On the 4^th of October, 2002, the day after his 28^th birthday, Mark O’Connor will release his debut album.  It is the most anticipated debut album of all time.  Yes it is!

Mark’s record is the result of 10 year voyage as a recording sonic artist tug-boat captain.  For years he wrestled the monster of recording on a 4-track machine.  He then moved onto 8-track and now has his own 16 track recording studio.

Mark played keyboard and guitar with Veneer and Moonboot, and went on to play bass in Tooth.  He is part of the wind beneath the wings of the AMC, and writes the AMC column for the Limerick events guide (and Dave owes him this free publicity for all the articles he’s written for LEG in the past year).  He has recorded lots of bands in Limerick.  He recorded and released the ‘Nobody Gives a Fuck So Why Should We?’ compilation in 1999.

Having studied and worked at UL, and then at Lyric FM, a lot of crotchets have seen the inside of his head.  He has lost track of his influences.  But for just the record he likes: Joni Mitchell, Deftones, The Bothy band and Dinosaur Jr.  His live show is him playing guitar and singing live, backed by backing tracks performed and recorded by him at his home studio.

This year with the blessings of the Arts Council, Mark travelled to Sacramento, USA to attend the Tape Op Magazine Conference on Recording.  There he heard and learned from (and got his picture taken with) Steve Albini, J Mascis, Jack Endino, Mitch Easter and lots more of his heroes. 

Tales of his travels, and a considerable learning base from what was talked about at Sacramento can be checked out at Mark’s website, for now at www.mocstudios.tripod.com.

Mark’s CD will contain the following audio and data:

• Lots of his tunes
• Lots of his writings
• Lots of video footage (from Sacramento/Genoa/live stuff etc)
•  
• Lots of free stuff inside the goody bag ground breaking presentation of this record.

It will be sold for a once off ridiculously low price at the launch gig, and will be available exclusively at Black Spot Records, the home of the best vibrations in Limerick.

The recording of Mark’s CD in itself will be a trip down the last 10 years of rock and roll in Limerick.  Many of the tracks were recorded while Mark was recording many of Limerick’s finest rock and roll bands, and while they weren’t looking.  Niall Quinn’s drums here, giveamanakick’s guitar there.  There’s also examples of Mark’s early 4 track stuff, and even a live recording of him jamming in a bar in Rhode Island in 1994. 

WHERE:  PUBLIC SPIRIT CLUB, with Dj’s Ian and Kramer. 

Where’s that exactly?  Friday nights upstairs in Costelloe’s, the scene of all of Limerick’s most important milestones of rock and roll. 

When?  Friday, 4^th of October.

Why?  Because you’re worth it.  And it’s his birthday.  And it’s his last gig for 2 years cos he’s going travelling soon.

The End.

Proudly being launched at the epicentre of Limerick rock and roll through the years,

Costelloe’s Tavern,

Friday night, October 4th.

+ Special guest on the night  - Doors 10PM

Followed by Public Spirit Club with Djs Kramer and Ian till 3AM

Over 20 songs - Lots of Video clips - 50 something cavity searches -

Other writings - Studio whizz kidry - Multimedia action from the Sacramento Recording Conference - AMC and other rock and roll history

ONLY 10 EUROS!

The most important CD is a coming.

Only 100 ever made!

Performed, recorded, shot, typed and shat by Mark O’Connor

ACTIONS

judge the man

Mark will completely understand if you go to the gig featuring 22, Calzino Fiasco, Giveamanakick, Tremorguard, Atrophy and the boys behind the bar at Limerick Boatclub.

http://mocstudios.tripod.com a.k.a. ballsofiron