REM help industry to redefine Irish music
Friday March 14 2008
Musicians here have reacted with bewilderment to the revelation that REM's new album 'Accelerate' will be accepted as "Irish music" by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
Independent radio stations regulated by the BCI have an obligation to play agreed levels -- in most cases around 30pc -- of Irish music.
The new REM album was recorded in Grouse Lodge Studios in Co Westmeath, which is the main factor that qualifies it as "Irish".
This position was confirmed at the session on Airplay For Irish Music, chaired by 'Hot Press' editor Niall Stokes at the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland conference in Dublin.
The stance, which has shocked many musicians and independent record companies, emerged during the question and answer session.
The conference was told that tracks recorded in Dublin by Kylie Minogue were counted as Irish music by certain stations. Asked was this acceptable to the BCI, boss Michael O'Keeffe confirmed that it was.
Minogue recorded tracks for her 'Fever' album in Dublin's Windmill Lane Studios.
REM's new album 'Accelerate' was produced by Dublin-born Garret "Jacknife" Lee, whose past credits include working with U2 and Snow Patrol.
- RICHIE TAYLOR
