Dublin duo Ben Rawlins and Jim Lawlor have been operating quietly under the Saso moniker for nigh on 10 years now. Specialising in a crafted, melancholic and shimmering post-rock they have three albums to their name - with a 4th on the way later in 2010. You may already be familiar with them from this particular ad.

They recently embarked on a rather unique residency at Rua Red, South Dublin County Council's brand new arts and creative centre. Barry caught up with them on location to find out exactly what they were up to...

RTE 2fm's Jenny Huston has recently turned author with her rather timely book on a burgeoning Irish music scene, In Bloom: Irish Bands Now. She made the short trip down the corridor to chat to Jan about the writing experience, the Irish scene right now and a possible follow up book.

Liars - "Scissor" (Mute)
Beach House - "Zebra" (Bella Union)
O Emperor - "Po" (self-released)
Patrick Kelleher - "Until I Get Paid" (Osaka Recordings)
Florence + The Machine - "Dog Days Are Over" (Island)
The White Stripes - "It's True That We Love One Another" (XL)
Derek & The Dominos - "Layla" (Universal International)
Saso - "Why Wait" (Melted Snow)
Four Tet - "She Just Likes To Fight" (Domino)
The Album Leaf - "Falling" (Sub Pop)
Jay Reatard - "Wounded" (Matador)

Local Natives - "Sun Hands" (Infectious)
Retribution Gospel Choir - "Hide It Away" (Sub Pop)
Los Campesinos - "The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future" (Wichita)
Yeasayer - "Ambling Alp" (Secretly Canadian / We Are Free)
Jesca Hoop - "Murder Of Birds" (Stage Three Ltd / Last Laugh Records)
Tom Waits - "Clap Hands" (Island Records)
Air - "All I Need" (Source / Virgin Music)
Fionn Regan - "Little Nancy" (Heavenly Recording / Universal Ireland)
The Frank And Walters - "This Is Not A Song" (Setanta Records)
Adam Green - "What Makes Him Act So Bad" (Rough Trade)
Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes - "The Love I Lost" (Philadelphia International)

The Very Most come from Boise, Idaho and are purveyors of a twinkling brand of indie-pop. 2009 saw them realise an ambitious project and release an EP themed around each season of the year. The 4 EP's are now compiled onto a new cd (artwork above) and is being released by online Irish independent label Indiecator Records. The band dropped into studio prior to their short Irish tour at the end of 2009 to discuss the project and their Irish connections.

Photos by Graham Halpin.

2009 saw Irish electronic-rockers Channel One finally release their extremely well received debut album, "Sound To Light." Thomas and Owen dropped into studio for a chat about the album and all things Channel One naturally enough.

The Lost Brothers shortly after their Electric Picnic '09 set with guest cellist (centre).

The Lost Brothers craft Everly Brothers style melodies and pitch-perfect autumnal songs full of love and longing that effortlessly transport you to another place . Already in 2010 they've played with The Swell Season, Richard Hawley and appeared on the BBC's The Culture Show. Barry caught up with one half of the Irish duo, Oisin Leech and talked about their origins, working with Bright Eyes' producer and why the aforementioned Mr Hawley is such a fan...

Barry caught up with Portland power pop trio The Thermals before their Academy 2 show in June 2009 and asked them about their current (brilliant) record and future plans.