DALY is a Star Nation finalist

A TALENTED rap artist from Finglas has been named as Leinster finalist of a new competition that could provide a boost to his career in music.

As a Star Nation finalist, Aaron Daly, who preforms under the moniker DALY, is in with a chance to win €3,000 worth of music gear, a recording session in one of Ireland’s most famous studios and a chance to play a showcase gig at a top Irish venue.

But he needs the public’s help to finish ahead of the other finalists and is hoping Northsiders will give him a vote to help him reach his goal.

Star Nation is the brainchild of Irish-owned pizza chain, Four Star Pizza, who asked musicians from all across the island of Ireland to submit an original song for the Star Nation competition.

Hundreds of budding songwriters from up and down the country entered the contest and DALY was put on the shortlist and chosen to represent Leinster.

He started performing when he was 16 in and around the Temple Bar area, and since January of this year has been gigging regularly and putting on live shows to bring his sound to the masses.

He describes his winning track ‘Everything will be OK’ as being about decisions.

“It’s about making the decision between hard work and distractions, between quick money or alcohol, or whatever else, and working hard and having faith that it will pay off for you,” he said.

“For me, it’s really about fighting those distractions and believing the work will pay off.”

DALY has taken a socially conscious approach to his music following the deaths of close friends and is donating all proceeds from ‘Everything will be OK’ to Pieta House.

Money from his new single ‘Eliminate’ will also go to suicide prevention charity, Skate Against Suicide.

DALY said being named as a finalist in the competition feels like hard work paying off.

“No matter what, you can’t give up,” he added. “You just need to put in the hard work, put the time in, and don’t give up.”

DALY along with Riley Holland, Turnstiles and Clara Belle, the provincial finalists from Ulster, Connacht, and Munster, will now receive a one-day recording session at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios, famous for recording world-famous acts such as David Bowie, Lady Gaga, U2, and The Rolling Stones.

He will also play at the grand final showcase gig on September 29 in Whelan’s when the overall winner will be revealed.

Four Star Pizza Communications Executive, Christina Hamilton, said the company was “completely overwhelmed” by the number of entries received from local songwriters and musicians.

“I think it’s fair to say that despite our small size the island of Ireland is still one of the best places in the world for original musical talent,” she continued.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who entered Star Nation and to congratulate DALY.

“We’ll be posting each act’s track on our social media pages over the next few days, so keep an eye out and get voting for Ireland’s first Star Nation winner!”

Music fans can listen to each track and vote for their favourite act by going to Four Star Pizza’s social media.

Voting for Star Nation closes on Thursday, September 26. Visit fourstarpizza.ie/star-nation to vote.