BBC Music | Across The Line

Dan Deacon in Belfast

ATL (BBC Music) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:13:21 +0000

Dan Deacon will play the Black Box in Belfast on Sunday the 10th of February. Famed for his live shows and audience participation, this is Deacon's first Belfast show since 2007.

The electronic music composer/performer released his new album America on Domino Records in August. Deacon has described the album as representing his conflicted feelings toward the country and world he calls home.

Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival Returns

ATL (BBC Music) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:13:49 +0000

The Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival will return in 2013 from February 20th - 24th for its 9th year running. As wtih previous years the festival will feature a host of performances from talent spanning both sides of the Atlantic. Confirmed acts so far include:

American artists Brett James, Nanci Griffith, Kristian Bush, Jason Blume, Chris Young and Bob Dipiero.

Northern and Southern based artists such as Brian Kennedy, Gareth Dunlop, Katharine Phillipa, Ursula Burns, Wes Grierson, John Spillane and Mick Flannery.

UK acts Tom Baxter, Karima Francis, Rae Morris, Rosie Carney, Boo Hewardine, Then Jericho’s Mark Shaw and Henry Priestman.

For more information on the festival you can check out their official site here.

Swanee River farewell shows

ATL (BBC Music) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 13:15:12 +0000

Derry based rockers, Swanee River announced back in September that they would call it a day. After eight years, three EPs, an album and extensive tours, they will finish up with a home coming gig in Derry next month. They will also play farewell gigs in Ahoghill and Belfast.

Farewell Dates:

8th December, The Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill (Ballymena)
20th December, The Empire Music Hall, Belfast
21st December, Gweedore Bar, Upstairs, (Derry)

The Making Of... Wyldling

ATL (BBC Music) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:37:14 +0000

With a new video for their track 'Siren' having just hit the interwebs, we thought it would be perfect timing to catch up with Derry four-piece electro-rock outfit Wylding to discover all kinds of factoids about the band in this week's edition of The Making Of:

(Glenn Rosborough) The first record i bought was Lenny Kravitz 'Greatest Hits'.

(David Kirby) The last record I bought was 'Epicloud' by the Devin Townsend Project. The guy's a genius!

(Phil Curran) The one gig that made me want to be in a band was Such As in the Nucleus.

(Jilly St John) One musician that inspired me to start performing? Gawd there have been so many over the years, bearing in mind I witnessed the 80's. I love watching live shows in general especially Prince, Queen, Black Sabbath, Nirvana to name a couple, but I have to say I've always been drawn to strong female figures from a young age. Artists like Kate Bush, Patti Smith, Blondie, Madonna, and in my late teens No Doubt, Juliette Lewis. My list is endless. Performance has always just been there since I could walk and string a sentence together.

(Band as a Whole) The last band we all watched together was the freakin' fantastic collective that is Pocket Billiards in the Playhouse, Portrush. Those guys are soo much fun! We ska'd til we couldn't anymore!!

(JSJ) Albums that influenced our recent material? Again a plethora for me, Everything to date has been influenced by bits of everything I like, I might hear a sound in one song or a particular rhythm of syllables I like in another. At the moment it's very much been QOTSA 'Lullabies To Paralyze', NewYoung Pony Club 'The Optimist', Juliette & The Licks 'Four On The Floor', Sleighbells in general, The Dead Weather "Whorehound", I could go on!

(GR) - Prince, everything from "Controversy" to the symbol album; Be Your Own Pet "Adventure";KOAN Sound "The Adventures Of Mr Fox".

(Band as a Whole) We consistently bond over Phil Collins and his epic greatest hits! Kirby's Dad always kindly leaves it in the CD player in the car when we're gigging! Nothing bonds a band more than air-drumming and 80's fist explosions ;)

(GR) We'd happily to share a stage every night with Mojo Gogo, they paid us in booze for a gig one night, automatic legend status. Mental Deficency as well, there's a real sense of care and attention to their more personal songs that shines through the already awesome stage show, they remind me of Warren Zevon. Plus Robocop's a boss.

(PC) Little Bear or John Deery And The Heads.

(DK) Little Bear, all day every day. I could listen to those lads forever, every time I play with them I get just get blown away by the sheer musicality of them all.

(JSJ) The boys have it covered with many of the acts I enjoy at the minute in NI for sure and I'd be more than happy to share the stage with them all, so I'll add Dying Breed to that list. Those guys blow me away with their energy and musicality and they are soo lovely too. Oh and definitely Mental Deficiency. I'd say that'd be interesting times filled with lulz! There's so much talent on our scene currently, I'd love to gig with all of them!

(GR) If we could have anyone join our band it would be Lang Lang, probably the most famous and best pianist of our time. If we were ever to get someone in on keys, and we could literally pick anyone, you may as well go for the top, though 'Siren' would be a bit of a step down from Bach for him!

(DK) The sax player from George Michael's 'Careless Whisper', have him throw sax solo's everywhere letting everyone know who's boss!

(JSJ) Well personally I'd love to share the stage with Prince or Gwen, but I quite like our lil foursome, would be weird if someone else joined full time. Besides these three lads are more than a handful for me already! lol

(Band as a Whole) The first cover version we performed was 'Secret' by Missy Higgins and the last was 'Video Games' byLana Del Rey at an acoustic night.

(JSJ) A guilty pleasure? Hmm, not sure many will be surprised but I just adore the Gaga.

(DK) Katy Perry, but only her album under her real name 'Katy Hudson' its mega funky. Brass sections and piano's everywhere. How she went wrong now I don't know.

You can check out the video for Wyldling's new track 'Siren' below:

That New Band Smell - Bantum

ATL (BBC Music) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:08:14 +0000

This week’s That New Band Smell features some ridiculously talented new acts - the kind of bands that make you want to get up off your behind and start a record label just so you can share them with the world. I’m Niamh NewNoise and here are some of songs that’ve been on repeat in my stereo this month, I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do.

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September Girls - Green Eyed

First up are the September Girls who describe themselves as sounds from a transistor radio abandoned in an old cinema. They’re unique in the fact that they’re an all female band with an awesome drummer on board called Sarah Grimes. Two of the members, Paula and Caoimhe, used to be in the Chalets and then Talulah Does the Hula, so they’ve been making music together for a few years. They recently released 'Green Eyed' (below) on 7” via Soft Power Records who are based in Glasgow and they’ve just joined DIY label Matinee Recordings in the States. Their stuff kind of reminds me of the Breeders and they’re currently working on their debut album and that will be available sometime next year.

Cave Ghosts - Hideaway

Cave Ghosts are a female fronted pop tastic four piece, with a retro 50’s feel that is quite popular on the Dublin circuit these days. They’re fronted by Jen Connell, ex-Hooray for Humans, who were signed to Smalltown Records back when they were active. Jen is on vocals, ukulele and keys and they also feature members of Yeh Deadlies and Grand Pocket Orchestra. Both bands are signed to Dublin based pop label Popical Island. They played their first show back in October at the Hard Rock Café and are incredible live, their singer Jen has just a fantastic voice and their melodies are pretty captivating. If you’re a fan of Beach House or Best Coast, this is the band for you. They’re a talented bunch, they recorded the demo themselves and Jen who fronts the band also took care of all the artwork. So super self-sufficient.

Bantum - Roll Pt. II

Last but certainly not least is Bantum, an electronic artist hailing from Cork originally. This is someone who’s been working away at his sound for years and it’s in recent months that he’s really made a name for himself, getting the attention of bloggers like Nialler9. He just released his debut album Legion via Eleven Eleven a label that also features the likes of Croupier and Belfast’s EatenByBears. He recorded, mixed and mastered the whole album himself, while holding down a full time job at the same time. It’s been getting rave reviews in the Irish Times and was also album of the week on The Alternative on 2FM. The album features collaborations with the likes of Benni from Logikparty, a Dublin band that have quite a name for themselves in Belfast I believe. My favorite tune on the album is a track called Roll Pt II (below) and it features Eimear O Donovan ex KVX and singer songwriter Owensie on vocals. You can find out more about Bantum at eleveneleven.ie

Gig of the Week: Savour Your Scene

ATL (BBC Music) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:05:22 +0000

Northern Irish independent metal/hardcore label, Savour Your Scene are having their first ever mini fest this Saturday at the Warzone Collective, Belfast.

Being a one stop shop for "punk & crust fans, hardcore kids, those into their thrash and metal and those simply wanting to indulge in some loud music", it was a simple choice for this week's 'Gig of the Week'.

We spoke to Savour Your Scene founder and Gacy Threads drummer, Stephen Currie about the day festival this Saturday:

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"I wanted to not only highlight the talent Belfast currently has, but also bring bands from the south giving them exposure in this growing Belfast scene. We've 7 bands on the bill (4 from the North, 3 from the South)."

"Picking the bill was pretty easy, most of the bands are on the label and we have worked closely to help release their music. Hornets are making an appearance as personally I'm just a straight up huge fan, and Pigs As People I chose as I like to give new bands an opportunity to network and get gig contacts to get them off the ground and outside of their comfort zone. Basically since forming the label I've always wanted to get all the bands on the one bill, sadly By Any Means can't join us for this one... maybe next time!"

"Also Saturday's a celebration! Paul (Lantern for a Gale) is having his stagg at it, so congratulation to him and his lovely wife to be, and it's a leaving party, as Ryan (Gacys Threads) is playing is last show with the band to pursue his personal projects. All in all, it's going to be mental craic!"

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Gacy Threads, Ilenkus, Lantern for a Gale, Three Hour Ceasefire, Hornets, Milestones and Pigs As People all play the Savour Your Scene Fest #1 at the Warzone Collective, Belfast this Saturday the 24th of November.

John Corabi - Auntie Annie's, Belfast

ATL (BBC Music) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:09:33 +0000

John Corabi (Unplugged)
Auntie Annie’s, Belfast
Saturday, November 17th

Having played with or fronted the likes of Union, The Scream and Motley Crue – the latter on their genuinely impressive 1994 self-titled album – Pennsylvanian fifty-something John Corabi remains one of the most well travelled and well-versed hard rock performers in the business. With a CV with very few comparisons in the genre, tonight he brings his wide-ranging back catalogue and powerful voice to Belfast, stripped back and bare-boned.

Despite expressing disappointment at the poor turn-out at his two previous Irish dates on the current tour, Corabi has drawn a hefty crowd tonight – an eclectic melange of youth and experience; the curious and the heartily inducted. Kicking off with a swift one-two of Union tracks propped up on a stool – including single ‘Love (I Don’t Need It Anymore)’ – he is clearly on fine form; interspersing anecdotes and musings with vigorous yet minimalist renderings of songs faithfully echoed by tonight’s ever-growing audience.

A remarkable cover of early Aerosmith ballad ‘Seasons of Wither’ soon follows. The crowd, increasingly immersed in Corabi’s earnest approach in discussing his material and choice of covers tonight, become considerably more animated. Soon, a decidedly poignant rendition of Scream song ‘Father, Mother, Son’ precedes the notably more upbeat ‘Never Loved Her Anyway’ from the same album, a sense of occasion kicks into gear as dodgy harmonising and beer-fuelled gallivanting from the crowd takes hold.

Despite having to vocally contain a particularly lively member of the audience on a couple of occasions, tonight’s crowd are justifiably attentive of Corabi’s incredibly executed acoustic tales and snippets of wisdom tonight, Motley Crue tracks ‘Misunderstood’ and ‘Loveshine’ serving as a perfect accompaniment to set highlight and particular crowd favourite tonight, ‘Man On The Moon’. In spite of his fixed hard rock calling, the extent of John Corabi’s innate versatility and adaptability within such a genre comes to the fore time and time again this evening.

At the end up, with Crue’s ‘Power To The Music’ and a well-received repeat of ‘Loveshine’ to satisfy the decidedly inebriated demands of a female fan up front, Corabi concludes with Crue single ‘Smoking In The Boys Room’, a track which he had no part to play in on the original recording. Nonetheless, this is entirely besides the point tonight – the one-song encore only helping to emphasise Corabi’s (somewhat cult) reputation as easily one of the finest hard rock vocalists, guitarists and songwriters in the business.

Brian Coney

Belfast show for Ellie Goulding

ATL (BBC Music) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:18:04 +0000

Ellie Goudling will play the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on Saturday the 6th of April 2013. As previously announced, Goulding will also play the Olympia, Dublin the following day.

The singer released her sophomore album Halcyon last month and it debuted at number 2 in the UK Album Charts.

Tickets go on sale this Friday.

ASIWYFA headline big benefit show!

ATL (BBC Music) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 20:42:40 +0000

And So I Watch You From Afar have announced live on ATL that they have come together with a multitude of bands, promoters and contributors to put on benefit gigs in the city over two days in December.

The event is called 'Benefit' and will feature And So I Watch You From Afar, LaFaro, Axis Of, David C Clements, Eatenbybears, Ed Zealous, Bats, More Than Conquerors, No Spill Blood, Sons of Burlap and The Continuous Battle of Order. More acts are to be confirmed.

The main showcase will take place across the Mandela Hall, Bunatee Bar and Bar Sub at Queens Students Union on the 15th of December.

Other shows are planned to take place on the 14th and 15th of December in aid of MacmIllan Cancer Foundation and NI Bowel Cancer.

Glasgowbury Act Submissions Now Open

ATL (BBC Music) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:09:16 +0000

As previously reported the small but massive Draperstown festival Glasgowbury is retuning for its 13th year, this time expanding to 2 days, one of which will be a Derry showcase tying in with the City of Culture Celebrations.

As with previous years, bands looking to get themselves a slot at the festival have the chance to submit their music for consideration.

If you think your band has what it takes all you need to do is:

• Send an email to submissions@glasgowbury.com using ‘Glasgowbury 2013‘ as the subject title.

• Provide a link to your most recent recorded music.

• And provide at least one main contact number for the act (two if possible).

Submissions will close in January 2013 with the festival lineup being announced in the months following.

If you can't wait to don you wellies and get up Eagle's Rock where the annual music festival takes place, why not check out some of ATL's previous video coverage of Glasgowbury to see what to expect for 2013!

Snow Patrol Announce Acoustic Belfast Gig

ATL (BBC Music) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:29:23 +0000

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly and John McDaid have announced today that they will be playing a special homecoming Christmas acoustic gig in Belfast on December 23rd at the Waterfront Hall.

Support comes in the form of Derry singer songwriter SOAK who recently popped into ATL to perform some live session tracks.

Snow Patrol recently finished their 2012 'Fallen Empires' world tour tying in with the release of their sixth studio album of the same name.

The Bonnevilles - The Retro, Portrush

ATL (BBC Music) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:35:34 +0000

The Bonnevilles, The Wood Burning Savages, Troublesome Bucks
The Retro, Portrush
Friday 16th November 2012

This evening is the first of a run of album launches for The Bonnevilles. Having just released their second studio album, “Folk Art & The Death of Electric Jesus”, the duo are travelling across the province to introduce new ears to their retro inspired fusion of blues and punk.

But first, they don’t come more classic rock’n’roll than the Troublesome Bucks. The songs are pretty much standard fare with no frills attached, but this allows the skill of the musicians to stand out. These guys like a good guitar solo and aren’t afraid of a middle eight either. Fans of Rory Gallager won’t be disappointed by their sound, which is clearly influenced by his music. “Midnight Train” is the highlight of a tight set, showcasing a band of accomplished performers.

The Wood Burning Savages open with the dark, slighty eccentric chant of “High Rise” over the thrum of a six string bass. It’s a mixed bag; bright bouncy pop-worthy numbers, such as “Venus”, contrast with almost tribal driven beats. Thankfully the vocals of unlikely frontman Paul Connolly prevent it from getting a bit too bipolar. Don’t be fooled by his slight stature; jittering on his tiptoes, Connolly’s voice commands attention and stands out with an ethereal, quivering quality. There’s a moment when his guitar string breaks and he almost sends his mic stand careening offstage, but he battles on with the same momentum, unphased. “Goose” stands out for its splendid three part harmonies, whilst closing track “Thoughts of You” defines the stomping and impatient theme that runs through most of their music.

The Bonnevilles stage is already dressed and waiting. Complete with their dripping heart banner and kitsch light-up icon of Jesus, they need no introduction. Uniformed in their customary white shirt/skinny black tie combo, the duo jump straight into their performance. They’re here first and foremost to showcase their new material, so the set consists mainly of tracks from their new album “Electric Jesus”.

“Hell” is one of the first to be aired, provoking positive yowls from the audience. “10,000” in the meantime sees frontman Andy McGibbon get so het up his guitar strap breaks. A two second pause and they’re back again, this time even attracting a middle aged man with the bizarre tendency of baring his belly for the band. The pace slackens a little for the soulful “Kneel At the Altar Parts 1&2”, but it‘s a brief hiatus for drummer Chris McMullan amongst predominantly fast-paced tracks.

Album opener “You’re Not Alone” is introduced with the tag that we’re “legally obliged to buy the new C.D.”. By the time they reach “Good Suits and Fightin’ Boots” from their first release, the band have worked up quite a sweat. The crowd is shy tonight but they’re prompted to come forward by McGibbon; “Hardtale Lurgan Blues” - “dedicated to anyone who lives in a s***hole” - even gets the front row a little rowdy.

Swift delivery and sharp wit from The Bonnevilles this evening will surely see them making waves in the far reaches of the country. It may not have been the biggest turn out, but as far as the music was concerned, it didn’t matter. You can bet the word will get out that these two don’t stint on their live shows.

Grace Loughrey

General Fiasco and Wonder Villians gig

ATL (BBC Music) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:29:59 +0000

General Fiasco & special guests the Wonder Villains plus support play at the LimelightNI, Belfast. Friday, December 21st.

General Fiasco return to Belfast this December to play a Christmas headline show at the brand new Limelight 1 venue. The band have had a busy year, with the release of their new LP "Unfaithfully Yours" along with a relentless touring schedule, including two sold out shows in Belfast in July.

General Fiasco play Limelight 1 on Friday December 21st. Support comes from The Wonder Villains & Guests to be announced.

Girl's Names To Play Eurosonic

ATL (BBC Music) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:41:07 +0000

Belfast band Girl’s Names have just been added to the Eurosonic Noorderslag festival in Groningen, The Netherlands.

The Festival takes place from the 9th January until the 12th January and will feature artists from across Europe. Other local acts joining Girl’s Names are Little Green Cars, Kodaline, Adrian Crowley, Villagers and Mmoths.

Last year Ireland was the 'spotlight country' of the festival and the likes of Cashier no9, Foy Vance, LaFaro, Mojo Fury, Rams' Pocket Radio and many more played the event.

Girl's Name's put out their new single 'The New Life' this week.

So Cow and Squarehead split album

ATL (BBC Music) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:26:15 +0000

So Cow and Squarehead have released their split album entitled ‘Out Of Season’. The 10 track album is evenly divided between the two acts, So Cow performing the first five tracks, Squarehead the next five. As well as a digital download, a vinyl LP is also available.

It is releashed under US label 'Inflated Records' which also features artists such as Oberhofer, MemoryHouse, Ducktails, Ava Luna and Bass Drum Of Death.

Both bands will be playing in support of Rural Savage on the 18th February in Galway at the Roisin Dubh.