Mutantspace And Gulp’d Host Free Music Weekend From Friday 17th – Sunday 19th May

moray mair | All about mutantspace | April 30, 2013

hans dens plays mutantspace music weekend

stuart wilde plays the mutantspace music weekend

Pearse McGloughlin plays the mutantspace music weekend

cormac ocaoimh plays the mutantspace music weekend

carl plover aka wasps vs humans plays mutantspace free music weekend

So rather than do a festival I’ve decided to stick to putting on a couple of gigs. The art exhibitions, talks, workshops and comedy are going to have to wait. To be honest the Trash Culture Revue has been a victim of it’s own success. When I started off doing these events through mutantspace there was only about 4 – 6 people interested in producing a show. Last May there was nearly 30. I also don’t have a budget. Last years festival cost €50. Which is pretty incredible seeing as we had a packed programme and national coverage of most events. However I can’t keep that up. Something has to break. And for me it was time.

This year I’ve decided to go easy on myself and have fun rather than stress out over the whole thing. So I’m only putting on gigs. Music is always easier for me to put together and Plugd records have been a great help. So here’s what we’re doing between 17th – 19th May. There are also a few other house events. But I can’t publicise them.

We will be doing our annual Bloomsday event on 16th June and Ill be putting a mutantspace collective art show together over the coming months. So here’s the blurb on the weekend of free music that ranges from psychedelic experimental electronica to slam poetry, punk trad and folk to dark gothic blues.

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Trasvorder’s ‘Collage al Infinito’ Compositions Are Cosmic, Man

moray mair | Art and design | April 19, 2013

Trasvorder's Collage al Infinito series called Demos un paseo

Trasvorder's Collage al Infinito series called enter the moon

Trasvorder's Collage al Infinito series called her between mountains

Trasvorder's Collage al Infinito series called la pradera

Trasvorder's Collage al Infinito series called optic fx

Trasvorder's Collage al Infinito series called pintor planetario

Trasvorder's Collage al Infinito series called rainbow

Trasvorder Collage al Infinito series called risco infinito

Trasvorder Collage al Infinito series called vista al sur

Trasvorder‘s collage series, ‘Collage al Infinito’ is everything I don’t normally like about collage; it’s full of spacey, vintage images that, on initial viewing, seem to rely on magnificent pictures of the universe, barren landscapes and beautiful women. However. That’s the point. It’s is all about space and psychedelia. It’s all cosmic, man. See when you look closer you begin to see the typical symbols of 60′s brotherly love; rainbows, parallel universes, mushrooms, naked women, op-art, shamanism, connections with ancient civilisations, and so on.

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Holger Lippmann’s Generative Art Is Inspired By Electronic Music

moray mair | Art and design | April 9, 2013

$Holger Lippmann digital prints fractal$

Holger Lippmann is a pioneer in e-art, generative art, web art, digital art. His revelation came during the electronic music boom in Germany in the 1990′s and ever since he’s been using self programmed digital drawing techniques to create paintings and prints based on everything from concrete motifs such as flowers to geometrical plays with figures and overlapping matrix structures.

To create this work Lippmann composes filigree structures and abstract-geometric patterns which he then overlaps and varies until the pictures achieve the desired look. He compares his process of working to dancing or improvised music, a process of developing a composition through a performance or play. In short the programmes he creates build forms which self organise to create a beautiful image.
What’s most interesting about this work is that his prints are programmed and recorded as vector files so they have an unlimited scalability without any loss of quality which allows him to make work that is based on very dense and finely generated structures.

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The Medicine Sessions Is A Wonderful Music And Spoken Word Event

moray mair | Everything about music | March 29, 2013

One of our mutantspace members set up the wonderful Medicine Sessions last year in Lismore, County Waterford, Ireland. It’s been a wonderful success, with all manner of musicians and poets lightening up that part of the country, and I really hope it continues to go from strength to strength. So here’s a tribute to the event by Vicky, the wonderful organiser, promoter, programmer and doer. And no matter what she says to create space out of nothing, to keep going no matter what requires gumption, passion, care and a huge heart.

One year, hundreds of audience members through the doors, genres including blues, folk, classical, electro, avant garde, experimental, jazz, rock and roll, trad, pop, singer songwriter and grunge, spoken words in the form of street, beat, contemporary, monologue and conversational and a platform for 26 performers (some with repeat visits) and a donation bucket that has raised approximately €1,200 for performers. The Medicine Sessions has exceeded expectations in its first year of life. From the tentative baby steps this time last year, to the now, steady confident stomps, it is starting to play with all its best friends in the playground of original music platforms.

To be honest, The Medicine Sessions has been easier to set up than I expected, if anyone is contemplating organising something similar, I would say do it! If you have a modicum of common sense and the ability to always treat performers considerately, then you have the ability to organise a new music event. Bands are not as untouchable as you’d first think, the amount of talent out there and particularly in Cork, is astounding and every single performer we’ve had through the door has been completely delightful! No bolshy egos, no demanding silliness, just really sound people who want to share bits of their souls with others. We have been particularly blessed with the venue we have too, which has gone a long way to creating a great night. The Red House Inn has buckets of history and charisma, the right amount of shabbiness, dodgy smell and proper country pub welcome.

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The Urchin Collective Music Launch Kicks Off @ Bewleys Cafe On 8th March

moray mair | Everything about music | March 2, 2013

Pearse McGloughlin, one of our skills exchange members, sent me in this info on a new music collective he’s involved with in Dublin. Many of the musicians working with him on the project are familiar to me and all are outstanding musicians in their own right. It’s wonderful to see more collective projects happening and if you happen to be in Dublin next Thursday 8th March be sure to check them out and say hello.

So here’s the blurb:

Urchin Collective is a movement of independent musicians based in Ireland operating in the genres of avant garde electronica, folk, Irish language, trad, alternative and indie.
Inspired by the work of other Irish and international collectives such as Community Music and Blocks Recording Club, in the next year we will release a sampler of our music and present several curated events.

The first of these shows will take place at Bewley’s Theatre Café on 8th March and will feature Enda Reilly, Fia Rua, Justin Grounds and
Pearse McGloughlin. Doors are at 8.00pm and admission is €12 (€10 for advance reservation from urchinmusiccollective@gmail.com).
We have words.
We have spirit.
Come join us.

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Ken Browne’s Paintings Of Irish Abstract Landscapes Are Mythical Compositions

moray mair | Art and design | February 23, 2013

It’s not often that I come across an Irish painter I admire but Ken Browne is certainly one. Self taught and originally a musician Browne’s style is a peculiar mix of 18th Century Romantic landscape painting and contemporary abstract aesthetics that are somehow quintessentially Irish. His colours are of this land, of Ireland, the tumultuous skies heavy with grey cloud, mist, fog, there is wind, wonderful autumnal light and of course the colours of the bog, that deep brown earthy colour that evokes the myths and folklore of this country.

This is emotional work, a synthesis of many landscapes, a collective memory of Ireland that finds its way into Browne’s narrative through music. And it is music that lies at the bottom of each composition, is the key to each painting, is the medium through which he creates his imaginary spaces. One could say that these paintings are pictures of an interior space in which music creates the world.

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Francesca Baines Poetry Has A Musicality To It

moray mair | Short fiction and poetry | February 2, 2013

Singer songwriter and fellow mutantspace member Francesca Baines sent this poem into me the other day so here it is for your pleasure:

Before My Heart Is A Crowded Street

My heart has not the politeness of pedestrian crossings.
Footfall and tyre grind chime together
With a thumped horn when they almost collide.
Steaming trucks, the bicycle couriers’ boxes
Are pedalling their criss-cross through lanes of bright traffic.

I will always break the lights ‘though amber flames are plenty,
‘Cause you and I like to walk in hand when alleyways are empty.

To the hush of paper bags and drain pipes dripping
We follow slipping rooftops to find each other’s lips. Kissing:
We call a star filled night to contend the city’s rights to the sky.
We call between the cracks for the scaffolds to crumble.
We call along the rust to coax the fire-escapes come fall away
In the dust, kick the bucket, do not retire beside the motorway.

Forget the tower blocks stooping on steel in their subsidence.
Do not relent to this buzz as the best version of silence.

I will always break the lights ‘though amber flames are plenty,
‘Cause you and I like to walk in hand when alleyways are empty.

Where park benches are drenched in dew and you are painted in my morning,
Before the day’s first train of thought departs, wheels yawning:
We are anti-architects before the sun’s first light
Touches brick and mortar, the blank civic disorder.

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Chris Thornley’s Imagined Classic Penguin Book Covers With Titles From The Smiths Song Lyrics

moray mair | Art and design | December 13, 2012

Chris Thornley AKA Raid71 has created the perfect illustration series for Smiths fans. A series of imagined classic retro Penguin covers that use The Smiths song lyrics as book titles. How good is that? I’ve nothing more to say about them other than it’s an immensely cool idea that’s been executed brilliantly. Classic Penguin with classic Smiths.

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New Albums From Deetrich, Noiseaux, The Saw Doctors, DJ Beenie And The Staves

moray mair | Everything about music | November 27, 2012

One of our skills exchange members – whose business is music – has sent on some album reviews for your reading pleasure. So we have new albums from the likes of Deetrich, The Staves, The Saw Doctors, Noiseaux and DJ Beenie.

1. Deetrich/ Tug Of War
Reekus Records
Tug of War is the new album released on Reekus Records by Deetrich. The ten track album which includes the new single “I’m Alive” displays the range of Deetrich’s haunting vocals. Her unique voice is the perfect instrument to weave the tales that this record provides. The quietly uplifting track “No Job, No Money” is a strong start to the album which continues with good song-writing throughout, in particular the quirky and elegant “Can’t Sleep at Night” and cavernous sounds in “Maybe It’s Time”. The soulful yet subtle production allows Deetrich’s voice to shine throughout and is indeed a quality album from start to finish.

2. The Staves/Dead & Born & Grown
Atlantic Records
Three piece family outfit The Staves recently released their stunning album ‘Dead & Born & Grown’. Little musical delicacies like this creep in upon us only every once in a while. Pitch perfect, lush harmonies and simplified compositions make this album utterly sublime and non invasive on the ears. When you press the play button the world lies still for a moment. One should find themselves aglow in the sounds of intertwined harmonies that have been specifically made to make you stand still and reconnect with yourself. This is an album that reaches in and pulls on the heart strings. It emphasises the sometimes lost elements of life that you may have forgotten about.
One word: Wonderful.

3. The Saw Doctors/ 25.25
Shamtown Records
One of Ireland great musical institutions of this fair Isle; The Saw Doctors, have reached a mile stone this year. I guess its a done deal once Uncle Gaybo sits you on his couch to speak about the years of music and all that has come and gone, as they appeared earlier this year on RTE’s For One Night Only, a National recognition that every Irish Artist seeks. But with these veterans of the Irish Music Scene, there is still much to come. Their synonymous rehashed ‘best of’ album ‘25.25’ superbly showcases the bands utmost best hits and some hidden gems. An absolute must for dedicated Doc fans and for new fan alike. The perfect Christmas gift this year.

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Laurindo Feliciano’s Collages Are Inspired By Classic Architecture, History And Design

moray mair | Art and design | November 22, 2012

Laurindo Feliciano‘s collages are clearly inspired by his love of architecture and design and the inspiration he finds in such diverse subjects as natural history, philosophy, animal behaviour, nature, visual art, semiotics, antique books, films and music.

His work has a very classic feel to it – the result of using found images from text books and classic treatises on various topics – and is at once beautifully conceived and wonderfully executed.

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Andrew Lyons Illustrations Are Modernist In Style And Influenced By Jazz, Tintin And Cubism

moray mair | Art and design | November 17, 2012

Andrew Lyons illustrations are heavily influenced by his life in France, his love of Tintin, Cubism and Jazz music. How good is that – this is a man with taste and someone who wears his inspirations on his sleeve. You only have to have a cursive look over his work to see the 1920′s in glorious line and colour.

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Printer Orchestra Plays Bob Dylan On Old Printers, Fax Machines And Hard Drives

moray mair | Everything about music | November 8, 2012

‘Printer Orchestra’ is a pretty special version of Bob Dylan’s iconic song ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’. For a start it’s played by machines and not your run of the mill electronic music technology. Nope. This cover is played by old photocopiers, modems, scanners, fax machines and hard drives. Pretty incredible.

Director Chris Cairns in association with Isthisgood soldered, reprogrammed, hacked and rewired 97 old printers destined for the landfill. They even custom-designed their own circuit board that could control all of the printers from one main computer. The result is a computer orchestra that’s alot of fun, ingenious and great to listen too. It’s not the first time it’s been done but it has to be one of the best examples of the form out there.

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MP Landis Mixed Media Paintings And Drawings Are The Everyday Diary Of An Artistic Life

moray mair | Art and design | September 28, 2012

MP Landis sees his mixed media paintings and drawings on paper, in particular his ‘Warehouse Drawing’ series, as a palimpsest of the processes, materials and inspirations – especially his love of jazz, poetry and nature – he draws on everyday. I never knew what a palimpsest was until I looked it up – it means a parchment or the like from which writing has been partially or completely erased to make room for another text – and it’s an interesting description of his work. It suggests a graffiti technique of sorts, a rubbing out, a covering over, an ongoing process.

Like a number of the artists I’ve posted up before Landis collaborates alot with musicians, poets and dancers as well as running projects in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service and other visual artists. Here’s how he explains the process:

Each Warehouse Drawing begins as a functional piece of paper, folded and carried with me throughout the day, and marked with date, place, and daily minutiae. I then draw and paint on them in response to whatever is happening in and outside of my studio.

The last step of this process is signing, numbering, and dating by month and year each individual WD. They are numbered in chronological order, starting with #1 when I began this series in 1996. Now I am nearing #5000.

Making these WD’s has influenced the rest of my artwork. The portability, spontaneity, and obsessiveness of creating this WD series have all seeped into my other work, both subtly and overtly. All of my artwork deals with the functionality of process, and the materials at hand, in different ways.

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Jeroen Erosie’s Collages And Design Work Is Conceptually Connected To Electronica

moray mair | Art and design | September 25, 2012

Jeroen Erosie‘s mixed media collages and design work is an amalgam of music, graphic design, conceptual art and graffiti. However, what’s most interesting about Erosie is that he’s an artist who co-runs his own independent electronic music label in the Netherlands, called 3024, along with techno DJ/producer and friend Martyn. While Martyn produces music Erosie illustrates and designs the record covers.

Like the electronic music that 3024 produce Erosie’s collages and designs are all about cut and paste, rhythm and chaos, abstract shapes all moved and effected by sound, full of broad strokes of colour. What he says about this aspect of his work is:

Doing the artwork for a wide range of producers is a nice way of looking for this Gesamtkunstwerk approach. In the end all of this is concentrated on this plastic disc with a piece of cardboard around it. I like this concentration of so many different backgrounds and mind sets. In this sense I think my approach matches Martyn’s way of working in that we like to keep an open mind in our creative process. We don’t stick to genres or conventions too much, but rather use different elements from different fields to play with. It’s interesting to see this alter in time – to see the evolution of music and its visual connection. And to see this all change once it’s pigeonholed or when it becomes accessible to a bigger audience.

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Polly Barrett, Joe Power And The Buachaills At The Medicine Sessions This August

moray mair | Everything about music | August 30, 2012

The Medicine Sessions is a music and spoken word night run in Lismore, County Waterford, Ireland, once a month by one of our skills exchange members. It’s a wonderful addition to the culture of the South East and many people have passed its doors since it opened earlier this year. Like she does every month, Vicky, the producer of this fantastic night, has sent us an update on how it went. So here you go.

Summer arrived. Just for one day, coinciding with an Olympian clash of gold from a woman Celt, with the whole nation watching. Afterwards, in the calm, inebriation of the sun, people meandered round the streets, or laid themselves out like corpses in their gardens, their faces cast to the unfamiliar burning orb in the sky. With the sun and historical victory, came laziness, aided by beer and white wine.

As I opened up the Medicine room for the night, I noted the atmosphere and mildly panicked that this might be the first month of failure when it came to garnering a crowd. But, although slow to gain momentum, by ten o’clock, the room filled and I felt the tension lift from me as I hit the stairs down to the bar to retrieve more chairs.

Polly Barrett fitted the sunny end of the day perfectly, her delightful, cheery personality casting its own light over the darkening Medicine room. Her natural honey voice, tripped over the heads and hearts of the audience as she sang of quiet love affairs, dreaming and the fleeting friendships formed whilst busking. Polly has a beautiful stage presence, confident and genuine and she is full of good natured wit, a fact that glimmers through her lyrics along with a sharp enthusiasm for life. She is the sort of performer who seems to be exactly the same on stage, as off. Everything is there to see and hear and the bare boned picking and strumming on her lovely Martin guitar, complimented her performance completely.

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Trash Gigs 17 – 19 May

Friday 17th May
Mutant Cabaret @ 9pm The Roundy, Cork
Hans Dens @ 8pm Gulp'd, Cork

Saturday 18th May
The Urchin Collective @ 8pm Gulp'd, Cork

Sunday 19th May
Cormac O’Caoimh and Stuart Wilde @ 7.30pm Gateway Bar, Cork

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