• Inaugural SCANRA: Samhain at the Cellar Announced

    The line-up for the inaugural SCANRA: Samhain at the Cellar has been announced. Coming to The Workman’s Cellar on Saturday, 4th November, 2023 at 7pm it’s a new immersive night of music, myth and storytelling celebrating the Irish origins of Samhain through the voices and mediums of modern creators. Presented in collaboration with Workmná and The Thin Air, the night will feature live performances from acclaimed Belfast-based songwriter and pianist Clara Tracey, industrial-electronic artist Coolgirl (Lizzie Fitzpatrick, formerly of Bitch Falcon) and haunting acapella soundscapes from the Dulciana Vocal Ensemble—each set specially curated to evoke elements of the supernatural and…

  • 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…

  • Video Premiere: girlfriend. – Trust

    Back in the mists of time (2016) we introduced the first iteration of North Dublin alternative band girlfriend, tipping them for Big Things in the future. Judging by the cost of living yadda yadda help, it’s now the future and it seems that, for all our high praise back then, we might have actually, inadvertently lowballed the band in question. In their final Super Saiyan form as a five-piece, girlfriend. are taking their rightful place as one of Ireland’s most vital bands. “Vital how?” you ask? We hear you, and we see your concerns, but there’s a fair chance you slept on ‘Trust’. Released in March, off the…

  • Lankum Nominated for Mercury Prize

    In surely one of the most warranted determinations in the history of annual album prizes, Lankum have been nominated for this year’s Mercury Prize. Alongside the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Jockstrap, Shygirl and Young Fathers, the Dublin quartet will vie for the prestigious annual album award for their fourth studio album, False Lankum. Released via Rough Trade back in March, the album doubly underscored the band’s forward-pushing, genre-trouncing experimental folk. The winner of this year’s Mercury Prize will be announced at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on 7th September. Check out the full shortlist below. Revisit Andrew Lambert’s verdict on False Lankum here and check…

  • Féile Na Gréine Announce 2023 Line-up

    The line-up for this year’s Féile Na Gréine has been announced. Doubling up as the Limerick DIY festival’s biggest programme to date, this year’s outing takes over various venues across 18th-20th August 2023. As ever from one of the island’s most tuned-in – and infinitely sound – creative collective and promoters, it’s another wonderfully eclectic, thoroughly stacked line-up of gigs, site-specific performances no workshops across three days and nights. Among this year’s many highlights are a whole host of TTA favourite including Robocobra Quartet (pictured), FONDA, Eimear Reidy and Natalia Beylis, Jane Deasy, Katie Kim, Naive Ted, Search Results and…

  • Video Premiere: Drew Makes Noise – Flame

    As one-quarter of sadly-missed Northern Irish band Ed Zealous, Andrew Wilson played a sizeable role in soundtracking what’s long been held as the country’s indie heyday. But why look back? In Wilson’s case, it seems lightning most certainly strikes twice. Fast-forward to 2023 and the Belfast-based artist is digging deep to further his prismatic alt-pop craft as Drew Makes Noise. Where recent singles like ‘This Matter’ and ‘Hey’ were lysergic and widescreen in equal measure, new single ‘Flame’ is a feat of masterful restraint. One of several peaks from his stellar debut solo album Let The Whole Tape Run, it’s…

  • Belfast Musicians Set for UNESCO City of Music Initiative

    Two fast-rising Belfast singer-songwriters have been selected for a new UNESCO City of Music Initiative. Off the back of Belfast being awarded prestigious status in late 2021, Niall McDowell and Ciara O’Neill will travel to fellow UNESCO City of Music London, in Ontario, Canada, to perform as part of the Home County Music and Art Festival. Arranged through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which brings cities together to share skills and develop networks between musicians, the trip will also see McDowell and O’Neill taking part in co-writing sessions with other artists and get the chance to work with world-class producers…

  • Video Premiere: Krisdeberg – HHH

    After a long period locked away in the recording studio, Dublin-based electronic quartet Krisdeberg (not to be confused with the Irish prince of power ballads, Chris de Burgh) return with their new single HHH ahead of releasing their self-recorded and self-produced work that draws from a well of diverse influences such as new wave, noise rock, acid house and indie electro. We’re delighted to bring you an exclusive first look at HHH, which visualises the communication breakdown between people through a Beckett-esque theatre setting of humour, isolation and horror.  The video features members of the band and an omnious bottle of wine, while uniquely exploring how disparate two perceptions…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – 23rd June

    It’s been another stellar week for Irish music. Here’s the very best tracks and releases from Gemma Hayes, Midnight Wayne, Saint Sister, Tandem Felix, Sister Fenix, Search Results, Proper Mirco NV, Mik Pyro & May Kay, Autre Monde and more. Gemma Hayes – High and Low Midnight Wayne – Get What You Got Saint Sister – Where I Shound End Remixes Tandem Felix – There’s a New Sheriff in Town Search Results – Flower Rock Rain Proper Micro NV – Never Go On Sister Fenix – Gentle Life EP Autre Monde – Sensitive Assignment, Parts 1-4 Sensitive Assignment, Parts 1-4…

  • Irish Tracks of the Week – 16th June

    It’s Friday again so that means another very excellent week of new releases from the likes of Aoife Wolf, Slouch, Maija Sofia, Pat Lagoon, Finnian, Paddy Hanna and more Aoife Wolf – A Ringing in the Ear Slouch – I Got This Job Because I’m Too Stupid To Steal I GOT THIS JOB BECAUSE I'M TOO STUPID TO STEAL by SLOUCH Paddy Hanna – Nightmares Maija Sofia – Four Winters Thom Southern – Let Someone Else In Caoilian Sherlock – The Wheels Come Off Teenage Jesus Album by Caoilian Sherlock Pat Lagoon – Carousel Connor McCann – Lady Rest Jake…