Friday, September 2nd, Judge Roy Beans, Newbridge. Three bands take to the stage in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Mairead Corley and Jennifer Florence are the organizers of the night, two lovely ladies that I know from back in the day at the Holy Family Secondary School. Plenty of prizes were won, many raffle tickets sold! There was a great atmosphere and it was actually one of the more fun gigs we've done! It was our first time to play JRB's, and maybe not the last! Loads of fresh faces looking like they were enjoying the show (always a good sign). Sound was provided by the lads from Frantic Jack, who also put on a crackin show on the night, and we finally had the pleasure to play a gig with the lads from Burstberry. Eleven songs and a few drinks later, most of She Speaks (Tim, Jonny and myself) made our way to Electric Picnic, chauffeured by our driver, who also happens to be my mam..down to Stradbally for some more song and dance!
Photo's from the gig coming soon (hopefully)..
We arrived at Stradbally about 1am, in the lashings of rain! I was very grateful that I had my recently purchased waterproof jacket from Tog24 in Kildare Village!! Tim had an all in one biker suit, completely waterproof, so we were fairly prepared for it. We were lucky enough to have our good friend Sinan, set up our tent for us earlier that day, so all we had to do was find them! Which wasn't to hard either. We were greeted by some very merry friends down at the Andy Warhol campsite, this was going to be a good weekend!
The artwork was amazing as usual, I am a bit of a tourist at these things, so I always have a catalog of photographs! It's a magical place in my eyes, full of happy people, great music, and sparkly fairy lights all round! There is something beautiful at every corner. Here are a few snaps that capture the atmosphere of the weekend;
We saw some great acts, including; Public Enemy, James Vincent McMorrow, Cast of Cheers, Moths, and a a few new bands also. Although I am a big fan of James V McMorrow, I was surprised to see the sheer amount of people packing into the tent to see him. His music was a little lost in the noise from the crowd unfortunately, id like to go see him at a smaller, more intimate venue, where the beautiful harmonies and emotion could be appreciated to the full. Until then, my ipod will tide me over.
Public Enemy on the other hand definitely managed to fill the tent, with their old school rap, and I was kinda shocked to see that Flava Flav actually had some real talent! I only knew him from his TV show...and it's always a good thing to be able to get your dance on at a gig! This was one I'll remember for a long time.
Cast of Cheers are definitely tight, and I could see they have a big following, and I admire them for that. But there are dozens of bands out there doing the same kind of thing. So I wont be going out to purchase their Cd. Although I would probably go see them live again.
Over in body and soul, I stumbled across Moths, I only caught they last 10-15 minutes of his set, but I was impressed with what I heard, and proud to see a local up there doing us proud. At only 18, he has already accomplished what most up and coming musicians are yearning for. To be acknowledged, and for your music to be recognized, and enjoyed. **Dreams** One day!! But seeing Moths up there doing his thing, gives me hope, and keeps me motivated to keep doing what I'm doing.
Every band I saw over the weekend, inspired me in some way or another. Even when I don't particularly love a band, I can appreciate things like, confidence, being tight, putting on a show, appearance, originality, and potential. I find myself to be a bit critical sometimes, but I think its important to locate the flaws in what your doing so that you can improve on them in the future. Same goes for the positive things, maybe you can learn a thing or two from other acts, that will help improve your future performances.
Contact: shespeaksmusic@gmail.com
