As UCC’s MAs in Arts Management and Creative Production come together to create a pop-up festival that celebrates joy and creativity steeped in wonder and awe, Mike McGrath-Bryan catches up with Sinéad Gallagher of the Canaille Collective, ahead of their Wonderism event - happening today. 

Having set about his debut Irish headline tour last month, and making inroads with alternative pop music with a heart as big as its choruses, Cork-based Lloyd John seeks to pick up his momentum with upcoming single ‘I HOPE THAT U CRY!’. Mike McGrath-Bryan chats with the singer and songwriter.

Cities such as Cork, Waterford, Limerick, and Galway have often enjoyed a special rapport with visiting acts, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Chaka Khan gave a no holds barred reaction to being ranked 29 in a recent list, but it shouldn't be about lists, it should be about the music you enjoy, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

With new album ‘The Total Space’, Cork alt-folkers Boa Morte move into ambience and soundscaping, representing a departure for the long-running four-piece on the 25th anniversary of their formation, and a new context for longtime production partner Daniel Presley. Mike McGrath-Bryan finds out more.

Ronan Leonard brings you through a schedule of events taking place in Cork City over St Patrick’s Festival weekend

The Drive’s second extended-player ‘In Reverse’ melds shoegaze tumult with a propulsive rhythmic sensibility - and they’ve got a pair of Leeside gigs in the coming weeks. Mike McGrath-Bryan finds out more.

The self-proclaimed ‘Bubblegum Trap’ king has come up with another much talked about project in Let’s Start Here, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

With the Covid crisis in the rearview mirror, Leeside post-hardcore four-piece Red Sun Alert are finally release to unleash their ‘Assume Power’ EP, with a UK and Ireland tour to accompany it. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with vocalist Julia Pawlak and guitarist Cian Mullane.

As they prepare to launch their debut album with a performance at Sea Church in Ballycotton, Ronan Leonard discovers the various and eclectic paths that the members of Straif came to the band, and how the pandemic helped shape their sound by concentrating minds in the isolation of lockdowns

The global rise of the modern afro-beats sound continues, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Having made an impression with debut album ‘ETC.’ and an accompanying tour, Northside ‘sad dancey metallers’ God Alone are gearing up to take their longest UK tour to date this April - culminating in a spot at StrangeForms Festival in Leeds. Mike McGrath-Bryan catches up with Cian Mullane and Jake O’Driscoll.

Sadly this week the rap world has been rocked by the sad news that Trugoy, aka Dave Jolicoeur, one of the three members of De La Soul, has died, writes Stevie G in his Downtown column

The Bronx rapper is continuing to gain momentum after her latest release, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What is on in Cork's theatres this week? Jo Kerrigan tells us in her weekly Theatre Nights column

It’s been 30 years since Cork punks The Sultans of Ping unleashed their debut LP ‘Casual Sex at the Cineplex’, right off the back of rolling momentum supplied by the impact of Leeside anthem ‘Where’s My Jumper?’. Before the band takes the stage next weekend at Cork Opera House to mark the occasion, Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with Morty McCarthy.

There are numerous great stories of older tracks gaining new audiences, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

There are some big event coming up in Cork, especially across the new February bank holiday weekend, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Cork’s DIY music scene has a close cousin in a similarly-minded community in Limerick - and on Saturday February 4, the Triskel plays host to a unique, Covid-era documentary on the ties that bind the city’s creators together, and the unique visions of each, from the minds behind city-based festival Féile na Gréine. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with director Graham Patterson.

As hip-hop celebrates its 50th year in 2023, it’s imperative that the pioneering music of De La Soul is widely available, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Ronan Leonard looks forward to a pair of concerts at Cork’s Cyprus Avenue featuring eight up-and-coming acts which all seem to have a sense of connection with each other

It’s no surprise to me that other music lovers want to continue this beautiful relationship with the vinyl record, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

From globetrotting headliners like The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers and Florence + The Machine, and pop performers like Mimi Webb, to punk legends like Henry Rollins and Hugh Cornwell, and emerging Cork bands like Cardinals, Mossy and The Cliffords, a big year lies ahead for Leeside music. Mike McGrath-Bryan takes a look at gigs in the first quarter - and the big names headed for Indie, the Marquee and Musgrave Park.

I'm looking forward to what we have in store for 2023, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

What are the big cinema releases of the year ahead? From Indiana Jones to a Scorsese film and Barbie, CARA O’DOHERTY assesses the field

2022 was the year that Cork’s music scene began to rebuild from Covid, and a generation began to stake their claims in the city’s venues, and on record. Mike McGrath-Bryan spoke with a few local music heads about their thoughts, and their hopes for the new year.

B.O.W. making noises as they put a new twist on Irish language poetry for primary school children, writes Don O’Mahony

It’s been another amazing year for great songs, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

We saw the other side of Covid (hopefully); a new generation of artists began to emerge in earnest; and the city’s wider scene has shown its resilience: Mike McGrath-Bryan takes a look at some of the highlights of 2022 in Cork music.

Ian Stephenson fondly remembered in Cork and beyond after his sad passing 

Stevie G, in his Downtown, looks back at some memorable moments

With gigs back in the swing of things, and the vinyl revival somehow withstanding an inflationary bubble, it’s a good time to look out for presents for the music-lover in your life - Mike McGrath-Bryan casts an eye on gift ideas.

There's a great documentary showing, and some music spots that are worth checking out, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

The evenings have drawn in, whether you’re looking to head out before you head home for Christmas, or spend some ‘Twixtmas time with friends in the company of live music. Downtown’s traditional 12 gigs of Christmas has you covered. Mike McGrath-Bryan casts an eye on the December calendar.

With many of the main acts announced already, and more announcements to come, it looks like being a promising festival year ahead, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

A composer that brought the Irish musical tradition into the 20th Century and became a central figure in the country’s cultural inheritance, Seán Ó Riada’s compositions and rearrangements form the basis of a new piece of work from Dublin composer Neil O’Connor, aka Ordnance Survey. Ahead of a live performance at PLUGD Records in December, Mike McGrath-Bryan finds out more. 

The hunger for music and events remains as strong as ever, but the overall outlook has change in the post-pandemic era, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

From influences of shoegaze and folk, to a preoccupation with religious hymns, Cork upstarts Cardinals have set an interesting tone with debut single ‘Amsterdam’. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with the band.

Hopefully some compromise will be reached so that the city can keep its Marina Market, as we need these spaces in Cork, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

Ronan Leonard looks forward to the fifth edition of the Quiet Lights music festival that has always been unafraid to experiment

Reflecting on the career of Nas, it has been remarkable, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

From proud art-rock products of Cork's Northside, to sharing stages with luminaries like Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Pavement - it’s been a wild ride for Pretty Happy, and their new EP ‘Echo Boy’ sees them channel the life and character of their home city. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with the band.

For its 67th edition, Cork International Film Festival has served up a selection of cinematic excellence, new and old, including themed strands and broader community engagement - including the Cork Film Trail. Mike McGrath-Bryan speaks with festival head Fiona Clark.

Great news that UK rapper Aitch will play Live At The Marquee 2023, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

The proposals will extend nightclub hours and allow pubs to open later will bring us in line with other countries, says Stevie G in his Downtown column

A feast for the eyes as well as the ears, St. Peter's Church hosts the work of African American fine art photographer Chuck Stewart. Don O'Mahony reports.

Ahead of her appearance as part of the We Got The Jazz photography exhibition, harpist Brandee Younger talks about being part of Beyonce’s Homecoming and finding the groove, writes Don O’Mahony.

The Jazz Fest will be full on this year — after Covid years — and it will be brilliant to see and hear so much local music streaming out of so many doors. Ronan Leonard reports

With a career spanning over three decades that spans the development of modern UK soul, singer and songwriter Omar isn’t content to rest on his laurels, throwing himself into a collaborative gig at the Everyman on Saturday October 29, with Dublin’s Mås Exödus and US rap legend Jeru the Damaja - he speaks with Mike McGrath-Bryan.

Ronan Leonard caught up with the people behind the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, as they were fine-tuning this year’s festival