Punk band Turnstiles has been announced as winners of the inaugural Star Nation music competition.
The band beat off stiff competition from Newtownards singer/songwriter Riley Holland.
The live final was held in Whelan’s on Sunday night.
The Galway-based band, who are made up of Jake Tiernan on bass, Callum Mitchell on vocals, Colm Sweeney and Cillian Ryan on guitars, and Luke Mulliez on drums, were performing as the Connacht finalists of the Four Star Pizza competition.
They were up against Riley Holland, DALY and Clara Belle – the provincial finalists from Ulster, Leinster and Munster.
Earlier this year hundreds of budding songwriters and musicians entered the contest for the chance of winning €3,000 of music gear, a recording session in one of Ireland’s most famous studios and a chance to play at the final gig in Whelan’s. Turnstiles was selected as a finalist for the song ‘Wasting Away’.
Turnstiles played to revellers at a sold-out Whelan’s alongside Riley Holland, DALY and Clara Belle. The band was joined on stage by special guest, and break-out star of the Irish hip-hop scene, Jafaris.
Speaking following the announcement, bassist Jake Tiernan said the band members were over the moon to have won.
“Up until now we’ve been playing in sitting rooms, living rooms, putting on our own gigs and trying to piece together the money to record our songs, and now thanks to Star Nation we have the opportunity to record at a real recording studio and the money to get some new instruments,” he said.
And he said he wanted to pay tribute to the other finalists.
“We’d like to congratulate the other finalists, Riley Holland, DALY and Clara Belle. Each are amazing acts in their own right and we’d like to wish them all the best for the future. We would also like to say a big thank you to Four Star Pizza for creating the competition and giving us the chance to take part – it’s been a phenomenal experience!” he added.
All four finalists will now enjoy a one-day recording session at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios, famous for recording acts such as David Bowie, Lady Gaga, U2 and The Rolling Stones.
Turnstiles picked up an additional cheque for €3,000 of musical equipment from renowned Irish music store MusicMaker which boasts the likes of Blondie, Muse and Manic Street Preachers among its customers.
Four Star Pizza Communications Executive Christina Hamilton said it was overwhelming to see the response from musicians and songwriters who entered the competition.
“After listening to our finalists I think it’s fair to say that Ireland is still one of the best places in the world when it comes to making original music.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who entered Star Nation and to say a massive congratulations to our finalists, Riley Holland, DALY, Clara Belle, and our overall winners, Turnstiles – we can’t wait to hear what’s next!” added Christina.
