Plugged In

By Amy Walsh

The Cast Of Cheers, Adebisi Shank and Villagers were among the top winners at last night’s inaugural Digital Socket Awards which honoured the best of Irish music in 2010.

The brainchild of bloggers – Ronan Hunt-Murphy (swearimnotpaul), Nay McArdle (harmlessnoise), Peter Nagle (2 U I Bestow), and Aidan Cuffe (Goldenplec) – the awards included predictable categories such as pop, folk, rock, electronic & hip hop and album, as well as honouring radio, photography and independent labels.

“We decided to promote the people behind the music, as well as the people making the music, and give them more exposure,” said Murphy.

The nominations for the awards were selected by the public through an online vote and then the winners were chosen from a shortlist drawn up by 26 Irish music bloggers.

The nominees proved a worthy showcase of the fantastic variety of acts currently rocking the Irish music scene with such names as Adebisi Shank, Solar Bears, Villagers, Cathy Davy, The Cast of Cheers, Squareheads, Ham Sandwich and Groom.

The night was more than a celebration of the best Irish music in 2010 – it also highlighted the influence and quality of Irish music bloggers who are driving and shaping the direction of Irish music.

RED Radar joined forces with the Digital Socket Awards to present a special award for outstanding contribution to Irish Music in 2010 which was awarded to The Cast of Cheers. This up and coming band also picked up awards for Best Indie and Best Newcomer.

I caught up with the band to see what they thought.“To be honest we came here not expecting much…the other nominees were just amazing, so to actually win has been clichéd but absolutely fantastic.”

Eclectic rockers Adebisi Shank took home awards for Best Design (website/artwork/posters), Best Rock and Best Album while Villagers won Best Folk and Best Song. The lovely Cathy Davy accepted Best Pop, with Best Electronic / Hip Hop going to Solar Bears.

The Digital Socket Awards found a home in The Grand Social’s loft. This funky space was lit up by more than fairy lights as Irish music enthusiasts packed out the venue.

Plugged in and ready to go, the night kicked off with a powerful set by Irish rockers Groom. Comedian Gareth Stack took over in the role of MC, leaving the crowd divided by his irreverent set. The award hype was broken up by Meljoann’s live set and DJing by music bloggers.

Nearing the end of the evening, special guests Ham Sandwich took to the stage, rounding off what had been a fantastic night of live music.

The Digital Socket Awards provided a haven for smaller acts, as well as a celebration of more established talent from 2010, recognizing the passion and talent that circulates in the Irish music scene. Irish music bloggers have their fingers on the pulse of this scene and judging from the quality and vibrancy of the nominees last night we can expect great things in 2011.