Go West... "West by Sound West"
The Human Recommendation show started on Flirt FM back on 16th September and I have hosted seven shows since then, the next one will air in the new year on Monday January 20th at 8pm. All the previous shows are available through playback on Mixcloud. It’s been fun, especially listening to and playing more Irish bands.
Over the years as the “sprogs” were growing into young adults, we actively tried to tackle some of the "one day we'll go and see that" place and enjoy a 'Staycation' before Covid-19 forced that decision again on us.
We tend to forget about the special places close by and despite the usual inclement weather, the views remain stunning in our amazing countryside which is so heavily steeped in history. There is so much idyllic scenery to absorb, this small island offers a real chance to get back to basics, exploring nearby rock pools, surrounding woodland, heritage trails and those ordinary delights such as simply flying a kite on a windy beach, often overlooked in this technological obsessed era.
Sometimes we take for granted what lies just past our doorstep, the same goes for the music being produced in our country. Despite Tom Dunne posting earlier in the year “Adieu the band era”, the demise of the indie band is greatly exaggerated, they may not appear in the mainstream charts but there are a wealth of Irish acts out there, from all pockets of the island waiting to be discovered!
BlowTorch Records
In my latest interview, I spoke with Richard Burke from BlowTorch Records who popped into the Flirt FM studio for a great discussion on music, Irish bands, the industry and the Punk spirit of D.I.Y. (Also features some of the music from the label roster including Blue Slate, Scattered Ashes, Virgins, Adore, Future West). You can listen back here:
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The Human Recommendation interview #2, featuring BlowTorch Records label owner Richard Burke by The Human Recommendation | Mixcloud
The Human Recommendation is a biweekly radio show on FlirtFm 101.3 FM showcasing the best of indie & alternative music from Ireland and around the globe. But in this special interview side project, host Damien had to opportunity to converse with indie label BlowTorch Records owner Richard Burke who popped into the Flirt FM studio for a discussion on music, the industry and the Punk spirit of D.I.Y. Also features music from the label roster including Blue Slate, Scattered Ashes, Virgins, Adore, F...
Over the last six years Richard has been focused on Irish indie acts and has been championing artists. His label provides a vital platform to release Irish music through. BlowTorch Records also announced a showcase night in the new year in May, at the Roisin Dubh in Galway called West By Sound West.Tickets are very reasonably priced and are available through eventbrite.
Live Music
I still have a soft spot for Villagers, they were the first live act I was lucky enough to see back in September 2021 post pandemic, lock-downs etc and they provided much needed joy at the time. I wrote about the power of live music over on my Medium.com page. But last week at Leisureland with the full band was even better!
I still have to post my favourite albums of the year, but it will definitely include ‘Name your sorrow’ by Pillow Queens which I have been playing a lot this year and featured tracks from it on the show. I have yet to see them play live and was bitterly disappointed when they postponed their Galway date but thankfully it has been rescheduled to the 25th January and I cant wait!!!