Belfast may be the capital of Northern Ireland, but considering its ability to produce names such as Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, Two Door Cinema Club and Katie Melua and launch them onto the world stage in a city of just around 280,000 is quite staggering.
For larger cities producing music exports seems a given, but for a city of this size it signals that music culture is ingrained in the fabric of Belfast.
The city may have hosted MTV’s VMAs in 2011, but the real magic of the city’s music scene can be found at the Oh Yeah Centre. We go a little more in depth below, but the fact that the cultural centre was born out the belief that music is a “catalytic agent that changes lives for the better” is simply outstanding.
The centre provides a platform for up and coming bands, while also hosting a range of big name acts.
But Belfast’s love and support of its own music scene goes even further than that. They have successfully adopted it as a potential drawcard for tourism with a bus tour and an exhibition (both discussed below) that are just two of the initiatives undertaken in recent years.
Their tourism boards actively spruik music festivals such as Belsonic Festival, Belfast Music Week and Belfast City Blues Festival to name a few.
Not only does that make it easier for us travellers, but it has also provided stable ground for Northern Irish acts to launch their careers from.
To see how far Belfast’s music scene has come you need go no further than Good Vibrations the biopic on 1970s Godfather Of Punk Terri Hooley.
The film provides insight into the history of the music scene. You can watch the trailer below and discover ten more things worth checking out in the capital.
Get The Best Introduction To The Music Scene On The Belfast Music Bus Tour
Before you hit up any record stores or local venues we suggest you take this tour first. Playing the music that shaped the city this two-hour ride stops by the landmarks that saw the likes of Van Morrison and other famed locals build their legacies. Historical international touchstones are included too. The bus tour starts at the Ulster Hall, which hosted Led Zeppelin for their 1971 world premiere of ‘Stairway To Heaven’.
Experience Live Music This Former Church, The Empire
42 Botanic Ave
The acoustics of churches almost always provide for the best live music spaces and The Empire is no different. With two floors the venue welcomes both original and cover bands throughout the weekend. Come for Tuesday and you’ll find one of the best spots in the city to experience stand up comedy.
Buy Up At This Belfast Institution: Good Vibrations
89 – 93 North Street
This record store isn’t just one of the best of its kind in Belfast it’s an institution. Founded by the so-called “Godfather of Punk” Good Vibration serves cheap coffee alongside a broad selection of records. You’ll find everything from new releases to the classics here.
Head To The Oh Yeah Centre For The Belfast Music Exhibition & More
15-21 Gordon St
This music and cultural space is at the heart of what makes the city’s music scene great. Located in a former bonded whiskey warehouse in the Cathedral Quarter the centre was initiated after a conversation between local industry folk and Snow Patrol with the belief that “music is one the greatest resources in Northern Ireland”. While numerous gigs and workshops are situated across the building’s three floors the exhibition runs during the Spring and Summer months and provides brilliant insights into the history of the Northern Island music scene. Admission is free.
Head To The City’s Chicest Venue In Filthy McNastys
45 Dublin Rd
Located in the newly developed Filthy Quarter is a boutique venue complimented by its “quirky” mix match furniture along with a few other brilliant venues situated in the same spot as well. You can sample both gourmet hot dogs and authentic Italian pizza here too. But more importantly though the local musicians step up onto the stage from 10pm each night.
Shop Up For Rare Vinyl At Dragon Records
58 Wellington Pl
Stocking new and second hand releases in genres from rock to indie, psych, blues, experimental and noise. They stock and buy just about anything, but the real drawcard here is the 7-inch records that are available. That and the odd rarity or two make this store worth the visit. It’s open Monday to Saturday.
Catch Up and Coming Local Acts At The Pavilion
296-298 Ormeau Rd
Having garnered a reputation as being one of the city’s best spots to catch for local and smaller touring acts The Pavilion does its best to cater for a wide demographic. With three floors of space dedicated to everything from club nights to live music and comedians sports fans can also get their fill with live matches broadcasted in HD. The Boutique Bar is where it’s at though; you can’t go past the acoustics or the talent they fill their stage with.
Visit One Of Belfast’s Newest Stores: Sick Records
78 North Street
This independent store is one of the city’s newer record haunts and it delivers on its promise of stocking the best new independent and alternative music and archive re-issues. The fact the staff are also knowledgeable and friendly is just a bonus.
Rock Fans, Voodoo Is Your Fist Point Of Call
11A Fountain St
If rock is your religion and beer your oxygen than this establishment could be your hallowed grounds. You can grab a decent feed and even have your own turn on stage if you’re feeling brave. With a friendly atmosphere Voodoo is a relaxed venue to catch a few local rocks acts in.
Shop Up At Head For All Your Music Needs
BT1 1DD
This store stocks a decent range of just about anything a music fan could want. CDs, DVDs, games, merchandise and vinyl can all be found here. Their collection doesn’t favour one genre over another either. Open seven days a week Head favours late night shoppers on Thursday by staying open until 9pm.
