The Inside Track recently brought you news of SJ McArdle’s appearance at a pre-Oscar’s show in Hollywood and this issue we start with more movie-related happenings….Baby Jenks were recently commissioned to write the title tracks to independent filmmaker Tess Nanavati’s two latest films. The guys penned ‘Evanece’ and ‘Christopher’ for Dreams Of An Angel and Nemoc respectively. The band worked with Tess last year when she directed their video for ‘So Long’ as part of the Hot Press /Tisch New York University collaboration. You can check out both these movies and the bands video @ www.jaggededgefilms.com.
Recently returned from the Big Apple is Lieselle McMahon. She is back on home ground for the release of her Daddy’s Boy EP on March 25. This is the follow-up to last summer’s The Zing EP. The new offering was recorded and produced with Roger Fife of Antony and the Johnsons and Tricky fame. All the songs are from her forthcoming debut album Sunrise Neon and she is currently in the studio writing, recording and rehearsing for upcoming gigs.
In other release news Aaron Smyth and The Born Days launch their debut EP White On White on March 31 with a gig in Radio City in Dublin. Already, featured track ‘Why’d You Make Me Wait’ is a fave among visitors to the group’s myspace site and the live following is growing steadily. Watch this space...
Some news from the Out On A Limb camp next….Giveamanakick will be releasing a split 7” single with northern rockers Berkeley in March. On the Limerick side will be the hitherto unreleased track ‘We Are The Way Forward’ and on the Donegal side ‘Perfect Sentiment’. The support tour includes pit stops at The Brewery in Monaghan on March 25, Cyprus Avenue on March 29, Dolans on March 30 and the Roisin Dubh on March 31.
Giveamanakick will also be appearing on a new compilation from Sofa Records, Music For Long Ears – 2006 which will be available from all good record shops in early April. The CD also boasts exclusive tracks from The Frank And Walters, The Guggenheim Grotto and Shadow Cabinet featuring Whipping Boy Fearghal McKee. There will be launch gigs nationwide so keep checking hotpress.com for details…..
On the subject of gigs, the highly anticipated Festival of New Music, BANG06, makes a welcome return to Bangor from Saturday March 25 to Saturday April 1. Hosted by the Music Department of Bangor College, North Down and Arts Institute, this year’s event has an impressive range of concerts and workshops. Highlights include appearances from Oppenheimer and The Delawares. There will also be a showcase of new electronica, rock, improvised music and pop from the music dept of NDAI in SOUND BAG.
Meanwhile in Dublin, Eamonn Doran’s are gearing up for their Battle of the Bands 2006. This competition kicks off on Thursday March 30, with four weekly heats leading up to the Saturday final on the April 29. A winner from each heat will proceed to the final round and all entrants will be given a copy of their live performance. If you’re feeling lucky send a bio by email to [email protected]. The winner will receive one week’s recording and an EP that will be released in Tower Records with an in-store launch performance too!