SINGER-SONGWRITER Niamh Regan could become the third Galwegian to win the Choice Music Prize when the winners are announced on March 4.
Regan, from Kilrickle, east Galway, has been nominated for the Irish Album of the Year 2020 accolade at the Choice Awards, for her debut album, Hemet, which came out in September, via Black Gate Records.
“My initial reaction was disbelief, followed quickly with a bucket of happy tears," said Regan. "It’s a huge honour to have my debut acknowledged like this in a year where so many good records were released. The making of Hemet was a real journey and I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support from the Black Gate label and my producer Alex Borwick. What an amazing way to bring in the new year.”
Peadar King from The Black Gate Records and music venue in Galway, said: “Over a year and a half ago we set out with Niamh Regan and producer Alex Borwick to make a special album that would do justice to Niamh’s incredible voice and song writing. In our very first production meeting we talked of dreams of a Choice Prize nomination. We are so proud of everyone who made this possible, above all, well done to Niamh - you deserve every bit of success that you get.”
Galway Choice Winners
Regan's competition for the prize includes Denise Chaila's Go Bravely, Pillow Queen's In Waiting, Róisín Murphy's Róisín Machine, and Fontaine D.C.'s A Hero's Death, among others. However, the Choice Awards is one in which Galway has traditionally fared well.
Julie Feeney, from Athenry, won the inaugural Choice Award in 2005, for her debut album 13 songs; while Galway-Maltese singer-songwriter, Adrian Crowley, won the award in 2009 for Season Of The Sparks. Galway has also featured among the nominees on numerous occasions (Julie Feeney in 2009 and 2012; Adrian Crowley in 2012; Daithí and Maija Sofia in 2019 ).
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Hemet has been deservedly showered with praise. Nialler9 called it "one of the finer albums released in Ireland this year"; singer-songwriter Tracy Bruen declared it her favourite album of 2020; The Irish Times declared it "a memorable debut"; while Hotpress called it "stunning".
