• New Music Initiative Safe In Sound Launches in NI

    September 23, 2020 - By 

    Just announced today, Safe in Sound is a new initiative set to provide a safe space for underrepresented voices in the Northern Irish music sector. The organisation is spearheaded by six women who are heavily involved with and working in music in NI; Aine Cronin-McCartney (Artist Manager, Journalist), Ciara McMullan (Music Photographer), Hannah Richardson (Musician), Jo Wright (Artist Manager, Music Development), Katie Richardson (Musician, Composer, Facilitator) and Francesca O’Connor (Artist Manager, PR). The announcement of the initiative came alongside the following statement: “As individuals, we felt that there was a lack of recognition, respect and support for minority voices working in…

  • 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…

  • Premiere: Mark Loughrey – Nothing But A Truth / Strangled Birds

    September 16, 2020 - By 

    Having relocated to Berlin in 2017 shortly after the release of debut album Treppenwitz, Sion Mills, Tyrone native Mark Loughrey is back with his first release in three years. Loughrey’s stay in Berlin  has seen him engage with and draw inspiration from its community, with A-side ‘Nothing But A Truth’ being another marked progression from a songwriter who effortlessly marries his own fernweh with a voyeuristic glimpse at the lives and insights of strangers. The single is taken from his forthcoming home-recorded EP, On Through the Veil Anew, completed during a period of self-isolation. As Loughrey tells us, “each track was written to a third person, and all address change in some way, be it physical, spiritual,…

  • #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.…

  • Premiere: IN-IS feat. Haula – Broken Ones (Ryan Vail Remix)

    September 17, 2020 - By 

    Last year’s NI Music Prize winner Ryan Vail teamed up with BAFTA-nominated film & TV composer Sheridan Tongue, AKA IN-IS to bring us a remix of the latter’s ‘Broken Ones feat. Haula’. Another characteristically panoramic blend of balmy atmospheric washes and lush synth arpeggios, Vail continues to deliver in abundance as a collaborator, remixing with the same verve and creativity as can be found across his body of solo compositional work. Of the remix, Sheridan told us: “Ryan Vail is a producer I have admired for many years. Coming from the world of film and television soundtracks, I find his ability to create an expansiveness and…

  • Watch: SORBET – Birth (My First Day)

    September 16, 2020 - By 

    Ahead of the release of his debut solo EP, Life Variations this Friday, producer/songwriter/vocalist – and bandleader with Robocobra Quartet – Chris Ryan, AKA SORBET has lifted the cloche on the video for opening track ‘Birth (My First Day)’, which conjures the all-too-real sensation of impostor syndrome. Directed by Dominic Curran with AR motion graphics by Fabiano Benetton, the piece is a magic-realism expression of the singular, otherworldly feeling of the writing alone through his period of home-studio isolation. The seed of Life Variations grew from meditations upon two piano chords to which Ryan was repeatedly and profoundly drawn. Each of its three tracks takes this notion and explores cyclical threads and progression through key stages…

  • 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…

  • 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