The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.
To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Liam McDermott aka Funzo and Paddy Nash….
Liam McDermott (Funzo)
Song: “Amour Fou”
Funzo, founded by singer and songwriter Liam McDermott, have performed over 250 gigs in Ireland since 2009, most notably, Ireland’s premiere music festivals – Oxegen, Electric Picnic and Hard Working Class Heroes. In 2009, Funzo won their third national songwriting contest; Christmas FM’s ‘Search For A New Christmas Classic’, which resulted in mass national radio play and a live performance on TV3’s ‘Ireland AM’, the nation’s #1 morning TV programme.
In 2012, Funzo featured on and co-wrote hip-hop artist Nucent’s song ‘Do You Really Love Me?’, which received generous airtime on FM104, 98FM, and remained in Spin FM’s Top 30 Most Requested for three months running. Funzo have also received widespread airplay and live airtime in Ireland, on RTÉ 2FM, Today FM, Spin FM, Newstalk, FM 104 and Ireland’s most listened to radio station, RTÉ Radio 1. Funzo have caught the attention of the national print media too, resulting in a full-page feature in Ireland’s most popular music magazine, HotPress, as well as being deemed one of the ‘Picks Of Electric Picnic’ in The Irish Times in 2009.
https://www.facebook.com/funzoband
Paddy Nash
Song: “The Old Country”
Since the release of their critically acclaimed debut album in 2010, Paddy and his Happy Enchiladas have played the clubs of Ireland North and South as well as an extensive tour of England playing the legendary Hope & Anchor among others. Their unique blend of Folk-Pop-Punk has left audiences revelling in the rich lyrics and big melodies.
Accompanying Paddy, is 16 year old singer-songwriter Gemma Bradley. Hailing from Draperstown, Gemma is just starting out on her musical journey.
Their song ‘The Old Country’ was the result of a challenge laid down by Glasgowbury and Resonate to get local artists who were playing the festival to collaborate. It’s a Father/Daughter story about modern day emigration in Ireland North and South.
Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.
The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser & The Carlton Hotel.
