The conversation around The Big Day has been dominated by two questions. First, is this really, as claimed, Chance the Rapper’s debut album? And second, does it need to be 22 tracks long?

The Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival in Cork has announced the first of its headline acts. Canadian singer Feist, Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice, and Bryce and Aaron Dessner from The National will be among those playing an event taking place from September 12 to 15.

From surprise comebacks to celebrity spats and unfortunate deaths, pop stars were never far from the headlines in 2017, writes Ed Power.

Kerry’s Gemma Sugrue is ready to take the spotlight and is writing the authentic music she wants to express, she tells Ellie O’Byrne.

Some of the ace faces of the Irish scene tell Jonathan deBurca Butler about their musical highlights of 2017.

Bryce Dessner tells Ed Power why his band are so happy to be involved in the Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival in Cork

Kilmainham, Dublin

Cork-born musician Eoin French was on the verge on moving to America for a career designing buildings when fate took a hand, writes Ed Power. Now, he’s about to release a stunning debut album.

Marlene Enright is from Bantry, Co Cork. She is music booker for The White Horse in Ballincollig, and is also a musician and songwriter. She is about to release her debut solo album, Placemats and Second Cuts, writes Des O’Driscoll.

Some of music’s finest have died this year, but there has still been a fine array of records on release. Ed Power picks his favourites

4/5

****

Kanye West announced his intention to run for the White House at this week’s VMA awards,

4/5

Icelandic music star Ásgeir has released an English version of his hit album, says Ed Power.

Sugar Club, Dublin

JAMES Vincent McMorrow thought he would breeze his way to the top. He didn’t and is endlessly grateful.

Soak is the singer/songwriter from Derry whose success belies her youth, says Ed Power

Matthew E White’s songwriting is informed by his interest in spirituality, says Ed Power

It isn’t just Prince who’s sitting up and taking notice of the singer some are claiming is the heir to Amy Winehouse, writes Ed Power

Adele is expected to make a triumphant return to the Brits tonight 12 months after her breakthrough appearance at the awards catapulted her to stardom.

The splintered music world truly coalesces only one night each year, the night of the Grammy Awards, and this year was united in the triumph of recovered British soul singer Adele’s trophy haul and the tragedy of Whitney Houston’s death.

Kathleen Edwards’s new album was produced by her partner Bon Iver and marks her first foray into pop, says Ed Power

Liam Gallagher has proved to be the king of vinyl as his band Beady Eye dominated 7in singles sales in the past year.

The Flaming Lips are set to work with Yoko Ono and Bon Iver on their new album.

Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars both have six Grammy nominations, including album of the year, and now both acts will perform at the award show.

Adele has been given the perfect get well gift after being nominated for six Grammys at next year's awards.

The Chieftains’Triona Marshall reveals plans for a concert to aid quake victims and also mark the band’s 50th anniversary, writes Gerry Quinn

Irish rock band U2 were honoured today as the greatest act of the past quarter of a century.

IT could be said Bell X1 live are like Velcro. In that you just want to storm the stage and stick yourself quite forcefully to leadman Paul Noonan.

Meat Loaf is to receive a “classic song” award for his epic 'Bat Out Of Hell', it was announced today.

Duffy and Adele will go head to head after both being nominated for best Breakthrough Artist at the Q Awards.

Newcomer Duffy has received three nominations in this year's Mojo Honours List, more than any other artist.