The C Word launches on hotpress.com

Officially launched today, the blog is entitled The C Word and will cover the Irish rock scene in the form of "notes from the rock 'n' roll frontline".

Murphy is one of the bright new stars of Irish music journalism. Having emerged from DCU with a degree in journalism, she has been writing for Hot Press for almost four years – during which time she has developed a highly original and much lauded style.

"It is really important to hear fresh voices commenting about what is happening on the Irish scene," Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. "Celina is far and away the most interesting and distinctive young writer to have emerged over the past few years. It isn't just that she has intelligent things to say. She is also very knowledgeable and highly informed about music and musicians – and so what she says carries weight with the practitioners themselves. I think her blog is going to be a really powerful new addition to the hotpress.com editorial smorgasbord."

Murphy herself is really looking forward to making the blog count.

"It's been really encouraging, over the past few years, to see Irish artists top my personal 'Best Of' lists again and again," Celina says. "I couldn't possibly enumerate the times I've heard an album or watched a live show and thought, 'I know an Irish band who could do this so much better'. As far as I'm concerned, we really do have got most fertile music scene in the world at the moment, and it helps that – far from being afraid to get their hands dirty – the artists will do whatever it takes to get their music out there. There is an amazing level of energy and ambition among the new breed of Irish musicians."

Celina has hinted that there's more to the Irish music scene than first meets the eye. "Obviously I'll be profiling new artists as they break," she says, "and highlighting great new music as it happens. But I also want to talk to some of the people behind the music – the promoters, photographers, filmmakers and creative minds who make it possible for Irish music to be heard and appreciated all around the world."

To join in the fun on The C Word, click here.