Silverbacks Illuminate RTÉ Choice Music Prize Night on 2FM’s The Alternative
On a recent edition of 2FM’s The Alternative with Dan Hegarty, listeners were treated to a memorable live snapshot from the RTÉ Choice Music Prize ceremony held in March 2025. The star of the segment was the Dublin indie rock band Silverbacks, who had just earned a nod for Irish Album of the Year for their album Easy Being A Winner. Dan Hegarty’s show, known for curating dynamic live moments, brought the performance into living rooms across Ireland and beyond, capturing the band’s raw energy and melodic precision.
Amazing Set, Remarkable Year: Silverbacks at the Choice Prize
The Choice Music Prize is renowned for spotlighting Ireland’s most compelling albums, and Silverbacks’ Easy Being A Winner stood out for its swaggering riffs, catchy hooks, and a confident sense of identity. During the broadcast, Dan highlighted the band’s ability to translate studio confidence into a compelling live experience, a key factor in their Irish Album of the Year nomination. The band’s set, as described on The Alternative, blended punchy guitar lines with buoyant rhythm and lyrics that balanced wit with introspection. This combination has helped Silverbacks carve a distinctive space in the Irish indie scene and resonate with a broad audience across the country.
Track-by-Track Take: What Dan Highlighted
Although the broadcast focused on a concise selection, the playlist showcased tracks that demonstrate the band’s evolution across Easy Being A Winner. Listeners heard how Silverbacks weave aggressive guitars with melodic choruses, creating moments that are both cathartic and anthemic. Dan’s narration underscored the band’s timing, showing how each song lands with a thoughtful dynamic shift—quiet verses giving way to soaring, almost urgent choruses. This approach mirrors the band’s studio work while highlighting their live strength, which is essential for any act hoping to sustain a career beyond release cycles.
Why This Matters for Irish Music in 2025 and Beyond
Silverbacks’ nomination for Irish Album of the Year signals a broader trend in Irish music toward confident, ambitious indie rock with a strong sense of identity. The Choice Prize shortlist often acts as a barometer for where Irish artists are heading, and The Alternative’s coverage helps translate critical recognition into public discourse. Dan Hegarty’s platform continues to play a pivotal role in elevating bands that may not command mainstream charts but possess a deeply engaged fanbase and the musical maturity to push genre boundaries. The RTÉ Choice Music Prize ceremony, captured by Dan’s radio lens, reinforces how live performances during awards season can amplify a band’s momentum, driving streams, downloads, and future bookings.
Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect from Silverbacks
With Easy Being A Winner in the spotlight, Silverbacks face a moment of harvesting the momentum generated by nominations and festival appearances. The band’s trajectory will likely rely on a combination of ferocious live shows, thoughtful lyricism, and a willingness to experiment within their indie rock framework. For fans of The Alternative and the RTÉ Choice Music Prize ecosystem, the 2025 season has offered a blueprint: strong studio work paired with vibrant live performances that translate well to radio audiences and festival stages alike. Dan Hegarty’s ongoing support remains a valuable ally as the band continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Irish music.
Playlist Context: The Alternative’s Role in Discovering New Irish Talent
Dan Hegarty’s radio program has long acted as a gateway for listeners seeking fresh sounds on Irish airwaves. By weaving live performances from major national events into a broader playlist, The Alternative creates a narrative around a band’s ascent—from a Choice Prize nod to potential future headline slots, radio play, and international interest. The Silverbacks moment is a reminder that perseverance, a distinctive sound, and a strong sense of place can converge into a compelling, radio-friendly story that resonates with a diverse audience.
