In the golden age of vinyl, artists earned a tangible living from record sales. The rise of CDs in the '80s and '90s continued to support musicians' livelihoods. Fast forward to the 21st century, and we find ourselves in the…
Balancing art and business can be challenging, especially for part-time musicians who need to manage their finances carefully to sustain both their artistic pursuits and everyday living. Here are some key strategies to help you effectively manage your finances as…
“That's Michael Cunningham the singer, not the American who wrote The Hours book”
In a world saturated with information and connectivity, our names are often our first introduction to the world. They shape our identity, define our individuality, and hold…
Loss is a terrible thing. Devastating really if it’s someone we truly love. Jim formed a friendship with an amazing girl while recovering in a Belfast clinic.
Gigi (we will call her that) was a mother, teacher, musician, dancer and…
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, you will already know about the hype around artificial intelligence. It's been with us for years, but now any average Joe can get access to amazingly powerful…
"You boys need a name for the board" The guy running the songwriter night in The Duke Of York bar in Belfast was used to acts not having a clue what to call themselves. Although Jim and I had been…
We've all been there: belting out our favourite song at the top of our lungs, only to realize halfway through that the words we've been singing aren't quite right. Whether it's a simple slip of the tongue or a full-blown…
The first weekend of June 1985 was a scorcher. I was 19, just finished school and had my first real band. We had written a few songs and wanted a cheap and easy way to make a demo. This is…
As an independent musician, live performances play a crucial role in my career. Not only do they allow me to connect with my audience and share my music in a more intimate and interactive setting, but they also provide a…
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and one way that many people enjoy the season is by listening to festive music. One popular subgenre of Christmas music is Christmas pop, which combines the joy and cheer of the…
Your Secret Heart is one of the sweetest songs on my album, Hidden Treasure. I have often been asked about the origin of the track and the answer isn't what you would expect.
Creativity and the troubles in Northern Ireland are intertwined in many ways. The ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland often referred to as "the troubles," has had a profound impact on the creative expression of those living there.
Hearing the sad news of John Lennon's shooting was a shocking and devastating moment for fans and music lovers around the world. Lennon, a founding member of the Beatles and one of the most influential musicians of all time, was…
Being an independent music artist can be incredibly challenging. One of the biggest challenges is the financial aspect of it. As an independent artist, you are responsible for funding your own music and projects, which can be difficult if you…