A class of their own

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.”
“The Irish music scene is alive and kicking at the moment, which is why so many of the major labels are coming over from the UK more and more frequently in search of the next major act.”
“ While there obviously had to be a winner on the night, every finalist thoroughly deserved their place on stage. It was really refreshing to see such diverse styles competing. As a judge, I found it really challenging but enjoyable to put my own musical preferences aside, and give an objective assessment of each band’s performance”.
What next then for the awards?
“As a competition, I think the NSMA has a bright future,” believes Healy.
“There has been an overwhelming number of entries every year, and as a competition, its profile is rising. When Delorentos went on to win the Ireland and UK NSMA Final last year in London, they got great exposure both here and across the water, which opened many doors and gave them some great opportunities.”
“This included an appearance on RTE’s Other Voices series, a top 25 single and a nomination for Best New Irish Band in the Meteor Music Awards. Hopefully this year’s winners, Lotus Lullaby, will have as much success. We wish them all the best!”