MacD on Music: Pride (In The Name Of Love)

As a general rule, if a gig takes place in Sandino’s and starts with the words ‘Rock For…’, it’s going to be a great night.

Anyone who attended last year’s phenomenal ‘Rock For Choice’ can attest to this. This week, the iconic venue will play host to another sure-to-be excellent addition to the ‘Rock For…’ cannon, with ‘Rock For Pride’, celebrating thirty years of Foyle Pride. Honestly, this summer has been incredible in terms of line-ups.

We’ve had Parker’s album launch (the album, ‘Never Let This Go’, is currently available in Cool Discs) and the excellent Melter gig earlier this month in Sandino’s. Rock For Pride is certainly keeping this hot streak alive, featuring Dirty Faces, TomCat, The Marra, Ainé Sweeney, String Cut Puppets, and Emily McCormick. This week, I’m talking to some of the acts taking part in the gig. 

String Cut Puppets

First up is String Cut Puppets, a group that have been making waves on the local scene for the past few years now. In the time they’ve been together, the band, made up of Mark Boyle (vocals/guitar), Chris Downey (drums) and Rory Breslin (bass) have played alongside some of the finest artists this town has to offer, including Parker, Waldorf & Cannon and Soulstice. This gig is going to be yet another proud notch in their belt: 

What do you think of Rock For Pride and what it’s about? 

It’ so important to show continued recognition for the fundamental necessity of diversity and inclusivity in life and what better way than using the celebration of music and in particular, Rock. Plus, it’s 30 years of Rock for Pride and it’s a fundraiser so we’re really grateful to be a part of it and we appreciate being asked to play.

 Are you looking forward to the gig? 

Yeah really looking forward to it, can’t wait, there’s loads of great local talent in the music scene in Derry and you can feel the energy around the place.

There’s an eclectic mix of quality musicians on the night and it’ll be some buzz playing on the same bill as them. Seen Dirty Faces live a few times before and they always put on a good show and we’re super excited to see the rest of the acts live too.  We’re pretty much new on the scene so hopefully there might be a few who will be intrigued to hear us. We’re currently finishing recording our Debut Album so it’ll be great to let people hear the new songs. Can’t wait for it, should be a belter night.

TomCat

Next up is TomCat, another group that have been making significant waves in recent times. Thanks to this wonderful golden age we’re in for local music, TomCat, made up of Emer McLaughlin and Niamh O’Raw, have also had the opportunity to play alongside many of the town’s absolute finest.

June saw them open the month playing with Selador in the legendary Whelan’s in Dublin and closing the month playing alongside Ferals, TRAMP and Parker at the aforementioned album launch (don’t forget, Cool Discs. Go get it once you finish reading this). Rock For Pride is sure to be another stepping stone on their way to the top. 

What do you think about Rock For Pride and what it’s about? 

It’s a great cause that we are really happy to support and we’re so excited to be playing. It’s going to be a very special night. It’s so nice to see the community getting involved for a Pride celebration.

Are you looking forward to the gig? 

Yes! We were asked to play by the amazing Sophia McFeely. As a new band this is such a wonderful show to be a part of and we’re really looking forward to it.

What do you think of the other bands on the bill? 

There’s such a great mix of acts playing, there’ll be something for everyone for sure. It’s always fun to get to know other bands in the area and Derry has such a good live music scene. We’re hoping to bring a bit of punk rock to the line up! Rock For Pride takes place this Thursday in Sandino’s.

For more information, find them on Facebook and Instagram @sandinosbarclub. String Cut Puppets can be found @stringcutpuppets and TomCat can be found @tomcat_band.

Also, this Saturday, Bennigan's will play host to some more excellent local talent, with J.O.T.A (making their live debut), YUNGA, Shane Deane & Amanda Healy, CJXY and Tony Breadman & O.C. Doors open at 9 and the gig is free entry so make sure to get there early.