At last Spring is with us and to celebrate we’ve decided to kick-start the month with the return of our podcast series. Hosted by Jules Clancy and Laura-Lee Conboy, we’ll attempt to amuse, entertain and captivate you for 30 minutes each month, as we bring you the latest music news, interviews and features, with the occasional tune thrown in for good measure.

With the fifth Choice Music Prize fast approaching, we reflect with inaugural winner Julie Feeney on that memorable night 5 years ago. As debate continues over this year’s shortlist, we hear what kind of impact winning the Choice Music Prize has had on Julie’s career. Laura Lee catches up with Placebo’s new drummer, Steve Forrest, to discuss the band’s brand new single and possibly their poppiest yet, Bright Lights.

Finally we round up the show with State’s own Niall Byrne who gives us his predictions for the acts to listen out for in 2010 like Lonelady, Sleigh Bells, Surfer Blood, Monarchy and Ellie Goulding. All this and an absolutely cracking cover of Del Shannon’s -Runaway’ by Tuam’s So Cow. This track and a host of other covers are available to download for free here.

So slap on the kettle, put your earphones on and treat yourself to the first of what we hope to be a tasty new addition to State.ie, the’¦.em’¦State.ie Podcast (can someone out there please give us a proper name, cheers….)

MP3: State Podcast #10: Jules and Laura Lee: Julie Feeney, Placebo, Acts for 2010