Few would argue that there are better ways to beat the winter blues than escaping to the sun. This solution proved to be an inspiring one for Mayo native and sometime Galway resident Kevin Ryan, who having returned from a sojourn in Barcelona is about to release his debut This Is For The Sun EP. In the past Kevin has shared the stage with such luminaries as Damien Rice, Mundy and Garth Hudson from The Band… definitely one to watch out for in 2005...
...Other upcoming productive endeavours in the west include the forthcoming debut album from Lucas [pictured] – due in late February. The band recently recorded one of their live shows at the Roisin Dubh before Christmas to be used to whet appetites for the LP. They are due to release the single ‘Cobwebs and Dreams’ in the coming month.
Clifden native Martin Finke is to release his new album Crown Time in late January and has arranged a number of dates to showcase his new material. Check What's On for tour dates...
...News from this year’s capital of culture next… Chunky Planet, inspired by their recording ‘Pensioners Watch TV’ being selected as demo of the fortnight back in July, have used the accolade to generate further publicity, and have now released the track professionally with HMV Cork having already stocked up on it...
...Other activities in the area to watch out for include a fundraiser for the victims of the Tsunami disaster. The show will take place on Friday January 21 in The Savoy. Confirmed so far are: Freddie White, John Spillane, Gavin Moore, Ger Wolfe, Ian Whitty, Fred, Stanley Super 800 and The Niall Connolly Band. Tickets available on the door on the night. Minimum donation €20.
...Singer-songwriter Emma Cunningham has just launched her new website. Check www.emmacunningham.com to keep up to date on news, upcoming gigs and listen to some of her tracks...
...In Northern news, The Nerve Centre is currently accepting demo submissions for the New Band Expo (until 31 January ‘05) from original unsigned music acts throughout Ireland and the UK.
Successful acts will perform at the New Band Expo in April before an audience drawn from the spheres of A&R executives, publishers, promoters and press and distributors.
Last year saw 23 bands in three days, four venues and over 700 punters. Some of the great bands that took part are inevitably getting greater: Fighting With Wire, Red Organ Serpent Sound, Halite, Rulers of The Planet and Next Nine Years, to name but a few.
So if you are an unsigned music act vying for some real live exposure send your demo (or CD), a short biog and photo to Tony Doherty at the Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine Street, Derry, BT48 6HJ before 31 January 2005. For further information email: [email protected].
...Another opportunity not to be missed is the latest initiative by Asylum Studios & Trust Me I’m A Thief, who have teamed up to provide a competition aimed at bands and artists who want to get some quality recording under their belts. The prize will be a day of recording in Asylum Studios, which in the past has been a creative home for Jape, The Radio, Jesse & Layla and Schroedersound. The lucky winners will get to work with James Eadie (responsible for the production on the Jape album) and Liam Mulvaney (responsible for production on The Radio album). You can enter the competition on www.trustmeimathief.com.

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 9-11, with Alison Curtis on Today FM (e-mail: lastsplash@todayfm. com)