Reports from the frontline of the indie nation

"Step it up this year weather man/The time's right, sleep all day to wake up for night life"

Dilated Peoples were rapping about California in 2001, but the words ring true for Dublin today. The time is indeed right to WAKE UP and go to a gig or show any night of the week. Hip-hop hasn't quite kicked off here yet, mind, or not in a serious way... Dublin is indie land!
A common misconception about indie music is that it involves scenester haircuts, Interpol riffs and boring venues. Defined, as far as I'm concerned, by "no affiliation with a major record label", indie actually transcends genres to encompass all the triers and the doers who forge ahead to get their songs heard, whether it's on stage or on record, irrespective of whether they're making money or not. Truth is that with so many musicians and so few labels, fame and riches elude most bands.
Those things may be fine and good if they happen, but they aren't what it's really all about. Rather, success on the independent circuit depends on individuality, and on your ability to stand apart in what has become a very crowded field. So, here's a dispatch from a random week in the life of an indie fan.

THURSDAY:
Small promoters play a big role in keeping the music scene afloat so it was encouraging when diners' club Odessa in Dame Court (that's just off Exchequer Street) recently announced a series of music nights, starring Sweet Jane, Heritage Centre, Readers' Wives and New Amusement. On a recent Thusday, I headed in with some friends to check out Readers' Wives. I was already acquainted with guitarist Chris Morrin, who also records as Robotnik. The band's forte is offbeat humour, jangly guitars and lots of red hair. Frontman Niall James Holohan's quips broke the ice and paved the way perfectly for the band's stand-out tune, 'Sexually Attracted To Myself'.
Having missed the last bus home, I dropped into Cassidy's of Westmoreland Street where Murder Plan were kicking off the Dublin Soul Festival with a basement jam, part of IMRO's Rising Stars showcase. Despite their sinister handle, this band are actually a blues-rock fusion outfit with thoughtful, empowering lyrics. With a new EP due very soon, they work the indie angle resolutely with regular gigs and handing out free promo CDs. Thing is, it may be time for them to start making bigger waves.
A good first night!

FRIDAY:
The main reason for leaving your house tonight is the launch of Director's new album at the Button Factory, with support from The Rags and the ex-Marshals/Television Room frontman, Michael John. Director's first LP was released by Warner in 2006 and received positive reviews but the band were subsequently released from the deal and instead are putting out I'll Wait For Sound on their own label, Crapshoot Economics. It just goes to show the thin line that can sometimes separate indie bands from those signed by majors. Despite a recent lull in live performances, fans turn out en masse to hear the new songs, singing back impressively where they know the words. It's a very positive night for Director, suggesting that they have enough of a support base to enjoy a successful independent career. If you haven't got the album already, check it out.

SATURDAY:
It's back to the Button Factory. Support act 8 Ball are a strange and highly energetic progressive pop band but tonight is all about Jape, winner of the Choice Music Prize for his third album Ritual. The capacity crowd is tremendous – proof people do come in huge numbers for one of our own who's on the rise. Richie Egan's songs veer from acoustic pop to sparkling, synthy numbers. I can't help but be impressed. An over-enthusiastic woman instantly responded to Richie's invitation for guest vocals on 'Streetwise', before admitting on-stage that she didn't know the lyrics. Everyone else does though and she is helped through in a spirit of high good humour. Another surprise appearance came from Lisa Hannigan, although the absence of 'Phil Lynnott' caused a few quiet grumbles. Some people are never satisfied!

SUNDAY:
As late-May sunshine split the skies over Dublin Bay, it seemed the weatherman really had stepped it up and I took to the streets with my quest. Summer is the perfect time for outdoor gigs and I was in luck as two exciting events were underway within minutes of each other. First stop was the Merrion Square Soul Picnic, also part of the Dublin Soul Festival, to catch the sultry tones of sometimes Tassel Club member, Iseult – she really can sing.
Down at the Iveagh Gardens, meanwhile, Africa Day was underway with performances from Jape, Cathy Davey, Republic Of Loose, and a fabulous set from Kila, preceeding the inspired headliner, Vieux Farka Toure from Mali. Now this is indie, in a very important sense of the word! Both events were thronged. It was wonderful to enjoy the combination of music and sun as a family. Festivals are brilliant opportunities for cross-over billings and – on these bills – all the performers are independent, chosen on the merit of their popular appeal. I went home sated.

TUESDAY:
While all musicians' paths differ, many cross at the same junctions and Doyles' Ruby Sessions has seen many fledgling bands reach great heights. I drop in for a rare glimpse of Kilkenny's Adela Meally, whose 'Party Of Three' Tisch video premiered with Hot Press last autumn. While the candlelit pub lacked the splendour of Odessa, the sense of occasion was even greater: every stool was taken and you could hear a pin drop. Adela's vocals rose well over the russet guitar tones, all polished and practiced and capable of reaching emotional as well as melodic heights. Now is definitely the right time to see her take a proper hit at becoming the new queen of the local, indie singer-songwriter scene, now that Cathy Davey's gone on to bigger things.
Soothed and ruminative, I spent my bus fare on crisps and walked the mile home on foot, glad I didn't choose the fury of UK punks Gallows at the Academy. It would have been cool to see local lads Wounds strut and scream on a big stage but that's the beauty of Dublin: you can bet they'll play again somewhere, soon.
Though it's always tiring and often hard, indie bands are an integral aspect of Irish entertainment. From the bare-board open-mic nights to festivals, there's something for everyone. But few musicians can make a good living from working the live circuit, so instead are content to make good music for no other reason than love. And that is the essence of what makes it matter. Support your local independent band – they keep it real.