• Stream: HAERTS – All The Days

    Comprised of members from Germany, England and the United States, Brooklyn-based band HAERTS have released their superb new single, ‘All The Days’. After the success of their debut single ‘Wings’ – released to much hype and hubbub last year – the five-piece have returned with a similarly seductive follow-up, propelled by triumphant rhythms, washes of hazy synth and Nini Fabi’s enchanting vocals. With toes, fingers and everything else crossed for regular material over the next while, stream ‘All The Days’ via Soundcloud below.

  • The First Time: Alana Henderson

    In the very first installment of The First Time, we ask fast-rising, cello-wielding, Dungannon-derived songstress Alana Henderson to cast her minds eye back to pivotal ‘firsts’ in her music-listening, discovering and making life. Next week: Mojo Fury’s Mike Mormecha. First album you bought? Lets be honest shall we? It was a Shania Twain album. Come On Over. I was off school sick and I remember gathering the money together and sending my mum to go and buy me it in Woolworths in Dungannon. I’m pretty sure I loved it. The first album I remember buying myself was Anthony & The…

  • Download: Ryan Hemsworth ‘Still Awake’ EP

    Canadian DJ Ryan Hemsworth seems to have been all over the blogosphere recently, with a string of high-profile remixes for the likes of Frank Ocean, Grimes and Lana Del Rey painting a picture of a producer who focuses on ethereal, starry-eyed electronica. Whilst only a handful of original tracks have been made available to date, Hemsworth took the rather left-field step yesterday of making his new EP free to download on his website. No viral campaigns or mysterious download codes here – just a rather lovely EP from a gifted young producer. Download Still Awake over on Hemsworth’s site. [soundcloud…

  • Stream new Smith Westerns track

    Chicago indie rock three-piece Smith Westerns are streaming a suitably starry-eyed slab of Bowie-esque guitar pop titled ‘3am Spiritual’. Equally bearing certain melodic hallmarks of Britpop, the track is taken from the band’s forthcoming third studio album, Soft Will, set for release in Europe via on June 24. According to a post made on their Facebook page, Smith Westerns are set to announce European dates soon. Stream the track via Soundcloud below.

  • Robyn G Shiels – Underneath The Night of Stars EP

    Almost locally renown for “taking his time” between releases, Belfast-based singer-songwriter Robyn G Shiels is equally – ever increasingly – justified in biding his time as a consummate, altogether important artist. As the very best wine cannot possibly stem from a rushed harvest, similarly Shiels possesses an instinctive knack for seeing the brilliant fruits of his labour (experience, regret and alleviation) arrive in their destined condition at the most appropriate time. Little over a quarter of an hour in length, his new EP, Underneath The Night of Stars, is Shiels’ present-day distillation of this fact. Emerging quietly via a slowly…

  • Stendhal line-up announced

    The line-up has been announced for this year’s Stendhal Festival of Art. Celebrating its third birthday on August 16 and 17 this year, The Bonnevilles, Little Bear and Pocket Billiards are amongst the first acts to be confirmed for the annual Limavady festival. As well as music taking place over four stages, it will also play host to a varied family programme of events for children, artwork, sculpture, a craft market, digital art installations, a fun fair and more. The first acts to be unveiled are: Paddy Casey, Mick Wilson (10CC), More Power to your Elbow, Little Bear, Trucker Diablo,…

  • Robyn G Shiels releases new EP

    Belfast-based, Kilrea-born singer-songwriter Robyn G Shiels has released his new EP, Under The Night Of Stars. Recorded and produced by Ben McAuley at Start Together Studio, Belfast, the album features a full band including McAuley on “guitars, drums, etc.” and original Therapy? drummer Fyfe Ewing on track number three of five, ‘If Now Is An Echo’. Cover artwork for the EP was created by artist Hanita Dadswell and photographer Ronan O’Donell: Shiels will officially release the EP at Belfast’s Barge this Friday, May 24. Purchase the EP (and stream ‘If Now is an Echo’ via Bandcamp) below.

  • The Answer unveil new LP, tour dates

    Downpatrick rockers The Answer have announced that they will release their fourth studio album, New Horizon, on September 30 via Napalm Records. The band’s first full-length release since 2011’s Revival, the late Storm Thorgerson worked with the band on the album’s artwork. The Answer will play Belfast’s Limelight 2 on Friday, October 11 and Dublin’s Whelan’s on Saturday, October 12. The band will also embark on a UK-wide tour to mark the release of the album: October Thursday 17: Manchester Academy 3 Friday 18: Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Saturday 19: Leeds Cockpit Sunday 20: Sheffield Corporation Tuesday 22: Glasgow The Garage…

  • The Thin Air Launch Party

    Belfast-based photographer Diarmuid Kennedy was there to capture our launch party at Belfast’s Voodoo on Saturday, May 18th, where Mojo Fury performed their debut album Visiting Hours of A Travelling Circus to a packed room of hardcore fans. The band were supported by PigsAsPeople, Vanilla Gloom and Blue Whale. Thanks to everyone who made it down on the night!  

  • Stream: Hurdles – Kaleidoscope

    Comprised of members from both Bedford and Dungannon (a first, surely?) Belfast-based indie rock quartet Hurdles have released their third single, ‘Kaleidoscope’. Available as a free download from Bandcamp, the track was recorded at Belfast’s Start Together Studio by Ben McAuley. The band released the singles ‘Paper Soldiers’ and ‘Pictures’ late last year. Stream and/or download the track below!