Author Archives: Nick Kelly

Van Morrison – Dangerous

“I must be getting close to the truth.”

Funny how the same people who used to laud Van The Man as a unique musical genius turned on him the minute he went off-message about Covid lockdowns.

It was of course Robin Swann, Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, who dubbed Van “dangerous” for daring to air his views on the pandemic policies of the government.

Now the outspoken godfather of Celtic Soul answers back on his new single. What will the 77th Brigade make of it all? I’d say we’re about to find out.

To quote one of the commenters under the YouTube video:

“In times of mass deception, telling the truth is truly revolutionary. Very few entertainment celebrities tell the truth. Van puts to shame those celebrities who know the truth but do not speak it for fear of being cancelled.”

FIGHT!

Nick says: Swann song.

Van Morrison

Thank Fanny it’s Friday.

Are you all sitting comfortably? Then, let’s begin.

This week, the theme of our voucher-less music watercooler convo is stars. So what’s your favourite song about or mentioning stars in the lyrics/title?

Here’s mine.

Please include video links if possible.

Lines close on Saturday at Middnight

Nick says: Good luck!

Last week, thanks to a suggestion by Andy Pipkin, I asked you what song you’d like played at your funeral.

You all gave really great answers so it was very hard to pick a winner.

However, Fergalito won my esteem with this solemnly naughty entry.

Smog – Dress Sexy at my Funeral

Fergalito writes:

“Death is not something I tend to dwell on much any more, though when my thoughts are taken with it, I find I’m consumed more with the idea of losing love rather than countenancing the void. It’s almost too much to bear sometimes. Grief is the contraction of love as someone very dear to me once said.”

Nick says: Well done Fergalito, and thanks to everyone who wrote in.

Last week: Win Nick’s Esteem

Pic: Bunker Vinyl, Cork

Trick Mist – The Junction

Trick is a treat.

Cork musician, multi-instrumentalist and producer Gavin Murray (top) aka Trick Mist is enthused about his new project.

This is the first installment of a unique music video and podcast series called ‘Tracing Places’ (funded by the Arts Council of Ireland) that involves 4 artists making 4 videos for 4 new songs and an adjoining 4 part podcast series hosted by Trick Mist.

Gavin writes:

“I’ve been working with these amazing artists in an unusual way. The artists were given full creative control over their art, making music videos based purely on their reaction to the song. Basically how it worked was I would send the artist the song and the lyrics. That was it. I would offer no directives. I see the video when it’s finished. Simple as that! My ambition is to emphasise individual perception, place it on a platform and celebrate it.

“When the works are completed I will host a stand alone 4 part podcast series. Each podcast will essentially be a discussion with the artist about the work created, their ideas behind the video, their interpretation of the song and my ideas behind the song.

“We’ll really try and tease out the intersection (if any) between us. There might not be any and that’s cool too. It’s all to play for. This will be the first time our concepts will meet. We’re going to communicate them here, on the podcast, out in the open.”

The video for The Junction was directed, shot and edited by Katie Ball and stars Sarah Reilly.

The Junction is released on Pizza Pizza Records.

Nick says: Up The Junction.

Trick Mist

 

O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 last month

Ah here.

AVN Adult Entertainment Expo?

PORTS – Swimming Pool

And we all float on…

There’s something in the water for Derry indie shoegaze-friendly quartet PORTS.

The band are Steven McCool (Bass and Vocals), Mark O’Doherty (Drums), Ryan Griffiths (Guitar) and Conor Mason (Piano).

Steven says:

“We were using a new lyric writing technique, where we would imagine a scene. So I said I can see someone diving into a swimming pool at night in slow motion.

“The song ultimately became a metaphor for our emotions; if you fight them they become harder to manoeuvre. So, like swimming, you just go with it and it gets easier the more relaxed you are”.

The new album – the follow-up to 2016’s The Devil Is A Songbird – is due later this year.

Nick says: Swim when you’re winning.

PORTS

Twang!

This morning.

Via Dublin City Council:

We are delighted to announce a new, free, folk and traditional music event in Dublin City Centre.

The first ‘Smithfield Fleadh‘ will take place this year on the 18th and 19th of June between 12pm – 6pm each day at Smithfield Square.

Smithfield Square is Dublin city centre’s largest dedicated event space, and this year’s Fleadh is the first of its kind to take place in the location.

The two-day event promises a programme of live music from a range of talented musicians across the Irish folk and traditional music scene, as well as workshops for all the family to enjoy. The programme and more event information will be released over the coming weeks.

Dublin City Council Launches Music festival For Smithfield Square (Dublin People)

Um.

Last night.

Washington DC, USA.

Meanwhile…

Ah now.

Pio Hartnett – Roses

A good year for the roses.

Galway-born, Dublin-based genre-fluid singer/songwriter Pio Hartnett (top) is gearing up for his debut summer EP release.

A graduate of BIMM music college, Pio recently formed a 9-piece band “in order to help realise his ambitious vocal arrangements”.

Nick says: Flowered up.

Pio Hartnett