• Stream: Our Krypton Son – Bloodletting

    September 18, 2020 - By 

    A highlight from his recently-released third album Modern Ruins, ‘Bloodletting’ captures exactly what sets Derry singer-songwriter Chris McConaghy aka Our Krypton Son apart. Distilling the essence of his latest LP down to four minutes of sublime balladry, weaving Sun Kil Moon-like classical guitar arpeggios with skeletal beats and Cohen-esque refrains, it’s gossamer yet hard-hitting in all the right places. Speaking about the track, McConaghy said, “’Bloodletting’ is a medical procedure no longer offered on the NHS. It’s also fisticuffs in the street, in the bedroom, in the shadowy vestiges of a dream. It’s an I love you and I’m sorry…

  • Live From Guerrilla Studios – Episode 6

    September 16, 2020 - By 

    We’re not exaggerating when we say we can’t remember what Thursdays were like before Live From Guerrilla Studios. One of the very few things that have made this whole pandemic shite vaguely sufferable, the weekly live showcase has delivered first-rates sets from The Bonk, Maija Sofia, Acid Granny, Aoife Nessa Frances, Kneecap and many more besides. Episode six is absolutely nothing to be sniffed at, either. On Thursday, 17th September, Ray Wingnut, Moojoo the merch monkey and co. welcome two ironclad TTA favourites: Clare MC God Knows and Dublin’s Naoise Roo. There will also be vt from Cormorant Tree Oh…

  • Long Distance Love @ National Concert Hall

    September 16, 2020 - By 

    Some of the country’s very best acts are coming together for a show next week. Transmitted live from the National Concert Hall on September 22 from 8pm, Long Distance Love will feature sets from Andy Irvine & Dónal Lunny, Radie Peat, The Mary Wallopers, Maija Sofia and Sorcha Ní Scolaí. Presented by MusicTown – which runs from 9th-27th September – and the NCH, in association with Foggy Notions, tickets for Long Distance Love cost €8.

  • #WeMakeEventsNI Warns of Events Sector Collapse

    September 16, 2020 - By 

    Right now, the live music and events sector, far and wide, faces collapse. It’s something that workers right across the island are painfully aware of, not least in more recent weeks. In the north, a new initiative is calling for support through the launch of #WeMakeEventsNI. Comprising lighting designers, tour caterers, truck drivers, tour managers, riggers, backline techs, video directors and festival promoters, the team has set out to shine a searing light on the imminent collapse of the industry. At the heart of the drive is a call to the UK Government to support the myriad workers within the sector.…

  • Denise Chaila Announces Mixtape ‘Go Bravely’

    September 11, 2020 - By 

    Limerick rapper and poet – and one of our 10 for ’20 – Denise Chaila has revealed details of a new mixtape. Set for release on October 2nd, the 11-track Go Bravely was announced this morning. Posting online, Chaila said, “I have been waiting to say this for AGES! It’s my pleasure to finally (finally!!) announce that my mixtape, Go Bravely, will be dropping on October 2nd. A bouquet of songs. Not just one. My WHOLE mixtape. I cannot wait. October 2nd.” In a press release, she said, “This mixtape is a series of sonic polaroids; a patchwork collection of snapshots and messages that came to…

  • Premiere: Kate Nicholson – Freedom Calls

    September 11, 2020 - By 

    It’s safe to say that solidarity and hope are more vital than ever. It’s something artists across the globe have been expressing over the last few months, not least in the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others. Kate Nicholson is one such artist. Hailing from Draperstown in Co. Derry, and currently based in the North Coast, her debut single ‘Freedom Calls’ is a rallying cry written in the days following the death of Floyd back in May. Drawing inspiration the likes of The Cranberries, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix, the track was recorded and producer by Michael Mormecha in the…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – September 11th

    September 11, 2020 - By 

    From right across the island, here’s the very best Irish tracks of the week, featuring Róisín Murphy, Ciaran Lavery, Æ MAK, Ailbhe Reddy, Sam Comerford, Arvo Party and more Róisín Murphy – Something More (Soulwax Remix) Æ MAK – wedding day Ciaran Lavery – Count To Ten (CUT-Remix) Ailbhe Reddy – Looking Happy For Those I Love – I Have a Love Sam Comerford – Last Light Out Stillorgan by Thunderblender Arvo Party – God Is In The Window  Somebody’s Child – We Could Start a War (Le Boom Remix) Rebekah Fitch – Dust Gareth Dunlop – In a Hundred Years

  • Stream: An Taobh Tuathail Vol. 9

    September 10, 2020 - By 

    The arrival of An Taobh Tuathail Vol. 9 doesn’t come a second too soon. Long a highlight of the Irish music calendar, Cian Ó Cíobháin’s annual compilation, which is based on music played on his stellar leftfield radio show of the same name, is as reliable and filler-free as many of us have come to expect. Thankfully, Vol. 9 isn’t an exception to the rule. Featuring over 120 tracks (roughly akin to ten hours of music) the compilation includes TTA favourites such as Elaine Howley, Natalia Beylis, Mark Waldron-Hyden, Maria Somerville and Elma Orkestra, alongside international acts like Mica Levi, Mary Lattimore, Carla dal…

  • Video Premiere: Ordnance Survey – Moving Statues

    September 7, 2020 - By 

    Over two decades into producing music under various monikers, most notably Somadrone, Neil O’Connor is rightly regarded as a giant in Irish electronic music. Last year, in the guise of Ordnance Survey, he revealed yet another string to his bow. Accompanied by the likes of Sean McErlaine, Linda Buckley, and Tortoise’s John McEntire, Relative Phase was a delicately emphatic release that wielded nuance and restraint. Next month, O’Connor will unveil its follow-up. Backed by an array of musicians from traditional and contemporary music, Ampere is set for release on October 1st. Lead single ‘Moving Statues’ is a sublime snapshot of what to expect. Featuring Dónal Lunny…

  • Video Premiere: Gnarkats – Volume Up

    September 7, 2020 - By 

    Four days after lockdown hit way back in March, Belfast alt-rock threesome Gnarkats unveiled one of their strongest efforts to date, ‘Dreamers‘. Last week, the band went one further with the fuzzed-out indie-pop idealism of ‘Volume Up’. Today, we’re pleased to present a first look at the single’s homemade visuals. Featuring footage of the band zig-zagging across London on a pilgrimage to see The Strokes at All Points East last year, it distils the forward-moving spirit of both the song and Gnarkats as one of Northern Ireland’s most forward-moving alternative acts. Revisit our Track Record with the band here. Photo by Niall Fegan