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
Dublin feminist Film Festival – interview
Now in its fourth year, the Dublin Feminist Film Festival has established firm roots on Dublin’s cultural calendar, shining a spotlight on women in film. The DFFF promotes and celebrates female filmmakers, hoping to inspire and empower others to get involved in filmmaking. This involves considering women on-screen, but also behind the camera, through the … Continue reading Dublin feminist Film Festival – interview
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
The Sussed Interview
One of the bright sparks in the Dublin underground music scene were The Sussed with their punk DIY swagger.
Protex Interview
Protex were one of the great pop-punk bands from Northern Ireland during the first rush of punk/new wave. To me they were just as exciting as the Undertones, SLF, the Outcasts and the brilliant Rudi. Don't get me wrong,I loved those bands, but I loved Protex just as much. I remember my brother buying me … Continue reading Protex Interview
Russ Bestley Interview. The Art of Punk
Russ Bestley has established a reputation as one of the great historians of popular music. His specific area is punk, post-punk and DIY music. The 2015 book, The Art of Punk which he co-authored with Alex Ogg is one of the best books ever written about popular music. It includes many of the most original … Continue reading Russ Bestley Interview. The Art of Punk
The Winter Passing – interview
I've been listening to The Winter Passing for a couple of years now, ever since they played We Shall Overcome night in 2015. Their hardcore pop tunes have hooks, tunes and resilience. Imagine if your friends were in a band and when you went to see them it was a gathering of your tribe. That's … Continue reading The Winter Passing – interview
Spoilers – interview
I saw spoilers play a couple of years ago and their punk pop blast caught my attention straight away. Their stay afloat album is a gem, capturing that punk rock community feel down to a tee. Their singer Dan keeps looking to try and get the band over to Dublin to play a gig and … Continue reading Spoilers – interview