For the fans, there’s something new to discover, and more involvement on a local level.

Here at the Oh Yeah Music Centre we are delighted to be involved inthis year’s second stage, a Tennent’s Vital platform dedicated to the music currently holding its ownin Northern Ireland. Bands invited to perform, not just by us, but in association with two tirelesschampions of music, BBC Across The Line and Third Bar Artist Development.

So for day one of Tennent’s Vital, we have put together a bill that we believe demonstrates howhealthy and varied new music coming out of Northern Ireland really is. That is by no means to saythat the decision as to who we invited was not difficult; things would be so much easier if there werenot so many talented folk out there. But there are, and decisions had to be made, and we are prettyconfident you are going like what these bands have to offer.

It’s probably worth noting, and pretty impossible to ignore, that Bangor boys Two Door Cinema Clubwill be making a triumphant return to their home soil next Tuesday. In what is set to be their biggestappearance here since their star began to rise, you can be sure that when they take to the stage, justahead of The Script, a tsunami of pride will swell over Ward Park, and engulf everyone within it.

Naturally throughout the day, over on the second stage the atmosphere should ignite with thesound of emerging bands in pursuit of a similar star. Here at Oh Yeah we call them The Contenders,some of whom appeared on a compilation of new music we released last year. Take the WonderVillains from Derry, young, energetic, fun synth pop, always ready for a party and happy to be alive.Or Rams’ Pocket Radio from Lisburn, awash with melodic ivory led energy. Then there’s the Belfast/Sligo combo A Plastic Rose, their single ‘Kids Don’t Behave Like This’ a rally call for a generation,anthemic, powerful, and currently rated as one of Gary Lightbody’s favourite new tracks. Other actsmaking an appearance are Belfast Trio Yes Cadets, with playlist status already under their belts overat BBC Radio 1, and an outstanding new song writing talent from Derry known as Our Krypton Son.

It’s pretty impressive stuff, worthy of more than a passing interest if you are a ticket holder. As forOh Yeah, we’ll be there rounding up the troops and leading the charge to the second stage. It’s goingto be fun, it might even be epic.

Charlotte Dryden

Creative Development Coordinator

To know more about the Oh Yeah Music Centre go to www.ohyeahbelfast.com