sxsw 2011 represented artists

<< [01] NEVER KNOW // TONY MCHUGH (2011) >>
unorthodox singer songwriter

TONY MCHUGH is one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems as far as music goes. Tony has his own unique sound as an unorthodox singer songwriter who blends acoustic music with virtuosi guitar playing. He sings soulfully over familiar chord progressions backed up by an array of rhythmic and percussive techniques to create catchy grooves and ultimately some really unique and memorable music. Tony plays gigs all over Northern Ireland, including such venues as Lavery’s Bunker, Auntie Annies, the Spring & Airbrake, The Kings Head, The Menagerie, The Rabbit Rooms (Bangor), the Exodus Centre (Coleraine) and many more.

He has played along side popular Northern Irish acts such as Bomb City 7 and Seven Summits (Glastonbury 2010).

Never failing to turn heads and leave his audience smiling, Tony’s music rattles the cages of mainstream artists like Newton Faulkner (one of his main influences) and Jack Johnson, whilst simultaneously being compared to and influenced by more technical players like Andy McKee and Tommy Emmanuel.

“It’s not often you get to watch a guy with music in his bones. Tony McHugh has built-in talent. Amazing to watch and listen when he’s in full flight.” – The Limelight, Belfast

http://www.reverbnation.com/tonymchugh

<< [02] O’NEILL // GLENN SIMPSON (2011) >>
singer/songwriter

GLENN SIMPSON is a Belfast composer. On his song ‘O’Neill’, Glenn plays guitar shaped bouzouki. He is joined by Michelle Donaghy on vocals and bodhran. Nick Peck plays guitar.

Glenn has released an album called Let The Feast Begin and is currently working on new compositions…

http://www.glennsimpsonmusic.com/

<< [03] FREE LAND // TIM O’CONNOR (2011) >>
singer/songwriter/folk

TIM O’CONNOR is a singer/songwriter and guitarist, and a very charismatic performer. On stage he creates a warm and dynamic atmosphere and has a lot of presence. He truly lives his songs which are “full of emotion, poetry, observation, and wit”. He has performed all over the world and has played with some very fine musicians. He stems from Irish Roots but grew up musically in the melting pot of Manchester. His father played ukulele (George Formby style) and entertained the troops during the war. He draws on many influences including The Beatles, Dylan and Neil Young but has truly found his own style. He has been very involved with acoustic /folk-Irish music and roots music in general.

http://timoconnor.co.uk

<< [04] MY GUTS // PAUL CORRIGAN (2010) >>
alternative/acoustic/electric

PAUL CORRIGAN – Young Irish Singer Songwriter. Blending the boundaries of music with sound. Enjoy!

“A troubadour and appearing in many formats (solo, with friends, acoustically, electrified), that’s about all the boundaries I can bear to place around myself. Friends have been telling me to play more gigs…” – Paul Corrigan

http://www.myspace.com/paulcorriganmusic

<< [05] BROKEN DOLL // CARA COWAN (2010) >>
electroacoustic/folk rock/pop

CARA COWAN, a sultry singer songwriter from Belfast with a Nashville lilt to her work. She is one of the hottest tipped acts to come out of Belfast for years and has made huge industry waves with her bluesy, alluring performances and constant radio play.

“An artist with true character, captivating creativity and enough imagination to run for years and years. This is just the beginning.” – Will McConnell, the Bandwidth Sessions

http://www.myspace.com/carafayecowan

<< [06] SKY TALKING // JONNY NIXON (2011) >>
singer songwriter/pop

Belfast’s singer songwriter Jonny Nixon’s song writing began in earnest four years ago and his new album “Delayed Success” reflects his belief that a good melody and honest lyrics can only touch the heart.

Brought up on Billy Bragg and the Beatles, Jonny’s songs tell the story of life’s experience and that with love there is always hope. Original songs that once listened to will stay with you forever.

http://www.jonnynixonmusic.com/

<< [07] I FEEL // KYLE JOHN SUCKLING (2010) >>
singer songwriter/pop

“KYLE JOHN SUCKLING’s songs are consummately crafted and ooze charm. Take my advice and put checking out Kyle’s music at the top of your New Year’s Resolution list.” – Belfast Telegraph

There are a few things that happen when you hear a song for the first time; you tune it out after a few seconds because it does absolutely nothing for you, you hear something in it that makes you want to continue to listen, or you simply like it right away and press “play” again. The last option came to me when I heard Kyle Suckling’s debut album ‘I Am a Tree.’

http://www.kylejohnsuckling.com/

<< [08] WIPE SOUL CLEAN // JOHNNY VANS (2010) >>
alt/singer songwriter/pop

JOHNNY VANS is no ordinary singer/songwriter, his songs take you on a journey of discovery and bring you to your destination in a different state of mind. Writing original music for years in the role of guitar player in the rock bands SHINE and BIG RED DAWN he realised he was only getting to say a part of what was in his head. So he packed his bags and set off on his journey of singer/songwriter-dom. To date he released one 4 track E.P. which has received airplay on a number of radio stations including the award winning show (Across The Line) on BBC Radio Ulster.

He has steadily gigged around N.Ireland in all the local haunts before taking a much needed hiatus to concentrate on his song writing. This was enhanced when he attended an IMRO song writing workshop where he met a number of charming people who broadened his mind even further was selected to represent Britain on the 2008 ‘SonicBids …best of” CD.

Released his first long player TWO HILLS IN A VALLEY in 2007 and in 2010 releasing WIPE CLEAN SOUL… SO GET READY TO HEAR A LOT MORE

http://www.reverbnation.com/johnnyvans

<< [09] SWIMMING WITH SHARKS // MIKE WILGAR (2011) >>
original blues

MIKE WILGAR – Playing blues harp from the tender age of nine, Mike didn’t hit the stage until a guest appearance with local blues and folk legend Murray McDowell in 2003. Within a week Mike was asked to make a guest appearance with Rab McCullough in the Belfast Empire Music Hall…

Word soon spread throughout the Northern Ireland blues scene and Mike received several offers from various blues bands. Mike went on to form the MIKE WILGAR BAND, as he wanted to concentrate on his own brand of blues and rock with hard driven blues harp and guitar…

AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HE HAS DONE!!…

http://www.mikewilgar.com/

<< [10] SWEET MARY JANE // THE MURDER BALLADEERS (2011) >>
alt country/blues

MURDER BALLADEERS – Formed in October 2010 by way of accident when Rion McCartney was asked to sing a few songs solo at a charity gig; but in true McCartney form he freaked out and drafted in fellow ‘Here Comes The Landed Gentry’ axeman John J Keaveney on bass, and older brother Gavin McCartney on banjo.

After one rehearsal three original songs were born, and needing some percussion to drive them along they settled on Rockabilly DJ Todd Gfeller who decided to come out of retirement after a 20 year hiatus! After a few more rehearsal/writing sessions the band conjured up another five songs which also will be the makings of their debut album. Settling on the name The Murder Balladeers and in a very quick time they secure a load of great support slots playing along side some of the cream of the Irish folk and blues acts including the likes of The Mighty Stef, The Bonnevilles, Swanee River and Farriers. With a debut album due to be released in Spring 2011 and a few Summer festivals confirmed the future looks Bloody Murderous!!!

http://www.last.fm/music/The+Murder+Balladeers

<< [11] THE BALLAD OF THE LANDED GENTRY // HERE COMES THE LANDED GENTRY (2011) >>
blues/garage/rock

HERE COMES THE LANDED GENTRY A few months off the live circuit at the start of 2011 sees the band working behind the scenes putting finishing touches to their debut album as well as writing songs for their 2nd long playing album due for release at the end of the 2011, and co-inciding with tours of the U.K. & Ireland.

Over the last few years the band have shared the stage with some great acts and heroes including Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Urban Voodoo Machine, Wilco, The Dirtbombs, The Undertones, The Mighty Stef, Alabama 3, Henry McColough, The Jim Jones Revue and The Buzzcocks…

Heavily influenced by Alt country rock, Old time blues, 60′s garage punk and cinematic orchestrations this is one band who can turn a funeral into an intense inferno of sweat! On that note they leave you with the words of the late great Joey Ramone…

“…today your love, tomorrow the world”

http://www.myspace.com/herecomesthelandedgentry

<< [12] MONKEY FIST // PHILLIP ROEBUCK (2011) >>
banjo/garage/blues

PHILLIP ROEBUCK is a Virginia-born, New York-bred songster and bare bones one-man band. With punk rock intensity, Roebuck stomps out beats on a classic, depression-era drum apparatus, while strumming the banjo with a fierce ragged-but-right style. Some might call it Roots music for the new millennium. Although he has played over a thousand shows in venues and on festival stages in the U.S. and Europe, Roebuck can just as easily be seen performing on a street corner in New Orleans or New York City, where he has spent nearly a decade honing
his skills as a one-man band.

http://philliproebuck.com/

<< [13] GOD MIGHT LOVE ME (BUT HE DOESN’T KNOW ME LIKE THE DEVIL DOES) // THE BONNEVILLES (2010) >>
garage/punk/blues

The Bonnevilles are a two headed Garage Punk Blues behemoth hailing from Lurgan, Northern Ireland. Exploding like an atomic bomb of Guitar/Vox (Andrew McGibbon Jnr.) and Drums (Chris McMullan) The Bonnevilles are the Brothers Grimm of Garage Punk Blues. Forming in 2008, they released their debut EP “Hardtale Lurgan Blues” on Motor Sounds Records which sold out almost immediately. They quickly followed up with their debut long player “Good Suits & Fightin’ Boots” which garnered rave reviews from the likes of Road Records, Soul Generation and The Wrench Magazine. Recorded in a basement in 2 days Good Suits and Fightin’ Boots has elevated the bands status to near legendary amongst Garage Punk fans and Nu-Blues fans alike. 2010 saw the band contribute tracks to three compilations and release a 7″vinyl record on Eruption Records.

Tours of Portugal, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, England and Ireland followed. This allowed the band to do what they do best – grabbing an audience by the scruff of their neck to recite tales gambling, God, Jesus and The Devil, drinking and death, and freedom and love. The future for the band looks good, a new publishing deal with Cupboard Love Records will see the band re-release Good Suits & Fightin’ Boots to a wider audience, with two planned single releases and a new album at sometime in 2011. They have plans to tour England in January / February 2011 and to tour the summer festivals. With the hard work ethic the band employ should see The Bonnevilles lose the best kept secret tag and become true contenders in 2011.

“Hitch with THE BONNEVILLES. You probably won’t survive but it’ll be one helluva ride” – Mof Gimmers, Soul Generation

http://www.thebonnevilles.co.uk/

<< [14] N38 COMMUTE // 2ND MOUSE (2010) >>
electronica/experimental/IDM

2NDMOUSE – (Graham Massey of 808 State) – ”I get sent a lot of electronica, very little sticks out, 2nd mouse I noticed as it has the melodic edge/dreamy balance of early warp releases, it s second generation classic electronica,you can pick up on someone doing this music out of a love of the genre and someone that has a real feel for it.“

(Pat Murphy, host & producer of Alien Air Music, KXLU radio in Los Angeles) – “Having broadcast international electronic music for 25 years, including the barrage of emerging internet talent, I can safely sat that 2nd Mouse is at the forefront of glitch/IDM, turning highly chopped samples of seemingly chaotic sounds into tightly woven compositions of ever changing melodies. Strong percussion and fast-paced rhythms are mixed with tiny music and vocal segments to produce Chris Hunter’s trademark sound.

The high energy of 2nd Mouse percolates throughout his tracks; even slower and ambient pieces are poised to burst out with colorful displays. Using Aphex Twin as a reference point doesn’t do 2nd Mouse full justice. It’s better to describe him as the next wave of musical genius that’s been launched and inspired by Richard D. James.”

www.2ndmouseofficial.com/

<< [15] OUR LIFE // NOISE CONTROL (2010) >>
electro/rock

NOISE CONTROL deliver the intensity and integrity of their well honed live performances that showcases the band’s energetic and unapologetic sonic desire to keep the crowd moving. This is hands up, peak time music for the masses who want to have fun! Early on in the band’s career they were personally chosen by The Prodigy to be the opening act for the Irish leg of the “Their Law” tour playing massive indoor venues like the Odyssey Arena in Belfast and the O2 in Dublin. Following on from such humble beginnings the band has continued to lend their support to a host of international touring acts including Underworld, Tricky, Bassment Jaxx, Asian Dub Foundation and Calvin Harris to name but a few. With upcoming summer festival slots at the likes of Live in the Park, Lark in the Park, Glastonbury, Electric Picnic and headlining sets at Irish independent festival’s, Noise Control bring their big system sound to ever expanding audiences and garner extremely positive press in the process. The Bands recent single ‘Take It’ features Shahin Badar, the Asian pop star whose silken vocals famously appeared on The Prodigy’s ‘Smack My Bitch Up’. Badar recently headlined the Festival of World Cultures, at which she invited Noise Control onstage to perform ‘Take It’, an honour repeated by RTE televisions liberal use of the track during the 2010 World Cup.

From print media like Hotpress in Ireland and Maxim in the U.K., to their songs appearing during Irish national television coverage of World Cup 2010 and the Champions League Final, Noise Control have never been shy of maximising their potential exposure through various forms of multimedia including two of the band’s tracks appearing on Disney Interactive’s worldwide released XBOX 360 and PS3 racing video game “Pure”. Noise Control are set to build on the momentum they have generated to date. The band is inviting everyone to come and spend a night in “Our Life”

http://www.noisecontrolband.com/

<< [16] BETWEEN WORLDS // JIFUBUKI (2011) >>
progressive/instrumental/jazz/rock

JIFUBUKI are a Progressive, Jazz, Rock quartet from Northern Ireland, featuring Kris McReynolds on drums, Nick Todd on Bass, Ross Dunlop on guitar and Will Hawkins on guitar. The band is currently working on a new studio album to be released in 2011. Influences of King Crimson, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, Soft Machine, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Tool, Frank Zappa.

http://www.jifubuki.com/

<< [17] CHAPTER TWO // POLAR BEYOND (2011) >>
atmospheric/prog rock

POLAR BEYOND was formed with purpose to create music based on ambience, atmosphere and volume…

“The talent and the ambition are both in plentiful supply and with time, Polar Beyond could prove to be a big draw around Belfast…” .. – Chris Johnson, BBC ATL

http://www.polarbeyond.com/

<< [18] COLD DAY IN HELL // A NORTHERN LIGHT (2010) >>
alternative/prog rock

A NORTHERN LIGHT are an alternative-rock band based in Belfast, Northern Ireland – with members originally from Dungannon and Strabane. Formed in early 2010, and after spending a Summer shaping their sound, they have so far received positive acclaim for pushing an Angels and Airwaves/Blink 182 inspired sound – mixing driving guitars, massive drums, heavy bass and synth topped off with ever confident visual live shows as the band gain ground on the back of growing popularity. Beginning as Darren Doherty and Omar Ben Hassine’s darker, more internal music before trying to find a sound that brings crowds together as a unit instead of merely holding an audience – the keystone addition of Colm Laverty (on bass and synth duties) has finally moulded the sonic-platform which has seen them quickly rise into one of Northern Ireland’s headlining acts on the local touring scene. Helping them to secure recent dates with Mona and A Plastic Rose. Their debut four track short play, ‘Chase the Ghosts Away’, released in October last year (at their first headlining gig at the BBC Introducing/RADAR affiliate) to a sell out crowd of five hundred people has seen them land increasing support – taking in acclaim from other established local acts such as A Plastic Rose, Colenso Parade, Kasper Rosa, Like Statues and The Rupture Dogs.

Coming up in the next month is a further short play of new material reflecting the band’s devotion to experimenting and learning how to present their individual elements.

“At times sounding like the Blue-collar rock of Bruce Springsteen, before going to Arcade Fire’s kitchen sink approach, they’re new, and still looking for their sound, but worth checking out their journey.” – William Johnston, BBC Radio One’s ‘Across The Line’

http://www.myspace.com/anorthernlightvibes

<< [19] A JOURNEY TO SPEAK OF // LIKE STATUES (2010) >>
prog rock

LIKE STATUES was formed at the turn of the decade to create an experimental and alternative rock band influenced by artists such as Oceansize, Twin Atlantic, Incubus, Reuben Tool & Biffy Clyro. The band was formed by 4 close friends from the Lisburn/Belfast areas who played their first show in April 2010 and have built an exciting head of steam on the live front over the past 9 months.

They have supported established local acts such as Ed Zealous, Kasper Rosa, More Than Conquerors, Mojofury and Gascan Ruckus, played a slot on the coveted RADAR:Belfast stage and received airplay on both ‘BBC Radio One Introducing’ & ‘Radio Ulster: Across The Line’. After releasing their debut EP “Numeric In Design” in October 2010, to a very successful launch night, the band are already in the process of writing the 2nd EP to prepare for recording once again with their own front-man/producer Clark Phillips (worked with bands such as Kasper Rosa, A Plastic Rose, The Rupture Dogs & A Northern Light) to release in the first half of 2011. The band hopes to achieve bigger and better things in the coming year to add to playing the Final of Northern Ireland’s ‘MUSIC QUEST 2010’ a planned small Irish City tour in February, featuring on dates on The Rupture Dogs Irish Tour and playing the unsigned stage of ‘Lark in the Park festival’ and hope to make 2011 be the bands breakthrough year and a potential force to be reckoned with.

http://www.myspace.com/likestatuesmusic

<< [20] RAT BAG // CHOCOLATE LOVE FACTORY (2010) >>
funk/grunge/prog

CHOCOLATE LOVE FACTORY formed in late 2009. The young three-piece are one of the freshest and original bands to come out of the UK in recent years. There is a hint of progressive rock in amongst their diverse sound, as well as the oeuvre of The Mars Volta. However, prog-rock is not the only genre that they lean towards. The riff-oriented robot rock of Queens of the Stone Age is also alluded to. Similar to Homme’s collection of misfits, Chocolate Love Factory do not take themselves too seriously, and there is an endearing quality to the tongue-in-cheek track titles of: ‘Rat Bag’ and ‘Texty Texty’.

Their energetic live performances across Belfast’s music scene have captivated audiences, and been met with favourable praise by local music scholars. Brothers Luke and Rory Donaghy, as well as drummer John Quinn, state that they are currently “up for grabs” on their MySpace page and have: “a desire to bring real music back.”

http://www.myspace.com/chocolatelovefactory

<< [21] A.L.E.P // MENTAL DEFICIENCY (2011) >>
ucomedy/punk/rock

MENTAL DEFICIENCY With a live show that entertains like no other paired with pummelling rock music, Mental Deficiency have been on run from the law for the last year. Their crime: rocking too hard. Fuelled by a mission to rock and an unhealthy obsession with RoboCop and other 80s movies, MD have just released their debut EP, ‘Musically Challenged,’ to great acclaim from the world leaders.

It is expected to end all wars and conflict throughout the galaxy within five years and throughout the universe within ten years. MD are the antidote to the increasingly excessive pretensions of the local music, ‘scene.’ Musical genres such as metal and punk, once rebellious and encouraging of individual expression, have developed their own rules and limitations. MD were forced to invent an entirely new genre of music: Heavy Mental. But who are the action heroes behind the madness? Mr Majestic – Vocals: Part man, part machine, all rock. Alex Kazam – Guitar: The Bad Magician. If he asks if you want to see his magic wand, just say no! Bass Face – Bass: Attacked by a penguin when he was young, he wears a mask to hide his mutilated face. Sgt Marmaduke – Drums: He has fought in every war in history. He loves a good war but also likes the occasional cosy night in. So dear reader, prepare yourself for the energetic stage show guaranteed to restore your faith in music, and your faith in life itself…

http://www.mentaldef.com/

<< [22] WHISKEY NIGHT // UNDER STARS & GUTTERS (2011) >>
punk/rock

UNDER STARS & GUTTERS – There are no swinging guitars, no jumping in the air, no autographs, no egotistical attitudes and not an ounce of fashion sense between them, Under Stars & Gutters are the real deal. Rock and roll as it should be.

A full on assault of folk inspired punk rock that will make you want to crack open another bottle and keep the party going until the early hours of the next morning. The three piece from the North Coast of Ireland have certainly made a name for themselves since their formation and have overcome many obstacles which would have destroyed any other band. Under Stars & Gutters belong on the road. Hard working and motivated the band have played in every corner of the UK & Ireland and are now looking to branch out stateside. The band have recently released their back catalogue on Death To False Hope Records, adopting the DIY ethic and releasing the EP ‘Soundtrack To This City’ for free download.

The EP, which was featured as ‘Stream if the week’ on Punknews.org also has been reposted on punkrockoi.com, legalfreemusic.com, freemusicisawesome.wordpress.com, notpopular.com and many more websites. The release of ‘Soundtrack to this city’ has opened many doors for Under Stars & Gutters and has helped gain the acclaim of the Punk rock community worldwide. The band have also been featured on AMP Magazines winter compilation and Laser Life Records ‘Still Thinking Compilation’ as well as Death To False Hope Records second anniversary compilation. The band have played many great venues reaching from a capacity of 200-550 including The Cathouse, Glasgow, The Barfly, Cardiff, O2 Academy2 London, O2 Academy2, Birmingham and many more.

http://www.myspace.com/understarsandgutters

<< [23] 72 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE // THE ASSAILANTS (2011) >>
ska/punk/hardcore

THE ASSAILANTS are a four piece Ska Punk/Hardcore band from Belfast. Starting in the Summer of 2009 they have taken their separate influences and incorporated it into their own sound. With a socio-political shadow hidden in their lyrics, they blend faster hardcore elements with slow reggae grooves. The Assailants take their inspiration from bands such as, NoFX, Capdown and The Bronx to name just a few…

http://theassailants.bandcamp.com/

<< [24] FEELING POST LOAD DROPPING // B.O.Y (2011) >>
prog/hardcore

B.O.Y. are a Banbridge based three piece made of Ryan Burrowes (vocals and drums, Adam Smith (guitars and vocals) and Sean Donnelly (Bass). They’re influenced by bands such as McLusky, The Pixies, Botch and Electric Six and have been likened to Biffy Clyro. They have performed “unhinged”, “chaotic” and “exhilarating” live shows, These have included: Transvestite Dancing, Broken Guitars, Cross Dressing and now Broken Bones. So far they have released their debut EP ‘The Football Season Is Over’ which has to date received airplay on BBC Radio 1 on the ‘BBC Introducing show with Rory McConnell’, BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle on the ‘Across The Line’ show and on various local FM and internet stations.

http://www.abandcalledboy.co.uk/

<< [25] SAVOUR YOUR SCARS // GACYS THREADS (2011) >>
hardcore/metal

GACY’S THREADS are a 4 piece hardcore metal band formed in late 2007. Each member is aseasoned musician, drawn together by the urge to create an energetic, confronting and non compromising style of music that seemed to be vacant from the scene all over Ireland. Taking their main influences from artists such as Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time Idie and Norma Jean but planning on infusing it with each of their musical roots and influences to create something unique.To date, the band have been constantly touring Ireland and had a short tour of Hungary. They released a self produced demo, ‘Eunuch’ in 2008, a 4 track E.P, ‘Savour Your Scars’ in 2009, and a 4 track Live EP ‘Wolf Brigade’ 2010.

Supported acts such as Fear factory, Cancer Bats, Rolo Tomassi, Fucked Up, August Burns Red, Horse the Band, Carcer City, and IWRESTLEDABEARONCE. With all this under their belt, a willingness to succeed and the balls to back it up, Gacy’s Threads are the soundtrack to ALL violent behaviour!

“With this four-strong maelstrom of an album, Ireland’s Gacys Threads can rightfully join a competent roster of bands able to hold their own against the Lamb of Gods and other big names of modern metal.” – Metal Hammer Magazine

http://www.gacysthreads.com/

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…and that’s it for now folks, for more information on any of these bands please drop us a line.