Follow the release of his debut album, WHAT WAS THE QUESTION, last week, Dublin rapper Curtisy has debuted at No.3 on the Irish Independent Albums Chart.

The album features on the chart just behind Arctic Monkey's AM at No.1 and Frank Ocean's Blonde at No.2 – which have spent 551 and 389 weeks on the chart respectively.

Other Irish acts in the Independent Chart's Top 10 include The Dubliners with 50 Years (No.4), LYRA with her self-titled debut album (No. 6), and The Tumbling Paddies with The Journey So Far: Live (No. 7).

WHAT WAS THE QUESTION also debuted in the Top 100 of the Official Irish Albums Chart.

Curtisy – who has carved out a prominent space at the forefront of Ireland's ever-evolving alternative rap scene – recently spoke to Hot Press about his full-length debut, and the importance of maintain a strong independent ethos.

“I have two of my friends helping me now, but I still consider myself independent,” the Tallaght-based artist said. “Labels and stuff aren’t really my cup of tea – and I’m probably not their cup of tea either! I just want to stick with me. I don’t want anyone telling me when I can drop a song, or where I can perform.”

He also reflected on the challenges of the release – as the Dublin-based vinyl pressing plant that was supposed to be manufacturing his LP shut down.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” he remarked. “A lot more downs, it seems. Dublin Vinyl going into liquidation was nuts. I’m going through Brook Records for distribution, and Sean Price, who runs that, had to scramble to try and sort something. He got onto somebody, and we’re paying up front for the vinyl – but in the end it’s working out better. Things are on track again.

“This is actually the first time I’ve really been excited, instead of stressed,” he continued. “I'd been keeping a brave face on the internet, but I really am excited now. I’m believing in it.”

You can read the full interview in the current issue of Hot Press, out now: