Villagers win Choice Music Prize with Awayland

Following a night of intense debate and conversation, it has been revealed, that the winners of the The Meteor Choice Music Prize for 2013 are Villagers.
The competition was fierce with all 10 nominees showcasing Ireland's position as one of the world's true musical talent hot-beds.
However, when push came to shove it was the brilliant Awayland which won the coveted prize. It's a fitting tribute to the maturation of a genuine bona-fide artiste.
Villagers was formed by Conor in 2008, in the aftermath of the gentle parting of The Immediate and one of their first outings was as support to fellow nominees Bell X1's 2009 UK tour.
Having signed to Domino Records, Villagers released their debut album Becoming A Jackal in 2010 to critical acclaim which was nominated for both the 2010 Mercury Prize and the 2010 Choice Music Prize.
Following on from that success album no 2, Awayland was released at the start of 2013, with the cover of the first Hot Press issue in 2013literally celebrating how Hot For 2013 the album was.
For the other nominees, there can be nothing but praise, the shortlist was truly a reflection of what simply is a golden age of Irish Music, and each album stands out on their own and would have been worthy winners.
Villagers scoop a €10,000 euro prize, sponsored by Meteor, HMV/Xtravision, IRMA & IMRO.