• 15 For ’15: Robocobra Quartet

    January 14, 2015 - By 

    Set to feature in physical form in our forthcoming January/February magazine, we continue our 15 For ’15 feature today with Belfast band Robocobra Quartet. Playing both our forthcoming Independent Venue Week and Girl Band shows, the Chris Ryan-fronted foursome are easily one of the country’s most forward-thinking and exciting acts of a generation. Check out our live session with Robocobra Quartet here. Words by Laura Carland, photo by Colm Laverty. The unique spectacle offered by the Belfast based four-piece is energetic, menacing, fast and loose. With influences as varied as 90s era hip hop, ska, jazz, DC Hardcore, rap and…

  • Interview: Mr. Scruff

    January 14, 2015 - By 

    Ahead of his sold out show at Belfast’s Black Box on Saturday night, the insatiable, inimitable and encyclopedic Andy Carthy AKA Mr. Scruff chats with resident Thin Air Scruff fanboy Aaron Drain about the “necessity” of the arts, his influence (and influences), his legendary stamina for DJ marathons and more. Win tickets to the sold out Belfast show here. You used to work in retail (like me! Separated at birth? Probably.) and made the leap to producing music full-time in the mid 90’s. What gave you that boost of confidence that allowed you to pursue your passion? Was it an easy…

  • Track Record: Contour

    January 14, 2015 - By 

    All throughout 2014 we dotingly pried into the prized record collections of some of our favourite Irish artists via Track Record. Taste abounded from every photo and giddy admission, and all was well in the world. Before delving into all of those (which we’re certain you’ll do so with fervent abandon in due course) dig the latest with Dublin electronic duo Conan Wynne and Anna Doran AKA Contour. Photos by Tara Thomas. Anna Doran Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation Nostalgia buzz. I bought this for Conan for his birthday! Underground Resistance – The Final Frontier I only have a…

  • Gigs of the Week: Young Fathers, Mark Lanegan, Come On Live Long & Sleep Thieves

    January 14, 2015 - By 

    OK, so we’re all broke. Big deal. Put that desire to eat to one side for another week in favour of hitting up one of the following. Trust us: you will not be disappointed – just very, very hungry, and possibly dangerously ill. You’re welcome. Out To Lunch: Young Fathers Black Box, Belfast Friday, January 16 An absolute credit to the ever-tasteful foresight of the organisers of the annual Belfast festival, 2014 Mercury Prize winning Edinburgh trio Young Fathers will play this year’s Out To Lunch festival on Friday night. “Where, like? The street?” you ask. Not at all: the Black Box.…