Two of Ireland’s most respected music titles from both sides of the border are combining to present an exciting new venture for Irish live music, when State.ie and AU Magazine join forces to present a series of collaborative shows between the best of new Irish talent from across the country. Although something that the Northern magazine has been doing for sometime at its Club AU nights, the State Presents… gigs will give those particular bands a new home in the South.

The first night brings exactly the kind of bill that project was created for. Having been away for some while, Alphastates will be celebrating the release of Human Nature, their second album of dreamy, alternative pop. Prepare to be blasted by pop delusionists of grandeur. Alphastates deliver their sound under the blanket of unselfconscious art. Fed on
Joy division, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Sonic Youth, Edith Piaf, Portishead, The Velvet Underground…, this band will manage toreassure you that there’s still urgency, passion and art left in music.

Instrumental four piece And So I Watch You From Afar have emerged as the most vital Belfast band in years. ASIWYFA have established a pivotal role in pushing the Northern Irish scene and supporting their peers throughout. When asked to act as host to the city for the NME Scene Guide, they insisted that all the other Belfast bands of note were also involved. This spirit culminated with a mammoth show of devotion, creativity and friendship last November when the band staged a three day musical extravaganza at Belfast’sMandela hall. A Little Solidarity was a mammoth undertaking by the band, to celebrate the talent that has emerged from Belfast’s musical hub The Oh Yeah! Centre. It was a fitting reflection of the band’s integral position and lynch pin status where they beat at the very heart of Belfast’s extraordinary scene. They are now set to embark on a UK and Irish tour throughout April and May to promote the release of their self titled debut album.

Villagers (recently dubbed the sixth most important musical act in the country today in the Irish Times) is the new project from Conor O’Brien (formerly of The Immediate and guitarist with Cathy Davey). So far Conor has recorded an EP and gathered together a group of friends for live purposes. The group has played a handful of shows, as a five-piece, a three-piece and even a two-piece, including support slots with Bellx1, Halves, and Cass McCombs. This will be a special solo show.

Plus State & AU DJs till late.