Bell X1: Blue Lights On The Runway A so-so collection from the stadium packers (pictured above). They wont be playing on the night because of touring committments so at least they wont be around to watch someone else walk off with the award. Laura Izibor: Let The Truth Be Told Izibors (pictured below, centre) polished old-school soul proved slick enough to soundtrack Greys Anatomy but thats not the type of accolade that will impress the judges. A strong debut but there are those more deserving. Dark Room Notes: We Love You Dark Matter The besuited Dubliners have earned comparisons with synth acts from Human League to New Order. Trafficking in murky electronic rock with distinct shades of Depeche Mode, these guys are the ones to watch. Valerie Francis: Slow Dynamo There was a time when attracting the attention of Kanye West might have been something to boast about (before his car-crash antics at the MTV Awards). He championed Francis single Punches and her album of gut- bucket folk ticks all the right boxes. A definite contender. Julie Feeney: Pages More lyrical weirdness from the first Choice winner D Thursday, February 4, 2010 metrolife 17 :60second interview Anton du Beke King of Ballroom and Strictly stalwart Anton du Beke is waltzing to Dublin on Saturday with partner Erin Boag for Steppin Out, an all-singing, all-dancing showcase. When not wearing a tux, hes often seen in a unitard on BBC game show Hole In The Wall Interview by Lucy White In the early days you couldnt take your eyes off the girls but when you see it every day you get spoilt You and Erin are performing at the National Concert Hall this weekend. Have you been before? Ive been to Ireland before for a few different things but not with our own show. We didnt do Ireland last year with the tour, I dont know why. But this year were doing Belfast tomorrow and Dublin on Saturday, and Im looking forward to Dublin because its such a cosmopolitan place, and Ireland has a great following for Strictly Come Dancing. What is your personal highlight of Steppin Out? Well, its music youll recognise weve a great orchestra, I do a duet with lovely singer Graham Bickley, and we have wonderful dancers on stage with us as well. Its a variety show really, a proper night of entertainment. In the first half, Erin and I do an English waltz to Moon River and that seems to go down very well, and in the second half we do a tango to a number called Libertango, which people seem to enjoy. The second half is relentless, it just keeps on coming. I dont know how I do it. Do audiences dress up in spangly things? There are a few sequins in the audience, oh yes. Its in the programme: do come to the show with sparkles. Is it true that when you started taking dance lessons you were also boxing? Well, I did everything as a kid, I was sports mad. I went along to the boxing club near where I lived, I played football. And danced me, in a room full of girls? Marvellous! As a red-blooded male, how difficult is it not to ogle the female pro dancers? Their outfits are very skimpy... They are all gorgeous girls, and you cant blame fellas for looking. After a while I admit you get a little bit over it. In the early days of course you couldnt take your eyes off it but when you see it every day, you get spoilt, you see. Youve had some rather brazen apparel yourself. Whats the most training, if youre not having a great time with each other because youre there for so long it becomes tricky. Fortunately Ive never had that scenario, Ive had great relationships with my partners so the training side of things has always been enormously enjoyable. Ive been very lucky. Do you and Erin ever fight over choreography? Weve been together for a long time 13 years so we might have a crossed word. But invariably shes always right. When was the last time you were mistaken for Rob Brydon? Not so long ago! Robs a lovely man, a good sport. Even my girlfriend thinks I look like him a little bit. Will there be any more series of Hole In The Wall? Hopefully. Its one of those things where you have to wait and see if itll get recommissioned. We hope so, its been a great show so far, and theyve just repeated it which is a good sign? Bring on the wall! ridiculous outfit youve worn on the dancefloor? The list is endless. I do love a good sequin, especially when Im doing a bit of Latin. When I do Latin I like to wear something thats slightly ridiculous but when Im doing ballroom, its got to be proper. I like how you always train in a shirt and tie. Well, its proper you see. It helps you get into character, you mean? Unfortunately it has nothing to do with that, its just my wardrobe. Youre just a smart, dapper person. I guess I must be, although its for other people to say of course. In dance, can you ever have a good performance without having a good chemistry? You can, because in any walk of life if youre doing a number for any period of time you just get on with your job in a professional way. But chemistry depends a lot on the Edited by Adam Hyland features@metroherald.ie In Focus Eyes on the prize CHOICE MUSIC PRIZE: Who will take the coveted music prize this year? DARAGH REDDIN eyes the competition D ont be fooled by the Meteors. Theres another award ceremony on the Irish music calendar that carries a lot of clout and its Choice. Established in 2005 by musos Jim Carroll and Dave Reid, this prize is bestowed annually on the best Irish album in any genre. Happily, judges have tended to focus squarely on the merits of the music while ignoring sales and marketing bumph hence a certain Dublin four-piece with a famously egotistic frontman failed to make this years shortlist. Choices mission statement was clear when 2005s inaugural prize went to Galway chanteuse Julie Feeney whose self-released 13 Songs had critics frothing with superlatives. By contrast, 2006s Divine Comedy win was given Neil Hannons stint as a pop prince in the UK in the 1990s a curveball. Japes victory in 2007 and Super Extra Bonus Partys in 2008 seemed more in keeping with Choices ethos of championing the underdog but whether theyll continue in such a vein is hard to tell. CHOICE MUSIC PRIZE NOMINEES 2009... Adrian Crowley: Season Of The Sparks Crowley cropped up on the shortlist in 2007 for his maritime-themed The Long Distance Swimmer. Season Of The Sparks is just as good and, frankly, he deserves to win. (pictured below, left). Pages boasts a plethora of woozy piano, strings and horns its a splendid album but does it merit a second gong? The Swell Season: Strict Joy Accomplished if gloomy second outing for the Academy Award- winning duo of Glen Frames Hansard and Markta Irglov. I guess the guys will just have to make do with that Oscar. The Duckworth Lewis Method: The Duckworth Lewis Method You might think a concept album about cricket would only be of interest to Pimms drinking toffs but youd be wrong. Pugwashs Thomas Walsh hooked up with Neil Hannon (pictured below, right) for this literate and witty collection but Hannons previous win might work against them. Codes: Trees Dream In Algebra Codes shouldnt be mistaken for the poor mans Muse despite what certain critics might tell you. This is an accomplished debut but its unlikely to take the lads to victory. And So I Watch You From Afar: And So I Watch You From Afar Divisive Derry outfit who made a big splash last year and earned plaudits for their guitar rock unsullied by any vocals. Choice Music Prize live event, Mar 3, Vicar Street, 58-59 Thomas Street D8, 6.30pm, 27. 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