Star Nation 2020 offers musicians a slice of success

The search for Ireland’s next big music star recently got underway with the launch of the second annual ‘Star Nation’ competition.

Aspiring songwriters and musicians have the chance to win €3,000 of music equipment, a recording session in one of Ireland’s most famous studios, a performance slot at a renowned acoustic music club and a chance to play a showcase gig at a top Irish venue.

The brainchild of Irish-owned pizza chain Four Star Pizza, ‘Star Nation’ calls on musicians across the island to submit one original song for a unique opportunity to grab themselves a slice of success, increase their profile, and win some very tasty prizes.

Four provincial winners will be selected to compete in the grand final at renowned live music venue The Roisin Dubh in Galway on September 12.

The city was the home of last year’s winners Turnstiles, a punk band whose blistering final performance saw them see off stiff competition from other provincial winners, including Ulster winner Riley Holland from Newtownards, a young singer songwriter whose song ‘Butterflies’ earned her a place in the final four.

Four Star Pizza communications executive Christina Hamilton explained why she is excited for
what’s to come in this year’s competition.

“Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event, we are thrilled to launch our second Star Nation competition at a time when artists and musicians really need an outlet for their creativity,” said Christina.

“The calibre of entries we had from Ulster last year was fantastic and the judges were especially impressed by provincial winner Riley Holland from Newtownards who really wowed the crowd with a captivating performance in the grand final.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what Ulster has to offer this year.

“We know that many musicians and bands out there are suffering with gigs and concerts cancelled all over the country as a result of Covid-19, although it’s been amazing to see how they’ve channelled their energy into putting together some amazing live performances from their homes,” Christina added.

This year’s prizes include:
• The overall winner will receive €3,000 of musical equipment from leading music store MusicMaker in Dublin, described by Glen Hansard as ‘a vital artery in the Dublin rock scene’ with visitors over the years including the likes of U2, Blondie, Muse, Fun Loving Criminals, Manic Street Preachers and The National.
• All four provincial winners will receive a one-day recording session at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios, following in the footsteps of artists like David Bowie, Lady Gaga, U2, Van Morrison, Kylie Minogue, Depeche Mode, The Rolling Stones, New Order, The Spice Girls, Kodaline and Snow Patrol… to name but a few.
• New for 2020,  this year’s competition will include a new ‘People’s Choice’ award in which the public will vote for one of the four finalists to perform at the prestigious Ruby Sessions in Dublin, which has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran, Damien Rice, Paul Brady, Hozier and many more.

How to enter
‘Star Nation’ is free to enter and musicians can submit their track online before the closing date of midday, July 13, 2020.  All entries must be completely original compositions and only one song per artist can be submitted. Entrants must be over 18, resident in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland and willing to participate in promotional activity.

• Full details of how to enter at www.fourstarpizza.co.uk /star-nation.