hotpress.com members update: "Oh man, I was in Thailand? We found this amazing beach?"
16 May 2007
Hello good people! We hope that all is well in the world with you. We at Hot Press HQ are still in mourning with The Immediate's shock split (sob!). This week, we have mostly been comfort eating at Miller's Pizza Kitchen on Baggot St, Dublin. Yum. Now to matters more lyrical than culinary.
"You shoot me glances and they're so hard to read
I misconstrue what you mean
Slip me a napkin and now that you start
Is this your name or a doctor's eye chart?"
...Was last week's lyrical teaser and hearty congratulations (with a tinge of jealousy) goes to dboyle, whose vast musical knowledge clearly extends to 'Dyslexic Heart' by Paul Westerberg, former frontman of The Replacements. Who were amazing. Go check them out. After reading this, of course :)
"Jealousy
Turning saints into the sea
Turning through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis"
...is this week's lyrical teaser and if you don't email the title and artist of that song right now, shame on you - it's especially easy for those who are new to the ways of the hp ezine (hello you).
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**advertisement**
JOE STRUMMER FILM OUT
For all you Clash fans, Joe Strummer rolls into town this Friday in the highly anticipated movie Joes Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten. A smashing biopic from director Julien Temple, this film follows Joe Strummer from being punk's founding father though his 'London Calling' days and on into The Mescaleros. Ex-band members, girlfriends, sundry hangers-on, fans such as Martin Scorsese and Johnny Depp and of course the music itself do the talking.
This film opens Friday at the Irish Film Institute. Book on http://www.ifi.ie. You can view the trailer and find out more on http://www.joestrummerthemovie.com
**advertisement**
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Songs That We've Been Listening To This Week!
Kharma 45 - 'Where's Your Spirit Man'
Von Sudenfed - 'Family Feud' (from the forthcoming Traumatic Reflections)
Rufus Wainwright - 'Going To A Town' (from Release The Stars, 2007)
Soulsavers - 'Revival' (from It's Not How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land, 2007)
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NEW ISSUE - OUT TOMORROW
If you like music OR comedy (ie if you're human) then you're going to love the next issue of Hot Press. It's a double-cover, with the Killers on one side and Tommy Tiernan representin' the Smithwick's Cat Laughs 2006 festival on the other.
Plus there's interviews with Groove Armada, Keira Knightley, The Cribs, Bruce Foxton, Jamie T, a report on false Phil Lynott memorabilia and the 2fm 2moro 2our.
Plus just so so so many other bits it'll blow your mind. Sort of.
e3.50
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WIN A TRIP TO HULTSFRED FESTIVAL IN SWEDEN WITH KOPPARBERG
**The deadline's extended to May 25 - so you still have time to get your entries in!**
Kopparberg want to reward great taste... We want tasty designers, artists, journalists, photographers anyone with creative ability to amuse and delight us.
All YOU have to do is come up with a design for anything with a music connection: a logo, album cover or gig poster, for instance. And remember we're not saying that your designs have to be practical - if you can make us laugh you'll be in the running.
The winner gets a trip to Hultsfred festival, Sweden which takes place between June 14th - 16th.
So get your thinking caps on!
Entries to designcompetition@hotpress.ie or post them to Hot Press, 13 Trinity St, Dublin 2
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Vacancies at Hot Press
DEPUTY ADVERTISING MANAGER
Have you experience selling advertising?
Hot Press has an opening for someone of genuine sales ability, ideally with a minimum of three years media experience, to join our advertising sales team.
This is a brilliant opportunity for someone of real ability and ambition to join Ireland's most internationally acclaimed, controversial and innovative publication.
Applications for the position of Deputy Advertising Manager can be emailed in the strictest confidence to: jobs@hotpress.ie
More info: http://www.hotpress.com/2836961.html
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MURPHY'S LIVE: ILYA K THE WINNERS!
Waterford band Ilya K are e10,000 better off after winning the Murphy's Live '07 unsigned band competition in the Dublin Village.
While guest headliners The Automatic entertained the capacity crowd, judges Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy), Angela Dorgan (First Music Contact), Ashley Keating (The Frank & Walters), Margaret Barron (Murphy's) and Shilpa Ganatra (Hot Press) decided that the electro rockers just had the edge over fellow finalists The Chapters.
With another Waterford band, Saviours Of Space, winning this year's National Student Music Awards, expect A&R heads to chemically analyse what they put in the water there!
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NORTHERN IRELAND DANCE MUSIC AWARDS
This year's Northern Ireland Dance Music Awards is about to kick off. It all happens at the opulent surroundings of La Lea night club in Belfast next Friday 25th May, and is the biggest and most collaborative event for the trade within the North.
Voting for the awards closes this week - and you can catch a glimpse as to who are making waves at this stage by checking out the shortlist at the official website at www.dancemusicawards.org
The event also hosts sets from Agnelli & Nelson, DJ Meme (Brazil), Jay Kay (Glamour Boy), Jupiter Ace (Serious) and Gleave Dobbin among others.
There are a limited number of VIP tickets available from the official site, which includes a champagne reception, a finger buffet, access to the awards and the VIP after party - all for £15 per person.
Standard tickets for the after party cost £10, and can be purchased online or via Bass Division (formerly Mixmaster records), Upper Queen Street, Belfast.
It's all for a good cause too as DMA2007 is supporting local charity KeyMix which is headed by local boy turned superstar DJ FERGIE.
If you want to get to one big night out this year make sure it's this!
http://www.dancemusicawards.org
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hotpress.com members: get CDs for E10!
On offer this fortnight...
Architecture In Helsinki - We Died, They Remixed
We Died, They Remixed is, as the title suggests, a remix album of the octet's In Case We Die. Unlike other remixes, this album is a creative triumph, giving the colourful songs of this bonkers band fresh, new identities. Architecture In Helsinki are the type of freaky renegades that pop music was supposed to be made by all along.
Soulsavers - It's Not How You Fall, It's The Way You Land
Recorded between Los Angeles and the band's home base in the North of England, the album is a bold combination of hip-hop, rock, gospel, soul, and everything else picked up along the way. With frontman Mark Lanegan's smoky rasp completing each track, this solid recording is a necessary addition to any collection.
Eric Eckhart - Lost And Found
With the kind of back story any marketing man would wet his pants over, American Eric Eckhart, the progeny of a socialist railroad worker and proletariat artist, who abandoned the dollar and went into self-imposed exile to search for his soul in Ireland, has released a mini-album that reflect Eric's blue collar roots, and the upheaval of the last few years of his life.
Delorentos - In Love With Detail
They've proved themselves capable of pulling off fresh, gutsy live performances but how do the Dublin four-piece fare with their highly anticipated debut album In Love With Detail? The results are in and fans won't be let down as it is a formidable first time offering that manages to harness as much raw emotion, fashion melodic hooks, and roll out infectious rhythms as their live shows ever offered.
...And there's tons and tons more, from the likes of yourcodenameis:milo, Leanne Harte, Neosupervital, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Hollows and more.
If you're a hotpress.com subscriber, buy yourself a present here: http://www.hotpress.com/members/Membercds/
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FIRST CUTS: BANDS WANTED!
Hot Press is joining forces with the Wexford Arts Centre and Beat 102-103 to present a series of monthly gigs for new bands and solo artists starting in midsummer.
Called the First Cuts Sessions, the first four gigs will be headlined by Chaplin, currently putting the finishing touches to their first album.
Bands from the South East can submit CD demos from which the support slots will be picked by Jackie Hayden (writer of our regular First Cuts column), Elizabeth Whyte, who runs the Wexford Arts Centre, and Ian Doyle from Chaplin.
To be considered for these support slots, please fill in the application form in the current Hot Press and send it with your CD to First Cuts Sessions, Hot Press, 13 Trinity Street, Dublin 2.
Bands must be based in the south-east and photocopied application forms will not be accepted.
Participating acts will have access to mentoring and promotion advice from Hot Press, and will receive airplay and publicity from Beat 102-103. For more information see the current issue of Hot Press or email firstcuts@hotpress.ie.
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Essential Reading On hotpress.com Department
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End special [free content]
As if we weren't tearing our hair out in anticipation as it is, we've got a series of webpods leading up to the conclusion of the Pirates Of The Caribbean triology - and the first three are available now! Plus we've got tickets for the OFFICIAL PREMIERE - and an exclusive competition where you could win a super duper very, very limited edition telescope. Wooh!
http://www.hotpress.com/movielounge/
2. Win tickets to see New Young Pony Club!
'80s-style electro-poppers New young Pony Club are currently getting ready to play the very intimate surroundings of Langton's in Kilkenny next Monday - and you can be there, courtesy of Heineken Green Spheres!
http://www.hotpress.com/competition/newyoungponyclub.html
3. Belfast's least wanted man
Commander of the notorious Company C of the UDA in Belfast, Johnny Adair was given 16 years for directing terrorism. While he was never convicted of murder, the rumour mill suggests that he has been reponsible for as many as 43 deaths.
http://www.hotpress.com/features/interviews/2924044.html
4. Pleasures and wayward distractions
Brit-rock heroes Maximo Park are back with a new album – and without the novelty hair-cuts. Here they talk about death metal, hip-hop and missing notebooks.
http://www.hotpress.com/music/interviews/2924601.html
5. Summer blockbusters start here
Summer is traditionally the season when film studios roll out the big guns. This year is no exception, so Tara Brady sorts out the wheat from the chaff.
http://www.hotpress.com/features/reports/2923755.html
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ROCK THE VOTE
With only 8 days left before polling day it's full steam ahead with the Rock The Vote campaign, which comes in association with Hot Press. The next week will see the biggest push from our end, with press ads, tv spots and the all important release of the final set of Rock The Vote videos.
Starting on Friday 18 May, Rock The Vote will be releasing at least two new videos each day featuring the likes of Colin Farrell, Damien Dempsey and Humanzi. Kicking it all off on Friday we have Bosco coming out of retirement for one last gig with Rock The Vote. Friday also sees the release of director Lorcan Fox's unique series for Rock the Vote. Fox, who has worked on The Osbournes and The Newly Weds, was given a brief to come up with a character who would approach the election from a somewhat different angle, and so, Frazier was born. Fox's six-part webisode follows one man on his quest for political enlightenment.
With videos from Risteard Cooper, Bernard Dunne and Grainne Seoige, the release of Talifornia Dreamin' (a short documentary following Fraizer's journey) and loads more happening, make sure you check out www.rockthevote.ie .
There's also videos, interviews, articles and loads more on hotpress.com: check out http://www.hotpress.com/2920591.html for all the info you need!
Oh, and remember, if you want to know which candidates are running in your constituency and get information on their policies, log on to www.mycandidate.ie.
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Old News Is Good News Department
It's a politics special this issue, what with the election 'n' all, so it's a highly apt time to root through the hotpress.com archive and dig up a few interviews from the highest and most notorious people in Irish politics.
Bertie Ahern interview, 1986
Michael O'Higgins interviews Bertie when he's yet to be leader of Fianna Fail or Taoiseach. Keep an eye out for the classic words: "I could certainly drink a fair few pints of Bass and be capable of driving. Whether I’d pass the breathalyser or not is another thing."
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/1741366.html
Joe Higgins interview, 2006
He's one of the last great orators in Irish politics. But there's more to Joe Higgins TD than firebrand socialism. In this candid interview, the man once described as a 'nitwit' by an enraged Bertie Ahern talks about his childhood, the role of the church in his life and explains why the Celtic Tiger has let Ireland down.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2888853.html
Dermot Ahern interview, 2005
Jackie Hayden speaks to Dermot Ahern in his Dundalk office about being called up by the UN, as well as a range of key issues including the war in Iraq, political bribery, Shannon refuelling stops, Gerry Adams and the IRA, our immigration policy, the Health service, his real hopes for the Peace Process and the influence of Dave Fanning on his musical tastes.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2795128.html
Martin Ferris interview, 2000
Jailed in the '70s and '80s for gun-running and membership of the IRA, Kerry-born Martin Ferris was one of the most senior Republican figures in the south to throw his weight behind the Sinn Fiin-backed peace process. In 2000 he was a Kerry County Councillor with ambitions to take a Dail seat (succeeding in 2002) , Ferris has earned a particular reputation for being tough on drugs in his native Tralee.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/391993.html
Gerry Adams interview, 2003
Olaf Tyaransen asks if, given Osama Bin Laden's use of terror as a political weapon, Gerry Adams might not have some sympathy for the world's most wanted man. That question and other contentious queries relating to the IRA, Jean McConville and the murder of Garda Jerry McCabe are dealt with in a candid interview.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2685669.html
Ruairi Quinn, 1997
The then-Minister for Finance Ruairi Quinn on hair loss, economic growth, hairy times in government and hair-raising incidents in the house.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/392392.html
Tom Kitt interview, 2001
Fianna Fail TD, guitar player, marathon runner and father of David, TOM KITT on Charlie, Beverly, Liam, Bertie, Carr Communications, drink, dope, religion, protest singing and the high regard in which he holds his famous son.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/1266815.html
Colm O'Gorman, 2003
One of the victims of the paedophile priest Sean Fortune – who took his own life before he could be brought for trial – Colm O’Gorman has since achieved national prominence as an eloquent spokesman and activist on all issues relating to sexual abuse.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2677838.html
John Deasy, 2004
Barely had the new smoking legislation been put in place than the law was broken – in the Dail Eireann bar, by a TD. John Deasy, who subsequently lost his position as Fine Gael spokesperson on justice, reckons his crime was minor compared to the “criminal excesses” of some of his political colleagues.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2723772.html
Ciaran Cuffe, 2003
Ciaran Cuffe on not being your typical TD.
http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2683870.html
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THE ROOMS: NEW PAPERBACK EDITION OUT NOW
The paperback edition of Declan Lynch's critically acclaimed novel The Rooms has just been released... Inspired by the electrifying best-seller, Mark 'Rasher' Kavanagh has imaginatively captured the essence of The Rooms in a stunning piece of art, which is the book's new cover.
So, the new edition marks the coming together of two of Ireland's brightest creative talents. Rasher's fans include Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Bono's wife Ali Hewson and Princess Haya of Jordan – each of whom own original works by him. Declan Lynch is one of Ireland's finest writers.
Lynch's stunning novel takes the reader behind the closed doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, the biggest secret organisation in the world. Written through the eyes of an Irish musician, the wise and embattled Neil, it is a sustained and brilliant exercise in narrative fiction, that takes the reader on an emotionally charged white-knuckle ride, across the country and back. And right to the heart of the human condition.
But The Rooms is also a love story. As the beautiful and enigmatic Jamaica, a rising star of the fashion world, bewitches the narrator with her soft skin and sexual candour, the reader is taken on a dramatic and unpredictable journey that brings you face-to-face with a life-altering truth. Or is it the truth at all?
Lynch has written a great book that speaks to people about things that really matter. Rasher has brought the author's words to canvass in a way that will stop you in your tracks. The Rooms is available for E9.99 in all good bookstores and on http://www.hotpress.com/books/. Don't miss out on what The Sunday Tribune has described as a "future collectible".
http://www.hotpress.com/books/
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Our Favourite Postings From The Dank Bathroom Wall / Personal Advert Column / Huge Throbbing Collective Brain That Is The World Famous hotpress.com Messageboard...
AUSTRALIA
**semisleeping:
I'm rapidly approaching my mid-20s so I figured it was about time I did the travelling around the world thing. Has anyone got any wisdom to share about working and living down under? Is it really as fantastic as people say it is? Is it easy to get work/accom? Help!
**evil_giraffe:
If I could take a year out (which I can't for the moment anyway) I don't think I'd bother with Australia. I know too many dickheads that've gone there. That's my well informed, helpful advice.
**paaul028:
Avoid county Bondai is what I have been told by anybody I know who has done it and you will have a good time.
**gleese:
I reluctantly took the year out in Oz 3 years ago, just to get out of the Dublin headache.
Greatest move I ever made. Spent two years in Melbourne and travelled the west coast and centre, which is amazing. Melbourne's got the best scene of any city I've ever been to, really chilled out, loads of bands, theres always some kind of festival on and half the price of Dublin. You have to go looking for the irish bullshit there, while you cant avoid it in Sydney. Go to St Jeromes cafe/bar in the city, and make sure to check out Brunswick st...better than St Kilda. The only downside is it'll be winter there from now till November
**niallo:
How did you get away with staying longer than the year?
*******post of the week: for the witty observations of stand up comedy proportions*********
**hazie:
It annoys me when people go off to Australia giving it loads about "getting away from it all" and "expanding their horizons" and "seeing the world" and end up spending a year living in rented accommodation with other Irish people working in a shit office job and spend their weekends drinking with their Irish mates. The only change is "the weather" and the chance of meeting a kangaroo in your back garden.
*******end post of the week*********
**berny:
hazie - that happens everywhere. Look at any city or big town in the world. There's an Irish pub filled with English and Irish people who 'live' in these countries. But in reality they don't. They work for major concerns where their working language is English. They go home to their English speaking families and watch Sky. They go to the pub and play darts with their English and Irish mates. They may as well be at home, except for the annoying locals who they bitch about constantly.
Fucking backpacking wankers are worse though. "Oh man, I was in Thailand? We found this amazing beach? And this local dude hung out with us and sold us pot? And we slept on the beach for like days..."
I've heard this from hundreds (really) of backpackers almost verbatim. Do you really want to "find yourself" amongst a bunch of other clueless fuckwits who spend most days looking for a place that can sell them a replacement battery for their iPod or digicam?
If i wanted to find myself, I'd go talk to my da. Otherwise get the fuck on with living.
**willabur:
I am ditching Dublin in october. Gonna take 6 months in Ondia and south east Asia before hitting Oz. Gonna try and work in Melbourne for a year - I have family close enough to the city. Would go tomorrow if I had the finance to cover the first 6 months traveling and a month till I get a job n paid in Oz. Slowly but surely getting the cash together though.
Gonna come home via South America for 6 months - should be a laff :)
**adhairc:
Hazie, Berny - well said folks - agree 100%.
**mark_g:
Irish students, and more specifically those from Dublin, tend to think Australia is so fantastic as it is the 1st time they've stepped out of the family fold and stood on their own two feet. You can do this in Ireland with less fear of poisonous spiders and Wolf Creek whackos. Move out of your folks place, get a job and start paying your way in life. No need to go all the way around the world to learn how to grow up.
**niallo:
Cynical bunch the lots of you's arent you? How very Irish. I went to Oz, by myself, and it wasnt the first time I had stepped out of my parents gaff. I had moved out for a year previously. Had the time of my life over there, intentionally stayed away from Irish people in Sydney by moving into an apartment in the city centre and not near the beachs. Met some amazing people, with the odd Irish person thrown in, but loads of other nationalities as well. You can avoid the Irish scene over there if you want to. Its a fairly big country. Especially if you step out of Sydney for a while.
I was also in Asia, amazing place, but I wouldn't go on like discribed above. And I know plenty of other people that went there that don't either.
**evil_giraffe:
By all means go to Oz and drink the place dry for a year. It sounds like great craic and part of me would love to do it.
But please don't:
- Pretend to have been a much happier person than you are here when you were "Away from the Rock". If you're a miserable cunt here chances are you're a miserable cunt everywhere.
- Come back thinking you're a more worldly person having spent a year in Bondi wearing a GAA jersey.
- Expect me to reply to those e-mails you sent to a hundred people shiting on about some night out you had. Send a 2 liner to me alone and I'll probably respond.
This sounds like sour grapes doesn't it? It really isn't.
**willabur:
It's not a growing up thing for me - I'm just sick of Dublin - have been here for nine years and want a change of scenery.
I am prob gonna bump into some assholes on the way but sure theres a good few of them here as it is. Though I'll be sure to tell you about the time I bought some great weed in Goa, berny.
**evil_giraffe:
The above wasn't addressed to you (or anyone in particular) Niallo.
**semisleeping:
Yeah I just need to get out of Ireland for a while, I've only been living in Dublin for 2 years but I need a break. Dublin is a not the nicest place to live with the dirt, traffic and scumbags but you can't really rival the entertainment and eating out options here so I can't ever see myself leaving.
**hooly:
Jaysis only in Ireland could Australia be made so passe....I mean seriously? Surely it can't be that hard to lose yourself in a country over 110 times the size of ireland and as big as Europe/US? FFS I can lose people in Dublin if I want to!
**mark_g:
Australia is crap. Crap beer, crap wine, crap women and crap music. Is that really how you want to waste a year?
**eoin_f:
I went to Oz for 3 weeks back in 2000. It was just before the Olympics so the aussies were at their most annoying. All that 'go aussie' shite! Spent a few days in Melbourne and really didn't like it, give me Sydney anytime. and I really did bump into a few people I knew on the street and that was in 2000, I'd say there are more Irish there now. Travelled around three different states and saw some interesting stuff but wouldn't like to live there.
**hazie:
I don't think Australia is passe at all.
By all means go travel and see all the sights your eyes (lasered or not) can absorb, but don't make out like you're Marco bleedin' Polo cos you're working in a shit office cubicle exactly like the one you left in Ireland during the week and drinking in McClafferty's Bar on Ramsay Street/Summer Bay/Wherever Skippy lived at the weekend with your GAA shirt and peeling nose/forehead!!
That's all...
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What's your thoughts on Australia?? Tell all here...
David Kitt
18/5 Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford
19/5 The Stables, Mulligar
The Aftermath + Fight Like Apes
18/5 Spirit Store, Dundalk
Bill Coleman
19/5 Bootlegger's, Bundoran
Mainline + Sickboy + Waiting To Explode
19/5 Tivoli, Dublin
Kidic
19/5 Whelan's, Dublin
Hal
19/5 Roisin Dubh, Galway
Luan Parle
19/5 Cherrytree, Walkinstown
New Young Pony Club
20/5 The Village, Dublin
21/5 Langton's, Kilkenny
Republic Of Loose
20/5 Roisin Dubh, Galway
Fight Like Apes
21/5 Cyprus Avenue, Cork
Duke Special
21/5 Cork Opera House, Cork
22/5 Vicar St, Dublin
Maximo Park
21/5 Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin
Mark Geary
22/5 Whelan's, Dublin
Simple Kid
22/5 The Village, Dublin
Full listings:
http://www.hotpress.com/whatson/
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CURRENT ISSUE: OUT TIL TOMORROW!
It's a bit of a politics special, with interviews with Enda Kenny and Pat Rabbitte. Plus there's a Rock The Vote supplement featuring an idiot's guide to democracy and interviews with Colin Farrell and Katy French.
On the music front, we hear what Manic Street Preachers, The Automatic and Headgear have to say. There's plenty of features too, with a summer movie preview and an in-depth interview with Johnny Adair.
Plus bejillions more bits and bobs, all for just 350 shiny cents.
