Hot Press has been pioneering the provision of practical information and advice about independent careers in music since the late ‘80s, when we ran the first ever international seminars in Ireland.
Since then we’ve happily supported and been involved in many other initiatives, right through to our present association with the annual MIX course (Music Industry Xplained) and the Rock Clinic at Music Ireland ‘06.
For the Rock Clinic, Hot Press is giving 16 unsigned bands the unique opportunity to have private consultations with top industry experts over the weekend of Music Ireland ’06. Sometimes the right advice at the right time can help bands untangle a dilemma they’ve found themselves in while devoting all their energies to their creative endeavours. The Rock Clinic is intended to help resolve such dilemmas and free bands to move their careers forward so they can maximise their potential.

THE PANEL OF EXPERTS:

Alison Curtis
The Toronto-born Alison Curtis decamped to Dublin in 1990 and was soon snapped up by Phantom FM. She then moved to Today FM initially as a researcher before taking on the station’s The Last Splash, through which she’s made a national name as an entertaining and knowledgeable DJ. She has also worked on the other side of the control room, producing Ian Dempsey’s breakfast programme. She has been acknowledged for her sympathetic ear for young bands struggling to make that all-important breakthrough, and she has been particularly supportive of Declan O’Rourke and Joe Chester.
Keith Johnson
As Marketing Manager with IMRO (The Irish Music Rights Organisation) Keith Johnson has built an enviable reputation for his knowledge of the songwriting and publishing worlds as they impact on new artists and he has been more than generous in imparting his advice to young musicians. Through the annual IMRO Showcase Tour he has helped countless new bands to take their first steps on the rock ’n’ roll path. He oversees the regular IMRO workshops and collaborations, and played a significant role in the new Music From Ireland initiative set up to support Irish artists playing at music events abroad. Johnson plays a leading role in MQ magazine, published by Hot Press for IMRO members, and which includes invaluable news, information and advice for songwriters.
Ken Allen

A graduate of the hotpress production line, Ken Allen impressed many by the professionalism and commitment he brought to setting up Faction Records. He launched that label with an impressive CD sampler featuring acts of the calibre of The Marshals, The Immediate, Future Kings Of Spain, Director, Cathy Davey and The Blizzards among others. Since its release, several of the featured acts have gone on to greater things. Before that venture Ken was the Irish A&R scout for Polydor Records UK, talent-spotting Laura Izibor along the way. He also runs Factory Studios in Dublin.

Johnny Lappin
One of Ireland’s leading music publishers, Johnny Lappin is also co-director of the MIX courses in tandem with Jackie Hayden. His first ventures in music publishing were as manager of Clannad’s publishing company. Currently a member of the board of IMRO, he is also a director of MCPS, serves on the IBEC committee on the music industry and operates his own music and print publishing facility. He has penned books about careers in music and music publishing, and his client list has included Aslan, Hazel O’Connor, Sharon Shannon, The Celtic Tenors and, most recently, the hugely successful Celtic Woman project.

Mark McCabe
Apart from being a hit recording artist in his own right, Mark McCabe is a vital component in 2FM’s influential and authoritative dance team. A DJ since before he was even a teenager, his record career saw him team up with Jay Cisco as the tribal techno unit Digitribe and enjoy a massive Irish hit with the chart-bending single ‘Maniac 2000’. More recently McCabe added to his army of fans with the acclaimed album Music From The Fourth Place. He has tucked several awards under his oxters and, as if to prove he’s no dance stick-in-the-mud, his production company Future Code has handled work for The Devlins, Sinéad O’Connor and Autamata.

Bren Berry
Having been a key figure with Dublin rock band Revelino and now the chief booker of acts with Aiken Promotions, Bren Berry has a wealth of experience from both sides of the fence. He has been a major force in the success of the annual Electric Picnic in Laois, and has over the years dealt with an impressive range of acts, from Bob Dylan and Alanis Morissette to Justin Timberlake and Flaming Lips. He was heavily involved in booking the acts for the Live At The Marquee gigs in Cork and has worked closely with a number of Irish acts, including Christy Moore.

Nikki Hayes
Nikki Hayes is one of the few women to have conquered the generally male preserve of Irish pop and rock radio, and her voice is now a key feature on 2FM. She brings to her radio work an instinctive understanding of the medium of live radio, combined with an in-depth knowledge of pop and rock music that many of her male counterparts struggle to match. Her talents aren’t just confined to radio, as Hayes has also presented The Sunday Morning Show on RTE 2, suggesting that both media might have to compete for her services in the coming years.