In a fortnight when the queen or pop is visiting the Emerald Isle it’s an opportune moment to start the column with news from the laydeez of the domestic scene.

It has been a wonderful few weeks for Elaine K who has been busy at work in the US. She reached a deal with MTV in the last few weeks to licence the entire As Is album (instrumental version only) for one of their most popular shows, Roomraiders, for its third season. Girl power indeed. Also, her version of ‘Is she really going out with him?’ has been chosen as the opening track for a US Joe Jackson tribute CD. The album should be released in the States in late September/early October. Elaine will play On the Verge at the Hub at August 31…
Tipperary rock goddesses Fair Verona have certainly gone from strength to strength since they relocated to Dublin. Just last month the girls performed as part of the Bud Rising festival and are shortly set to release their newest recording effort. The three-track demo has already received much airplay on a number of stations around the country. They also play the Beamish festival on September 24 in Cork and the Hard Working Class Heroes event in Dublin…
Also appearing at HWCH are The Betes Noires. Fans will be pleased to know that the video for ‘Janet Puritanic’ is now online in Realplayer format at www.betesnoires.com. The band also have a few copies of the Remote Parts DVD available which features the video as well as a 20 minute documentary. For a copy e-mail your full name and address to [email protected]
Also updating online are Tipperary’s My Name Was Clark – check out their revamped site at www.mynamewasclark.com. The new single ‘Crazy’ is due for release September 17 and the long awaited debut album Unperfected Circle...Everybody’s got a what if? is out on October 4. The band will then take to the road for what they call their ‘Official European Tour’ which will include dates in London and Scotland...
Another live event to watch out for is this year’s G4 Music Festival in Draperstown. The growing success of the event has led to a change in venue to The Playing Fields, situated in the heart of Draperstown, with the Sperrin Mountains acting as a picturesque backdrop.
Camping will be available on site and local artists will be displaying their wares on various stalls throughout the day.
Plus, this year’s G4 is also a ‘bring-your-own-beer’ event – though strictly no glass bottles will be allowed within the performing or camping areas.
The line-up includes Alphastates, The Answer, Fighting With Wire, Label and Uber…
Congrats to Ger from Uber on the birth of his son Julian. The band have been lying low lately purging their creative talents which will result in their debut EP ‘Anti Comose’ out October 2004, followed by the ‘Pirzuala’ EP in January 05 and the Abdomen LP in May 05. All releases will be supported by promotional tours throughout the length and breadth of the country, in addition to UK dates. Will keep you posted…
Also heading out on the road are Limerick rockers Veneer who will appear at The High Stool, Limerick on Sept 2, Hard Working Class Heroes Festival on Sept 4 and the Sugar Club on Sept 15 following their very successful July appearance there…
Missing from the circuit of late are Dublin’s SDM whose regular shows around the fair city have been put on hold as their search for a new frontman continues following Dave’s departure to Oz. The band are hoping to be back on track in the next few weeks. Check Hotpress.com for gig updates…

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