After being unveiled in all its electronic glory in the last issue, DEAF – or the Dublin Electronic Art Festival – was launched in the capital last week with an electrifying live PA from Dave Donoghue and a DJ set from Mark Clarke. This is unquestionably one of the most essential underground music events ever to happen in this country, so log onto DEAF2002.com and plan your week now. Many events are free in or as little as Euro 5…

Still on a festival tip, Decal launched the Darklight 4 film festival last weekend with a non-narrative audio visual work with Tim Redfern to accompany the film Wargames. Local visual whizz kids Del-9 and D.A.D.D.Y. are also featured in the festival.

Josh Ritter releases a new EP entitled Come And Find Me/Other Side on Friday October 18. The release features a cover of ‘Chelsea Hotel’ recorded for Pet Sounds with Tom Dunne, and also includes two videos. One clip is a version of Josh’s recent single ‘Me and Jiggs’ with footage of Glen Hansard, Josh and the late Mic Christopher on tour in New Jersey, USA. Mic’s Anniversary night is November 29 and will be marked by a live event featuring The Frames and friends in the newly revamped Vicar St venue. Proceeds will go to special needs children’s charities so buy your tickets early and often.

The latest brainchild of Richie Egan – the pure pop sensation that is Jape and which includes a Chalet, a Connect4 Orchestrator and a Jimmy Cake in its ranks – plays with The Mountain Goats in the Cobblestone on October 9. The Mountain Goats haven’t been round our way since a great night in Slattery’s back in 1996, so be there! The Mountain Goats will also perform at McGarrigles, Sligo on October 8 with support at both shows from TMG’s bassist Peter Hughes with his solo act Party of One. Hughes released the first ever Beck album Golden Feelings in 1993 on his Sonic Enemy label.

Finally after that brace of gigs and Indian summer festivals, Woodstar underline their rockier credentials with the release of ‘Dumb Punk Song’ on October 11 through Wet Clay imprint.