Author Archives: Nick Kelly

Marty Mone – Truck And Roll

Fancy a road trip?

Then climb in to Marty Mone’s big red rig and take in the sights of the open road.

Imagine a cross between The Saw Doctors and Smokey And The Bandit (1977) and you’re nearly there.

The press blurb says:

“It’s a compelling summary of the ups-and-downs of a working-class touring musician, but also a look into the life of what happens in between — going to truck shows and exploring the countryside in his Scania R580.”

The journey in the video saw Marty – a native of Castleblayney, County Monaghan – burn 50,000 miles of rubber.

Nick says: Wheels of fortune.

Marty Mone

Olivia Armstrong

It’s only for fairies.

Irish born, London based professional storyteller Olivia Armstrong writes:

Before Queen Victoria insisted on a white wedding dress in 1840, the custom had been for brides to wear bright, colourful dresses that could be worn again – but never green.

Green was the fairies’ colour and to wear it could bring devastation to the bride…

Meanwhile…

Anyone?

A poster designed by Jack Healy for Danny Boy, a comedy by Ferdia Mac Anna currently in post-production which is…

‘…Set in small town Ireland in 1981, ‘Dannyboy’ tells the story of a young man trying to find love among New Romantics, Post Punks, Goths and others tribes.

The film centres around Daniel, an anxious, stuttering teen in his attempt to save his demented family in the midst of a compromising love triangle…’

Honda out of that.

Ferdia Mac Anna

Ultan Conlon – Sparks Of The Divine

Do you wanna dance?

Then here’s some moves to practise in the video for Ultan Conlon‘s new single as Julia and Varun get jiggy with it.

It’s the first taster from his forthcoming fourth album There’s A Waltz which was recorded in Los Angeles with top session players.

Catch Ultan live on Sunday at the Black Gate Cultural Centre in Galway.

Nick says: A holy show.

Ultan Conlon

Deadly Buzz Aldrin – Stories

The chamomile Kraftwerk?

Mellow electronica rules the day on this second video from last year’s Your Move, Space Cadet EP, released on the Soft Landings label.

The video was created by Aniz Duran. A second EP is due in late April.

Nick says: To the Sea of Tranquillity and beyond…

Deadly Buzz Aldrin

Stolen City – The Tower

In the mood for anthemic pop with a big heart?

Then let me introduce Dublin trio Stolen City. Singer Sean McGrath is joined by guitarist David McCabe and drummer Ian Bailey on their rousing new single.

The video is by Ciaran O’Donnell.

According to the band,

“The Tower was written as a letter by lead singer Sean to his girlfriend Amy to explain that no matter what she has, or will go through in life, that he will be there to help her through it.

With addiction & violence occurring in the home when she was a child, it has had a knock-on affect in her later life leading to PTSD and depression.

“Stolen City hope that this song shows people that no matter what’s going on in their lives or the lives of others close to them that there is always a reason to carry on and someone there to help you through those hard times.”

Amen to that.

Nick says: Tower of strength.

Stolen City

This morning.

Hacketstown, on the border between County Carlow and County Wicklow.

Darragh Kelly tweetz:

Different world up here! 200m elevation. 3 inches of snow here. Still snowing heavily

Meanwhile…

Dancer Don King and Bonnie Ryan (above) at the official launch of Thrive Festival 2020; Glenda Gilsen (above lettering) at the Convention Centre, Dublin

Attention fitness enthusiasts and nutrition boffins.

No wait, come back.

We have a pair of tickets to give away to both the Saturday and Sunday of this year’s Thrive Festival in Dublin’s Convention Centre on February 29 and March 1.

Thrive is ‘an explorium of cutting-edge fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, yoga, meditation and interactive panel discussions‘ over three days.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell me below what is your favourite song about food or which mentions a particular food.

The winner will be chosen by my personal trainer.

Polls close at MIDNIGHT 6am.

Nick says: Good luck!

Thrive Festival 2020

Golden Discs voucher competition will return next week.

Pics: Photocall Ireland

Here’s mine.

What’s yours?