Regular Bandwidthers will know I’ve been documenting elements of Belfast’s amazing Open House Festival this year – starting with some delightful acts for a unique cover sessions series – and even our intrepid Ian Shearer was blogging from the event.

And so, as fans of the festival facebook page will have seen last week – I now have a full document (of sorts) in 6 parts to enjoy, featuring highlights of the festival and live performance footage from, amongst others, Fleet Foxes, Laura Marling & Villagers. Thrown into that heady mix was also the annual Chillifest and Chilli eating contest, a healthy programme of Irish Trad music, a unique caravan jam series in open house square, and an amazing ‘Breakthrough’ line up of new undiscovered music.

Here it is then, enjoy. It was so much fun to do this and be a part of such an amazing institution for a fortnight, so hopefully some of that comes through.

Fleet Foxes

[Download Video]

Villagers

[Download Video]

Laura Marling

[Download Video]

Smoke Faeries

[Download Video]

Marcus Foster / The Staves

[Download Video]

Lost Brothers / Caitlin Rose

[Download Video]

There were many highlights from this year’s festival; set within the walls of a plush victorian walled garden, and featuring arts, crafts and performance arts from across the country as well as the hottest new musical acts – this year saw in an amazing new venue, the Crafty Tea Rooms, propped up by the campsite, beside Delamont Park’s impressive monolith. It hosted Tim Wheeler and Emmy The Great the first night of the festival, and the monolith itself was the impressive setting for a dusk-drenched midsummer serenade form the Inishowen Gospel Choir.

The next day, The Minutes rocked, The Vals sparkled, Pat Dam Smyth dazzled, Robyn G Shiels emoted, Shlomo amazed and Not Squares partied into the night. Here are just some of the highlights from another amazing year:

Beat N’ Drum & The Inishowen Gospel Choir

[Download Video]

Tim Wheeler & Emmy The Great

[Download Video]

Robyn G Shiels

[Download Video]

The Vals

[Download Video]

Pat Dam Smyth

[Download Video]

The Minutes

[Download Video]

Shlomo

[Download Video]

Not Squares

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell
Filmed in Killyleagh, Co. Down July 2011.

You’ve already seen John Deery of John Deery & The Heads and Skip Moses, now Sons Of Caliber covering Fleet Foxes.

The Open House Festival runs to the weekend Sunday and will featured Laura Marling, Villagers & Fleet Foxes amongst others.

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell
Filmed in Belfast June 2011.

Last week we brought you John Deery of John Deery & The Heads – today it’s Jonny Black of La Faro and Skip Moses, performing a track by fellow locals, Sons Of Caliber.

The Open House Festival begins on Wednesday and runs through Sunday.

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell
Filmed in Belfast June 2011.

First up, John Deery of John Deery & The Heads, covering the Villagers‘ track “That Day”

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell
Filmed in Belfast June 2011.

This is Fake DIY blogged the results, one track a day, leading up to the album launch last week.

Here it is on Bandwidth in its original unadulterated form. Enjoyez-vous.

Camera: Will McConnell
Recorded in Start Together Studios, Belfast March 2011

This March however, was a very special occasion, with the event moved to 17th, St Patricks Day – and the headliner one Foy Vance. This marked somewhat of a return for Foy who – though he lives and works in London now – comes from Bangor Co. Down’s sunny shores – and here he talks about what it’s like to be back in his birthplace, and he plays a few new tunes too.

[Download Video]

Filmed by Will McConnell in Belfast, March 2011
Thanks to MASH & Graham Brown

If you haven’t already, have a listen to Iain’s magical album ‘To The Pine Roots’.

Iain plays Belfast this sunday at Communion Belfast in the Black Box.

[Download Video]

Thanks to Rachel Anne Coulter, Nicola Jordan

To ease us in, here’s an archive piece – filmed waaaay back in 2009 backstage at Auntie Annies – its an amazing band from Saaffend, England called Baddies – and if you’re in London they’re playing a heavier version of what you see here at the Queen of Hoxton on Feb 11th.

Happy 2011!

[Download Video]

[Download Video]

Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Filmed backstage in Auntie Annies, Belfast in October 2009

We had 20 minutes to spare in between soundchecks and doors opening. Fortunately, backstage at the The Empire in Belfast is.. cavernous to say the least. Cavernous and, paradoxically, crowded, as you’ll see, its easy to run into the same people more than once..

[Download Video]

Frightened Rabbit were on a short UK & Ireland tour – they’ll probably be back next year with more shows and more heartache. In the meantime, enjoy this gem..

[Download Video]

Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Sound: Joe Laverty
Filmed at The Empire, Belfast in December 2010

Boy & Bear – Rabbit Song
[Download Video]

Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Filmed at The Black Box, Belfast in November 2010

As it turns out, a show didn’t transpire for this stop of the tour – so this, as far as I know, is the known sole recorded performance of the duo in Belfast. And quite an honour too, because they are absolutely magnificent – and its crying shame that Belfast missed out on them (until now that is).

So it was a foggy cold winter day when I went to meet Sarah and Thomas at the apartment they’d found on a couch surfing website. In the kitchen we chatted about country music, movies and Minnesota’s surprising contribution to popular culture (Bob Dylan, Prince, Low, Bon Iver and, in the film realm, The Cohen Brothers). Maybe it was something about the arctic weather made them feel at home – because they seemed to channel all these musical greats over the course of that day – starting with this brace of tracks, one from Thomas and one from Sarah:

[Download Video]

Then it was from leafy Belfast suburbia to the even leafier Lady Dixon park, a few miles out of town, for a bit of ramblin’, tree spotting and some wonderfully appropriate music:

[Download Video]

Deep within the grounds of Lady Dixon there’s a Belfast version of a Japanese Zen garden. I’ve visited this garden in sunnier climes, and believe me its impressive – with water pools, lilly pads and cherry blossoms. On this muted wintery day, it was a dark dead place – and all the more dramatic for it really, not least when a gust of wind caught all the dead leaves and they all seemed to fall at once into the water during Sarah Pray’s once-in-a-lifetime ‘End Of The World’, which evoked Low in my mind again. It really did feel like the end of the world, and if I were more in touch with my fem side I would freely admit that it brought big man tears to my eyes. But yeah aye it was just a speck of dust, honest.

[Download Video]

Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Filmed in Belfast, November 2010

So I thought it would be appropriate to resurrect an old Bandwidth Session once thought lost, one that always reminds me of those surprising, late, Belfast summers. It was in late 2009 and the legendary King Khan (really Arish Ahmad Khan to biography fans) was in Belfast, at the Black Box, fronting King Khan & The Shrines.

We originally recorded 2 tracks with him, one a lullaby he recorded as a tribute for his kids, and the second a cover from Mississippi John Hurt. And the perils of live recording meant that I didn’t realise until I got to the edit suite that a mic lead must have been lose or something, because no useable sound had been coming through. So that one went in the ‘IN’ pile and inevitably got buried in more pressing issues.

But a good track is still a good track – and there was one good track in there – a rare and sweet session with Khan, playing a beautiful track, again a lullaby, by a country blues legend, called Aint No Tellin.

So here it is in all its glory:

[Download Video]

Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Filmed in Belfast, October 2009

Then he joined a band and, in my opinion, became criminally eclipsed by his louder more limelight-hungry friends.

But he’s back – and with the added bonus that its now considered cool to like him again. Not even that would put Bandwidth off.

Last September, Brendan devoted himself to a whole month tour of Ireland, taking in every major sight and sound on the way, and with his family in tow. We met up with him in Belfast, and we made friends with some lizards, watch:

[Download Video]

Right, well after all that there was still time to head back to Auntie Annie’s, the venue, of the gig, of the reason he was there. And we got what I believe may well be an exclusive – the first video session of a song he’d been playing a bit live.

It’s a B-Side to Spit It Out called Baby In A Rug. And its wonderful.

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell / Sound: Sean Duncan
Filmed in Belfast, September 2010

Caitlin arrived fashionably late, guitar in hand, wearing sunglasses indoors, with that kind of “follow me I’m a rock star” vibe about her. It was love at first sight.

Dominic, filling in on sound duties this week, is a huge fan of Caitlin’s latest album Own Side Now – its an amazing work – and its gathering a lot of critical whoo-ha (technical term). Despite all this, Cailtin Rose wears it all so lightly. Its like she doesn’t realise or doesn’t care about the ripples she’s about to cause in the UK music scene.

Anyway, dutifully, the Belfast rain started spitting. Shep, Caitlin’s tour manager made the rather sensible suggestion of retreating to the tour van where we could record in the dry and in relative peace and quiet – but that didn’t stop the locals peeking in.

[Download Video]

You gotta love Belfast at times. Time and time again people say it – its the people who make the city. Caitlin obviously prefers the “one fan at a time” approach, so she wasn’t afraid to converse, cover and serenade. This, from Randy Newman (from California it turns out) is the morbid, wonderful and weirdly apt for playing outside a grimy Belfast pub: “Marie”.

Caitlin Rose is currently touring continental Europe – we urge you to go and looksee.

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell / Sound: Dominic Coyle
Filmed in Belfast, October 2010

September’s quickly becoming my favourite time of year. Firstly, we say goodbye to that oppressive (slightly warm) Irish summer rain – there’s a crispness in the air – and mince pies start appearing in shops.

There’s also the small matter of the Open House Festival in Belfast. This little music festival in the city has been trundling along for exactly 12 years now if you can believe it – celebrating all that’s good about session music, big hats, cold beer and chilli. It had always attracted an incredible flux of hairy hidden talent to the city for one week a year – tempted by Northern Ireland and Scotland’s very old connection to appalachian bluegrass they came far and wide from the States and Europe.

Then a little something happened called a folk revival, and all of a sudden it was cool to play the banjo for hours outside the pub after your gig has finished, drinking beer and generally staying up late – and with that Open House became the coolest thing in town.

For the past 3 years the festival has had a phenomenal line-up – hosting the likes of Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling while they were still unknowns. This year brought Wilco, Modest Mouse, Old Crow Medicine Show and Seasick Steve to Belfast – as well as an amazing lineup of the next Wilcos, Modest Mice, Old Crows and Seasick Steves. And its to these acts that we turn your attention today.

First up, a trucking company employee turned good. Nathaniel Rateliff was just hanging around for the whole week of the fest – no one pestered him – if they’d known he could have held daily concerts in the living room of his crashpad. Next year he will folks, next year..

[Download Video]

[Download Video]

Another exciting act that people are starting to make wee noises about – mostly due to this Hank Williams cover you’re about to see/hear here. I literally had 6 minutes with Lissie before they (they? She? either?) jumped on stage, so this is the entirety of that time on tape for you now. Amazing band. Amazing sound. Amazing festival for bringing her (them? both?) over.

[Download Video]

After 3 or 4 days of music, more beer and chilli, everyone was a bit tired out. I’d arranged to see Andrew Davie at some point during the festival (no exact date given) so we met up on the Friday. It turns out that he, as with most of the support acts, were all crashing in a house all together, cooking, drinking beer (spot a theme here) and playing music all together. God I LOVE THIS FESTIVAL. What you’re about to see is just a snippet of the day. Andrew Davie. Remember you heard his name here.

[Download Video]

[Download Video]

Once you put a guitar in this boy’s hand he can’t stop putting out melodies each more beautiful than the last – he’s like a beautiful song machine. I thought bringing him to the beach and letting him out of the car to run around might calm him down – and it did perhaps have an effect. We drove up the coast, walked on the sand, played a few songs, and, well, what you’re about to watch is… simply put.. stunning.

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell
Filmed in Belfast, September 2010

But then most people aren’t Tim Rice-Oxley and Jesse Quin. In the city they are the insanely successful band called Keane – but out in the country they are Mt. Desolation.

Mt. Desolation was born in Dublin, out of a love for Hank Williams and a penchant for Guinness. Right now, they’re giving a little something back to the city by disturbing the peace within it. And the most peaceful place we know at Bandwidth Sessions is the beautiful Victorian Iveagh Gardens – in the heart of the city – not bustling and touristic like St Stephen’s Green – and with far fewer security guards.

And in the heart of the garden in the heart of the city – a tiny maze.

[Download Video]

Iveagh Gardens is a sprawling, beautiful place, full of little nooks and crannies to hide in. We finished our session hiding in a rose garden, trying to avoid the snapshots of Japanese tourists. To be fair to them, its probably not what you’d expect to see on a quiet timeout during your Dublin holiday. Hey, if you’re reading this, yes you with the mobile phone who was filming this session from the corner of the garden… hold onto that, it might be worth something someday..

Keepin her country, Mt. Desolation are currently touring the highways and byways of Britain, having just finished a strew of shows in the outer Hebridean islands. This is not an exaggeration. But from October they’ll be hitching their wagon to the Mumford & Sons convoy out in the US. I urge you.. to go see them…

[Download Video]

Camera: Will McConnell
Filmed in Dublin, September 2010

This time, the roles are reversed and Ruth and Brookln are providing backing for Paul – first up for the heart melting “You’re The One” – and then let’s not forget the very capable and multi-talented Phil Harrison on decks for the insanely catchy “Dunno What Happened To You”. It really was a lovely tranquil day all in all!

[Download Video] / [Download Audio]

[Download Video] / [Download Audio]

These things usually happen this way – we had five minutes left over – and as the others were packing up kit and putting on the kettle, me and Paul sneaked out to record this quick track – simple, stripped down, beautiful stuff really.

[Download Video] / [Download Audio]

Filmed by Will McConnell in Belfast, July 2010
Thanks to Matthew Rodger

Summer rolls on and Bandwidth continues to bring you the best of the festivals from around Northern Ireland. A fortnight ago we brought you our view of the Glasgowbury Festival in the Sperrin Mountains – today, the van rolls up in picturesque South Down.

Once upon a time, it was the Innishfree festival, it was run by a small group of enthusiastic music fans – and it was like nothing else. Then in 2009, the feat was repeated, and this time it had moved to a walled garden in Delamont Country park. Willowstone Festival was born, and it was a good thing.

20 or so musicians, art installations, decent food, families running around unembarrassed – not a Diageo banner in sight – Willowstone is an original independent boutique festival run by those who care about festivals – set in the most beautiful place in Ireland. Its a sight to behold. And here’s the highlights.

Colenso Parade kick off the proceedings – lowering the tone as always. Last time we met up was on top of Belfast’s iconic big wheel structure – this time we went for a something a little more sedate.

[download for ipod]

Scorpion Jack are self styled Pirate Folk musicians. They’re currently making waves, splicing manbraces and raping our venues and pillaging our ears. Hoist the flag.

[download for ipod]

John Shelly & The Creatures – Now renamed Master And Dog - are old favourites to the Bandwidth stable – they never disappoint. In our search for venues in and around the park, we found a disparate group of fans, put outside for bad behaviour. We thought it was only right to stage a benefit gig, and promptly attempted to sneak them back in. Only fair.

[download for ipod]

Here representing the Republic of Ireland, Wicklow’s own Bocs Social finally brought a bit of class to the proceedings. Coming hotly recommended as they do, even when a particularly angsty security guard insisted on barging past us to boil a kettle for his tea, we just knew they couldn’t stop the bop.

[download for ipod]

Bored? Nothing on TV? Thank Stoke Newington International Airport for inspiration on this one. Willowstone 2010 was somewhat of a Bandwidth-extended-family affair all of a sudden when Katie & The Carnival turned up – but this incarnation of the group is nearly totally different from previous versions (apart from 2 core members) – expect new tunes, news instruments, 250% more puppets and an album in the coming months. Bandwidth is very pleased.

[download for ipod]

Oh yes and you might of heard of this lot, they’re called Cashier No.9 and everyone thinks they’re just great. Thanks then go to Pony Dance Theatre Company for enlightening us in the end, and thanks also to everyone involved in the Willowstone Festival. Long may you reign.

[download for ipod]

Filmed at Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh, July 2010
Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Camera/Sound: Sean Duncan

We caught up with them all together and filmed two wholly separate sessions. They share duties on some tracks in their set, but they’re also two distinct identities. Paul Pilot’s session will be ready in a few weeks, bu first up, two tracks from Rue Royale.

[Download "Rue Royale - Halfway Blind" for iPod (167.6 MB)]

Listen to “Rue Royale – Halfway Blind”

[Download (Mp3, 5.4 MB)]

[Download "Rue Royale - Walls" for iPod (221.1 MB)]

Listen to “Rue Royale – Walls”

[Download (Mp3, 6.2 MB)]

Filmed in Belfast, July 2010
Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Thanks to Matthew Rodger

Each year, on a quiet hill, in the middle of a quiet valley, near a not so quiet town, a man named Paddy Glasgow invites some friends over for the biggest celebration of Northern Irish musical talent of the year. This event is called Glasgowbury.

We filmed up there last year, and this year we’re back with our pick of our favourite bands from the festival, all from the back of the Bandwidth Van.

Watch out for more from Bandwidth at Northern Ireland’s festivals this summer.

The Q

[download for ipod]

Listen to “The Q – Magpie”
[download audio]

Team Fresh

[download for ipod]

Listen to “Team Fresh – Rhythm Tradition”
[download audio]

Furlo

[download for ipod]

Listen to “Furlo – Your Entire Glows”
[download audio]

Here Comes The Landed Gentry

[download for ipod]

Listen to “Here Comes The Landed Gentry – Evil Woman/Leadbelly”
[download audio]

Camera/Edit: Will McConnell
Sound: Sean Duncan
Filmed at Eagles Rock in Draperstown, July 2010

Say No More is taken from the 2006 album Not Fade Away. Listen to how the song comes alive with the reverb of David’s voice in the pedestrian tunnel on High Street. Belfast residents are quite used to hearing buskers in this spot because of the great acoustics there – maybe we should start a clubnight there.

The Nightsaver is out now and David Kitt plays with Tindersticks who will be touring Europe in August.

Download for iPod (77.6 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, April 2010

So I was lucky enough to blag 20 minutes with the band during their soundcheck at the Black Box, and record two tracks – including the hauntingly beautiful To The Ghosts Who Write History Books.

Thanks to the band and Kate Landau for this.
Enjoy!

Download for iPod (33.6 MB)

Download for iPod (41.7 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, January 2010.

So it is with great pleasure that Bandwidth can finally arrange a session performance for you, loyal readers. And it was well worth the wait.

The band had a spare 20 minutes before soundcheck at their Belfast gig in March, at the over elegantly blithe settings of the grand old Empire Music Hall – an auld church building that was an even audler Victorian Vaudeville Hall.

They cleared the tables from the floor and set up in a circle under the giant glimmer ball, brought out the electric organ, and launched into this sublime rendition of “Violent Demeanour”.

Without further ado, pour vous…

Download for iPod (53.8 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, March 2010

Photograph by Gerard O’Mahony

Since then, Peggy Sue have been back twice, including last week with Local Natives. This is a reminder of he first time, when I was allowed the rare luxury of spending a whole afternoon with them on a quiet Saturday morning in the Cathedral Quarter area of Belfast.

I was their host in the city for 2 hours. So where else to start than straight to the pub – the grand old ‘Duke of York’ to be exact:

Peggy Sue – Hatstand Blues

Download for iPod (74 MB)

The Cathedral Quarter in Belfast is a mixed up kind of place, caught up between council-funded gentrification and a genuine desire for artistic diversification, in a place populated by artisans and craft workshops, right beside hotels and travel agents. In short, amongst the cloy wine bars there’s still a few wee gems in the area, like the Safehouse Gallery – the entire ground floor of which has been a dedicated artist’s studio for the past few years. Play spot the icons.

Either way, this space really made an impression on the band, and we even got an audience for a while staring in through the windows..

Peggy Sue – Milk and Blood

Download for iPod (31.6 MB)

The reverb in this space was incredible – a long nondescript alleyway behind – you guessed it – a hotel, than really could be good to good use one day. A week later it was transformed into a ‘nightmare alley’, with montage clips from horror movies projected onto its white spaces But that’s another story. For now it would have to make do as a makeshift concert space for the unsuspecting office workers.
Not that they didn’t appreciate the distraction.

“Thank you. Now shut up.”

Peggy Sue is currently touring with Local Natives before heading to Europe in April with Archie Bronson.

Peggy Sue – Watchman

Download for iPod (50.9 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, September 2009

Also in attendance that bright winter day was the really wonderful Gregg Houston from Babysweet Sessions. Check out his session with Tony here.

Great Lake Swimmers – Pulling On A Line

Download for iPod (44.6 MB)

There was a certain football match on that day, so there was an eery calm to Belfast. I know someone who works in the student union office in the Mandela Hall – he opened his office window and let us climb out on the balcony, as the sun was setting over the city, and Tony had just the right song to play for that moment.

And suddenly all was right in the world for 4 minutes. And then I went home.

Great Lake Swimmers – Everything Is Moving So Fast

Download for iPod (28 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, November 2009

And they toured – they worked with Bloc Party’s producer – and all this off their own back. They weren’t ever signed as far as I knew – they released everything off their own label ‘We Collect Records’. They even run their own festival. It all seemed so effortless – and what’s more, isn’t the oldest cliché true – they are also the hardest working band out there – along with all the other ones.

And then two of them got married, and two of them moved to London. Which didn’t stop them. Their new album “Tides And Tides” is another heartstopping work of insane genius. It was mixed in LA by Brad Wood who’s worked with Pete Yorn and Smashing Pumpkins. And here are two of the best songs on it:

Six Star Hotel – Gloria! Gloria! / I Fell Awake

Download For iPod (92.7 MB) / Download Mp3 (7.7 MB)

Six Star Hotel started here, in Neil’s attic. He and David sat around as kids and recorded demos there onto tape, listening back to them and discovering the joy of being in a band. I can understand why, the acoustics are incredible.

So, to mark their latest album, the most mature work to date, it makes sense to bring it all back home – back onto acoustic guitars and suitcase percussion – back amongst the paraphernalia of childhood – back where it all started. Sit back and enjoy this.

“Tides and Tides” is out now and you can buy it here.

Six Star Hotel – Left Alone

Download For iPod (77.9 MB) / Download Mp3 (5 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Lisburn, November 2009

And yet, it’s all so fitting. Perhaps its the nautical theme of ‘Seafarer’ – the gentle rain sound effects that open her 2009 album ‘Light & Dark’ – replicated here for real on ‘As He Pleases’ – but something draws her to an excited revelation: “We should all go busking in Brighton”.

Watch out for it – after her extensive European tour – a stripped down, busking set on the streets of Brighton with a saxophone, coming soon. Remember, you heard it here first..

Kate Walsh – As He Pleases

Download for iPod (79.9 MB)

Kate Walsh is currently touring Europe – where she’ll be supporting Paolo Nutini in Italy – but not before returning to Ireland on 20 November where she’ll play the Set Theatre, Kilkenny – and in March 2010, a headline show at Whelan’s in Dublin.

Kate Walsh – Seafarer

Download for iPod (80.3 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, October 2009

5 days of chilli and banjos nearly took its toll, but not before the kind people Bandwidth could muster the mustard to crawl backstage and down Jameson with Calgary’s finest The Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir where we also found, skulking away in a corner, a true dixie Mississippian William Elliott Whitmore.

The rest of it is all a little bit hazy. Fortunately I’d hit the record button at some point. I believe someone suggested the acoustics would sound best inside a tiny plastic shower cubicle. Maybe its the effect of having been on tour for 3 months. Either way, it was later concluded to be “second best thing that’s ever been done in a bathroom”, and that way it shall stay forever.

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir (w. William Elliott Whitmore) – Nehemia’s Misfortune

Download for iPod (80.3 MB)

God damn it. After reaching the conclusion that stomping bluegrass is a state of mind, best appreciated by the enlightened, it was inevitable that the music would spill out onto the street. Where the punters were still drinking. Getting into taxis. Walking past on their way home. They were all innocent victims. Because music just cannot be stopped.

We the kind and civilised people of Bandwidth sneaked away some time after 1am, with the solemn promise to the Open House Festival that we would assure their act get a taxi back home that night to the hotel. Its not yet known what the bar bill was at the end of the night. Or if the band ever made it to Newcastle the next day. But there were about 20 people there who got the second best Agnostic Gospel Choir gig of their lives, and that way it shall stay forever.

At least until next time they’re here..

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir – Oh Sorrow

Download for iPod (92.1 MB)

If you like what you see here, remember that William Elliott Whitmore will be back in town supporting The Pogues at St. George’s Market in Belfast on 2nd December. Redemption!!

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, September 2009

with thanks to the OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL

I’m politely waiting for soundcheck to finish up so that we can film our acoustic session, and Robert, flanked by his backing band – Paul Tasker and Iona McDonald of Doghouse Roses- gets out the booming voice again. He could manage heavy metal, opera or yodelling with equal ease. But he sings songs of religious doubt, wandering, wondering and pain. He sings like he lost his lover to Johnny Cash and John Cale in the whiskey-fueled poker match from hell.

Then outside to record the session. More surprises. “There’s a kid right there”, Robert booms. “Oh shit,” I offer. Looking round, I begin to feel a bit uneasy on my feet, ready to make a break for it. “Want to come over and have a listen?” he offers. Eh? They shuffle over. “But you gotta be quiet”. They shut up. Robert keeps playing, not even breaking stride. After the song, one of the kids looks up, wide-eyed: “I wanna be as good as you one day.” Well I never. The gentle giant politely shakes each one of the kids’ hands, “Goodbye, see you later, I’m Robert”. They know.

Willard Grant Conspiracy – Vespers

Download for iPod (79.3MB)

And I guess the most surprising thing yet about Robert Fisher is his insistence that Willard Grant Conspiracy is, somehow not just his band, but a full collective. He never refers to “my band”, only to Paul and Iona, “the rest of the band”. Right enough – look through Willard Grant’s extensive back catalogue and see a wide range of musical influences at every turn. Paul elaborates. Robert and Doghouse Roses met during a recording session in Glasgow, when they were sharing recording space. Robert was hooked, and invited them on tour with Willard Grant. Its a collective, but each artist retains his or her individual identity. Hence the odd occurrence of Doghouse Roses supporting that night for Willard Grant Conspiracy (featuring Doghouse Roses). Confusion reigns. A band opens for itself. Alt country perfection fills the void. Enjoy it.

Doghouse Roses – Gone There

Download for iPod (57.2MB)

Robert, Paul and Iona are currently on a 2-month tour of Europe as Willard Grant Conspiracy. The stunningly beautiful new album Paper Covers Stone is available here on itunes.

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Belfast, September 2009

Peter invited me up to his house at the beginning of the summer to hear some of his stuff. Simple, pure.. er.. long.. it certainly was – not least because of the wide range of pop rock and dance covers Peter can expertly recreate in a concerto style on his upright piano. I must admit I actually was just enjoying the show. But we had a film to make, so we settled on one, along with this composition of his own.

Rams’ Pocket Radio – Dieter Rams Has Got The Pocket Radios/Yeah Yeah (Bodyrox)

Download for iPod (88.5MB)

Oh yes, there was an accordion too. Peter held up what appeared to be an old family photograph, “You’re going to hear a song about this in a minute.. now how on earth do you play this thing?”. After flexing out a few chords, he had mastered yet another instrument and we went for a dander.

Peter is wrapping up a mini tour of Northern Ireland with a gig at Hague’s bar in Lisburn on 24th September.

Rams’ Pocket Radio – Souvenir

Download for iPod (31.5 MB)

Filmed by Will McConnell
in Lisburn, June 2009

It’s that simple sometimes. No one expected Lisa Hannigan would make the impression she has – probably least of all herself – where’s the floppy hat? The blue-rimmed sunglasses? The post-rock? The new wave? The gimmick? It is still (sometimes) just about humming a catchy tune and that’s all.

The fact that she used to sing with Damien Rice and all that stuff has been well documented. All you need to worry about is that Lisa’s first solo album is nominated for the ever so prestigious mercury-prize – and its an absolute gem.

Lisa was playing with The Swell Season for their Ireland warm-up dates – and we caught up with her in Derry – in a weird pixie world that we later found out is actually called “Derry Craft Village”.

Lisa Hannigan – Lille

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And so on a slightly damp Derry afternoon, a handful of German and Canadian tourists were privy to smallest Lisa Hannigan gig on the current tour – with a “Thank you Derry!” on cue.

Electric Picnic is on this weekend, and Lady Hannigan is playing on the Friday. Then there is a USA tour, so if you’re lucky enough to live there watch out for her humming in the main street of a city near you.

Lisa Hannigan – Ocean & A Rock

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Filmed by Will McConnell in Derry, August 2009
Sound recorded by Matt Bohill

Could have fooled me.

We know, like you do, that no matter how loud the band – most of their songs are at some point worked out, in that quiet dark space, on an acoustic guitar. Bob Dylan once said “People confuse my songs for my versions”. A good song is a good song and it works acoustically, to an audience of one, if it works fully plugged to a crowded noisy bar.

So in that spirit, we present you The Rupture Dogs in their full glory. 3 songs; semi-acoustic (of sorts), acoustic, and loud..

The Rupture Dogs – Today & Tonight (acoustic)

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Photographer and long-time Bandwidth-friend Graham Smith joined me down to the band’s home in Newcastle, Co. Down, and on to their gig at The Square Peg, Warrenpoint, that evening. Check out some great photos from the day on his site.

About 20 minutes before going on stage, while the rest of the guys were playing pool, Allan got out his guitar and started strumming a song. After a moment he managed to silence a room containing perhaps the two loudest bands in the country (and Bandwidth alumni), Here Comes The Landed Gentry and Fighting With Wire

The Rupture Dogs – Twilight

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There was also the small matter of a gig to be played that night, supporting the above-mentioned lot. “Closing Doors” is a new track – and its just another example of the band’s truly great, raw live sound. Exciting things are still to come. Just don’t tell Allan he looks like Dave Grohl, he doesn’t like that.

The Rupture Dogs have an album called ‘What You Live For’. Initial pressings have sold out – but you can hear most of it for free on their myspace page. They’ll be back at The Square Peg in Warrenpoint on 15th August and they’re playing Up At The Attic in Auntie Annies, Belfast on 6th October.

Don’t ask questions. Just go.

The Rupture Dogs – Closing Doors

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Filmed by: Will McConnell
©2009 Bandwidth Films

Every July for the past few years, a small but massive event has taken place on Eagle’s Rock, near Draperstown Northern Ireland. Set at the foot of the Sperrin mountain range, as tranquil and remote a setting as you can imagine, a quiet but determined man called Paddy Glasgow has held a music festival the way he wants it. The result… Glasgowbury.. safely the best annual showcase for Northern Irish music that exists today.

Bandwidth was proudly positioned in the most picturesque carpark in the known world, ready to take in the best of the fest. First up Joe Echo and Building Pictures, also known as, brothers Ciaran and John Gribbin (versus The Jane Bradfords if you listen carefully at the end)

No.1 Joe Echo

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It’s Ireland after all, so it wasn’t long before the rain came down. All of a sudden, hiding in a warm van for a few minutes didn’t seem all that arduous a prospect. Imagine our delight too when we discovered we could fit an entire double bass and three people into the van, which isn’t (at least I don’t think) in the Citröen manual.

No. 2 Silhouette

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We at Bandwidth have been meaning to film this lot for quite a while now, ever since this little drunken escapade somehow leaked through Bandwidth quality control. No let up here to be honest, the Buckfast was flowing. Here is the buckfastic Colenso Parade, with a bit of Lennon & McCartney thrown in.

No.3 Colenso Parade

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As the day came to a close, it started to dry up (weather wise I mean), and things.. got.. a little hazy. Before Bandwidth packed up and headed down to the main stage to watch the mighty And So I Watch You From Afar, there was still time to host the really rather fucking awesome Ed Zealous in the by-now-notorious van. This is a rare occasion that Ed Zealous perform acoustically, and rarer still that they do so in a van parked 300m from the main stage at Glasgowbury.

Aw well, best enjoy it then. I know we did.

No.4 Ed Zealous

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With thanks to Niall Kerr and the rest of the Glasgowbury festival. May you live long and prosper. And see you next year!

Director/Camera: Will McConnell
Sound: Matt Bohill
©2009 Bandwidth Films

What with the 4th July holiday fast approaching – wouldn’t it be appropriate to kick back with a bit of old time roots & blues, done proper. After all we taught them Yanks everything they know.

Ten Gallon Hat & The Big Salute – It’s All Wrong

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The Ten Gallons are usually 5 members strong – but today’s session was a reduced set up, with only Kris Telfords and Eamon Lynch from the band still functioning after a storming stage set. They’re also gigging extensively around Northern Ireland at the moment – you’ll catch at this year’s Glasgowbury Festival on 25 July too. Happy trials..!

Ten Gallon Hat & The Big Salute – Just Enough

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Filmed by: Will McConnell
Sound: Matt Bohill

2009 Bandwidth Films

We were wary at first. We’ve seen this guy live. We’ve heard “Hello Death”, “I’d Go To Funerals”, “The Dead Sea” and other cheery titles. Does he live in a graveyard? Would he, Lost Boys-style offer us a glass of wine and we’d have to live there forever?

Fortunately, Robyn was in a more chipper mood. His dark side actually revealed itself to be the more creative-variety of duende – and we left unharmed. There’s a stunning beauty in Robyn’s music that’s all the more raw and available when stripped down to its core elements as it is here.

Robyn G Shiels – Our Hope Lay Dying

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Backed these days in his live shows by Ellen and Clare on backing vocals and piano respectively – Robyn’s taking his latest material in a lighter direction – sonically that is, the subject matter is still death, darkness, the usual. But the light feminine touch appears to take some of the edges off – which may soften the entry but hardens the blow, as a, uh, man once said.

Robyn G Shiels – Underneath The Night Of Stars

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By the way, this is Ellen Turley’s second collaboration with Bandwidth. Look back a few months and you may notice her in the video for Panda Kopanda’s single Spirals. Robyn G. Shiels has a fantastic history of collaboration with other Northern legends, from back in the day, a Therapy? related side project SONS OF MASSEY, with future recordings promised with Duke Special and a new album ‘Blood Of The Innocents’, released next month on No Dancing records which was recorded with Fyfe Ewing. We cannee wait.

Robyn G Shiels – Mysterious Scowls

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Director/Camera: Will McConnell
2009 Bandwidth Films

Time for a reminder, if a reminder were needed, of a band who did it first, better and with cooler. We’ve had The National on this site from New York and Seu Jorge from Rio de Janeiro, but this is the first time Bandwidth has ventured as far as Dublin – and we’re proud to present you their finest sons (and daughter) – Fight Like Apes

Fight Like Apes – Tie Me Up In Jackets

Download from iTunes (42.6 MB)

Well.. except that it was actually Fight Like Apes who ventured here. Here to be precise, for a session with BBC Radio 1 in Northern Ireland. Bandwidth followers who may remember this session from rock Gods Therapy? may know about the awesome overwhelming size of the Blackstaff studios in Belfast. Whereas Therapy?’s set filled the whole size of the space, ringing the rafters out of the roof – this was a whole different, intimate kind of experience. I nearly forgot where I was for a second – and hopefully that impression comes across on video, in a good way..

Fight Like Apes – Lumpy Dough

Download from iTunes (56.5 MB)

Currently on a never-ever ending tour of the UK and Ireland – and fresh from a lot more radio coverage playing Camden Crawl 2009 – the remarkably non-belligerent simian band will be back in Belfast on 22 June supporting Kasabian in St George’s Market (!?). Go them. And pick me up a bag of apples.

Fight Like Apes – Something Global

Download from iTunes (53.2 MB)

Director/Camera: Will McConnell
2009 Bandwidth/BBC

Pocket Promise – Something Unreal

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The band set up in the living room of their shared house on Stranmillis St. in Belfast. Lead guitarist Dominic Coyle provided tea and buns while drummer Joe Laverty set the mics in place. With the fire roaring, we nearly forgot we had a session to film, even as guest musicians Joanne Holland (Violin), Laura Henderson (Harp) and Alana Henderson (Cello) arrived. There was a magical feeling hanging in the air as the band played through one of their best known tracks ‘Something Unreal’, from the ‘Waving At Strangers’ EP, now complete with harp and miniature-string section. Perhaps it was the spirit of Jason, Robbie, Gary and Howard staring down from their mantlepiece vigil. Lead singer/Pianio maestro Cormac Fee plays a miniature harpsichord (there must be a ‘proper’ name for this instrument, and if there is, I’ve misplaced it) – which the band seem to be collecting from charity shops – this one had one cardboard key and there was another broken mini-piano behind the sofa.

Pocket Promise – If Not The Tide Will Change

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If Not The Tide.. is a track from the new (at the time of writing still unnamed) new album – but you won’t hear a version like this anywhere else. The lead single ‘I Burnt The Roller Disco’ is a taster of the sound you can expect, and guitars come heavy and fast throughout. But with tea, buns, a roaring fire and a string section, it found its own voice. Alana, Joanne and Laura packed up and the session was finished. But the band weren’t done yet. Be careful what you say around Bandwidth when the camera’s switched on – bass player Ciarán McKenna had previously let slip that ‘The You & Me Song’ was a favourite among the band. The backline had gone home, but we were in no mood to call it a night. We gathered up as many lamps, candles and torches as we could find and got to work..

Pocket Promise – The You & Me Song (The Wannadies)

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Pocket Promise had one more trick up their sleeves. Apparently it was a favourite whenever Cormac and Dominic played open mic nights out in smokey bars in Boston, USA. It makes sense, a few more packets of camels and Cormac could be Joe Cocker here. This is a personal highlight for the Bandwidth team – those who regularly read the site might have noticed we have a sort of a thing for the Beatles here.

Here’s to many more nights in with tea, cake and Pocket Promise!

Pocket Promise – With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles)

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Director/Camera: Will McConnell
2009 Bandwidth Films

These Lords of Rock were in town for a little gig you may have heard of that took place in the Ulster Hall in March. I’ve heard, from those who were lucky enough to get tickets (don’t – I just know you did) – that there was much swearing. The radio wasn’t happy. “I think we’re ready to join Therapy,” Rigsy proposed, fingers crossed, fist in mouth – Andy was off on one apparently – “whoops, maybe not just yet..”. “I texted him later to say sorry mate, I just got carried away,” Andy offered later. “My mum certainly hasn’t come to one of our gigs since 1996..”. Maybe I shouldn’t be reporting this..

As it so happens, Andy Cairns, singer and lead guitarist, is simply the nicest Alternative Post-Industrial Metallist (not my words) I’ve ever met. The whole band are such true gentlemen, I began to understand why the BBC invited them back. Incidentally, BBC Radio 1 in Northern Ireland seem to think its more dramatic to record all their radio sessions inside a giant diving bell. We were expecting something a bit more like this. But before the sound engineers even had time to set up, Therapy? launch into a rehearsal take of a track which makes this aircraft hanger all of a sudden seem about the size of a sardine tin..

Therapy? – I Told You I Was Ill

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The appropriateness of the venue was really hitting through. As was the tightness of the trio – Therapy? followers will know that during the late 90s early 00s period there were all kids of line up changes with the band – I personally loved the electronic cello sound – but the 3 piece set-up has always seemed to suit them best – and their last 3 albums have been like a rebirth – from the shockingly rocking ‘Never Apologise Never Explain’, through the big bad ‘One Cure Fits All’ to ‘Crooked Timber’ – you can nearly forgive the frilly silk shirts from Infernal Love – here’s a band who’ve come the long way round to come back home again, and what’s more have a story to tell. Just watch Neil Cooper’s intro to ‘Don’t Try’, and the eye contact between him and Michael McKeegan – this is a band who could show most others a thing or six about who to rock out.

By the way, this track is the first of 2 exclusives Therapy? played for Radio 1 in Northern Ireland, and now Bandwidth. It’s not on the album. And every line is an epitaph from a tombstone. Apparently.

Therapy? – Don’t Try

Watch on iTunes

Watching this band work is a true pleasure. They had wanted to provide something extra special sound wise for session listeners in Northern Ireland, and had come up with this the previous night. There are still many possible incarnations and the band try them out. Michael and Neil conference: “What about Fugazi bit, Fugazi bit, then Metallica bit, then I’ll just do some sonic madness”. To me it only sounds like vintage Therapy?

Another exclusive for BBC Radio 1 and Bandwidth:

Therapy? – Treacle Feet

Watch on iTunes

At this point, for danger of forgetting where we are here – a phonecall comes through as if only to remind us all of Therapy’s holy place in Northern Irish rocklore. It’s Stuart Bailie on the line, former NME editor and head honcho at Bandwidth’s alama mater, the Oh Yeah Music Centre. Andy Cairns had promised him an article for the music memorabilia exhibition due to open the next month – “Yeah that reminds me” – he reaches over to a flight case and produces a battered cream coloured fender with the neck snapped off. Apparently the last time Therapy? played the Ulster Hall they got a little over excited and this was the casualty. “That was back in the day, you know” Andy modestly reminisces.

I somehow have the feeling there will be many more to come yet.

Director: Will McConnell
2009 Bandwidth/BBC

The Jane Bradfords suit Valentines Day I think. I like to think of myself as hapless and hopelessly romantic.  I’d like to claim that this video was our idea – some sort of brooding moment of inspiration -  but it wasn’t…. it was Will McConnells vision to see the Jane Bradfords stripped of all our synths and electric guitars and embrace our quieter acoustic side.

Choosing the songs for the videocast was easier than i expected… we had something old, something new, something borrowed but, er, nothing blue (apart from the outtakes when I fucked up the words for the 10th time and went into a tirade of expletives).

For the old track we chose ‘ninety-nine’ which is normally upbeat, short and loud. The theme to the song is the start of relationships when you feel that afforementioned ‘magic.’  Stripped back to acoustic its a completely different song. Dave’s soft piano work is a stark contrast to the synths in the original. Stu Bell’s pedal steel and Ruairi Dempsey’s violin give it a kind of an alt-country edge which was unexpected.

The Jane Bradfords – Ninety-Nine

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The new track is an exclusive I guess. Its called ‘about our love’ and will hopefully feature on the new JBs album. Its about the monotony of relationships once they get stuck in routine; its about all those people who get married not because they’re in love, but because its the ‘thing to do at our age.’  Johnny and Daves guitar playing make the song seem so pleasant and sweet but the lyrics come and bitterly fuck it all up! The session version isn’t much different to the album version which is a bit of a departure for the JBs.

The Jane Bradfords – About Our Love

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Finally, what song can you borrow for a Valentines Podcast.  I had considered REM’s ‘the one i love’ but instead went for the Cyndi Lauper track ‘Time after Time.’  I was actually expecting people to think it was a cheesy choice but I haven’t met one person who doesn’t love the original track and the more we as a band played it together, the more we released how good a song it is.  I sincerely hope we did it justice.

The Jane Bradfords – Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper)

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It was great performing with the band like this.  We couldn’t have done it without borrowing a Panama King, Stu Bell and the meanest fiddler in all of Cushendal, Ruairi Dempsey.  We’re also very thankful to Richard, Will, Shauna and Brideen who helped this all come together and really hope it becomes the soundtrack to your valentines, be it all snuggly in front of the fire or in a cold bath as the blood seeps slowly out of your body…

Director: Will McConnell
Sound: Richard Lower, Declan Gallen
Bandwidth 2009

But, like most things, the proof is, indeed, in the pudding. The Beatles last hurrah as a band ultimately proved to be an epic send off, an iconic farewell that has echoed down the ages. The 30th of January, 1969 has passed into legend as a moment to remember, and a touchstone of cool. Well, Harrison’s and Lennon’s woolly coats might not have been cool, and Ringo was sporting a rather unfortunate little ‘Red Riding Hood’ style number, but history tends to overlook these things.

The Snoodles – Don’t Let Me Down

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In the years that have since passed, bands have attempted to tap into this piece of history by aping their heroes, succumbing to the now clichéd ‘rooftop performance’. U2 in their atrociously bad 1989 film, Rattle and Hum (U2 go to America and get the blues, whilst the audience puke their eyeballs out at the cheap crassness of the whole endeavour) clamour for their place in the pantheon of greats by playing on the roof an office building and stopping the traffic. Echo and the Bunnymen did it to ‘promote’ their 1987 self titled album. In the Simpsons, the B- Sharpes reunited on the roof of Moe’s Tavern, only for a disdainful George Harrison so drive past, exclaiming, “It’s been done…”
 
Interestingly, of all the bands mentioned so far, only U2 managed to stay together after their rooftop performance, perhaps because they have made an evil pact and cannot be killed by conventional weaponry.

 It is with this in mind, that we trudge to the roof of the Oh Yeah building in Belfast, where members of A Plastic Rose, And So I Watch You From Afar, and MojoFURY have thrown caution to the wind – both metaphorical and literal – and decided to recreate the Beatles performance, 40 years later to the day.

 The wind and rain are howling in the bones of our faces (as Bob Dylan didn’t quite sing), and the conditions can only really be described as “Truly Horrible”. Equipment is strapped down to the ground, as the wind threatens to hurl the PA off the roof of the building, right on top of a curious policeman, who is greedily eyeing up all the illegally parked vehicles outside. However, the spirit of Lennon and Harrison must have been looking down upon us, as the rain eased off slightly, allowing some level of calm to descend upon the scene.

The Snoodles – Come Together

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The Bandwidth films team scurrying around between us, intently wanting to capture this glorious spectacle, your correspondent found himself surrounded by musicians united by their love of the Beatles, and a general predisposition towards mischief. Talk breaks out as to who will be the first to be arrested, as guitars are tuned, drums are hit, and Gerry Norman’s hat defies the laws of physics by remaining rooted to his head, despite what seem like gale-force winds.

After a short wait, in which water began seeping through my tired and old shoes, the band begin to play. Bizarrely, amid the wind, and the drizzle, and the fact that I feel like I’ve developed a bad case of trench foot, the band really begin to play, their enthusiasm becoming completely infectious. Office workers in the surrounding area throw open their windows to hear the music, and a bunch of construction workers on some nearby scaffolding begin shouting their appreciation.

The Snoodles – Get Back

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Three songs later, and it’s all over. History has, indeed been made. And, in keeping with the curse of the rooftop gig, this conglomeration of bands, loosely called either And So I Watch Your Plastic Mojo, or The Snoodles, spilt up, having just preserved for all eternity their one and only performance.

If this is history, let it be known that I WAS THERE! If not, my feet will someday recover, and it beats sitting in the office any day.

And perhaps that’s the true legacy of The Beatles?

Director: Will McConnell

Camera: Will McConnell, David Neill, Genevieve Ewing

Sound: David Donnelly, Andrew Melville
Bandwidth 2009