Latest press releases

7 June 2011

PRS for Music ‘Spotlight On’ launches in Northern Ireland

Event Horses + Phoenix Fire + Pat Dam Smyth

PRS for Music is launching ‘Spotlight On’ a series of free live music showcases for emerging and breakthrough acts in Northern Ireland. Kicking off this June in Belfast, ‘Spotlight On’ will tour to different Northern Irish cities showcasing the best musical talent on offer.

The Belfast event on June 22nd showcases Event Horses, Phoenix Fire and Pat Dam Smyth - three of Belfast’s most talented up-and-coming bands.

These showcases follow the successful Almost Famous series that has ran since 2009, including an event in Belfast last year. PRS for Music actively supports new and breakthrough artists, recognising that they represent the future lifeblood of the Music Industry. Previous performers included Mercury Prize winning Speech Debelle, Kill it Kid and Bobby Long, whose music is included in hit-vampire-flick Twilight.

Doors Open: 8.00pm, Wednesday 22nd June, 2011
First Act on: 8.30pm
Where: Auntie Annies, 44 Dublin Road, Belfast
Line up: Event Horses, Phoenix Fire, Pat Dam Smyth

Entry is free and based on a first come first served basis. To apply to attend visit: www.spotlightbelfast.eventbrite.com

Stuart Fleming, Membership Development Scotland & Northern Ireland, at PRS for Music, comments: “We’re delighted to be launching these new showcases in Northern Ireland. They will provide a fantastic platform for fans to see some of the best Northern Irish musical talent, starting in Belfast. PRS for Music has always done its best to support creators and the Spotlight On series is a great way to highlight this talent to the wider industry.”

‘Spotlight On’ Belfast is presented by PRS for Music and Bruised Fruit.

Line up

Pat Dam Smyth
Pat Dam Smyth is a singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland. After departing from the Smokey Angle Shades he returned to his native Belfast and recorded his debut album “The Great Divide”.

The album has already been hailed by the local industry as a masterpiece, bringing a long lost innocence of song writing and a refreshing echo of nostalgic sentiment where music was something that evoked emotion to the forefront of the public’s attention again.

Pat’s release has already gathered mass public attention in Ireland including sold out shows, a devoted US following and promising reviews from The Independent and The Irish Times.

A Scandinavian and Irish tour will shortly be announced along with dates and venues.

Phoenix Fire

Formed in January 2005 and formerly known as Kagura, Phoenix Fire are a 5 piece Belfast based Indie Rock band.

Fronted by joint vocalists Fiona O’Kane and Dave Jackson, Phoenix Fire contrast acoustic with electric guitars, seamlessly fused with soaring harmonies & driving rhythm to create a unique, definitive sound.

Event Horses

Formed in May 2010, the north coast based hardcore trio, Event Horses have already become a hot tip within the Northern Ireland music scene following some high profile showcasing gigs in The Limelight, Belfast (New Blood ‘11) and The Retro Bar, Portrush (The Wiggers Brawl ‘11) and the critically acclaimed Debut EP Faces, Event Horses are a force of nature not to be taken lightly.

After taking a 6 month hiatus for study and work commitments they are back in the saddle. Forthcoming release "Dance With The Devil EP" is available, through Generation Peace Records, for download from all good online stores from July 11th 2011.

-Ends-

For more information, get in touch:

Nicola Formoy, Public Relations Manager
nicola.formoy@prsformusic.com
02073064229 / 07539 837436

PRS for Music

PRS for Music represents 80,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation it ensures creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced; championing the importance of copyright to protect and support the UK music industry. The UK has a proud tradition of creating wonderful music that is enjoyed the world over and PRS for Music has been supporting the creators of that music since 1914.

PRS for Music provides business and community groups with easy access to over 10m songs through its music licences. In an industry worth £3.9bn PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and can provide data and comment for all aspects of the business: live, broadcast, sales, online, touring and music creation and up to date analysis, research and trends about the industry.