Ep 37 Unsung heroes of the Galway music scene #1 with John O'Connor

11/02/22 • 50 min

In the first of a new series we talk to Galway music promoter John O'Connor who runs the city's A Modern Movement.
The aim of the series is to shine a light on the heroes in the shadows. Those who host the small scale shows and events which encourage and develop upcoming bands and where you might see your next new musical love. Although Galway-based, the themes apply to any such place with a thriving sonic sub culture.
John guides us through his own not insignificant input to the night time economy and curates a personal dream lineup. Could Galway have a 'night mayor?' How will the new Irish club licensing laws affect things? Where can you get a coffee after 8pm? All that and much more besides.
All details for A Modern Movement are on their Facebook page
Music played in this episode
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - Devil Inside Me
Reuben - Let's Stop Hanging Out
Biffy Clyro - 57
Sal Dulu - She Belongs To Roth

Previous Episode

Ep 36 Virgins' debut EP Transmit A Little Heaven - track by track

We're back! After a summer break we return with a bang, albeit one with loads of fuzz and reverb on it, as Richard talks to Michael Smyth from Belfast's Virgins about their upcoming shoegaze EP Transmit A Little Heaven. He gives us some great background on the band and the recording of the EP, and goes through each of the 5 tracks with a sneak preview of each.
The first release from the EP Signalling is out now - listen on Spotify - and the full vinyl release will be on or around October 14.
Order pink vinyl on our website or Virgins' Bandcamp page
All Virgins info & tour details on their Linktree
Virgins on Instagram

Next Episode

Ep 38 Unsung heroes of the Galway music scene #2 with Jake Tiernan

In the second of the series we talk to ex Turnstiles' bassist and Galway's Free House promoter Jake Tiernan.
He guides us through his journey from basic bassist to touring with Turnstiles and how the lack of a place to play prompted him to start Free House. Which I should point out does not mean it is always free to get in.
Now working with Luke Mulliez, his rhythm partner in Turnstiles and Montessori, he continues to deliver iconic nights in Áras na nGael with an eclectic line up of Irish bands & artists. Listen in to discover who's on upcoming lineups and also who he would choose for his all time Free House gig.
Freehouse on Instagram
The aim of this series is to shine a light on the heroes in the shadows. Those who host the small scale shows and events which encourage and develop upcoming bands and where you might see your next new musical love. Although Galway-based, the themes apply to any such place with a thriving sonic sub culture.
Music played in this episode
Fugazi - Shut The Door
Beat Happening - In Between
The White Stripes - Suzy Lee
Silverbacks - Archive Material
Belle and Sebastian - The Stars of Track & Field