Forgive me father, it’s likely been some time in 2008 since I touched the staff blog (you all know my main blogging is done via kenmc.com, right?)

The Playlist Mix podcast that I’ve been running on Tuesdays through most of 2008 returns this weekend after a lengthy Christmas break. The podcast is also moving from a Tuesday night to a more accessible (for me, productionwise) night of Sunday and should be available from 8/9pm each Sunday unless otherwise stated.

There’s also some addtions to the podcast - a new Twitter stream for artists and show updates, a new Facebook group, a revamp of the MySpace and a new site (version 3) to launch as well as the show prepares to go into nicely into it’s second full year.

I’ve been looking forward to getting back into this one.

There’s also some more developments being talked about in the background for KKM. I’m planning some more changes to the site to go along with them as well - changes (likely removal) of the daily music video, which became featured music video, a less “static looking” homepage, more entertainment listings (theatre, film, music), reviews and the likes.

For now though, it’s down to work and onwards towards Sunday.

Later.

I’ve release the 37th Playlist Mix podcast, now shortlisted for Best Podcast at the 2008 Irish Web Awards (made it through the longlist stage).

Download or listen below.

Playlist Mix #37

Just spied this morning that my *other* podcast, the Playlist Mix along with KilkennyMusic.com have been longlisted for the 2008 Irish Web Awards.

More details here.

A few months ago I was part of an industry panel involved in choosing the acts to appear on a new USB compilation album released by DownloadMusic.ie. Having known the tracklisting for several long weeks at this stage, here’s the full run down. The album, chart tracked, will be released on August 15th priced at €12.99.

• Codes – ‘This Is Goodbye’
• Dirty Epics – ‘The Cure’
• Driving By Night – ‘Fears Of men’
• Jo And The Flood – ‘Hey Jo’
• Justin Manville – ‘Tonight’
• Orphan Code – ‘Last Dance’
• Ro Tierney – ‘The Voice’
• Roberta Howett – ‘Shadows’
• Saccade – ‘Wasting My Time’
• Suddyn – ‘Letting Go’
• The Flaws – ‘1981′
• The Kinetiks – ‘Bite The Bullet’
• The Radio – ‘Manmade’
• The Rumours – ‘When The Sun Hits Your Eyes’
• Vesta Varro – ‘Weighted Love’

The quality of the 50 acts we had to choose from was ridiculously high, so it’s great to see most of those I had nominated getting the push forward onto the album. It’s another great stroke from DownloadMusic.ie and Johnny Beirne and hopefully will do more to promote quality independent music on the Irish scene.

I’ve been waiting AGES for this…

New Max Payne trailer for forthcoming Max Payne movie. Had mixed feelings about the movie given how crazy I was on the game but the trailer certainly impresses.

Bring it!

I’m still counting media whoring points for 2008 but I’ve left young Costigan well behind at this stage. Still it was nice for the two of us to hit KCLR this afternoon to pre-record a snippet for tonight’s Kulture Club show between 8 and 9.

At least the name of the company was pronounced right this year. You know what I’m talking about.

We’ll be on the air after the 8pm news talking up Trainspotting, which opens next Tuesday June 24th in the Watergate Theatre in Kilkenny. Tune in live online by visiting KCLR96FM.com.

Next Friday night (Friday The 13th) marks a final return to Kilkenny for Laminate as the band draw a line under their present existence. Heading their separate ways this summer, the band had technically called it a day back before Christmas but have returned to rehearsals, the studio (to wrap up their final EP release which they hope to have in Kilkenny next weekend) and have booked a few final dates for the coming week, including Friday night in Kilkenny.

Joining the much-loved alt.rock trio will be Dublin grunge / metal outfit The Skins, making their KilkennyMusic.com debut. We’ve had some great shows (and nights out) with the lads from Laminate and hopefully next Friday night will be no different.

For your last chance to catch these lads in action (they never disappoint live) then drop into Cleere’s on Friday night where you’ll catch The Skins at 10pm and Laminate on stage soon after. They’re after a “hoedown” so give them something to remember and come out and show your support.

Following on from the release of posters for Spud, Alison, Begbie and Renton, here’s the next in the series of ‘Collect Em All’ posters from The Devious Theatre Company featuring myself as Tommy McKenzie.

Trainspotting runs in the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny from June 24 to June 28 with tickets currently booking for all nights at €12. I say “currently” as there’s rumours circulating that you’ll want to act fast if you’ve not yet made up your mind what night you’ll be going.

For more on the show, follow what we’re up to by visiting DeviousTheatre.com.

That is all.