Steven O'Rourke posted on September 09, 2008 20:00
A very special edition of Key Note Speaker sees your blogger in conversation with Brian Carroll, organiser and indeed founder of Hard Working Class Heroes. The 2008 event takes place this coming weekend (September 12-14) and some tickets are still available from here.
Favourite Albums from the Past Year? 
One of my favourite albums from the past year has been Cut Copy's In Ghost Colours (and I actually have the pleasure of tour managing these guys). Dan Whitford’s song writing is so masterful especially on this record, and it translates so well live - I should know i've seen them about 100 times!! Another record from this year I love is MGMT's Oracular Spectacular. I know I will love this record for the rest of my life!
Favourite Albums Ever?
Wow, I’m always stumped when it coomes to these types of questions. I could list 50 records ranging from Iron Maiden to Fleetwood Mac to The Strokes to ELO but if pressed for an answer I would have to say Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and possibly Alice in Chains’ Dirt album or Unplugged would be very pleasing to listen to for eternity.
Favourite Albums by Hard Working Class Heroes 08 Bands?
It's awesome to be asked that question as when HWCH first started out most of the bands didn't have records or the means to make them! Thankfully times have changed! My favourite albums would be SEBP, the very eagerly awaited debut from Fight Like Apes along with albums by Crayonsmith, We Are The Physics, The Vinny Club and, obviously, the excellent Sons & Daughters!
Favourite New Bands/Artists?
God there's so much new music available it's hard to find the really great stuff, but since I tour a lot I do get to see so many bands. As I've already said MGMT rock me big time and Cut Copy are new enough for me. Others i'm loving right now are Vampire Weekend, Japanther Of Montreal (new for me!), but 3 words you will definitely hear in 2009 would be my dear friends "Matt & Kim". You have been told!
Favourite Bands/Artists Ever?
The Strokes/Fleetwood Mac/Alice In Chains/Abba/CCR/The Band/Iron Maiden/The King/Motley Crue/Bon Jovi/Men Without Hats/The Boss/The Fat Man/Van/Queen/The Jam/Thin Lizzy...
Favourite HWCH 08 Bands?
HWCH 2008 is the most interesting line up yet. I'm really happy with how it's turned out and I really think the line up is killer! Bands you should not miss are: Frightened Rabbit, Kill Krinkle Club, Nakatomi Plaza, Pocket Promise, Angel Pier, Little X's For Eyes, More Tiny Giants, The Spook & The 13th Lock, Bats... You see there's so much I just had to mention!! It's all awesome!
Favourite Gig So Far This Year?
Sex Pistols at Electric Picnic. Having been a huge pistols fan when I was younger in the hopes of pissing my parents off, it was great to finally be able to say I've been to a Pistols show but it's just novelty really.
Favourite Gig Ever?
Fats Domino, the National Stadium somewhere in the 80's, I can barely remember it. What a complete living legend. Plus my dad got to meet him after the gig which, to him, was probably more exciting for him than my own birth!
Favourite HWCH Performance Ever?
Well Peaches in 2006 was pretty awesome but over the years HWCH has hosted many bands who don't exist anymore. One of these was The Subtonics (fronted by The Mighty Stef) in the first year (2003). They blew my mind though sadly they had broken up by the following year.
Favourite Venue?
In Ireland, Meeting House Square. Elsewhere, Revolver in Melbourne, Australia is the best sounding room I've ever heard.
Favourite HWCH Venue Ever?
Well MHS (as above) is just so special and The Button Factory is probably the best spec'd venue in terms of production but you just can't beat a packed, sweaty Dorans when it's rockin!
Download/CD/Cassette/Vinyl?
Definitely download as I seem to move a lot, but vinyl is the most beautiful and special.
Most Listened to Radio Show?
I don't have a radio where I live plus they speak in Swedish (cos I live in Sweden) and I haven't a cluas [boom boom - Key Notes] what the hell they are saying. However, when I'm in Dublin Phantom FM speaks to me.
Most Anticpated HWCH 2008 Performance?
I'm always working so I actually never get to fully see a bands set but I’m gonna try my best to check out Frightened Rabbit, Pocket Promise, The Spook & The 13th Lock, Fangs. I think i'm just kidding myself though, I'm gonna be so busy!! But fans should check out all the bands on www.hwch.net to have a preview.
What Will Make HWCH 2008 A Success for You?
If everybody has a great time and gets something out of it, whatever that may be. The fact that HWCH still exists year after year and Irish bands, in particular, still have a festival they can call their own that is enough for me.
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