Despite being a somewhat enigmatic figure, Katharine Philippa is no newcomer to the music scene in Northern Ireland. Having released her first EP 'Fallen' in 2011, and recently graduating with a bachelor of music from Queen's University, she has been honing her craft for a number of years. 'Broken to be Rebuilt' is not only a culmination of years of education in her art, but a deeply personal ex...
Entrepreneurial singer-songwriter Daveit Ferris is better known today as the mastermind behind Chordblossom, one of the countries most successful local music websites. Ferris has worked tirelessly over the years to break new bands within Northern Ireland, whether through promotion, gig opportunities or the recording process. For a new generation of local music fans however, it may surprise the...
Christian Donaghey is a rare breed of musician. Through careful craftwork of his sonic and lyrical prose, he has managed to accomplish more in his short time as 'Autumns' than many bands will throughout their career. From the inception of this new project only a year ago, record labels and management executives have cast an eye towards Donaghey's dream like soundscapes, citing his minimalist ...
At this moment in time local music in Northern Ireland has (with a few exceptions*) never been stronger. In an age of increasing commercialism and lesser artistic control, it is fundamentally important for each local scene to support their acts as much as possible. Here in NI, we benefit from possibly the most supportive local music structure in Britain, with the mothering arms of Across The Li...
'Sister Snow' is the title track from the forthcoming EP from alt-indie five piece Silences. From the humble beginnings of the solo project of frontman Conchúr White, Silences have grown to become one of the most captivating and authentic indie bands Northern Ireland has to offer. Throughout 2014 Silences have graced stages from Nashville to Dublin, and if 'Sister Snow' is anything to go by, th...
As the class of 2013 begin edging towards the deeper ends of their musical careers, massive decisions inevitably have to be made. While some bands begin to fade under the increasing pressure of the 'one year mark', others make the bolder move to take their art much more seriously. Bed room jams become extensive recording sessions. Local gigs to friends and relatives evolve into tours and, in ra...
The result of years of graft, sweat and dogged like tenacity, 'Southpaw Niños' is a debut album long overdue from one of this country's great entertainers. Beginning his musical career in the beloved Colenso Parade, Mickey McCullagh has long since established himself as a prominent face in the Belfast music scene, whether it's supporting local artists or promoting gigs himself. Divine intervent...
Gig news! Our good friends over at RedBeard Promotions have produced another fine indie-driven line-up for their next show. You can read our preview on each act below, to ensure you don't miss out on the chance to see your new favorite band for the first time...
The Bayonettes
Scathing alt-rock and dirty riffs have given The Bayonettes a fine platform with which to build their fan base. The C...
As our next Modern Life Is Rubbish looms ever nearer (tomorrow night, 9pm), here Encore NI have very kindly produced a list of songs and otherwise interesting things to watch out for on the night. It promises to be memorable...
1. Headliners Serotonin unleashing future new single 'Peel'.
One of the last tracks worked on with old drummer Mark McDaid, 'Peel' captures the fury of Serotonin at t...
Wrapped in a winter haze, Londonderry//Derry born songstress 'Gaze Is Ghost' (Laura McGarrigle) has quietly went about building her haunting empire from nothing. Releasing her debut EP in January of last year, her rise has been as subtly infatuating as the music itself. The release of new single 'Revolvere' does little to quell this climb, further proof, if proof was indeed still needed, that G...
So as the festival season winds down to a halt, Belfast's music scene can expect the annual upturn in gigs, as our bands stop looking further afield for love and applause. Though there's been a slight lull in new releases of late, Encore NI has been searching for the essential sound of the city. Here's four tracks you have to hear this week.
1. Mere Moths ~ Time
The title track from teenage s...
Whilst venturing through the streets of London's famous Camden Town, the unmistakable twang of an electric guitar in full flight was enough to pull me, like a magnetic field, into The Monarch, where here I found electronic-pop weavers BOYS. Taking the art of the three piece down a peculiar, synth drenched side road, I entered this gig with cautious optimism...
West London's 'BOYS' are a curiou...
Hi folks!
Just wanted to take this opportunity to apologise for the lack of posts lately! It's been a crazy few weeks. I've just returned from London, working for The NME magazine, which was simply insane. I hung out with rock stars, radio one dj's and got an insight into the dirtier side of rock and roll. An experience that will not be forgotten.
I've also been immersing myself in more amaz...
LOUDER THAN BOMBS A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BELFAST MUSIC SCENE AND WHY THERE’S STILL REASON TO BELIEVE.
From the nostalgia inducing swoon of Van
Morrison, to the primal, punk growls of teenage kicks right through
the night, Northern Ireland is a nation of rich musical history and
proud tradition.
Now, having finally moved into the 21st century and cast shadows over our darker period...
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)