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CONNECTED MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2011 FESTIVAL SPECIAL: LIFE // KNOCKANSTOCKAN

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*06 *12 *32 *44 nother year... Another fucking field... closer to April each year seemingly) for many of the Contents But find 60,000 up-for-its in 20 of more electronically minded the true highlight of the 06-10 Festival Guide the smaller, cosier ones (we’ll come summer is just around the corner. Yes, next up to be Festivals. At a glance. Fairly self-explanatory really... to later) and it’s suddenly squinted at through a canvas frame is Life Festival. 12-24 Life Festival sounding a lot better now isn’t it... With a rep deservedly shroomin’ each passing Adrenaline versus Xanex, plush versus flush, and In all usually-mistaken-for- year they’ve only gone and secured the first ever ‘the red ones’ versus everything else... Life (and Martin’s luxury pleasure wagon) is shaping up very smugness, that’s around 200,000 great nights Irish festival performance from . Whoop or A nicely indeed. out you’re holding in your hands there; previewed wha’... (And we’ve an exclusive interview with the 28-29 No Place Like Dome somewhat for your discerning, sunny-day patio reading. legend himself to boot.) Trippy dreams, blind milk cartons and mini-me Plans help... Elsewhere (and in chronological order so there’s gangsters, could only be NPLD now really couldn’t it.. “’s Best Festival” Oxegen is, of course, in no crying later) we give the driving forces of 44-51 Knockanstockan thanks to A League Of Its Own and single handedly adds ’s festivals the chance to pitch directly to you 100+ bands, three main stages and one very big another quarter-odd million nights out over the - the cash strapped/buzz orientated type who make difference to the Irish music scene - but you’ll have course of its weekend schedule. We, untrue to or break these events (and as usual we have a to bring your own liquid acid this time... form, chat with main man and festival director John limited amount of cut price and competition tickets Probyn. Images of poking a bear with a stick spring up for grabs - check your inbox or connected.ie for to mind for some reason... more information). Editor: Niall Turner Assistant Editors: Cliona Good, Liam Murray Design: Fred Murray Contributors: Fenster, Jamie Clarke, Jay Grogan, Brian Marconi, Steve McMullin, Amy Quirke, Laura Kelly Walsh and Barry Montgomery. Special thanks to Emma Dwyer from Oh Francis While both Sibín and Vantastival kicked off the So: plan, check; tickets, check; and we’ll leave Pictures: Darragh Basquille (www.darraghbasquille.com) Ciarna Hackett, Becky and Catriona (www.inkywrists.ie) Circulation: 20,000 – season in some serious style (summer migrating the buzz to you. Another fucking field? Bring it... distributed in over 350 locations nationwide. Contact: [email protected] // www.connected.ie

4//connected magazine 5//www.connected.ie connected’s southern festival guide

life festival 27-29 may westfest 4-5 june

Tickets: €120/€75 Tickets: €60/€100/€120 Venue: Belvedere House, Mullingar, West Meath Venue: Aghamore, Mayo Headliners: Jeff Mills, John Digweed, Dr Lektroluv, Headliners: , , Johnny Clarke & + plenty more Extras: If you have a ticket to King’s of Leon at Slane, Extras: The whole event is played in the big tent, Life are running a free shuttle bus from Belvedere with Mayo weather it might be good to be under a House and back... Nice roof of sorts Website: www.life-festival.com Website: www.westfest.ie

shamrock festival 3-5 june temple house fest 10-12 june

Tickets: €25/€35/€65 Tickets: €120/€50 Venue: Cavan Equestrian Centre Venue: Temple House Estate, near Ballymote Headliners: Republic of Loose, , in Sligo O’ Emperor, , Chesney Hawkes Headliners: Ash, Stereo Mc’s, Something Happens, Extras: You can bring in 10 cans of your own beer, there Bipolar Empire is an off-licence on site, camper vans are not allowed Extras: You can bring two kids under 12 years old along on site for this year for free. Winner of the Best New Festival, European Website: www.shamrockmusicfestival.com Awards 2010 Website: www.templehousefestival.com

forbidden fruit 4-5 june no place like dome 17-19 june

Tickets: €49/€90 Tickets: €80 Venue: Kilmainham, Museum of Modern Art, Dub. Venue: Temple House Estate, near Ballymote Headliners: Flaming Lips, Battles, Aphex Twin, Caribou, in Sligo Dan le Sac + plenty more Headliners: Ham Sandwich, Sounds Of A Extras: It starts at 2pm and ends at 10.45pm each day, System Breakdown, Codes, The Amazing Few so plan your after party Extras: This is a fancy dress event, but it’s not Website: www.forbiddenfruit.ie compulsory. There is nothing for sale anywhere, bring your booze, food and good vibes Website: www.npld.ie

x south west 4-5 june body & soul 17-19 june

Tickets: €55/95 Tickets: €55/90 Venue: Lissard Estate, Skibbereen, Cork Venue: Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, Headliners: Echo And The Bunnymen, West Meath band, God Is An Astronaut, Jape, Fred + plenty more Headliners: Fat Freddy’s Drop, Lamb, Holy Fuck, Extras: All food on the site is healthy locally produced The Field, Plaid Cork food. No chip vans and no junk food as they say Extras: Kids are free, 13-17 year olds are not allowed Website: www.corkxsw.com in, campervans welcome and there is quiet camp site section too Website: www.bodyandsoul.ie

6//connected magazine 7//www.connected.ie connected’s southern festival guide

sea sessions 24-26 June mystikfest 30-31 july

Tickets: €80/€100 inc camping Tickets: €45/€90 Venue: Bundoran, Donegal Venue: Headliners: Ziggy Marley, Go Team!, Grand Master Headliners: Christian Smith, Kaiser Disco, Filterheadz, Flash, Bellx1, Japanese Popstars Spektre, Sunil Sharpe Extras: Located beside Bundoran beach, aside from Extras: You can win a trip to Ibiza if you are on the plenty of surfing, there will be ultimate frisbee, tag mailing list rugby and beach soccer Website: www.mystikfest.com Website: www.seasessions.com

oxegen 07-10 july 30-31 july

Tickets: €224/€244 Tickets: €49/€59/€74/€89 Venue: Punchestown, Kildare Venue: Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Offaly Headliners: , , , Headliners: Jape, Naughty By Nature, Codes, Tu-Ki + 100s more Extras: Cherrycool Promotions also run the Irish Festival Extras: If you’re into “charidy”, cycle to Oxegen, for Awards, so Castlepalooza is excluded from the voting everyone who does Oxegen will donate €50 to the Website: www.castlepalooza.com Christina Noble Children’s Foundation Website: www.oxegen.ie

07-10 july 2-4 September

Tickets: €59/€79/€99 Tickets: €99/€240 Venue: Mitchelstown, Cork Venue: , Laois Headliners: Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, The Coronas, Headliners: , Pulp, Beiruit, The Chemical Ham Sandwich, Not Squares Brothers, Interpol Extras: Boutique camping is available Extras: There are so many different and quirky sections Website: www.indiependencefestival.com to Electric Picnic, but we suggest a visit to the Arcadia - Afterburner show Website: www.electricpicnic.ie

knockanstockan 22-24 july gateways 9-10 September

Tickets: €75 Tickets: TBA Venue: Ballyknockan, Wicklow Venue: Glendalough House Headliners: The Salad Circus, More Tiny Giants, Headliners: , The Whipround, Sleep Spellbound, Ross Breen,The Hot Sprockets. Thieves, Mescalito, Jack And The Band, History Of Harry, Extras: Given its mountainous location we would Attenuation Bebe, Indecent Cigar Emporium, Creamy GATEWAYS suggest bringing extra tent pegs, you can thank us later Goodness, Oddsocks Revival, More Tiny Giants, Mute Fish FESTIVAL Website: www.knockanstockan.ie Extras: September: great for Magics, not so great for sun, bring a spare jumper... Website: www.gatewaysfestival.ie

8//connected magazine 9//www.connected.ie connected’s northern festival guide

openhouse festival 22-26 june

Tickets: Various prices for different shows Venue: Cathedral Quarter, City Headliners: Fleet Foxs, , Villagers, The Low Anthem. Extras: The biggest gig is on in the Custom House Square, 25 June, Fleet Foxs headline, tickets are £38.50 Website: www.openhousefestival.com

willowstone 1-2 july

Tickets: £26/£32/£36 Venue: Killyleagh, outside Belfast City Headliners: Shlomo, The Answer, Cashier No 9, John Shelly & The Creatures Extras: The ‘Francis Barking’s Escape The Maze’ in the art section seems the most interesting. Website: www.willowstonefestival.com

glasgowbury 23 july

Tickets: £30/340 Ruth Venue: Draperstown, Co Derry Power Cephalophilia Headliners: Cashier No 9, The Answer, Mojo Fury, Translucent Porcelain Phil Kieran, Foy Vance Extras: This is the 11th year of the festival, and the Glasgowbury Music Group is a not for profit organisation currently pending charitable status. Website: www.glasgowbury.com

17-27 august

Tickets: £28 & £33 Venue: Custom House Square, Belfast City Headliners: , 30 Seconds To Mars, Dizze Rascal, Elbow, , Extras: Belsonic is run by Belfast’s Shine Promotions Website: www.belsonic.com NCAD Degree Show 2011 Opening Night: June 10th, 6pm Exhibition runs until June 17th NCAD, Thomas Street, 8 10//connected magazine 11//www.connected.ie life blood Pulsing hot, the ebb and flow of seasonal shenanigans creates the head rush called Life

12//connected magazine 13//www.connected.ie Life Festival Special Interview: Fernando Thomas Words: Steve McMullin adrenalin fixes another charm t’s the day before the festival is due are quite addicted to the adrenalin rush, do you get some time off in between? to start. Coffee or Xanex? so I wouldn’t change a thing.. We have a few other projects in the oven, I don’t drink coffee myself! We run How many people are involved with that will need our full attention as soon as on adrenalin during the festival, and organising the festival? Life Festival is over. We hope to get some catch up on sleep when it’s over! :) The core team is about 20 people. Various time off at the end of the festival season This is the sixth year of Life, how projects are split up, allowing for expansion in September to recharge our batteries, Idoes that make you feel? Are you where in each area. We are very lucky to have and then straight back to Life preparation you thought you’d be at this stage? such a strong team. in November. When you start something like Life Festival, Whose killer idea was the Life-Slane- The sustainability aspect of Life is pretty it’s very hard to know where it will bring Life bus? Do you think the organisers interesting - what is the biggest obstacle you. But we are happy with where are now, of Slane will be doing you guys the to your goal of having a completely and every year brings us new experiences. same favour? carbon neutral event? (I would imagine We can’t complain! :) Well we acknowledged that Slane was it is drunken festival-goers tossing their Have you noticed much difference in sold out well before the Life Festival dates garbage into the nearest patch of grass, how you do things now compared where announced. It became clear that but I’ve been wrong before...) to when you lost your festival- some of the Life Fans had already bought Well we have the best recycling team in arranging virginity? their Slane tickets and we would hate for Ireland looking after that end of things. Yes definitely! As the festival has grown, them to miss too much of Life Festival 2011 Mick’s crew make sure there are plenty of we have learned through trial and error, for the sake of transport! I’m not aware of recycling bins dotted throughout the site to what works and what doesn’t. We are Slane organising buses to Life, we won’t avoid that being a big problem. We then do continuously improving our methods and hold it against them if they don’t! :) an immediate clean up after the festival, techniques. It’s all part of the fun! Let’s talk about the acts - was there to ensure the grounds are left spotless. We Has the process become any easier/ anyone you managed to pull in this year use only low energy lighting, and even the harder, in regard to bureaucrats and permits and what-have-you, since the “Jeff Mills was the hardest to book - we’re really reign of Enda began? happy he chose Life as his first Irish festival” Actually we don’t have too many issues in this area. We have kept our record clean that you’d either wanted for a long time Life decor materials are reused each year. over the years. As we are lucky to have or who you thought, “No way will they We do our best! such a positive crowd coming each year, agree to this...”? For all the Life-ers reading this, is the authorities now have a better view of Obviously Jeff Mills was the hardest there any advice you would like to the event. They work with us to ensure all one to book. He’s never done an Irish offer in terms of essential equipment, standards are met and are very supportive. festival performance before, and we are unmissable acts/activities or other Do you remember the first time? Do really happy he chose Life Festival as an ways of making the most of their Life you still have the same level of nervous introduction to the Irish climate. experience? excitement you had in the beginning, What’s the media reaction been to Life Life Festival is about positive people and or have you reached the, “Hey, no fest this year? great music. Don’t waste your energy problema!” stage? So far we are very happy with the reaction stressing about your valuables, leave them Ironically, it was the other way around! I had to Life Festival this year. There are more at home. You do not need anything apart no idea the amount of stress that would be and more people speaking about the event from your basic camping equipment (unless involved! In 2006, I was less nervous, and each year, and there seems to be a very you order them on the Life website!) and a didn’t realise the level of stress and work it positive attitude. big smile :) was going to take to run a three-day event. Will you start preparation for the 2012 Rules to live or die by... I’m prepared for the pressure now, and we festival immediately this one is over, or Peace, Love, Unity and Respect! :)

14//connected magazine 15//www.connected.ie Life Festival Special Interview: Jeff Mills Words: Jay Grogan

quarter century later Jeff Can we expect any similar projects to Mills’ desire to follow his own the Exhibitionist DVD in the near future, direction, push boundaries with the focus more so on production? and consistently reinvent Shortly after the Exhibitionist was released, I himself remains intact - had the idea to create the same type of film unlike many of his peers that captured me in the recording studio, Awho’ve veered far from the underground. working my way through in search deep space 909 As one of the most influential DJs and of something. After making a sample trailer, I producers in history, realised that the various durations of time to he’s created landmark records such as produce a track could be somewhat boring to Waveform Transmissions (1 & 3) and the some people that do not fully understand the Purpose Maker compilation, released the creative process, so I canned it and moved renowned Exhibitionist DVD - and scored on. In addition, the process of creating music the soundtracks to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis has drastically changed. Almost to the point and Buster Keaton’s Three Ages. that subjects like “studio technique” and “the He’s co-founded the highly influential craft of making music” are basically irrelevant collective , nowadays. I think people are more interested performed classical versions of his best work in what music actually does to the listener. with the 80-piece Montpellier Philharmonic Are you happy to solely focus on your own Orchestra, and created and kept alive his productions or are there any remixes lined parent label Axis for 20 years now - with its up? Would you consider a remix package sub-label Something In The Sky hosting more of any of your own productions? recent singles. He’s wowed the masses from No, I’m not very fond of re-mixing other Detroit to Tokyo with his exceptional skills people’s work, mainly because I don’t on three decks and a Roland TR-909, and at think I do it very well. Also, I favour first this year’s Life Festival he takes his other- impressions or versions. I think they’re worldly to the stage with a TR-909 in always the best because it’s closest to the tow - where he’ll pave the way for another truth of the skill and craft of the artist as it generation of techno as one of the most is the product of creating something from integral and influential inventors of the sound. nothing. Nothing really replaces See you up front when the Sleeper Wakes... of hearing something new for the first time. You’ve said before that your job as a DJ On a personal note, your All Tomorrows is to tell a story... mix was very inspiring. It’s not often Well, I can remember back as far as 1992 that you release a mix but would you with Underground Resistance’s X-102 consider it again for future concepts? Discovers The Rings Of Saturn and the I think it should really depend on the concept. deliberate use of story form to construct If in a story or plot where a series of events the . Making music that follows a overlap, then it makes sense to mix it. The All particular story has been the main focus of Tomorrows mixes were uploaded to the web my work for well over a decade. because I figured no one would buy them. This is your first Irish festival performance. The electronic music market can be typically What story should we expect at Life? beat driven where “hard banging tracks” It’s been my experience that festivals are considered a plus, even when in most aren’t the most comfortable places to bring cases there is no real reason to make it so concepts and ideas that need to be well hard other than to show brute force. In reality, understood in order to make sense of the aggression often destroys the true structure music and why it sounds a particular way. (notes) of and I’m reluctant to Festival goers tend to want more “bang-for- “make it hard” because I had enough of all the-buck”. Constant excitement can often the noise. Techno is more than that. Those blow an idea of deeper substance away, so mixes were designed to be anti-destructive I’ll unfortunately reserve the idea of bringing and remind people that it doesn’t always have Detroit’s axis of evil all set to road these ideas to more controlled atmospheres. to be dark, hard and evil to be interesting. Places where I’d have ample time to prepare For any fanboys out there hoping to a stage setting that isn’t disturbed by the set impress, you can look the real deal at Life test new wave of transmissions... up/tear down of multiple bands and other with the Axis sweat pants, helmet, driving acts. For Life Festival, I’ll be testing a lot gloves and four-piece wrench set available of new material from forthcoming projects from axisrecords.com. Festival notes can called The Transcendent (Time Travel), and be kept in the genuine black leather Axis Oneness (Music for Singularity). journal priced at a measly $48.

16//connected magazine 17//www.connected.ie Life Festival Special Interview: Howie Miller Words: Brian Marconi

“A good pre-festival breakfast? Depends if ya use a portaloo or plush hotel room later...”

to the title of “Europe’s Greatest Music Neutronyx crowd for the first time. Ever thought of arranging a partnership Finish it to start Festival”. Any thoughts? What’s the first word that comes into between Life Festival and the Sunday urge’s Howie Miller finally they might let off that bit extra, I’d say the so as to get the best show from them - they Does it yea, fair play to ‘em, suppose they your head when you see Russell Brand? Independent’s Life Magazine? You gets his chance to talk politicians would let off a good bit. are hardly gonna play good if they are can say what they want. I’m sure some Bag? might get a few free passes to Krystle shit... The mood in Ireland At the risk of hurting some feelings, who pissed off... people might think it is, although I can’t think If you could swap jobs with anyone for a out of it? has been fairly grim the last are you most looking forward to? Padlocking toilet doors at festivals - of anyone off hand, but to be honest I had a day who would it be? We can’t speak about copyright year or so. Does Surge have I’m really excited to see what Jeff Mills will selfishness or just good sense? great time in that big yellow building when it The Queen. infringement. a remedy for the masses’ bring to the table. A great idea, but I can understand why they was Witness; Richie Hawtin, Dave Clarke to If you had the power to put together a Is it acceptable to wear your pyjamas to Sblues? Without naming names, as promoters do have to be cut off... name a few... Long time ago now... supergroup of musicians alive or dead your local shop? Yea, take the red ones. you have to deal with much diva-style I presume that as organisers you enjoy If you could put on a gig/festival who would be in it? It would be acceptable although I ain’t Any sense that people are preparing for behaviour from acts? luxurious backstage accommodation anywhere in the world, where would it I tried to answer this but way too many seen it done, although I really think Reebok an extra special blowout this summer in Not really, don’t really generally deal with miles away from the riff raff at festivals? be and why? to list... Classics and pyjamas are sexy as... particular? acts who are divas, but if someone has Nah, I was in middle of camping last year, The Wicklow Mountains, because it’s where What’s a good breakfast before a testing Are interviews like this a pain in the hole Hmmm... I reckon people will always wanna been doing something for many years and but Martin was in his luxury pleasure I had my first big music experiences with festival weekend? at a busy time? have fun in the summer no matter what, they are particular how they want things to wagon parked behind stage... the Creation gigs in Devil’s Glen, and beach Depends if ya have to use a portaloo or Nah man this was great craic. See yis but maybe in times of stress or whatever be, then we will make sure they are happy Oxegen’s website modestly lays claim parties on Magheramore where I met the your plush hotel room later... down there...

18//connected magazine 19//www.connected.ie Life Festival Special Interview: Youngsta Words: Jamie Clarke steep cub steps through life

ithout doubt one of the course it’s extra promotion for you as an finest DJs in dubstep, musician when you win best DJ. Youngsta’s flawless In terms of production you work solo mixing and deadly and with other producers, although very accurate selection place different is there one you prefer? him at the forefront of At the moment I prefer working with other Wthis evolving scene. Representing flagship producers, because I’m still learning the label Tempa and Rinse FM, his weekly radio engineering side of making music. show has become an institution and his live What software/hardware do you favour sets continue to raise the bar for quality and in your productions? innovation. At the age of just 26, Youngsta is Logic already a dubstep veteran with a reputation You’ve been asked to mix The Rinse 14 built on long-running residencies for Rinse CD which is coming out in May, can you and FWD>> and is widely regarded as one tell us a little bit about it? of the most influential DJs in the scene: It represents my sound within dubstep First off, how’s your week going, get up perfectly as well as the technique and skill to anything good at the weekend??? of my mixing. It takes you on a progressive I’ve had a busy and tiring weekend but very journey. The CD features exclusive tracks and enjoyable at the same time. Friday was my VIPs from myself, Icicle, and LX One as well as friend’s 23rd birthday so we all went out tunes from DJ Madd, Matt U, Distance, Verse, to celebrate and had a few drinks, maybe SP, Kryptic Minds, and Cyrus. more than a few. Saturday I was playing Rinse recently got FM status, what does in Antwerp at a night called Untitled which this mean to you and those involved? was amazing. Then Sunday I played in It’s a massive achievement for rinse. I’m Bristol at a night called Subloaded which so happy that we are legal now because was also amazing and great vibes. the studio is very professional and very “I’m so happy we’re legal now... No dealing with the problems of being a pirate no more” You’ve recently changed over to CDJs enjoyable to use which means I can from playing vinyl, what made you perform to the best of my ability. Also, we decide to make the change? don’t have to deal with any of the problems I changed because 90% of clubs and that come with being a pirate no more. venues turntables are not in perfect Here in Ireland the Dubstep scene has working order and are not set up correctly. steadily been growing over the past few You were voted best DJ at the Dubstep years, a lot of the older techno crowd Forum Awards for the second time, what seem to be more and more open to it, does this mean to you and how much have you found this happening in the of a difference has it made to your life, UK as well? both personally and as a DJ/producer? Yes It makes me extremely happy that people Dubstep has many different styles, what enjoy and appreciate me as a DJ and would you say best describes your sound? I’m honoured to be voted best DJ. And of DEEP, DARK AND MINIMAL!

20//connected magazine 21//www.connected.ie Life Festival Special Line up

a life less ordinary Jeff Mills * John Digweed Dr Lektroluv * Johnny Clarke + band Dreadzone Soundsystem * A Skillz Hardfloor - live * Youngsta * X-Dream vs The Delta Slam * The Orb Soundsystem * Ramadanman Juno Reactor * Sandwell District * Michael Prophet Ed Rush * Zoo Project * Clive Henry * Dan Ghenacia * D.A.B. Dj Positive (Café del Mar) * Mungos Hifi * Channel One Soundsystem * Reso Neelix + 100 more DJs and bands

22//connected magazine 23//www.connected.ie Temple House Festival Interview: Roderick Perceval Words: Oh Francis’ Emma Dwyer oh francis revisit memory temple hen I was four my mum an entrance fee. We were told we were just of its, having a better time than all us other took my brother and small enough, although that didn’t explain tossers rolling around the ground wanting me to Glastonbury. why we didn’t get to go in the boot too. to be five again. My sister got dragged It’s a conversation starter, some people When talking to Roderick the organiser back to Ireland with my think that only a selfish and bad parent of Temple House Festival, he kept on dad to a particularly would bring a three- and four-year-old to a re-iterating the family orientated experience Wboring family wedding. This truly was not festival, let alone leave us with the Jesus- that he and his team have cultivated down fair. I don’t remember much about Glasto, I freaks who’d set up a crèche, dressed up on the grounds of the old country house. couldn’t tell you who was playing or where as clowns and fed us ice-cream cones. It’s billed as an arts and . The we camped but I do remember flamingos, But in fairness, it was definitely arts side of things has been left to Sligo’s bonfires, sunshine and plenty of naked better than going to some posh yacht creative minds to define exactly what this people. It was an adventure, a little trip. club wedding. It was the eighties, which will be. Roderick is allowing for creativity We got a lift with some who preceded the scare mongering and and isn’t putting any rules on what can be hid in their boot so they didn’t have to pay sensationalisation of paedophilia during done. He did mention the arts trail, running for the ticket. We stayed up really, really the nineties. We were taken care of by through the rose garden and rockery, which late and listened to music just behind the everyone around us, not just our Ma, her will have installations and performance crowds of the main stage. We pooed in our fucking hippy friends and them Jesus art. While this is intriguing I wonder if potties in the trees beside our tent, this freaks. Now that I’m older, and a lot less contemporary art crowds would be drawn made us feel privileged to have our own taken care of, I envy the children at festivals by the arts aspect of Temple House Festival. personal porta-loos, as did the waiver of rolling around the ground like little mad out continues on page 26

24//connected magazine 25//www.connected.ie Temple House Festival Interview: Roderick Perceval Words: Oh Francis’ Kate Dwyer

Unlike the musicians there’s no rigid line cross-roads festival. This includes Stereo as one to support is its location. Temple up, scheduled readings, talks or anything MCs, who have been around for as long as House has been in Roderick’s family, the like that. Rather a more fun and easy-going I have, Jamie Lawson and the Smith’s Mike Perceval’s, for over 300 years. These approach, information will posted around Joyce. Then there’s all the Irish talent, the estates often cost more to maintain the site each day. ones you would nod to walking down the than they’re actually worth, threatening The walled garden will enclose the road: Declan O’Rourke, Aslan, Whipping the lineage and the sustainability of our children’s activities, allowing them to run Boy, , Rhob Cunningham, heritage symbolised in these demesnes. free in their own wonderland. There will among around 80 others acts. Roderick and his wife run a luxury bed also be a healing hill, with therapies from Luring their friends, fans and families and breakfast, part of the Hidden Ireland local practitioners, and an acoustic stage in, these local musicians act as natural organisation that offers accommodation in for the mammys ‘n daddys. I’m sure this ambassadors for the festival. In this day historical settings. The festival is another is where the frog-type-dinosaur things, and age it’s not easy to make a buck out direction that Roderick has taken in an flamingos, fork men and a fish tree that of festivals, not only are we all tight arses attempt to keep the estate running - and he Roderick mentioned will be installed but we’re also bombarded with choice, as maintains that Temple House is a wonderful when the time comes. Kids that are just this issue of Connected illustrates. Even venue and if approached they would small enough will get in free, the messy the likes of Oxegen and Electric Picnic will consider anything. This festival has been teenagers aren’t allowed go down, which struggle to make profits if they don’t sell compared to the early days of Glastonbury is a smart move, considering the state I got out. Last year Temple House Festival didn’t and the Picnic - it would be worth getting in myself in at Witness all them years ago. manage to break even, Roderick insists it’s there before the big crowds do. Having said all that this isn’t a festival an investment and they hope to evolve, and just for families. Undeniably the line-up is with time become one of the main events Tickets cost €120 for three days with great, if not a little nostalgic, and Roderick on the Irish calendar. Having won an award free camping or €50 for one day, children admits to having invested heavily in for best new comer last year they’re on the under 12 go free. international acts to add a flavour you might right track. www.templehousefestival.com for full not necessarily get up the road at a town What makes Temple House stand out line up and tickets. No Place Like Dome Interview: Bob Doyle Words: Liam Murray dome believable

t’s the night before the festival - sweet dreams or trippy Years ago a kid on my road robbed my Action Man canoe so nightmares? home and told my Mam. That’s gangsta. Trippy dreams, but we perform well in the 11th, 12th, 13th and What weird and wonderful plans do you have in store for NPLD 14th hour. 2011, there were rumours of a maze in 2010? How many people are involved with organising the My lips are sealed. You’ll have to come and see, we don’t do festival? disappointment. IThere are ten of us that do the organising, but there’s another 15 or Best, worst and downright weirdballest costume someone has 20 that come down on the build weekends. If it wasn’t for the array of worn to NPLD? friends and strangers that have come forward and volunteered their One of the lads made a savage replica of the carton of milk from the time, skills and positive energy Dome wouldn’t be where it is today. Blur vid. The best part was he didn’t cut out any eye holes, so he What are you most looking forward to about this couldn’t see shit. He was either bouncin’ around the bunker or being year’s festival? led around by the hand like a lost low-fat soul. Actually getting time to see some acts. is a big influence yeah? Rules to live or die by... What Burning Man showed me is people can do amazing things It’s better to regret something you have done than to regret something you haven’t done. “A playground for life loving, love Is there such a thing as a healthy relationship between music giving, silly dancing and smiles” and drugs? All drugs, whether it be weed, pills or alcohol just don’t mix with when they put their mind to it. All they have to do is scratch the some people and should be avoided at all cost. Saying that, one surface. Knowing this, we set our sights high and went for it. man’s meat is another man’s poison and if your meat doesn’t The locals: are they aginnit or aforitt? negatively affect your life and the life of those around you, I say Most are nothing but supportive and a lot join us, but there’s literally each to there own. always one... Have IMRO had the cheek to try and scam you for cash yet? Anything you’d like to add? Not as yet. Basically NPLD is a playground where open minded, life loving, Has the media machine picked up on you yet? love giving, silly dancing, backward tumbling, real, people can have No, because we want this to grow a lot by word of mouth we a really good people experience while listening to and looking at haven’t been plastering ourselves everywhere. What’s the rush. amazing artists that are gifting you their performance and art purely Ever been in a Tupac v Biggie style feud? to make you smile.

28//connected magazine 29//www.connected.ie Sea Sessions Review: Eamonn Seoige

inally finding national recognition with a “Best Small Skatalites are one of Kingston’s greatest musical exports and a Festival” win at the Irish Festival Awards, Sea Sessions huge influence on subsequent generations of Jamaican musicians. returns with a truckload of beachfront activities and a bill The spirit of the peerless Wailers lives on through Bob’s most that, if anything, trumps last June’s gong-winning line-up. celebrated offspring, Ziggy Marley. Look forward to swaying along Maximising its location on Donegal’s Atlantic coastline to some of daddy’s timeless classics when Ziggy’s reggae ensemble with a rake of good craic, day-time activities (some of hits the stage. FIreland and Europe’s top surfers will hit the waves for the Quiksilver Quite probably the ‘must see’ act of the weekend are Conor Expression Session, an ASP Europe backed competition with O’Brien’s award-winning Villagers. Still basking in the glory of their over €5,000 in prize money) if urban sports are your bag, you’re wonderful Becoming A Jackal album, Villagers are a magnificent live sorted with ‘The Rage Stage’ extreme roadshow, a multi-ramp and spectacle. Also, expect a barnstorming show from the rejuvenated half-pipe display area, with top BMX, skate and blade maestros Bell XI, currently touring their well-received Bloodless Coup album. showcasing their balls of steel throughout the weekend. Alt-rockers O Emperor and the soulful Brian Deady are notable No soggy chips and warm beer here... The modern festival fraternity expect a more rounded experience, and this beach based “Another fucking field this ain’t” buzz has far more going on that you might first think. Fans of the oval ball will be lining up to compete in the Tag Rugby comp, with attractions amongst a strong home contingent. And that’s nowhere prize money and free event hospitality on offer for the winning team. near all... Fancy yourself as something of a barefoot Lionel Messi? Check-out Throw in The Go! Team, Norman Jay and old-skool hip-hop legend the beach soccer comp, which will also feature a surprise ‘legends’ and you’ve a line-up that screams quality. game. The list of alternatives goes on. From Ultimate Frisbee to live It’s pretty much as far from another-fucking-field type festival as graffiti exhibitions, you won’t know where to turn... can possibly be... Back to the music and reggae lovers are in for a serious Sea Sessions takes place from June 24-26 in Bundoran, treat with an eagerly awaited performance from Jamaican ska County Donegal. legends The Skatalites. Closing in on 50 years in the business, The For more information check out www.seasessions.com.

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oxegenation The ‘Big Mac’ of Irish festivals (write your own jokes) Oxegen returns as grand as ever

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Clockwise from far left: , Foo Fighters, Artic Monkeys, The Script, The Strokes, Beady Eye and The . FOO FIGHTERS ** ** THE BLACK EYED PEAS ARCTIC MONKEYS ** THE SCRIPT ** THE STROKES ** ** ** THE NATIONAL ** ** PENDULUM ** BEADY EYE ** SLASH ** **

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Clockwise from top left: , , Primal Scream, Wolfang Kill Them All, , , , Eels, Bright Eyes & Imelda May. INIE TEMPAH ** LEFTFIELD ** TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB ** PRIMAL SCREAM / SCREAMADELICA IMELDA MAY ** ** ** EELS ** ** NOAH & THE WHALE ** TIGA ** ** ** JIMMY EAT WORLD ** SVEN VATH ** THE BLOODY BEETROOTS ** ** BRIGHT EYES ** JESSIE J ** ** ** ** ODD FUTURE WOLF GANG KILL THEM ALL ** AFROJACK ** CHASE AND STATUS ** ** FIGHT LIKE APES THE NAKED AND FAMOUS ** PETER DOHERTY ** ELIZA DOOLITTLE ** ** MONA ** ** FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS ** JENNY AND JOHNNY ** HOUSE OF PAIN ** ** ** BIPOLAR EMPIRE ** ROYSEVEN ** FENECH SOLER ** MADISUN ** CONSUMER LOVE AFFAIR

36//connected magazine 37//www.connected.ie Oxegen Special Interview: John Probyn Words: Niall Turner who’s been framed?

Live Nation’s John Probyn delivers an unexpected address to us common folk

o, can you introduce yourself for some reason the Oxegen punters don’t please? seem to care. John Probyn, Oxegen Festival Yea Ireland’s great for the high grade Director. smack apparently... Anything from How did you wangle the top previous years that just didn’t work spot organising Oxegen? You or was a waste of money, that you no Shaven’t murdered any children have you? longer do? Went out for a drink one night with the Lots. Every year we try new ideas, layouts, promoter...! I could never do that, I love people, procedures - some work, some don’t. children... Couldn’t eat a whole one though! Let’s get serious for a moment. If your How many people are involved with festival was a fast food item, what would organising the festival? it be? All year about six and by the time we get to That’s easy... A Big Mac. Plenty to fulfil you the weekend of the festival about 2,006. and very reasonably priced! Who are you most proud to have booked We’ve kinda let you away with that one... for the festival this year? Is there a duller place on Earth than a The entire line up. If you wanted to see all VIP area? the bands over one weekend you would Yes, the VVIP area! need to visit about 12 festivals throughout What would you say to anybody with Europe over the summer... Or just come to ambitions of organising a festival? “Ambitions of organising a festival? Go for it, I have the best job in the world!” Oxegen and see them all on one weekend. Go for it, I have the best job in the world!! Anyone you’ve booked and would never How has the recession affected Oxegen? do so again? Dish that dirt... The same way as it has everyone else, but I love everyone we book... But I was the it can’t be all doom and gloom, and people Tweenies production manager for two years deserve to enjoy themselves every now and many moons ago and that was tough! again, even in a recession. And that’s why ‘Best Bogs Award 2011’ - in with a chance?? we have delivered value for money with a Hell yes! keep winning this stellar line up. and that’s because no one uses them! Do you find questions from sarcastic How much of a difference does the scenster magazines: less, just as, or weather make for festival organisers? way more annoying than those from the What’s your favourite colour umbrella? established fossil press? Don’t use them! I have no hair to keep dry! Less... This is fun! For us the rain makes a massive difference, Any final message for the masses? and for punters at every other festival. But Don’t drink with promoters!

38//connected magazine 39//www.connected.ie Oxegen Special A-Z

To be nice: a thoughtful A-Z straight from the PR warren alphabetaoxegen A is for Arctic Monkeys I is for Ingrosso P is for Plan B V is for The Vaccines Arctic Monkeys release their eagerly anticipated 4th album ‘Suck It And See’ Sebastian Carmine Ingrosso is one third of dance music What a year it’s been for Plan B! With a top 5 U.K album record and in June. Irish fans will get their first chance to hear the new material live when sensations Swedish House Mafia along with Axwell and Not only has his second album two NME covers under their belts, The the band hit Punchestown. . They’ve had two massive Irish top ten hits The Defamation of Strickland Vaccines are poised to be this year’s in the last year with ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ and ‘One’. Banks gone multi-platinum but biggest breakthrough success. The B is for Brandon Flowers he also picked up a Brit Award band are embarking on a US tour with Brandon is no stranger to Punchestown, J is for Jump Around for Best Male Solo Artist. To see Arctic Monkeys before hitting Oxegen. having started out in The New Bands tent A genuine festival anthem, House of Pain’s classic track should provoke one of who else is joining Plan B at with in 2004 before they went the loudest sing- (and jump) a-longs of the weekend. Oxegen check out www.oxegen. W is for will.i.am on to headline the festival twice. Now he ie/line-up. The Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am is one of the biggest stars on the planet. But returns as a solo artist for the first time. K is for Co Kildare did you know he’s also enjoyed success both as a fashion designer and an in Co.Kildare has Q is for Questions actor. His signature clothing line is i.am while he played John Wraith in his C is for Calvin Harris played host to Oxegen since its debut year in If you’ve any questions about Oxegen, camping, travel or anything else, check major film debut ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’. The man responsible for some of the biggest dance anthems of the last few 2004. The festival wouldn’t be possible without out the FAQ section on oxegen.ie. years including Acceptable in The 80’s, The Girls and Ready For The Weekend. the fantastic support of the local community. X is for X&Y R is for Rope Coldplay’s third album spawned the massive hits ‘Fix You’, ‘Speed Of Sound’ D is for Deposit scheme L is for The excellent lead single from Oxegen headliner Foo Fighters’ seventh studio and ‘Talk’ and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide; making it one of the The genius recession busting deposit scheme is back for 2011. It’s Oxegen’s An icon for a generation, Liam Gallagher is one of the greatest frontmen of all album . most successful of the 21st century. way of making sure that no-one misses out on the very best line-up to hit time. Now, he’s coming to Oxegen with his new band Beady Eye to perform Ireland. Simply pay a deposit up front, make another payment in April and the tracks from their album ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’. S is for Screamadelica Y is for Young Blood balance in June, full details can be found at oxegen.ie. It’s 20 years since Screamadelica was first released. Is the brilliant debut single from The Naked and M is for My Chemical Romance The seminal album from Primal Scream brought Famous. It went straight to No.1 in the band’s home E is for Eels Fresh from picking up two NME Awards for Best acid house and techno crashing into the mainstream country New Zealand. The Naked and Famous are Eels are one of the USA’s most critically acclaimed bands. But did you know, International Band and Best Video for ‘Na Na Na’, and you’ll be able to hear it performed in its entirety one of the most hotly tipped new artists of 2011. lead singer E’s father Hugh Everett III is the originator of the many worlds My Chemical Romance are currently on a massive at Oxegen this summer. theory in quantum physics? UK and American tour with album ‘Danger Days’. Z is for Zimmerman, T is for Two Door Cinema Club Joel Thomas Zimmerman, But you might know him better as Deadmau5... F is for ‘For The First Time’ N is for The National On St Patrick’s Day, the Bangor band celebrated in style by winning Best the man behind the mouse head. A technical whizzkid, the Grammy Award ‘For The First Time’ gave The Script their first Irish Ireland is fast becoming a second home for The National. Their sold out run of Emerging Artist at The MTV Woodie Awards in Austin . If you didn’t catch nominee has a reputation for being the most forward thinking person in No.1 single when it knocked ’s ‘Teenage shows at The Olympia in November were among the most critically acclaimed their fab main stage performance at Oxegen 2010, make sure you don’t miss electronic music right now. Dream’ off the top spot. The Dublin trio’s headline gigs of last year and now the band return to Oxegen after picking up a Q them this time! show at The Aviva Stadium is sold out but you can Magazine Award for Best Album for High Violet. catch them at Oxegen. U is for Under To see the full line-up O is for Oberst, Conor Cover Of Darkness to date for Oxegen 2011 G is for Grohl, Dave The People’s Key, the new album from go to: oxegen.ie/line-up Foo Fighters’ frontman Dave Grohl helped us launch Oxegen in style this year Bright Eyes, was released on lead is the first single from The We’ve got more fantastic when he fronted our exclusive line-up video. If you haven’t seen it, check it singer ’s birthday – 15th Strokes in over five years announcements lined up out now on oxegen.ie. February. Drowned in Sound called and it’s an awesome tune! very very soon so make it “a collection of fleet, shimmering said: “This sure to register at H is for Hat-trick pop songs; a master-class in sonic will sound amazing in a www.oxegen.ie to be Paolo Nutini will complete a hat-trick of Oxegen appearances this summer splendour; a bold, beautiful and brilliant sun-dappled field come the first to hear all the after stunning performances in both 2009 and 2010. Paolo’s currently working reinvention that should surprise as festival season”. We think latest news. on the follow up to his Ivor Novello winning album ‘Sunny Side Up’. many as it will enthral”. you’ll agree!

40//connected magazine 41//www.connected.ie Oxegen Special Competition time

oxegen essentials To win a free ticket send us a list of festival essentials no self respecting Oxegen goer could possibly do without. Funniest answer wins a weekend pass. Answers to [email protected]...

42//connected magazine 43//www.connected.ie Knockanstockan Festival Special Words: Brian Marconi, Tom Rooney, Fiona White Anthony Duff, Fenster and Niall Turner

Alternative, independent as wind, and actually fucking sound - it’s a rustic hippy haven known as: knockanstockan

44//connected magazine 45//www.connected.ie Knockanstockan Special Interview: Peter, G-Star, Bettine Words: Sara Monaghan

tory lads, how’s the How does Knockanstockan compare proceedings going with other festivals? so far? Bettine: Well Knockanstockan is different Bettine McMahon: Hey because the musicians build the stage there Connected!! We and run the festival. Everyone works are very busy at the for the passion and not for the profit, I Smoment, our crew is involved in think that is the fundamental difference. many other festivals such as Sibin, Knockanstockan also pushes down the Gateway and Body and Soul and barrier of ‘who you know’ which is ever more so we are stretched to various prevalent in all the other festivals and fields this summer!! allows musicians to apply to play and Graham ‘G-Star’ Sharpe: Yeah we work very hard to listen to every everything’s in full swing at the submission. mmoment. There seems to be a Is there any chance you could introduce pretty good buzz floating round a ban on the wearing of those fake about this myear’s festival so it’s glasses? shapin’ up to be ma good one. G-Star: They are actually mandatory this I mostly deal with the line-up... year... What can I say, sometimes you just mostly... and the interest has been gotta roll with it. incredible both in quantity and in quality. Peter: A ban on beer-goggles could be a I think we’ve had in and around 400 wiser move! submissions so far this year and Running a festival is hard work or so I’m the bar has definitely been raised. told. Any disaster stories? There’s no two ways about it, the G-Star: Have you got all day? Where music knockin’ round this country at to begin... Obviously given how the moment is second to none Knockanstockan came about there’s bound and I reckon the line-up this year to be... how will I put this... minor hiccups will reflect that nnicely. The only along the way, but it’s all part of the craic. problem really is finding a cut off It’s how you learn how to do things - and point, unfortunately I can only fit more importantly how not to do them. If about 100 acts and there’s easily things are runnin’ really late (2008), have another 100 that would be more more stage hands and a longer change over than worthy of a slot! time. If everyone at the festival is on acid “I could have a bitch and a moan about the lack of help from certain areas of the music industry but...” (2009), don’t let someone arrive with two of Ireland. We feel their rock ethos fits ours litres of liquid acid. If someone steals an perfectly! entire backline from one of the stages, G-Star: Not too bad at all, it gets a little have a few more security the next year. If better every year and I think there’s gonna a couple of stages blow down in a storm, be a really big push in the next couple of fuck it, there’s nothing you can do about weeks - we have the press launch on May that, just deal with it. 24 in The Grand Social and Vol. 2 of the Peter: When disasters happen, it just means compilation CD coming out on May 20, so What’s the media reaction been like? that should create a bit of hype. Obviously Bettine: Word of mouth is working a treat I could have a bit of a bitch and a moan and more and more people are talking about the lack of help from certain areas of about our little gem. Media have the industry/media who I feel really should been very interested and we be on board in a much, much greater sense are delighted to announce than they are but I think that was more of Radio Nova 100FM as our an issue when we were starting out. Right Media Sponsor. They have now we’re actually in a position to make a been so helpful and we are difference to the Irish music industry and for filtering acts through their every big hitter who’s less than forthcoming ‘Locals Only’ show every with a bit of help, there’s 10 smaller (but Sunday. They understand no less important) ones who will... like your that we hold an important good selves here at Connected! place in the music culture continues on page 48

46//connected magazine 47//www.connected.ie Knockanstockan Special Knockanstockan Special Interview: Peter, G-Star, Bettine Interview: Ross Breen & Louis Barabbas Words: Sara Monaghan Words: Amy Quirke / Barry Montgomery

Ross Breen Louis Barabbas

As always it’ll be a deadly line-up but who do you recommend? Peter: Being a musician in this country over the last ten years has Bettine: Ooh the question... Every act is one not to be missed! meant we understand recession. The best way out of it is to have I am personally looking forward to I Draw Slow, Louis Barrabbas, the craic and keep doing what you love, cos the tide ou’re from Kildare Mr Breen, what’s the riginally a street performer, Louis Barabbas formed Salad Circus, Tongue Bundle, eventually turns. music scene like there at the moment? Manchester outfit The Bedlam Six in 2006, and Ross Breen, New Secret Weapon, Absolutely Curtains and of course Has much changed since humble beginnings back in 2007? It’s quite healthy I think. I’m putting on when not touring, runs non profit label Debt Records. Nursery Crimes. Peter: Everything is subject to change. You’d go mad otherwise. a free gig in Lucan with two other local Connected traded (drunken) emails with Louis before Peter: Blind Yackety, Mescalito; Wyvern Lingo; Hot Sprockets; Cujo What sort of bands do you look for? bands - Subrosa and Chayka - so I guess his Knockanstockan appearance... Family to name but a few! G-Star: The Ferrero Rocher of bands! More than anything though that exemplifies a willingness of artists Can you give us a brief background to Louis Anyone you’ve booked and would never do so again? Seriously, it’s hard working bands with something to say, who believe in what Yin this area to work together, which is something I’m OBarabbas & the Bedlam Six? we want names... they do, making honest and important music... you can tell in the enthusiastic about. Not that I like to keep things purely We play a genre of music that we call Lyric-Driven Dirt-Swing. It’s Bettine: EHM... not for their musical talent or lack of it but simply first 20 seconds if a band is lying to you and I think honesty is ‘local’, all the acts on the night and in the area in basically swing-infused rock & roll influenced by the narrative folk for being a no-show TWICE... a certain slide guitar cowboy... that’s one of the most important factors in any music, doesn’t matter general have members from all over the place, which tradition in which tragedies regularly rain down upon the innocent, all I’m saying! what style it is... It’s the difference between and Brian is also healthy. but always to a rhythm that you can either drink or dance to. One Have you ever gotten the 65b up to the festival? Bombing up Adams if you get me. You’re a graduate from the Rock School at reviewer called it “Old School Operatic Post-Punk” but as far as I’m those tiny country roads on the bus is fucking terrifying isn’t it? Bands who don’t make the bill get a couple of freebie Ballyfermot College, did it benefit you as an artist? concerned the songs are about human beings and that makes them Bettine: Haha, I wouldn’t go as far as terrifying, a plane crashing is tickets and you’re also doing a ‘buy four tickets get one I made some good friends (students and teachers), folk. Everything else is just needless detail. terrifying! The Dublin Bus drivers are heroes… I would trust them free’ deal. That’s fairly sound of yiz isn’t it? worked with good musicians, learned about recording, Tell us a bit about Debt Records, and the artists you represent. with my life any day! It’s more like an adventure! G-Star: Yep :) gigging and music theory and it cemented my ambition There’s quite a variety on the label. The only rule is that you have Are the locals around the area generally sound about the whole Bettine: Well, we are sound! Ha! We have found it really hard to be a full time muso. All things considered, I think it was to be good live. There’s a big focus on collaboration. The only thing festival and revellers that come with it? saying no to bands and we don’t want them hating us for it so a worthwhile endeavour. a small label with no significant marketing budget can do is draw Peter: Feedback has been great. To show our appreciation, we are we want them to come down and see what we are about and Feedback for When I Met The Devil? from the talent of its roster. running a Barndance in June to help the locals raise funds for their hopefully they can make friends and meet other bands which is The reviews and feedback received so far seems Where do you draw your inspiration from, lyrically? school. Wicklonians love a party as much as anybody. what we are about. to have been unanimously positive, which is very (Louis pauses to refill pipe and throw another orphan on the fire) What are your tips for survival at Knockanstockan? Any plan’s for future Knockanstockans? What’s in gratifying for everyone who was involved in the project. I’m a pretty positive person these days but I used to be a terrible G-Star: There’s not much you’ll need really; a ticket for starters, a the pipe-line? So, you’ve your debut album out and you’re playing depressive. That stuff is great to draw on and simultaneously mock. tent, booze, the usual... I’d say the most important thing would be G-Star: Ah the usual, build it up until we can flog it off to Knockanstockan Festival in the summer, what’s next? Memorable moments on tour? getting the Monday off work and some ear plugs... I really can’t some huge corporation for an obscene amount of money, I’m working on the next album already and doing as Well I tend to court memorable moments, for good or ill, as I’m quite stress that enough. I was unfortunate enough to get the dreaded then spend the rest of our days drinkin’ cheap green shit on many gigs/ public appearances as possible to promote accident prone when I perform. At a festival I once stage-dived into tinnitus last year and to be honest it’s the most unpleasant thing a beach somewhere hot and tacky! the current batch of songs. Important to keep busy, you a pile of manure... I recently lassoed the bass that’s ever happened to me, and I know a lot of the crowd at Lastly, share with us your favourite festival moments. know yourself. player with my mic lead which was rather Knockanstockan will be musicians themselves and your ears are the Bettine: Arriving in an empty field and watching it transform! Strangest thing a punter has ever said to you? amusing... The time when my most important thing you own so take care of them. I know it wont I think ASIWYFA was my highlight last year, they were so You mentioned Knockanstockan: last year a guy followed girlfriend fell into ’s even enter most people’s thoughts until you start to hear the ringing impressive and the crowd was massive for them. The feeling me around after my set and said things like “I’m in ice bucket and I stole all their but by then it’s too late, so get yourselves some ear plugs - and that when the gate opens and people run down the hill soaking love with you”, “you’re really beautiful, man” and “do cheese while Gaz towelled goes for every festival and gig you find yourself at! everything in! Oh and the feeling when the festival is over too you want some poppers?”. I’m not really into that her down... Christ, it’s There’s a recession on in case you haven’t heard! Has it had and we get to party together! So basically the whole thing is my sort of thing but it’s nice to have fans all the same. such a silly life really. much of an affect on yourselves and the festival? favorite festival moment! Also, last week an old man came up to me and Looking forward to Bettine: No we think it has improved the passion behind the music! Peace, love & music said: “You’ve no Jerry Lee Lewis, you’ve no Bill Knockanstockan More people are unemployed and willing to help out and more people Peter, Graham, Bettine Haley, you’ve no Buddy Holly, you’re shite!”. I then? have time to play music! Recession re-energizes culture I think! thought that was funny. Absolutely. See you there.

48//connected magazine Knckanstockan Special Interview: Enemies Words: Barry Montgomery

Enemies

hree years ago, Eoin Whitfield, Enemies’ spokesman generated by the four-piece, and quickly convinced them to join and melody-maker never thought that he would be their ever growing, impressive roster. halfway around the other side of the world playing Sitting alongside the likes of Irish post-rock granddads The support to Japanese post rock outfit Toe, a band he Redneck Manifesto and noise merchants ASIWYFA, the Wicklow and his cohorts admired and respected. But what had post-rock outfit continued to expand their growing Irish and started out as a declaration of admiration from guitarist European fan base, by means of tours with ASIWYFA, Adebisi TLewis Jackson on MySpace earned Enemies a distribution deal with Shank and Heathers. Toe’s own label Machu Picchu and a slot supporting Toe on four Deciding to release their second 2009 7”, Bits Of Parrots/Feed sold-out shows in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. Me Seedless, independently, the group paid for pressing, only for Eoin explained: “Lewis dropped Toe a comment one day just the pressing company, Media Sourcing Ltd, to fold and dissolve, saying we were really into them and it so happened that the along with their cash, an event that still leaves a bitter taste in feeling was mutual. They wanted to re-release Alpha Waves on their mouths: “We decided to put out a 7” accompanied by a their label Machu Picchu and bring us over for a tour with them DVD of the two songs performed live; unfortunately the pressing in Japan. We couldn’t believe it to be honest but it all went ahead company went bust and screwed us over.” and we ended up going to Japan in 2009 which was incredible.” Not letting one bad experience deter them, they holed Rather than let the Japanese experience swell egos, the themselves up Wicklow’s The Hive Studios, and recorded their Enemies camp remained grounded christening the tour “the debut long player, 2010’s We’ve Been Talking, which was received ‘pretending to be rock stars tour’; we felt like they had taken us with widespread acclaim both at home on Richter Collective and (as) a bigger deal than we were and that freaked us the hell out. in Japan, where they returned for a second tour to support the I’m sure it was all in our heads. I suppose that level of genuine release on Japan’s Stiff Slack Records. modesty is quite pleasant to see in band.” Fresh from their spring tour promoting their latest release Coco But Eoin is appreciative of their overseas success: “I don’t Et Moi which saw them launch attacks on various parts of the EU, know how or why it happened but they seemed to take a shining including Autonames Zentrum, an underground, ex-German air to us and somehow we’re one of the three bands on the label strike bunker, Enemies show no signs of relenting, having a string (with Toe and Mouse On The Keys) I don’t understand it but I of summer shows, including Knockanstockan, lined up. certainly don’t take it for granted! It’s an honour.” But Enemies make the most of their appearances, as Eoin Born out of a solo project, Enemies snowballed in the sleepy explains: “After the few festivals over the summer we’ve made a Wicklow town of Kilcoole five years ago, and after positions and conscious decision to take a break from gigging and get down to songs were fleshed out, the Alpha Waves EP was recorded and writing our second full length. We wouldn’t be expecting to have it released on Wexford-based independent label Popular Records out till next year but that’s the current plan. We’re so excited about in 2008. getting back to writing it’s exactly what we want to be doing now, Promotion of the five-track EP was handled in the form of I can’t wait, I know, for me, that’s what it’s all about, getting the intense live performances - the Richter Collective saw the buzz creativity caps on.”

50//connected magazine 51//www.connected.ie 52//connected magazine 53//www.connected.ie 54//connected magazine 55//www.connected.ie Mystik Festival Interview: Raymond C Words: Liam Murray mystik fest

Filterheadz

hat was your my first real big festivals, called “Colours Woolford, Xpress 2 & Audiojack to name inspiration for the Fest” up north. Still remember it like it a few, and I would have to say my worst festival? was yesterday. experience was with a guy called Kid Dub. Basically it came What has the media reaction been like Let’s put it this way, he is not a very nice from being a big fan so far this year? person!! VERY DEMANDING and I wouldn’t of festivals like The There has been great feedback so far, due be booking him again. WGarden Party, Life Festival and The Electric to us having a lot of international acts and What are the legal steps you have to Picnic, etc, not forgetting being a lover DJs that don’t normally play here go through in order to organise such of quality underground dance music. The in Ireland. an event? Mystik Musik Festival is and will always Still Booking? Well, when you run a event like this the be about real, proper underground dance No, we have finished booking for now but main priority is public safety, so there are music. The original idea to have the we might have a surprise for everyone certain requirements needed like a good festival was to give quality underground that will be announced soon. For all the event manager, staff, security, medics, etc, Irish DJs a chance to play a festival, you up & coming DJs we will be running a not forgetting there are a lot of meetings know the guys I am on about; talented DJs competition for a set at the festival, DJs that go on in the background with the local that don’t get a look in at any other dance can send their sets to mystikmusictour@ authority, Guards, fire chiefs, etc. festivals. gmail.com. Anything you’d like to add? Which acts are you most looking Anyone you’ve booked and would never Yes I would like to thank all the Irish DJs forward to? do so again? Don’t be shy... that have supported and helped us to It would definitely have to be The Over the years of promoting and running make the Mystik Musik Festival what it is, Filterheadz, I have always wanted to bring club nights I have booked a lot of artists, we could not do it without their help. Also the guys over. I will never ever forget the people like Steve Angello, Pete Heller, Layo we have a clubbing holiday for two people first time I played their track Sunshine. & Bushwacka, Kklass, Narcotic Trust, John to Ibiza up for grabs with flights/hotel and What a production. Any time I hear the Dahlback, Nic Fanciulli, Wally Lopez, Slam, guest list to Space On Sunday included. track it takes me back to playing one of Spektre, Filthy Rich, Deepgroove, Paul For more info go to www.mystikfest.com

56//connected magazine 57//www.connected.ie Xxxxxxxxxx - Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx - Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx

unlocked Tucked away behind the scenes and the ‘sters awaits the festival makers’ festival - Gateways

Pics: Darragh Basquille

58//connected magazine 59//www.connected.ie Gateway Special Interview: Bo Words: Niall Turner Pic: Bo’s female doppelgänger

An eight year dream becomes reality - but sadly not witnessed by all - Human Music’s Bo recounts a long journey to pay tribute to a friend - who’d have very much loved this party new star rising

an you tell us what inspired It’s just the second year of the festival that there is something for everyone! The you to create the festival? and you’re going to have two separate next most important thing is the crew and We came up with the idea events this summer? Wildly ambitious or team. We all know each other so well, we eight years ago, myself and quietly confident? almost know what each other are thinking! the late Robert Stringer. At the Just the one festival this year; September We are like a big family really, and every time we were still learning and 9-10!!!!!! (Things have changed.) year we seem to have more and more Cworking at many other small festivals, we How important are local acts to your brothers/sisters joining the group! approached the land owner at the time and festival line up? Do you get to go to all the other festivals they were not ready for the concept! And to Local and independent acts are everything for free, like a brotherhood? be honest we were not skilled enough at the to what we do as a group, not only at the Yes, but they always end up working you for time to pull it off. (Thank God we didn’t try.) festivals, but in town! The main reason that three days to a week! Since then we have been working we have put our lives on the line for many Given Ireland’s glorious reputation for hard non-stop. Running gigs, festivals, years is we really, honestly believe in all the weather, what’s your favourite colour venues and stages, working face to face amazing bands, DJs and artists that this umbrella? with independent bands, DJs, artists and country has to offer! There are hundreds I saw a girl with a frog umbrella at Knockan promoters. (Knockanstockan, McGruder’s, of really talented young people going last year, but it wasn’t raining! Sweeney’s, Life Fest, private parties...) unheard and unseen - to the point that Has the media machine picked up on you? And then out of the blue a drummer we are able to put on 25 to 30 acts every They did a bit last year, but they will this year friend got in touch with me and asked me week in Sweeney’s! If everything remains as they’re all invited and we really hope they to come meet a friend of his with some land mainstream and commercial, what are we come down and enjoy the festival for free! in Wicklow! It turned out to be the owner of to be left with?! “A 25-year-old structure How should any bands looking to play Glendalough House, the very place that got that will continually suppress the natural get in touch with you? me interested in spending eight years of progression of the Irish music scene.” The website: gatewaysfestival.ie my life working towards putting on our own How do you find the red tape - easily Anything you’d like to add? festival in the first place. surmountable or a pain in the hole? We are putting on the most amazing launch From here I pulled out my old note books/ There is no point in trying to cut corners, party on June 3! We are running four venues drawings and came to realise that the concept we just have to be the best we can be, and in Dublin; Sweeney’s, Shebeen Chic, Ri-Ra of building a purpose built permanent festival jump the hoops! We want to work with the and The Globe! Some 25+ live acts and site was now a long-term dream coming true! local community as must as possible, and DJs, seven stages, free in for all!!! Line Up: After years of breaking our balls! hopefully it brings some good business to Wyvern Lingo, The Whipround, Sleep Thieves, Sadly Rob Stringer has since passed the area! And I really hope like last year Mescalito, Jack And The Band, History Of away. I really, really miss him and wish he they all come down and enjoy the craic! Harry, Attenuation Bebe, Indecent Cigar was here working alongside us! I would What skills do you think are required to Emporium, Creamy Goodness, Oddsocks like to think that he had something to do organise a festival? Revival, More Tiny Giants, Mute Fish, Hassle with everything coming full circle and that Understanding that people are amazing and Merchants, Hundred Flower Campaign, he would be happy to see our old plans they deserve to be treated well, not like Lonely Schizophrenic, The 9 Bars and a shit becoming a peaceful reality! It is time for a money making animals! You also have to load more... new platform to be built to support the next have your ear to ground and every finger P.S.: People can start registrar for their generation of musicians and artists. God and toe in as many pies as possible! What I invites later this week when our website knows it’s been a long time coming! mean by that is, we are trying to make sure goes live!! www.gatewaysfestival.ie

60//connected magazine 61//www.connected.ie Gateway Special Interview: Oddsocks Revival Words: Claire Ryan

o, ‘Oddsocks Revival’ - a broken noses, pregnancies and overdoses lament on conformity or ode but we wont go into that. to cottony goodness? How did you find recording your soon to Michael: Haha, yea the name be released album It’s Time? a headyline ‘ere is pure deep, maybe not as Anthony: The recording process was obvious at first but it works fun, we had the songs written and well Son so many different levels! We have our rehearsed before we went into the studio. Integrity is hugely important to us – what’s the point own meaning for it but we like to leave it up James Durkin, the studio engineer, was otherwise? Celebrity bullshit holds zero interest for us... to people to decipher a message from it for great help to us as we went about doing it themselves. old school with everything live, to capture What inspires ye? I have noticed a few the buzz and energy in the room at any references to whiskey... given moment on tape. Bands can lose so cotton on Michael: Loads of stuff inspires us! Goin’ to much when recording everything to a click gigs, festivals, etc, is a massive boost. Every track and a graph and there’s such a need gig we play brings a different scenario to get everything perfect... That’s not what as well, we’re in a new place every week it was about for us. meeting loads of new and interesting If you could make Enda keep one people... and then there’s the afterparties promise, what would it be? which is where the acoustics and, as you Luke: If he can create any kind of future for mentioned above, the real inspiration young people in Ireland, I’ll be happy. Sick comes out! of all my friends leaving. You’ve been very busy the last few If you try to fail, and succeed, which months touring the UK and Europe, how have you done? did that go? Momentous occasions? Eoghan: That’s a stupid question. Disaster stories? No more politics so, sorries... If you Luke: We have had an amazing time, the could get away with shooting any gig audiences over there really love the music promoter, who would it be? and they let you know about it! We basically Anthony: It’s been done already so we can’t spent a month playing almost every night, really ruin the surprise... having a crazy session/lock-in/party after What can the good people of Ireland with whoever we met at the show. The next expect to hear from Oddsocks Revival day you roll out of bed and you’re back in over the next few months? Making much the van ready for another one. I think that impact on the festival circuit? lifestyle is just right for us at the moment, Anthony: The good-time funky people of you meet so many great people that it just Ireland can expect some good times from “Tour disaster stories? Broken noses, pregnancies and overdoses - but we wont go into that right now...” doesn’t tire you out... Until you stop that us, with some more singles to drop, and a is. We got a good lot of call backs for gigs new pimptastic video in the making. We will and festivals and made some good friends continue to tour Ireland every week, every over there who are really helping to get venue will be hit and of course the the ball rolling. So we’re off again in June festivals: Temple House Festival, Bristol for another English tour and in August for Fest, Earagail Arts Festival, Rory another Scottish tour. Can’t fucking wait. Gallagher Fest and Sligo Live Festival in There were a couple of very momentous autumn - and Gateway of course... occasions in . One of the highlights Any tips for bands starting out? was supporting Alabama 3 on Paddy’s Eoghan: I’d say just play what you love and day in Dingwall’s, Camden Town. Great don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, no matter venue, great crowd, great headliner and a what it is you want to do. You have to be rip roaring party in Brixton to top it off. We willing to put in the work and effort but if were also lucky enough to get a support you really love playing music it won’t seem slot on the Brixton night of Primal Scream’s like work. You gotta enjoy yourself cause if “Screamadelica” tour which really made you’re not it won’t feel right and the results the trip one to remember. Only had minor won’t be as good. Music is all about letting disasters like Eoghan breaking the back it happen and not trying to force something window of our van in the middle of London that you’re not feeling. Bottom line, music is and the likes. Then there were all the about having the craic.

62//connected magazine 63//www.connected.ie Deadbots Collaborations with Sharam Jey and Distraktt out soon...

SHE-D is a fully independent developing cultural site for interactive networking between varied audiences, participating intercultural artisans and event curators. SHE-D promotes a non-academic, professional space in the unsafe and stimulating territory of Dublin’s Inner City. www.mcbett.net

65//www.connected.ie Interview: A Guy Called Gerald Words: Laura Kelly Walsh MAY - JUNE - JULY AT 21 MAY BIG DISH GO PRESENTS A guy called gerald (Live) (uk) / ceephax acid crew (uk) / ed chamberlain (warp) / louis scully / fran harnett / djamel / rob glennon (Live) / rob murphy 28 MAY HSSH PRESENTS... dj deep (deeply rooted, rex club - paris) / joma / the amazing few (live) / ponydance / sophie devere & francesca nyzye / the midnight phil eoin callers (live) dolce merda w / shortie / frankie grimes / gianni cat & haido 11 June 18 June Lone & TR-One live 6th Borough Project Live 02 July 09 July or those of you old enough, the limit! swimming pool full of broken glass. you might remember when So many producers state you as an You composed your latest album Tronic alex under FISH GO DEEP you first heard the classic acid influence, who do you rate? Jazz in Berlin. What impact has moving house track that is Voodoo Ray. Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Afrika there had on your music’s development? Some 25 years on the creator, Bambaataa, Roy Ayers, Quincy Jones, Stevie Well, the weather’s not so clever, so there’s 16 July 23 July Mancunian legend and one of Wonder, and countless other soldiers a lot of time spent indoors which is perfect ben klock luke slater Fthe founding members of 808 State, A of the soul. for studio life. Guy Called Gerald (aka Gerald Simpson) is How has dance culture changed since Why did you pack your label Juice Box still paving the way forward as fresh and your early Hacienda’ days? Do you think in? energetic as ever. the scene is as hedonistic today? I decided I wanted to move to New York and Having launched acid house in the Well, Hacienda’ days were kind of the end start fresh. Hacienda days, Simpson left 808 State to of it. I would say since my early Legends’ What advice would you give to aspiring go solo, setting up label Juice Box Records. days, dance music has changed from being producers and DJs today? Releases such as the 28 Gun Badboy LP in something that a few amateurs enjoyed Draw a continuous line - not straight - and ’93 and the equally seminal Black Secret seriously on the dancefloor into something never let the sides touch. Technology in ’95, set the template for the that was a trainspotter’s fetish and then it What was the ultimate highlight of your jungle and drum and bass scene that was became kind of a superficial past-time for musical career? to come. wankers, supermodels and megalomanic Every time I finish a tune. Since then he’s been releasing on labels DJs. For me it wasn’t about the hedonism, I Most interesting artist that you have Perlon, Sender, !K7, Beatstreet and the like, took my dance very seriously from an early collaborated with? with ninth album Tronic Jazz: The Berlin age and the clubs were an escape from A singer called Wendy Page. She comes Sessions on specialist Berlin label Laboratory Thatcher’s 80s. from a folk background and it was a Instinct last year. You say you never want to be surprising fit with the music I was doing A Guy Called Gerald will be treating us stereotyped into any particular genre. at the time. to a very special four hour live and DJ set at How is this holding artists back when What can people expect when they go to The Twisted Pepper on May 21 at BIGWAR 3 producing? see you at Glastonbury? Live. It started off as maybe two or three pigeon Don’t expect - just come and experience. Electro and 80s hip-hop used to do it. holes and now it’s an entire birdhouse. And finally, what’s next for A Guy Called What inspires you today? Well, they tend to go for the genre that’s Gerald? The thing that inspires me today is the ease pulling in the most cred - usually the latest I’m working on secret experimental weapon of use of the technology. Back in the old one that’s probably made of a few others. with the US Government - it’s called Silent days we had to understand binary just to When you improvise the last thing you Spread Sound Spectrum (it’s a division of get a bleep and a tweet and now the sky’s want is boundaries - it’s like swimming in a H.A.A.R.P.) That’s all I can reveal right now.

66//connected magazine 67//www.connected.ie Jeff Mills John Digweed Dr Lektroluv Johnny Clarke + band Dreadzone Soundsystem A Skillz Hardfloor - live Youngsta X-Dream vs The Delta Slam The Orb Soundsystem Ramadanman Juno Reactor Sandwell District Michael Prophet Ed Rush Zoo Project Clive Henry Dan Ghenacia D.A.B. Dj Positive (Café del Mar) Mungos Hifi Channel One soundsystem Reso Neelix + 100 more DJs and bands // Electronic Music Psytrance - Breaks - Electro - D&B Minimal - Techno - House - Progressive - Chillout Downtempo // World Music Live Bands Reggae - Folk - Tribal Gipsy - Dub - Latin Fusion //

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