MacD on Music: A Year in Review

So, here we are, the last column of the year, and it’s certainly been a busy one. This year has seen a lot of great music released, as well as many, many brilliant gigs (seriously, how many gigs of the year have there been this year?). This week, to close out 2023, I’m going to look back at some of the musical highlights.

Singles

First, let’s take a look at some of the singles that have come out this year. We opened 2023 with the release of Michelle Dowd’s song ‘Healing’, and since then it’s been a pretty constant stream of great music.

The past twelve months has also seen releases from some of Derry’s finest up-and-coming artists, including Cora Harkin (‘Glad I Got Away’ and ‘Waste of Time’), Rachel Craig (‘The Ghost of You’), The Marra (‘That’s Just The Way’), The Switch (‘Hear Me Call’), Hard To Explain (‘T.O.B.T.O.’), MAI (‘Hologram Halo’), Polar Bolero (‘Portrait’), Brother Ray (‘Rumours in a Small Town’), Selador (‘Love Sweet Love’) and TomCat (‘It’s Not Always Gonna Be Like This’). Obviously, there’s been so much more out this year, but I’ve got a lot to squeeze in here so let’s move on.

EPs

Moving on to slightly longer releases, this year has also seen quite a few EPs coming out of the town. Some of the best include Little Kings, who released their second EP ‘Vignettes 2020-’22’ in October.

More recently, rapper Nikki Mac (recently seen playing at the Gig for Gaza in Sandino’s) has just released her EP ‘Ladyhood’, which is available now on all good streaming platforms.

Albums

As well as singles, 2023 has been an incredible year for album releases. Among the highlights has been Parker, who’s debut album ‘Never Let This Go’ is available now in Cool Discs. The album has been a huge success for the group, with Cool Discs selling out twice and sales going around the world. Luckily (as of this writing) the album is back in stock so, if you haven’t already, go buy it now.

As well as Parker, this year has seen albums from the likes of Louise DaCosta, who released her debut ‘Smoke & Dreams’ in September, the RGB Trio, who’s self-titled album was released that same month, and Reevah, who released her debut ‘Daylight Savings’ in October. We’ve also had albums from Paul Casey, who’s album ‘The Long Road Back’ is out now and features a new song written by Chris Rea (‘Peace Bridge’) and Declan McLaughlin, who’s album ‘My Northern Soul’ features the legendary Scarlet Rivera (the unmistakable sound heard on Bob Dylan’s ‘Desire’) on violin.

Finally, CHERYM’s debut album ‘Take It or Leave It’ will be released on the 16th February next year. Based on their past releases and live gigs, this is going to be a contender for album of the year and it’s going to be launched in the Nerve Centre the week before, on the 9th.

Gigs

As has been mentioned time and time again, this year has been an incredible one for gigs here. Every time the clear gig of the year took place, another one was announced. We got off to a strong start, with a fundraiser for the Foyle Hospice in Sandino’s headlined by Yünga (with support from Arn., Fake Friends and TRAMP). As the year went on, we also had Parker’s album launch in Bennigan’s (with support from TomCat, Ferals and TRAMP), Melter’s headlining gig in Sandino’s (with support from The Marra, Dirty Faces and, obviously, TRAMP), Rock For Pride (with Dirty Faces, TomCat, The Marra, String Cut Puppets, Emily McCormick and Aine Sweeney), CHERYM’s Halloween gig in Sandino’s (with support from Parker and TomCat) and, most recently, the Gig for Gaza (for more information on that one check out last week’s column).

Of course, I couldn’t do this section without mentioning Stendhal. The festival returned once again this year with its usual mix of big names and plenty of up-and-comers. This year’s line-up included the Wailers (of Bob Marley and… fame), Cara Dillon, Waldorf & Cannon, Red Eye Pariah (who also played Bennigan’s earlier in the year), Ethan Hollan (who also played the Nerve Centre), Boy M5, Rhinos, and, like most of the best gigs this year, TRAMP.

Ones to Watch

2023 has been a great year for new artists, with new groups or singers appearing all the time. Some of the best that I’ve come across this year include Radio Houston Project, Pilosa, The Marra, TomCat, Soulstice, Todd Oliver, Elston Grace and Alix Darwin. Of course, this is just a select few of the many great names that we’re sure to be hearing plenty from in the future, so keep an eye on this column.

As well as this, the year has also seen arrival of NuMuze, a great source of music interviews, news and promotions. The page on Instagram (@_numuze_) has been steadily growing over the past few months, so be sure to follow it to keep up to date with the latest goings on.

Merry Christmas

So, that’s it for 2023. I’d usually give the socials here but if I did that for every artist mentioned here, I’d need a whole second page. To save time, I’ll just put my own Instagram here: (@domhnallmacdermott). All that’s left to say now is Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 2024.