The Sound of Belfast programme for 2023 has been announced.
The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced the details of Sound of Belfast, the annual celebration of the city’s music talent, to take place from November 9th to 19th .
The programme features 60+ events with these ones having caught our eye:
- There’s the annual NI Music Prize at Ulster Hall, which will see an Oh Yeah Legend Award presented by IMRO to Paul Brady, followed by a special performance.
- Yeo’s 3rd Birthday Bash
- The AU 20th Birthday Party – Oh Yeah is also hosting an Alternative Ulster anniversary party, to celebrate the 20 year inception of the magazine with Jonny Tiernan at the helm – expect a night of early 00’s nostalgia and surprise performances.
- Black Jack + Jai plus HY:LY – An evening of rhythms, soulful melodies and audiovisuals live with Blackjack + Jai Sian. Expect an electrifying soundscape with influences such as Herbie Hancock, Erykah Badu, Tony Allen, Marku Ribas, Lauryn Hill & Portishead.
- Bliss – A liminal space of live & selected electronic/ambient sounds with Marion Hawkes, Uládh, Róis and Optmst.
- Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra + Clara Tracey
- Winnie Ama – with support from Célia Tiab and Ben Flavelle-Cobain.
- Old Crows Presents… Cherym, Virgins + Sheela
- Scratch My Progress Showcase
- 30th Anniversary Show of Nirvana MTV Unplugged, in aid of PiPS Suicide Prevention Ireland. The album will be recreated in its entirety with music from The Peat Muppets alongside a range of other local artists.
- Emily White will present her Amazon Global No 1 Best Selling podcast on how to build a sustainable music career.
- The annual Women’s Work showcase returns as part of Sound of Belfast with an eclectic mix of new music
- Sofar Sounds – West Belfast
- The only Youth Open Mic in Belfast will unearth new sounds of the city as will the Volume Control Clash of the New Breeds live final.
- Beyond Skin will present a show titled Safe Harbour, Concert of the Diaspora
- An exhibition called ‘Roots and Visions’, a display of arts and culture celebrating the diverse roots and inspiring visions of talented bipoc artists of the city.
- Indie-pop artist Ferna will be teaming up with some of Belfast’s finest traditional musicians in The Duncairn to reimagine a selection of songs from her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Understudy’ with a new sonic palette.
- There will also be an exclusive curated event in Voodoo by Robyn G Shiels, 2013 winner of the NI Music Prize Album of the Year Award.
- Chubby Cat & Lucy Bell
- Duke Special will be discussing his new album ‘Blood for Ghosts’ which is to be released both on vinyl and as a book.
- Eric Bell will take the audience through his autobiography Remembering, Before, During and After Thin Lizzy with Stuart Bailie in The Deer’s Head
- Traditional music workshops.
Sound of Belfast runs between 9th – 19th November and full details can be found at soundofbelfast.com
“Sound of Belfast is about showcasing the best and the most exciting music that we have right here on our own doorstep. From world class musicians and inspiring celebrated names to an emerging exciting scene full of diversity. This year’s programme is the greatest example of this to date with 62 events in 25 venues. Thanks to the artists, venues, partners, funders, sponsors and everyone that is on board with our vision in promoting Belfast as a thriving place for music. Together we make a great music city.”
Charlotte Dryden, CEO of Oh Yeah
About Oh Yeah
The Oh Yeah Music Centre is a dedicated music hub for Belfast. It is a resource for musicians, a space for community and audiences and a place for the business of music. The Gordon Street building houses a recording studio, rehearsal rooms, a music exhibition, office units a live venue and a songwriting room.
