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'''Window Seats''' are a three-piece [[grunge]] and [[alternative rock]] band from [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]].<ref name=hp-Aug2010>{{cite magazine| last=Hayden| first=Jackie| title=First Cuts| journal=[[Hot Press]]| volume=34| issue=16| page=28| date=25 August 2010| quote=Window Seats, from Belfast, pack a wallop from the off. 'No Show' bursts from the traps and runs riot all over your hi-fi before going into stop-start mode driven by demented, rasping drums.}}</ref> They have self-produced five music videos and four single releases under their own [[record label]], Get Out Records.<ref name=musicbrainz-gor>{{cite web| title=Get Out Records| publisher=[[MusicBrainz]]| url=http://musicbrainz.org/label/ee0ca67c-cf24-404c-baf3-fbf3f9cdecc0| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref>
'''Window Seats''' are a three-piece [[grunge]] and [[alternative rock]] band from [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]].<ref name=hp-Aug2010>{{cite magazine| last=Hayden| first=Jackie| title=First Cuts| journal=[[Hot Press]]| volume=34| issue=16| page=28| date=25 August 2010| quote=Window Seats, from Belfast, pack a wallop from the off. 'No Show' bursts from the traps and runs riot all over your hi-fi before going into stop-start mode driven by demented, rasping drums.}}</ref> They have self-produced five music videos and four single releases under their own [[record label]], Get Out Records.<ref name=musicbrainz-gor>{{cite web| title=Get Out Records| publisher=[[MusicBrainz]]| url=http://musicbrainz.org/label/ee0ca67c-cf24-404c-baf3-fbf3f9cdecc0| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref> The band was formed in 2007 and currently consists of members Jude McCaffrey ([[lead vocal]], [[guitar]]), Ryan 'Didsy' Bradley ([[bass guitar]], [[backing vocal]]) and Tony Furnell ([[Drum kit|drums]], backing vocal).<ref name=uh-Apr2011>{{cite news| last=McCusker| first=John| title=The Scene| newspaper=[[Ulster Herald]]| page=9| date=14 April 2011| quote=Window Seats are a three-piece alternative rock band featuring Jude McCaffrey (lead vocals/guitar), Tony Furnell (drums/vocals) and Omagh musician Ryan 'Didsy' Bradley (bass/vocals). The band formed in Belfast in 2007 ... The video for their new single 'Rat' will be released online on Monday, April 25.}}</ref>


== Background ==
== History ==
[[File:Window Seats - No Show (single artwork).jpg|thumb|2010 single "No Show"|alt=CD artwork for 2010 single "No Show"]]
[[File:Window Seats - No Show (single artwork).jpg|thumb|2010 single "No Show"|alt=CD artwork for 2010 single "No Show"]]
⚫
The band was formed in 2007 and consists of members Jude McCaffrey ([[lead vocal]], [[guitar]]), Ryan 'Didsy' Bradley ([[bass guitar]], [[backing vocal]]) and Tony Furnell ([[Drum kit|drums]], backing vocal).<ref name=uh-Apr2011>{{cite news| last=McCusker| first=John| title=The Scene| newspaper=[[Ulster Herald]]| page=9| date=14 April 2011| quote=Window Seats are a three-piece alternative rock band featuring Jude McCaffrey (lead vocals/guitar), Tony Furnell (drums/vocals) and Omagh musician Ryan 'Didsy' Bradley (bass/vocals). The band formed in Belfast in 2007 ... The video for their new single 'Rat' will be released online on Monday, April 25.}}</ref> In 2010, CD singles "No Show" and "Miss Midnight / Awake" were given much critical acclaim by the Irish press.<ref name=ct-may2011>{{cite news| title=Entertainment| last=McCallion| first=Claire| newspaper=[[Community Telegraph]]| date=5 May 2011| page=14| quote=In 2010, previous releases 'No Show' and 'Miss Midnight / Awake' received much critical acclaim from the Irish Press.}}</ref> As music journalist Jackie Hayden described in [[Hot Press]], "No Show bursts from the traps and runs riot all over your hi-fi before going into stop-start mode driven by demented, rasping drums."<ref name=hp-Aug2010 /> [[AU Magazine]] described the first track of [[double A-side]] "Miss Midnight / Awake" as "featuring some lovely, atmospheric production, a strident vocal performance from Jude McCaffrey."<ref name=au-jun2010>{{cite magazine| last=Jones| first=Chris| title=Window Seats: 'Miss Midnight'/'Awake'| journal=[[AU Magazine]]| issue=66| page=65| date=June 2010 |url=http://issuu.com/iheartau/docs/au66-online/65| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref> Coinciding with these single releases, the band produced two [[music video]]s for "No Show" (both directed by Bryan Stewart<ref name=nme-noshow1>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – No Show| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/ba6bY3eZobI| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref><ref name=nme-noshow2>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – No Show – Official Video| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/5Iw0nrYcfks| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref>) and one for "Miss Midnight" (directed by Jonathan Beer<ref name=nme-missmidnight>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – Miss Midnight – Official Video| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/joS84V5P9tI| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref>).


=== Early singles and videos ===
⚫
In May 2011 Window Seats made their back catalogue available to [[Music download|download]] for free, alongside a new song, "Rat".<ref name=in-jul2011>{{cite news| last=Roy| first=David| title=Noise Annoys: From a window| newspaper=[[Irish News]]|date=29 July 2011|at=Scene, p. 10| quote=''Rat'' is currently available for listening and free downloading purposes at windowseats.bandcamp.com, along with their previous two singles ''Miss Midnight/Awake'' and ''No Show''. They're a generous bunch, these Window Seats boys. It seems they are hard at work on an ambitious music video for forthcoming tune ''Local Superhero''.}}</ref> In a live review [[BBC]] producer Steven Rainey described the song as "head and shoulders above the rest of the set, possessing an effervescent guitar and bass melody that really causes the audience to pay attention, perhaps pointing the way forward for this band of indie-rock adventurers."<ref>{{cite web| last=Rainey| first=Steven| title=Single Launch... Seven Summits, Window Seats, Morning Claws| publisher=[[BBC Online]]| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/atl/review_specific400285.shtml| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref> The band released a video for "Rat"<ref name=uh-Apr2011 /> and had already begun work on the next music video, an ambitious project to accompany the next single.<ref name=in-jul2011 /> In August the group performed a live session on [[BBC Radio]], which they filmed and made available online.<ref>{{cite episode| title=Across the Line| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013024v| accessdate=2011-10-17| airdate=8 August 2011| minutes=30| network=[[BBC]]| credits=Presenter:[[Rigsy]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – Juliette's Letter (Acoustic BBC ATL session) video| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/UXL20__ynKk| accessdate=2011-10-15}}</ref>
Window Seats released a 3-track [[Demo (music)|demo]] in 2008 named "Local Superhero".<ref>{{cite web| title=Release group 'Local Superhero (demo)' by Window Seats| publisher=[[Musicbrainz]]| url=http://musicbrainz.org/release-group/b995e28c-0095-414d-995f-cdf227ffe5bc| accessdate=7 February 2012}}</ref> It received some radio support, including a broadcast of the title track on [[BBC Radio 1]] in 2009.<ref>{{Cite episode| title=Rory McConnell| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/rorymcconnell/tracklistingarchive.shtml?20090409| accessdate=7 February 2012| series=BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland| serieslink=BBC Introducing |credits=Presenter: Rory McConnell |network=[[BBC]] |station=[[Radio 1]] |airdate=9 April 2009}}</ref>


⚫
In 2010, CD singles "No Show" and "Miss Midnight / Awake" were given much critical acclaim by the Irish press.<ref name=ct-may2011>{{cite news| title=Entertainment| last=McCallion| first=Claire| newspaper=[[Community Telegraph]]| date=5 May 2011| page=14| quote=In 2010, previous releases 'No Show' and 'Miss Midnight / Awake' received much critical acclaim from the Irish Press.}}</ref> As music journalist Jackie Hayden described in [[Hot Press]], "No Show bursts from the traps and runs riot all over your hi-fi before going into stop-start mode driven by demented, rasping drums."<ref name=hp-Aug2010 /> [[AU Magazine]] described the first track of [[double A-side]] "Miss Midnight / Awake" as "featuring some lovely, atmospheric production, a strident vocal performance from Jude McCaffrey."<ref name=au-jun2010>{{cite magazine| last=Jones| first=Chris| title=Window Seats: 'Miss Midnight'/'Awake'| journal=[[AU Magazine]]| issue=66| page=65| date=June 2010 |url=http://issuu.com/iheartau/docs/au66-online/65| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref> Coinciding with these single releases, the band produced two [[music video]]s for "No Show" (both directed by Bryan Stewart<ref name=nme-noshow1>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – No Show| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/ba6bY3eZobI| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref><ref name=nme-noshow2>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – No Show – Official Video| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/5Iw0nrYcfks| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref>) and one for "Miss Midnight" (directed by Jonathan Beer<ref name=nme-missmidnight>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – Miss Midnight – Official Video| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/joS84V5P9tI| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref>).
⚫
=== "Local Superhero" video ===

⚫
===''Frozen Bones'' EP===
⚫
In May 2011 Window Seats made their back catalogue available to [[Music download|download]] for free, alongside a new song, "Rat".<ref name=in-jul2011>{{cite news| last=Roy| first=David| title=Noise Annoys: From a window| newspaper=[[Irish News]]|date=29 July 2011|at=Scene, p. 10| quote=''Rat'' is currently available for listening and free downloading purposes at windowseats.bandcamp.com, along with their previous two singles ''Miss Midnight/Awake'' and ''No Show''. They're a generous bunch, these Window Seats boys. It seems they are hard at work on an ambitious music video for forthcoming tune ''Local Superhero''.}}</ref> In a live review [[BBC]] producer Steven Rainey described the song as "head and shoulders above the rest of the set, possessing an effervescent guitar and bass melody that really causes the audience to pay attention, perhaps pointing the way forward for this band of indie-rock adventurers."<ref>{{cite web| last=Rainey| first=Steven| title=Single Launch... Seven Summits, Window Seats, Morning Claws| publisher=[[BBC Online]]| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/atl/review_specific400285.shtml| accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref> The band released a video for "Rat"<ref name=uh-Apr2011 /> and had already begun work on the next music video, an ambitious project to accompany the next single.<ref name=in-jul2011 /> In August the group performed a live session on [[BBC Radio]], which they filmed and made available online.<ref>{{cite episode| title=Across the Line| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013024v| accessdate=2011-10-17| airdate=8 August 2011| minutes=30| network=[[BBC]]| credits=Presenter:[[Rigsy]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – Juliette's Letter (Acoustic BBC ATL session) video| publisher=[[NME]]| url=http://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/UXL20__ynKk| accessdate=2011-10-15}}</ref>
[[File:Window Seats - Local Superhero (single artwork).jpg|thumb|left|2011 single "Local Superhero"|alt=CD artwork for 2011 single "Local Superhero"]]
[[File:Window Seats - Local Superhero (single artwork).jpg|thumb|left|2011 single "Local Superhero"|alt=CD artwork for 2011 single "Local Superhero"]]

⚫
In October 2011, after ten months of preparation, Window Seats released their next video and single, "Local Superhero".<ref name=bbc-oct2011>{{cite episode| title=BBC Introducing| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015mscw| accessdate=2011-10-10| credits=Presenters: [[Rory McConnell]] and Phil Taggart| network=[[BBC]]| airdate=10 October 2011| minutes=36| quote="<nowiki>[RMcC]</nowiki> It is the most awesome video ever ... <nowiki>[PT]</nowiki> This week I went to see Window Seats in the Menagerie in Belfast ... They've spent ten months getting a video together.}}</ref> The production was a collaboration between the band and more than 30 other contributors,<ref name=ct-oct2011>{{cite news| title=Window Seats – Local Superhero video| last=McCallion| first=Claire| newspaper=[[Community Telegraph]]| date=13 October 2011| page=13| quote=Combining the efforts of 36 Northern Ireland-based contributors over the course of 10 months, it is the band's largest production to date, and one of the most ambitious videos undertaken by a DIY band in Ireland.}}</ref> notably director Marty Stalker and prop builder Ciaran Larkin, and featured actor Denis Halligan, who had appeared in ''[[Game of Thrones (TV series)|Game of Thrones]]'' and the film ''[[Killing Bono]]''.<ref name=bl-aug2011>{{cite magazine| title=Irish band plan major video launch| last=Whinnery| first=Damien| journal=The Big List| publisher=Flagship Media| issue=215| date=26 August 2011| url=http://www.thebiglist.co.uk/news.asp?newsid=53077| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Denis Halligan| work=[[IMDB]]| url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4102014/| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref> The video was filmed in a set entirely built by the band and their team of volunteers, in the style of a comic book store with props and references from [[sci-fi]] and [[fantasy]] films and [[comic book]] series including [[Iron Man]], ''[[Star Wars]]'', [[Spider-Man]] and [[X-Men]].<ref name=bl-nov2011>{{cite magazine| title=Window Seats Q and A...| last=McFee| first=Edwin| journal=The Big List| publisher=Flagship Media| issue=217| date=9 November 2011| pages=24–25}}</ref> Many of the props and costumes (including [[Iron Man's armor#Arc reactor|arc reactor]]s, [[light sabre]]s, a [[proton pack]] and an ''[[Inception]]'' totem) were created by Ciaran Larkin.<ref>{{cite web| title=Interview with Jude from Window Seats| work=[http://www.boostthemusic.com/ boostthemusic.com]| date=19 October 2011| url=http://www.boostthemusic.com/buzz/interviews/interview-with-jude-from-window-seats/| accessdate=11 January 2012}}</ref> Filming took place during summer 2011 and included [[pyrotechnics]] on the set, with [[visual effects]] added to the footage later.<ref name=scatteredimages>{{cite web| title=The Window Seats Music Video| last=Stalker| first=Marty| publisher=Scattered Images| url=http://www.scatteredimages.co.uk/2011/08/09/the-window-seats-music-video/| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref>
⚫
==== "Local Superhero" video ====
⚫
In October 2011, after ten months of preparation, Window Seats released their next video and single, a re-recording of "Local Superhero".<ref name=bbc-oct2011>{{cite episode| title=BBC Introducing| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015mscw| accessdate=2011-10-10| credits=Presenters: [[Rory McConnell]] and Phil Taggart| network=[[BBC]]| airdate=10 October 2011| minutes=36| quote="<nowiki>[RMcC]</nowiki> It is the most awesome video ever ... <nowiki>[PT]</nowiki> This week I went to see Window Seats in the Menagerie in Belfast ... They've spent ten months getting a video together.}}</ref> The production was a collaboration between the band and more than 30 other contributors,<ref name=ct-oct2011>{{cite news| title=Window Seats – Local Superhero video| last=McCallion| first=Claire| newspaper=[[Community Telegraph]]| date=13 October 2011| page=13| quote=Combining the efforts of 36 Northern Ireland-based contributors over the course of 10 months, it is the band's largest production to date, and one of the most ambitious videos undertaken by a DIY band in Ireland.}}</ref> notably director Marty Stalker and prop builder Ciaran Larkin, and featured actor Denis Halligan, who had appeared in ''[[Game of Thrones (TV series)|Game of Thrones]]'' and the film ''[[Killing Bono]]''.<ref name=bl-aug2011>{{cite magazine| title=Irish band plan major video launch| last=Whinnery| first=Damien| journal=The Big List| publisher=Flagship Media| issue=215| date=26 August 2011| url=http://www.thebiglist.co.uk/news.asp?newsid=53077| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Denis Halligan| work=[[IMDB]]| url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4102014/| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref> The video was filmed in a set entirely built by the band and their team of volunteers, in the style of a comic book store with props and references from [[sci-fi]] and [[fantasy]] films and [[comic book]] series including [[Iron Man]], ''[[Star Wars]]'', [[Spider-Man]] and [[X-Men]].<ref name=bl-nov2011>{{cite magazine| title=Window Seats Q and A...| last=McFee| first=Edwin| journal=The Big List| publisher=Flagship Media| issue=217| date=9 November 2011| pages=24–25}}</ref> Many of the props and costumes (including [[Iron Man's armor#Arc reactor|arc reactor]]s, [[light sabre]]s, a [[proton pack]] and an ''[[Inception]]'' totem) were created by Ciaran Larkin.<ref>{{cite web| title=Interview with Jude from Window Seats| work=[http://www.boostthemusic.com/ boostthemusic.com]| date=19 October 2011| url=http://www.boostthemusic.com/buzz/interviews/interview-with-jude-from-window-seats/| accessdate=11 January 2012}}</ref> Filming took place during summer 2011 and included [[pyrotechnics]] on the set, with [[visual effects]] added to the footage later.<ref name=scatteredimages>{{cite web| title=The Window Seats Music Video| last=Stalker| first=Marty| publisher=Scattered Images| url=http://www.scatteredimages.co.uk/2011/08/09/the-window-seats-music-video/| accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref>


The music video for "Local Superhero" was nominated for Best Production Effects at the Irish Music Television Awards 2011.<ref name=imro2011>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – 'Frozen Bones'| work=[http://imro.ie imro.ie]| publisher=Irish Mechanical Rights Organisation| location=Dublin| date=28 November 2011| url=http://www.imro.ie/imro_article/window-seats-frozen-bones| accessdate=2011-11-28}}</ref> [[BBC Radio 1]] presenter [[Rory McConnell]] described the video as "the most awesome video ever".<ref name=bbc-oct2011 /> Like the band's previous singles, "Local Superhero" was released as a free download via their website.<ref name=ct-oct2011 />
The music video for "Local Superhero" was nominated for Best Production Effects at the Irish Music Television Awards 2011.<ref name=imro2011>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – 'Frozen Bones'| work=[http://imro.ie imro.ie]| publisher=Irish Mechanical Rights Organisation| location=Dublin| date=28 November 2011| url=http://www.imro.ie/imro_article/window-seats-frozen-bones| accessdate=2011-11-28}}</ref> [[BBC Radio 1]] presenter [[Rory McConnell]] described the video as "the most awesome video ever".<ref name=bbc-oct2011 /> Like the band's previous singles, "Local Superhero" was released as a free download via their website.<ref name=ct-oct2011 />

⚫
===''Frozen Bones'' EP===
In December 2011 the group released their debut [[Extended play|EP]] ''Frozen Bones'', which featured "Local Superhero" and another previous single, "Rat".<ref>{{cite news| last=McKeown| first=Brendan| title=Windows to our world...| newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]]| publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]| date=30 December 2011| at=Box Office, p. 3}}</ref> The release was mixed and mastered by Neal Calderwood, who has recorded albums for [[General Fiasco]] and [[Fighting with Wire]].<ref name=bl-aug2011 /><ref name=imro2011 />


[[File:Window Seats - Frozen Bones (EP artwork).jpg|thumb|Debut EP ''Frozen Bones''|alt=CD artwork for debut EP "Frozen Bones"]]
[[File:Window Seats - Frozen Bones (EP artwork).jpg|thumb|Debut EP ''Frozen Bones''|alt=CD artwork for debut EP "Frozen Bones"]]
Tracks from the EP have received comparisons with [[Joyrider (band)|Joyrider]] and west coast American rock bands [[Tad (band)|Tad]] and [[Far (band)|Far]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – EP Review – Frozen Bones| work=[http://www.boostthemusic.com/ boostthemusic.com]| date=7 January 2012| url=http://www.boostthemusic.com/buzz/reviews/window-seats-ep-review-frozen-bones/| accessdate=11 January 2012}}</ref>
In December 2011 the group released their debut [[Extended play|EP]] ''Frozen Bones'', which featured both "Local Superhero" and "Rat".<ref>{{cite news| last=McKeown| first=Brendan| title=Windows to our world...| newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]]| publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]| date=30 December 2011| at=Box Office, p. 3}}</ref> The release was mixed and mastered by Neal Calderwood, who has recorded albums for [[General Fiasco]] and [[Fighting with Wire]].<ref name=bl-aug2011 /><ref name=imro2011 /> Tracks from the EP have received comparisons with [[Joyrider (band)|Joyrider]] and west coast American rock bands [[Tad (band)|Tad]] and [[Far (band)|Far]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Window Seats – EP Review – Frozen Bones| work=[http://www.boostthemusic.com/ boostthemusic.com]| date=7 January 2012| url=http://www.boostthemusic.com/buzz/reviews/window-seats-ep-review-frozen-bones/| accessdate=11 January 2012}}</ref>

=== 2012 onwards ===
In January 2012, the "Local Superhero" video was picked up for broadcast on international [[music television]] channels [[MTV Rocks]] and [[Kerrang! TV]]. It was also named [[BBC Big Screen]]s 'National Film of the Week' and playlisted on all 22 BBC Big Screens in cities across the UK.<ref name=2xm-nessymon>{{Cite episode |title=Culture Café: Interview with Jude McCaffrey |episodelink= |url=http://nessymon.com/2012/02/01/culture-cafe-on-rte-2xm-playlist-and-podcast-show-28-feb-1-2012/ |accessdate=7 February 2012 |series=Culture Café |credits=Presenter: Vanessa Monaghan |network=[[RTÉ]] |station=[[RTÉ 2XM|2XM]] |city=Dublin |airdate=1 February 2012 |number=28 |time=13:23 |quote=}}</ref> In an interview on [[RTÉ 2XM]] on 1 February 2012, Jude McCaffrey stated that a concept and crew had been confirmed for the band's followup video release.<ref name=2xm-nessymon />


== Discography ==
== Discography ==

Revision as of 18:28, 7 February 2012

Window Seats
OriginBelfast, Northern Ireland
GenresAlternative rock
Years active2007 (2007)–present
MembersJude McCaffrey
Didsy Bradley
Tony Furnell
Websitewindowseatsofficial.com

Window Seats are a three-piece grunge and alternative rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland.[1] They have self-produced five music videos and four single releases under their own record label, Get Out Records.[2] The band was formed in 2007 and currently consists of members Jude McCaffrey (lead vocal, guitar), Ryan 'Didsy' Bradley (bass guitar, backing vocal) and Tony Furnell (drums, backing vocal).[3]

History

CD artwork for 2010 single "No Show"
2010 single "No Show"

Early singles and videos

Window Seats released a 3-track demo in 2008 named "Local Superhero".[4] It received some radio support, including a broadcast of the title track on BBC Radio 1 in 2009.[5]

In 2010, CD singles "No Show" and "Miss Midnight / Awake" were given much critical acclaim by the Irish press.[6] As music journalist Jackie Hayden described in Hot Press, "No Show bursts from the traps and runs riot all over your hi-fi before going into stop-start mode driven by demented, rasping drums."[1] AU Magazine described the first track of double A-side "Miss Midnight / Awake" as "featuring some lovely, atmospheric production, a strident vocal performance from Jude McCaffrey."[7] Coinciding with these single releases, the band produced two music videos for "No Show" (both directed by Bryan Stewart[8][9]) and one for "Miss Midnight" (directed by Jonathan Beer[10]).

Frozen Bones EP

In May 2011 Window Seats made their back catalogue available to download for free, alongside a new song, "Rat".[11] In a live review BBC producer Steven Rainey described the song as "head and shoulders above the rest of the set, possessing an effervescent guitar and bass melody that really causes the audience to pay attention, perhaps pointing the way forward for this band of indie-rock adventurers."[12] The band released a video for "Rat"[3] and had already begun work on the next music video, an ambitious project to accompany the next single.[11] In August the group performed a live session on BBC Radio, which they filmed and made available online.[13][14]

CD artwork for 2011 single "Local Superhero"
2011 single "Local Superhero"

"Local Superhero" video

In October 2011, after ten months of preparation, Window Seats released their next video and single, a re-recording of "Local Superhero".[15] The production was a collaboration between the band and more than 30 other contributors,[16] notably director Marty Stalker and prop builder Ciaran Larkin, and featured actor Denis Halligan, who had appeared in Game of Thrones and the film Killing Bono.[17][18] The video was filmed in a set entirely built by the band and their team of volunteers, in the style of a comic book store with props and references from sci-fi and fantasy films and comic book series including Iron Man, Star Wars, Spider-Man and X-Men.[19] Many of the props and costumes (including arc reactors, light sabres, a proton pack and an Inception totem) were created by Ciaran Larkin.[20] Filming took place during summer 2011 and included pyrotechnics on the set, with visual effects added to the footage later.[21]

The music video for "Local Superhero" was nominated for Best Production Effects at the Irish Music Television Awards 2011.[22] BBC Radio 1 presenter Rory McConnell described the video as "the most awesome video ever".[15] Like the band's previous singles, "Local Superhero" was released as a free download via their website.[16]

CD artwork for debut EP "Frozen Bones"
Debut EP Frozen Bones

In December 2011 the group released their debut EP Frozen Bones, which featured both "Local Superhero" and "Rat".[23] The release was mixed and mastered by Neal Calderwood, who has recorded albums for General Fiasco and Fighting with Wire.[17][22] Tracks from the EP have received comparisons with Joyrider and west coast American rock bands Tad and Far.[24]

2012 onwards

In January 2012, the "Local Superhero" video was picked up for broadcast on international music television channels MTV Rocks and Kerrang! TV. It was also named BBC Big Screens 'National Film of the Week' and playlisted on all 22 BBC Big Screens in cities across the UK.[25] In an interview on RTÉ 2XM on 1 February 2012, Jude McCaffrey stated that a concept and crew had been confirmed for the band's followup video release.[25]

Discography

Extended plays

Year EP details Peak chart positions
UK
2011 Frozen Bones
  • Released: December 2011[19]
  • Label: Get Out Records (GETOUT004)
  • Format: CD, Download
 —

Singles

Year Title[26] Chart Positions Album
UK IRL UK Rock UK Indie
2008 "Local Superhero (demo)" - - - - -
2010 "No Show" - - - - -
"Miss Midnight / Awake" - - - - -
2011 "Rat"[A] - - - - Frozen Bones EP
"Local Superhero"[B] - - - -
Notes
  • A ^ Issued as a free download single from the band's official website.[11]
  • B ^ Issued as a free download single from the band's official website.[27]

Music videos

Year Title Director
2010 "No Show" Bryan Stewart[8]
"No Show" Bryan Stewart[9]
"Miss Midnight" Jonathan Beer[10]
2011 "Rat" Sean Duncan[28]
"Local Superhero" Marty Stalker[21]

Awards

IMTV Awards 2011

"Local Superhero" was nominated for Best Production Effects at the 2011 Irish Music Television Awards.[29] The video was directed by Marty Stalker.[21]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2011 "Local Superhero" video 2011 Irish Music Television Awards Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b Hayden, Jackie (25 August 2010). "First Cuts". Hot Press. Vol. 34, no. 16. p. 28. Window Seats, from Belfast, pack a wallop from the off. 'No Show' bursts from the traps and runs riot all over your hi-fi before going into stop-start mode driven by demented, rasping drums.
  2. ^ "Get Out Records". MusicBrainz. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  3. ^ a b McCusker, John (14 April 2011). "The Scene". Ulster Herald. p. 9. Window Seats are a three-piece alternative rock band featuring Jude McCaffrey (lead vocals/guitar), Tony Furnell (drums/vocals) and Omagh musician Ryan 'Didsy' Bradley (bass/vocals). The band formed in Belfast in 2007 ... The video for their new single 'Rat' will be released online on Monday, April 25.
  4. ^ "Release group 'Local Superhero (demo)' by Window Seats". Musicbrainz. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  5. ^ Presenter: Rory McConnell (9 April 2009). "Rory McConnell". BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland. BBC. Radio 1. Retrieved 7 February 2012. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ McCallion, Claire (5 May 2011). "Entertainment". Community Telegraph. p. 14. In 2010, previous releases 'No Show' and 'Miss Midnight / Awake' received much critical acclaim from the Irish Press.
  7. ^ Jones, Chris (June 2010). "Window Seats: 'Miss Midnight'/'Awake'". AU Magazine. No. 66. p. 65. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  8. ^ a b "Window Seats – No Show". NME. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  9. ^ a b "Window Seats – No Show – Official Video". NME. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  10. ^ a b "Window Seats – Miss Midnight – Official Video". NME. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  11. ^ a b c Roy, David (29 July 2011). "Noise Annoys: From a window". Irish News. Scene, p. 10. Rat is currently available for listening and free downloading purposes at windowseats.bandcamp.com, along with their previous two singles Miss Midnight/Awake and No Show. They're a generous bunch, these Window Seats boys. It seems they are hard at work on an ambitious music video for forthcoming tune Local Superhero.
  12. ^ Rainey, Steven. "Single Launch... Seven Summits, Window Seats, Morning Claws". BBC Online. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  13. ^ Presenter:Rigsy (8 August 2011). "Across the Line". 30 minutes in. BBC. Retrieved 2011-10-17. {{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)
  14. ^ "Window Seats – Juliette's Letter (Acoustic BBC ATL session) video". NME. Retrieved 2011-10-15.
  15. ^ a b Presenters: Rory McConnell and Phil Taggart (10 October 2011). "BBC Introducing". 36 minutes in. BBC. Retrieved 2011-10-10. "[RMcC] It is the most awesome video ever ... [PT] This week I went to see Window Seats in the Menagerie in Belfast ... They've spent ten months getting a video together. {{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help)
  16. ^ a b McCallion, Claire (13 October 2011). "Window Seats – Local Superhero video". Community Telegraph. p. 13. Combining the efforts of 36 Northern Ireland-based contributors over the course of 10 months, it is the band's largest production to date, and one of the most ambitious videos undertaken by a DIY band in Ireland.
  17. ^ a b Whinnery, Damien (26 August 2011). "Irish band plan major video launch". The Big List. No. 215. Flagship Media. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  18. ^ "Denis Halligan". IMDB. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  19. ^ a b McFee, Edwin (9 November 2011). "Window Seats Q and A...". The Big List. No. 217. Flagship Media. pp. 24–25.
  20. ^ "Interview with Jude from Window Seats". boostthemusic.com. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  21. ^ a b c Stalker, Marty. "The Window Seats Music Video". Scattered Images. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  22. ^ a b "Window Seats – 'Frozen Bones'". imro.ie. Dublin: Irish Mechanical Rights Organisation. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-28. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  23. ^ McKeown, Brendan (30 December 2011). "Windows to our world...". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Box Office, p. 3.
  24. ^ "Window Seats – EP Review – Frozen Bones". boostthemusic.com. 7 January 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  25. ^ a b Presenter: Vanessa Monaghan (1 February 2012). "Culture Café: Interview with Jude McCaffrey". Culture Café. Episode 28. Event occurs at 13:23. RTÉ. 2XM. Retrieved 7 February 2012. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |episodelink= (help); Unknown parameter |city= ignored (|location= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ "Window Seats". MusicBrainz. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  27. ^ "Watch: Window Seats – Local Superhero". AU Magazine. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-15.
  28. ^ Duncan, Sean. "Window Seats "RAT" Music Video". Redcap Productions. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  29. ^ "IMTV Video Music Awards 2011: Nominees Announced!!!!!!". irishmusictelevision.com. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
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