Stout fellows
The cream rises to the top. No, were not talking about the drink itself, but the finalists in the Murphy’s Live extravaganza.
Shilpa Ganatra, 14 Mar 2007
It’s a tough old ride to the top, but when there’s a prize worth €10,000 and esteem that’s simply priceless at stake, it’s worth battling for.
Over 350 unsigned bands from all corners of Ireland entered Murphy’s Live. In the end, 12 were chosen to show off their wares in the live heats, which took place in Cork, Dublin (twice), Killarney, Waterford and Limerick. Each night’s entertainment was rounded off by some rather storming performances from Ireland’s finest – namely, The Blizzards, Messiah J & The Expert, Delorentos, Dae Kim and Vesta Varro. If that wasn’t enough for the lucky gig-goers who got in free, vouchers for pints of Murphy’s were dished out on entry. Unfortunately, complimentary limousines home weren’t quite part of the deal.
With the first round over, and some heated discussions between the judges – myself, Angela Dorgan of First Music Contact and Margaret Barron, brand manager of Murphy’s Live – we can now reveal the four acts to go through to the semi finals. Drum roll please… The Chapters; SuperJimenez; Ilya K; Philtre
So what happens now? On Thursday 22 March, The Chapters and Superjimenez will support The Immediate in Whelan’s Dublin, and on Thursday 29 March, Ilya K and Philtre will support Duke Special in An Brog, Cork.
Then (and I’m dying with excitement here) the two bands who make it to the final will get the chance support (get ready…) recent NME tour headliners The Automatic (wooh!) in the intimate setting of The Village in Dublin. The winner of Murphy’s Live – who’ll also bag an EP launch with Fifa Records, studio recording time, a national distribution deal, full PR and a six month management deal – will be crowned that very night.
But before we look forward to the rest of the of the competition, let’s take a look over Ireland’s emerging talent: the 12 bands who impressed crowds across the country.
Exit: Pursued By A Bear
Page 1/4 <Previous 1 2 3 4 Next>
©Hot Press 2011. Why be a member? | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy