It’s that time of year again – Witnness is almost upon us. Punters and musos alike are all gearing up for the live event of the summer. In the meantime, there’s plenty happening to keep yourselves busy before the big W. Featured act Ten Speed Racer hit the live circuit for a few practice laps in Eamonn Doran’s on June 27. The band’s second single ‘Fifteen’ from the forthcoming self–titled album is released on July 28 on Red Flag Records…

Another highly–anticipated release is Otranome’s ‘Sweet Screams’ single on June 26. Having received a favourable response and airplay on BBC Radio Ulster’s Across The Line and Dave Fanning this could definitely be one to watch out for…

Galway punk rockers Fuktifino hit the road for some live dates around the country to promote their new Fast Effective Release EP. For details of where you can catch the noise–mongers live check out www.fuktifino.zzn. com…

Galway Bay FM listeners should be delighted with the recent release of the EmBraces double album of live performances, recorded in Studio 2 for Jon Richards Drivetime. All proceeds from the album will go to AIDS West.

The album features a varied collection of artists who visited Galway in 2002, including Mundy, Damien Rice, The Frames, Woodstar, Leya, Kathryn Williams and Josh Ritter to name but a few…

Residents of the City of the Tribes can now avail of the newly refurbished club venue in the Radisson Hotel. @The Radisson was officially launched recently with a gig by Limerick boys Woodstar…

Limerick duo Giveamanakick release their debut ‘Is It OK To Be Loud, Jesus?’ on July 3. The album is on the independent Limerick label OutOnALimb Records. The band rose from the ashes of Calzino Fiasco and Tooth and have been compared to The Pixies and Husker Du…

Other good news venue-wise is that Sheffs in Waterford recently underwent a major revamp and since reopening has showcased the talents of the Hot House Flowers and The Revs. Local boys and last year’s O2 Band Competition winners The Real (formerly Shiver) release their double A-side Red and Winter Rain on June 20…

Speaking of name changes, those melody merchants Babelfish are now trading under the name Alphastates. But hey, what’s in a name?

The aptly titled Alternative Ulster magazine, focusing on the Northern Ireland music scene and more, has recently hit the shelves. The magazine had its official launch party in Mandela Hall with entertainment on the night from Yakuza and Somedaysbetter. The title previously took the guise of a fanzine until the team decided to go the extra step, with Phil Crotty defecting from the Mirror Group to join the ranks…

After a lengthy absence, Belfast native Brian Houston performs in the Group Theatre on June 29 in support of the recently released The Valley. It follows his May support slot to Van Morrison at Killyleagh Castle and comes at the end of a headline tour of the UK…

Cork rockers Rulers of the Planet have just completed a Fanning Session and are on the bill for the upcoming IMRO showcase in the Village. The band have gained a steady following and local sources tip them as one to watch…

The annual feast of music, theatre and multimedia that is the Cork Midsummer Festival runs until June 28. This year Freddie White, Jerry Fish, Boa Morte and Kila add their talents to the mix. Also, Cork Campus Radio broadcasts the classic Finbarr Donnelly documentary ‘Get That Monster Off The Stage’ on June 27. 5 Go Down To The Sea fans – you have been warned.