Manx Radio Live Lounge

After some complications and a healthy dose of controversy with local commissioners, Peel's new Beach Stage is now up and running. Christy caught up with the people behind – and in front... and sometimes on the stage – Dave and Laura Rowles.

Are they a music group? Or are they theatre? Or are they puppeteers?? Christy meets the new Manx Storytellers on the block.

Singer songwriter Annabel Lauren has returned from Brighton with brand new album Velux under her belt - and a triumph it is! She popped in to talk to Christy about it, and brought her lovely ivory guitar with her to play live for us too.

Christy is joined by rockers DC/AC as they look ahead to their FINAL gig, at the Villa Marina on June 2nd.

Mera Royle talks about touring with The Who, making movies in London, starting her new band and getting her music mojo back - including news of a brand new single. She also plays a set of original tunes for us.

Christy catches up David Zincke and Scott Richman from Sons of Guns. 

Dusty Plankton's new album 'Are Sea Monkey's Real?' lands on April 10th, with an album launch at the Laxey Working Men's Institute on the following night. Christian, Alan, Seb and Jonny popped in to the Live Lounge to see Christy and talk us through some of the new music.

Joe Martin joins Christy live in the studio, premiering his brand new single, chatting about recording his new album in Nashville with music legends and looking ahead to his album launch at the Centenary Centre. He also plays two songs live, brilliantly of course! Find out more here: www.joemartinmusic.com

Local music duo Harvey, aka Stu Watret, Carl Holden and their unofficial 3rd member AI*, have been celebrating that one of their very first singles features in new Disney+ Series 'Love Story'. The series, about the relationship between John F Kennedy Jnr and Carolyn Bessette, has brought a new international audience of many thousands to Harvey's music, as Carl Holden tells Christy.

*Read last year's story about the pair using AI to recreate Stu's voice here: HARVEY : Carl Holden, Stu Watret and their artificial 'third member'! - X Manx Radio Live Lounge - Manx Radio

Christy catches up with rising new star on the local scene, Elicia. She tells us about starting out with songwriting and we hear her brilliant debut single 'But I Try', out now on all platforms.

Christy catches up with former IOM resident Adam Wakeman (yes, son of Rick..) He's played with Black Sabbath for 20 years, written songs for Ozzy and was pianist for the now Grammy-winning performance of 'Changes' by Yungblud and collected musicians, performed at Ozzy's Final Bow concert in Birmingham. He tells Christy all about the concert, the Grammys and his latest Jazz Sabbath Live album.

With two shows in Port Erin and Peel this weekend, Merseyside-based Robert Vincent and Anna Corcoran join Lewis Foster in the Live Lounge to play two gorgeous stripped back versions of 'Battles' and 'This Town'.

Guitarist Lar Crookall and bassist Dario Leonetti from Manx post-hardcore five-piece Silo chat to Siobhán about their busy week (to say the least!). The group have dropped the first single ('Crawl in a Bottle') off their upcoming debut album 'Haze' which comes out on 1 May. It reached number 14 on the Kerrang! Chart, and came with the news they've been signed to Easy Life Records.

Biskee Brisht gather in the Live Lounge to tell us about their fabulous second album 'Treading Water / Brebbal Ushtey', a world's first in that it's been produced as a dual CD release - one in English, one in Manx. Find out more here: Home

Arron Clague and Rich Slee from Jules Verne Theory premiere their superb new single Hairstyle, while Clara Barker shares the magic behind hew first new music in ten years, her second collaboration with Arron called Do It Scared.

Siobhán chats with the mighty Balla Sabbath ahead of their (second ever!) gig at the Erin Arts Centre on 1 November!

Tune in as 'Ozzy Osburn', 'Bill Wardland-Davies', 'Nelly Iommi' and 'Ivan Butler' treat us to a live set - and we chat all things Black Sabbath.

Next month's gig at the EAC is sold out - but keep an eye on their socials for future appearances!

Siobhán chats with the Island's very own answer to Flea and co. - the Red Hot Chili Yessirs!

They give us a live set, and we hear all about an upcoming Hop Tu Naa gig... all in aid of Hospice!

You can get your tickets here > https://buytickets.at/redhotchiliyessirs/1690532

Elizabeth and Daniel have had a superb busy time since we spoke to them last November. They tell us about their international tour experiences, introducing more synthpop elements into their sound and we hear some of their new latest tunes. Find out more at Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe & Daniel Quayle

Christy chats with with England based Canadian duo April Moon ahead of their debut gigs on the Isle of Man with Live Roots Music - and we catch up with local artist Alice Ashe, who is opening for the group.

In the Live Lounge this afternoon we met Naomi Haworth, a multi-talented musician who is working on numerous projects in a variety of styles. She came in to talk about her synth-pop project Kestrel's Music and preview the brand new single

Christy catches up with Pete Williamson and Steve Leach from Pink Floyd tribute band Pigs On The Wing, who celebrate 30 years of gigs this month at the VillaGaiety

Christy was joined in the studio this evening by talented teen Zac Colligon, who shared some of his brand new songs and performed live for us in the studio. This podcast has an exclusive extra live session, so be sure to listen to the end!

'Modern day troubadour' Joe Martin has already had an incredible career in music and it's only getting more exciting for him, with his new album about to be recorded in Nashville by Glenn Campbell's son (as y'do!) This year, he made the Island his home, so we invited him in to the Live Lounge to hear his story. Find out more here: JoeMartinMusic

Christy catches up with Luke Oldfield, aka "Penfauld", whose debut EP 'Therapy Sessions With My Answer Machine' is out July 18th. With themes around mental health, ageing, relationships and more, one review says it '..sounds like what Nirvana would be if they were pop punk' 

Bianca Cawkwell and Leah Mousley, along with Simon Harvey from Brace Brace, tell us about the Children's Centre Big Day Out event, while musicians Patrick Knight and Alice Ashe tell us about their music and play live in the studio.

One of the Island's busiest and most popular musicians, singer songwriter and Beatles fanatic Ian Thompson, talks us through his new releases, plays live in the studio and reflects on the importance of Brian Wilson with Christy.

Jack Doyle played a huge part in restarting the Island's interest in vinyl when he started his Sound Records pop up shop in Onchan almost 10 years ago. Sound Records has grown and grown and is now the only Island retailer accredited for Record Store Day. But Jack is waving goodbye to the business this year, so Christy caught up with him - from the shop itself - as RSD2025 came to a close. You can still listen to the Vinyl Virtues Podcast Christy produced with Jack here: Vinyl Virtues - 22nd January 2019 - X Island Life Series - Specials - Manx Radio

Bram, Leo and Conrad from Crawlboard stopped by the studio to update us on their music and to play two tracks live in session.

Energetic, bluegrass, country, blues and folk quartet the Jesse Janes were with us in the studio this week.

Hailing from Ireland and Liverpool, they play acoustic and electric guitars, bass, mandolin, whistle, percussion with 4-part harmonising vocals.

The group popped into the Live Lounge to tell Siobhán all about their gig tonight at the Laxey Institute as part of their 3-date Isle of Man tour, and treated us to two live songs!

Shennaghys Jiu is BACK! The 26th instalment of the local festival kicks off in Ramsey tomorrow evening (Thursday 3 April). It gives young people the chance to play music, dance, and share Manx culture. Organiser Juan Garrett popped into the Live Lounge to tell Siobhán all about it. We also hear a sample of some of the Manx music which will be on offer.

This year's jam packed schedule is available here: Microsoft Word - Shennaghys Jiu Prog 2025 copy.docx

MUSIC:

Katie Lawrence, and Barrule - FIVE HOURS BEHIND.

He's doing it again! Popular Isle of Man musician Eoin Molyneux is going to perform for 12 hours at Quids Inn on April 19th to raise money for Hospice Isle of Man. He's also releasing two new songs to mark the occasion, both also raising money. He popped in to the Live Lounge to tell Christy all about it, to preview one of the new releases and to play live for us. You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/12hourgig2025

Rockabilly punk blues band Mad Daddy join Christy in the Live Lounge to chat about the launch of their 2nd album on vinyl. We also chat with Persian Doormats, who will open for Mad Daddy at the the launch gig at Noa Bakehouse on 22nd March. Listen to Mad Daddy's music and catch up with the latest via their Bandcamp here.

Christy catches up with the everybusy electroswing queen Alanna Lyes, in the week that she celebrates great success with single 'Restless' - the new collaboration with Atom Smith and Burkey - and hot on the heels of her latest EP release with OddChap.

Members of Radiohead tribute band OK Computer joined us in the studio this weekend. Dave, Ian and Jamie came in to talk about their upcoming concert at the Peel Centenary Centre, where they'll be taking on their toughest challenge yet - playing the album of their name in it's entirety. All while raising money for Hospice.

This week, Christy was joined in the studio by Matthew Burrows and Dylan Hannah, formerly of Manavia and now the musicians behind the 'Tunesmiths' platform, for local musicians to showcase their original music to a respectful audience.

On the eve of their very last gig, Christy catches up with Mike Wade to find out why one of the Isle's best loved bands is calling it a day and what the future might hold. We also chat about his venue Black Dog Oven and the local band scene and hear a couple of the Ballagh's songs.

English Teacher by day, rock star by night!

Scottish singer and guitarist Colin Davidson reveals what his students make of his rockstar alter-ego, both with local party band 'Switch' and now with his original music, which we've been featuring on our playlists recently. We get an exclusive of new material and he plays his upcoming single live for us tonight - which very aptly happens to be Burns Night

As a fan of the band from the earliest days, Christy's excitement was palpable (some might say 'awkward'...) when she had the chance to speak with Alex Kapranos and Bob Hardy from the might Franz Ferdinand, about their brand new album 'The Human Fear'.

Fancy a change from the usual seasonal playlist? Christy breaks out her best festive tunes, from near and far, old and new, to give you a truly alternative Christmas?

Ray Lakeman, Gyp Buggane, Ruby Biscoe Taylor and Matt Brewster come to the Live Lounge to share a very special new album, featuring a host of incredible talent for the Island who have come together to celebrate the memory of Jacques and Torin Lakeman.

Internationally renowned trad musicians Elizabeth Davidson Blythe and Daniel Quayle are one part Bostonian, one part Onchan-ian (!?), but they are both absolutely rooted in our music and culture. In fact, Elizabeth's discovery and then passion for everything Manx just a few years ago, came at a time when her musical career was about to come to a standstill.

Now working on their second album together, they have somewhat reinvented their traditional wheel with their latest releases - and have invited some extra special guests to join them on their journey.

Dan Webb is not only the drummer for Sunset Jet and Highwayves, he's also branched out in to the world of promotion, with one of the first gigs on Isle being a jampacked eve of superb talent: Terry George, Adam Kelly and Highwayves themselves, along with our other studio guests this evening - Harry Roe and Josh Quaye, who treated us to two beautiful acoustic numbers

Christy catches up with Roy Stride from Scouting for Girls ahead of their return visit to the Villa Marina on Sunday (October 20th).

They talk about aviation museums and aviaries, song-writing and dream-making; Roy reveals some of his favourite current artists and gives us an idea of what we can expect from the gig, in a conversation full of fun and peppered with fascinating facts.

We catch up with Jess, one half of new duo 'CLUCAS' who slammed on to our A List with their excellent debut single 'Speak Easy'

Jo Garvin tells us about the return of the Isle of Man Traditional Music Weekend. which starts on Friday and runs through Monday with workshops, sessions, song groups and more.

We also hear some live music from an O'Donnell's session last week and remember much loved musician and broadcaster John Kaneen and the impact he had on the scene.

Find out more here

Christy catches up with John Power from the Liverpool band Cast, who return to our shores in September with a renewed vigour and a brand new album, having spent this Summer opening for Liam Gallagher.

Tickets for the gig available here: Cast (villagaiety.com)

'Miss' Katie Lawrence joined Christy in the Live Lounge this evening to chat about her new Tune Book of original compositions, 'From Western Shores and Beyond'.

A much loved music teacher, she also shared some of her favourite music at the moment, paid tribute to her own music teachers and played a tune for us live in the studio.

Celtic Gathering Isle of Man - Yn Chruinnaght returns on Monday (July 22nd) and there something for everyone! From films to dancing, workshops to craft fairs and, of course, superb music from the Celtic Nations.

Christy found out more, chatting with Committee members Chloe Woolley, Grainne Joughin and Breeshey Kermode.

Christy catches up with Matt 'Twist' from Manx Punx, as he tells us all about next weekend's All Day gig at the Outback.

Open to all ages* and with reduced price tickets for those that need it*, the day features 10 hours of live music from bands from here and further afield.

*Message and check their Facebook Page for all the details.

Hannah Lindqvist Kinrade recently visited the Isle of Man for the first time to trace her family roots and to record an EP of music inspired the dark tales she'd been told of her ancestory here.

With familial links to murderers, absconders and even literary master Hall Caine, it's no surprise perhaps that her EP is to be called 'Murders and Melancholy'.

Christy went to meet Hannah and her cousin Ben as they put the bones of the songs together at Ballagroove Studios in Ballasalla with Gyp Buggane at the helm.

Towards the end of this month, the Isle of Man will be represented at one of the world's most famous music festivals. Mae Challis has been invited to perform a two-hour set each day of Glastonbury at 'The Tap House'.

Worthy Farm in Somerset is home to some of the most iconic music acts, with some independent artists being scouted by major record labels along the way.

Christian Jones caught up with Mae, ahead of the festival.

Annabel Curphey, previously a member of Spaghetti and the Hoops, has been forging a career for herself in Brighton under the new stage name of 'Annabel Lauren'.

She was on Isle recently so Christy took the opportunity to catch up with her about her music, her plans - and whether her Mum's Cauliflower Cheese is all that she says it is...

Internationally acclaimed Jake Thackray tribute, John Watterson, first fell in love with the poetic and musical stylings of Jake at a gig here on the Isle of Man. Since then, he has made a name for himself as 'Fake', invited to tour with acts like Fairport Convention and regularly contributing to radio programmes on BBC 2, 3 and 4.

He returns to the Island for a special one off performance next week, playing the Peel Centenary Centre on May 18th, with every penny of the night going to Hospice. He tells Christy more.

You may remember us chatting with songwriter Callum Brew about this time last year, about his idea for an event that has two purposes – raising awareness and funds for Mental Health charities while promoting the excellent original songwriting talent on the Island. Well, he's doing it again! Black Dog Oven May 18th will see a long line up of some of the Island's finest taking to the stage.

Callum tells Christy what we can expect and Juan Christian, from Isle Listen, tells us what it means for the Charity to have events like this raise funds for them.

Songwriting duo Carl Holden and Stu Watret have already overcome the practical obstacles of being separated by the Irish Sea, but in the past few years they were faced with a whole new challenge... Singer Stu slowly lost his ability to sing, as a symptom of having a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease.

Undeterred, they have embraced the benefits of AI, showing that the world of artificial intelligence can have positives too.

Christy was joined by Christine Collister in the Live Lounge this evening, talking about her new release: the book, art project and album 'Children of the Sea'. You can get your hands on copies of the book/album at ChristineCollister.com and at her launch gig, at the Peel Centenary Centre on April 27th. Christine will be then be heading to the UK for a tour later this year, check her website for all the details. 

She also played this stunning Sandy Denny cover live for us... 

As well as speaking with young rapperSeb Garood in the Live Lounge this week (which you'll find as a separate podcast), Christy also caught up with singer songwriter Francesca May ahead of her returning to London to further her career (pictured with partner and producer Andrew Johnson below) and we paid tribute to extraordinary talent Sarah Puzzar (picture by Adrian Cowin below), who it was announced had passed away at the weekend.

You can find some of Sarah's songs with The Heights on the Reverbnation page here, and listen to the superb collaboration she released in 2002 with Superloop here. 

And you can watch Francesca playing live in the studio last Summer here.

15 yr old Seb Garrood found UK rap and realised it helped him deal with his emotions in a really powerful way. Christy chats to him about his music and learns about the complicated current rap scene along the way. 

Simon Rea tells Christy about Truman Falls' new album - their third in fact - which is inspired by and dedicated to one of his favourite places on the Isle of Man. Silverdale is released on Good Friday.

Christy caught up with Aalin, Rob and Dan from Clash Vooar in the Live Lounge this evening, as they celebrate their new album 'Pulled By The Stars' which is released on Easter Sunday. Single Manannan, inspired by Anglin Buttimore's piano playing, is out today and we heard a great story about how the song developed in an unexpected way. They also shared their Firsts with us, which led to some wonderful revelations about their musical youth!

In the Live Lounge this evening we met Finnish artist Heikki who brought along his Producer, Phil Reynolds from Small Bear Records. We heard about the 2 EPs that have been 30 years in the making and Heikki shared his Firsts with us.

In the Live Lounge this evening we met the acts and organisers from next weekend's Acoustic Delightevent at the Peel Centenary Centre. The event is Saturday March 9th with 4 acoustic acts taking to the Peel Centenary Centre stage: Jon Lightfield, John Gregory, Paul Reynolds and When Kelly Met Nelly. Tickets are £8 and are available from etickets.im/bjm

Christy catches up with the wonderfully positive and inspiring Sandra Oberoi, who moved to the Island two years ago and is on a mission to inspire, connect and support young musicians. Her organisation, Harmony International Isle of Man, is running the workshop 'Anyone Can Compose' at the Kensington Youth Arts Centre. Find out more on their Facebook here and sign up via Eventbrite.

Performance poet and musician Jacqueline Morrey-Grace is launching her latest book, 'There are worse places to hide than inside' by gathering a collection of her talented pals to bring the words to life.

There will be gongs, drums, Mandolorian whistles and choreographed routines, all directed by Jackie's extraordinary imagination and knitted together by her mastery of the spoken word. You can experience this unique event at the Erin Arts Centre on March 8th - or listen to this podcast with Jackie, Virgil and Amy in tow, to get just a taste of what's in store. 

When Christy played the latest Yard Act single and enthused about it with Lenny Conroy at the back end of 2023, she also mentioned that the band had 'switched on the Christmas lights in their hometown, the Yorkshire village of Meanwood. So she was surprised to receive an email a few weeks later from Yard Act's guitarist, Sam Shipstone, saying he wasn't from Meanwood at all, but was actually 'from the Isle of Man'..! 

So naturally, Christy took the opportunity to find out more - and Sam generously carved out a chunk of time* for a good old fashioned chinwag (*in between writing out lists, recording hit-making riffs and re-grouting his shower). Full interview available here now.

Yard Act's new album, Where's my Utopia? is out March 1st. Pre- order here.

Christy catches up with Islander-abroad Shane Kerwinabout his beautiful new version of Ellan Vannin, featuring the blues vocals of Mary-Elaine Jenkins from South Carolina and a host of multicultural musicians he's met since living in Brooklyn NYC. 

Shane also tells us what musical larks he's been up to Stateside, about his mission to promote Manx music wherever he goes and about the Brooklyn branch of the 'Manx Music Centre' of New York...

We're also reminded of his work with the trad group Fyn - which you can find here: Treisht | Fyn (bandcamp.com) 

Pre-save the release of 'Ellan Vannin' here: https://show.co/aatscMG 

A VERY festive Live Lounge, featuring songwriters, Manx choirs, Drag Queens - and Muppets, of course. Exclusive sessions and/or festive messages from: Yn Choraa, Lizzy and Josh from Eject, Vida La Fierce, Steve Nash, Jeff Jepson, Francesca May, Ian Thompson, Dusty Plankton, Gyp Buggane and many more. All wrapped up with a sparkly ribbon of alternative Christmas tunes from the likes of Low, James Brown, Spinal Tap, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Delgados - too many to mention here! So sit back, pour yourself a dram of something warming and get this feast of festive wonders in yer ears.  

Prog Metal group Aeonshave achieved incredible international success already and this is set to continue with their brilliant new album 'Consequences'. They're also taking on the mightyEd Force One, the Island's Iron Maiden tribute, in a 'titanic struggle between the Gods of Old School Heavy Metal' with the Yule Rock gig on December 29th at the Villa Prom Suite. Si and Skippy from Aeons and Dick and Mike from Ed Force One stopped by the Live Lounge to tell us all about it. 

Find out more about the gig itself - and book tickets - here: Aeons v Ed Force One (villagaiety.com)

We heard all about Kitterland in the Live Lounge this evening, a music and film project which will be showcased on Sunday 17th Dec with a screening of the film "2121" at the Erin Arts Centre. 

Musicians Joff Whitten andTibor Miklos told us how it all works and shared some of the music from the film, which is entirely improvised using loops, analogue synths, guitar and voice.

Lenny Conroy has been promoting gigs on the Isle of Man for over 20 years, with acts ranging from indie artists at the very start of their career to huge names like Sinead O'Connor and Brian Wilson.

He's also been a keen supporter of the local music scene, encouraging new young Manx acts such as Back Door Slam before Davy Knowles become an international star, sharing stages with the likes of Joe Satriani.

It's fitting, then, that Lenny wraps up his Triskel Promotions business next year with two gigs reflecting his career: new young indie act Wrestwill be at the Centenary Centre and Davyreturns from America to play at the Gaiety Theatre. 

In this special programme, Lenny reminisces and shares some of his favourite music moments with Christy - who he's also worked with for many years. 

Gyp Buggane popped in to chat about a new "13th Pillar" album, to reminisce about gig days gone by and more - along with musical pal Bonz from "The Psychedelic Rottweillers", who have reformed after 32 years for a joint gig later this month (full chat)

About 10 years ago, our very own Christy D was flabbergasted to be invited to open for one of her musical heroes, Scott Matthews at a gig in the Peel Centenary Centre. 

Now, with the Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter set to return to these shores at the weekend, she chats with him in her capacity as a radio hound. And just about manages to keep her wits about her... Just about.

We find out about his most recent album - an acoustic reimagining of his last electronica-themed release - also about his latest tour, his future plans and That Time he spent on a beach in Cornwall with the multi-award winning actor Guy Pearce, wearing nothing but his pants. 

Find tickets for Scott's gig, Saturday 18th Nov at the Villa here: Scott Matthews (villagaiety.com) The night will start with a set by Christine Collister. 

There's a new BIG live event hitting Ramsey next weekend, Nov 18th, as the guys from Ultimate Productions start a new music venture at the Mountain View studios. Organiser Justin McMullin stopped by the Live Lounge with musician Nathan Thompson to tell us more. Tickets available here: Sat Night LIVE - "ROCKETMAX"

Jeff Jepson's new album 'Meaning Waves' is out now. He stopped by the studio to tell us about it, play some songs from the record and also to play live - one of his own and also a superb cover of a song made famous by Aretha Franklin.

Judging by the photo, he clearly felt like a right winner :) 

Riffsand Quidshave joined forces to celebrate the wealth of musical talent here on the Island, as they launch their new Songwriters competition. First heat is this Friday (Nov 3rd) with heats right through to the final on Dec 1st. Andy Saunders and Chris Cole joined Christy to tell her more, along with musicians Matt Kelly, Steph Chambers and Harry Roe, who each played one of their own original songs live. 

Multi-genre group Dusty Plankton launch their brand new album, WHALE NOISES FOR THE ELECTRONICALLY BLIND, tonight at the Rovers Return. 

But before the gig, Christian, Al, Seb, Jonny and Nell took the time to pop in to see Christy in the Live Lounge to tell us all about it - and to share some excellent Firsts.

Christy finds out about the musical project 'Empire Of', a duo comprising a singing poet and a multi instrumentalist producer. Using vintage equipment and retro sounds, Georgia and Cosmic make dark, dreamy, trippy sounds that are perfect for these shortening days.

Despite one member only  being 15, new group Crawlboardhave already cemented themselves on the scene as a real Band To Watch. Their debut single 'Is It You?' is accomplished, mature and very much Their Sound. Members Bram, Leo and Conrad joined Christy to tell us more about their music, their plans and more.

Christy celebrates the thriving trad scene on the Island, catching up with Ruth Keggin about her international tour with harpist Rachel Hair, we also have new music from the youth supergroup Scran, we hear about a songwriting contest linked to the Cooish Manx Language Festival and the lead single from Davy Knowles' new acoustic album - all of which makes for a folk'in good show! 

Young musician Elijah Scothern has already been in a number of successful bands on Isle, including Glitch256 and The Internal Affair but is now on to his 2nd solo album. He talks Christy through his songwriting process, shares his Firsts and more.  

JorDMC joined Christy in the Live Lounge to chat about everything from international gigs to meeting his musical heroes in a shed on the Isle of Man. He also  shared details of his forthcoming debut solo EP and revealed his Firsts.

IOM based tribute acts Kinrage and System of a Dhoon join Christy to talk about their upcoming gig at the Villa Marina and share their love for all things Rage and SOAD.

Christy chats with Francesca May and Andrew Johnson, catching up on their multiple new music releases, hearing about their Firsts and also getting an exclusive live play of a previously unheard single. 

We catch up with Aaron Harwood about his debut album 'The Great Silence', speak to Paul Kelly and Jon Lightfield about the Jon Paul Project and learn more about all our guests musical background by hearing their Firsts. 

The Celtic Gathering is back! Featuring international performances, local musicians, workshops, Ceilidhs and more, Yn Chrunniaght starts Monday July 24th and is going to be a belter. Chloe Woolley and Jo Callister tell Christy D all about it. 

In the Saturday Live Lounge, Christy has a catch up with rock pals Harry Radford and Geoff Murphy, fresh from a European Tour with Call Me Amour and enjoying international success with their latest singles. They talk touring, songwriting, play an early single live for us and reveal their "No.1s"

Jack Wolter from Penelope Isles has been back on the rock for TT with his solo project Cubzoa, but he's also joined forces with Brighton pals The Leaning for an IOM tour. They all popped by the Live Lounge to chat with Christy and play a stunning rendition of one of their harmony drenched songs. 

Every year there is an annual celebration of music that essentially aims to take it back to the streets - and offices, schools and anywhere you can think of! Christy D wanted to find out more & there was one person who she knew would have all the gen. Little did she know though, that the conversation would end up with her entering the competition herself...

Christy catches up with Judith Ley, our Eurovision Correspondent, who is live in Liverpool soaking up the Eurovision vibes

Callum Brew tells Christy about the event he's organised to celebrate homegrown original music while also raising money for a charity that's close to his heart - Isle Listen. 

Jack Doyle and Callum Rowe from Sound Records tell Christy all about this year's Record Store Day releases - what they're excited about, what everyone else is excited about and how you're most likely to get the vinyl that you're looking for... 

Shennaghys Jiu is a traditional Music and Dance Festival, based in Ramsey, Isle of Man, taking place across the Easter weekend. Juan Garrett tells us all about the festival itself and what we can expect - from ceilidhs to art exhibitions, workshops to supergroup gigs. Find out the latest on their Facebook here.

(Music clips: Mera Royle 'Cornaa' and Trip 'The Storm')

Christy catches up with rock/punk crossover band Swarf Damage, whose self-titled debut album is released on 21st April.

Mike, Danand Blaketell us about their origins, reveal their secret love of the Spice Girls and Bananarama and more...

Follow the band on Bandcamp here

Christy was joined in the Live Lounge by Zo Henley, who's come to the music scene somewhat late in life but has embraced it with everything she's got!

We heard songs from the album, chatted about the recording process with Zo and producer/musician Gyp Buggane, drummer Ste Henthorn and fiddle player Juan Maddrell and we were treated to a live acoustic rendition of single 'Caged'. 

Find Zo on Facebook here

We hear about new musical collective 'Highwayves' from singer and lyricist Brad - and he treats us to an acoustic version of upcoming single Plastic.

Prolific singer-songwriter Ian Thompson has released another excellent new single, 'Starting Today'.

He joined Christy in the Live Lounge to chat about his music, explain the meaning behind the song and to play two tracks live for us, with Sammy J saxophonist accompanying him. 

2022 has been epic for music! We've tried to give just a flavour of that in this special Live Lounge, which first aired on 17th December. Playing some of the best music from the past 12 months, from near and far, and hearing from the artists themselves. 

A special thank you from Christy for all your support and involvement this year, here's to another brilliant one in '23. 

Don't forget to keep in touch with the show by emailing your gig dates, news of releases, music links and more to live@manxradio.com - and listen in every Saturday from 5pm to 7pm. 

In the Live Lounge this evening, Christy catches up with Sean, Kevin and Jo from the Villa Gaiety, to look back at an incredible past year of music and the arts, and look ahead to what we can expect from the crew in 2023.

After hearing about him via some messages that were sent in by appreciative fans, Christy caught up with Torin!, who is now based in Ireland, to find out about his music.

Find him on Youtube here: