Having alone in the UK supported Glen Hansard and his band the Frames, and more recently Marketa Irglova, we are proud to announce that our favourite singer/songwriters have WON!

We knew it was possible, even probable, but I still find it difficult to believe that Glen has at last secured the global recognition he has deserved for so long. It was back in 1999 that I reviewed a classic Frames album, DANCE THE DEVIL followed quickly with an interview and my first experience of a Frames live performance. I was stunned, along with a tiny audience who could not help screaming for more and eventually, when it was all over, hugging Glen as if he was an old and trusted friend.

Record company problems and a UK media transfixed on the mediocre meant that Glen and his band concentrated efforts on securing their position as Ireland’s favourite band. In addition, the band started to extensively tour overseas markets after declaring independence from record companies, and releasing records on the band’s own Plateau label.

Every album subsequently released by the band was selected by Shakenstir in its annual ‘best of year’ selections. Then, in 2006, an album including songs from the ONCE movie appeared on an album called THE SWELL SEASON. This was the first recorded collaboration between Glen and Marketa, Glen’s first solo album and topped our ‘best of year’ for 2006.

Then came the movie which was made on a tiny budget to sell at Frames and solo gigs. The Sundance Festival Audience Prize suddenly made critics and music-lovers take notice. Major film makers also took notice and soon Glen was receiving emails from the Hollywood’s most powerful. The UK media, including The Times and BBC Radio 1, reversed their previous ambivalent attitude with extensive interviews and features.

Grammy and Oscar nominations followed culminating in triumph for ‘Falling Slowly’ at The Oscars. It’s a victory for Glen and Marketa, it’s a victory for director John Carney, it’s a victory for the Frames, it’s a victory for Shakenstir and for the legion of fans the world over who have never wavered in their support. And finally, it’s a victory for the Independent and hugely talented.

ACCEPTANCE SPEECHES

Glen Hansard:

“Thanks! This is amazing. What are we doing here? This is mad. We made this film two years ago. We shot on two Handycams. It took us three weeks to make. We made it for a hundred grand. We never thought we would come into a room like this and be in front of you people. It’s been an amazing thing. Thanks for taking this film seriously, all of you. It means a lot to us. Thanks to the Academy, thanks to all the people who’ve helped us, they know who they are, we don’t need to say them. This is amazing. Make art. Make art. Thanks“.

Marketa Irglova:

“Hi everyone. I just want to thank you so much. This is such a big deal, not only for us, but for all other independent musicians and artists that spend most of their time struggling, and this, the fact that we’re standing here tonight, the fact that we’re able to hold this, it’s just to prove no matter how far out your dreams are, it’s possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don’t give up. And this song was written from a perspective of hope, and hope at the end of the day connects us all, no matter how different we are. And so thank you so much, who helped us along way. Thank you“.

ED