yeah, I get it, but I reckon the promoters aren't really thinking about that point. There's a bud rising band comp if anyone's interested Early Riser This year’s BudRising festival takes place in Dublin from June 1 to June 7. Throughout the week, there will be a variety of established and not-so-established international acts playing – with up to 11 gigs a night across 23 venues. As part of the festival, new Irish bands can get a chance to play on a number of stages – from outdoor shows to high-profile support slots – by entering the EarlyRiser new band competition. To enter, simply send a CD with no more than four original songs plus a brief biog to EarlyRiser, PO Box 7808, Dublin 2 before Thursday May 10. Selections will be made by a panel of industry figures and winners will be notified by May 20. How do I enter? Send a CD with three original tracks to the address below. No covers! Please include a short biography and a photo if you want. Correct contact details (mobile, landline and e-mail) are also necessary. All entrants must be available to play between June 1 2005 and June 7 2005 inclusive. Where do I send it to? EarlyRiser, PO Box 7808 Dublin 2. To ensure you CD arrives safe and sound, please send it in a padded envelope. Please note: CDs cannot be returned. When is the closing date? May 10, 2005. Who are the judges? A panel of music industry figures will make the decision – and their decision is final! How will I know if I’m a winner? All entrants will be notified regardless of whether they are winners or not. Winners will be announced on the BudRising website and in national media. Good luck!

If you haven't seen Rahzel, do. He does human beatbox like no one else. He can do drums, bass and rappin, all at the same time. He's genius. Roots Manuva, the best London hip hop act of the last few yrs, well before Dizzee and the Streets. He did a really weird and excellent cover of Yellow Submarine. It'll be interestin to see the La's after all these yrs too. I still listen to their album a lot after all these yrs, they were doin it well before the Coral and the Zutons came along.

Rahzel is a bit past it I think. He was interesting a few years ago. Roots Manuva is incredibly boring.

Roots Manuva is €32 or something, what the f**k?

yeah, I like the point of it being big acts in small venues, saw Primal Scream last year in the Red Box, proper Rock n Roll madness !!!

actually, the one good live download I have from Rahzel is 'If Your Mother Only Knew'. Does anyone else have this? It's excellent (but short), I'd recommend it.

Nope, not taking the piss, just not my cup of tea.