Let’s give it up for the awesome Holy Innocents and their cracking new album Letter To The Lone Ridge.

17 Sep 2013 - Interview

The engaging mood music of Kowalski marks them out as a band to watch...

03 Sep 2013 - Interview

Your favourite NI heavy rockers are back with their most revealing LP yet. After a period of upheaval The Answer give us the inside scoop with this fascinating track-by-track preview...

22 Aug 2013 - Interview

A weeping song inspired by Belfast has captured Colin Carberry's heart...

08 Aug 2013 - Hit the North

The City of Culture event has brought a host of international acts to Derry. Away from the spotlight, though, there has been a blossoming of home-grown talent too...

25 Jul 2013 - Interview

He’s lighting up the northern electro scene – yet nobody knows his name. Behold the phenomenon that is Unknown...

11 Jul 2013 - Interview

He can be an uncompromising talent at times but there's still lots to love about Derry tunesmith Robyn G Shiels...

13 Jun 2013 - Interview

How better to celebrate one of Belfast’s most storied studios than to use it as the launch pad for a singles club?

24 May 2013 - Interview

The Documenta trilogy is nearing its end, but what a glorious moment in time it’s been...

16 May 2013 - Interview

Nobody could accuse them of being prolific but what they lack in quantity Desert Hearts more than compensate for with quality, as their latest LP shows...

02 May 2013 - Interview

A recent concert in Belfast attested to the rude health of rock north of the border...

17 Apr 2013 - Hit the North

Thirteen years old, the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival has helped revive one of Belfast’s most under-appreciated areas and, recent disturbances notwithstanding, looks set to go from strength to strength...

04 Apr 2013 - Interview

It’s a month for comebacks – so what better time for one of Belfast’s best loved groups to charge once more into the fray...

21 Mar 2013 - Interview

With his Le Carousel project, Belfast dance maverick Phil Kieran raises the bar yet again...

11 Mar 2013 - Interview

With his Le Carousel project, Belfast dance maverick Phil Kieran raises the bar yet again...

11 Mar 2013 - Interview

Noise rockers Axis Of have written a rollicking concept album about time, place and our relationship with both.

28 Feb 2013 - Interview

With newcomers such as Soak leading the charge, 2013 is shaping up to be a big year for the Northern music scene

24 Jan 2013 - Interview

One of their first gigs was supporting the much-missed Oppenheimer. Now The Wonder Villains are taking up that band’s synth-pop mantle. words Colin Carberry

23 Oct 2012 - Interview

As frontman of Littleboy, Neal Hughes is at last growing into his husky vocals. He talks about life, his struggles and the true meaning of art. Words Colin Carberry.

17 Oct 2012 - Hit the North

As frontman of Littleboy, Neal Hughes is at last growing into his husky vocals. He talks about life, his struggles and the true meaning of art

05 Oct 2012 - Interview

Talk about taking your music to the people. Northerners Axis Of have announced they are to play a gig in every county in Ireland. Even the ones nobody has ever been to.

02 Oct 2012 - Interview

She may be only 16, but chances are you’ll have heard of Bridie Monds-Watson before long...

11 Sep 2012 - Interview

They spent a year in a ‘bunker’ before playing their first gigs. But all the preparation proved worthwhile as Before Machine’s eclectic gigs have demonstrated.

04 Sep 2012 - Interview

She scored a job at a time of record youth unemployment. So what persuaded Allie Bradley to give it all up for a life of rock and roll?

23 Aug 2012 - Interview

Who better to give you a guided tour of Tom McShane‘s new album The Ural Winter than the musician himself. He takes us through the album track by track.

05 Jul 2012 - Interview

The great and the good of the Northern music scene were out for a very special movie premiere, in a very special setting.

21 Jun 2012 - Reports

Elspeth’s Gerard Sands explains how you get noticed in the ultra competitive world of indie rock.

07 Jun 2012 - Interview

They’re as understated as the name suggests. Still, there’s nothing yawn inducing about Rainy Boy Sleep.

29 May 2012 - Interview

He used to play with wigged-out noiseniks And So I Watch You From Afar. Now Tony Wright has a new project, the sublime VerseChorusVerse.

24 May 2012 - Interview

Huzzah! One of our favourite outfits are back after a self-imposed exile that lasted far too long

17 May 2012 - Hit the North

The only rules when it comes to Deadman’s Ghost is that there are no rules.

12 Apr 2012 - Interview

The producer of choice for a growing number of Northern Irish acts, Peter McVeigh is also one of the finest songwriters operating anywhere on this island.

29 Mar 2012 - Hit the North

The producer of choice for a growing number of Northern Irish acts, Peter McVeigh is also one of the finest songwriters operating anywhere on this island.

21 Mar 2012 - Interview

The Jane Bradfords’ Deci Gallen on the inspiration behind his remarkable new album.

01 Mar 2012 - Interview

Having survived a brush with major labeldom, whisky-gargling Derryman Chris McConaghy is now making wonderfully weather-beaten music as Our Krypton Son.

16 Feb 2012 - Interview

The Northern Ireland music scene has never been in ruder health. As another year stretches ahead, your humble correspondent makes his predictions as to who is going to make it to the top in 2012.

19 Jan 2012 - Interview

...Or what the coming of the MTV Awards to Belfast tells us about the state of the modern music industry, which is increasingly the playground of the posh and privileged

06 Jan 2012 - Hit the North

After several frustrated attempts, Hit the North finally sits down for a chat with the excellent General Fiasco.

08 Dec 2011 - Interview

Good and bad tidings this forthnight. On the positive side, General Fiasco have stopped pandering to the playlisters and released a scrumptious new single. Less positively, the wonderful Cat Malojian are no more. Pass the Kleenex.

24 Nov 2011 - Interview

One of the architects of Belfast’s legendary ‘70s punk scene, Brian Young is now giving it maximum sockage with rockabilly outfit The Sabrejets.

11 Nov 2011 - Interview

You don’t need me to introduce you to Carrie Davenport. If you’ve picked up this mag at any point over the last few years, or logged on to any number of local band blogs or music sites – the chances are that it’s one of Carrie’s photos that’s snagged your attention.

28 Oct 2011 - Interview

We’ve dug out the party hats and streamers round this manor to celebrate the tenth birthday of Smalltown America Records. Their durability offers an inspirational example for anyone interested in plotting a musical career away from the corporate mothership.

14 Oct 2011 - Interview

Rapidly emerging as one of the most inventive and intriguing artists in the land, genre-hopper David Lyttle discusses jazz, hip-hop and his new soul direction.

03 Oct 2011 - Interview

Our friend in the North gets an unexpected treat while waiting for the number 10 bus.

14 Sep 2011 - Interview

In a break from normal transmissions LaFaro lead us on a highly unconventional guided tour of their new album.

30 Aug 2011 - Interview

If you think you know Belfast, tour-guide-with-a-difference Arthur Magee has a newsflash. There’s more to the city than the Titanic, bombs and bigotry, he explains.

25 Aug 2011 - Interview

One of the North’s most overlooked bands are about to play a reunion show in Belfast. But you don’t have to be from the far side of the border to cheer the return of The Outcasts.

22 Aug 2011 - Hit the North

Belfast-based musician Katie Richardson tells Colin Carberry about treading the boards, finding her sound and releasing the EP The Places We Go; The Darkest Depths.

23 Jun 2011 - Interview

Northern Irish acts are overcoming the tough economic times to produce some killer music.

09 Jun 2011 - Interview

They’ve been on the go for several years now, but as they start to plan that much-anticipated debut album, A Plastic Rose ponder what it would be like to hit the big time.

01 Jun 2011 - Interview

Songwriter Robyn G. Shiels on double fractures, thieving fans and his adventures in soundtracking.

11 May 2011 - Interview

Lisburn trio Mojo Fury present an exclusive guide to their spanking debut album. Pull up a chair and read on...

27 Apr 2011 - Interview

Northern rockers ASIWYFA are likely to win plenty of new fans courtesy of their excellent second album.

14 Apr 2011 - Interview

Great things were expected of his last band but events conspired to derail the enterprise. Now Paul McIver is back and better than ever with new project Morning Claws. He talks about rebirth, renewal and his hopes for the future.

31 Mar 2011 - Interview

Whatever they’re putting in the water up there it’s working – the north has become a wellspring of innovative electronica.

16 Mar 2011 - Interview

Ernest singer-songwriters have traditionally received short shrift in the North. Now Jason Clarke aims to challenge this stereotype.

01 Mar 2011 - Hit the North

With nods towards The Small Faces, Syd Barrett and early seventies Macca, the debut album from Pat Dam Smyth lives up to the hype.

17 Feb 2011 - Interview

Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody is doing his bit for the north of the border music scene with his Third Bar project.

03 Feb 2011 - Interview

One of Ireland’s most eclectic labels, Smalltown America, celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2011. No small achievement given the dire state of the industry

20 Jan 2011 - Interview

Most us would rather forgot 2010 – and the quicker the better. For fresh-faced rockers MORE THAN CONQUERORS, however, it has been 12 months to remember

09 Dec 2010 - Interview

Named after the colours you see when you close your eyes, Eigengrau's music is a portal to another dimension

29 Nov 2010 - Interview

One of the north’s most iconic labels is back – and it couldn’t have picked a better release to kick start its return

15 Nov 2010 - Interview

Why The Holy Innocents might be the best way to make those dreary winter evenings fly past.

03 Nov 2010 - Hit the North

One of the north’s top electro acts are hitting the road – and coming to a venue near you in the not too distant future

02 Nov 2010 - Interview

The Jane Bradfords could already be your favourite band – you just haven’t realised it yet.

01 Nov 2010 - Interview

They’ve been knocking around the Belfast scene for yonks. But ESCAPE ACT are only hitting their stride now.

13 Oct 2010 - Interview

Their the odd couple who are electrifying the northern scene. Mark McCambridge and Eamonn McNamee of The Holy Innocents explain how their differences make them tick.

19 Aug 2010 - Hit the North

They don't much like the internet but that hasn't stopped acoustic trio ALBRECHT'S PENCIL going down a storm in cyberspace – and further afield

29 Jul 2010 - Reports

With the World Cup in full flight, how better to mark the event than, er, quizzing some leading Nordie musicians about their favourite soccer-related tunes? Trust us, it’ll make sense when you read it.

30 Jun 2010 - Hit the North

Running out of inspiration, Tom McShane strapped on his guitar and set off on an epic trek across the US.

15 Jun 2010 - Hit the North

From a soggy corner of Derry with a track record in producing great artists, say hello to newcomers Silhouette

14 Jun 2010 - Interview

The second Burning Codes album is imminent, and it’s been worth the wait!

18 May 2010 - Interview

The rock and roll side of post-Troubles Belfast is celebrated in a blistering new movie. But what's the ginger kid from Harry Potter doing in it?

29 Apr 2010 - Interview

In praise of Burning Codes, the northern band that really should be on your radar.

15 Apr 2010 - Interview

They’ve insired a Duke Special song, shared a stage with The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon and supported Snow Patrol. So how come Lowly Knights aren’t better known?

01 Apr 2010 - Interview

Classically-trained Ruby Colley talks about making the transition from the orchestra pit to the rock club.

19 Mar 2010 - Interview

It was a turbulent decade in NI rock music circles, with some unforgettable highlights...

05 Mar 2010 - Hit the North

J.D. Salinger nut Aaron Shanley ran away from home to join the rock ‘n’ roll circus, and is now reaping the rewards.

04 Mar 2010 - Interview

The Beat Poets’ John Dinsmore has been through the wars. But now he’s back and better than ever, as his new record succinctly demonstrates.

19 Feb 2010 - Hit the North

How the sickness and tragic death of a sibling helped Geoff Gatt find his voice as an artist

10 Feb 2010 - Interview

If anything unites the crop of new bands emerging in the North it’s their sheer, eye-popping diversity...

27 Jan 2010 - Interview

While all was gloom and doom south of the border, it was a productive year on the Northern music scene, with new artists delivering stunning debuts in a variety of genres

11 Dec 2009 - Hit the North

What better way to mark Halloween than with a blast of bad ass riffola from the hottest northern band on the scene, GENERAL FIASCO.

27 Nov 2009 - Hit the North

It was a meeting of minds and music when Owen McNulty and Orla Lynch got together to form Louisiana Joyride

11 Nov 2009 - Hit the North

Songwriters have been adopted alternate identities for decades now but few have gone so deeply into ‘character’ as Martin Corrigan, or, as he would prefer to be called, John Edgar Voe

30 Oct 2009 - Hit the North

Say “hello” to Belfast’s hottest newcomers, Yes Cadets. They talk about early career setbacks, and the long road to redemption.

19 Oct 2009 - Hit the North

Say hello to Nakatomi Towers, one of the more singular duos to have emerged from the north in recent years

01 Oct 2009 - Interview

With 2009 entering its final months, it’s time to take stock of the quality of northern releases thus far. If this year’s batch of stand-out records have anything in common, it is their determination to break boundaries and confound expectations

18 Sep 2009 - Interview

He’s been the artist to watch for years in Belfast, with a critically acclaimed David Holmes collaboration one of his many achievements. Now Phil Kieran is finally getting around to releasing an album. He talks to Colin Carberry about the long journey from drawing board to completion.

04 Sep 2009 - Interview

Get ready for a whole new kind of weird as avant-gardists THE SUMMER EXPERIMENT prepare to hit the live circuit, touting a unique mix of folk, indie and classical.

24 Aug 2009 - Interview

We’ve been banging on for months about the utter fabulousness of CAT MALOJIAN - now, with the release of their latest album, the rest of the world is set to get a taste of their genius too.

10 Aug 2009 - Interview

Their music may incorporate snatches of jazz, folk and classical music. But whatever you do, make sure you don’t call Albrecht's Pencil a ‘fusion’ act.

10 Jul 2009 - Interview

For most bands, a gritty rehearsal room or their parents’ garage must suffice. But Belfast indie popsters Heliopause have opted for a rather more individualistic practice space – their drummer’s kitchen.

25 Jun 2009 - Interview

He’s one of the most modest figures on the Northern Ireland music scene. But with David Holmes and Duke Special among his cheerleaders, it’s clear that Robyn G. Shiels is a special talent indeed.

09 Jun 2009 - Interview

They’re the hottest thing to have come out of Belfast in years. Ahead of the release of their hugely anticipated long-play debut, guitar-abusing noiseniks and so I watched you from afar, give us a track-by-track lowdown on the album.

24 Apr 2009 - Interview

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