Contrary to what the name would have you believe things are going from strength to strength for Limerick rockers Atrophy. News has reached us that they have finished their debut album with Mark O’Connor at the production helm. The eight-track, forty minute affair is currently being lined up for an autumn release…
Other local creative endeavours include the highly-anticipated new single from Veneer, due in July (their first official release)…
Shannon rockers Jet Sol are knuckling down shortly for some studio work with Richard Bourke, the result of which will be their debut EP. Will keep you posted on release date…
In other news from the south, Cork’s Rulers of the Planet have been confirmed for Oxegen 2004 – Saturday July 10 on the new band stage. They’re currently recording an album with Cyclefly’s Ciaran O’Shea on production duties. The debut is due for release at the end of the summer on new Cork independent label Blue Monkey Records…
If you’re living in or planning a trip to the Cork area make sure to head along to the MidSummer In The City concert with takes place at The Half Moon Theatre on Friday June 18. The impressive line up so far includes Future Kings of Spain, The Tycho Brahe, FRED, Rulers Of The Planet, REST and Stanley Super 800. Check hotpress.com for more details…
Meanwhile Dublin-based Cork native Bill Coleman’s recent storming studio session for FM104s Going Underground has just gone up on his website – www.bcoleman.com. He is currently busy in the studio with Steve Fanagan, the man who has twiddled knobs for Paul O’Reilly, Martin Finke and Ian Whitty amongst others. Catch Bill live at The Rubysessions in Doyles on Fleet Street on July 27…
According to Beat 102’s Edel Dooley, one man who will be trawling the live circuit for new talent is IrishUnsigned.com co-founder Dave Reid. Dave is currently scouting in Ireland for Craig Kallman – Chairman of The Atlantic Records Group New York. Following the recent merger of the Atlantic/Elektra labels, Kallman is recognised as one of the most influential and leading executives in the global music industry. Any artist/manager from any musical genre can contact Dave at [email protected]. He is also working in conjunction with The Roisin Dubh foundation on the development of an Irish version of The Mercury Music Prize titled ‘The Philip Lynott Music Prize’, scheduled to be launched early next year…
Don’t forget to continue sending demos and Eps to Edel at Irish Beats, Beat 102-103 , The Broadcast Centre, Waterford…
Other news from the live front is that Dublin’s The Kerbs are making a welcome return to the gigging circuit after a break of six months, mainly due to recording commitments and the acquisition of two new members. It promises to be a busy few months for the band, culminating in the release of their debut EP in the Sugar Club on August 27. More info at www.thekerbs.com
Also making a reappearance on the domestic scene after gruelling overseas live duties are La Rocca. Since the start of the year the band have been gigging extensively in the US, Australia, Ireland and the UK, and have appeared as special guests to the likes of Jet, Snow Patrol and The Vines. This summer will see them embark on their Glory Pieces tour, which will include dates in Ireland and the UK. Check hotpress.com for dates…
And finally if you haven’t already sent in your entry for this year’s Music Quest it’s time to get your skates on.
You know the story: four lucky acts will perform live on the main stage of River Rock Music Revolution later in the summer and one overall winner will win a treasure trove of prizes plus the opportunity to support a major act at the RRMR finale.
Further details and entry forms are available from Island Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn. BT27 4RL. Tel: 028 92 509509. Email: arts.information@ iac.lisburn.gov.uk
Deadline for entries is Monday 28 June 04.

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 9-11, with Alison Curtis on Today FM (email: [email protected])