• In Conversation with Le Boom, CHERYM, Dea Matrona & TRAMP Ahead of BBC Introducing Live

    This Friday, 25th October, BBC Introducing Live returns to Mandela Hall as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival, showcasing four of the very best acts from across the island. With performances from Le Boom, CHERYM, Dea Matrona and TRAMP, it’s set to underscore the health of our world-beating music community. For the artists involved, this show is more than just a gig. Sharing the stage with fellow talents is a chance to celebrate the diversity and collaborative spirit that’s at the heart of the scene. From CHERYM reflecting on the growing representation of female and non-male artists to Le…

  • Spilt Milk Announce 2024 Line-Up

    Over the last few years, Sligo’s Spilt Milk has firmly established itself as a vital force in Ireland’s musical landscape, emerging as one of the island’s most adventurous and attuned festivals. Now in its sixth year, Spilt Milk returns from 14th to 17th November 2024 with a line-up that spans everything from deft dream pop to trouncing noise rock, all while offering a family-friendly twist with the Junior Jam. This year’s edition features 18 acts – bands, performers, and DJs spread across a network of intimate venues in Sligo town, including Blend, Furey’s Pub, The Garavogue, Lillies and the iconic…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – 18th October

    Dive into the best Irish sounds of the week—Silverbacks lead with their incredible third LP, plus essential new music from AM Shanley, Pippa Molony, AOIBHA, J SHIELDS, and more. Silverbacks – Easy Being a Winner Easy Being A Winner by Silverbacks AM Shanley – You Really Have Me You Really Have Me by AM Shanley Pippa Molony feat. Rory Sweeney – St. John’s AOIBHA – Little While Ago Little While Ago by AOIBHA J SHIELDS – Evergreen A Lazarus Soul – Wilderflowers EP Lucy Gaffney – moments gotten away Proper Micro NV – Microsaurus MANA – Nauseating Me HousePlants –…

  • Output Belfast Announced 2024 Panel Line-Up

    The full panel line-up for Output Belfast 2024 has been revealed, set to be a major part of this year’s Sound of Belfast, which runs from 7th to 17th November. Over the last few years, Output has underscored its status as Ireland’s largest one-day music conference and showcase, presented by Belfast City Council/Belfast City of Music and curated by Score Draw Music. The conference will feature over 30 workshops, panels, masterclasses, and talks, offering a comprehensive view of today’s industry. Spanning everything from creative skills like songwriting, production, and performance to essential business topics such as management, marketing, and industry…

  • Sweden the Deal: An Interview with Olov Johansson of Väsen

    This Sunday, 20th October, Swedish folk royalty, Olov Johansson and Mikael Marin, better known as Väsen, will make their much-anticipated return to Belfast as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival. Revered for their captivating blend of new and traditional folk music, Väsen’s one-off show will feature a special suite by composer Chris Corrigan, crafted for nyckelharpa, electric viola and live electronics. It’s set to take place in the unique immersive sound environment of SARC’s Sonic Laboratory, offering a dynamic experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Ahead of the performance, Brian Coney had the chance to speak…

  • Rhythm and Resistance: An Interview with Les Amazones d’Afrique

    Les Amazones d’Afrique are no strangers to facing down convention. Fusing hypnotic West African rhythms with socially charged lyrics, the all-female collective has become a formidable force in the global music scene. Their blend of activism and artistry has always been inseparable, and with their third album, Musow Danse, they’ve created their most urgent statement yet. Set to take the stage at Mandela Hall on 28th October, their performance stands as one of the most anticipated events in this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival, promising a celebration of resilience, power and liberation. Ahead of the performance, Brian Coney chats with…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – 11th October

    Delve into the very best Irish releases of the week, featuring Chalk, Ciaran Lavery, Gurriers, Proper Micro NV, Celaviedmai and more Chalk – Tell Me Ciaran Lavery – Everything Considered Ahmed, With Love. – Comma, Fullstop. Gurriers – Dipping Out Skinner – Geek Love EP Proper Micro NV – Just a Drop Celaviedmai – Cool Ya Temper (Evan Miles Remix) Pinhole – Sweet Spot Jock – Joe Duffy Wynona Bleach – I Deserve That The Ocelots – About You Rhob Cunningham – Lucy The Fae – Like Your Man

  • Uranium Club w/ Search Results, Spit and Mana

    Listen, “gig of the year” talk can be a little suss but sometimes, every now and then, it tallies up. Consider, for a moment, what’s set to happen at Mono’s Bar at Dalymount Park in a few short weeks. Featuring support by none other than Mana, and a pair of TTA favourites, Spit and Search Results, Minneapolis’s finest Uranium Club play their first-ever Dublin show on Saturday, 16th November. Comprising Brendan Wells, Harry Wohl, Ian Stemper and Matt Stagner, the perennial punk weirdos have, for the last decade or so, fared as one of the very best to do it.…