A class of their own
The National Student Media Awards offer up-and-coming bands a shot at the big time.
Phil Udell, 28 Apr 2006
John Healy is better placed than most to judge the impact of the Bank Of Ireland National Student Music Awards. Not only does he work for the organisation and serve as a judge. He’s also in a band himself, the much fancied Maladies. I asked him what he thought was the aim of the awards?
“I think there’s a great opportunity for student bands from all around Ireland to showcase their music to a mix of Ireland’s leading industry and media figures, while giving them a platform to perform to a receptive crowd of their peers,” he says.
“While there are many ‘battle of the bands’ style competitions held around the country, the NSMA is as high profile as they come,” he adds.
“College students are some of the best gig-goers, given their love of late night entertainment and indifference to early morning lectures, so it’s brilliant for bands who are at an early stage in their careers to play well-attended shows in top venues”.
Has it been a real help for past winners? If so, how?
“Aside from the great prizes up for grabs (recording time in top studio Grouse Lodge, CD duplication etc.), the media and industry attention generated by winning this prestigious award can really accelerate a band’s move into the spotlight,” explains Healy.
“You can have a great demo in your back pocket, but if you can’t get it heard by the right people, it’s very difficult to take your music career to the next level”.
So much for the bands – what does the Bank of Ireland get out of it? “
Is it good for corporate business to be associated with music? “I’d say that it’s a great opportunity for a corporate business like Bank of Ireland to show that they’re interested in their customers’ lives, not just in getting their business,” says Healy.
“Banks often get slated for being solely focused on profit, so sponsoring a worthwhile and fun event like the NSMA is an ideal way to move away from that image.”
John himself has been very impressed with the talent on offer. “The standard was really high at the final this year, and that says a lot for the quality of the entries received.”
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