- Steven, PORTS
“The N.I scene is small but makes big waves. There is a lot of camaraderie and variety. We understand that hard work is key to getting recognised, and that success comes to those who work at it.”
- Go Girl
“We put together a super-group to cover our favourite Northern Irish songs, and we've had fallings out deciding on who we get to cover for our first gig because everyone here is TOO AWESOME! We're spoilt for choice with incredible bands, musicians and songs. Not only that it's the friendliest music scene ever. You're never stuck for a practice room, a guitar amp or a smiling face at a gig, everyone helps each other out!”
-Axis of
“The North of Ireland boasts an incredibly healthy musical landscape. One great thing about music here is that the population isn't big enough to sustain separate scenes specific to genre. So quite often local gigs will have a mix of differing styles. This cross pollination at gigs influences the bands and we have a lot of bands that, in turn, can't be easily boxed, fitted or defined by one style or sound.”
-Robert Brown, Editor of Chord Blossom
“The main reason many people have a fondness for the Northern Irish music scene is down to the memories it leaves you with. Whether you are simply a spectator or someone who plays a more active role in the scene, no-one will escape unscathed.
Many will tell you their highlight was the Little Solidarity gigs in 2008 while I was blown away by Snow Patrol's massive gig at Ward Park in 2010 with local support slots for Robyn G Shiels, Cat Malojian and General Fiasco; discovered the wonderful talents of Little Bear and Hannah McPhillimy in the Empire in October 2012 & been awestruck watching David C Clements perform in St Annes Cathedral on Culture Night 2013.
However as a participant there is one moment that comfortably stands above the rest and it took place as I attempted to put on my first gig. On the night it seemed like everything was going fine until 15 minutes before one band's set, I was rather remarkably informed that their lead guitarist had forgotten his guitar...
Without the Northern Irish music scene I would probably have a few less greys hairs but life would be a lot duller.”
-LORIS
“The music scene in NI is pretty active and there are a lot of bands at different stages of development who get opportunities to perform due to the number venues who support emerging talent. There's nothing like a live audience to sharpen up your performance!”
-Christopher McBride, Editor of The Metaphorical Boat
“There are so many things that make the NI music scene great, but undoubtedly it’s greatest strength is the sheer variety of music that's coming out of it at the moment.
Whether you're into your rock (And So I Watch You From Afar, A Plastic Rose, Axis Of & More Than Conquerors for the modern variety, Million Dollar Reload & Screaming Eagles for your classic variety), folk (Malojian, PORTS, Alana Henderson), electronica (Ryan Vail, OneKnown, Not Squares), something a little bit poppier (Wonder Villains, TeamRKT), singer-songwriter-y (there's a smorgasbord of delights to choose from, with Ciaran Lavery, Jealous of The Birds & Best Boy Grip being favourites at the moment), or any number of combinations of these genres and many more that I haven't touched upon, there is something that everyone can enjoy, all of it homegrown.
We're really blessed to have such great talent and such great music on our own doorstep.”
-Michael Mormecha
“The most important part of our music scene is the quality of our artists & bands, it just gets better every year. Now there is a whole industry around them, studios, production companies, festivals, PR, press, promoters etc. We have also seen more and more high profile artists come to NI over the past few year too which again inspires younger generations to start a band or pick up an instrument and keep our own scene blossoming!”
- Conchúr, Silences
“There's a diverse range of musicians with their own identity. I don't think any two acts that I have heard sound the same. That's unusual in a scene where there is such a close camaraderie between artists.”
- Neil, The Emerald Armada
“The N.I music scene is just jammed packed with talent. But what gets me, is that it's not just one style of music. We have some of the best traditional musicians, folk acts, pop to rock and a particularly good punk scene. All writing great music. I don't know why...something in the water perhaps?”
- Generator NI
"Northern Ireland has produced a long line of great creative artists from Them to Soak – and plenty in between; and will continue to do so as long as artists are inspired to be original and dedicate themselves to their writing and performing skills. It is only recently however that a genuinely competitive music industry has begun to develop here – with a range of savvy entrepreneurs and hustlers who know the score, believe in themselves, and ultimately put in the hard graft."
- Smalltown America
“Diversity is the keenest felt and best part of our culture; bands from NI don't tend to coalesce around a certain scene. In Derry one can listen to Krautrock, Emo, HC, bubblegum pop or really good modern folk on any given weekend. Whilst we don't have a huge community of gig-goers supporting local bands - those that do come out, clap hard and put their hands in their pockets to buy records.
Post-Glasgowbury there is a strong market for events and festivals locally which gives artists a platform to aspire to: Stendahl, Open House, Cathedral Quarter Arts show how it’s done. Well run events, filled with super-pro musicians who can actually play their instruments really well. NI has always spun out cool, young global new hopes: Two Door, Ash... that heritage prevails with Bridie and Ciaran Lavery to name just two.”
- Brian Coney, Editor of The Thin Air
"As with pretty much anywhere, there’s a definite ebb and flow to what could be considered a healthy music "scene" here in Northern Ireland, which makes those periods of "flow" - such as right now - even more exciting.
This year has felt like a real turning-point after a period of transition. Now an absolute wealth of new, vital bands and solo artists are emerging from thin air, instantly staking their claim as must-listen, must-see, must-hail emergent acts.
Cast your eye over any given genre - electronic, metal, indie rock, alt-folk - and many of us could reel off a list of up-and-coming Northern Irish artists that effortlessly command in their field. So long, ebb; stay long, flow."
