Rachel Austin in Coleraine gig

Rachel, 2012 Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Artist in Residence, is one of the finest performers the Listening Post has ever seen, putting on a more incredible show with just two mics and a looping pedal than most bands could do with a full orchestra and a laser show. Rachel’s music is the juxtaposition of wilfully downbeat sentiment and ludicrously catchy melodies and her voice, inspired by Tim Buckley and Regina Spektor (just two among a vast array of influences), is like an extra instrument that plays perfectly with the jazzy guitars, bass and drums.

Opening for Rachel this Friday (April 20th) is Limavady artist, Leanne Doherty.

Formerly of Bettylee & The Blond, 2011’s Atlantic Sessions saw singer/songwriter Leanne establish a solo career that has, in a relatively short time, seen her recognised as a hardworking rising star in the Northern Irish music scene. Leanne’s sound is an uplifting melodic acoustic fusion of folk, soul, funk, pop and rock n’ roll, that is easy to listen to and hard to forget.

The Listening Post has been running since 2010 and works to offer a venue to live original music on the northcoast and continues to host some of the best original artists that Northern Ireland has to offer.

The LP runs out of the Senior Common Room bar at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, close to the Riverside Theatre on alternate Fridays and we welcome anyone who appreciates good live music.

All proceeds go to Heartbeat NI. Doors open at 8.30pm. Admission is only £5.