Twenty-seventeen has been a very good year for Irish music, and part of the reason we are hearing about so many of these acts is down to the support that Homebeat gives to artists. By promoting local acts and putting on gigs and festivals in unique locations, Homebeat provides a space, an audience and, through its own record label, a home.
Its Christmas Cracker series, running from December 11th to 13th in Studio 10 on Wicklow Street in Dublin, has some of the best names in Irish music on the line-up, and it's a chance to see these acts in a way that you can't in traditional music venues. The space overlooks the side entrance of Brown Thomas on Wicklow Street, so while everyone is panicking over what socks to get their uncle for Christmas, you can rest easy and soak in the sounds of Ships, Carriages, Come On Live Long, Sun Collective and Let's Set Sail, all regulars of the Homebeat scene.
Kick your week off to a good start with Ships and Carriages on Monday 11th. Ships' album Precession is a favourite of the Ticket review team and the dynamic duo that is Sorca McGrath and Simon Cullen will sweep you off your feet with their gorgeous electropop.
With a mulled wine in one hand and a mince pie in the other (these two things have been promised to gig-goers), turn your Tuesday around with the double billing of Come On Live Long and Sun Collective. And, for the final instalment, join Let's Set Sail as they launch their new EP The Nothingness of Now, which is a delightful mix of folk and electronica, and the cherry on top of a delicious, brandy-covered, three-tiered Christmas cake.
Each gig kicks off at 8pm and tickets are priced at a tenner. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access as the cosy venue is up a very narrow staircase in a three-story Georgian building. The event is now sold out, but keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page for anyone selling on their tickets.
The Christmas Cracker series is both a nod to the great Irish music of 2017 and a hint of what 2018 has in store for us. This event rounds off a fantastic year for Homebeat and if you make it to any of the gigs, raise a glass in the organisers’ direction because they really deserve it.
