After publishing three successful issues in Dublin, Analogue is set to go nationwide from August, writes Jim Carroll.
The music magazine, which began as a Trinity College publication in October 2007, will be available free of charge from bars, cafes, shops and colleges in Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Galway from August 1st.
In total, 10,000 copies will be distributed. Editor and publisher Brendan McGuirk feels there is a nationwide demand for such a dedicated music title.
"The main reason we decided to bring it nationwide is because of the reaction we got for the first three issues," he explains. "People were really excited to see the bands we were covering and how we were covering them. As writers, we approach interviews and features from an audience's point of view, and I think bands really open up to us when they realise we're fans. They say things to us they wouldn't say to the NME or Pitchfork."
McGuirk believes Analogue's fresh approach is down to the youth of its writers. "One of the things about music publications in general is that the writers tend to be that bit older than many of the acts. There's a need for younger voices to come through to eradicate some of the pertinaciousness that comes with music journalism."
Given that 2008 has already seen the closure of both Mongrel and Foggy Notions, McGuirk knows it's a tough climate for a title such as Analogue, and selling advertising in particular will be difficult.
The August issue will feature pieces on Times New Viking, Cool Kids, Port O'Brien, Ratatat, Ugly Megan, Stephen Malkmus and Busy P.
In addition, 1,000 copies will come with a CD of Maple Drive, a 10-track album featuring collaborations between Storkboy Choons and Colours Move.
More information at www.analoguemagazine.com
Rory goes his own way
The Revs went their separate ways in 2006 after a lengthy innings which saw them unable to build on their Irish popularity.
Lead singer Rory Gallagher is about to get back in the game with the release of his debut solo album in August.
Gallagher, who is shortening his name for this project to Rory, to avoid confusion with another Donegal-born musician, has spent the last couple of years since the demise of The Revs living and working in the Canary Islands.
The new album, God Bless The Big Bang, was recorded in Germany and will be released on new indie label Buddy Records, on August 15th. Gallagher kicks off a lengthy Irish tour at the Rathmullan Summerfest in Co Donegal on August 3rd. More info at www.rorymusic.org
The jazzman cometh
Acclaimed jazz guitarist John Abercrombie has announced an Irish tour for September.
The ECM artist has played and recorded with a glittering roll-call of musicians down through the years, including Gil Evans, Jan Garbarek, Chico Hamilton, Billy Cobham, Joe Lovano and many more. He also led the seminal Gateway trio alongside Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette.
For his Irish tour, Abercrombie's band will feature Michael Buckley (tenor sax), Ronan Guilfoyle (bass) and Joey Baron (drums).
The tour will visit Limerick (Dolan's, September 11th), Cork (Triskel, September 12th), Belfast (Black Box, September 13th) and Dublin (Whelan's, September 14th).
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• Dublin indie station Phantom FM has a new morning and lunchtime line-up from next Monday. Richie McCormack and Charlotte Flood take over the breakfast show, Channel 6's Michelle Doherty is in the mid-morning slot and Sinéad Ní Mhórdha takes over the lunchtime show.
• Athens, Georgia veterans Elf Power plug forthcoming album Dark Developments with a show at Dublin's Whelan's on August 9th with support from Spook of the 13th Lock.
• Glastonbury hit Thecocknbullkid plays Club NME at Dublin's Button Factory on August 21st.
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