echoes

Live music has always been a unifying experience—an escape where people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy their favourite artists. But recently, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this once-accessible joy is slipping away from the hands of normal, working class people. The skyrocketing cost of concert tickets is turning live music into a luxury that only the wealthy can afford.  Take the recent Oasis reunion ticket prices, for example. Once hailed as the champions of the working class, Oasis symbolized a band for the people, from the people. Their music spoke to everyday life, struggles, and triumphs of ordinary people, which is a what made them so beloved. Yet, the contradiction becomes glaring when you consider the reported prices for their reunion shows. Reports of tickets exceeding £300 have surfaced—staggering numbers that seem completely out of step with the band’s original ethos.  Now, I understand that the cost of putting on concerts has also grown. ...

Belfast continues to be a hub for musical talent, blending both emerging and established artists. The city’s vibrant indie and alternative scene is filled with exciting acts like Esmeralda Road, Casual Riots, Clara Bella, Disorder, and Ultraviolet—each adding their unique sound to the local music landscape. Esmeralda Road Esmeralda Road, an indie fusion band from Belfast, is making waves with their genre-blending sound, in August, they hit a career highlight by opening for Liam Gallagher, further cementing their presence on the big stage. Their single "I Think" recently surpassed 100,000 streams on Spotify, the first track in their discography to do so. Known for their energetic live performances and fresh approach to music, the band has teased new material on Instagram, hinting at moving on from this era with exciting new sounds on the horizon. With "I Think" marking a breakthrough, Esmeralda Road is fast becoming a standout in Belfast’s vibrant music scene. Ultrav...