• Front of House: PSI

    March 5, 2015 - By 

    In the latest installment of Front of House, our photographer Sara Marsden popped along to Belfast’s Ulster Hall to capture Sean Pagel, Joe Byrne and Davy McCready from Ireland’s premier lighting company, PSI. Offering a wonderful insight into the industry, Pagel touches on the technical and creative sides of lighting, providing the lighting for the likes of Riverdance, Philip Glass and Live at the Marquee, as well as some personal insight into the peaks and (seemingly very rare) low points of the job. Hi Sean. First off, can you tell us how you first got into the lighting business? When I left school…

  • Front of House: Ber Quinn

    February 16, 2015 - By 

    In our fifth installment of Front of House, we chat to Cork native Ber Quinn about his life as a sound engineer in Dublin and his current work with Villagers. Photos by Brid O’Donovan. Hey Ber! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Hi! I’m a Cork man living in Dublin on and off for the last 7 or so years. As a live engineer, I mix front of house sound for Villagers, The Magic Numbers, Cathy Davey, Wallis Bird, Duke Special and a German classical ensemble called Stargaze. I’m also a studio engineer fighting the tide of click tracks and…

  • Front of House: Donal O’ Luanaigh

    February 9, 2015 - By 

    Donal O’Luanaigh (or Chief to those of you who know him well) is one of the ‘chief’ lighting technicians at Vicar Street in Dublin. We discuss his work and how he bring light to all your favourite bands on stage. Photos by Shaun Neary. Hi Donal! Can you tell us about yourself? Hi! I’m Donal, 32 years old from Dublin, I work as a freelance lighting designer/engineer/technician/crew, delete where applicable. ‘Lampy’ is probably the most commonly used term. You’re most likely to find me in Vicar Street but there’s no job too big or small. How did you get your nickname…

  • Front of House: James Feeney

    February 2, 2015 - By 

    In the third installment of our Front of House series, we chat to James Feeney, a sound engineer working predominantly at The Workman’s Club in Dublin. He discusses what goes into his job and and his plans for 2015. Photos by Shaun Neary, Carlos Daly and Isabel Thomas. Hi James! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Hello! My name is James Feeney, I’m based in Dublin and currently working as a freelance sound engineer. I primarily work in The Workmans Club but there are a few bands I work with quite often too. How did you become…

  • Front of House: Brian Collins

    January 15, 2015 - By 

    In the latest installment of our regular feature, Front of House, photographer Tom McGeehan shoots and talks with Belfast-based sound engineer Brian Collins about his background in the industry, his day-to-day working life and what 2015 holds in store for him. Hi there. Can you tell us about yourself? Hi! My name is Brian Collins and I am a Freelance Sound Engineer. I am originally from Galway but I lived in Donegal for years before settling in Belfast where I am currently based. How did you become a sound engineer and how long have you been involved in it?  I have been involved…

  • Front of House: Conor Friel

    December 22, 2014 - By 

    We’re pleased to present a new regular feature, Front of House, in which we will be chatting with the people behind the scenes who bring live music to life. Sound engineers, lighting technicians, roadies, tour managers to name a few will all be delving into what goes into their job and the bands they work with. First up is Conor Friel, a sound engineer working primarily in the Button Factory in Dublin. Photos by Shaun Neary. Hi Conor! Can you tell us about yourself? My name is Conor Friel, I am a Front Of House Audio Engineer. I am completely freelance so I…