Features
The Score: contemporary and classical news
“Haydn would have loved Hendrix” is the tagline for this month’s Diversus Guitar Ensemble concert. Some of the most exciting new music around right now is that which embraces pop and rock music as well as the western art music tradition. New perspectives, new arrangements and new takes on music old and new keep contemporary …
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Amadou & Mariam: international all stars
Having made their name playing the blues of their native Mali, Amadou & Mariam have become one of the leading global ambassadors for African music in recent years. Working with artists from Manu Chao and Damon Albarn to Coldplay, Scissor Sisters and U2, the couple have nonetheless managed to stay true to their roots. It’s…
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Elaine Mai – Release (Exclusive video)
Last week saw the release of Elaine Mai’s debut EP Dots (hear it on Nialler9, buy it here) and to mark the event we bring you this lovely video from Simon O’Neill and regular State cohort Myles O’Reilly.
It captures her mixture of acoustic music and technology perfectly, something you can see for yourselves when…
Honningbarna: “The revolution will begin with skipping ropes”
Coming top of Nialler9′s top 10 bands at January’s Eurosonic festival and described as “easily the best band I saw” at that same festival by Irish Times music critic Jim Carroll is high praise indeed but that’s just how these bratty cool Norwegian punks get on with things. If you think IceAge are the main…
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Track By Track: Paranoid Visions – Escape From Austerity Complex
Dublin’s seminal punk band Paranoid Visions have been kicking up a riot of political protest and social commentary for just about three decades now. Being almost as old as punk itself, though, has done nothing to tame their furious instincts, fuelled in 2012 by austerity measures, unemployment issues and a sense that their long-standing criticism…
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The Cork French Film Festival in review
The 23rd Cork French Film Festival concluded earlier this month leaving behind a proud festival team and a culturally satisfied city, after a week’s feast of cinematic delicacies. Not only were we welcomed to a programme glimmering with tried and true classics, Cork was presented with a unique opportunity to interact with those working behind…
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The Score: contemporary and classical news
The Score this month is a mix of new faces amongst the old, with visiting musicians playing alongside ensembles whose names are nigh unavoidable in the small world of new music…
It’s difficult to avoid mentioning the Crash Ensemble in any post about Irish contemporary music. It’s a small world, and with ten fingers for…
Incoming: Breton plus ticket giveaway
London art collective Breton released their debut LP this week entitled Other People’s Problems…. As BretonLABS they soundtrack films and create music videos as well as ad hoc production works and remixes.
The band play Academy 2, Dublin on Tuesday 27th – tickets are just €12, available from Ticketmaster. We have two pairs of
Incoming: Louise & The Pins
Offering a mix of torch balladry, folk harmony, jaunty country and 50s pop, Louise & The Pins play the Stag’s Head in Dublin on March 29th. Having toured with Laura Marling amongst others, this will be the trio’s debut in the capital. The eponymous Louise Hull introduces herself to State.
Who are you and where …
Interview: Grimes
Usually when a musician releases material with the frequency and volume of Claire Boucher – or Grimes as she’s known to the world at large – they tend to run out of steam mid-splurge. But with the release of her third LP in under two years – not to mention a split-EP with fellow Canadian…
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Video: First Aid Kit live at Workman’s Club
If their album The Lion’s Roar… suggested that they were firmly on the path to Americana, First Aid Kit‘s recent show at the Workman’s Club in Dublin saw them take the full plunge. The track ‘Emmylou’ displays those influences more than most, a tribute to the great artists who have informed the Swedish duo’s sound.
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The Meteor Choice Music Prize: surprise, bizarre interludes and a gold lamé jacket
What’s going on with the Choice Prize? It’s gone all shiny! It’s become a phone company prize! Paul McLoone has a fancy lectern!
We’re in the Olympia sitting in cinema seats and feeling like a giant judging panel on a warped reality talent show. Nothing kills off frivolity and spontaneity quicker than making everyone sit…
Choice Music Prize 2012 live event in photos
Photos from last night’s live event where Jape was victorious for his album Ocean Of Frequency.… More details here.
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Cork French Film Festival – A preview
This year marks the 23rd outing for Cork’s annual French Film Festival. Boasting a long and impressive history, the festival has become a bedrock of Cork’s cultural scene. Though the term ‘French Film’, may conjure thoughts of overly pretentious and philosophical fare, the CFFF has year after year engaged, entertained, and delighted audiences.
Supported by…
