NME is launching a dedicated Irish edition next week, with a free sampler already working its way around the country.
It is the first time NME has launched a different edition for the international market. NME Ireland will feature "dedicated pages focused on the vibrant Irish live music scene, delivering the latest news, features profiles and live reviews from the hottest new acts in the country. The magazine will also be packed with the usual mix of all the best from the UK and international music scene". The Irish bits of the new mag will be coordinated by NME Ireland correspondent, Steve Cummins, already a regular contributor to NME, as well as The Irish Times, The Irish Independent, The Irish Daily Star and The Irish Sun.
Confirming the new spin off title, which will pitch NME against flagship Irish music mag Hot Press, NME editor Conor McNicholas told CMU: "NME has always been a successful magazine in Ireland, but with such a vibrant live music scene and such passionate music lovers it would be madness not to provide the country with their own magazine. The Irish edition will be tailored to their favourite home-grown artists as well as featuring the very best from the UK and beyond."