We’re already at the second Semi-Final, which will determine the final 10 acts who will battle it out on stage at the Telnor Arena in Oslo this Saturday to win the title of winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010.

This is, in my opinion, a challenging semi-final to call accurately, as there are far more stand-out artists and performers, which will no doubt lead to a close round-up of votes for the acts. As Ewan Spence, a fellow Eurovision commentator stated in his podcast today, there are about 13 strong songs that will be in play tonight for those 10 places for the final on Saturday. For these reasons, it’s very difficult to get my head around, with as much ease as the last day, to who will fly through. (more…)

It’s always tough to call who you think may just do it in the Eurovision, and the Semi-Finals are arguably more difficult, as due to their size and nature, you’ve got a real mixed bag or artists, styles and a wide range of talent. Tonight’s Semi-Final is no different for me.

For the past few days and in the recent hours, I’ve read a vast amount of websites, listened to their songs on repeat, checked the weather, the overall mood of people around Europe, and the general feedback already given to the artists, all ahead of tonight’s big show. Only 10 may go through, and I’ve composed my list. (more…)

I had the pleasure of being invited to the launch of the Sony Ericsson Temple House Festival on Tuesday night at the wonderful Solas Bar in Dublin, and I left later that evening highly impressed and excited; not just because I had a great time with friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, and not because I got to have a few pints and a chat with some people from “the industry”, but because I was flabbergasted and in somewhat awe at the strong line-up that have been confirmed for the festival, which takes place on September 10-12th at the glorious 1,000 acre Georgian estate near Ballymote, Sligo.

The artists include The Undertones, along with The Stunning, electro legends, New Young Pony Club, The 202′s, Donal Dineen, Ronan O’Snodaigh, Davide Swarup, The Walls, Exit Calm, Clampdown DJs, Motion Control and more to be announced. The festival offers more than just a fantastic mix of music, as you can clearly see. There’ll also be poetry readings, holistic therapies, face painting, farmers markets, art exhibitions, a clothes and jewellery fair and a variety of other goings-on. It’s a varied and creative blend of attractions, which is even more astounding considering that it is only the first year of the event.

Tickets are on sale tomorrow now from the superb price of €59 for three days, with camping. This is one festival that I personally would love to go. After all, it’s a wonderful location with a good mix of music and entertainment, and it can only get better from here.

Sligo has set the standard high for the Irish festival. Could this be the real boutique gathering?

Tickets are on sale now from www.tickets.ie, City Disks or Road Records (Dublin), Cork Tickets, or Record Room (Sligo).