Drogheda band, The Keds, have recently signed a deal with leading US licensing company, In The Groove Music, which is resulting in numerous TV and advertising placements for the band’s music internationally.
Tracks from the band’s 2007 album, “Cloaks and Daggers”, have so far been selected for placements by MTV, NBC, RTE 2 and used in a major online ad campaign for Gatorade.
MTV shows “The Ruins” and “Fresh Meat II” have both featured songs by the band. Songs “19 to 25”, “Break Through” and “New Day” have all been included in the shows.
The Ked’s song, “Blue Eyes”, featured in a Season 1 episode of NBC’s drama, “Royal Pains”, which has almost 6 million viewers. Here in Ireland, “Blue Eyes” has also featured in the RTE promo for new series “Baz’s Extreme Worlds”.
The track, “So Long” is currently featuring in a major new Gatorade online ad campaign promoting the sports drink’s new G-Series range of products for athletes. The advertisements feature appearances from top international athletes such as tennis champion, Serena Williams, and soccer star, Landon Donovan.
The band are currently working on their next album which they hope to release later this year.
Talented, ambitious candidates required to front the forthcoming online music shows
For anyone who knows they have it in them to be the next presenting superstar and loves music as much as being in front of a camera – award winning music video website MUZU.TV, is providing an outlet for your talent. MUZU.TV, which boasts the largest legal library of music videos on the Internet, is looking for the brightest and boldest personalities to front their upcoming series of online music shows conducted via The Faces of MUZU.tv presenters search.
The 5 flagship programs, to be recorded and developed in the studio at MUZU.TV’s Dublin based office, will include music news platforms, review sections, performance and interview pieces from international acts as well as home grown talent – all streamed across the globe via www.muzu.tv. Applications for the MUZU.tv Presenters Search must be made via video upload to the site and be a minimum of 60 seconds in length. Successful applicants will be asked to screen test in the MUZU studios.
The Faces of MUZU.tv – Presenters Search
How to apply:
1. Record a Video of 60sec length or more showcasing yourself, interests, skills
2. Visit MUZU.TV to register or via Facebook connect
3. Upload your video on The Faces of MUZU.tv page
4. Successful applicants will be asked to screen test in the MUZU.tv Studios in Dublin
5. Videos will be viewable to other visitors and applicants to the site, so applicants should please ensure you’re happy with the content!
6. Competition Terms and Conditions
Ciaran Bollard, CEO of MUZU.tv said “The Faces of MUZU.tv presenters search will provide a unique opportunity for anyone who loves music but is also seeking to gain the elusive foothold in television and Web presenting. We’re excited about the upcoming music shows and look forward to uncovering the top caliber presenters we know are out there.”
FFWD is a new programme designed to help accelerate the development of Northern Ireland’s rapidly evolving music industry.
Central to the FFWD programme will be a series of free admission seminars and masterclasses on hot music industry topics.
The first of these – ‘Sync or Sink’ – takes place on Wednesday 16th June from 2.00 pm until 5pm at the University of Ulster, York Street campus. Music Synchronisation commonly referred to as ‘Sync’ is the commercial placement of music in films, TV, computer games and advertisements etc.
Speakers at this event will include:
Kyle Lynd – music supervisor on the hugely popular TV show – ‘Skins’ Daniel Cross – music consultant for Adidas, Reebok, Heineken, Sony, Microsoft and Rimmel Marsha Shandur – music supervisor on Channel 4’s highly successful “The Inbetweeners.”
Another key element of the programme is the FFWD Mentoring Service for artists and music businesses – which offers practical advice on career and business development issues.
On Thursday 3rd June at a FFWD Mentoring Clinic from 4.30pm until 6pm at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast – meet some of the FFWD mentoring team:
Andrew Ferris & Charlene Hegarty (Smalltown America Records) Fran Cotton (legal and business affairs specialist) Rocky O’Reilly (Start Together studios/ Oppenheimer/ Malilbu Shark Attack) Mark Gordon (Score Draw Music/ Skibunny) Linley Hamilton (leading NI session musician, composer, performer)
To sign up for these events and to find out more about FFWD please visit www.ffwdni.com
The Fast Forward Programme is supported by Invest N. Ireland, the Arts Council of N. Ireland and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure.
Donal Durkan, Director of Invest NI’s Life Sciences and Creative division, says: “The music industry is by definition highly entrepreneurial and we have seen how local musicians have benefited significantly from previous support and activities which promoted music from Northern Ireland to an international audience.
“Many local bands from Snow Patrol to ASIWYFA are enjoying increasing success and are helping to shine the spotlight on this region’s creative capabilities across the global music arena. This new one year programme will continue to build on that work and will be followed by the development and implementation of a three to five year strategy for the industry. Our aim is to strengthen the local music sector so it can compete globally and realise its significant economic potential.”
Lorraine McDowell, Director of Operations, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, comments: “The Arts Council supports all aspects of the music sector and believes that access to music-making enhances the social and cultural life of people in Northern Ireland. Over the course of the next year FFWD will work towards strengthening our local music industry by providing the vital skills needed to progress and gain recognition both at home and abroad. With additional support from DCAL, CD compilation albums will be produced as part of the programme and distributed at trade shows and events to promote NI talent.”
Ross Graham, FFWD Programme manager says: “Northern Ireland continues to produce world class creative musical talent and is now developing a strong entrepreneurial base and a growing infrastructure for the sector. This programme is designed to help local artists to add business skills to their creative skills, enhance the expertise of music entrepreneurs and help promote the N.I. music sector to key music and media industry players.”
KCLR 96fm has received the inaugural Independent Radio Award in recognition of its ongoing support for Irish music creators. The award was presented to John Purcell, CEO of KCLR 96fm at the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) Annual Conference which took place in Dublin recently.
The Independent Radio Award is presented by IMRO to the radio station that featured the largest number of IMRO member works in its programming output. During 2009, KCLR 96FM was the biggest supporter of Irish music among the country's national, regional and local stations.
Pictured receiving the award at the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland Annual Conference is (centre) John Purcell, CEO of KCLR 96fm and IBI board member flanked by Willie O’Reilly, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (left) and Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO (right).
I have recorded a new album in my own house, in my own time, with my friends, and it shows.
My name is Dave couse and I am still the greatest.
If you cant believe me then who can we trust.
Niall Crumlish? (state.ie)
I’m conscious of the absurdity of comparing Dave Couse to Beethoven. I have just spent two weeks with Alonewalk and it is such a thrilling and mysterious and moving record that, for now, the comparison stands.
Nick Kelly? (irish independent)
Couse has returned, Phoenix-like, with — shout it from the rooftops — the finest album of his career. No, really.
Released on 1969 Records, Alonewalk is a total revelation — the songs are written in a more classical mode, with nuanced cello (courtesy of Rike Soller) and electric guitar (courtesy of A House alumnus Fergal Bunbury) embroidering Couse's evocative, soulful piano melodies.
Tony clayton-lea? (the irish times)
So much here is the work of a singular songwriter getting to grips (as is his wont) with nitty-gritty subjects in a reflective, almost sombre (but always compelling) manner?
Colm O’ Hare? (hotpress)
Dave Couse’s place in the pantheon of great Irish songwriters is assured. His first solo album in five years finds him in a mellow, introspective mood blending classical song structures with pop, post rock and even doo-wop.
The songs range from the poignant, elegiac beauty of ‘what will become of us’ and ‘don’t say a word’ to the melodically quirky ‘good Friday’ which features another singularly unique Irish voice in Cathal coughlan.
John Meagher? (independent)
A pair of songs, ‘Black and White’ and ‘Don’t say a word’ are as good as anything he’s written, but the Standout song is ‘Good Friday’ With just eight tracks, ‘alonewalk’ doesn’t outlast its welcome and it’s a collection to reward the patient listener.
Aidan O’Connor. (Today fm)
While all of this may sound far removed from the caustic rock delivered so confidently by A House, these songs are some of the finest from Couse's pen. The brilliant Dennis Wilson-esque 'All Tomorrows' and duet with Cathal Coughlan on 'Good Friday' would be personal selections, but this is an album awash with so many fabulous songs that every listener will have their favourites.
Cathy Davey´s new album The Nameless has gone straight in at No.1!!
In April this year, Little Red, set the tone for what was to come. The first release from Cathy Davey following her departure from EMI, the single still nestles at the top of the Irish Airplay Chart thanks to the support of the radio community and the critics who lauded it as the best thing she’s done in her career to date.
Now, The Nameless, her new album has entered the Album Chart at # 1! An achievement we believe needs to be both heralded and welcomed as it’s not often an independently-released, Irish artist sits atop this particular chart. But thanks again to an enormous swell of critical acclaim and the aforementioned radio support she has comfortably swatted the opposition – including the combined might of AC/DC and Iron Man!
#1 Irish Album Chart
#1 Independent Chart
#1 7Digital *
#1 Itunes
Reviews of The Nameless:
Irish Times ****
Irish Independent ****
Sunday Business Post *****
Sunday Tribune ‘Album Of The Week´ 4/5 Hot Press****
Maighréad hails from Kilmallock in County Limerick and has based herself in London these past 4 years.
Submerged in east London , she's become a feature on the underground music scene hosting a monthly live electronica night 'The Shebeen Sessions' at Shoreditch's 3 Blind Mice Bar for over 2 years. There Maighréad honed her latest electro material – a mix of synth, electronica and pop topped off with a killer big voice you cannot ignore. With new video to promote her track SEA she's ready to take the Summer by storm. The video was directed and edited by http://www.markvideo.tv/ who has worked with Yazoo and Kayne West amongst others.
Remixes of the track are in the pipeline with electro masterminds DISCO DAMAGE & trip hop specialist JON KENNEDY. Digital releases to follow, news of which will be posted on facebook & twitter. Watch out for appearances at warehouse parties and festivals over the sunshine months – this lady is about to sizzle.
Featuring Tracks By Oliver Cole, Dave Geraghty, Delorentos, The Corrs, Noise Control, Neosupervital, Trevelle, The Aftermath, & Juno Falls
Coordinated, engineered, mixed and compiled by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar
Available From Sound Training Records – Catalog Number PR003
Physical Release Date: 21/05/10 exclusively at Tower Records, Dublin
Digital Release Date: 28/05/2010 on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby
::: LIVE :::
May 20th – Launch Party Show – BUTTON FACTORY, Dublin – May 20th – 10 Euros (Featuring Noise Control, Juno Falls, The Aftermath, and History of Harry)
May 21st – Album Launch in TOWER RECORDS, 6-8 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 – Starts at 1pm – includes a performance by the Delorentos
CD Tracklisting:
• Neosupervital – Just Be
• The Aftermath – Need
• Juno Falls – Same old Song and Dance
• Delorentos – Hallucinations
• Oliver Cole – Spotlight
• The Corrs – Spancill Hill
• Noise Control – Addiction
• Travelle – Big Blue Sky
• Dave Geraghty – Watch her Win ( Weensteen Mix )
"Behind Closed Doors"; is a charity album in aid of the ISPCC; coordinated, engineered, mixed and compiled by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar. "Behind Closed Doors" is an acoustic compilation of mainly unpublished and exclusive works from Irish artists which are not available anywhere else. The album was recorded in Temple Lane Studios; Temple Bar.
Artists featured on the album include the Corrs, Dave Geraghty, Juno Falls, Delorentos, Oliver Cole, Noise Control, Neosupervital, Trevelle and The Aftermath. "Behind Closed Doors" continues from last years "Sparks and Mind" album; in aid of Aware; which featured artists such as Bell X1, Lisa Hannigan, Damian Dempsey, Cowboy X, Ham Sandwich and The Thrills amongst others. The album will be released on "Sound Training Records" which was set up and run by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre.
We have chosen to work with the ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) this year to assist in their efforts on behalf of under privileged children in Ireland. The ISPCC was founded in 1889 and is Ireland’s oldest and most well-known children’s charity. ISPCC has developed and delivered innovative child centred services meeting the needs of children and their families. The ISPCC has a network of local regional centres in Castlebar, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Monaghan, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. It's four key services include childline, Leanbh, Childfocus, Teenfocus and the Mentoring support Project. On Christmas day alone last year Childline received 770 calls from children in distress. The ISPCC is an independent charity and receives no funding from the Irish government. For more information see www.ispcc.ie
Behind Closed Doors will be launched digitally on the 28th of May (available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby etc). The CD launch party will take place in the Button Factory on the 20th of May at 8pm and will feature acts such as Noise Control, Juno Falls, The Aftermath and History of Harry. Admission is 10 euros on the night. Physical release will take place on the 21st and will include a live performance from the Delorentos in Tower Records at 1 pm. The album is available exclusively from Tower Records.
You can keep in touch with us on the following websites
Karen Coleman recently launched her debut album ‘No Secret’ at the renowned Sugar Club in Lesson Street, Dublin, to a packed house, who by the end of the show were left screaming for more, such was its success. Helped in no small part by the exceptional band that Karen has put together which includes many of Ireland's top musicians who were involved in the project.
Karen has been a session singer for many years, and has recorded and performed with many of Irelands most successful artists, including Mary Coughlin, Dolores Keane, Rob Strong, Andrew Strong and more recently, the touring band The Commitments.
Two years ago Karen began her own personal journey from background vocalist to singer-songwriter. Over her years of touring, Karen has made many friends in the industry who, when asked, were only too delighted to take part in the recording of the album.
Karen did the recording in two beautiful lake-side houses in the Irish countryside, where she was joined by some of Ireland’s and indeed Europe’s leading session musicians.
Since the recording of ‘No Secret’, Karen was invited to Nashville to showcase her music, where she and her music were received as “a fresh and exciting new sound, from a very promising new songwriter.”
When Karen was asked why she didn’t do all this ten years ago, she simply said “ I couldn’t have written these songs ten years ago – I had to live them first! “
‘No Secret’ has eleven tracks – each with its own character and sound. However, it is the soulful vocals of Karen Coleman, the skill of her writing, and the honesty of her lyrics that make this a collection of songs for the discerning music lover.
HOTPRESS Vol 34 Issue 09 May 19 2010
FINE DEBUT FROM RENOWNED SESSIONEER
Even music fans who are not on nodding terms with her name have probably heard Karen Coleman in any of the many bands she’s performed with, including the Commitments. On her debut solo album, No Secret, she sprinkles her confident blend of soul, jazz and pop over a suite of her own heartfelt songs, like the title track and the sparkling ‘Chardonnay’. There’s a beguiling poignancy about ‘Father’, while ‘Heaven Blessed’ is spiced with Indian tablas and other exotica. The stylish arrangements stretch beyond predictable pop-soul formulae too. Her sterling band of musicians gives full value for money, notably in the form of the evocative brass contributions to ‘Tapestry’ and the delicious piano-lead ‘Times Like These’. No Secret is long-overdue, but well worth the wait.
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