Skip to main content

Month: October 2011

IMRO Seminar and Interview with internationally acclaimed hit songwriter RuthAnne Cunningham

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

Seminar Date: Monday 21st November
Venue: IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Lower
Baggot Street, Dublin 2
Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
 
The Interview section of this event will be conducted by editor at State.ie, Phil Udell.
 
* IMPORTANT *
 
If you would like to be in with a chance to attend this event please send an email to membership@nullimro.ie by Friday 4th November. As the number of places available is strictly limited IMRO will conduct a random draw of names submitted in order to allocate places for this seminar.
 
Successful applicants will be notified in the second week of November.
 
An element of this seminar will feature a demo listening session. A number of tracks will be selected during the course of the seminar to be critiqued by RuthAnne. If you would like to have a track of yours considered please bring along a copy of the song in CD format, making sure to clearly mark your name and the name of the track on the CD cover and a please include a typed or clearly written copy of the song lyrics.
 
Biography
 
Based between London and LA, Irish-born artist RuthAnne draws on the distinctive energy of both cities to create a dynamic and soulful sound like no other. The unstoppable singer/songwriter has an impressive line-up of tunes behind her, created for pop-artists including Jojo's hit single with Billy Steinberg, "Too Little too late," which skyrocketed from number 66 to number 3 on the Billboard hot 100 chart in just one week in the US, breaking previous records – the biggest leap in Billboard chart history. The platinum smash went on to sell over a million units. And that’s just the jumping off point.
 
RuthAnne has written songs for chart-topping artists including Katharine McPhee, Leona Lewis, winner of Finnish pop idol Anna Abreu and winner of South African idol Jody Williams and Australian band Shakaya – and the list goes on. In 2007, RuthAnne had songs on three platinum albums in the US and Europe, and officially became Ireland's youngest songwriter ever to achieve these honors (she won the Best Pop song Award at the 2007 ASCAP Awards). More stellar cuts and singles written by RuthAnne, including album title track "Turn it up", album track "My Love", and hit single “Broken Arrow”, recorded by British platinum-selling popstar Pixie Lott, followed in 2010.
 
Recently, she collaborated with Grammy winning producer John Shanks to co-write with Westlife for their ‘Greatest Hits’ album, released November 2011. They have three songs on the album including an upcoming single ‘Beautiful World’. RuthAnne has yet another upcoming single, ‘Love You to Death’, for Pixie Lott, penned with US hit-maker Toby Gad.
 
While she may have been burning brightly behind the scenes, RuthAnne was never content being just a music-industry insider – and now her journey is taking a major turn, into the spotlight. RuthAnne’s time to shine as a solo artist is now. After honing her skills over the past four years writing for, and collaborating with, many of the UK’s hottest stars and producers, (Leona Lewis, Sugarbabes, Labrynth, Ben Hudson, Ed Drewett, Devlin, X-Factor winning artist Alexander Burke, Cher Lloyd, JLS, Loick Essien, Tinchy Stryder, Professor Green, Westlife, among them), and having worked extensively with many internationally renowned producers (John Shanks, Julian Bunetta, Jeff Bashker, Red One, Toby Gad, JR Rotem to name a few), RuthAnne is putting all of that experience and creativity into her own album of infectiously catchy soulful-pop, currently being recorded in Los Angeles.
Her first artist feature is with Brit rap star Professor Green, on the hook she penned for one of his upcoming singles, ‘Remedy’, followed by a collaboration with Brit grime rapper Tinchy Stryder. RuthAnne’s unprecedented foundations in the industry along with her songwriting pedigree and irrepressible ambition, talent and unique vision have marked her a rising star to watch – and a force to be reckoned with! Keep your ears to the ground.
 
Latest News
ADD TO MQ

Steafán Hanvey and The Honeymoon Junkies

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Steafán Hanvey and the Honeymoon Junkies’ beautifully crafted debut realises its official U.S. release this week on Chicago label, ‘Southern Love Records’.
 
In conjunction with the U.S. release, Fuse On Demand, a free Video on Demand service, that is part of Fuse Music Network and Madison Square Garden Media will begin airing “Desperation”, from the debut on October 24.
 
“Steafán Hanvey’s debut is a rare delight; of an “Impressive quality”. “His song craft is shot through a wide-eyed optimism”. Of ‘Hundred Days of Snow', a track from the album; “an uplifting swirl of dissonance and sunshine”. – HOTPRESS Music Magazine
 
Since the Irish release of his debut, Steafán has been busy focusing more intently on audience building in the USA, in particular NY, VT, MA and IL. He toured those regions four times in the last 2 years, taking in venues like Rockwood Music Hall, Pete’s Candy Store & Arlene’s Grocery in NY, the Lizard Lounge & Showcase live in MA, where he opened for Irish rock legends The Hothouse Flowers in 2010, and more recently, headlining Chicago’s Uncommon Ground and Elbo Room.
 
In between sojourns from Ireland to the U.S. Steafán has spent the last 3 years recording his sophomore album titled Nuclear Family. Recorded in Paris, Helsinki, and Dublin, the album is mixed by Tore Johansson [Martha Wainwright/Franz Ferdinand/Cardigans], mastered by Mandy Parnell [Sigor Ros/Nick Cave/Feist] and features guest appearances by Liam Ó Maonolaí [Hothouse Flowers], Bertrand Belin and the Papenfus brothers, Carl & Ken of Relish. It also features three co-writes with the Relish lads. Nuclear Family is due to be released in early 2012.
 
The music clip for what will be the album’s lead single, ‘Secrets and Lies’, (directed by Austria’s Karin Hammer) was recently selected from 1700 videos for the kinolounge special program of the 22nd Sao Paulo International Short Film Festival which took place August 25th to September 2nd, 2011).
 
Steafán’s debut can be downloaded for FREE when you pre-order his new album, ‘Nuclear Family’ from his website: www.steafanhanvey.com
 

Spotlight

CMC to Celebrate Irish Composer Frederick May

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The Contemporary Music Centre in partnership with RTÉ Performing Groups and the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama presents Sunlight and Shadow – A celebration of the music of Frederick May, 2.30pm – 5.30pm, Saturday 12 November 2011, Mc Cann Hall, DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, Chatham Row.

With contributions from leading Irish voices on Frederick May, his work, life and influence on the development of Irish music, the afternoon marks the centenary year of the composer’s birth and features an opening address from multi award winning author Colm Tóibín, workshop performances from the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, with guest soloists Peter Kerr, tenor, Fergal Caulfield, piano and Colette McGahon, alto, alongside an overview of his work from Dr Mark Fitzgerald, lecturer at DIT.
 
Often described as one of the most innovative and pioneering composers of his generation, composer Frederick May is regarded by many as one of the founding fathers of Irish music in the twentieth century. This celebration features workshop performances of several of May’s works including extracts from his String Quartet (1935) and Four Romantic Songs (1933).
 
Admission is free but booking is highly recommended. To book contact the Contemporary Music Centre at details given below.
 
“The Contemporary Music Centre was keen to celebrate the work and life of Irish composer Frederick May in his centenary year. The Centre is delighted that RTÉ Performing Groups and DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama equally wished to celebrate this and that all three organisations have partnered successfully to bring this day to fruition” says Karen Hennessy, Promotion Manager, The Contemporary Music Centre.
  
For further information and bookings contact The Contemporary Music Centre at tel: 01 673 1922 or email: khennessy@nullcmc.ie

www.cmc.ie
 
Programme:

2.30pm Welcome
Evonne Ferguson, Director, CMC | Dr. Cliona Doris, Head of Orchestral Studies, DIT.
 
2.45pm Opening Address
Colm Tóibín, author
 
3.00pm Introduction and overview of the music of Frederick May
Mark Fitzgerald, DIT
 
3.30pm RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet perform an extract from May’s String Quartet (1935)
 
3.45pm Coffee Break
 
4.00pm Panel discussion – Jonathan Grimes, Chair
Kevin O’Connell, composer; John Kinsella, composer; Mark Fitzgerald, musicologist; Dr. Maria McHale, DIT
 
4:30pm Colette McGahon, alto, performs selection of May’s songs.
 
4:45pm RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet perform an extract of May’s Four Romantic Songs (1933) with soloists Peter Kerr, tenor and Fergal Caulfield, piano.
 
5:00pm Closing remarks from Evonne Ferguson, Director, CMC.
 
 
Latest News

Music Industry Day | Sligo

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

Sligo Music has put together a great line-up for their first Music Industry Day, with contributions from First Music Contact, IMRO, Fund it, Music Generation Sligo, MUZU TV, Jim Carroll (Irish Times), Niall Byrne (Nialler9), Una Mullally Ger McDonnell, Karl Geraghty (Workmans Club), Gugai (Roisin Dubh), Jim Lawless (Manger of The Corona’s), Irish labels Delphi and Bluestack and more besides.
 
Presented by Sligo Music, in association with Sligo Live and The Model, the Industry Day is aimed at musicians, songwriters, promoters and managers in Sligo and the North-West seeking no-nonsense advice from more established industry players nationally. Focused on helping you to get your music out into the world, be it on stage or on record, the day aims to take you through the 101 of all aspects of the business, and topics covered will include
 
◦ home recording tips,
◦ digital distribution,
◦ how to get a gig,
◦ how to promote yourself,
◦ and how to get your recorded music out on record or digital release.
 
For more information on the complete programme visit http://sligomusic.ie/industry-day/timetable/ or on the speakers visit http://sligomusic.ie/industry-day/speakers and follow the Sligo Music twitter and facebook accounts for updates.
 
Registration for the Industry Day is now open via The Model’s online booking system. This is a subsidised event so tickets are just €15, which includes lunch. Tickets may also be bought in person from The Model, or over the phone on 071-914 1405. A limited number of tickets will be available on the day, but if you have not pre-booked you are advised to arrive at 9.30am. See www.sligomusic.ie for more details
Latest News
ADD TO MQ

International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Deadline Approaching

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The deadline for entries for the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is 1st November 2011. This is the last chance to enter your songs for a chance to win one of the prestigious ISC prizes. 

ISC gives away more than $150,000 in cash and prizes (shared among the 68 winners) including an overall Grand Prize consisting of $25,000 (US) cash and $25,000 in prizes. Now is your chance to enter what the NY Times calls “the songwriting competition to take note of."

Renowned for having the most prestigious judges of any music competition in the world, ISC offers a judging panel comprised of high-profile recording artists and influential music industry professionals. Included are Tom Waits, My Morning Jacket, Kelly Clarkson, Jeff Beck, Ozzy Osbourne, Lucinda Williams, McCoy Tyner, Monte Lipman (President of Universal Republic Records), David Massey (President of Mercury Records), and many more. 

For entry information and a complete list of judges, visit:
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com
 

Latest News

Spread Your Wings

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Online Songwriting Competition in Aid of Parkinsons Association of Ireland.  

Music4you.ie are running an online songwriting competition to raise much-needed funds to support the work of the Parkinson's Association.

The Parkinson's Association is a charity supporting people with Parkinson's, their carers, and families. This exciting project will raise much needed awareness of the condition. It will put Parkinson's out onto the airwaves where more people will talk about the condition, to reach new patients who need support.
"All funds raised through this competition will go directly towards running Information afternoons for patients. We need to educate the patients so they will empower themselves to manage their approach to living with this condition.”

The Parkinson’s Association is a registered charity that receives no government funding. Organised by Music4you.ie with the aid of ILoveLimerick.com, the songwriting competition is sponsored by the Limerick Leader, Limerick’s Live 95FM, Music Therapy Ireland, Red Door Productions, Maurice Gunning Photography, music and www.Buildermonkey.com. This online event will engage songwriters from all parts of Ireland.

The prize is valued at €10,000, giving the winner an opportunity to hone their musical skills and image through various mediums including a state of the art web site, a full photo promo shoot with renowned Limerick photographer Maurice Gunning, a style makeover, a video shoot with ILoveLimerick.com and the winning song will be recorded and produced by Dave Keary of Red Door Productions in Limerick City. The winner will also receive a PA system sponsored by XMusic. The talented panels of judges include singer songwriter John Spillane, acclaimed writer and former Eurovision Song winner, Shay Healy and singer and journalist Leanne Moore.

The competition will take place completely online with contestants uploading their recorded song via music4you.ie’s Facebook page where the public will be given the opportunity to vote on their favorites. It will then be the task of the judging panel to choose the winner form the Top 10 songs.  Opening date for entry is Oct 10th 2011. The winner will be announced on March 1st 2012.

Please go to www.facebook.com/music4you.ie and see ‘Song Competition’ for more details.
 

Latest News

Caruso Release New Single – “Freak”

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

It’s been a long wait for new music from the charismatic Caruso, a band hard to pigeon hole – a phenomenal live band that drift effortlessly between folk and rock, punk and traditional. There’s even a hint of blues and country in there for good measure, and songwriter and driving force Shane Ó Fearghail is fine with that.  

The first new music from Caruso since acclaimed 2008 debut album “The Watcher & the Comet”, “FREAK” is an up tempo affair with a refrain that sticks in your head from the first time you hear it. “FREAK” is what it claims to be – a song about being different.  All clichés firmly in place “FREAK” is definitely where Caruso are and Shane wants the band to be.

Caruso are old school, a gigging travelling band, members and performances change and songwriting is a daily thing – as a live band – acoustic or full on they are fantastic with an ever growing European fan base and a German publishing deal in place, “Freak” will be released in Germany in November. 
 
With the album almost completed and set for general release in Spring 2012 we can only look forward to the next installment of Caruso!
 
"Freak" is available in physical and download release at www.caruso.ie.
 
 
Spotlight

Delorentos-New EP/Tour

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Delorentos are delighted to announce the release of a new EP, the 4-track “Little Sparks EP” (DeloRecords), on Friday 18 November 2011.

“Little Sparks EP” is the first fruits of the band’s recent recording session with Mercury Music Prize-winning producer Rob Kirwan (Bell X1, PJ Harvey, Editors, U2).
 
The EP will be packaged with a full colour 40 page magazine edited by the band themselves and featuring the wisdom and art of a broad array of Irish artists, musicians, film makers and photographers.
Tracklist: Did We Ever Really Try? / Hunting / 1521 / Door Left Open
 
Delorentos are also excited to announce initial dates of their first ever acoustic tour (the cost of the ticket will include a copy of the EP and magazine).
 
Tour dates:
Wed 23 Nov – John Daly’s, Mullingar
Thurs 24 Nov – Triskell Arts Centre, Cork
Fri 25 Nov – Unitarian Church, Dublin
(ticket details to be announced soon)
 
The band will release a new album in January 2012.
 
Spotlight

Paul McDonnell Wins Christie Hennessy Song Competition

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Paul McDonnell was announced as the winner of the Christie Hennessy Song Competition at the live final held in The Brandon Hotel, Tralee on Saturday night, for his song, “Superman”.

Ten finalists selected from almost 200 entries across Ireland performed their original songs in front of the live audience and panel of judges – Brian Hurley (Radio Kerry), Aidan O´Carroll (Kerry School of Music), Kieran Ruttledge (Holiday Tralee) and Keith Johnson (IMRO).
Paul McDonnell (aka Pal Steelo) is a solo performer who, before pursuing his own songwriting career, was lead singer/guitarist with world renowned trad group De Danann. In 2002 he teamed up with Dave Molloy and they collectively recorded over 60 tracks in various studios worldwide, including Cellar Studios, Fork Hill Co. Down where Dave now has a world class recording facility. Paul has recently enjoyed success in writing songs for TV and Film in US and Canada and has had tracks recorded by artists such as Ruby Amanfu, Tommy Fleming, De Danann and Paul Byrom.
The idea for “Superman” came to Paul one day while out cycling. “I thought of people like Lance Armstrong and soldiers who might have looked to Superman as their hero and how they give everything to get close to his hero status. There has to be the idea too that it´s ok just to like yourself as you are and that’s the basic idea of the song.” 
Speaking on his win, Paul said “It´s so nice to be able to say I won the first Christie Hennessy Song Competition because of the association with a brilliant songwriter and a wonderful human being. The standard of writing was really excellent.”
Kieran Ruttledge presented Paul with a cheque for €1,000 on behalf of Holiday Tralee. The prize also included a recording session at the renowned Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin with writer/producer Rob Burke, courtesy of Tony Perrey and the Windmill Lane team.
The live final of the Christie Hennessy Song Competition took place as part of A Celebration of Christie Hennessy, a series of musical events hosted by IMRO which took place in Tralee from 12th – 15th October as a tribute to one of Tralee´s most famous sons.
The ten finalists were:
Fiona O´Neill – Song: “In the Country”
Evangeline O´Neill – Song: “Forever Never Ends”
Ross Breen – Song: “Free Spirit”
Kieron Cox – Song: “Mad Feeling”
Paul McDonnell – Song: “Superman”
Dave Molloy – Song: “I Would Never Leave your Side”
Paul Mulligan – Song: “The One That Got Away”
David Murphy – Song: “Watching Over”
Ian O´Doherty – Song: “Profit”
Donnacha Toomey – Song: “Head in the Clouds”
Paul´s winning song, “Superman”, can be heard at his MySpace page here: http://www.myspace.com/palsteelo
Latest News
ADD TO MQ

 

THE BEST OF IMRO SHOWCASE TOUR 2011

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

THE BEST OF IMRO SHOWCASE TOUR 2011

The Workman’s Club, Dublin

 

Saturday October 22nd, 2011 from 7pm

Hosted by RTE 2FM’s Jenny Huston

 

Twelve acts over two stages, all under one roof!

ENTRY IS FREE!!

Featuring performances from Rams Pocket Radio, The Young Folk, Henrietta Game, The Fallen Drakes, Daithí, Ghost Estates and more.

 

The 20th IMRO Showcase Tour will come to a very loud close on Saturday October 22nd at The Workman’s Club in Dublin. Following twelve hugely successful showcase events across Ireland, twelve acts will now take to the stage in Dublin to celebrate the Best of the IMRO Showcase Tour, a free event hosted by RTE 2FM’s Jenny Huston.

The Best of the IMRO Showcase Tour will be an entire evening of free live music from 7pm ‘til 3am, featuring the very best emerging Irish artists.

From 600 applications, over fifty artists were chosen to take part in the 2011 IMRO Showcase Tour, performing at twelve venues across the country including Derry, Belfast, Limerick, Dublin, Cork, Mayo, Athlone, Galway and Kildare. The Best of the IMRO Showcase Tour will take over The Workman’s Club on Dublin’s Wellington Quay on Saturday October 22nd, with twelve acts showcasing their music to industry folk and fans alike. Currently included on the line-up are Daithí, Danielle Harrison, Ghost Estates, Henrietta Game, I’M YOUR VINYL, Marc O’Reilly, Pearse McGloughlin, Rainy Boy Sleep, Rams Pocket Radio, The Empire Lights, The Fallen Drakes and The Young Folk

The 2011 Best of IMRO Showcase Tour is open to all music fans and entry is free.  Doors open at 7pm and  the shows will take place in The Venue and Venue Bar of The Workman’s Club These shows will be Over 18’s and ID may be required

 

The IMRO Showcase Tour is proudly sponsored by

2FM, The Irish Daily Starand State.ie.

Music equipment on the night to be kindly supplied by Music Maker.

Latest News
ADD TO MQ

About IMRO

Music Creators

Music Users

Supporting Music

Keep up to date with IMRO news and events

Modus | Ireland best web agency Dublin, Ireland.

Please select login