Anti-Bullying campaign in association with Reach Out Ireland

Bullying is such a common problem it’s easy to forget how serious it can be. There can be this attitude that it’s just some character-building part of growing up you have to deal with. So someone is slagging you off — sticks and stones. So they knocked you around — toughen up and shake it off.

This is the video of an article on http://.ie.ReachOut.com.
For more information on bullying and what to do visit http://ie.reachout.com/inform-yourself/bullying-and-personal-safety/

Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ReachOutIreland
and Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ReachOutIRL.

A Night To… Er… Forget!

As the tales tell, living in London is expensive! Of course there are a lot more vacancies and opportunities on the job front but when you are against time, have bills to pay and need that extra bit of cash for your bits and bobs, sometimes you need to make sacrifices to survive in this never sleeping city.

I have become accustomed to cash-in-hand jobs, simple, weekly and pretty much easy to do. Having worked as an after school carer for two fantastic girls, it was a shame that the family I had worked with had less and less hours each week, eventually having no option but to wish me farewell. I was disappointed but when an advert on Gumtree looking for male and females of a certain standard to work for them, for what I would say is a decent hourly wage, I had no choice but to give it a go.

Meeting with the managing director was a pleasant experience, of course she was beautiful, successful and completely over-sold the job even mentioning that I could make up to £1,000 a week! This just seemed like a dream come true and exactly what I needed to get by and live. Boy oh boy was I wrong!!! (Please note I didn’t attend nor apply for this job on my own for fear it was a scam)

First of all, the requirements for the job was to always be well dressed and look like a complete drag queen in terms of makeup. Thick foundation (which I have never worn) bright pink blusher, bright pink lipstick, fake eyelashes and extremely heavy eye makeup. Not to mention, the pain and torture of constantly wearing heels. If you know me, you know I never wear heels.

Okay, so I should have decided there and then that this was not the job for me but I decided to lose myself for the sake of a few bob. Something I will never do again.

The first shift went well, I worked alongside a really lovely girl, we had fun and the time flew in and at £8 an hour, it got off to a great start and I thought wow, I can do this! Of course it was only handing out leaflets and promoting the venue we were at but all in all it was fun and I do enjoy people watching, as creepy as that sounds.

Extremely excited for the next shift and of course, working alongside a friend of mine was a bonus (she applied for the job the same time as myself) we headed off to see what else this job had in store.

But on this day, the lovely London was all doom and gloom thanks to the constant rain. We were handed a bunch of flyers and sent on our merry way. Well, let me tell you, there is nothing merry about standing in the torrential rain, wearing a flimsy jacket, a dress and heels. Oh and of course the five layers of thick makeup. I don’t know how I didn’t say “sod it” and head home but I stuck it out. On that delightful shift, we were ignored, people were rude, some laughed, some abused but there were the delightful few who kindly took a leaflet, gave a sympathetic look to merely throw it in the closest bin.

The manager of the club we were working with was, well, an ass. He rudely accused us of arriving 45 minutes late even though, to his embarrassment, we actually arrived 30 minutes early. His own fault for not checking before accusing. Without an apology and obviously not liking our attitude, he completely tortured us throughout the shift. He constantly watched us to make sure we did our job and also made it his business to make life harder as anytime we ducked for cover from the rain he would send us walking back into it. We eventually begged him for an umbrella, he eventually gave us one.

At 7.55pm, I had enough and we headed back to bid our farewell to be met by, well, the ass who told us we had 5 minutes left and were not finished yet. He obviously is not use to the Irish behaviour, we turned on our heels and headed for the bathroom completely ignoring his request. Yup, an ass!

I was nothing but relieved to have finished that shift but my god I wish someone had warned me that the night was about to become a whole lot worse. Asking for any shifts available (I was extremely stuck for cash) I was told to head to a well-known nightclub in Piccadilly Circus. Upon my arrival, I was one of three ’newbie’s’ and the one drowned rat. The temp manager gave us our orders to get changed. The bright pink, patent leather corset was not so bad. I have seen worse in Barcode on Halloween night. The pink and black lace skirt was bearable, the girls of our generation wear much less to their local pub but it was the bare legs and heels that killed me. Oh and of course I had to add another five-six layers of makeup.

So I was officially a ’shot-girl’ luxurious huh? Dressed like a Barbie doll, aching legs, blistering feet and wet hair; a large box of test-tube-like alcoholic shots were handed to me and I was sent on my way (I refuse to say merry way). The shift didn’t start off too bad, it was early and although the club was getting busier by the minute, majority were couples, groups of girls and people having a quick drink after work. The shots were all different favours; £3 each. Oh did I mention I got .75p for every one I sold? Very exciting I know! £1,000 a week it was more like .75p every two hours. These people were not stupid, Londoners are heavy drinkers and why pay £3 for a 14% shot when you could spend an extra £1 for the real deal.

As the night moved onwards, the nightclub became busier and certain individuals became more drunk. I am sure you know where this story is leading? Well, as I walked around looking like something from one of those live chat sex lines, men had somehow thought they were allowed to freely touch me. I was groped, I had men lift up my skirt, I was asked for hugs, kisses and my number in exchange they would by a shot. I had men complimenting me but they did while looking at by boobs. Walking through the crowd, they made it their business to blatantly harass me with their eyes. Wherever I showed some flesh, it was touched. Hell, I might as well have been grinding a pole in one of the Soho strip clubs. At least there, I probably would have gotten more respect.

I wanted to go. I wasn’t allowed. They had my bag and coat in a locked office which they “couldn’t” open, not until my shift was over. So I grumpily circled the crowds, barely making eye contact but as they told us “If you don’t push and try get them to buy, you won’t make any money.”

The night came to an end, I sold a measly 36 shots. I was given £22 at the end of the six hour shift. And no, the figures don’t add up because I must have dropped £5 somewhere along my degrading route. Lady luck had it in for me that night.

I eventually got home, it was getting bright out. I was never more happy than to hit the pillow and banish all thoughts of the night’s event’s. The following morning I was woken up to a phone call from the Managing Director. She told me to meet her same time, same place to do the same job that night. I said no. She became extremely aggravated, intimating and subtly rude. I told her no.

I then emailed her to ask how and when I was getting paid for the two promotional shifts I did. This is her reply:

“You both will get no where [sic] in life being that unprofessional contracts will be sent out next week and you can see how you get paid read thoroughly [sic]
Don’t contact me again you have both wasted so much of my time and effort i need to give it to my reliable staff”

Oh, did I not mention my friend had an even worse night and she too refused to work again. That email annoyed me, completely hypocritical as it was anything but professional on her behalf. I itched as I thought of what to say back. I was in a dilemma of whether to reply or simply let her gallop on her high horse. But being Irish, it is hard to hold your tongue. This was my reply:

“Really don’t appreciate what you just said. I can guarantee I will have an extremely satisfying career and life!!! I thought I would really like it and didn’t, It just wasn’t for me.
Once I am paid, you will not hear from me again.”

I am still waiting to be paid and the moral of the story? Well, for me. Never trust a woman who turns up to an interview, mutton dressed as lamb, make-up cemented on her face, a boob job that would give Pam Anderson a run for her money and the minute she says “girls, you could earn up to £1,000 a week” head for the door.

It was an unforgettable experience, one that will be packed into the “let’s not talk about it” file. But why not share this with you guys, after all I am a woman, what woman doesn’t enjoy a good rant and bitch.

KT_H

(Dedicated to JR)

The Festival Guide for Unsigned Band:

The festival season is vast approaching (wow, that year went fast) and while some of us count our pennies hoping to be at, at least one or all of the festivals to see our favourite acts live. Many unsigned and merging bands are instead, counting the odds and their chances of actually performing and sharing the stages.

Festivals are the way forward for many artists, whether it’s in your local hometown, or one of the many large festivals or even international; it becomes the most competitive time of the year as everyone wants a piece of the action. After a long year of hard work, fantastic gig and support slots, thriving fan base and media exposure, surely you deserve a slot? And if you’re lucky enough to hear back after the “we will be in touch” email. Taking the good ole fashioned route of simply sending your press pack, being persistent yet having that little bit of patience, has paid off.

Okay, so you’re playing an early morning slot when many will either be asleep, hung-over or chilling at their tents, it’s not ideal, but hey, you’re one step closer and even if one pair of ears has heard your new release, surely that is an accomplishment in itself. No?

This time of year also means the usual ‘essential festival guide’ featured in all media publications. Yes the usual ones that are pretty much recycled and repetitive, we at MusicVita, have prepared an essential guide for all you musicians who will be performing this summer, giving you a few tips of how you can benefit from this opportunity.

The Guide:

First thing is first, use the internet to your advantage and make sure the world knows your playing. Then start contacting your fans, friends and family to find out who is interested in attending the festival. The simple and easy approach is getting numbers and arranging transport to the festival at a small price for each individual which will guarantee a following, many will appreciate your effort not to mention feel obliged to head to the stage you’re at to support you, hung-over or not!

Next up is the in-your-face advertising, if you have T-shirts and CDs already printed, sorted! Give a free t-shirt out to those you know and ask them to wear it around the festival. An army walking around with your name on their back is sure to grab some attention and raise some questions. If not, hit Primark for some cheap T-shirts and get a few printed up, it’s not an expensive process and you can always collect and re-use them after the festival.

Next up, flyers! This really is essential and again, your groupies can help distribute them around the festival. Design a straight forward flyer on Photoshop; obvious enough put your name in a large and eye-catching font. Put three simple headings on the flyer, “Stage, Time and Date” leave them blank, do not type these details, write them after they are printed. Why? So you can use the amount you need instead of over-printing whatever is left can be used for a future event. If you have a contact with someone working in a printers; ask them to help you out. Or you could ask a local printers to sponsor you. Simply ask them to do you a deal in exchange for their logo to be blatantly advertised on the flyer and explain what you plan to do with them. Worst case scenario, they say no. So you buy the appropriate paper and do it DIY style.

There are also many other ways to promote your stage time. Have a walk around the campsite and anyone with a CD player, hand them your release and ask them to give it a listen, on the highest volume.

Going to see other low-key signed and unsigned bands playing the festival for the first time is a great way to introduce yourself, socialise and arrange to keep in contact and arrange further gigs, and support slots. It never hurts to add an acoustic guitar when loading your equipment before the big weekend. This is a great way to get a sing-song started around the campsite, show your unplugged potential and also break the ice with fellow campers to come and see you live. I mean that is why you are all there, for the music!

It wouldn’t be a festival if you didn’t graffiti, passing the marker around and writing the band name on tents (with permission), on people and on yourself is sure get tongues wagging, not to mention the next morning giggle. This in-turn, will all lead to simple word-of-mouth and you will certainly be the talk of the festival after your hard work and constant plugging.

So it is now time to perform, your crowd are anxiously waiting, some familiar faces from the previous drunken antics, friends, family and the odd Joe Blogs who must have popped in for a listen. Give it your best, interact with the crowd and do not forget to plug in your name and each song you play. No one likes to hunt for a band, repeat it over and over.

When home, keep an eye out for any photographs, reviews and videos that may feature you. This is fantastic for any music industry representative to see media coverage, a large crowd, a flawless performance and the fact that you played at the festival.
Best of luck from all at MusicVita.

– KTH

Team Me live @ XOYO, London

It’s never easy for a travelling band to come and gig in the UK and if you’re lucky enough to be invited over to play some of the top venues, well then you know you are certainly going places. In this case, Norwegian band ‘Team Me’ were invited to gig in London not only by well-known UK band British Sea Power but also by Øya Festival, who were more than happy to showcase Team Me to the British public.

Opening the Øya Festival and Field Day music showcase at XOYO, near Old Street, it was a pleasure to see such a young group of people put so much energy into their music. Team Me consists of Anders (vox/strings/pling/plong), Thomas (vox/keys/strings/pling/plong), Synne (vox/harps/keys/pling/plong), Bjarne (drums/perc), Marius (vox/strings) and Uno (vox/strings/perc).

I’m very well aware you read that with confusion, but this is a multi-talented band. A band which shares all aspects of the music. A band that when on stage trades their instruments and their positions. A band that does it with so much perfection and ease, your eyes need to keep up with their energy and stage presence.

Describing Team Me is something you find difficult, as it states on their bio they play warm and rich orchestrated pop music. Orchestrated – yes, pop – yes but you can’t deny the electro, the acoustic and somewhat indie feel that beams through each song. Not to mention the vocals which remind you of an angelic choir! Yes, this is an all rounder.

‘Come Down’ was first up and what a great choice, although the intro was quite similar to the one of Paramore’s ‘Decode’, the light touch of Synnes keyboard and vocals not only allowed us to hear Team Me but also grasped the attention of many who happily turned their heads to see who was producing this wonderful music.

Extremely catchy, this is the definition of electro/pop-esque! ’Dear Sister’ which appears first on their debut E.P was interesting indeed, with a somewhat sound effect intro that reminds you of a Nintendo game, this is a song that can fill anything from an intimate room to a large arena. Marius introduces the lyrics beautifully with falsetto, he ease’s the song with the help of Synne whose pitch perfect high notes grasp your ears. The marching drums accommodates the unpredictable melody adding a climax, it seems as though it can’t get any better until the harmonies of, well, the whole Team (Me) brings you to the outro leaving you wanting more.

“Weathervanes” and “Chemicals” is one to note, the synchronisation cannot go a miss with this one. How can it when it constantly drifts throughout the song! An energetic song that is sure to get the head bopping. The tapping drums and the echoed lyrics you now know this band who has consistency throughout their songs thus far. Trying to keep up with the dramatic mixture makes this song one to be ‘in the mood for’ although seeing them live, you want nothing more than to enjoy that moment with them. Weathervanes and Chemicals gets you excited enough you try prevent yourself from hoping on the stage grabbing a tambourine and jumping around with them.

“Kennedy Street” brings it down a notch or two. This song is more raw leaving the electro-pop feel behind. A very relaxing song, it was enjoyable to have the dominance of the guitar for a change. Giving you a break from the synths that run right through their set. Definitely a favourite, the guitarist adds huge personality not only by heading back to his original position on stage but by playing the catchy hook with a bow, that’s right a bow! Bit different eh? The low drums are simple yet effective. You predict a build up to a huge breakout ending but to your surprise its actually quite an abrupt end leaving you feeling conned yet happy that they have surprised you yet again. Nothing better than an unpredictable band!

With their debut E.P out on the 4th of April, I suggest you get yourself down to a venue to catch these guys in full swing! Luckily for you they will be back in March to support The Wombats, but with a sold out show already announced, you need to be quick! Check out Team Me’s website www.teamme.no where you can find all info and upcoming gigs.

KTH

Join Me On The Bridge

International Women’s Day, which is held annually on the 8th of March, celebrates its 100th year this Tuesday. The honored celebration praise the women who have exceeded gender expectations through political, economical and social achievements.
Many events are held throughout the globe but while some acclaim past events, others along with organisations, still fight the battles women face today. This year men and women are set to make history by uniting together for the ‘Join Me On The Bridge Campaign’ which was launched by Women For Women International.
The campaign will see men and women from across the globe join on bridges to call for action to make major changes to the lives of women in Afghanistan, now described as one of the worst countries in the world to be a women. The march will be lead by singer Annie Lenox and actresses Cherie Lunghi and Michelle Ryan across London’s Millennium Bridge. While supporters will gather in more than 42 countries around the globe.
Hayley Tyson who is preparing for the march says “I went last year and it was such a great experience. I am proud to do it again and to help. This year my friends are coming with me, I think it will be a success.”
Actress and Women for Women International Supporter Cherie Lunghi, speaks out on behalf of Women For Women, in order to highlight this event “March the 8th is a big day. We will join together to honour the brave women who, a century ago, fought for the freedoms we easily take for granted today, and to show our support for the courageous women in war torn countries , who are fighting for their basic human rights, and an end to the brutality and deprivation they are suffering.”
The summer of 2011 will see the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and in order to end conflict, peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are taking place as we speak. These negotiations, which will determine the future of Afghanistan, have excluded women from taking part resulting in equality and the possibility that the situation and treatment of women will remain. Not only will Join Me On The Bridge campaign for women to be included but it also fights for women to have the right to education, an investment in women’s health and economic development so they can help rebuild their country.
“We demand that women have an equal seat at the negotiating table, and an equal voice in determining their future, and the future of their country.” says Kate Nustedt, Executive Director, Women for Women International and Global Organiser of the Join Me on the Bridge Campaign.
Over the years and still to this day, many women are mistreated in Taliban controlled Afghanistan with high figures of physical and sexual abuse. Basic human rights such as the right to education, freedom of speech even generic activates like leaving the house without a male member of her family or her husband are not accepted, resulting in women being harshly mistreated and in some cases, murdered.
Dr Helen Pankhurst Voices Against Violence Campaign Ambassador for CARE International UK raises the issue in a recent press release “Building bridges between women and communities is vital. Women living in conflict need women in the UK to stand alongside them. When women stand together then we have greater impact; to end violence and bring about change in places like Afghanistan. Women in Afghanistan are our modern day suffragettes, standing up for their rights despite threats of violence. I am proud to stand alongside them today.”
This year will be the second ‘Join Me On The Bridge’ campaign. Last year over 20,000 people raised awareness in 20 countries. The original idea came from Women For Women organisations based in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo when women gathered on a bridge which borders these two countries, to stand up for peace and an end to violence against women.

KTH

It Strikes A Chord

Just finished a radio project for university, took me three days to put this together. I found it extremely difficult at first. Just learned how to use Adobe Audition, took me ages editing, copying, fading, cutting etc so please bare this mind.

This project was was tough but I’m delighted with the outcome and proud of my attempt…

Said I would post it up, feel free to check it out…

Thanks for your support

It Strikes A Chord…

KT_H

Hypocrisy at its finest…

One thing I have noticed while living here in London, is how naïve and unaware we Irish people are of other races and religions. And odd topic to bring up, but it has been bothering me how imperceptive I have been towards others because while growing up in Dublin, I have only known one religion and one race (being the majority) in my schools, workplace and college.
Growing up catholic, being honest, means very little to me. Whether I was atheist or another religion in this broad subject, I would still sin, not take it seriously, not attend whatever the ‘church’ was and still have my own beliefs and views with my own religious values. I do believe in some, not to the extent where I would listen to a priest and a big cold-hall-like church for two hours every Sunday. And this is not only me, a lot of my generation have neglected what has been taught over the years and what has been pushed for our own ‘benefit’. Now I’m hoping I’m not stepping on toes but in Ireland, being catholic is something you feel necessary to include your child in, but not for the religious part. it’s a case of, I would like a christening and everyone in her class will be making her communion etc. A christening is an not to celebrate your baby joining the world of god anymore, find me someone who is doing it for that reason only and I will admit I was wrong, its more for a celebration of your baby‘s birth and of course, for a party and piss-up. First Holy Communion is not about one’s reception of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, it is about the dress, the suit, fake-tan, limousines and making money. Well, you get my drift, religion seems to be disappearing fast and its an embarrassment to know that moving to London has completely opened my eyes. Being a Caucasian female, I am a minority, as my university introduces me to many different races, religions, values and views. It really is such an interesting place and nothing can faze you.
Admitting this, I will probably sound like a bigger div. One day walking from class, my colleague walked passed a friend and I, she wore a Hijab, therefore obvious as to what religion she was, Muslim, and she preceded into a room with a locked code on the door. I questioned what was in the room and what was she up to, thinking she must place a role within the university, my friend explained that she was going to the ‘Musallah’, a room set aside for prayer, he continued to explain how Muslims perform the salat and must pray at least five times a day. I listened to him with full concentration, slightly embarrassed but was in complete awe at this process. I found myself straight to Google where I have learned a lot about the religion, further that I have also been reading up many other religions and faiths but this one just seemed to grip me.
Luckily I wasn’t the only Irish one to be amazed by such things. When my boyfriend popped over to London for a visit. We were on the bus driving through a Jewish community which is not far from where I live. I enjoyed his reaction as the street was full of Jews, adults and also boys as young as nine with their payos past their chin and wearing a Kippa. His reaction was normal to me, yes we see all the above in T.V, read about it, see it in films but when you sit and share a conversation or sit beside someone on a bus your imagination and interest take over. I couldn’t help but think of how Ireland was once known as a religious country, yes a lot has changed and yes I’m aware of the many problems that the catholic church has caused for us and others, but yet I still am ashamed at how we live in a bubble. We ignore our surroundings and focus on what is ‘normal’ to us, we don’t care nor want to but then act surprise and shocked at many. It really is a fascinating subject, was probably a bore for a blog but I wanted to share it with you and would appreciate any views on this topic.
Its sad to think that I truly believe religion in Ireland will soon cease to exist, maybe a drastic statement to make but if my generation don’t feel the necessity to pray, believe, or follow their religion. The example has already been set for the next generation, I for one will not force it upon my children but yet I will still get them christened and will follow all the rules… but why? What is the point? I don’t know and cannot answer this, maybe this view will change with time. I will push my children to have their own beliefs like I do, but surely this is hypocrisy at its finest? Therefore yes, like many Irish people, I am a hypocrite.
KT_H

 

 

Flying The Nest…

Tut tut tut, shame on me! Sign of a lazy writer when you neglect your blog. I do apologise but this Summer and Autumn for that matter has been extremely hectic! Of course there was the festivals, gigs, nights out, full-time job that kept me quite restrained from allowing my hands to glide over the keyboard but there was also the fantastic three-week-trip around Eastern Europe, inter-railing from Bratislava to Brussels. Too many tales, too many moments and too little time plus really don’t want to bore you. It’s a ‘you had to be there’ kinda thing, would highly recommend it and if its on your ‘to do list’ DO IT! You won’t regret a thing.
So with College/University/School or whatever it is that seems to have crept back into our lives come September and now playing a huge role, its hard to imagine how a summer can change everything. As I’m sure some of you know, I packed the bags and flew the nest to the little big smoke known as London! Currently attending London Metropoiltan University, working part-time in a restaurant in Camden, struggling to pay rent, bills and dreading the weekly grocery shopping, which I might add is mostly noodles, bread, milk, pasta and more noodles. It certainly is a ‘hard knock life’ but I’m thoroughly enjoying every minute. I’m now a stereotypical student, living with flat-mates, worrying about how much toilet roll is left in the house, when the bills are going to come in and how busking seems a good idea, or even better.. Begging.
The support from family and friends has been overwhelming, how one person can have what I like to call an army behind them proves how there are people out there who truly want to see others succeed. I have never realised how lucky I am until I came here. It’s a great experience to place yourself out of your life, the life you have known for so long and although very hard to leave behind, walking away has shown me how much I love my family and friends and even the ordinary ‘joe soap’ who ‘liked’ my “Wohooo London!” status all those weeks ago.  Fear played a huge part, I mean of course its not easy to walk away and be completely on your own in such a huge and incredible city. I knew  no one, anything and everything I did at home in Dublin doesn’t matter here, all the work, all the friends, all the studying why would anyone here care? But to somewhat have a fresh start and know what your capable of is exciting and to also know that I will always pat myself on the back and say “well done” for if I didn’t come here, it would have always been an uncertain regret.
So here’s to following your dream, whether it seem unrealistic now or not, you can always achieve what you want in life. Even if this didn’t work out tomorrow, at least I had the courage to do it. Follow your heart more so than your head for a change, for your head feeds your heart with doubt, it contaminates all negative thoughts and feelings in which are not your own. Lets just say, if that day, I was sitting at home thinking about moving away and crying at the thought of it and debating ‘will I, won’t I’ this smile would not be on my face today and this story, memory and moment would cease to exist.

KT_H

DC Tempest

Finding new music is such an enjoyment to me, dossing around on Myspace, adding bands and artists who would kill for their music to be heard and thrive on any feedback given. Some contact me asking me to attend their gigs and it has gotten to stage where I am being placed on guest-lists, it really has opened up a whole new world for me and a potential career.

As you know I work closely with a band called Machine Gun Baby, (http://www.myspace.com/machinegunbabyofficial). With their single release due out in September, the buzz, the hard work and the excitement is such a rush I am proud to stand side by side with these talented four lads who are going to enter the world of music with a bang. Machine Gun Baby will spread throughout so you better all be prepared. Another artist I have so much belief in is Orna Lyons, with her determination, hard work and talent, it won’t be long before she is snapped up and heard on every radio station across the nation, with many dedicated fans and Hotpress raving about her songs its hard to believe she is still unsigned.

So let em introduce to you another band who have captivated my ears once again. This band not only have the personality, talent, hard work ethic, stage presence and an amazing sound, they are just all around fun and I have to say I spent a very eventful weekend with these guys. (How are yeeeeeeeee!)

Hailing from Dublin, DC Tempest are an indie-rock band known for their eclectic blend of rock and electronica. The band burst onto the music scene in May 2008 with the release of the Into the Light EP, which was received with critical acclaim by Hotpress Magazine who described the EP as an “impressive statement of intent”. Since then the band have been gaining recognition, releasing two more singles and touring nationwide.

DC Tempest have built up a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest live acts with their ever-growing fan base enraptured by captivating performances and quality tune-smithery. The band have shared the stage with Bon Jovi, The Coronas, Codes, Oliver Cole, Razorlight, The Minutes, The Chapters, Republic of Loose, Kid Rock, The Flaws and earned a slot on the Live Stage at the celebrated Hotpress Music Show in the RDS by way of public vote.
The band are currently working on their debut album Battlelines at their own Area 94 studio in Dublin.

I would urge you to pop over to their Myspace or website and have a look for yourselves, this is one band surely to tickle your fancy. And lets be honest, we need to support Irish acts more, some people are ruled by the charts, I use to be one of those people but there is something fulfilling about dicovering talent and enjoying unheard music, so get out there and uncover all the talent for yourself.

http://www.dctempest.com/

http://www.myspace.com/dctempest

KT_H

A Lost Cause…

Last night I had a strange dream. It involved me, a laptop and Facebook. In my dream, I found something that broke my heart. I can’t remember what it was, who it involved or what the purpose of this dream was but I do remember how vivid that heartbreak was. A few hours previously, I was swapping stories with my two friends about things that we have found out on Facebook. One of my friends told me how she had found out an ex was lying to her. It got me thinking (an obviously dreaming) about how the power of social networking has us warped. We are ruled by the internet and everything about it, that we have become a very sad race/generation and community of people.

Think about how many times you log onto the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc.. The minute you get to a computer, your fingers take over and all is a lost cause. It’s extremely depressing how we log onto a PC to communicate with others. And the worst thing is we communicate with people who we have seen or will see that very day! I mean what more can you tell one person? Surely we haven’t got that much to say about ourselves and our life that we need to broadcast it to Facebook then physically talk about later that day.

I have also realised, just how much of a creep I am. I mean I log on, check my page, check a few regular pages like my friends page, my boyfriends page etc. I then find myself, one hour later, still sitting on it the bloody thing looking at pictures of someone’s 21^st or night out, when really I couldn’t care less! I read the home page, to see what people have to say about their day whether its if someone was drunk last night, heading out tonight, passed exams, something good happened to them something bad happened to them, they are now single or in a relationship or that they ‘like’ the fact that a when a biscuit drops into a cup of tea, your life is over. It’s really getting ridiculous at this stage.

While the above is just the minor issues, social networking has destroyed many relationships and friendships. Photos of the boyfriend/girlfriend with that girl/boy you hate, comments which can be mislead because there is no tone when reading, status’s which must have a hidden meaning behind it and itch your curiosity, joining groups that you think oh my god that’s so true, I’m definitely liking that.  Its even to a stage where you can’t go on an night out and take a photo without each and every person grabbing the camera to see if its profile worthy, if not… it’s a delete job.

I will admit there are some pros to social networking. Finding old friends (previous blog), staying in contact with people who you rarely see, being invited to events which you genuinely want to attend, finding new music, new venues/nights out worthy of your presence and of course my personal favourite… the birthday reminders… oh how I would be friendless without that application.

But come on! What happened to the days of curbs, tip the can, knick knacks, skipping, hopscotch and football? Will this generation be the one to lose all that just for the internet? Could it possibly get any worse for future and when we all have kids? This generation begun this faze, for all our sakes… lets hope it die’s out and soon. Before our lives are completely taken over by this addictive way of living.

But of course, after I finish this blog, check my emails, listen to Myspace before watching Youtube, then update my status on Facebook and check out Twitter.

KT_H