Kristen Sinclair

This review originally appeared in the now-defunct GiggingNI in 2017. Now in its seventh year, Limavady’s Stendhal Festival returned to Ballymully Cottage Farm this weekend for two days of music, art, poetry, theatre and comedy. The event takes its name from the syndrome first described by French author Marie-Henri Beyle in 1817 – the experience of being exposed to “an experience of great personal significance, particularly viewing art”. Stendhal Festival, like its namesake, encapsulates the full spectrum of creativity experienced by humans, and boasts a line-up of too many incredible acts to be enjoyed in a mere 48 hours. As Ireland’s best small festival, our finest local talent – coupled with some UK acts and those from further afield – flocked to the County Derry countryside for what was to be Stendhal’s busiest year yet.  As campers make their way to pitch (read: wrestle) their tents, the dreamy, 80s-infused pop rock of Beauty Sleep fills Ballymully whilst festiv...

Source: GiggingNI This interview was conducted on behalf of the now-defunct GiggingNI in 2017. Ahead of the band’s Belfast gig at Custom House Square on 25 th August, GiggingNI caught up with Ocean Colour Scene ’s vocalist and guitarist, Simon Fowler . Ranking high among the bands most synonymous with the Britpop era in the 90s, the Ocean Colour Scene frontman has rubbed shoulders with the likes of the Gallagher brothers and even collaborated with Paul Weller, the Modfather himself. To celebrate the 20 th anniversary of their magnum opus, Moseley Shoals , the Birmingham natives are taking their album on the road to play it in full. Boasting 92 weeks on chart and four Top Ten singles, it’ll make for a show not to be missed. Simon Fowler talks 90s antics, nostalgia and the music industry today… What is your earliest memory of music? What inspired you to start a band and become a musician? My earliest memories of music would be from very early family singles, which would...