In the past three years, one of the hallmarks of Irish music has been ‘collectives’, collaborative indie labels growing connected audiences and trading advice. Most of these are based in a specific county: rap/hip-hop label PX Music in Limerick, for example. Lots of good music comes out of it, but these micro-scenes can feel very separate,…

The effect of COVID-19 can be felt in every aspect of the public sector. From hospitality to the health sector, from retail to the entertainment industry; every market has been hit. Unemployment is reaching heights unseen in decades and the level of uncertainty and worry clogging up the air can feel suffocating. Falling into the…

By Fiona O’ Connell   A charity or benefit concert is not a new nor revolutionary idea. Gigs of this sort have been happening for decades with the aim of fundraising for a charitable cause, often at the height of a humanitarian crisis. Musicians have been getting involved and offering their services to these causes…

by Fiona O’ Connell As we form a collective slump through the doors of the Boole, a little on the plump side from all the Roses and the stuffing sandwiches, and a little on the sleepy side from relentless ‘casual’ catch-ups in the local, it’s difficult to refrain from dreaming of the next break, unrestricted…

By Fiona O’ Connell There are only so many times one can hear the overly cheery, Christmas-centric heartbreak tune ‘Last Christmas’ blasting through crackling speakers whilst just trying to do your grocery shop in peace. Now I’m a huge Christmas fanatic (I’m that guy), but even I know when to say enough is enough. Now…

By Fiona O’ Connell It is a point that has been made many times over and will probably continue to be made by every middle-aged person in the country in regards to where we are with our music consumption in the present day; “Sure noooobody’s buying music anymore, not with that Spotify craic or whatever…

With the unbelievably exciting news that Tame Impala have finished a new record due for release in early 2020, there couldn’t be a more fitting time to explore and analyse the sonic world the band have created over the last twelve years. A cult favourite in a genre of their own, the band have been…

In its second year of existence ‘Quiet Lights’ is a festival that aims to give a platform to new waves of both Irish traditional and folk music. Taking place from the 22nd-24th November in the heart of Cork City, this festival is unique in both its outlook and aims. The beautiful venues in use throughout…

By Fiona O’ Connell  It may seem odd to couple these two wonderful ladies for any reason other than their outstanding contributions to the field of folk-influenced songwriting. However, there are many ways in which one can draw comparisons between Mitchell and Lenker. A traumatic childhood, a shared poetic desire, and a need to capture,…