It's the girls who are in charge of pop music right now
Victoria Monet gave an outstanding performance at Coachella.
Coachella is ridiculously expensive these days, tricky to get to, and once there, it costs a fortune. This year’s festival attracted a lot of negative publicity in advance due to what was perceived as a weaker line-up, and lots of the talk after the first weekend surrounded a shambolic DJ set by Grimes.
However, there can be no doubt that it was the women who stole the show.
The mega pop stars Beyonce and Taylor Swift may not have been performing, but there’s a whole lot of great acts who may be a rung below status-wise, but who are also very capable of putting on a great show. Not even the recent cancellation of South African icon Tyla could put a damper on things.
Emerging legends such as Tems and Victoria Monet were both outstanding, and these two are among my favourite of the new wave of wonderful artists we’ve had in recent years.
Doja Cat put on an incredible show, as did Raye, and as always Ice Spice proved to be entertaining in a packed out tent.
Nelly Furtado, Kesha, and other veterans turned up to the party, on a weekend where the girls showed that they are in charge of pop music right now.
Closer to home there’s lots happening. As always, there’s a great grassroots music scene happening and it was cool to see the Liberty bar get recognition for their support of this at the recent CBA awards in the Radisson.
They have been putting on super parties over the past 18 months and they are providing a nice platform for many who wouldn’t normally get to perform. I’ll do some more feature on the new school of Cork DJs and collectives soon but I also want to mention the old school today.
There’s a generation of Cork clubbers eager to experience club life in a slightly more refined way, and while festivals offer one solution, there are other options too. I often DJ at daytime brunches and I’m starting another one soon.
There are also some old school nights running in venues such as Popscene and I also recently played Fadd Juniors Noughty night, which runs in the Pav every month.
DJ Swill is running an old school session this week in the Kino but what about those clubbers who don’t want to be out late?
Before Midnight by Annie Mac is one of many such sessions which happen around the world, and now Cyprus Avenue has got one coming too.
Their Club 30 night in May is already sold out and promises classics from the ’80s and ’90s and ’00s and a running time on two floors that doesn’t go past 10pm. There’s a huge interest and, as mentioned, the first party is already sold out.
While we patiently await licensing changes it’s good that promoters and DJs continue to be creative in trying to give people extra clubbing options. People still like clubbing, even when they grow older, so it all makes sense.
My own Everybody Dance party continues this morning in Marina Market at 11am and it’s an inclusive party aimed at those with additional needs and all ages and abilities. Clubbing should be for everyone and everyone likes to party.
Finally this week, a quick mention for one of the events happening for Record Store Day this week. As always Music Zone in Deanrock has got loads of entertainment on, and this includes a special appearance by one of the most legendary figures in the Cork music scene.
Irish Jack, retired postman and scooterist around town, will read from his unique Who memoirs at 4pm.
The Who’s Pete Townsend based the main character Jimmy on his longtime friend Jack when writing the 1973 Quadrophenia album. The album and subsequent film remain iconic and influential and Jack remains one of our most treasured music and fashion icons, so this is a great opportunity to catch him speaking up close and personal!
