Halloween is coming, there’s a chill in the air, so let’s turn our attention to the sunny south east for starters where The Bailey Music Challenge kicks into action on October 21. The aim of the music talent search is to find the region’s newest, up and coming, bands, groups or singers. The competition, held in association with South East Radio, is open to anyone over 18. Entrants must register themselves/their band on Registration day, Saturday October 21, at The Bailey Live, Barrack Street, Enniscorthy. South East Radio will be broadcasting from there on the day.
Auditions will then take place over three weeks from November 1 in The Bailey. The quarter finals will follow in late November and he semis in early December. The winner scoops a cash prize of ¤2,000, a live gig at The Bailey and radio airplay on South East Radio and the runner up will receive ¤1,000. The judging panel includes our own Jackie Hayden and such other industry luminaries as Tony Dempsey from The Bailey, Paul Kelly South East Radio and Johnny Lappin.
In other news from the region, Waterford’s Acrojunk have just completed recording their forthcoming EP “The Cold Old Playboy”. The group comprises members of The Bearded Ladies, Torann and The Real and have been causing a stir on the live scene with their unique brand of electro-skiffle. The 4 track debut also contains a cover version of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart”.
Some news from the Triphazard camp next, Robbie and the boys have been busy in the studio over the last while and the result of their efforts is a new single, ‘The Next Life’, which will be launched in Crawdaddy on October 28. The opus was recorded in Qube Analogue under the watchful eye of Conor Brady of The Blades and Jerry Fish fame. Reviews so far have been gushing so get along on the night and see what all the fuss is about.
Belfast’s Tin Pot Operation also have a single in the works. Their new download only release consists of the lead track “Blackeye” with B-side tracks “Ticket Outta Here” and “What Have you done?”
More details to follow in an upcoming in the issue but you can whet your appetite at one of their upcoming live shows in the Empire, Belfast on October 18, The Spirit Store, Dundalk on October 21 and The Black Box, Belfast on October 22.
Humanzi have been confirmed as the headline band for the first ever Club NME show on Thursday October 19 in the Voodoo Lounge, Dublin. They are already confirmed to headline the Irish leg of the Levis One To Watch tour at UCD, Dublin (with Channel One and Rivals) on Nov 16. Get your mits on a copy of the new single, “Out On A Wire”, in all good record shops from October 27.