County Derry musician urges people to vote for her debut album to be added to awards shortlist

A County Derry musician’s debut album has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Sister Ghost’s album ‘Beyond The Water’ has been longlisted for Album of the Year by NI Music Prize.

The group, fronted by Feeny woman Shannon O’Neill, will go up against the likes of Snow Patrol and Ryan McMullan for the coveted title.

A shortlist of nominees will be determined by a public vote, which closes this Monday, September 22.

Shannon said she is ‘super excited' about the nomination and is urging people to vote for her before Monday’s deadline.

“This album means a lot to me, it’s my debut album.  I got to make it with one of my favourite producers, Brad Wood, in LA. I waited a long time to do it and all the songs on it mean a lot to me,” said the lead singer and guitarist.

“It would mean a lot to make the shortlist and if you like female fronted rock and roll, let’s go!

“I am thrilled to be on there beside my friends in Snow Patrol and I'm honoured and very proud to be the only musician representing rural County Derry on the list as well.

“It only takes about 20 seconds to fill in the voting form as all it asks for is your email address, postcode and then choose Sister Ghost ‘Beyond The Water’ from the drop-down list.”

Sister Ghost has enjoyed an exciting year having opened Snow Patrol’s Dublin and Belfast gigs in February - an opportunity which Shannon described as ‘a dream come true’.

With a background playing in bands from the age of 12, Shannon saw Sister Ghost as a bold step toward her creative autonomy; writing and recording everything herself on an old 8-track recorder, crafting a sound that’s undeniably hers. 

An anthemic, spectral fusion of art-rock and gothic-pop sensibilities - her music draws on a wide spectrum of influences, from the raw grit of the 'Seattle sound' to the avant edge of Sonic Youth, Patti Smith’s poetic rebellion and Kate Bush’s artful mystique. The result is music that’s as intelligent as it is visceral.

Sister Ghost has built a reputation over the years as one of Ireland’s most vital rock voices, winning Best Live Act at the NI Music Prize and sharing stages with Fontaines DC, We Are Scientists, Ratboys, Shellac, Pussy Riot and more. 

Beyond this, O'Neill has been a powerful advocate for inclusivity in the Irish music scene, founding Girls Rock! NI in 2016 to support and mentor female and gender-expansive musicians. Her music and advocacy has gained critical praise from The Guardian, as well as airplay on KEXP Seattle, RTÉ 2FM, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 1.

After turning heads recently with singles like “I Bite Back,” “Dark Matter,” and “She’s Wild,” Sister Ghost released her long-awaited debut album, Beyond The Water.

Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Veruca Salt) and Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, DEVO), the album marks the arrival of an artist who’s been quietly building something powerful. With Beyond The Water, Sister Ghost steps into a new era—one defined by fearless songwriting and powerful storytelling.

Reflecting on the release, Shannon said the album was born from isolation during the pandemic and shaped by a dream-come-true recording experience in LA.

“I’m so proud of this album,” she says. “It’s something positive born out of a dark time.”

Beyond The Water captures the highs and lows of her twenties as a queer woman from rural Ireland—stories of love, heartbreak, death, and, above all, resilience. It’s a record full of nostalgia, restlessness, and hope—looking back and moving forward, all at once.

More information on the longlist and artists here