December is but a few weeks away and, as Christmas beckons, it’s already time to start assessing 2014. Good year or bad year?

One troupe who will definitely not look back in anger are Mullingar’s The Academic. Currently on tour supporting Delorentos the quartet (who just left school this summer) have played to packed tents at Electric Picnic, Longitude, Benicassim and Indiependence and have impressively shared the stage with Kodaline, Little Green Cars and Pixies. Plus they have recently played their first London shows, including a packed night at Camden’s Koko.
In between touring the band have been busy in studio recording their debut EP with local legend Rob Kirwan and Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys/Ben Howard/The 1975). Ones to watch in 2015!
They, of course, are part of the sonic juggernaut that is The Jagermeister Freezer Sessions 2015. Check hotpress.com for details…
Keeping things teenage, Irish Youth Music Award-winners The Left Backs have released their debut single, ‘Rather Lose Than Win’. The track was recorded and produced in Dublin by Dermot Lambert of Blink. It's the opening number on Lucky #7, the compilation of songs by IYMA finalists. The collection hits the streets on November 21…..
On the subject of Blink, Dermot and co are amongst the acts taking to The Olympia stage on November 16 for A Night For Pieta House. Expect performances from In Tua Nua, Picturehouse, The Pale and more. And all for a fantastic cause!
Album news next and this month marks the release of the hotly-anticipated debut from Jennifer Evans, Works From The Dip And Foul, through Delphi.
It was recorded in Dublin by Stephen Shannon, and includes nine originals; ‘Your Cause’, a song written by Jennifer’s good friend and fellow Irish artist Rhob Cunningham, and a cover of Massive Attack’s ‘Unfinished Sympathy’. 
Having just returned from a country-wide jaunt with label mates We Cut Corners she will launch the long-player with a special show in Whelan’s, Dublin on November 21…..
Rainy Boy Sleep AKA Stevie Martin gives lauded EP Ambulance a live airing in The Workman’s Club, Dublin on November 28. It’s been an eventful few years for the Northerner whose star has been firmly in the ascent after picking up a Northern Ireland Music Awards ‘Best Solo Act’ nomination in 2011.
Stevie, who counts Gary Lightbody amongst his staunch fanbase, has been invited on the road by James Morrison and Cyndi Lauper and has warmed up audiences for Nick Lowe and Ray Davies amongst others…..
The Workman's also hosts a blinder of a night on December 7 when God Knows and mynameisjOhn take to the stage with Nanu Nanu. Expect stellar tracks from the former’s Snoop Dogg-approved The Struggle EP and the usual glitzy alien pop from Glitterface and Mirrorman….
Following on from last year’s excellent single ‘You Didn’t Break’ Aoife Underwater (aka Aoife Cleary formerly of The Blonde Majority) has released her new EP On The Cusp. Check her out at soundcloud.com/aoifeunderwater