• Rush

    September 6, 2013 - By 

    Everyone needs a nemesis. It’s undeniable; a nemesis inspires, keeps one’s internal momentum constant and forces a person to think of new and interesting ways to screw over their rival. The importance of nemeses and the depths to which we sink to spoil our adversaries is the central conflict that exists at the heart of Ron Howard’s latest film, Rush. The film focuses on the rivalry between two Formula 1 drivers during the 1976 season: the English James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Austrian Nikki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). Beginning in the Formula 3 division in 1970, the film follows their rise…

  • Watch: VerseChorusVerse – No More Years (Live)

    September 5, 2013 - By 

    Belfast-based singer-songwriter Tony Wright AKA VerseChorusVerse has unveiled a the third installment of his four-part live video sessions. Featuring a full band comprising members of LaFaro and General Fiasco, the video was filmed by the lovely chaps at Bandwidth. You can check out some of their other work here. ‘No More Years’ is set to feature on Wright’s forthcoming debut album. Watch the live video right here.

  • Belfast Festival 2013 programme unveiled

    September 5, 2013 - By 

    Now in its 51st year, the programme for Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens 2013 was launched today. Taking place from October 17-27 the annual multi-disciplinary arts festival will take place across various venues and feature countless continent-spanning events and showcases in music, arts, dance, theatre, film, talks and more. Acts set to play the festival include New York indie-folk/roots band Hem, Copenhagen classically-infused indie rock three-piece Efterklang (above) and cult blues American guitarist Eric Bibb and his band. Other highlights of the festival include a performance by world-renown Spanish tenor José Carreras, a staging on Samuel Beckett’s iconic absurdist play…

  • Hard Working Class Heroes 2013: 10 must-see acts

    September 5, 2013 - By 

    Set to take place from Thursday to Saturday 5 October, Hard Working Class Heroes – hands down the country’s leading independent music showcase – is soon set to take place right across Dublin. Over three days and nights, 101 acts will perform at 7 venues across the city for the annual event, now in its eleventh year. From Northern Irish singer-songwriters Joshua Burnside and Little Rivers to Dublin noise pop-quartet September Girls and Cork psych-rock band The Altered Hours, the very best of the country’s musical talent is represented right across the board. Go here to check our the full schedule for…

  • Birth of a Label: Broken Melody Records

    September 12, 2013 - By 

    Having recently released their first ever compilation – featuring tracks from seven of the country’s best unsigned band including Seven Summits and Hurdles – Broken Melody Records is a brand new record label based in Belfast City Centre that has got off to an extremely promising start. We chat to the guys about the first few months of the imprint, what lies in store over and their passion for showcasing the very best in homegrown untapped talent. Hi guys. First off, could you tell us how Broken Melody Records come about and what is the “mission statement” so to speak? Broken Melody…

  • Watch: New Ancestors – A Hard Heart

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Originally from Belfast, Glasgow-based alternative folk pop duo New Ancestors have unveiled the video to their latest single, ‘A Hard Heart’. Illustrated and animated by Debbie Montgomery, the video is a simple but wonderfully poignant accompaniment to the two-minute track, exquisitely propelled by restrained fingerpicking phrases, subtle ambience and the dual harmonies of Jonny Solari and Andrew Cameron. Watch the video below.

  • End of an Era: Sketchy Bids Farewell

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    After eight long years and hundreds of unforgettable – and, for many, forgetful – Thursday nights at the Stiff Kitten, legendary Belfast club night Sketchy comes to an end tomorrow night (Thursday, September 5). Touching on the colourful past, present and (potential) future of the club, we speak to its founder and resident DJ Rigsy about the end of a clubbing era. As the club’s final ever flyer says: one more time with feeling, eh? Hi Rigsy. The last ever Sketchy is before us. Firstly: why’s it coming to an end? Is there “why”? In short, because it had to end some time.…

  • Glen Hansard announces Autumn tour

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Dublin singer-songwriter Glen Hansard has announced a string of Irish and European dates across the months of October and November. Starting off on October 20 in Sligo, the tour will pass through several European cities before concluding in Dublin’s Vicar Street on November 26. The Frames frontman will stop off at Belfast’s The Mac on October 21. Oct 20: Hawkswell, Sligo Oct 21: MAC Theatre, Belfast Oct 22: Spirit Store, Dundalk Oct 24: DeBarras, Clonakilty Oct 25: Blackbird, Ballycotton Oct 26: Blessings Bar, Cavan Oct 28: Cyprus Avenue, Cork Oct 29 : Town Hall, Galway Nov 07: Moscow Hall, Moscow, Russia Nov 09: Kosmonavt Club, Saint Petersburg, Russian…

  • Lee’ll Paint It: An Unsung Mid-Ulster Talent

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    A native of Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Lee Jackson is arguably one of the country’s true unsung comedy talents. Taking to MS Paint – in much the same way that Jim’ll Paint It does – to concoct his distinctive pieces, Jackson’s approach is underpinned with a deeply perceptive appreciation of the unmistakable mannerisms, ways and superstitions of smalltown (in his case, Mid-Ulster) people and places. As well as being side-splittingly observant, there is a palpable tenderness and conscience that permeates Jackson’s style. Imbuing the thoughts and scenarios of predominantly hypothetical rural characters with allusions to celebrities, politicians and others in the…

  • Stream: Bouts – 6.0

    September 4, 2013 - By 

    Set to feature on their forthcoming debut album, Dublin indie-rock foursome Bouts are streaming their ridiculously infectious new single, ‘6.0’. Having already release a self-titled EP in 2011 and a double A-side single last February, Nothing Good Gets Away is set for release on the band’s very own Wonky Karousel Records on October 25. Mixed by Jessie Gander (Japandroids’ Celebration Rock), the album was recorded in various locations in Dublin. Check out the rather lovely artwork for the album by David Darragh Nolan below. Check out our recent photo feature with the band (conducted by Aideen McFadeen here. Dig Dinosaur Jr? Appreciate Pavement?…