by DJ Bugs
This fall, I had the opportunity to study abroad at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland as a part of the UCEAP program and with the help of the Gilman Scholarship Network. When applying to study abroad, I was interested in Dublin’s iconic literary and musical scenes and soon found myself physically immersed in them.
Upon arrival, my first order of business was joining their student radio station. Trinity FM is the largest student-run radio station in Ireland and produces daily live broadcasts, society events, and Top Floor Music–a series of DIY showcases of local bands and artists, held and recorded on the…top floor. Before I even applied to Trinity, I remember listening to TFM through the Radio Garden app where you can find and listen to radio stations from all over the world. I wasn’t able to get as involved as I would’ve liked in my short time abroad, but I did get the opportunity to program an abroad version of Bitten by the Bug for the quarter! I played the usual genres and experimented with sound collaging–once even using a sound bite of the at-the-time presidential candidate and current president of Ireland, Catherine Connolly. The little studio, limited physical media, and online broadcasting system (meaning the lack of a looming FCC…) provided me with a new and refreshing experience of radio DJ-ing.
Some non-local artists I was able to see play locally include Jeffrey Lewis at The Grand Social (with local Irish indie-rock band, Softdrink Millionaire) and Alex G at Vicar Street (with local (to us) indie-rock band from Oakland, Sour Widows!). To see two of my favorite artists play in Dublin was a dream. Additionally, live at Sin é Dublin, I saw London-based band, Soul, play an energetic and memorable set. All awesome venues and great performances!
Though I am happy to be back in Santa Cruz and at KZSC, I can’t help but miss the culture of live music that is so central and specific to Dublin. At almost any time of day, you can find local musicians playing traditional Irish music as well as American classics anywhere in Temple Bar. When the bars close, music still reverberates through the city as clusters of inebriated young men wander the streets singing both traditional and contemporary tunes. During my stay in Dublin, I got used to falling asleep to their merry song.