You’ve probably read many predictions from others this year about ones to watch for 2008, but what about locally? I get irked when people, journalists or otherwise make it seem like there’s nothing in this country but unoriginal indie bands and acoustic singer-songwriters around every corner. Sure, there is some good examples of both of those genres (Fight like Apes, Adrian Crowley) but the typically more obscure genres such as electronica, hip-hop, alternative-rock, hell, even jazz gets left behind in the maelstrom of ordinary champions.
Similarly, naysayers who complains about the lack of diversity (and there have been many) clearly don’t have their ears to the ground. Last year was a great year for Irish music something I hope the Choice Prize will show this year with its nominations. We also must remember that a lot of the best music released was not in album format which is why I started the Irish EPs of the year poll. Even beyond that, there is lots of Irish music being uploaded to Myspace that may never be released physically. It’s one of the many reasons why this blog exists. Highlighting music that doesn’t have a record company or PR behind it, music blogs are one of the natural outlets for this kind of promotion.
Rant over. My reason for this post in the first place is down to some videos I watched earlier which got me excited. I have featured Nouveaunoise before and if you are looking for an Irish act doing things differently then look no further than these guys. Inspired by Four Tet’s penchant for wobbly electronics and jazzy samples, the duo played their third or fourth gig recently with a more effective streamlined setup of 2 samplers, 2 Kaos pads, and a keyboard. These videos coupled with their recent remix for Super Extra Bonus Party (out early Feb on vinyl 😉 ) means I’ll be keeping a close eye on the sound they’re making in 2008.
Videos down, have at this:
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
Yeah, I think Nouveaunoise are really exciting. Other bon-indie/non singer-songwriter bands to keep an eye on in 2008 include The Vinny Club and The Infomatics – their debut album, ‘kill or Create’ comes out in the next few months.
Love Cinnte, gem of a track, and went to see them live in Cork a few months back – maybe it was a bad night, and the crowd wasnt great, but it felt like a noodling session – still would give them a second chance, and I love the recorded stuff.
Re: irish music scene negativity – so many peoples musical appreciation stops when they get to their late teens early twenties, and then stick with it for the rest of their lives, therefore, unless something sounds like what they liked when they were in college, they’re not interested – their loss! Thats how Bon Jovi are still touring! Most music journos fit that bill – journalism students stuck in that college indie rut, look at Stuart Clarks slot on the last word every week – it like listening to my Dads run down on music. Keep throwing it up on the blogs, keep an open mind and keep listening to the new boys!
Vinny Club a go go!
it really wrecks my head when people show this attitude or complain about such and such a year being a waste of time – i feel sometimes it’s just plain laziness, not bothering actually looking for or listening to the wealth of stuff out there and going for the easy option of casual dismissal
go on the noise!
That gig was fantastic, their bongo player turned up during the last song, so he couldn’t play but it wouldn’t been really interesting to see how that’d work, maybe next time