PITTSBURGH, PA — February 23, 2026 – Celebrated singer-songwriter Cathleen Ireland has emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2025 Iron City Rocks Pittsburgh Music Awards, earning three prestigious honors: Best Singer-Songwriter, Best Album for In the City, and Best Song for the album’s powerful title track, “In The City.”
Presented annually by Iron City Rocks, the awards recognize outstanding musical talent across the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Ireland’s triple victory underscores both her artistic excellence and the profound connection she has built with audiences through her heartfelt songwriting and dynamic performances.
Released to critical acclaim, In the City captures the pulse and poetry of urban life while exploring themes of resilience, hope, and self-discovery. The album’s title track, “In The City,” stood out as a defining anthem — blending emotionally resonant lyrics with soaring melodies that reflect Ireland’s signature storytelling style. Together, the album and single have solidified her position as one of the region’s most compelling contemporary voices.
“This recognition means the world to me,” said Ireland. “Pittsburgh has always been home, and to be honored by the Iron City Rocks community is incredibly special. These songs were written from the heart, and I’m grateful they’ve found such a strong response.”
Ireland is represented by MTS Management Group, the award-winning artist development and promotion company founded by industry veteran Michael Stover. Under MTS’s guidance, Ireland has continued to expand her reach while staying rooted in authentic songwriting and artistic integrity.
In addition to Ireland’s sweep, progressive rock powerhouse XDB earned top honors as Best Progressive Band, further highlighting the diversity and strength of Pittsburgh’s music scene. XDB’s innovative musicianship and genre-defying sound have made them a standout force within the progressive rock community.
The 2025 awards showcase the continued vitality of Pittsburgh’s music landscape, celebrating artists who are pushing creative boundaries while honoring the city’s rich musical heritage. With her trio of wins, Cathleen Ireland joins an elite group of artists whose work resonates deeply both locally and nationally.
For more information about the Iron City Rocks Pittsburgh Music Awards, visit www.ironcityrocks.com.
About Cathleen Ireland
Cathleen Ireland is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with dynamic, groove-driven production. A longtime presence in Pittsburgh’s music scene, she previously fronted Friday’s Child and theFIVE6 and now leads the band Hot Weather Holiday while continuing to expand her acclaimed solo career. Ireland has collaborated with notable producers including 4x platinum producer Danny E.B, legendary Pittsburgh producer Sean McDonald, and multi-platinum hitmaker Ryan M. Tedder, helping shape her signature sound of infectious rhythms and emotionally resonant, radio-ready hooks. She is a three time Bronze Medalist in the Global Music Awards. Her song, “Drive” won Best Adult Contemporary in The Artists Forum Music Competition 2024 and “Body For You” earned Honorable Mention in the USA Songwriting Competition and Five-Star semi-finalist recognition in the UK Songwriting Competition, while “Love Is A Luxury” was a finalist in the International Acoustic Music Awards. Working alongside director Joe Chilcott, her music videos have been officially selected in more than 70 film festivals worldwide, winning 30 awards, including Best Independent Music Video and Best R&B MUsic Video for “ELEVATOR” and a Special Jury Award for “DRIVE” in 2024. http://www.cathleenireland.com
About XDB
Originally formed in 2009 as a solo project by guitarist Xander Demos, XDB has grown into a fully realized progressive rock band celebrated for its polished sound and electrifying live performances. Demos first earned acclaim for his technical mastery and musical vision, touring extensively and sharing stages with Tim “Ripper” Owens of Judas Priest, while opening for acts such as Winger, Nelson, and Steelheart. Over time, XDB evolved into a collaborative powerhouse built on strong songwriting, layered harmonies, and melodic hooks that bridge classic and modern rock traditions. The current lineup—featuring Demos, Brendan Callahan (keys/guitar), Rob Kane (vocals/rhythm guitar), Emily Stroup (bass/vocals) and Guy Cole (drums)—delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that continues to resonate with fans who value musicianship, melody, and authentic emotional expression. http://www.xdbmusic.com
About MTS Management Group
MTS Management Group is an award-winning artist management, publicity, and promotion company dedicated to developing and advancing independent artists across multiple genres. https://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com