As well as bringing the best of drama and visual art to the city, the Kilkenny Arts Festival has a strong tradition of delivering great music. So it is appropriate that this year’s festival would welcome back local underground sensation Rarely Seen Above Ground (Jeremy Hickey to friends).

“I’ll be playing in the SET Theatre on the 8th – the venue is actually still under construction,” states the drummer/singer. “I think I’ll be the first one performing there. That’ll be a real privilege. The room is shaping up to be really cool and has a nice vibe. In fact, it’s almost got a Whelan’s feel about it.”
Such is his enthusiasm for the gig, he’s decided to record it for posterity and issue it as a live DVD. “I think that venue could be one of the best things to have appeared in Kilkenny in some time. I haven’t played the city in ages. It’ll be something a bit special.”
He’s not the only music highlight this year. Also sure to turn heads are Amiina, playing the ‘Wired’ section of the festival alongside R.S.A.G. This classical crossover act enjoy a huge cult following and have collaborated with Sigur Rós in the past .
“I’m really looking forward to Low as well,” continues Hickey, referencing the acclaimed Minnesota ‘Slowcore’ ensemble that will be appearing in St. Canice’s Cathedral on Saturday 15. “If I was to choose my favorite out of who’s performing, it’d probably be them.”
Thus far, it’s been a busy year for R.S.A.G., who has notched up a TV appearance on the Sony Ericsson Raw Sessions and a string of live shows culminating in a real with a spot at Oxegen. Later this summer, meanwhile, he’ll be playing Castlepalooza and has a slot at Croatia’s Airbound Festival.
“Yeah I’m pretty busy at the moment,” he says.“I’m just trying to concentrate on keeping moving.”