"It's the main ethos of the festival," Shane says continuing, in reference to the Indie-Pendence's local leanings. "We've always said that we wanted to support Irish acts as we think that they are some of the best around. We have such a culture of great music in Ireland but its not supported, you saw this year that some of the national radio stations used REM as an Irish act in their percentage of required Irish airplay. REM's album was done in Grouse Lodge but this is a disgrace in fairness.

Galway Bay FM have just started putting up and coming Irish Acts into their mainstream airplay and more stations should be doing this. It's what we're trying to do, It's obvious that The Blizzards, Gemma Hayes and Cathy Davey will draw a crowd but the idea is to promote the other acts on the bill, give them the exposure that they deserve.

"The main point that I think is worth looking at this year is the quality of the festival club. Giveamanakick, The Aftermath, Vesta Varro, Monorail & The Vital Spark are all playing live gigs while former Inspiral Carpets roadie and Northern Soul Impresario, Phil Hope hits the decks on Friday night, Philip Bourke from Red FM on Saturday night and Dublin based indie DJ's Disconnected Disco on Sunday. All profits from the club go directly back into the festival. Its definitely worth checking out.

"I'm really looking forward to Gemma Hayes on Friday night, its virtually a home town gig for her so it should be a great crowd. Rulers supporting her that night, Fight Like Apes on Saturday, Hope is Noise, The Flaws and Ham Sandwich on Sunday.. way too many to choose from! I'm also looking forward to the sunshine, the weather gods owe us one after last year."

The 2008 Indie-Pendence Festival which runs from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3 and will see upwards of 30 acts take to the main stage with many more playing club and venue gigs throughout the Cork town. Among the talent are Meteor Award Winners The Blizzards, Cathy Davey & Ham Sandwich, along with electro rockers Fight Like Apes, Choice Award nominees The Flaws, melody laden 5-piece The Chapters, Dirty Epics, Alphastates and Travega, and Cork's own Rulers of the Planet and Hope is Noise.

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