At major record labels you can find a curious breed. They are called A&R people. Their job is to find new acts, sign, then, develop them, and keep them constantly motivated and inspired to make great music. Even better for the label - to make music that sells. A&R people get paid to find acts. … Continue reading Dublin’s D.I.Y. A&R Man: The Eugene Connolly Interview Part 2
“The Ramones changed my life” Dublin’s Music Champion: Eugene Connolly Interview Part 1
Very very few people have seen more gigs in Dublin than Eugene Connolly. Ever since her saw some of the most vital of the early punk gigs he's been a passionate fan of live music. He was one of the early supporters of the Blades, Eugene and later Aslan and was one of the teenage … Continue reading “The Ramones changed my life” Dublin’s Music Champion: Eugene Connolly Interview Part 1
Dublin Rock’s Gentleman Drummer: Johnny Bonnie Interview. Part 1
Now with the excellent Trouble Pilgrims, Johnny Bonnie had never played drums until he got together with Dick Purdy, Paul Woodful and what became the Skank Mooks. Since then he has drummed with over thirty Dublin bands, which surely is some kind of record. He is also one of the genuine good guys in the local scene, … Continue reading Dublin Rock’s Gentleman Drummer: Johnny Bonnie Interview. Part 1
Punk for Life: The Incredible story of Dick Purdy and the Dublin punk/DIY/new wave scene.
Dick Purdy was a member of one of the most legendary of Dublin bands, the Skank Mooks. They didn't last long but they made a mark on the local music scene with their punk attitude of 'why can't we do it?' They played in the very legendary gig at Anthony's Hall in November 1978. A … Continue reading Punk for Life: The Incredible story of Dick Purdy and the Dublin punk/DIY/new wave scene.
George Purdy: The young Dubliner who championed punk, and young Irish bands, in the early years.
George Purdy: The behind-the-scenes spokesman for Ireland's punk/new wave generation. This was a particularly thrilling interview for me to do. I had heard so much about George Purdy from the people who were there......the people who were ready for new sounds and new styles in 1977 Dublin. I had seen him at so many … Continue reading George Purdy: The young Dubliner who championed punk, and young Irish bands, in the early years.
Interview: Dublin D.J. Jen Healy
My favourite DJ on the Dublin scene is Jen Healy. I am always amazed by how she combines old and new, mod and punk, funk, pop and even a bit of rock. I've seen her pack dancefloors in many clubs, although she seemed to have hit her stride in the Saturday night spot in the … Continue reading Interview: Dublin D.J. Jen Healy
Sect – Interview
As I mentioned in my review of Sects new lp on Southern Lord "The band carry a straight edge message that resonates with me. As someone involved in the punk scene for over 30 years I still get asked about my choice of liquid. It still seems to mean something to people that I don’t … Continue reading Sect – Interview
Paddy McPoland from Carlow RTC Ents Officer to World Tours
In the 1980s Paddy McPoland made an impression on the Irish music scene. He brought bands including Something Happens!, Aslan, A House and Light A Big Fire to Carlow for some of their first gigs outside Dublin. As such, we has responsible for giving opportunities for these Dublin bands to develop a national audience. Later … Continue reading Paddy McPoland from Carlow RTC Ents Officer to World Tours
Making Ireland rock in the 1980s: Pat O’Mahony
The 1980s were a particularly vibrant time in Ireland’s music scene. New bands sprang up, and many local bands secured international deals with major labels. One of the major reasons for this success was the behind-the-scenes activity, in particular, by the young entrepreneurs I call the ‘Ents Entrepreneurs’. These were young music-loving students, and providing … Continue reading Making Ireland rock in the 1980s: Pat O’Mahony
Dealing With Damage – Interview
The UK is full of so many good bands at the moment. Like Ireland it is an island full of so many people bringing out their own records and not worrying about signing record deals or careers in the music industry. One such band is Dealing With Damage. Their pedigree is enough to get you … Continue reading Dealing With Damage – Interview