Public voting for Lift Off @ The Music Show now open

The shortlist has been finalised and, with The Music Show fast approaching, this is your opportunity to cast your vote for Lift Off @ The Music Show.

Over the last week, a panel of judges worked round the clock to shortlist the crème de la crème of Ireland's hottest emerging music talent, narrowing the hundreds of entries to just 40.

"It was an extraordinary task, but hugely encouraging," said Niall Stokes, Editor of Hot Press. "There is a phenomenal amount of talent out there, people who genuinely have the potential to make an impact over the next few years."

Whoever wins Lift Off @ The Music Show will not only get to perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd, but also have an album recorded, released and marketed for them by Shamrock Solutions, who've worked recently with such major names as The Cranberries, Marilyn Manson, Andrea Corr, Sinéad O'Connor, Death In Vegas, The Crystal Fighters, Bob Geldof and Vintage Trouble. They will also receive €10,000 in tour support from Ireland's leading PA and backline suppliers Litton Lane.

Public voting is now open and will run until Saturday, February 18th at 10am. The acts that come out on top from the public vote will then proceed to the all important final round of judging, by a panel of top industry professionals.

In the end there will be just one overall winning act - who will be fastracked into a position where their potential can be fully realised and promoted. Starting with an appearance on the Live Stage at the Hot Press-run Music Show, in the RDS, Dublin on February 25 and 26.

This is the kind of break that every artist or band dreams about. Log onto [link]www.hotpress.com/liftoffatthemusicshow[/link] and cast your vote today!