Preparations are well underway for the start of Cork’s reign as the European Capital of Culture 2005. The People’s Republic has been a hive of activity over the last year on the indie front and this trend is sure to continue over the next few months. Currently we can look forward to the imminent launch of The Berries’ new EP If They Don’t Care, Why Should I? recorded at Blue Monkey Studios and produced by the Frank & Walters’ Ashley Keating...

Rest are currently speaking to Cyclefly’s Ciaran O’Shea about producing their next EP. Expect guest vocals from some interesting names.
Rulers Of The Planet follow up their recent trip to London when they play with The Radio in The Barfly, London at The Buffalo Bar on Nov 9 with newly signed Fat Cat band, The Mutts...
...Continuing the current date/title contradiction trend set by The Chalets, Fred are releasing their new single ‘October’ this month. The CD features three tracks, two of which are taken from the forthcoming album Making Music So You Don’t Have To. Also included are ‘Summer’s Coming’ and an acoustic version of ‘October’.
Where’s Pete Courtney has been of late? Well, the Monaghan-born singer/songwriter has been wowing crowds in Germany, France and India (where he was the only musician from the western world playing five shows at the Experience festival). He is currently recording his second album stories from the holistic museum vol 1, for release in late February 2005. Catch him in the Temple Bar Music Centre on Nov 14 for a special birthday gig featuring Vyvienne Long on cello and a guest appearance from Ollie Cole...
Another gent with reason to celebrate is David Turpin, who has just completed his debut long-player Heaven. Largely self-produced, the CD’s 10 tracks feature contributions from Stephen Shannon (Halfset), Donnacha Costello, Rod Morris (Front End Synthetics), and Conor O’Brien of The Immediate and Herv. The album combines experimental sounds and pop sensibilities in a mixture that is both wholly distinctive and uniquely accessible. The title track has already received airplay on Dan Hegarty’s 2fm radio show...
A CD always worth getting your hands on is Musicbest’s Front Page compilation. The third volume is more of the same – a 20 track compilation. Featuring an eclectic and consistently strong mix of emerging artists, this CD is a must for anyone with an interest in the N.I music scene. The CD was launched recently over two days of live music at the Front Page in Belfast. Bands included are Pay*ola, Zombie Safari Park, The Lingus, The Beekeeper Summit and Myosin...
It’s been a long wait (two years to be precise) but you can now look forward to Aidan’s second album Waiting for the Tide to Rise on the FloatingHome label. Will keep you posted on the exact release date...

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