California Irish, the band created by Newcastle’s Cormac Neeson, won the Single of the Year Award at the NI Music Awards last night in the Ulster Hall for the song ‘Julie Ann’.
The award was decided by popular vote, and the group were selected ahead of some big name acts such as Joshua Burnside, Becky McNeice, Chalk, Ciaran Lavery and RÓIS.
On social media, the band wrote: “Oh my days!!! We won folks and you made it happen. People’s vote alllllllll the way!! Thank you so much. We are delighted. Peace agus love #thankyou #winners.”
The band were hand-picked by Neeson – who is lead singer and songwriter – based on long standing friendships, as well as experiences with numerous musical projects within the thriving Belfast music scene.
The band is made up of Cormac, Susy Coyle, Donal Scullion, Chris Kelly, James Doone, Simon Templeton, and Conor McCauley.
Susy Coyle (vocals and percussion) is a prominent member of the Belfast folk and singer songwriter fraternity.
Donal Scullion (acoustic, electric guitar, vocals) is a childhood friend of Cormac’s, the two having played and written together most of their lives. Donal also fronts NI Soul Troop and The Vibes.
Chris Kelly (acoustic, mandolin, electric, vocals) is part of Americana band No Oil Paintings who are a firm Northern Irish favourite.
James Doone (bass) is also in No Oil Paintings, and The Doone Brothers.
Simon Templeton (piano, hammond, Wurlitzer) is a respected local session player and songwriter.
Conor McCauley (drums) specialises in Jazz and Rock, playing in a number of bands including Northern Irish rock band New Pagans, as well as a progressive jazz trio.
Read the full story in next Wednesday’s Mourne Observer.
