ni music prize 2015; shortlist announced!

It's that time of year once more, when the good people of Northern Ireland gather to celebrate the best music coming out of this tiny country, and just how far we continue to punch above our weight. Yet again we see an incredibly tight shortlist, with the internationally beloved And So I Watch You From Afar, SOAK and Tim Wheeler all breezing their way into contention. Other strong entries include the beautiful Malojian record 'Southlands' and Ciaran Lavery and Ryan Vail's stunning ode to the North Coast, 'Sea Legs'.

Having most recently been won by Robyn G Shiels and Foy Vance respectively, could it be time for a rock record to once again scoop NI music's biggest accolade? Flying the flag for guitar bands is A Plastic Rose, with their massive 'Flickering Light Of An Inner War' and Axis Of, for 'The Mid Brae Inn', another huge sounding album.

Clichéd though it may be, we really can't call this one!

The night (to be held in the Mandela Hall on Friday November 14th) will also feature a special presentation of the Oh Yeah Legend Award to The Divine Comedy, and will see a performance from Neil Hannon himself.

A list of full nominations below.

Taylor Johnson

A Plastic Rose – Flickering Light of an Inner War

And So I Watch You From Afar – Heirs

Axis Of – The Mid Brae Inn

BeeMickSee – Belfast Yank

Ciaran Lavery and Ryan Vail – Sea Legs

Duke Special – Look Out Machines

The Lost Brothers – New Songs Of Dawn And Dust

Malojian – Southlands

Not Squares – Bolts

SOAK – Before We Forgot How To Dream

Therapy? – Disquiet