Villagers win Ivor Novello award

Good news just in from London - at a ceremony this afternoon, Conor O'Brien picked up one of the most prestigious awards in music.

'Becoming A Jackal', the title track from Villager's fantastic debut album, scooped an Ivor Novello in the category of Best Song Musically And Lyrically, fending off competition from Everything Everything and Foals.

We reckon it was the Hot Press cover wot won it. That or his incredible musical talent.

An Ivor is widely recognised in the industry as a serious stamp of songwriting approval - as Brian May once said: "This is the one you really treasure."

So hats off to Mr. O'Brien, who more than deserves this highest of accolades.

His band are currently in the midst of a UK headline tour but he'll be bringing the gong back home to Dublin when he plays Marlay Park on July 23. We look forward to it.

Elsewhere at the Ivors, Plan B's soul reinvention seems to have paid off in spades. His album The Defamation Of Strickland Banks won Best Album. Benjamin Drew, as his mother calls him, was also named Best Songwriter. Paul Rodgers, of Free fame, was honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to British Music.

Last month, we featured Villagers' Conor O'Brien on the cover of Hot Press. In an in-depth interview, he talked about his award-nominated debut album, overcoming social anxiety and how he expresses himself through song. To buy this issue go here...