- Music
- 01 Sep 17
Aslan, who are planning to release a limited edition vinyl of their seminal 'Made In Dublin' live album this October, are back in the studio working on new material, Hot Press can exclusively reveal.
Speaking to Hot Press last night, band member Billy McGuinness told us: "We are back writing and recording some new songs, but it will be an EP not a full album."
Billy explained that they've been taking things slowly, step-by-step, ever since Christy was diagnosed with cancer.
"With Christy's health we had to see how the gigs went first and, as they are going brilliantly and Christy is performing great at them, we have moved on to writing and recording as he is very much up for it and is really enjoying the buzz of the band again," Billy says.
Aslan will end the year on a high with two gigs at Vicar Street in December. But it's been a difficult 2017 for them with the passing of two key members of their team.
"I think with the passing of our manager Svenn and our keyboards player Fitzy we reall appreciate how lucky we are to be doing what we are doing," he says.
"And there is still a strong sense of loss within the band."
Aslan are hoping to release the new EP in January. But, in the meantime, the band's fans will no doubt be excited to hear about the limited edition vinyl of 'Made in Dublin', which will be released on Friday, 13th October.
Aslan will be signing copies of the album in Tower Records on 18 October.
"We are delighted that 'Made In Dublin' is finally being released on vinyl. Up to now the only Aslan album released on vinyl was our debut 'Feel No Shame'," Bill tells us.
"But 'Made In Dublin' is our fans favourite and best selling album. So finally we are releasing it on our own Watergrasshill Label."
The fact that there are only 1,000 copies being pressed will make this a very collectable album.
Billy was speaking to us last night after it was announced that Aslan will perform their seminal live album, 'Made in Dublin' at Vicar Street on 27 and 29 December.
"The gigs in Vicar St will see the full album being performed with a string quartet, percussion player and keyboards exacty as it was recorded back in 1999," he says.
"If you thought the atmosphere at our gig at the Iveagh Gardens back in July was good then you have to get to a Vicar St Christmas gig.The atmosphere is electric.
"My son Jake is the guitar player in The Valves who are supporting us on the 27th and a really good Dublin band PENROSE are doing the 29th."
What is Billy's own personal favourite Aslan album?
Without even hesitating, Billy responds: "My favourite Aslan album is 'Goodbye Charlie Moonhead' as we had just got back together after a split and all the songs on it are really strong and have lasted the test of time.
"Only yesterday I played it and it blew me away: the songs, the production are all top notch."
And does he have any favourite up-and-coming Irish bands that he likes listening to at the moment?
"I have to say Ireland is in a really good place musically and I really like Picture This, Dublin band PENROSE and, of course, I'm listening to The Vales, who are ones to watch," he says, smiling proudly as he plug his son's band.
Tickets for 'Made in Dublin Revisited' are €37.50 and go on sale 7 September at 9am from ticketmaster.ie.