• Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly & James McAlister – Planetarium

    “I am the god of war. I reside in every creature. Dispose of the future or put away your sword.” Michigan’s musical polymath Sufjan Stevens takes aim at the stars to reflect on the best and worst of our human nature on this collaborative record with Bryce Dessner of The National, composer Nico Muhly, and drummer James McAlister. The arrangements may be stellar, but earth is never too far away. “Love me completely in song” opines Stevens on ‘Venus’, with its references to Methodist summer camp and formative sexual experience. Each of the planets is a canvas for Stevens to ruminate on…

  • Sounds From A Safe Harbour

    Another brand-new festival has been added to Cork’s ever-expanding portfolio of annual events with the announcement of Sounds from a Safe Harbour, ‘a festival of music, art and conversation’ running September 17th until the 20th around the city. Curated by The National guitarist Bryce Dessner, it’s sure to be another strong Cork move, following the good buzz and recent pick-up in events and crowds that’s happened this year. The blurb: Sounds from a Safe Harbour is a brand new festival of music, art and conversation, curated by Bryce Dessner of The National. Two years since its inception by Bryce and Cork Opera…