secret fireworks

(apologies for the lack of recent posting, but these exams are quite frankly taking over my life)



Since January 2009 I've had the delightful pleasure of working with the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, a charity set up in 1979 to speak for and represent young people. It's a youth run organisation, and it's simply brilliant craic- there's a real vibrant attitude around the offices and there are always a number of exciting initiatives being talked about. A few months ago, we were discussing what we'd like to do this year, and one thing that was close to all our hearts was music.

I say music, but what I really mean was gigs. Since I was 16 I've had a keen interest in the local music scene, but due to my age I was never able to see live local music. The Ulster Hall was shut and every half decent local band were playing in bars and clubs. This normally meant I wouldn't even try to go to a gig, or even if I did try, I'd get knocked back 99 times out of 100. When we discussed this, it seems my experience was common to most people, and it only ends up hurting bands in the long run.

The teenage demographic is one of the most influential and powerful out there without a doubt. A few local bands have managed to harness and reach out to teenagers- General Fiasco and Fighting With Wire are just two names that spring to mind- but there are so many acts bubbling under the surface that would be lapped up by teenagers. I'm convinced that Two Door Cinema Club and the Panama Kings would take over the country given a chance to play to younger audiences- what's more, I would personally make the latest ASIWYFA album a compulsory part of the National Curriculum if I was Minister for Education.

It's not just the fans that are suffering, though. It's the music scene in general. I'm sure a band would prefer to play a sold out show than a half empty venue. Perhaps it would cost a little more to rent out the venue and have a dry bar, but a bigger audience could cancel that out. Local bands need younger fans- because younger fans are much more likely to grow a little obsessed over a band than the more "discerning" music fan. It's all well and good putting posters up and spamming your MySpace link on various local websites, but word of mouth is worth its weight in gold. Musicians may criticise filesharing, but it's teenagers who are sending each other band demos and singles over Bluetooth and Rapidshare, even. This promotion is volunteer led and most importantly free- what band wouldn't want that?

Finally, young musicians are suffering. From chatting to a number of younger bands, a major concern of theirs is that they'll be kicked out of a bar or a venue for being underage. It stifles the scene. Bands don't want to play church halls or GAA clubs- they want to play where their musical heroes play. It's motivating. Quite simply, young musicians, music lovers and local bands don't stand a chance. The kids don't stand a chance.

We decided that we'd try to push promoters and venues to hold more all ages gigs- and the best way of doing that would be by holding a few underage gigs ourselves. Originally the project started out as a single gig in the Oh Yeah Music Centre, with a few younger bands and perhaps an established band on the local scene. After I got in contact with a few musicians, the project has taken on a life of it's own. Dozens of bands of all musical genres got in touch with our project, pledging everything and anything to seize this valuable opportunity to play an all ages gig. Promoters got in touch with the project, advising us on what we needed to do, helped us create various posters and gave up their time for free. Currently, we're planning to hold four gigs in Belfast (Oh Yeah Music Centre), Newry (The Magnet Centre) and two unspecified venues in Derry and Coleraine featuring over 16 top quality bands- playing to roughly 1,000 people in Northern Ireland.

I'm delighted, thus, to announce our first gig of the mini festival: two well established acts and two very promising younger bands on Tuesday 14th July 2009 in the Oh Yeah Centre Belfast.

LaFaro are headlining- to say we're delighted is an understatement. One of the most talented local bands over the past 10 years, LaFaro are a polished, professional group that play dirty yet appealing punk rock. They've been critically acclaimed by local and national media, and their track "Tuppenny Nudger" was voted the greatest track of Alternative Ulster's lifetime. I've had the pleasure of seeing LaFaro nearly destroy the Ulster Hall with the song "Leningrad", and my ears are still ringing. Beautiful.

A Plastic Rose, those beautiful, beautiful people. Within 5 minutes of posting on Fastfude, Gerry Norman got in touch with me, and we're over the moon to have these guys playing our gig. "Kids Don't Behave Like This" is easily one of the best songs I have heard all year, and their live performances are a joy to behold. They've written some solid material over the past 6 months and it's pretty safe to say there will be a number of new Plastic Rose devotees after this gig. I think they take the concept of Biffy Clyro, tweak it, and deliver it a hell of a lot better. They've got some gorgeous harmonies going in all their tracks as well! Download their track "Skin" at the bottom of the post.

The Audiables are a band you might not be familiar with, but that'll hopefully change over the next year or so. It's a little surprising to hear such a young band with a sound that plays clear homage to musicians of yesteryear but the Audiables are a solid act, mixing blues, Brit rock and psychadelica with a modern twist. They've also got a habit of throwing an awesome guitar solo or two in there as well. They're set to represent Northern Ireland in the prestigious Coca Cola Blastbeat competition finals in Dublin, and I'm sure they'll do us proud.

Last, but certainly not least, we've got The Postbox Theory. They've recently released an EP (which I should REALLY post the review for) which is a promising start for a very promising band. They're not the finished product yet, but they've certainly got their heads screwed on. Their influences span from electronica to post punk rock, resulting in a unique sound that reminds me a little of We Are Scientists crossed with Desert Hearts and ASIWYFA. Intrigued? You should be. Listen to Recommence The Tea Party, available for download at the bottom of the post.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be announcing the other gigs, sharing some interviews with the bands and perhaps a competition or two for tickets. Check out the MySpace at www.myspace.com/niyouthforum for the latest information in regards to tickets and the like.

Skin- A Plastic Rose
Recommence The Tea Party- The Postbox Theory