April was (and always appears to be) a hectic transitional month which is packed with single releases, album launches and the inevitable build up to the summer festivals. Coming at the right time after the January post-Christmas dull period, ‘business as usual’ takes hold. Bands start appearing from dishevelled practice rooms and recording studios out into the Spring sunshine, shirts tucked in and sunglasses on. The dates for many gigs that were put into plan during the colder months finally come around and venues start popping club nights out of nowhere. Ladies of course, begin to roam the streets wearing a little less as the temperature rises.
Yes even here in Belfast.
All in all it is merely the tip of the iceberg as May and June set the hammer for the hard working bands to fly off on tour across the United Kingdom and now to Europe after the escapades of our flag holders. In return, over the coming weeks, we shall see the influx of bands jetting to here on their own tours from as far flung international settings as America or New Zealand, that will compliment the steady flow of British talent dropping noise across Ireland; providing support opportunities for those planning on spending their year a little closer to home.
It’s an exciting time, the first footfalls of an energetic march that will end around September as the days grow shorter again. For now, and to introduce you to life here in the North…
Pocket Billiards re-launched their début album on limited edition vinyl this month, with an additional set of bonus tracks added on – causing a scene at the gig in the process with Assailants and Aggressors B.C.
Eatenbybears goofing around backstage after opening for Jifabuki. The lads are hoping to play FIB Benicassim this year in Barcelona. Currently they are gathering votes swiftly in a competition run by the festival organisers.
Promotional shoot with Nocturn, the Derry band are in the first stages of press for their new album, ‘Collision‘ – out this summer.
Local DJ, and drummer with A Northern Light, Omar Ben Hassine taking five after a long weekend.
Strabane rapper Mr. Mills contemplates his set after a gig in Belfast – having taken to the stage uncharacteristically amongst several indie/rock bands. The crowd was receptive but Steven was hoping for a cleaner performance. His new short play, The New Me is out now.
Busker ‘Cavalero’ is egged on by Omar Ben Hassine of A Northern Light on a night out. Dominic has spent almost every single evening of his time here in Ireland over the last few weeks on the street busking and winning fans.
Tony Wright leads on the 7 Billion Choir at And So I Watch You From Afar’s album launch at the Mandela Hall. ‘Gangs‘ is out now, and has reaffirmed the band’s importance to local music here in Northern Ireland. The performance to the sold out Mandela was inspiring to say the very least.
Chris Wee from And So I Watch You From Afar pausing for breath during ‘Samara To Belfast‘.
Donal Scullion from NI Soul Troop offers up a rare acoustic performance during an arts and music event ran by the Catalyst Arts Centre.
Slaine Browne of North Coast rock-hop outfit Team Fresh practising and writing new material for their year ahead. The band have taken a few steps back from the stage over the last few months in preparation for the summer festival season which kicks off at the end of May and sees them playing the main stage at the Pigstock Music Festival, Killinchy.
(Matthew Alexander Patton)
