Sound of Belfast is back in the air

Live events return as city celebrates its music

As live music comes staggering out of lockdown, blinking in the half-light, wondering how to proceed, organisers at Sound of Belfast have taken a sensible route.

Following from the success of last year’s edition which was exclusively streamed online, but knowing that the essence of live music is, of course, the connection to real people all in the same room, they’ve gone for a blended approach.

So, yes, there’s a huge number of live shows on stages, in venues scattered across the city, but there’ll also be online content and streams combined with live shows and in person conversations and panels. Best of both worlds, perhaps, and maybe even a glimpse at how these events might work in the longer term.

Now in its ?? year, Sound of Belfast is kinda what the name suggests – an annual celebration of the music of the city. Established by the Oh Yeah Music Centre to showcase the talent that resides and moves through Belfast’s streets and studios, venues and homes, its mantra has always been “turning up the spotlight on our world-class talent”.

It is a blend of collaborative, independent and partnership events. A diverse combination of sounds and scenes all curated by the musicians, creatives, artists, promoters and venues involved.

We know how important Oh Yeah has been to the development of a genuine contender of a music scene in Northern Ireland, all sparked by a build-it-andthey-will-come attitude back at the turn of the millennium. The festival has the same kind of ethos and year on year it is slowly becoming the most important event in the calendar round these parts.

Anyhow, this year’s programme is another whopper with some of our favourite newbies and cherished old hands doing what they do best – making noise to people to enjoy.

‘True North’ the opening night at Oh Yeah includes a very special doubleheader Gareth Dunlop and Naomi Hamilton aka Jealous of The Birds. Earlier this year both artists were commissioned to write a piece about Belfast and what it means to them as musicians. An exclusive show from two of our most talented songwriters.

Sound of Belfast is kinda what the name suggests – an annual celebration of music of the city.

EXCLUSIVE SHOW Gareth Dunlop and Naomi Hamilton, aka Jealous of The Birds, will give an insight into their Belfast