It's been 10 years on the go and Other Voices just gets better. TONY CLAYTON-LEAhas the lowdown on this year's event and talks to The Staves and Paul Buchanan, two of the acts who'll be there
IT HAS lasted much longer than either its creators, its admirers or its detractors might have predicted, and indeed the Other Voices event, held in the remote, beguiling town of Dingle, Co Kerry, is now among the most crucial in the country’s cultural calendar.
The trick now, more than 10 years on, is to maintain the event’s intrinsic appeal – the chance to see world-class established and emerging musicians perform not only in a small church but in a variety of off-beat venues – without losing sight of its parallel remit as a television series (which for some doesn’t always transfer the spirit of the live shows).
The quality of the performers is key. We’re not exaggerating when we say that we have been surprised, uplifted and downright blissed-out every time we’ve visited. For four consecutive years now, we’ve watched official gigs in St James’ Church and impromptu performances in pubs, and chatted to and debated with artists you wouldn’t get within an ass’s roar of in Dublin . The mood, as they say, is casual.
But this year, the music has been complemented by side-bar events (see right) that provide something to do during the afternoons. Whether these add-ons will become a staple remains to be seen, but the likes of Salon Banter, Silver Threads and the Other Voices Music Trail look set to enhance an already heady experience.
There are many more goodies yet to be announced: othervoices.iehas up-to-date info.
THE STAVES
Besides performing, what do you intend to do when you’re at Other Voices in Dingle?
Camilla: There are lovely pubs by the waterfront and a few musical mates we have in Dingle, so I plan on combining those things.
Emily: Maybe a boat trip to see Fungi. I can’t believe that dolphin is still alive. I saw him when I was about 12!
Jessica: Go to the pub and listen to some good music with a Guinness.
You’ll be playing in a bona fide church – does that conflict with any religious leanings you might have?
Camilla: No comment.
Emily: Yes, I’m a scientologist.
Jessica: I’m not religious, but churches lend themselves well to music.
What is your all-time favourite Christmas song?
Camilla: Fairytale of New York, all the way.
Emily: Agreed! Although, I’m a sucker for classic Christmas carols, too. They make me cry.
Jessica: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole.
When you’re on the road, what is the home comfort you miss the most?
Camilla: Usually, it’s a decent cup of tea. Unless we’re in Ireland, which of course has the best tea anywhere.
Emily: Yeah, we don’t struggle to find tea in Ireland, thank goodness. Barry’s all the way! On the road I miss home cooking, though.
Jessica: Watching Murder, She Wrote.
What are the three most important things on your rider?
Camilla: Whiskey, tea bags and whiskey.
Emily: Postcards, stamps and whiskey.
Jessica: Tea bags, milk, kettle.
Serious question: what do you really, really want for Christmas?
Camilla: Some new music. When you’re on the road you end up playing lots of music but not actually discovering that much new stuff. Emily: A fold-up bike that I can put in the van. Then I can explore all the cities we play in.
Jessica: A Snuggie and a dog.
PAUL BUCHANAN, The Blue Nile
Have you been to Dingle before?
No, I haven't been before, but I'm looking forward to seeing it. I expect that I'll experience a beautiful village and coastline.
You'll be playing in a bona fide church – do you take spiritual comfort in that?
I'll try to live up to the atmosphere!
What's the weirdest festival you're played at?
I haven't played many, but I enjoy, pretty much, everywhere I perform.
Are you fussy about your backstage facilities?
Ah, no. Simple is good.
Serious question: what do you really, really want for Christmas?
Common sense would be nice.
What to see and do in Dingle
AARON DESSNER'S CURATED NIGHT
The National's Aaron Dessner is on this side of the Atlantic for Other Voices and to curate All Tomorrow's Parties in Somerset next Friday. He's no stranger to Dingle – The National blew everyone away at Other Voices two years ago – and this time out he's bringing three acts with him: Local Natives, a prime-cut indie rock band from Silver Lake, LA; Luluc, an indie-folk duo from Australia via NYC; and This is the Kit, a Bristol/Paris duo who specialise in alt.folk/pop tunes. Don't be surprised if Dessner takes to the stage, too.
SOAK
She's from Derry, she's 16 years of age, her real name is Bridie Monds-Watson (right), and her music is already being talked about from New Zealand to Newfoundland. With just a few EPs (Sea Creatures, Trains, Fallen) under her belt, SOAK has already come to the attention of some UK-based record labels that offer a nurturing approach rather than quick-buck sales. Fragile, feather-light tunes are her speciality.
SPOKEN WORD
Jim Carroll (of this parish) brings his acclaimed Banter Salon to Dingle for the first time. Held in Foxy John's on Saturday and Sunday from 4pm, participants will include historian Diarmaid Ferriter, poet Paul Muldoon, the Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll, Observer editor John Mulholland, Stockbye's Jerry Kennelly and Dingle businessman Kieran Murphy.
Another strand features arts writer/broadcaster Sinéad Gleeson's Silver Threads of Hope anthology, with readings from journalist/writer Peter Murphy and Siobhán Mannion, and Gleeson chairing a discussion on Irish literature in post-boom Ireland.
MUSIC TRAIL
Inaugurated at last year's event, the OV Music Trail is a sequence of free gigs that take place across a number of Dingle pubs, bars and hostelries (including Dick Mack's, Adam's, Foxy John's, McCarthy's, The Courthouse and Geaney's) as well as St James' Church and the IMRO Other Room. Acts confirmed include Toy Soldier, Neon Wolf, Daithí Ó Drónaí (left), Ghost Estates, In the Willows, and Walking on Cars.
