Hard Working Class Heroes - 2014

Ireland’s Annual Showcase Festival and Conference for New Music and Technology announces HMV as main sponsor

HWCH announces call for musicians and tech applications

Thursday 2 / Friday 3 / Saturday 4 October - Dublin

Watch Hardworking Class Heroes Festival here: http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2014/0616/624164-hwch-makes-call-our-for-bands/

Monday June 16: HWCH Ireland’s Annual Showcase Festival and Conference for New Music and Technology returns to the streets and venues of Dublin over three days in October from Thursday October 2nd to Saturday October 4th.

Hard Working Class Heroes festival is making its annual call on Ireland’s musicians, bands and singer-songwriters to apply for the chance to play and take part in this internationally recognised event which runs across various venues across the city, showcasing Ireland’s best emerging new talent.

HWCH are delighted to welcome HMV Ireland on board as the festival's main sponsor. The sponsorship is part of a major commitment by HMV to support new Irish music, which also includes HMV’s partnership with First Music Contact, and the introduction of the weekly BreakingTunes BreakingStages in HMV Grafton Street and Belfast. HMV’s Head of Music Chris Keena sees the sponsorship of HWCH as a perfect association for the leader in entertainment retailing: “HWCH is an excellent event and provides a very important platform for emerging Irish talent, and as such, is an excellent fit for HMV. We are committed to supporting Irish music, and our sponsorship of this festival further demonstrates this commitment in a tangible way that will be of benefit to the participating artists. Over the weekend of the event HMV will be on site with pop-up shops featuring releases by participating bands. We’ll be hosting a programme of HMV workshops featuring key HMV personnel, providing advice on how HMV Digital, HMV.ie and HMV Retail can help to bring the artist direct to market. In addition, we will also use our network of HMV stores in Dublin as venues for exclusive in-store promotional events."

The festival over the years has showcased many of Ireland’s best known acts including Delorentos, The Coronas, Fight Like Apes, Villagers, Lisa O'Neill and 2013's breakthrough act Hozier.

Applications will be through FMC’s own Breaking Tunes site; log on to http://www.hwch.net now and click on the “BANDS APPLY HERE” button.

HWCH gives bands opportunities to showcase in front of local and international music industry professionals in an effort to take them to the next stage of their career. Closing date for applications is July 16. The judging panel for applications will be made up of music industry professionals from around the globe as well as international festival programmers.

Hard Working Class Heroes Festival 2014 sees the return of HWCH Tech. The first HWCH Tech took place last year and was a great success, developing, showcasing, supporting and advising young start-ups the same way HWCH Music does for new aspiring music talent. HWCH Technology will provide opportunities for a selected number of start-up companies, to pitch to venture capitals and investors over the weekend as well as have access to mentoring, panels and tip sessions the same way bands have over the past ten years . NDRC, the independent enterprise dedicated to building high-impact new ventures, continues its involvement this year and HWCH Technology are thrilled to have Enterprise Ireland also on board this year. Reggie Murphy of Enterprise Ireland has said of its involvement 'Enterprise Ireland supports some of the most innovative music tech companies in the world.We are dedicated to accelerating the development of world class Irish companies to establish themselves as leaders in the music sector and have supported companies such as Soundwave and Fan Footage who also got a helping had from Hard Working Class Heroes on their journey into the global music market. We are delighted to be able to witness and support the newest and most innovative Irish music tech companies at Hard Working Class Heroes, Ireland’s premier music and digital event'

We call all technology innovators to apply for HWCH Technology consideration also at http://www.hwch.net and follow TECH APPLY HERE tab.

Hardworking Class Heroes Music and Technology showcase and conventions, continues its high level of events and activities with HWCH conferences, mentor sessions, band-tips and more with continued support from The Arts Council, Culture Ireland and added support from Failte Ireland this year, it allows us to expand our panel of international delegates this year, to share their wisdom and experience of the music and technological world.

2014 is an exciting year for Hard Working Class Heroes Festival and endeavors to deliver a weekend of great music and valuable learning experiences for bands and tech companies.

Closing date for Artist and Tech submissions is 16 July, 2014

The festival website http://hwch.net will provide constant updates on the festival as it unfolds in the lead up to October 2/3/4

Tickets:

Early bird tickets will be available soon via http://entertainment.ie/tickets/ priced at €35 + booking fees.

Grab them while you can! Offer lasts until July 16th.

Weekend Tickets €45.00 plus fees, Nightly Tickets €20 plus fees

HMV.ie Music Editor Tony Clayton-Lea looks at HMV Ireland’s upcoming list of in-store appearances, PAs, signings and gigs.

Just when you thought it was safe to walk into a HMV record store and spend your time diligently browsing through the racks, undisturbed by nothing except your thoughts of finally buying that special album of your recent dreams, along comes a feast of in-store appearances, gigs and signings to make you want to stay in the store even longer. These in-store appearances, gigs and signings – several of which are in association with Breaking Tunes – will be a continuing presence in HMV shops nationwide, so there’s even more good things to look forward to.

Truth be told, there’s a rake of great Irish acts (and some not Irish, as you’ll read further on) lined up. In the second week of May alone, gigs and signings include Dublin band The Minutes (hmv Grafton Street, Friday May 9; hmv Limerick, Saturday May 10; hmv Dundrum, Sunday May 11), Bray-based band Big September (hmv Henry Street, Friday May 9; hmv Liffey Valley, Saturday May 10; hmv Grafton Street, Sunday May 11), and Cork singer-songwriter, Mick Flannery (hmv Grafton Street, Saturday May 10).

From Friday May 16, the exclusive partnership between HMV Ireland and First Music Contact (FMC) begins with the latter’s acclaimed Breaking Tunes, which makes its much anticipated performance debut with Dylan Tighe (hmv Grafton Street, Friday May 16, 1pm). Breaking Tunes performances continue with Go Wolf (hmv Belfast, Saturday May 17, 1pm), 21 Outs (hmv Grafton Street, Friday May 23, 1pm), Verse Chorus Verse (hmv Belfast, Saturday May 24, 1pm), Fox Jaw (hmv Grafton Street, Friday May 30, 1pm), and Ciaran Lavery (hmv Belfast, Saturday May 31, 1pm).

There are, of course, more Breaking Tunes gigs to be announced for June and further into the summer, but let’s not forget the biggie signing event (strictly capped at 300 wristbands) that takes place in hmv Dundrum, Saturday May 24, at 12 noon, when 5 Seconds of Summer aim to make the girls scream and the boys jealous. Formed in Sydney a few years ago, this Australian pop punk band has benefitted not only from the social media friendship of One Direction – both Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan have tweeted their admiration – but also a support slot to 1D last year as well as joining the boyband on their Where We Are Tour over the next few months. So remember: hmv Dundrum, Saturday May 24, 12 noon. Friendly advice? Bring your ear plugs.

FIRST MUSIC CONTACT AND HMV ANNOUNCE MAY LINE-UP FOR BREAKINGTUNES BREAKINGSTAGE AT HMV DUBLIN AND BELFAST

The initial stage of First Music Contacts and HMV's partnership, Breakingtunes Breakingstage, kicks off this Friday, May 16th at 1pm in HMV Grafton street, and on Saturday May 17th in HMV Belfast, also at 1pm.

The partnership, which highlights HMV’s commitment to supporting and showcasing new Irish talent, will see weekly performances in both HMV flagship stores from some of the 8000 bands featured on First Music Contact's self-building music portal www.breakingtunes.com, and the bands will see their releases stacked and stocked prominently in the store each week.

Kicking off Breakingtunes Breaking Stage this weekend in HMV Grafton Street at 1pm is singer-songwriter Dylan Tighe, who released his debut album 'Record' earlier this year to amazing reviews (http://www.breakingtunes.com/dylantighe), and showcasing their talents in HMV Belfast on Saturday May 17th at 1pm Breakingtunes Breakingstage is Belfast's very popular trio Go Wolf. Their feel-good indie-disco will set you up for the weekend!

The month of May in both HMV flagship stores will host and showcase a wealth of Irish music including:

May 23rd - 21 Outs - www.breakingtunes.com/21outs @ HMV Grafton Street, Dublin

May 24th - VerseChorusVerse - www.breakingtunes.com/versechorusverse @ HMV Donegall Arcade, Belfast

May 30th - Fox Jaw - www.breakingtunes.com/foxjaw @ HMV Grafton Street, Dublin

May 31st - Ciaran Lavery - www.breakingtunes.com/ciaranlavery @ HMV Donegall Arcade, Belfast

Breakingtunes Breakingstage line-up at HMV Grafton Street and HMV Belfast will be announced at the start of every month.

First Music Contact & HMV Ireland join forces for ground-breaking new partnership

Announcing new Breaking Tunes Stage at HMV Belfast and Dublin.

First Music Contact, the national resource organization for musicians in Ireland is delighted to announce a major new relationship with HMV which will support and provide new opportunities for Irish bands.

The first step in the new revolutionary relationship is the announcement of the Breakingtunes BreakingStage, located at HMV’s flagship stores in Donegall Arcade, Belfast and on Grafton Street, Dublin, which will feature weekly performances by some of the 8,000 bands featured on FMC’s self-building music portal, www.breakingtunes.com.

Breakingtunes Breakingstage initiative will give Breakingtunes members a valuable platform for their releases. Kicking off on May 16th BT acts will be able to perform in the Grafton Street store in Dublin at 1pm EVERY Friday and will have their releases stacked and stocked prominently in the store. Similarly in the Donegall Arcade store in Belfast the same will happen, with Northern Irish acts appearing on Breakingtunes at 1pm each Saturday.

The Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast will be offering local support and information to bands and to FMC as the project rolls out.

Commenting on the new relationship, Chris Keena, Head of Music at HMV Xtra-vision, said: "Supporting local music is an important focus for HMV and Xtra-vision, and our new ground-breaking relationship with FMC puts our money where our mouth is. "

HMV will also become the main sponsor of the hugely successful HWCH music festival and convention with more details to come when the festival makes its annual ‘call for bands’ in mid June.

"As a leading music retailer, we have a responsibility to source local product to bring as many local bands direct to market through the FMC channel. There is a burgeoning domestic music scene that has been largely ignored by the bigger labels. HMV and Xtra–vision will support all genres of local music at retail level across our national network of stores. We hope to roll out the Breaking Tunes stage into more shops during 2014."

The third level of support from HMV for FMC activities is the annual FMC tour. The FMC tour showcases the best of local talent in six counties around Ireland towards the end of each year. HMV will feature a pop up shop on the tour, so all bands’ merchandise has a chance to contribute to more sales for the act and to increase the acts’ chance to enter the charts.

FMC’s Angela Dorgan is excited about how this relationship with HMV will help them continue to support Irish acts and bring them to the next level. "First Music Contact is all about supporting musicians at the key ‘gear change’ moments of development and this support is essential and so welcome. A relationship of this nature with HMV is a significant moment for any band and will serve to bring more and more focus on consumers buying Irish music."

IMELDA MAY TO VISIT HMV GRAFTON STREET THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

One of the country’s most popular singers, Imelda May, will visit HMV this Bank Holiday weekend. Imelda will make an appearance at HMV Grafton Street on Saturday May 3rd at 10.30am, to meet fans and sign copies of her brand new album, "Tribal".

Ireland’s reigning queen of rockabilly, the truly unique Imelda May, is back with a brand new album ‘Tribal’ which has just launched, and a highly-anticipated UK and Irish tour this Summer.

Since the release of her raucous debut Love Tattoo, back in 2009 (now with sales of 8x times platinum in Ireland), Imelda has been one of the most strikingly original talents in the music arena, taking her infectious blend of rockabilly, jazz, blues and torch songs from the back rooms of Dublin pubs to the biggest festivals in the world.

Next up was the 6x times platinum album Mayhem in 2010, which she took on the road, bringing some good old-fashioned rock'n'roll spirit to audiences worldwide. With her live shows widely acclaimed, she has picked up fans as diverse as Jools Holland, Jeff Beck and Bono who dueted with her at her sold out 02 shows in Dublin 2011.

Far from mellowing with motherhood Imelda sizzles more than ever with her leather-clad attitude, returning with a brand new album of hard-edged anthems. Imelda is pinning her colours to the mast with music which celebrates the great rock'n'roll sub-culture and her own "Tribal" allegiances. www.imeldamay.co.uk.

Since opening in Autumn 2013, HMV has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Irish music, most recently featuring performances by Irish bands Riptide Movement, Hermitage Green and Leading Armies on the opening day of HMV Grafton Street; and Brian Kennedy, Seo Linn, Sal Vitro and Derek Ryan at HMV Belfast’s relaunch. Other Irish music acts who have recently appeared instore at HMV stores around the country include Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish, Hidden Highways, Nathan Carter and Jimmy Buckley.

HMV has just announced a major new partnership with First Music Contact (FMC), which includes the introduction of the Breakingtunes BreakingStage, located at HMV’s flagship stores in Dublin and Belfast. Each week the stages will feature perforomances by some of the 8000 bands featured on FMC’s self-building music portal, www.breakingtunes.com. Kicking off on May 16th BT acts will be able to perform in the Grafton Street store at 1pm EVERY Friday and will have their releases stacked and stocked prominently in the store. Similarly in the Donegall Arcade store in Belfast the same will happen with NI acts on Breakingtunes at 1pm on each Saturday.

GLOBAL SUPERSTARS 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER TO VISIT HMV DUNDRUM

Australian pop-rock sensation, 5 Seconds of Summer will visit HMV Dundrum on Saturday 24th May at 12pm, for an exclusive meet and greet with fans.

HMV Dundrum are giving 300 lucky customers the chance to meet the band on the day, with fans asked to register via www.hmv.ie/5sos to find out more.

5 Seconds Of Summer, or 5SOS, as they are affectionately referred to by their ever burgeoning fanbase, first met in the schoolyard aged 16 in a small town in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Luke (17), Mikey (18), Calum (18) and Ash (19) were brought together by a mutual love of pop-punk and the adrenaline-fuelled super-rock of turn of the millennium Americana.

Having debuted their EP ‘She Looks So Perfect’ at #2 in the US Billboard album chart 5SOS have just landed themselves the 3rd biggest first week album sales of 2014. The ‘She Looks So Perfect’ EP is phenomenally the highest selling debut artist album by any Australian act in the Soundscan era since 1992 and also the highest selling first week album sales by any Australian artist since AC/DC ‘Black Ice’ which charted in October 2008.

This incredible international chart success is also highlighted with the ‘She Looks So Perfect’ EP charting at #1 in five countries, Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand and our very own Ireland and reached the #1 iTunes spot in over 50 countries. The ‘She Looks So Perfect’ video has also had over 18 million views on YouTube, with the HMV Dundrum visit capping off a whirlwind promotional tour of Europe covering off 5 Countries in 5 days including Sweden, Germany, France, Italy and Spain as well as SOLD OUT headline dates across the US and Australia.

Stay tuned to HMV’s Facebook page and Twitter account for updates.

O.R.B. HMV INSTORE TOUR TO VISIT DUBLIN & LIMERICK

Fresh from a storming performance on RTE’s The Voice of Ireland, HMV will welcome O.R.B. (formerly Original Rudeboys) to its Dublin and Limerick stores, with the band performing live and hosting a meet and greet with fans this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Friday May 2nd: HMV Grafton Street @ 4pm

Saturday May 3rd: HMV Dundrum Town Centre @ 2pm

Sunday May 4th: HMV Limerick @ 4pm

Monday May 5th: HMV Liffey Valley @ 4pm

Thursday May 8th: HMV Henry Street, Dublin @ 4pm

The band will play special unplugged gigs in each store, promoting their highly anticipated album, “All We Are”.

O.R.B.’s Neddy says: "We're really looking forward to our instore appearances at HMV, we can't wait to meet our fans and have a bit of a sing-song and a laugh!"

“All We Are” is the long awaited follow up to their platinum selling debut outing “This Life”, which was released in March 2012. “All We Are” was recorded in the UK with producers Jake Gosling (who also produced “This Life”) and Duck Blackwell.

The album features the massive hit “Never Gonna Walk Away”, which has enjoyed over 3,000 plays on Irish radio, and recently won Song Of The Year at the Meteor Choice Music Prize in Dublin. New single, the euphoric “Feel It In Your Soul”, is out this week, and is expected to chart in the Top 10 this week.

O.R.B are: Rob Burch – vocals, guitar, Sean 'Neddy' Arkins – vocals, Sean 'Walshy' Walsh – guitar, ukelele.

Since opening in Autumn 2013, HMV has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Irish music, most recently featuring performances by Irish bands Riptide Movement, Hermitage Green and Leading Armies on the opening day of HMV Grafton Street; and Brian Kennedy, Seo Linn, Sal Vitro and Derek Ryan at HMV Belfast’s relaunch. Other Irish music acts who have recently appeared instore at HMV stores around the country include Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish, Hidden Highways, Nathan Carter and Jimmy Buckley.

HMV has just announced a major new partnership with First Music Contact (FMC), which includes the introduction of the Breakingtunes BreakingStage, located at HMV’s flagship stores in Dublin and Belfast. Each week the stages will feature performances by some of the 8000 bands featured on FMC’s self-building music portal, www.breakingtunes.com. Kicking off on May 16th BT acts will be able to perform in the Grafton Street store at 1pm EVERY Friday and will have their releases stacked and stocked prominently in the store. Similarly in the Donegall Arcade store in Belfast the same will happen with NI acts on Breakingtunes at 1pm on each Saturday.

First Music Contact & HMV Ireland join forces for ground-breaking new partnership

Announcing new Breaking Tunes Stage at HMV Dublin and Belfast.

Launches in HMV Grafton Street on Friday April 25th at 1pm celebrating the release of We Cut Corners new album

‘Think Nothing’ with support from Liza Flume.

First Music Contact, the Arts Council funded national resource organization for musicians in Ireland is delighted to announce a major new relationship with HMV which will support and provide new opportunities for Irish bands.

The first step in the new revolutionary relationship is the announcement of the Breakingtunes BreakingStage at HMV’s flagship stores on Grafton Street, Dublin and in Donegall Arcade, Belfast, which will feature weekly performances by some of the 8,000 bands featured on FMC’s self-building music portal, www.breakingtunes.com.

Breakingtunes Breakingstage initiative will give Breakingtunes members a valuable platform for their releases in the two HMV flagship stores. Kicking off on May 16th BT acts will be able to perform in the Grafton Street store at 1pm EVERY Friday and will have their releases stacked and stocked prominently in the store. Similarly in the Donegall Arcade store in Belfast the same will happen with NI acts on Breakingtunes at 1pm on each Saturday.

HMV will also become the main sponsor of the hugely successful HWCH music festival and convention with more details to come when the festival makes its annual ‘call for bands’ in mid June.

Commenting on the new relationship, Chris Keena, Head of Music at HMV Xtra-vision, said: "Supporting Irish Music is an important focus for HMV and Xtra-vision, and our new ground-breaking relationship with FMC puts our money where our mouth is." "As the leading Irish music retailer we have a responsibility to source local product to bring as many Irish bands direct to market through the FMC channel. There is a burgeoning domestic music scene that has been largely ignored by the bigger labels. HMV and Xtra–vision will support all genres of Irish music at retail level across our national network of stores. We hope to roll out the Breaking Tunes stage into more shops during 2014."

The third level of support from HMV for FMC activities is the annual FMC tour. The FMC tour showcases the best of Irish talent in six counties around Ireland towards the end of each year. HMV will tour a pop up shop with the tour so all bands’ merchandise has a chance to contribute to more sales for the act and to increases the acts chance to enter the charts.

FMC’s Angela Dorgan is excited about how this relationship will help them continue to support Irish acts and bring them to the next level ‘First Music Contact is all about supporting musicians at the key ‘gear change’ moments of development and this support is essential and so welcome. A relationship of this nature with HMV is a significant moment for any band and will serve to bring more and more focus on Irish consumers buying IRISH music.

HMV Grafton Street opening celebrations

HMV Grafton Street will throw open its doors this Saturday 19th April at 8am, celebrating its official opening with a day of music, entertainment, exclusive giveaways galore and fantastic opening day deals.

Ministry of Sound DJ Shane Kehoe, and Dublin’s DJ Francois will DJ live from the HMV window on Saturday, while a stellar line-up of Irish bands will perform live in the store during the day, including Limerick’s Hermitage Green; Riptide Movement, currently No. 1 on the Irish album chart; Seo Linn, the Irish language group behind last summer’s viral covers of songs including Blurred Lines and Avicci’s Wake Me Up; and Dublin band We Cut Corners. HMV will be giving out free candy floss and popcorn to visitors to the store.

Gaming lovers can get their hands on one of the most coveted pieces of hardware going, with HMV giving a free PlayStation 4 console to the first person in the queue outside HMV Grafton Street on Saturday morning. A second Playstation 4 will be given out later that day, with fans urged to check out HMV Ireland’s Twitter page for details.

HMV will also run a fun ‘Selfie’ competition through the @HMVGraftonSt Twitter account on Saturday, with fans encouraged to take selfies of themselves at HMV Grafton Street, using the hashtag #hmvgrafton. The best selfies will win fantastic HMV goodies on the day.

HMV is marking the opening of HMV Grafton Street with a massive Record Store Celebration. Exclusive offers will be available throughout the day, including 40% off all vinyl. There will also be amazing one day only deals across movie, music, games and technology including Blu-ray players for €9.99 and €100 off Xbox One and PS4 consoles. Stock is limited so get down early.

HMV Grafton Street opening line up:

In The Window

9.00am – 1.00pm - FM104 DJ

1.00pm – 3.00pm - Minister of Sound – Shane Kehoe

3.00pm – 5.00pm - DJ Francois

In The Store

11.00am - Hermitage Green

12.00pm - Seo Linn

1.00pm - We Cut Corners

2.00pm - Riptide Movement

The opening of HMV Grafton Street brings the total number of HMV stores in Ireland to seven, with stores already open at Henry Street, Dundrum Towncentre and Liffey Valley in Dublin; Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick, at the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry and Donegall Arcade in Belfast. As well as Grafton Street, a new HMV store will open in Galway’s Edward Square in the near future. In addition, 46 dual branded Xtra-vision and HMV stores opened around the country in 2013 and early 2014, with a further 6 locations opening in the near future.

All HMV stores in Ireland, will also mark Record Store Celebration day with 40% off all vinyl.

HMV to officially open this Easter Weekend

HMV and Xtra-vision owners Hilco Capital today announced that the new HMV Grafton Street store will officially open its doors on next Saturday 19th April at 8.00am

HMV will mark the opening of the new store, located on Grafton Street, with a massive Record Store Celebration, with exclusive offers available throughout the day, including 40% off all vinyl. There will also be amazing one day only deals across movie, music, games and technology including Blu-ray players for €9.99 and €100 off Xbox One and PS4 consoles. Stock is limited so get down early.

The store will be giving away HMV goodies throughout the day.

The opening will also feature live performances by some of Ireland’s top acts, as well as live sets by Ministry of Sound DJs. HMV Ireland’s Facebook and Twitter pages will announce the live line-up early next week.

The opening of HMV Grafton Street brings the total number of HMV stores in Ireland to eight, with stores already open at Henry Street, Dundrum Town centre and Liffey Valley in Dublin, Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick, at the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry and Donegall Arcade in Belfast. As well as Grafton Street, a new HMV store will open in Galway’s Edward Square in the near future. In addition, 46 dual branded Xtra-vision and HMV stores opened around the country in 2013 and early 2014, with a further 6 locations opening in the near future.

All HMV stores in Ireland, with the exception of Newry, will also mark Record Store Celebration with 40% off all vinyl.

HMV.com’s Tony Clayton-Lea looks at HMV Ireland’s initiative of supporting Irish music

If green shoots were Irish albums and Irish bands they would cover the country so much there’d be a rush for lawnmowers in your local hardware superstores. Not only that – if all record shops were as proactive at promoting Irish music as HMV Ireland is, then there probably wouldn’t be any need for the importation of those fluffy American pop stars we all know and (mostly) love.

On a more serious note, however, it’s true to state, categorically, that HMV’s re-emergence in the Irish marketplace isn’t only a good thing for the company itself but also for the thousand-fold community of resident musicians that need to be supported in order to gain a foothold on that clichéd ‘ladder of success’. And that includes the likes of internationally successful Irish acts, too, the vast majority of which got their first taste of public adulation – and a good number of album sales – inside a HMV store.

One of the newer Irish acts that is benefitting from a HMV Ireland leg-up is Dublin-based O.R.B. (formerly Original Rude Boys), who fully realize the crucial importance of this level of assistance.

"With the right support you can build as a band, both in levels of fanbase and musicality,” says O.R.B’s Sean ‘Neddy’ Arkins. “The fans are an integral part of any up-and-coming band, so it’s important to interact with those who support your music any time you can."

As a representative example of popular Irish acts presently making serious and choppy waves out there, O.R.B. – who undertake a tour of HMV stores nationwide during the first week of May – are acutely aware that playing in front of fans who are standing in front of album racks is a win-win situation. “If people like what they hear, they could grab the artist’s music there and then. You have to admit – that’s handy!”

And let’s hear it for the physical stocking of actual, real-life albums on actual, real-life shelves in – yes, really – actual real-life stores. There isn’t anything wrong with online sales, reasons Sean, but, he adds, there’s nothing quite like getting an album in its physical form.

"With the ever-growing online stores providing downloadable albums, as a band we agree that it’s quick and convenient. That said, however, as a fan it adds to the experience to have something tangible that you can hold and feel. When you buy a CD, you unwrap it, you open it up, and you can read things like the lyrics or who did what on specific songs. It’s something we discussed as a band - we put thought into how our album would look, and we think that in itself it looks like a piece of art. So, yeah, digital is all well and good, but…"

The consistency of HMV Ireland’s resurgence – let alone its commitment to furthering the promotion of Irish music – continues with the reopening of its flagship store on Dublin’s Grafton Street. If music fans are thrilled (and they are, they really are!), then the bands are beyond delighted.

"It helps a band like us hugely that HMV willingly provides space for Irish talent on their shelves,” says Sean. “It sounds such an obvious thing to say, but by doing that they actively help the Irish music scene to grow. Surely that’s a positive thing for any Irish artist wanting to get their music out there?"

O.R.B. release their second album, All We Are, May 2nd. O.R.B. perform at the following HMV stores in May: Friday 2nd May HMV Grafton Street, Dublin (4pm); Saturday 3rd May HMV Dundrum, Dublin (2pm); Sunday 4th May HMV Liffey Valley, Dublin (4pm); Monday 5th May HMV Limerick (1pm); Tuesday 6th May HMV Henry Street, Dublin (4pm).

Hermitage Green to appear at HMV Limerick

HMV, Limerick will welcome local lads Hermitage Green home this weekend with an exclusive performance in-store on Friday 4th April at 12noon.

The band will perform tracks from their latest album 'Hermitage Green - Live at Whelans' as well as meeting fans and signing copies of the album.

Famed for their energetic live performances, Hermitage Green released their live album, ‘Hermitage Green - Live at Whelans’ in November of last year. Recorded at a show in Whelans, the album was produced by the eclectically accomplished musician and studio virtuoso Joe Chester, who has worked with many other popular Irish acts including, Ryan Sheridan, Mundy, Gemma Hayes and The Coronas.

Speaking about their return to HMV Limerick Hermitage Green said; "We're delighted to be part of HMV's in-store schedule for 2014, and get to play in HMV's Limerick store. 2014 is going to be such an important year for Hermitage Green and we’re really grateful for all the support we have received from HMV/Xtravision stores nationwide to-date. We're buzzin’ with this opportunity to perform a few tracks in the HMV store at home in Limerick.

The five-piece Hermitage Green formed in July 2010 in what started out as a spontaneous jam session between friends and soon developed in to a strong acoustic outfit with an original sound for which the band have credited their contrasting musical tastes. Their 2013 Electric Picnic performance, to a delighted 7000 capacity Electric Arena tent, capped a busy summer of festivals, enjoying a weekly residency on the popular RTÉ TV sports show, Second Captains.

Seeing Hermitage Green live, you can expect hard-hitting rhythm sections driven by the tribal combination of bodhrán and djembe, rhythmic guitar lines with dobro meolodies and soaring four-part vocal harmonies. Hermitage Green are Darragh Graham – Djembe, Tenor Banjo, Vocals
Darragh Griffin – Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Dan Murphy – Dobro, Lead Guitar, Five String Banjo, Harmonica, Vocals
Barry Murphy – Electric Bass, Vocals
Dermot Sheedy – Bodhran, Drums, Percussion.

Hermitage Green's visit is part of a busy schedule of PAs for HMV’s Irish stores in 2014. The Riptide Movement will embark on a tour of HMV stores around Dublin from Friday Friday 4th, while over the coming months, HMV will feature live performances and signings by some of the country’s most popular artists, including ORB, 5 Seconds of Summer and many more!

Since returning to the Irish highstreet, HMV has featured live performances by some of the most exciting music acts around, including The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish, Hidden Highways Derek Ryan and Brian Kennedy, as well as appearances by The Wanted, Nathan Carter, Shane Filan and Kian Egan.

HMV to open on Edward Square, Galway

HMV and Xtra-vision owners Hilco Capital today announced that it will open a new store in Galway. The 4,855 square foot outlet will be located at units 3 & 4 Edward Square. An opening date for the store will be announced in the near future.

25 new jobs will be created pital Ireland said: "We were delighted with the response to the integrated Xtra-vision and HMV outlet, which we launched in Galway Shopping Centre back in October of last year and felt that it waat the new premises, which brings the total number of people employed by HMV and Xtra-vision in Ireland to over 1,000.

This announcement brings the total number of HMV stores in Ireland to eight, with stores already open at Henry Street, Dundrum Towncentre and Liffey Valley i Dublin; Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick, at the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry acations opening over the next month.

Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Cas time to introduce a stand alone HMV store to the city. As well as creating jobs, we have secured a great premises which offers the people of Galway a place where they can come to enjoy all the latest music, movies and games releases, and experience live performances from local, national and international acts."

The Riptide Movement celebrate launch of new album with exclusive HMV tour

Popular Irish Rock band The Riptide Movement, will embark on a tour of HMV stores around Dublin, to celebrate the launch of their eagerly anticipated new album, Getting Through, performing in Henry Street, Liffey Valley and Dundrum this weekend.

The band will perform live, meet fans and sign copies of their new album Getting Through which releases on April 4th, in the following locations:

Friday March 4th: HMV Henry Street at 4.00pm

Saturday March 5th: HMV Liffey Valley at 1.00pm

Sunday March 6th: HMV Dundrum Town Centre at 2.00pm

Getting Through is testimony to the unique sound the band have forged during those thousands of hours they’ve spent together on stage and in the rehearsal room. From the country-flavoured title-track and first single, All Works Out, with its insanely catchy beat, it’s full of big riffs, even bigger choruses and a lust for rock ’n’ roll life that Iggy Pop himself would be proud of.

Vocalist and guitarist Mal Tuohy and his bandmates Jay Dalton (guitar), Gerry McGarry (bass & harmonica) and Gar Byrne (drums & piano) got together in 2006 through their mutual love of Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Ryan Adams, Rory Gallagher and The Rolling Stones. Since forming the The Riptide Movement have made multiple incursions into the Irish top 10; gigged their way from Dublin to Delhi with a stop-off in Pilton to slay the Glastonbury masses; taken to the UK airwaves with all 50 of the BBC Concert Orchestra; collaborated with Jim Sheridan on an update of The Commitments and, last summer, supported The Rolling Stones at their Hyde Park homecoming.

Since returning to the Irish high street, HMV has featured live performances by some of the most exciting music acts around, including Damien Dempsey, The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish, Hidden Highways, Derek Ryan as well as appearances by The Wanted, Shane Filan, Nathan Carter and Kian Egan.

HMV to relaunch in Belfast after £1M refurbishment

Hilco Capital, owners of HMV Group, have announced that the new-look HMV Belfast will be officially relaunched on Saturday March 29th with a mini festival in-store from 11am.

The store, located at Donegall Arcade in Belfast is the largest entertainment store in Ireland. It has undergone a major £1m revamp, with the introduction of a new custom designed performance area, The Loft, forming part of a complete store refurbishment. A brand new store facia will also brighten up the Belfast skyline.

The Loft is a brand new addition to HMV Belfast. Located on the 2nd floor of the store, The Loft will act as a hub for all in-store gigs and signings, with a permanent stage where regular live performances by local and international music artists will take place. The Loft will also feature a dedicated gaming zone, as well as a chill-out area serving tea and coffee to customers.

Iconic visuals of old movie and music artists from around the world have been positioned throughout the store, highlighting HMV’s entertainment heritage since it's first store opened in 1921.

To celebrate the re-launch, leading music acts including Belfast native Brian Kennedy, Sal Vitro, Seo Linn, Derek Ryan and local lads Scorpion Jack, will perform live in-store throughout the day, as part of the HMV Group's commitment to bringing consumers closer to performers and artists.

HMV will also be celebrating the re-launch with fantastic Door Buster Deals for one day only. Available on a first come first served basis, these deals will include Sony Blu-ray players for £9.99; Beats by Dr. Dre headphones for £79.99 (reduced from £169.99); Steepletone Turntables from £59.99, IT7 Headsets for £99.99 with a free speaker worth £16.99, Gear 4 Bluetooth Speaker for £49.99 save £40, 20% off select Sol Republic headsets, a fantastic 3 for £10 offer on top movies, top albums from £4.99 and a whopping £50 off the first 25 Xbox One and PS4 consoles sold in store on the day (all these offers are while stocks last).

There are now seven stand-alone HMV stores across Ireland with 3 Dublin stores (at Henry Street, Dundrum Towncentre and Liffey Valley), the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry, the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick, and a new store announced just last week on Dublin’s Grafton Street set to open its doors in the near future. In addition, 37 dual branded Xtra-vision and HMV stores opened nationwide during 2013 and early 2014, with a further 11 locations opening over the next month.

Larry Howard, Managing Director of Hilco Capital Ireland, said "It’s an exciting time for HMV Belfast. The newly revamped store looks amazing, and will offer our customers a true entertainment experience. HMV has been a part of the Belfast shopping landscape for many years, and our major investment in the store reflects our continued commitment to the city."

Paul McGowan, Chairman of HMV Group and a native of Belfast said: "It is great to be able to make this kind of investment in Belfast and to bring the new HMV experience to the city centre. We look forward to welcoming as many Irish and International acts to the store as possible now that it has a dedicated performance area, just like our stores in London, Glasgow and Toronto."

Jimmy Buckley to appear at Xtra-vision HMV Letterkenny

Irish Country singer Jimmy Buckley will embark on a whistle stop tour of Xtra-vision HMV stores around Ireland, performing in Athlone, Letterkenny and Limerick stores this weekend.

Jimmy will perform live, meet fans and sign copies of his new album The Essential Collection in the following locations:

Friday March 28th: Xtra-vision HMV Athlone @ 1.00pm

Saturday March 29th: Xtra-vision HMV Letterkenny @ 1.00pm

Sunday March 30th: HMV Limerick @ 1.00pm

Jimmy’s career is going from strength to strength. He is already one of the top entertainers in Ireland, and his ambition is to conquer the English Country market, not ruling out Europe. Following numerous visits across the water to England, Jimmy is building up a large fan base and his concerts and dances are always sold out.

He first came to the attention of the Birmingham audiences when he appeared on Bob Brolly’s big charity show, in the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, in June 2003. Since that first appearance Jimmy’s star has certainly continued to rise. After his massive hit song "Your Wedding Day" (written by Henry McMahon), Jimmy conquered the Irish Country Music scene and he continues to make his mark on the concert scene in England.

His current album, The Essential Collection, celebrates all the highlights and hits from Jimmy’s outstanding career, and he will be performing a selection of hits from the album at his Xtra-vision HMV appearances this weekend.

Since opening in Autumn 2013, HMV Xtra-vision has featured live performances by some of the most exciting music acts around, including The Strypes, John Newman, Nathan Carter, Biffy Clyro, Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish, Hidden Highways and Derek Ryan, as well as appearances by The Wanted, Shane Filan and Kian Egan.

Wipe the slate clean with Xtra-vision this St Patrick's Weekend

Xtra-vision Launches Balance Amnesty

Xtra-vision, Ireland’s leader in home entertainment, is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by announcing its very own Balance Amnesty.

Launching Friday 14th March for two weeks, Xtra-vision is offering customers who are in arrears the chance to wipe the slate clean!

Any customers, who accumulated arrears, will have their Xtra-vision account cleared if they purchase a Bronze, Silver or Gold rental pass in any Xtra-vision store nationwide.

Gerry Butler, CEO of Xtra-vision and HMV stores: "The Balance Amnesty is Xtra-vision’s way of giving back to our customers. We often get feedback that people who have outstanding balances on their Xtra-vision accounts are avoiding coming back to the store, so we thought it would be a nice gesture this St. Patrick’s weekend to give them all a chance to clear the balance!"

The Xtra-vision rental pass is the perfect way to watch and play unlimited top movies and games releases months before you can get them anywhere else, for less than €5 a week. Whether you’re a movie buff, or you love your gaming, the Xtra-vision rental pass is the easiest and most cost effective way of enjoying the largest and most up-to-date selection of DVDs and Blu-rays as well as the hottest new next gen console games to rent.

It couldn’t be easier – there are no subscription charges, no sign ups, no credit card registration and no broadband access required. Anyone who isn’t already a member of Xtra-vision can register in-store free of charge.

There are three tiers of rental pass available – the Gold Pass, which offers 30 days unlimited* movies and games for €20; the Silver Pass, offering 14 days unlimited* movies and games for €15; or the Bronze Pass for 7 days unlimited* movies and games. Terms and conditions apply.

This month Xtra-vision are offering extra value, with anyone who purchases a rental pass receiving a €100 voucher off a holiday booking with Joe Walsh Tours**.

There are a total of 94 Xtra-vision stores around Ireland, including 37 dual branded Xtra-vision HMV stores.

* Limited to two rentals per transaction; terms & conditions apply.
** Based on minimum holiday spend with Joe Walsh Tours of €2000.00.

Kian Egan kicks off St Patricks Weekend at HMV Dundrum this Sunday

Kian Egan visits HMV Dundrum this Sunday, 16th March at 11.30am, to meet and greet with fans and sign copies of his debut solo album Home

Kian’s visit to HMV coincides with the launch of his eagerly anticipated album, and celebrates the release of his brand new single, by the same name.

HMV Dundrum are giving 200 lucky fans the chance to meet Kian on the day, when they purchase his new album. The first 200 people to buy a copy of 'Home,' from HMV Dundrum, released Friday March 14th, will receive a wristband, which will grant them access to this exclusive event on the day.

Having enjoyed unprecedented success as a member of Westlife, one of the world’s most successful bands, Kian is launching his debut solo album in perfect time for Mother’s Day, with the album featuring tracks from Kian’s personal playlist. Kian says, "I am incredibly excited. Music is my first love, and to be able to get in the studio to record these amazing songs by such wonderful writers is such a thrill and an honour for me."

Released by Rhino Records/Warner Music UK and produced by Brian Rawling, who has helped deliver hits for acts such as Kylie Minogue and One Direction, the album will introduce Kian’s fans to some of his favourite songs, to which he brings his own personal touch.

Fresh from his crowning as King of the Jungle in 2013’s highest rated TV show, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Kian is also currently filming the third series of The Voice of Ireland alongside Bressie, Jamelia and Dolores O’Riordan, as well as presenting on ITV’s Daybreak and This Morning.

Since opening in Autumn 2013, HMV has featured live performances by some of the most exciting music acts around, including The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish and Hidden Highways, as well as appearances by The Wanted, Nathan Carter and Shane Filan

Derek Ryan to appear at Xtra-vision HMV Letterkenny and Navan

Xtra-vision HMV Letterkenny will be celebrating St. Patrick’s weekend in style, welcoming one of the country’s most popular country singers, Derek Ryan, to the store for an exclusive performance on Saturday March 15th at 2.30pm.

On Monday March 17th at 2.30pm Derek will also sing in Xtra-vision HMV Navan store.

Derek will perform tracks from his new CD Derek Ryan The Entertainer Live, as well as meeting fans and signing copies of the new album.

Derek’s new CD, Derek Ryan The Entertainer Live, is his first live album release, and was recorded as part of his sell-out concert tour last year. "We managed to capture the great atmosphere at the show", Derek explains, "it was a great night with a great buzz, and hopefully those who buy the CD will feel that excitement too! My family are my biggest critics and they love the music and energy on the CD, which is very pleasing."

The album features 22 tracks, including live versions of well known tracks It’s Friday, Wake Me Up, 100 Number and God’s Plan, as well as new tracks from Derek that have not been previously released, including Hey Jude, The Best Part of the Day and more.

Speaking ahead of his appearance at Xtra-vision HMV, Derek said: "I’m looking forward to visiting HMV and meeting everyone in Letterkenny and Navan. The album will be released on the same weekend, so I’ll be signing copies in the stores. Hopefully we’ll have a bit of craic when we’re there!"

Since opening in Autumn 2013, HMV Xtra-vision has featured live performances by some of the mot exciting music acts around, including The Strypes, John Newman, Nathan Carter, Biffy Clyro, Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish and Hidden Highways, as well as appearances by The Wanted and Shane Filan.

HMV to open on Grafton Street in Dublin

HMV and Xtra-vision owners Hilco Capital today announced that it will open a new store on Dublin’s Grafton Street.

The new store will be located at the old A Wear premises. An opening date for the store will be announced in the near future.

35 new jobs will be created at the new store, which brings the total number of people employed by HMV and Xtra-vision in Ireland to over 1000.

This announcement brings the total number of HMV stores in Ireland to seven, with stores already open at Henry Street, Dundrum Town Centre and Liffey Valley in Dublin; Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick, at the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry and Donegal Arcade in Belfast. In addition, 37 dual branded Xtra-vision and HMV stores opened around the country in 2013 and early 2014, with a further 11 locations opening over the next month.

Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Capital Ireland: "HMV returning to Grafton Street has been a priority for Hilco Capital, and we’re delighted to have secured this premises. We’re looking forward to bringing this iconic brand back to its spiritual home in Ireland."

Nathan Carter to appear at HMV Limerick

HMV, Limerick will welcome one of Ireland’s most popular country singers, Nathan Carter, to the store for an exclusive appearance on Saturday March 1st at 1.00pm.

Nathan will meet-and-greet with fans at HMV, Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick, and will sign copies of his new album ‘The Wagon Wheel Show Live’.

The Wagon Wheel Show Live album is a live recording of Nathan’s show, which was recorded in Letterkenny in November 2013 in front of a crowd of 3000 fans. The album features his popular hits ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘Where I Wanna Be’, as well as some songs that are available on CD for the first time including a live version of ‘The Town I Love So Well’ with Phil Coulter.

Nathan Carter’s visit is part of a busy schedule of PAs for HMV’s Irish stores in 2014. Picturehouse will play live in HMV’s Henry Street Dublin store on Friday 21st February, while over the coming months, HMV will feature live performances and signings by some of the country’s most popular artists, including Original Rude Boys, Jimmy Buckley, O Emperor, Friends of Emmet and many more.

Since opening in Autumn 2013, HMV has featured live performances by some of the mot exciting music acts around, including The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish and Hidden Highways, as well as appearances by The Wanted and Shane Filan.

Damien Dempsey to perform live at HMV Henry Street

HMV will kick off a new programme of in-store appearances with an exclusive live performance by Damien Dempsey in HMV Henry Street, Dublin on Saturday February 15th.

Damien will play some songs and meet fans to celebrate the launch of his upcoming album It’s All Good – The Best of Damien Dempsey, a celebration of his career to date which encompasses six top 10 studio albums over 15 years.

Damien is looking forward to performing in HMV: "I’m excited to be playing live in HMV Henry Street this Saturday. I love the intimacy of playing to a small crowd, and I’m looking forward to meeting people who have come along afterwards. It’s great to see HMV back. They’ve always been great supporters of my music, and town wasn’t the same without them!"

The appearance by Damien Dempsey is the first of a busy calendar for HMV, who will be featuring live performances and signings by some of the country’s most popular artists, including Picture House, Original Rude Boys, Nathan Carter, Jimmy Buckley, O Emperor, Friends of Emmet and many more.

Since opening in Autumn 2013, HMV has featured live performances by some of the mot exciting music acts around, including The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish and Hidden Highways, as well as appearances by The Wanted and Shane Filan.

Damien Dempsey’s album, which releases on February 14th, will include fan favourites such as "Sing All Our Cares Away", "It's All Good", "Colony", "Almighty Love", "Bustin' Outta Here" and his Christmas single "The Auld Triangle" with Glen Hansard, along with two new brand new tracks recorded especially for this release "Happy Days" and "St Patrick's Brave Brigade".

Damien had an incredible 2013 following the release of his sixth studio album Almighty Love in September 2012. To mention a few highlights: Damien sold out his Sydney Opera House St Patrick's Day show followed by headline shows across Australia. The summer saw a support slot with Bruce Springsteen at Kilkenny Stadium, and his own headline show at Dublin's Iveagh Gardens, whilst September brought his first US tour in 5 years, encompassing festivals and headline shows including a sold out Bowery Ballroom in New York.

Music fans spoiled for choice

Now in its 9th year, The Meteor Choice Music Prize has gone from a small but perfectly formed shindig to the highpoint of the Irish music industry’s calendar. But how does the magic happen? We’ve asked Tony Clayton-Lea, Chairman of the judging panel for the Meteor Choice Music Prize, to let us in on the ceremony’s inner workings.

There’s always cause for celebration when it comes to the vibrant Irish music industry… but the Meteor Choice Music Prize is still a special occasion.

Bands, artists, managers, journos, DJs and fans have had February 27th ticked off on their calendar for a while, as the great and good from the Irish music scene come under one roof to celebrate the Irish Album Of The Year.

Proving that the scene is in pretty rude health, the list of nominated acts is as impressive as it is diverse: And So I Watch You From Afar, BellX1, Girls Names, Kodaline, Little Green Cars, Mano Le Tough, My Bloody Valentine, O Emperor, Lisa O’Neill and Villagers have all been given the nod this year. Veterans rub shoulders with box-fresh newcomers… and the best part is that the overall winner isn’t easily predicted.

Founded by journalist/blogger Jim Carroll and manager Dave Reid in 2005, the Meteor Choice Music Prize was initially modelled on the UK’s Mercury Music Prize, which is awarded to the best album in the UK & Ireland. Mercury nominees have long been known to enjoy a healthy boost in album sales in the run up to the annual event, and founder Dave Read saw the potential in offering Irish artists a similar shot in the arm.

In 2010, Carroll handed over the reins as Chairman to fellow journalist Tony Clayton-Lea.

"To be honest, I was delighted to have been asked," he admitted. "I’d been one of the judges for the first year (in 2005) so I knew fairly well what the process entailed. I’d always thought that the Award was very credible, and have a large degree of integrity attached to them."

"I’d be an avid listener of music anyway, and being Chairman of the judging panel has sharpened my focus on Irish music."

Each year, Tony’s first port of call is to assemble his dream team of judges, who will convene on the night in a room and argue the toss about who should be the winner. The panel is comprised mainly of music journalists, bloggers, radio DJs and other tastemakers: people, essentially, whose job it is to know the output by Irish artists fairly well.

"I do feel that the people who listen to music the most are people who write and broadcast it," explains Tony. "And there’s no harm to have a mix of new names and people who have been judged before, who know the procedure on the night."

As soon as the curtain goes down on the ceremony, Tony is already compiling his list of judges for the next year: "There are over 200 Irish albums released in a year, so if people are approached as early as possible they have more time to go through the list and there wouldn’t be too much of a bottleneck of albums to go through."

Cometh the hour, and emotions do indeed run high as the judges try and pin the prize on just one of the albums. As the nominated bands play to the crowds on the Vicar Street stage, the judges in a room nearby, are arguing the toss for the very first time.

"I suppose from a basic level, you’ve got people in a small room that are very opinionated… after all, the majority of them are there because they give their opinions on music they listen to," smiles Tony. "Anyone that I know that writes or talks about music has certain ego, so it’s a room full of egos; myself included. But as a chairman I keep it fairly calm if I can. I tend to suppress any rebellion, like a benign dictator. But yes, it’s very tense."

All the while, the clock is ticking, because the winner gets announced live at 9.30pm on Paul McLoone’s Today FM Show.

"Getting the name of the winner by a certain time is crucial… if it wasn’t there’d be no tension on my part," says Tony. "There comes a point where the waffle has to stop and the voting has to start. It can get quite heated. I love it."

Job done on announcing the winner and handing over the big novelty cheque for €10,000, and it’s time for the entire industry to let their hair down and party. Where other award ceremonies can often be a stuffy, backslapping affair, the mood at the Meteor Choice Music Prize is always celebratory and relaxed.

"Anyone who wins it is bigged up quite sincerely by those who haven’t, which says a lot about the sense of community among the artists," explains Dave. "There’s a lot of relief – I think Delorentos cried last year when they won – and I guess for some there’s a little bit of disappointment, too."

Perhaps that’s not surprising, given the subsequent fortunes of past winners. "It brought us a hell of a lot more recognition overnight and opened a lot of doors," recalls Cormac Brady of Super Extra Bonus Party, who won the prize in 2007. Inaugural winner Julie Feeney agrees: "It was probably the biggest achievement of my life. It meant a phenomenal amount to me. It was an enormous validation."

While those involved in pulling together the ceremony remain tight-lipped on which nominees will perform live on the night, the smart money says that it’ll be a liver experience to remember. And on the night, we at HMV/Xtra-Vision will be part of the action, too. As the official retail partners for the prize, we’ll be running a dedicated pop-up shop, where revellers can pick up any of the nominated albums during the ceremony.

In the run up to the big night, you’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more from the nominated acts at stores across the country. Keep an eye out for out Meteor Choice Music Prize Section, as well as live appearances from the nominated acts themselves. And we’ll also be keeping you informed on all things Choice-related here on hmv.com. Check back with us for artist profiles, gossip and pretty much everything you wanted to know about the Meteor Choice Music Prize… but were waiting on someone else to ask.

HMV expands digital presence in Ireland

HMV today announced the launch of hmvdigital.ie, marking the first phase of HMV’s re-entry into digital entertainment since the company was acquired by Hilco Capital in April. In addition, HMV’s new smartphone app is now live in the iOS and Google Play app stores. The innovative app, which is available free of charge for Apple and Android devices, allows users to shop, look and listen by combining image search and sound search technology with high quality MP3 downloads for the first time.

To mark the launch, hmvdigital.ie is giving away a selection of classic Christmas songs, with festive classics from artists including Frank Sinatra, Eartha Kitt, Dean Martin and Chuck Berry available as a free download. This week the site also has a special Boyzone feature page promoting the band’s latest album BZ20 alongside their back catalogue, as well as a featured Britney Spears page, supporting her Album of the Week.

Alongside the Album of the Week, hmvdigital.ie home page will also feature must have music, new and trending releases, and on tour sections, promoting artists currently touring live around Ireland. There will also be specific genre pages for rock, pop, dance, hip-hop, R&B, soundtracks, compilations and metal with featured releases.

hmvdigital.ie offers users the opportunity to browse HMV’s digital catalogue and buy or pre-order MP3s. MP3 purchases are added to the user’s digital locker, and a Download Manager seamlessly integrates purchases into the user’s existing iTunes or Windows Media library on their PC or Mac. Tracks are available in high quality mp3 format in 320 kbs.

Image Search enables users to scan CD or album covers with their Apple or Android phone to access 30 second track previews and buy MP3 downloads. In HMV’s stores, Image Search provides a 21st century take on the music store listening booths of old. At home or on the move, users can scan album artwork on posters or adverts to preview and buy music.

Sound Search lets users discover the tunes they hear around them every day, whether it’s the music playing in store at HMV or at the track playing on the radio, and buy an MP3 download immediately or pick up a copy on CD or vinyl from their local HMV.

Commenting on the launch of hmvdigital.ie, James Coughlan, Managing Director of HMV Digital said: "We’ve had an extremely positive response following the Android app launch back in October. Today we launch hmvdigital.ie and a mobile optimised store allowing music fans to preview and download high quality mp3s on multiple devices. Alongside, I’m pleased to say that iOS users in Ireland can now access the HMV image and sound search features everyone is talking about!"

Paul McGowan, CEO of HMV owners Hilco Capital added: "HMV’s position at the heart of entertainment retail demands that we enable customers to buy their music from HMV in the way that best suits them and to engage more closely with the music, video and gaming worlds."

"Integrating a ‘listening post’ Image Search feature will enhance the shopping experience as music fans scan and sample albums in store over our newly-fitted high speed Wi-Fi before deciding to buy either the physical or digital product direct from HMV."

HMV gets ready to shop and rock.

The annual Shop and Rock event at Dundrum Town Centre takes place this Thursday, November 14th, featuring live music throughout the centre until midnight.

HMV Dundrum will be joining in the fun, staying open until midnight on Thursday, and hosting a live music event to support the launch of a new charity CD, ‘Simple Things’, in aid of the Cycle Against Suicide campaign.

The CD, which features three artists – Heathers, the Dublin Gospel Choir and Gavin James – will be sold exclusively by HMV Dundrum on Thursday 14th, before the CD is officially released the following day. All three artists will be performing live in the mall close to the HMV store on Thursday evening.

HMV Dundrum will also be offering a 10% discount on movie and music purchases on Thursday only between 7pm and midnight.

The ‘Simple Things’ CD in aid of the Cycle Against Suicide campaign will be on sale at all HMV stores from Friday November 15th.

The Wanted to visit HMV

One of the globe’s best-loved boy bands, The Wanted, will visit HMV Dundrum on Tuesday November 19th at 4.30pm, for an exclusive appearance. The band will meet and greet fans during their visit, and will sign copies of their new album, "Word of Mouth".

"Word of Mouth" is The Wanted’s third studio album, and features a combination of classic pop as well as exploring new ground. ‘Word of Mouth’ arguably features the most hit singles on any one pop album this year, including massive hits Chasing The Sun, I Found You, Walks Like Rihanna and We Own The Night.

On the album, Tom Parker of The Wanted said, "It’s taken us two years to make this album and now that it’s finally finished, we are all really proud of the time and effort, not just that we put in to it but all the writers and the label too. We think it’s our strongest album to date. We can’t wait for our fans to hear it. They’ve been really patient but hopefully they’ll think it’s worth the wait!"

The Wanted will also perform at the O2 in Dublin on March 24th 2014, as part of their Word of Mouth World Tour 2014.

The Wanted is the latest act to visit HMV this Autumn, following on from performances by The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Hidden Highways, Cathy Davey and Jerry Fish, as well as an appearance by Shane Filan.

HMV launches hmv.ie

HMV today announced the launch of its new Irish website, hmv.ie. The site, which will go live on Wednesday 6th November at 3.00pm, is the latest move by HMV to strengthen its position as the country’s leading entertainment retailer.

The launch of the new HMV website for Northern Ireland, hmvireland.co.uk, will follow shortly.

hmv.ie will be launched as a fully transactional website, with consumers able to purchase the same extensive range available in all HMV stores. Products will be added on a daily basis, ensuring that the range featured on the site reflects the in-store offerings. hmv.ie will also be fully transactional on smartphones.

Acknowledging the time pressures of today’s busy lifestyles, hmv.ie will offer a choice of convenient delivery options; either to your door or collect from any HMV or Xtravision store; all of which are open late seven days a week. The site will also offer guaranteed next day delivery when using Express checkout, based on orders placed before 3pm that day. Consumers spending €50 or more in one transaction will be able to avail of free home delivery.

In addition, consumers will be able to pre-order DVDs and games, ensuring release day delivery once the express shipping option is selected.

Larry Howard, Chief Executive of Hilco Capital Ireland, owners of HMV and Xtra-vision, said: "The launch of hmv.ie, and the imminent arrival of hmvireland.co.uk marks an important development for HMV in Ireland, as we are now able to offer consumers the choice of visiting one of our five ‘bricks and mortar’ stores, or purchasing directly online. It was particularly important for us to have hmv.ie go live in the run up to Christmas. This period is traditionally one of the busiest times of year for online retailing, and now hmv.ie customers will be able to purchase from our unrivalled range of music, films and games at their convenience."

Consumers can still shop at any of the 5 HMV stores in Ireland, at Dundrum Town Centre, Henry Street and Liffey Valley in Dublin; at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick or the newly opened store at the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry; or at one of the 31 integrated Xtra-vision and HMV stores located throughout the country.

Shane Filan to appear at HMV Dundrum this Saturday.

Shane Filan visits HMV Dundrum this Saturday, November 2nd at 11am, to meet and greet with fans and sign copies of his debut solo album "You & Me".

Shane’s visit to HMV coincides with the launch of his eagerly anticipated album ‘You and Me’, as well as the release of his new single "About You".

Shane co-wrote a handful of Westlife songs, but his solo album sees him emerge as a pop writer to be reckoned with. Shane says "I got off to a really good start. Everything To Me felt like beginners’ luck, but I didn’t know how good it was. Then the label were phoning, going “This is great!” I’d shown to myself I could do this and that took the pressure off. I was flying in those first two weeks and then suddenly I was in Nashville with really famous songwriters, partly thinking ‘WOW!’ but also ‘Right, let’s do this.’"

Shane’s co-writers include his old Westlife writer/producer team Steve Mac & Wayne Hector, plus Nick Atkinson (Gabrielle Aplin), Nexus (Lana Del Rey), Paul Barry & Patrick Maskell (Enrique Iglesias’ Hero) and Nashville songwriters Kylie Sackley and Brandon Hood (LeAnn Rimes, Faith Hill). It’s produced by Martin Terefe (Train, Jason Mraz) and Steve Mac.

While Shane’s financial problems have been well documented, the album is an extremely positive collection of songs. He says: "People don’t want to hear about your problems. Everyone has problems, lots of people are struggling financially at the moment and it’s not something to harp on about. What I got out of my situation is that I’m so lucky to have three healthy kids, a healthy marriage and an amazing wife. That’s what the album is about – trying to tell people not to worry. I’ve been there and it’s not worth it. You get through it and you try to stay positive, so I’ve tried to keep the songs positive."

Shane will embark on his first ever solo tour in 2014.

This Autumn HMV have welcomed some of the hottest acts around to its stores, hosting exclusive performances by The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Hidden Highways, Cathy Davey and Jerry Fish.

Xtra-vision vending solution has signed up 5,600 Irish customers in first two weeks. Great response.

HMV launches innovative digital music store in Ireland.

HMV today announced the launch of a new digital music store and smartphone app in Ireland, marking the first phase of the retailer’s much anticipated entry into digital entertainment since the company was acquired by Hilco Capital in April.

The innovative HMV app, available from today (Thursday 24th October) free of charge from Google Play stores in Ireland, allows users to shop, look and listen by combining image search and sound search technology with high quality MP3 downloads for the first time.

The iOS version of app, which was released last week in the UK, has been temporarily removed from the iOS App Store by Apple in spite of the Cupertino, California-based tech company previously giving HMV’s app its approval. An update is due next week on the status of the Irish iOS App,as the HMV Digital Team work around the clock on an updated version.

Shop

Users can browse HMV’s digital catalogue and buy or pre-order MP3s. MP3 purchases are added to the user’s digital locker and a Download Manager seamlessly integrates purchases into the user’s existing Windows Media library on their PC or Mac.

Look

Image Search enables users to scan CD or album covers with their Android phone to access 30 second track previews and buy MP3 downloads.

In HMV’s stores, Image Search provides a 21st century take on the music store listening booths of old. A simple scan of the album cover or the Singles Chart graphics in store will allow music lovers to sample each track on their own device before they buy. HMV has installed wifi in all its stores specifically to support this feature.

At home or on the move, users can now scan album artwork on CDs, posters or adverts to preview and buy music direct from HMV.

Listen

Sound Search lets users discover the tunes they hear around them every day, whether it’s the music playing in store at HMV or a track playing on the radio, and buy an MP3 download immediately.

HMV’s digital music store will be fully integrated into the new hmv.com which is set to launch this week, extending the ability to listen to and buy digital music to platforms, including Windows PC and Blackberry 10 and Windows smartphones.

James Coughlan, Managing Director of HMV Digital, commented:

"I’m excited to say that we’re putting music ownership back into focus with the launch of our new digital music products. For the first time, music lovers have the ability to experience the traditional feel of HMV on the high street and have the option to discover and build a digital music collection, delivered and managed across devices, from HMV, the Home of Entertainment."

"An exciting vision is unfolding and I look forward to announcing further developments regarding our plans for 2014 in the coming weeks – this is just the beginning!"

Paul McGowan, CEO of Hilco Capital and Chairman of HMV added:

"HMV's position at the heart of entertainment retail demands that we enable customers to buy their music from HMV in the way that best suits them and to engage more closely with the music, video and gaming worlds."

"Integrating a 'listening post' Image Search feature will enhance the shopping experience as music fans scan and sample albums in store over our newly-fitted high speed wifi before deciding to buy either the physical or digital product direct from HMV."

"The new website, launching this week, together with a revitalised YouTube channel will start the journey towards enhancing the experience of interacting with the entertainment industry, an engagement that will be further increased by the massive ramp-up in the number of live events being held within our stores on an ongoing basis."

World’s most iconic musician to appear at world’s most famous music store.

Paul McCartney will be signing copies of his NEW album at HMV’s recently reopened flagship store – 363 Oxford Street.

Friday 18th October – 3pm.

60 tickets guaranteeing access to the signing will be made available in the coming days as competition prizes via www.paulmccartney.com and competitions in the media and HMV’s social media channels. Other fans attending the signing will be admitted on a first come first served basis.

Saturday 28th September saw HMV open its doors to the public once again at its original home of 363 Oxford Street, London. The store originally opened in 1921 before shutting it’s doors in 2000.

To celebrate their return, HMV are delighted to announce a major coup. Returning to the store where The Beatles cut the demo disc that led to them meeting George Martin and signing with EMI, Paul McCartney will sign copies of his brand NEW album in store on Friday 18th October.

McCartney’s album, NEW, is his first collection of solo brand new compositions in six years. For this album he teamed up with producers Giles Martin, Paul Epworth, Mark Ronson and Ethan Johns.

Part of the fabric of British music and synonymous with music retail in this country, 363’s importance was formally recognized in 2000, when Sir George Martin unveiled a blue plaque outside the store reading "363 Oxford Street – The World’s Most Famous Music Store".

HMV’s Chairman, Paul McGowan, commented: "We’re truly honoured to welcome Paul McCartney back to HMV 363 Oxford Street. It sends a clear signal across the world that HMV is truly back in its rightful place as the home of entertainment."

The event at 363 Oxford Street forms the centrepiece of a programme of over 100 in store events across HMV’s stores in the UK, Ireland and Canada throughout October and November that has already seen acts including Drake, Vamps, Lucy Spraggan come face to face with their fans in the way that only HMV can deliver.

HMV to open in Newry

The return of HMV to Ireland continues, with the opening of its store in Newry, Co. Down on Friday October 25th. The store will be located in the old HMV premises at the Quays Shopping Centre in the town.

Following Hilco’s acquisition of HMV, the Newry store represents the fifth standalone HMV store to open in Ireland since returning to the Irish high street last month, joining branches at Henry Street, Dundrum Towncentre and Liffey Valley in Dublin and at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick.

The opening of the store in Newry will create 20 jobs.

HMV in Newry will be hosting regular live in-store performances by established and up-and-coming acts. The performances further highlight HMV’s commitment to being a major supporter of live music in Ireland, and follows in-store appearances by The Strypes, John Newman, Biffy Clyro, Jerry Fish, Cathy Davey and Hidden Highways in the past month.

Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Capital Ireland: "The public reaction to the return of HMV to Ireland has been overwhelming, and we’re delighted to be expanding our presence in the Irish market with the opening of the Newry store."

John Newman to perform exclusive gig and meet and greet at HMV Dundrum this Friday

Since opening last month, HMV has featured live performances by some of the most exciting music acts around at its Dundrum, Henry Street stores in Dublin, and at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick.

This Friday 11th October at 4.30pm, rising star John Newman visits HMV Dundrum for an exclusive in-store performance of tracks from his hotly anticipated debut album “Tribute”, which releases on the same day.

The live performance will be followed by a meet and greet with fans, where John will also sign copies of the new album.

23 year old John Newman follows his massive number 1 single “Love Me Again”, and equally rousing follow-up “Cheating with the release of Tribute”. The album, co-produced by Newman, confirms his class as a songwriter and peerless power as a vocalist. “Love Me Again”, which has hit nearly 35 million views on Youtube and achieved Gold Status in the UK and Ireland, has hit the No1 spot on iTunes in a staggering 16 countries across the globe and follows John’s previous anthem and chart-topper “Feel The Love”, which he co-wrote and fronted with Rudimental.

Hailing from Settle in the Yorkshire Dales, and possessing a voice that has been compared to some of the soul greats, Newman began playing guitar and writing his own songs aged just 14 and soon learned how to record and produce himself, making his own house tracks and DJing. A few years later and all the influences start to stack up to form the basis of John’s sound. Think the pure soul and groove of early Stax and Motown, add a dash of James Brown and Prince, a smattering of Black Keys, and mix it all together with a bit of Dangermouse. It’s all in there, it’s all great, but what really hits you is the voice. That Voice.

The collection of eleven self-penned songs on “Tribute” illustrates that behind that amazing voice lies a rare and exciting artist who is ready to claim his place at the top table.

The following day, HMV Dundrum will host its first Open Mic day, promoting established and unsigned Irish bands. Starting at 12.30pm, the line up will feature O Emperor, Buffalo Sunn, Hidden Highways and Knoeline Keane.

O Emperor will perform songs from their brilliant second album “Vitreous”; while Buffalo Sunn (previously known as Sweet Jane) will play music from their debut album “Sugar for my Soul”. They will be joined by Hidden Highways, who are contenders for album of the year with their eponymous debut album; and newcomer Knoeline Keane, who will perform her own songs at the start of the show.

Since returning to the Irish high street, HMV has already hosted exclusive performances by The Strypes, Biffy Clyro, Hidden Highways, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish, and now John Newman.

Biffy Clyro to perform exclusive gig and in-store signing at HMV Henry Street

HMV Henry Street welcomes Biffy Clyro to the store this Wednesday, 25th September. The multi-platinum selling Scottish band will be signing copies of its most recent studio album, ‘Opposites’, in the store from 2.30pm.

HMV will be giving away 100 tickets to meet and greet Biffy Clyro on Wednesday afternoon through its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hmvireland) and Twitter account (@hmvireland). In addition, the remainder of tickets for the meet and greet will be available at HMV Henry Street from 9am on Wednesday next on a first come first served basis.

The KC Show on Today FM will broadcast its Wednesday show live from HMV on Henry Street between 12.00pm and 2.30pm, to a specially invited audience. The broadcast will include exclusive acoustic performances by Biffy Clyro. For details on how to access this exclusive gig, tune into the KC Show.

Biffy Clyro consist of singer/guitarist Simon Neil, Bass/vocals, James Johnston and drums/vocals, Ben Johnston and hail from Kilmarnock in Scotland.

'Opposites', the band's 6th studio album was released in January 2013 and entered the Irish charts @ no.3 on release in Ireland and contains the singles 'Stingin' Belle', 'Black Chandelier', 'Biblical', 'Opposite' and their current single 'Victory Over the Sun'.

In 2013 alone the band have sold out Dublin's 02, topped the bill at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Derry and headlined the UK's Reading and Leeds festival.

The band will shortly begin a USA tour with further dates in Europe before continuing onto Australia which will keep the band busy till January 2014.

'Opposites' was voted Kerrang! Awards in June 2013.

For further information check www.biffyclyro.com. Follow Biffy Clyro on twitter @BiffyClyro

Biffy Clyro continues HMV’s commitment to supporting live music. Since returning to the Irish high street, HMV has already hosted exclusive performances by The Strypes, Cathy Davey, Jerry Fish and Hidden Highways in its Henry Street and Dundrum stores in Dublin, and Crescent SC in Limerick.

Cathy Davey and Jerry Fish to perform at HMV Dundrum

HMV continues its return to Dublin this week, with the opening of the Dundrum Town Centre and Liffey Valley stores this Thursday, 12th September.

To celebrate the opening of the Dundrum store, two of Ireland’s most popular singers, Cathy Davey and Jerry Fish, will perform an exclusive gig in the store from 6.30pm on Thursday.

The performances by Cathy Davey and Jerry Fish highlight HMV’s focus on supporting Irish music. Throughout September and the rest of 2013, HMV will host regular live performances in its Dundrum and Henry Street stores in Dublin, and at the Crescent SC branch in Limerick. Already The Strypes have performed in Dublin’s Henry Street store, while Hidden Highways are performing in the Crescent SC store to mark its opening on Thursday 12th September.

HMV is inviting any aspiring bands who are interested in performing in-store to make contact at anytime via Twitter or Facebook or at store level.

Choice Music Prize nominee and Meteor Ireland Music Award winner, Cathy Davey is currently recording the follow-up to the #1 album, ‘The Nameless’ in the stunning National Concert Hall, due for release early 2014. When recording is finished in mid September, Cathy will hit the road to debut a few of her new songs to her supporters, via a select set of shows around the country. Check out www.facebook.com/cathydaveyofficial or www.twitter.com/cathy_davey for more details.

Fresh from ‘The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow’ at this year’s Electric Picnic, Jerry Fish will perform new tracks that he’s currently recording which includes his new single ‘Barefoot & Free’, the very first of the new collaboration with R.S.A.G. (Rarely Seen Above Ground) who features on drums. Fish has also formed a brand new collective of artists and musicians for his live show. Check out www.jerry-fish.com for more details.

HMV opens in Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick

HMV officially returns to Limerick this week, with the opening of its store at the Crescent Shopping Centre on Thursday 12th September. To celebrate the opening, Dublin band Hidden Highways will perform an exclusive gig at the store at 6.30pm on Thursday. The return of HMV to Limerick has created 27 jobs for the city.

As well as the Crescent SC, HMV stores in the Dundrum Town Centre and Liffey Valley in Dublin are also opening their doors on Thursday. The fourth HMV store, at Henry Street in Dublin, opened last week.

The performance by Hidden Highways highlights HMV’s focus on supporting Irish music. Throughout September and the rest of 2013, HMV will host regular live performances in its Crescent SC branch, as well as at Dundrum and Henry Street. HMV is inviting any aspiring bands who are interested in performing in-store to make contact at anytime via Twitter or Facebook or at store level.

Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Capital Ireland: “We are delighted to bring the HMV brand back to Ireland, and in particular to the Limerick area. We’ve been overwhelmed with the support that we’ve received, not only from the Irish music industry, but from consumers throughout the country. As well as creating jobs in the Limerick area, the opening of the Crescent SC branch offers the people of Limerick a place where they can come to enjoy the latest music, movies and games releases, and experience live performances from local, national and international acts."

FIFA 14 Dugout

As the countdown to EA SPORTS FIFA 14 continues, we're kicking off the celebrations with the arrival of the awesome EA SPORTS Dugout which is making it’s way to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre today! Irish fans will get an exclusive first look at the game as the EA SPORTS Dugout celebrates the return of HMV to the shopping centre. The Dugout doors will be open from 12noon, with those who climb aboard also in with a chance to win tickets to the Republic of Ireland v Sweden World Cup Qualifier in the Aviva tomorrow night!

If you already have a ticket to the big game, The EA SPORTS Dugout will also be supporting the Boys in Green - parked on the grounds of the AVIVA stadium from 5pm on Friday.

Fans will be able to pre-order FIFA 14 on-site, thanks to HMV and Xtra-vision, who will be located right beside the Dugout.

This state of the art gaming trailer is traveling to Ireland to showcase all the latest EA SPORTS titles including the incredible EA SPORTS FIFA 14 before it’s released on September 27th, so don't miss your chance to check it out!

HMV opens on Henry Street

HMV officially returns to the Irish high street today, with the opening of its flagship store on Dublin’s Henry Street this Friday, September 6th featuring a live performance by Irish band The Strypes.

The three other HMV stores, at the Dundrum Centre and Liffey Valley in Dublin, and in the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick will open their doors on Thursday September 12th.

The performance by The Strypes highlights HMV’s focus on supporting Irish music. Throughout September and the rest of 2013, HMV will host regular live performances in its Dundrum, Henry Street and Crescent SC branches. HMV is inviting any aspiring bands who are interested in performing in-store to make contact at anytime via Twitter or Facebook or at store level.

HMV owners Hilco Capital has confirmed that HMV will exchange valid HMV gift cards which were not honoured during the receivership of the old HMV business for gift cards in the new business.

From Friday 6th September until Friday 11th October 2013, customers with a valid HMV gift card should log on to hmv.ie, or pick up a leaflet in store which will explain the exchange process. Customers will be invited to register online for verification, and will then be issued with a new card of the same value week commencing 14th October 2013. Consumers will be able to use their exchanged gift cards until Friday 15th November 2013. Gift cards can be used in the four standalone HMV stores in Henry Street, The Dundrum Centre, Liffey Valley SC and the Crescent SC in Limerick as well as the dual branded Xtra-vision / HMV stores located throughout the country.

Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Capital Ireland: “We are delighted to bring the HMV brand back to Ireland. We’ve been overwhelmed with the support that we’ve received, not only from the Irish music industry, but from consumers throughout the country. The opening of the Henry Street store marks the start of a busy and exciting period for HMV and Xtra-vision, with our other three HMV stores opening next week, and our dual-branded Xtra-vision and HMV stores launching in locations throughout Ireland during the month of September.”

Irish music industry welcomes the return HMV

Irish music industry leaders today welcomed the return of HMV to the Irish retail landscape, with the HMV flagship store on Henry Street, Dublin opening its doors tomorrow (Friday 6th September) with a performance by Irish band The Strypes.

The remaining three HMV stores at the Dundrum Centre and Liffey Valley in Dublin, and at the Crescent SC in Limerick, will open their doors on Thursday September 12th.

Leading figureheads from the main record companies in the country have voiced their support for HMV, including Pat Creed from Warner Music Ireland; Annette Donnelly, from Sony Music Entertainment; Mark Crossingham from Universal Music Ireland; and Willie Kavanagh, Chairman of the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA).

Pat Creed, General Manager, Warner Music Ireland: "There are lots of albums from artists, released independently or through major labels, that have not yet fully reached their potential audience due to lack of availability of physical product in Ireland during the long months that HMV has been closed. They are the releases that got away. These artists and their music now stand a chance of seeing their fortunes rise through easier access to CDs and vinyl. A large HMV presence in Ireland can provide legitimate income for artists and provide an easy alternative to illegal file sharing of music. Welcome back HMV!"

Annette Donnelly, Ireland MA at Sony Music Entertainment: "We in Sony Music Ireland are extremely excited about the reopening of HMV stores in Dublin and Limerick. Despite the decline in recent years in the sale of physical music there is still a strong and buoyant demand for physical product in Ireland. With the closure of HMV stores in Ireland earlier this year, customers simply had limited places to go to enjoy the act of purchasing music in the environment of a record store. In fact some of these customers instead of going elsewhere simply stopped buying CDs altogether! In particular we are excited about the prospect of having HMV concession stores in most of the larger towns around the country, some of these towns have not had a record shop for a number of years now. With their plans for digital in the future it is great to see Hilco expanding the HMV brand to realise its full potential. Hilcos commitment to the entertainment business in Ireland is to be commended and we hope they will have a successful future ahead of them."

Mark Crossingham, Managing Director, Universal Music Ireland: "We're delighted to see HMV opening their doors again in Ireland. They've been sadly missed this year and despite what the media say there's still a big demand for physical product here. Music fans have found it tough over the past few months to find places to buy CD's & vinyl. This has particularly affected new & breaking artists which are the lifeblood of our industry. The prospect of having HMV concessions within Xtra-vision stores in many larger towns around the country is also very exciting & I'm convinced this will be hugely successful strategy. We'll be throwing a lot of support behind the HMV re-launch and having an incredibly strong Q4 release schedule (Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jessie J, Arcade Fire, Shane Filan, Robbie Williams & The Killers to name a few!) is really going to get things off to a great start."

Willie Kavanagh, Chairman of IRMA: "We look forward to working with HMV in the record industrys fight against piracy".

Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Capital Ireland: "The comments from Pat, Annette, Mark and Willie reflect the important role that HMV plays (or position HMV holds) in the countrys music industry. Moving forward, HMV will continue to support and promote local music. We will be hosting live gigs in all four of our stores on a regular basis, which is a huge opportunity for Irish music acts to gain exposure and perform their music to Irish fans."

HMV Ireland will focus on all genres of Irish music to support the upsurge of quality music in Ireland, with bands ranging from LeGalaxie and Villagers, to Windings and TwinKranes. HMVs store portfolio provides an outlet to support local artists, both unsigned and established, through the HMV and Xtra-vision network.

HMV will commence its focus on supporting Irish music with a live performance by Cavan band The Strypes in HMV, Henry Street on Friday 6th September, and will continue through September and the rest of 2013 with regular live performances in HMV Dundrum, HMV Henry Street and HMV Crescent Shopping Centre Limerick.

Any aspiring bands or labels can expect full support from HMV Ireland and Xtra-vision, and are invited to make contact at anytime via Twitter or Facebook, or at store level.

Check the HMV Ireland Facebook page and Twitter account for upcoming key events.

HMV to exchange old gift cards for new

HMV returns to the Irish high street this week, with the official opening of its flagship store on Dublin's Henry Street this Friday, September 6th featuring a live performance by Irish band The Strypes.

HMV owners Hilco Capital has announced that HMV will exchange valid HMV gift cards which were not honoured during the receivership of the old HMV business for gift cards in the new business.

From Friday 6th September until Friday 11th October 2013, customers with a valid HMV gift card should log on to hmv.ie, or pick up a leaflet in store which will explain the exchange process. Customers will be invited to register online for verification, and will then be issued with a new card of the same value week commencing 14th October 2013. Consumers will be able to use their exchanged gift cards until Friday 15th November 2013. Gift cards can be used in the four standalone HMV stores in Henry Street, The Dundrum Centre, Liffey Valley SC and the Crescent SC in Limerick as well as the dual branded Xtra-vision / HMV stores located throughout the country.

When HMV went into receivership, the Sober Lane bar in Cork city, was one of the businesses around the country who offered to accept old HMV gift cards, in lieu of payment, for food. HMV is exchanging the cards collected by Sober Lane, for a new HMV gift card for €1000, which Sober Lane is donating to LauraLynn Childrens Hospice.

To mark the announcement that HMV is to exchange old gift cards for new, Colm Liston from Sober Lane, Audrey Jones from Laura Lynn Childrens Hospice, and Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Capital Ireland took part in a presentation to handover the old HMV gift cards.

Speaking at the presentation, Audrey Jones, Laura Lynn Childrens Hospice, said: "The idea that HMV will honour the old HMV gift cards AND make a donation to LauraLynn is absolutely wonderful. This is a great opportunity for us to work with HMV and we are confident our partnership will go from strength to strength."

Larry Howard, Chief Executive of Hilco Capital Ireland, commented: "As part of the re-introduction of the HMV brand to Ireland, we wanted to offer Irish consumers the opportunity to exchange any gift cards that were not honoured during the receivership of the old HMV business. We are delighted to be able to provide this opportunity for the next month. We recognise the generosity of Sober Lane, and are delighted to match its donation to the Laura Lynn charity."

The National Consumer Agency has welcomed the decision by HMV owner Hilco to honour valid HMV vouchers and gift cards. Karen O Leary, Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency said; We welcome the decision by Hilco. The new HMV is acting honourably and is treating consumers very fairly in accepting vouchers and gift cards issued by the previous owners of HMV.

About Laura Lynn Irelands Childrens Hospice

Making the most of short and precious lives, Laura Lynn Irelands Childrens Hospice is about putting Life into a childs day, not days into a childs life, by providing end of life care to sick children in a very unique, special setting in Dublin. Laura Lynn is Ireland's first ever Childrens Hospice. Established by Jane McKenna in September 2011 on the grounds of the Childrens Sunshine Home in Leopardstown, Laura Lynn House are proud that they have helped over 190 families since that time. It is a warm supportive environment for the whole family to relax and spend precious time with their children, including & especially siblings. For parents, it gives that much needed break - often as simple as a decent night's sleep and support is offered for healthy siblings, who often are very much left out when a sick child needs 24 hour care. Most importantly it is a special place where a child can spend their final days in comfort and peace with their family.

Tragically there are an estimated 1,400 children living in Ireland with life limiting conditions & over 400 children die every year. There is only one hospice for children in Ireland, despite there being 49 in the UK. As they have no state funding, they rely on the continued support from individuals, different communities and organisations like HMV.

HMV stores nationwide

As part of the plan to return HMV to Ireland, Hilco is opening four standalone HMV stores.

The first three stores at Henry Street and Liffey Valley SC in Dublin and at the Crescent SC in Limerick will open their doors next week, while the store in the Dundrum Centre in Dublin will open week ending September 14th.

In addition it is planned to integrate the HMV brand into 26 Xtra-vision stores nationwide by the end of September, bringing together two of the leading Entertainment retail brands in Ireland, and introducing HMV to areas of the country that had never previously been able to enjoy the HMV experience.

Gerry Butler, CEO of Xtra-vision and HMV Ireland said: “This roll out ensures that customers have access to a huge range of exciting movies, games, music and a range of other must-have entertainment products, coupled with Xtra-vision continuing to deliver and expand the movie and game rental proposition. It’s really the best of both worlds for customers.“

Larry Howard, CEO of Hilco Capital Ireland said: “We have now reached agreement with a number of landlords and will therefore be dual branding some of our stores with Xtra-vision and HMV. Negotiations with other landlords are on-going and we hope to make further announcements in the coming weeks if negotiations come to a satisfactory conclusion. The stores that are to be dual branded are: Artane Castle Dublin, Ashleaf SC Dublin, Athlone, Ballina, Blackpool, Douglas, Carlow, Drogheda, Dundalk, Ennis, Galway, Navan, Nenagh, Thurles SC, Tullamore, Sligo and Omagh in Northern Ireland.”

Xtra-vision awards security services contract to Mercury Security Management

Xtra-vision, Ireland's largest entertainment retail and rental business, has awarded the national contract for all security services to Lisburn-based Mercury Security Management.

The contract includes all manned guarding, event management, intruder alarm and CCTV maintenance and monitoring at over 100 sites across the island of Ireland. The alarms and CCTV will be monitored from Mercury Security's state of the art, Gold-rated Alarm Receiving? Centre.

Larry Howard, Managing Director at Hilco Capital Ireland, owners of Xtra-vision, said, "the submission from Mercury? Security was exceptional and reflected their deep expertise in security services in the retail sector. Whilst providing enhanced and proven services, they were also able to match or beat prices quoted by international competitors."

HMV to open four stores in Ireland

Hilco Capital has today confirmed that entertainment retailer, HMV is to open four stores in Ireland over the next few weeks.

Following successful negotiations with landlords and suppliers, the company is to open stores at three locations in Dublin at Henry Street, Liffey Valley and the Dundrum Centre; and at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick.

HMV has also announced today that it will open 26 shop-in-shops within Xtra-vision stores around the country. Details of these locations will be announced next week. Xtra-vision is also owned by Hilco Capital.

The flagship HMV store at Henry Street will re-open on Friday 6th September with a leading Irish band helping with the ceremonies and playing in the store on that day. HMV will shortly launch a competition to enable customers to meet the headline Irish act.

Liffey Valley, Dundrum and Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick will be opening soon after.

Paul McGowan, Chief Executive of Hilco Capital, said, "We are thrilled to be able to bring HMV back to Ireland. The demand from consumers has been very strong since we acquired the business from the Receivers so it is gratifying to be able to get four stores up and running in such a short period of time. We will also be launching our new digital product in Ireland later in the year and have more exciting developments being announced in coming weeks."

The new HMV stores will create 120 jobs and recruitment for these positions has already been completed with staff undergoing pre-opening training. The final pieces of store building are now complete and the first new stock will start arriving next week.

Larry Howard, Chief Executive of Hilco Capital Ireland, said "The Hilco, HMV and Xtra-vision teams have been at full stretch in recent weeks finalising arrangements and store designs for? the new concession arrangements. We look forward to HMV once again becoming the home of entertainment retail in Ireland. We will also be making announcements next week regarding plans for the redemption of valid gift vouchers which were not honoured during the Receivership of the old HMV business."

The new HMV stores will form part of Hilco Capital's $1.3bn entertainment retail division which covers Ireland, the UK and Canada. All four businesses which form this division were rescued from insolvency and have been resuscitated over the last two years.