Brian will participate alongside the hugely successful Stephen Street in a 3pm panel discussion entitled "Are Producers The Real Superstars?"

Masterson is one of the pioneering recording professionals in Ireland. He was one of the founders of Windmill Lane Recording Studios and oversaw the re-invention of the studio when it moved to Ringsend Road. During his time with Windmill, he worked with a Who's Who of Irish and international music, including Planxty, Clannad, The Chieftains, Shaun Davey, Altan, Van Morrison, Christy Moore, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shania Twain, Norah Jones and Katie Melua – among literally hundreds of others. He has also worked on dozens of movies, including Agnes Brown, The General, The Grifters, My Left Foot and The Field.

Along the way, Stephen Street has produced some of the most important artists in contemporary British and Irish rock, including The Smiths, Morrissey, The Cranberries, Blur and Kaiser Chiefs.

Also added to a panel that promises to be one of the highlights of the Music Ireland weekend is Joe Chester, whose debut album A Murder of Crows – nominated for the Choice Award in 2006 – was hailed in Hot Press as "the perfect pop record". Originally a member of the highly rated Dublin indie outfit Sunbear, Joe emerged as a producer of note during the mid-1990s – working with many of the leading lights of the Irish scene, including Nick Kelly, The Future Kings of Spain, Nina Hynes and Dr.Millar. He was also a member of Ten Speed Racer.

To get Music Ireland 'Access All Areas' weekend tickets in advance (€15 ticket allows access on Sat 6th & Sun 7th Oct), see http://www.ticketmaster.ie/promo/o3c98o

The Hot Press Newsdesk