IMRO Chats

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry, hosted by Ann-Marie Kelly.

With the IMRO Radio Awards just around the corner, this month’s episode celebrates excellence in Irish broadcasting and shines a light on the people behind the country’s most prestigious radio awards.

Ann-Marie is joined by this year’s Head Judge, Jackie Neill, who offers practical advice for award entrants, explains the judging process and shares insights into what makes a standout submission. Radio Kerry Group CEO Fiona Stack reflects on the impact the awards have on broadcasters, stations and emerging talent, while highlighting how recognition can inspire creativity and professional growth across the industry.

The episode also features Cork’s own Izzy Showbizzy (Isabel Bartek-Healy), who looks back on becoming the first woman to win Radio DJ of the Year in 2019 and discusses the role awards can play in building confidence, encouraging innovation and celebrating excellence in radio.

Together, the guests explore the lasting value of the IMRO Radio Awards, from recognising outstanding work and raising industry standards to fostering community, career development and a shared passion for Irish broadcasting.

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry, hosted by Ann-Marie Kelly.

This month, we turn the spotlight on the London Irish Centre in Camden, a longstanding hub for the Irish community that has evolved into an important platform for Irish artists seeking to connect with audiences, collaborators and industry professionals in London.

Featuring insights from Hannah Pender, Director of Programming and Events at the London Irish Centre, Faye O'Rourke of Soda Blonde and Joe Hearns of Scustin.

The discussion explores the Centre's role in supporting emerging artists, fostering creative connections and building a sense of community, while also highlighting opportunities for Irish music creators to perform, collaborate and develop their careers in London.

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry, hosted by Anne-Marie Kelly.

Our next episode, Festivals, looks at the many ways music festivals bring communities together, from the tradition and competition of the Fleadh to the evolving world of family-focused festival experiences.

Featuring insights from PJ Phelan of Comhaltas Portlaoise, Colm Phelan and Áine McGeeney of Goitse, and Kaleidoscope Festival Director Fiona McGinn, the discussion explores the impact festivals can have on towns, families and artists, while reflecting on how live music creates connection, carries tradition across generations and brings a sense of home to audiences near and far.

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry, hosted by Anne Marie Kelly.

Our next episode, Music Tourism, looks at the role music plays in shaping how people experience Ireland, from impromptu pub sessions and grassroots venues to festivals, cultural spaces and the hospitality sector.

Featuring insights from Other Voices founder Philip King, Tomás Mulligan of The Cobblestone and Irish Independent Travel Editor Pól Ó Conghaile, the discussion explores authenticity, community and the value of live music, while reflecting on how Ireland can celebrate its musical heritage without losing the magic that makes it so special. 

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry. 
 
As the Ivor Novello Awards take place this month, our next episode, The Ivors Academy, explores what the Academy’s presence in Ireland means for songwriters and composers, and the role it can play in supporting, protecting and empowering music creators. 
 
Featuring insights from Ivors CEO Roberto Neri, Ivors Head of Policy for Ireland Catherine Martin and Chair of the Ivors All Ireland Council Iain Archer, the discussion highlights advocacy, membership and creative support, while also reflecting on recognition, community and the opportunities available to Irish music creators. 

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry.

Following the IMRO Live Music Awards this month, our next episode, Music Venues, concentrates on small and medium-sized venues, exploring how these spaces support artists, foster audiences and sustain live performance across Ireland. 

Featuring insights from venue operators and artists including Robbie Campion and Davey Furey of Bob’s Hideout in Bob’s Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois, Stephen Butler from The Set Theatre in Langton’s Hotel, Kilkenny, and musician and performer Ollie Cole, the discussion highlights the atmosphere, challenges and opportunities these venues create. This episode also captures the build-up to an exciting performance from Damien Dempsey, during rehearsals at The Set Theatre.

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry.

In this month’s episode, IMRO Chats focuses on SXSW, the annual music, film and tech festival in Austin, Texas, revealing how the event provides opportunities and support for Irish artists to perform abroad.

Featuring insights from industry professionals, policymakers and artists including Angela Dorgan from First Music Contact, Minister of State Robert Troy and Dan Malone of Dublin band Yard, the discussion showcases the pathways the festival creates, how Irish acts are supported, and what emerging artists need to succeed internationally.

IMRO Chats is a monthly podcast series exploring the topics, challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s music industry.

In this month’s episode of IMRO Chats, we explore the proposed Culture Card for Ireland and what it could mean for increasing access to music and culture.​

Featuring voices from young people, industry professionals and policymakers, we examine how the scheme could work and what impact it might have on the future of Ireland’s music community.​

In this month’s episode of IMRO Chats, we explore the proposed Culture Card for Ireland and what it could mean for increasing access to music and culture.​

Featuring voices from young people, industry professionals and policymakers, we examine how the scheme could work and what impact it might have on the future of Ireland’s music community.​

On today’s episode we are previewing the Borderline Festival 2026.

Now in its third year, the festival showcasing emerging alternative acts from Ireland and beyond, will be taking place from the 19th to the 21st February in The Workman’s Club and the Project Arts Centre in Dublin.

Ahead of the festival, Danny Carroll spoke to founder and organiser Simon Merriman, the international booking agent Jule Konrad and the musician Alan Duggan Borges, who will be showcasing his new project The Null Club as part of this year’s festival.

For a bit of context and background we begin with Simon, who curates the festival and also organises many many gigs across Ireland, as part of Singular Artists.

You can learn more about Borderline here - https://www.borderlinefestival.com