London gets pumped up for Belfast Music Week

Belfast Music Week is still in its infancy, but what a wonder-child it’s turning into! Starting in 2010, it is now in its third year of bringing new names to the stage. London saw its launch last night at the Gibson Guitar Studio, along with performances by Katherine Philippa and Wonder Villains, as well as a preview of the biopic Good Vibrations.

As you’ve probably guessed, Belfast Music Week takes place in Northern capital, from the 4^th to the 11^th of November, with a focus on new faces, of all and any genres. Classic, pop, rock and plenty of folk will be playing across the city, and the Irish themselves are charged for what is also time of pride for Northern Ireland.

From what we’ve seen so far, artists to watch out for are the aforementioned Wonder Villains (check out single ‘Zola‘, below), happily silly and fantastic. Katherine Philippa, who slots somewhere between Bon Iver and Ludovico Einaudi. VerseChorusVerse are a solid folk band, worth a look-see, and More Than Conquerors and A Plastic Rose offer some flavorsome rock in true Brit fashion.

Apart from that there will be screenings of films relating to music, chats about books and other art forms, and most likely a huge number of other attractions. Of special interest will be the film Good Vibrations, which follows the creation of the titular label and the story of its founder, Terri Hooley. The preview shows it to be another welcome throwback to the 70s, and a nostalgic return to the roots of punk in Ireland.

So there’s a lot on offer, and for anyone interested in new voices and especially people keen on folk, Belfast will be the place to be in early November. Full programs are available on the Belfast Music website, as well as tips on how best to get to the Green Isle. If you can spare the week, it can only be recommended.

Verdict: ••••

Jack Flanagan

Photos: Bartek Odias

For further information visit the Belfast Music official website.

Listen to Zola by The Wonder Villains here:

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