Thank You to everyone who took part in Rising Stars 2011, we’re now accepting applications for 2012…Get your entries in!

Rising Stars 2012 Prize Pack

Enter Rising Stars and you could be playing live on our main stages at Rising Stars and Soul Picnic 2012!

• 2 days Studio Time with top producer Conor Brady at the excellent Phonic Studios in Dublin City. Find out about the Phonic Studio set-up and team here!

• Monthly rehearsal space from our friends at Temple Lane Rehearsal Studios for 12 months

• Consultation session with media and music expert Linda Coogan Byrne of Good Seed PR

• Promotional photo shoot with Ireland’s leading music photographer Peter Neill of ShootTheSound.com

• A coveted slot at Dublin’s legendary Ruby Sessions which is currently in it’s 13th year.

Rising Stars 2012 Judging Panel

Willie Kavanagh – CEO of EMI Ireland

Willie Kavanagh is the Chief Executive of EMI Ireland and Chairman of IRMA. Now at the pinnacle of his profession, Kavanagh’s music biz career began in the 80’s with CBS – the multi-national record company that subsequently became SonyBMG. During the 90’s, he moved to EMI Ireland as Chief Executive and has been there ever since. He has also been centrally involved in the success of John Spillane and Mick Flannery. Kavanagh is Chairman of IRMA, the Irish music industry body, and in that role he has overseen a number of victories for the industry in the battle against illegal file-sharing and the abuse of copyright.

Conor Brady – Phonic Studios

Conor Brady has recorded and performed as guitarist with many high-profile acts including the Corrs, Mary Coughlan, Paul Cleary, Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, The Commitments, Frances Black. He is arguably one of the most sought-after session guitar players in the country.

Conor’s earthy production style has earned him many plaudits, and he has produced and engineered albums for The Radiators From Space, Bronagh Gallagher, Colm Quearney, Paul Cleary, Audiokiss, The Ghandis, The Kapitals, Von Shakes and country/folk singer Ciara Considine. Read an amazing interview with Conor here.

Niall Byrne – Best Irish Music Blog 2010

Niall Byrne (AKA Nialler9) is one of Irelands leading music bloggers. His site features daily blogs about what is going on in the ever-changing world of music.

Conor Donovan – Founder of Ruby Sessions

Top Irish drummer Conor Donovan has been at the forefront of the Irish music industry for over 15 years now both as a musician and founder of Dublin’s legendary Ruby Sessions. As a musician he has had a wide and hugely successful career having played on Damien Rice’s mutli platinum selling album O as well as having recorded, toured with acts such as  Damien Rice, Jack L, Melody Gardot, Declan O’Rourke, Lisa Hannigan, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish, David Kitt, Emm Gryner to name but a few. As founder and head booker of The Ruby Sessions Conor is at the cutting edge of both new and established acts and has been directly responsible for bringing artists such as Ed Sheeran, Mumford and Sons, Paulo Nutini and James Blunt to the Ruby’s as well as championing up and coming Irish acts such as Duke Special, Little Green Cars and Villagers. And is an endorser for Sabian cymbals and DW Drums.

Aiden Cuffe – Goldenplec.com

Aidan has been running Goldenplec.com for 10 years this year. They won the Irish music website of the year award at the Irish Blog Awards in 2011 and along with the team attempt to cover as much Irish music as possible aswell as cover all the big events happening in Ireland.

John Barker – Totally Irish 98FM

Presenter and producer of Totally Irish on 98FM since Jan 2010. The show broadcasts every Sunday between 8-10pm and was nominated for a PPI award two years ago. One of the judges this year for the Meteor Choice Music Prize which takes place in March. Have previously worked with Newstalk 106-108FM (2006-2009) and also Raidió Na Life 106.4FM and Dublin City FM 103.2FM.