Ireland Music Week (IMW) and CD Baby announced the winner of the 2019 IMW CD Baby Artist Bursary is Dublin-based psychedelic band, Melts. The group put on an electrifying performance at the showcase, turning heads from all over the music industry.

As winners of the competition, they will provide Melts with a €2,500 grant and resources to develop their artistic practice, as well as a comprehensive artist services and mentoring package from CD Baby. The group was selected amongst 50 other acts at the showcase.

The band formed in 2017 and released their debut single, 'Skyward'  to critical acclaim. Drawing comparisons to The Stone Roses, the group has struck a chord with indie fans as well. They're set to tour with Fontaines D.C., and released their latest single 'Echoes' earlier this year.

“Huge congrats to the incredibly talented Melts, who created a major buzz at IMW 2019. This bursary will be a big boost as they finish recording their debut album,” said Angela Dorgan, Director of Ireland Music Week and CEO of First Music Contact. “This bursary wouldn’t be possible without partners like CD Baby who share our commitment to supporting musicians at key stages in their development. It’s a great example of how we can work together with industry to invest in the next generation of talent.”

Speaking on their win, the band enthusiastically commented, “Thanks so much to everyone who voted, and to CD Baby for this opportunity. To be honest, it went over our heads a little at the time, as we were just concentrating on our gig at Ireland Music Week. This will help greatly with our tour coming up with Fontaines and toward recording our album in Berlin next year.”

“We are delighted to partner with Ireland Music Week to shine a spotlight on so many wonderful Irish artists, and give them a platform to share their music globally,” said Rich Orchard, Director of European Market Development at CD Baby. “We’re thrilled to support the development of our inaugural IMW bursary winner Melts who clearly impressed all the international attendees with a powerful showcase performance.”

If they're not already, now is the time to get Melts on your radar!