• Mohammed Sufkhan at the Record Room

    Off the back of the release of his incredible debut album, I Am Kurdish, Mohammed Sufkhan has announced a show at the Record Room. The Kurdish/Syrian singer and bouzouki player, whose beatific craft has won him a legion of new fans in recent times, will play an intimate show at the Limerick venue, based in the Commerical, on Thursday, 28th March. Currently based in Leitrim, Sufkhan relocated to Ireland in late 2016 and has spent the last seven years largely playing at private parties and concerts in the community, as well as weddings and events for Kurdish and Syrian communities…

  • Gig for Gaza at Cyprus Avenue, Cork

    Cyprus Avenue is set for a massive Palestine fundraiser next month. On 24th March, the Cork venue will host the unmissable Gig for Gaza, featuring a host of TTA favourites from or based in Cork. As well as My Goodness’ ‘Goods For Gaza, the fundraiser will feature sets by I Dreamed A Dream, Pretty Happy, Elaine Malone, Caoilian Sherlock, The Altered Hours and Fixity. Tickets for the fundraiser, which kicks off at 7pm, cost €20 with proceeds going to Human Appeal. Buy tickets here. Photo for TTA by Celeste Burdon

  • Fonoon Festival 2023

    The second edition of Arab Cultural Festival Fonoon returns to Belfast this weekend. Taking over 2 Royal Avenue from the 6-8th festival, the series is described by organisers as the gate to Arabia where everyone will have a chance to celebrate the rich tapestry of Arab culture, history, arts and music through a variety of entertaining and cheerful artistic workshops and activities suitable for all.” With the supreme aim of bringing people together and spreading positivity to encourage unity among communities, this year’s programme goes above and beyond to celebrate the beauty, diversity and vibrancy of Arab culture via art,…

  • Spiral Night Market

    Much like the likes of, say, Letterkenny or neighbouring Dundalk, Drogheda is a textbook case of an Irish town that more than holds its own as a thriving creative community beyond the confines of our native cities. Along with the likes of independent record store Bigmoon Records and any number of forward-pushing artists (Spit, A92 and hotgirl, to name just three) McHughs functions as a vital hub in the heart of the Louth town which you will, of course, find slap-bang between unlivable late capitalist hellscapes* Belfast and Dublin. * poetic licence applied In recent years, the Cord Street institution’s…

  • Now Press Play: A Festival of Music on Film

    Not content with programming one of the island’s most consistently rewarding annual festivals, the good people behind Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival have announced details of a new, 4-day mini-festival celebrating the inner and outer reaches of music on film. Running from 26-29 October, Now Press Play features unearthed gems, forgotten legends and grand celluloid follies, taking in some of the greatest documentaries, concert films or musical movies you’ve never seen, not to mention old favourites and new releases. Among the many highlights are Northern Irish premieres for acclaimed documentaries Syd: Have you Got it Yet – the long-awaited Syd…

  • Maija Sofia and Aoife Wolf at McHughs, Belfast

    Choice Prize-nominated Galway singer-songwriter Maija Sofia makes her long-awaited Belfast debut at McHughs on Saturday, 30th September. Hosted by The Thin Air, the show comes off the back of the release of True Love, Sofia’s critically acclaimed second album, which was released via TULLE Collective on 1st September Four years on from her debut, Bath Time, True Love has been hailed by the likes of the Quietus. In their review, they said: “It’s about real people, alive and dead, and the power of objects, substances, time and place. It is the work of someone with an enviable talent, and it…

  • Back + Stacked: Lavery’s Belfast

    In the ever-changing landscape of Belfast’s increasingly diverse music scene, few institutions have stood taller than Lavery’s. From its long-time home on Bradbury Place, the bar and venue has played a vital role bringing grassroots solo artists, bands, DJs, producers and a whole host of wonderfully eclectic nights to the heart of Belfast. It’s a well-established, far-reaching and carefully curated commitment that has rarely felt more locked-in. Off the back of first-rate events from the likes of local drum ‘n’ bass heroes Crilli in recent times, Lavery’s is doubling down to underscore its status as one of Belfast’s very best…

  • A Litany of Failures: Volume IV is Announced

    Irish compilation series A Litany of Failures, which features independent acts from all corners of the island, has just announced the pre-order and tracklisting for its fourth volume.  Set for release on double vinyl and digitally on September 8th, it’s available via Bandcamp. The compilation features 22 brand new, exclusive tracks from some of our favourite acts on the island, as well as some exciting new prospects. The double vinyl set once again features artwork by Pipe & Pallet, and the first 30 pre-orders feature a bespoke print from Belfast-based artist Phantom Powered Pixels.  The Litany of Failures series aims to document the grassroots music community…

  • Festival Preview: Another Love Story 2023

    Here’s the story: if a singular sense of belonging sits at the heart of every great summer festival experience, Another Love Story can lay claim to being masters in their (Co. Meath) field. Since its inaugural outing in 2014, the August weekender has transformed the sublime, 18th Century Killyon Manor into a cosy yet sprawling playground of first-rate music, art, conversation, food and more. Centre-stage, every time, are the people. As you walk up to the manor, tent pitched and first can cracked, a deep-set appreciation of the urge mentioned above to be one with both close friends and new faces…

  • Quarter Block Party 2023

    Long the jewel in the gleaming crown of Cork’s annual festival calendar, Quarter Block Party makes its highly-anticipated return across 14th-16th July. Once again striking an incredible balance between supremely DIY and carefully curated, this year’s programme promises another another world-beating three days and nights across various venues in Cork. Among the many highlights on the live music front include a double bill from two long-time TTA favourites, Elaine Howley and Maija Sofia at Couglan’s, His Father’s Voice and Rose Connolly at the Green Room of Cork Opera House, a Sunwell Tapes showcase at Plugd Records and Flowers at Night and Mantua, also…