When not touring with Republic Of Loose, Mick pyro is free to kick back in his basement pad in a 1960s Swedish-style Terenure house, where he indulges his love of CDs, books and movies – and ponders the aesthetic similarities between Shakespeare and hip hop.
It’s been a busy year for Republic of Loose. With several Irish tours in the bag, they have spent the last few months gearing up for the UK release of their album Aaagh!.
Le Cheile have revealed the previsionary line-up for this year's August festival, which will feature appearances from the likes of Cathy Davey, Republic Of Loose and Damien Dempsey.
Republic Of Loose are one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Ireland during the last decade with one of the most charismatic lead singers ever to bestride a stage in the country.
Republic Of Loose are that rarest of beasts – an Irish rock band who can get their groove on. Ahead of the release of their new album, they talk about standing out from the crowd.
After a year of extraordinary success, Republic Of Loose are looking forward to a Christmas homecoming show and putting the finishing touches to their forthcoming new album.
Having dispatched that difficult second album with admirable panache, Republic Of Loose are gearing up for the festival season, most notably a Saturday night headline slot at Castlepalooza. Mick Pyro talks us through his outdoor survival guide.
Debased Dubliners Republic Of Loose return, here serving up their second smorgasbord of gourmet sleaze for your delectation. What more could a poor boy ask for in a time of plenty?
They’re different, they’re fun, they have their critics but more and more people seem to love them. But enough about the trams; it’s all aboard for an interview with another Dublin
sensation Republic of Loose.
Double A side single Translation/Break sounds completely different to any of the singles Republic of Loose have released previously. With its thumping beat, 'Translation' will have you hooked. And how could you resist Mick Pyro’s persistant refrain “You like it rough, right?” on 'Break'? Always the charmer.
Get your diaries out now: a new show featuring specially-recorded performances from the likes of Republic Of Loose and David Kitt is to be aired on Channel 6 on 2 June at 11pm.
Republic Of Loose vocalist Mick Pyro is standing at the front of the stage in Whelan’s, leaning precariously to the left. Sporting a ‘Suck me suck me eat me raw’ T Shirt and a barnet that hasn’t been washed or cut since 1996, he clutches the mic like it possesses some great gravitational power before declaring, “I knew I shouldn’t have drank before this gig”.
Andre Antunes, ace percussionist with Republic of Loose, was born in Brazil. Here, he waxes lyrical about his memories of his native country, and offers tips on where to visit.
Breaking news or what: after Saturday's spectacular support performance at Marlay Park, Dublin, the Republic Of Loose will do the honours for Snow Patrol again on the Isle Of Man.
Having made a decent enough dent in the Irish top 30 with their ‘Shame’ single, Republic Of Loose are currently putting the finishing touches to their as-yet-untitled new album, which hits the racks on April 4.
Fresh from playing a sell-out gig in The Ambassador, Republic Of Loose are confirmed as special guests for Lir's January 15 benefit gig in Vicar St, Dublin.
The Roisin Dubh has become one of Ireland's most prestigious music venues, hosting artists such as Violent Femmes, Josh Ritter and Republic Of Loose. Booker Gugai gives us the lowdown on the live scene way out west.
Tonight RTÉ are giving you one more chance to see the special celebrity episode of the Raw Sessions, which features members of The Blizzards, Republic of Loose and more!
Duetting pairs Lisa Hannigan (pictured) and Gary Lightbody as well as Sinead O'Connor and Republic Of Loose, are set to perform live together at the forthcoming Meteor Irish Music Awards.
Having had a whale of a time readying it for the Meteors, Sinéad O’Connor and Republic Of Loose have decided to release their cover of Curtis Mayfield’s ‘We People Who Are Darker Than Blue’.
The full lineup for Co. Carlow's Solas festival has been announced, with Autamata, God Is An Astronaut, Kíla and Republic Of Loose among the highlights.
Radio has studiously ignored it but that doesn’t mean that Republic Of Loose’s ‘Girl i’m gonna fuck you up’ isn’t the best Irish single of the year. Tanya Sweeney meets the Dublin boys who just want to have fun.
Radio has studiously ignored it but that doesn’t mean that Republic Of Loose’s ‘girl i’m gonna fuck you up’ isn’t the best Irish single of the year. Tanya Sweeney meets the Dublin boys who just want to have fun.
Radio has studiously ignored it but that doesn’t mean that Republic Of Loose’s ‘Girl i’m gonna fuck you up’ isn’t the best Irish single of the year. Tanya Sweeney meets the Dublin boys who just want to have fun.
This Sunday's edition of Limerick Green and Live looks set to be a good un with the likes of Rodrigio and Gabrielle, Juliette Turner, Groove Armada and plenty of other top acts.
The Rose of Tralee proves that it’s good for something this month when it spawns Bloom, a five-day feast of rock ‘n’ roll running from August 18 to 22 in the Town Square.
This Is The Tomb of The Juice is Michael Pyro & co.’s first album, and it’s a ballsy, gritty collection of songs, the kind of record that announces the summer, oscillating between aggressive Alabama 3 rantings and über-cool James Brown blues funk.
You’d be hard pushed to get better bang for your buck in this city. The annual return of heroes old is one thing, but couple them with two of the country’s most exciting and original acts and you’ve got one of the potential home-grown gigs of the year.
Having made friends and influenced all sorts of people in recent months (including the likes of Gary Lightbody, Bob Dylan and Shane McGowan), the Republic of Loose have just announced an Irish mini-tour.
For a new band, Melophobics show admirable sense and restraint. The lead track ‘Babe (I Ain’t Leavin)’ takes its own sweet time in building to a climax, demonstrating a Republic Of Loose style mix of rock and funk. It’s great, although they do blow it slightly by letting the thing go on for too long, eventually clocking in at nearly seven minutes. If Melophobics can strike the right balance they could be well worth looking into.
The Kildare alt-indie group unleash their debut single, and even though it sounds as if it was recorded in their bedroom with an Alba hi-fi, if you look past the production values (it was paid for by their hard-earned money, after all), there’s plenty going on. With ‘Messed Up’, you get the impression that they’re not interested in following any trend. That said, they’ve a rhythmic stance similar to Republic Of Loose in ‘Toe To Toe’, which is actually no bad thing.
The Hot Press Singing Tent at Oxegen will host the likes of Paolo Nutini (pictured), Razorlight, The Virgins, Fun Lovin' Criminals, The Blizzards and more...
Something of a minor classic, the debut EP from Kilkenny's Blue Ghost is almost unclassifiable. Equal parts Gorillaz and Republic of Loose, Collapse Or Keep Going floats between jazz, electronica, funk, rock, hip-hop and blues. 'The Altitude' builds with a frantic funky bass line pumping through a punk infused jazz odyssey, 'Float Feet First' is a poignant fusion of summery funk and soul, and the frequently brilliant 'Why Good Guys Die' investigates darker, more Blur-y territory. Only the lack of real vocal power dulls an otherwise fine introduction.
Kilkee beach in County Clare will play host to the inaugral Cois Fharraige surf and music festival this September, which features the likes of Fun Lovin' Criminals and Ocean Colour Scene.
Now in its sixth year, Hot Press is pleased to announce the latest nationwide search for Irish artists to have a music video directed and produced by film students from the illustrious Tisch School of the Arts, New York University.
A host of Irish musicians have recorded a version of The Horslips’ classic ‘Trouble With a Capital T’ for a special celebrity episode of the Raw Sessions with Sony Ericsson.
We can now reveal the band who will take to the Live stage at The Music Show this weekend as winners of the Hot Press/Sennheiser competition. Drum roll please...!
Director, Republic Of Loose and the Sultans Of Ping are set to headline this year's Indie-pendence Festival, which features a host of homegrown talent - for free!
Alphastates, Headgear, La Rocca and Republic Of Loose are among the bands that will have music videos made by students at New York's Tisch School of the Arts
Choice Music Prize winners Super Extra Bonus Party are among the acts that will have free videos made for them as part of the latest Hot Press/NYU Tisch School Of Arts initiative.
Aslan were the unexpected winners of the night at the Meteor Ireland Music awards, beating off competition from the likes of Ash, Delorentos and the Flaws to take the title of Best Irish Band.
Belfast community TV station NvTv will take its 'Kick Out The Jams' series global with a new video podcast. This week's show includes Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro.
It may be just day one, but we've already collected a heck of a lot of autographs from the likes of Republic of Loose, The Coronas, Therapy?, Spinnerette and more!
Louis Walsh is one of the star signings as Bubble Hits today rolls out its dedicated Irish service, which will be available to digital viewers throughout the country.
U2, Simon Carmody and Kila have led a collaboration on a special tribute to Ronnie Drew, which was recorded in Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, over the past few days.
Hot Press has some brilliant opportunities for Irish bands and solo acts. Read on to see how you can get a music video, CD release, studio time and a top gig...
Of the many festivals that took place over the Bank Holiday weekend, Indie-Pendence – previously known as the Mitchelstown Music Festival, but since raised a level or three in the coolness stakes – had the most to offer, yet was the most precarious.
As the country’s largest music festival, Oxegen is a crucial shop window for Irish acts. From main-stage headliners Snow Patrol through new kids on the block The Script. Here are some of our favourite Irish picks.
In the new Hot Press, Peter Murphy picks his 20 highlights from the last 35 years of home-grown alternative culture (in strictly chronological order!). Take a look and then have your say on the indie moments that rocked in your lifetime...
Why the musical legacy bequeathed by Michael Jackson will ultimately outlive and overshadow the huge morass of questions surrounding his life and death...
The next generation of Stanley Kubricks cut their creative teeth on some of Ireland's finest bands: hotpress.com brings you video streaming of the completed works from the Tisch film school in New York
Director whose debut album We Thrive On Big Cities recently got to number two in the Irish charts, are emblematic of the extraordinary evolution of the indigenous music industry in recent years.
The doors painted by Roesy (pictured), The Immediate, Julie Feeney, The Blizzards and others - last seen at Music Ireland 06 - are to be auctioned off for various charities.
Steve Cummins meets Philip King, the man behind Other Voices: Songs From A Room, the acclaimed music show which has provided an invaluable platform for Irish musicians – and which has now expanded its remit to include international artists as well.
Steve Cummins meets Philip King, the man behind Other Voices: Songs From A Room, the acclaimed music show which has provided an invaluable platform for Irish musicians – and which has now expanded its remit to include international artists as well.
Personally speaking, the death of the wonderful Elliott Smith was a major blow his year. I found out about his suicide through Ollie Cole, who had e-mailed me with a very succinct, “Elliott Smith is dead. He was my king”, on the day of his death.
As of today, we at hotpress.com will be bringing you the full story from Oxegen 2008, including interviews with some of the biggest hits of the weekend.
Fresh from their appearance at the BudRising Spring festival, Dublin's Delorentos return with a new single, support slots and a headline tour of their own.
The line-up’s been confirmed for this year’s Surf ‘N’ Music Fest, which takes place from September 19 to 21 in Donegal’s answer to Malibu Beach, Bundoran.
Annual article: Bright young things like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen captured the HP critics’ hearts this year, though they somehow neglected Johnny Cash and Mark Lanegan...
Who said trad music was for fogeys and whiskery aul' fellas? Spook of the Thirteenth Lock draw on old-timey Irish sounds whilst also referencing prog and nu-gaze
It’s time for the singer-songwriter fraternity to move over and make room for the new generation of Irish guitar bands. Director, Marshal Stars and The Blizzards are just three of the acts who feature on the debut compilation from Faction Records, the new label which aims to promote and nuture the brightest stars of the Irish underground.
Coldplay, White Stripes, Strokes, Queens, Garbage, Oasis, JJ72, Franz... With a whole slew of major albums in the pipeline, it looks like ‘05 will be the wrong year to kick that addiction to noise.
This year's Trinity Ball is looking to be bigger and better than ever, with the likes of Buck 65, The Rapture, The Charlatans, Dizzee Rascal and Soulwax all among the artists announced so far
The Scottish/Irish rockers Idlewild have taken time out of their busy schedule - which includes playing support to the Pixies - to make an appearance at this year's Hard Working Class Heroes.
It's wanton guitar abuse ahoy! on January 29 as Dublin trio Angels Of Mons introduce the world to their Last Of The Dead Empires album with a hometown show in The Sugar Club.
Having delivered a storming set at Oxegen, pop-rock powerhouse NOISETTES confess a love for all things Irish in the Hot Press Signing Tent. Plus, they hold forth on their passion for everything from jazz to punk to heavy metal.
The warped indie-rock of PlaytOh has put them at the forefront of the Cork music scene. Now they're poised to take on the world. Interview by Tanya Sweeney.
They may claim that they’re not interested in world domination, but US underground infatuated Dublin rockers Angels Of Mons are nonetheless brewing up a storm on the Irish indie scene.
This year’s Heineken Green Energy festival has something for every music lover. Whether anthemic stadium rock (Snow Patrol) is your thing or you enjoy boisterous pop (Kaiser Chiefs), it’s a festival packed with sonic treats.
So what’s it really like to take your band from Dublin to New York in search of that elusive breakthrough? Little Ghetto Boys present their diary of a Paddy’s week mini-tour of the Big Apple with special guest appearances by La Rocca, Mark Geary and others...
The college circuit is an important stepping stone in rock music around the world. While the potential remains unfulfilled in Ireland, there’s a new breed of Ents Officer who are aiming higher.
Never mind the naysayers, Dublin 2006 is spilling over with white hot talent. Steve Cummins and Shilpa Ganatra run the rule over the capital's new breed.
What a weekend for festivals, what with Le Cheile, Mitchelstown, Hi:Fi and Castlepalooza having taken place this bank holiday weekend. But don't rest your weary head down just yet, for the latter festival has already started on Castlepalooza 2007.
Want to make a music video for free in New York? Well Hotpress is pleased to announce that the Tisch School of Performing Arts at NYU is offering Irish musicians the chance to do just that.
The second day of the Music Show brought together James Bond composer David Arnold, Enya producer Nicky Ryan, Christy Moore, Sharon Corr and... The Blizzards
Grand Pocket Orchestra and Joe Echo will be making the trip to Charleville Castle, Co. Offaly, courtesy of the Hot Press 'Your Band At Castlepalooza' competition.
Not to be outdone by FM104’s Bestest Bits, Ray D’Arcy has released a collection of the “groove-tastic” covers that have graced his Today FM morning show over the past year.
From the profound and the insightful to the weird, funny and just plain daft, Paul Nolan rounds up what the famous and infamous had to say for themselves in 2004...
When a gang of Ireland’s finest musicians, media stars and political types gathered in the Central Hotel for pre-Christmas drinks, there were fun and games aplenty. reporting: Stephen Bailey, Stuart Clark and Roisin Dwyer. Photos: Mick Quinn and Graham Keogh. Costumes: courtesy of The Dublin Costume Company.
They’ve been heralded as the biggest thing in Irish rock since U2 – a prediction that proved prescient when The Script romped to the top of the charts with their debut album.
Didn't get a ticket for this year's sold-out Oxegen festival? Thought all hope was lost? Well dry those tears, music fans, cause hotpress.com are here to brighten your day!
Hosted by Channel 6’s Michelle Doherty and Across The Line presenter David “Rigsy” O’Reilly, the second Choice Music Prize, set out to showcase the ten best albums of the previous year and, of course, to decide a winner.
Never mind figgy puddings and partridges in pear trees, there’s some serious seasonal business to be done as the annual HP-7 summit gathers in the crucible of cultural discourse that is The Central Hotel’s Library Bar.
This year’s Dublin Fringe Festival has one of its strongest musical line-ups yet, with all manner of gigs, once-off collaborations and curated events taking place in the Hennessy Spiegeltent.
Champagne corks were popped last week as Snow Patrol joined that elite group of bands who’ve simultaneously topped the charts in Ireland and the UK. It’s all a far cry from the days when their fame was confined to the University of Dundee Students Union bar. Gary Lightbody takes time out from wowing the masses in Dublin and Belfast to tell Stuart Clark about their twisty and turny route to the top.
The last 18 months have been a hell of a ride for The Thrills, catapulted from the relative obscurity of the south dublin suburbs to the top of the uk charts, rubbing shoulders with Van Dyke Parks and Peter Buck along the way. But are the band suffering from diver’s bends? is that laid-back california-in-my-mind facade starting to crumble? We put on our therapist’s hats and endeavour to find out, if something’s gotta give, what gives?
That, according to Shane MacGowan, will be the title of his next, and exceedingly long-awaited album. in the meantime there’s Sean Nós, the war, his dad, drink and Celtic football legend Jimmy Johnstone to be going on with.
Hot Press is pleased to announce a nationwide search for Irish artists to have a music video directed and produced by film students from the Tisch School of Arts, NYU.
To coincide with the release of the Today FM DJ’s double-CD compilation tracking the history of alternative rock in Ireland, Tom Dunne talks to Jackie Hayden about the state of Irish music, singer-songwriters versus guitar bands and the role of Irish radio.
Now in its fourth year, Hot Press is please to announce a nationwide search for Irish artists to have a music video directed and produced by film students from the illustrious Tisch School of the Arts, New York University.
As with a lot of solo albums (Pamf plays pretty much everything) it could have done with a touch of extra editing – we could certainly live without the tuneless Butthole Surfers cover – and some of the humour is a little too stoner schoolboy, but any record that features Nina Hynes cooing like a sex kitten is alright by us.
Now in its third year, Hot Press is pleased to announce a nationwide search for Irish music talent to have a music video directed and produced - for free - by film students from the illustrious Tisch School of Performing Arts at New York University.
We can now reveal the band who will take to the Live stage at The Music Show this weekend as winners of the Hot Press competition. Drum roll please...!
After the huge success of the signing tent last year, Hot Press will be returning to Punchestown to bring you closer to the stars. You can drop by to meet the performers, have anything signable signed and take a snap for the family album.
There will be less tired feet in Dublin in September, as the Hard Working Class Heroes showcase festival will be taking place within the confines of the Pod complex, it was revealed at yesterday’s launch.
It has been said that, the more opulent and distinctive the surroundings, the more memorable the gig. Correspondingly, the various performances from Other Voices: Songs From A Room are among the most delightful and remarkable committed to RTE’s archives.
The organisers of the Dysart Festival have announced a major rejig of the August 9 and 10 event, with a venue change, cancellations and lineup amendments.
Bronagh Gallagher, Autamata, The Radio and The Divine Comedy are among the artists that will be performing as part of RTE's new season of Other Voices, Songs From A Room
Marking the start of a nationwide tour, and kicking off the first night of a weekly residency at Voodoo Lounge, the Faction records inaugural bash lived up to the promise of the label's first release, Faction 001.
That the Irish music industry is in its healthiest state for a while is, by now, a given and it’s probably time to stop congratulating ourselves and start figuring out where it goes next. The answer, at least according to new label Faction, is to start thinking bigger than the DIY own-label approach that has dominated of late.
When Delorentos came on stage everything seemed to fall into place. Although they’re clearly influenced by the current Brit Pop new wave, Franz Ferdinand et al, and are not wholly original, they do conjure undeniably sharp riffs and tight rhythms. They’re also great fun to watch.
While there are air-guitar riffs aplenty – and their rhythm section is one of the more interesting in the country at the moment – there’s just too much bluster and not enough soul.
Hot Press is pleased to announce another nation-wide search for Irish music talent to have a music video directed and produced (at no cost) by film students from the illustrious Tisch School of Performing Arts at New York University.
Hot Press is pleased to announce another nation-wide search for Irish music talent to have a music video directed and produced (at no cost) by film students from the illustrious Tisch School of Performing Arts at New York University.
Amanda Byram was today unveiled as the host of this year’s Meteors Awards and nominees for 2009 were revealed - as well as the fact that Sharon Shannon would receive a lifetime achievement award.
The results of the last Tisch competition, where Irish artists get their video made courtesy of talented students from the Tisch School Of Arts, New York University, are in.
It goes without saying that at this stage SNOW PATROL are an incredibly polished live act, with the likes of ‘Spitting Games’ and ‘Chocolate’ electrifying the venue early on.
Rock fans are in for a special treat with the addition of a special Rory Gallagher Exhibition to the attractions at the Music Show, which takes place at the RDS on October 3 and 4.
Don’t let your need to feel hip get in the way. Blink 182 came to The Point and proved that they have it in spades. On the spot for hotpress.com: teenage rock aficionado, Rolo Black
hotpress.com can exclusively reveal the hundred or so acts that are getting offered a slot at the prestigious Hard Working Class Heroes Festival 2005. Selected by over 25 judges including the likes of Thrills & Humanzi manager Allan Cullivan
There is a huge wealth of music talent in Ireland today. In this economic meltdown, the government should help the industry live up to its potential through the introduction of initiatives that would make Ireland a better environment for musicians.
Learn from the best with a wide range of workshops and master classes from some of Ireland's finest musicians, and some others from further afield. The workshops on offer this year include 'How To Get A Kick-Ass Recording' by the Bodytonic Crew, and master classes in drumming by Bobby Arechiga (in association with Meinl Cymbals), as well as much, much more...
In the first installment of Hot Press' Oxegen coverage, Phil Udell, Steve Cummins and John Walshe pick out their personal favourites of the weekend. This Thursday's Hot Press will feature extended coverage from Kim Porcelli & Ed Power as well as more exclusive photos from Liam Sweeney, Graham Keogh & Andrew Duffy - PLUS the Phantom reports from backstage!
Online Gallery Of Live Shots Here
From U2 to The Frames and Sinead O’Connor to Damien Rice, music has helped put this country on the map. So why is the government so slow to back the music industry?
Indie rock isn’t just about hip fringes and attitude. It means doing your own thing – not because you’re looking for fame and fortune but because you care deeply about music
Check out all the action from the Live stage at The Music Show which saw amazing sets from The Blizzards, The Coronas, Imelda May & Republic Of Loose and loads more!
The Blizzards are the latest Irish stars to be added to the line-up for Music Show, which takes place in the RDS on October 3 and 4, adding hugely to a bill that already includes The Coronas, Imelda May and Republic of Loose, among the current leading lights of Irish rock.
After the success of the Vodafone TBA series, which has seen the likes of the Republic Of Loose and Franz Ferdiand play secret locations, The Franks & Walters are the next act to be confirmed.
All the action from Sunday at Oxegen '08, caught on camera. Including top acts Kaiser Chiefs, MGMT, Rage Against The Machine, The Kooks, The Raconteurs, Roisin Murphy and Republic Of Loose.
This fortnight's Hot Press is our Electric Picnic special to celebrate we've teamed with O2 to put together a collection of the best Irish talent to grace the festival in a 16 track free CD. There’s something here for everyone; in fact, it’s the perfect picnic spread! Not only that, but we've got some of the bands in question to preview the festival for you (and us!!)
Think you've got them all right? Or maybe you fancy a sneaky peak (you're only cheating yourself you know!). Either way, you've got the questions – we've got the answers....
