Tonight’s gig was always going to be an interesting prospect. First up an electronic dance gig at Whelan’s, is something State hasn’t witnessed too many times in the past and then there’s the music itself. Matthew Dear’s particular brand of dance music occupies that middle ground between beat driven dirty electro and infectious & melodic…

WXPN is an American radio station that really knows how to treat its listeners. The alternative station, which is almost entirely funded through listener contributions, offered an impressive holiday package to Ireland to fully subscribed members, but this is no ordinary trip. As well as the usual flights, hotels and day tours, the Philadelphia-based alternative…

A new venue, an invite only audience and a live national radio broadcast. Villagers’ night at the Workman’s Club was as much celebration as a gig and by the time State turns a little before nine, it feels like those anxious few moments before the guest of honour arrives for his surprise party. Then the…

A few years ago, nine to be precise, I ended up wandering into my local DVD store on the hunt for something different to watch for the night. It was there, that I came across a documentary film called Dogtown and Z Boys…. At the heart of the film was the tale of a

Get out your wellies and dust off your suncream because festival season is fast approaching. In this the fourth episode of the newly rejuvenated podcast series, Jules and Laura invite over some friends to State HQ for some nibbles, a few wine spritzers and a chat about all things festival.
Not sure how we did…

With the long overdue appearance of some sunshine this month, Spring has finally arrived and so too has the third installment in State’s monthly podcast series. Jules and Laura have once again worked tirelessly to bring you this month’s episode, which as well as having a more international feel to it, boasts not one, or…

So a little later than usual, it’s the second instalment in the newly revitalised State podcast series. Still looking for that elusive title to the series, Jules and Laura return to bring you music, mindless banter and plenty of interviews with some of the most interesting acts to visit our fair city last month.
First…

Love is in the air on this the eve of St. Valentine’s Day and nowhere else is this more apparent than in the cosy confines of Whelan’s. We’re here of course to see Beach House’s triumphant return to Dublin after their unforgettable 3am performance, at last year’s Electric Picnic. The buzz surrounding this band and…

Charlie Waller has a big mouth! Then again, as lead singer with The Rumble Strips, this is probably a good thing. In fact, it was that same voice and Waller’s rousing rendition of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back in Black’, that first brought Waller to the attention of one Mark Ronson, producer of their latest offering, Welcome …

White Denim genuinely look saddened to hear that there is no Guinness available at the bar. They reluctantly opt for Murphy’s instead. ‘The last time we were here we didn’t get a chance to have one either’ says guitarist and singer with the band, James Petralli. They are of course referring to that memorable Oxegen…

Last Wednesday, Ireland’s music masses turned out in force to find out who was to be crowned overall winner of the annual Choice Music Prize. Now in its fourth year, the award has become one of most highly sought after titles, with the winner being judged purely on their music, as opposed to album sales,…

It’s cold, it’s snowing and it’s a Monday night – three good reasons why State should be at home. Upstairs in Whelan’s, however, a capacity crowd has braved the elements to catch a band already being tipped as one of the most exciting acts of 2009. Hailing from Long Beach, LA, Crystal Antlers already had…

For those who haven’t been, the CMJ Music Marathon is like a slightly more shy and more sensible cousin of the beast that is South by Southwest. In theory, it is five nights of complete and unadulterated music mayhem, with over 1000 bands playing their hearts out to nearly 100,000 music fans, all crammed into…