Martin Byrne from New Sounds in an Old Place talks to Norma Burke

admin February 22, 2018

Martin Byrne started life in the music industry in the late 80s as an intern with Rigs for Gigs a Dublin based PA hire company. He progressed to managing the hire shop floor and training as a sound engineer. He then worked as a freelance sound engineer.

In early 90’s he joined Lighting Dimensions and worked as a rigger for concerts and fashion events. In 1992 he formed Friction PR with his business partner Dan Oggly and coordinated PR campaigns in Ireland for Therapy?, Tindersticks, Snowpatrol, David Gray, The Divine Comedy, The Frames, Ash, Muse, Garbage, etc and worked with labels such as Bella Union, Domino, Mushroom, V2, EMI, etc.

He the took a complete u-turn and returned to college in 2003 to further his education until the lure of music attracted him again.

Martin was recruited to work with Other Voices as the Music Trail programmer in 2013 and grew the music trail into the popular festival it is today. Martin managed all aspects of the festival from programming, to dealing with venues, production, accommodation for acts etc. Martin left Other Voices in late 2017.

In between all that he was involved in the establishment of GlasDrum in 2015 a voluntary non profit arts group in Drumcondra where he lives. GlasDrum has organised various events in the area including art exhibitions and concerts, an annual Winter Chamber Music Festival, regular gigs in the local church of Ireland featuring so far, Maria Kelly, Soulé, John Cummins, Malojian, Sorcha Richardson.

The next outing of New Sounds in an Old Place gig takes place at St John the Baptist Church of Ireland, Church Avenue, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 on Friday March 2nd and features Ailbhe Reddy and Roe. The gig is 8.30pm-11pm (doors 8pm) and tickets are available on Eventbrite.