on home soil remains paramount.

Denise Chaila

One of Ireland’s most exciting and ambitious artists undeniably comes in the form of Denise Chaila. Her debut album GO Bravely has been shortlisted for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize album of the year and her blistering single Chaila has been shortlisted for song of the year. Chaila is a part of a thriving hip hop scene which has been gaining momentum over the past decade. Fusing elements of grime, afrobeat, jazz soul and R&B, Chaila has created a unique blend of Irish hip hop which keeps the listener hanging on every hook and brutally honest lyric

Gemma Dunleavy

Up De Flats by Dublin’s finest, Gemma Dunleavy, has been shortlisted for song of the year at the 2020 RTÉ Choice Music Prize. Combining stunning harp melodies, a swinging UK garage infused beat and Dunleavy’s flawless vocals, Up De Flats is a gloriously optimistic summer jam. A reminiscent celebration of Dunleavy’s homeplace, the track is a harmonious blend of storytelling with traditional and modern instrumentation. 

Picture This

Hailing from Kildare, Picture This have been shortlisted in the song of the year category with their indie pop anthem Winona Ryder. With a striking songwriting maturity, Picture This have gone from strength to strength in recent years with a string of singles and two studio albums. Their 2020 single Winona Ryder oozes confidence and blends 80s keys with swooning vocals which results in an indie pop gem. 

 

Róisín Murphy

Róisín Murphy’s fifth studio album Róisín Machine has been shortlisted for the 2020 album of the year at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize. Murphy’s record is packed full of soulful disco, slick grooves and sultry vocals. Róisín Machine is outrageously infectious and the album brings disco up to date with its stunningly crafted production and glitzy synthesizers. Dare we say, this album is an instant classic.

Niall Horan

Niall Horan’s No Judgement has been shortlisted for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize 2020 song of the year. With its upbeat melody, sleek guitar hooks and sweet lyrics, No Judgement is pop perfection. Horan has risen well above the pressure of being one of the country’s biggest stars as he continues to create lush pop hits almost effortlessly.

Jafaris

Another rising star in the hip hop scene in Ireland is Dublin’s Jafaris. His track Haunted has been shortlisted for song of the year at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize 2020. Combining textured electronic elements with afrobeat rhythms and pitched vocals, Jafaris creates a unique and exciting strain of Irish rap with a R&B twist. With crisp modern production, Haunted stands strong as one of the 2020’s finest releases.

The results of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize will be announced via an exclusive RTÉ live broadcast on March 4.