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Month: August 2012

Hugh Doolan ‘Maiden…Speech’

Dublin based Songwriter / Composer / Singer / Guitarist Hugh Doolan has performed and recorded all over Europe; most recently though, particularly through the interactivity of Soundcloud, and with some notable film work under the belt, his musical output has exploded! A number of albums are already available on iTunes and Bandcamp and many more new tracks get their first airing on Soundcloud where there’s a strong and fast growing  following that are presently lapping up anything to come out of his studio.

 Styles vary from acoustic songs to soundscapes to electronic remixes and film soundtrack material. Everything is self-produced and includes collaborations with a host of other musicians around the planet; think earthy & atmospheric guitars fused with assorted live and sampled instruments. A distinctive voice tinged with folk soul velvetness and sharp everyday-poetic lyrics.

Due to the huge popularity of Maiden …. Speech on Soundcloud (over 11k listens), no doubt because of its dedication to Aung San Suu Kyi, Hugh has released this rich-textured instrumental single to iTunes, – available here.  Its blend of free expression and east-meets-west world music vibe aptly evokes the courage, determination, desire for freedom and grace, shown by Daw Aung.

For his film work that followed the huge success of the IFTA award winning documentary Bernadette: Notes on a Political Journey Hugh’s next musical project would also be about strong determined women; in this case female boxers in Ireland in the feature documentary Gloves and Glory which will be premiered at the Underground Cinema Festival September 13th in Dun Laoghaire.

Tracks that feature in the film can be heard here. The ‘Bernadette..’ soundtrack album is available here

Hugh is an active contributor to Soundcloud where he has forged some great musical partnerships.

Check out a very special soundscape by Máistrí called Melodure, which features Hugh’s ambient electric guitar playing, or “Dont Go” (KiwiFly Remix) which showcases Hugh’s production skills and is a bopping remix of the hugely popular American singer artist Zefora‘s compelling original. In the last year alone he has clocked up multi-genre collaborations with artists from as far away as Jamaica, California, Portugal, London and, eh.. Dublin :) see soundcloud homepage for full list

Hugh is performing at Raff’s OPEN MIC night in Skerries, Friday September 7th

Soundcloud / Bandcamp / iTunes / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter

Stage is Set for Electric Picnic 2012

 The much anticipated Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival, winner of the 2011 IMRO Festival of the Year Award, takes place in Stradbally, Co. Laois this weekend on Friday 31stAugust, Saturday 1st, and Sunday 2nd September. Festival Republic and POD have mapped out a selection of the treats and treasures set to be discovered by picnickers this weekend. Along with headline acts including The Cure, Hot Chip, Sigur Ros, The XX, Christy Moore, Elbow, The Killers and Orbital and temperatures set to hit the 20s, this weekend is sure to surpass all expectations for the picnic that we have grown to love over the years.

Body & Soul is back once again with its trademark twisting wonderland of bespoke stages, handpicked installations, quirky corners and hidden alcoves. The Body & Soul Main Stage fresh musical programme wouldn’t stand up without a close inspection of what’s what musically in Ireland at present, along with a healthy serving of debut performances from up-and-coming acts and “ones to watch” from around the world. Trenchtown, the original reggae village, comes home to the Picnic to celebrate 50 years of Jamaica’s independence with five decades of live music, sound systems, dance, art, performance, food and film in our on-site cinema while the MindField spoken word arena returns again to Electric Picnic with a stimulating spark-filled programme designed to entertain, inform and inflame.

The Theatre of Food, which made its debut last year at Electric Picnic, was such a success with festival-goers that this year the activities and antics will be spread over three days rather than two. Joint MCs, Andrew Stanley and the recently wed Aussie superstar Damian Clarke kick-start the Comedy line-up at 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon and introduce some of the biggest stars from the Irish/UK and Us circuit. Meanwhile the Salty Dog will be coming alive with music including The Mighty Stef, Tieranniesaur, Fred and Jerry Fish.

Organisers recommend that where possible people use public transport or car pool to help reduce road congestions and carbon emissions. Gates open at 9.00am on Friday 31st of August. Bus Eireann‘s special coach services from Dublin, Cork and Galway can be booked online www.buseireann.ie. Gig Lockers can be pre-booked through Mick on giglockerltd@nullgmail.com for storage of valuable items over the weekend at a cost of €15 per locker.

TICKETS:

Weekend Ticket €230 / Family Camping Ticket €230 per adult (2 kids U12 permitted per adult)

Sunday Day Tickets: €99.50 (No camping permitted)

LINE UP:

Friday

SIGUR ROS; THE XX; CHRISTY MOORE; RICHIE HAWTIN; ALABAMA SHAKES; THE VACCINES; THE MACCABEES; GRIZZLY BEAR; GRANDADDY; MARK LANEGAN; METRONOMY; AZEALIA BANKS; THE JEZABELS; GAVIN FRIDAY; KORMACS BIG BAND; ED SHEERAN; ROOTS MANUVA; MATADOR; CATZ + DOGZ; WONDER VILLANS; LITTLE ROY; COLD SPECKS; EAGLE AND THE WORM; WILLIS EARL BEAL; JEFFERY LEWIS; BATS; NELL BRYDEN; DJ WILD; AMINE EDGE; T3 DJS. 

Saturday

THE CURE; ORBITAL; EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY; PATTI SMITH; RICHARD HAWLEY; CRYSTAL CASTLES; SQUAREPUSHER; SBTRKT; THE ROOTS; GRIMES; CARIBOU VS FOUR TET (B2B DJ SET); WILD BEASTS; BELL X1; VILLAGERS; GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT; THE HORRORS; DEXYS; TURN; KIMBRA; DELORENTOS; DAVID KITT plays THE BIG ROMANCE; BAXTER DRURY; IN TUA NUA; SOMETHING HAPPENS; HAM SANDWICH; RUSTIE; HUDSON MOHAWKE; JUNIOR BOYS;  WALLIS BIRD; BELLOWHEAD; CRANES; TRINITY ORCHESTRA; DRY THE RIVER; ENEMIES; A PLASTIC ROSE; CAST OF CHEERS; GARETH DUNLOP; TIERANNIESAUR; VADOINMESSICO; KID KARATE; LE GALAXIE; ARVEENE; SOLAR BEARS; NOT SQUARES; ORQUESTA; SUBALTERN; HIDDEN AGENDA DJS.

Sunday

THE KILLERS; ELBOW; HOT CHIP; BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB; JAMES MURPHY (DJ SET); LEE SCRATCH PERRY & MAX ROMEO; BAT FOR LASHES; GLEN HANSARD; LIANNE LA HAVAS; BEN HOWARD; OF MONSTERS AND MEN; MICHAEL KIWANUKA; MICK FLANNERY; TINDERSTICKS; JONATHON WILSON; THE STAVES; CATHY DAVEY; THE ANTLERS; THE FAT LADY SINGS; BASSNECTAR; SAFF BENDA BILILI; FATOUMA DIAWARA; PERFUME GENIUS; JUAN TALABOT; CASHIER NO.9; TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS; DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR; RYAN SHERIDAN; MILAGRES; SQUAREHEAD; THE RIPTIDE MOVEMENT; LAND LOVERS; LANTERNS ON THE LAKE; VAN DYKE PARKS; RAINY BOY SLEEP; KANYU TREE; KATIE KIM; LIL’ DAVE; MMOTHS; SHIPS; CLOUD CASTLE LAKE; WHITE COLLAR BOY

Twitter: www.twitter.com/electricpicnic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Electricpicnic

Further information: www.electricpicnic.ie

CultureTECH Festival Taking Place in Derry This Week

This week, Derry will become the home of all things digital in an exciting new celebration of technology, media and music. Over 90 industry speakers, nearly 50 music acts, film screenings, games events, digital street art and even a (digital) funfair will take place at events dotted throughout the historic Walled City.

Many of the events are completely free, including an outdoor concert featuring Duke Special and guests, childrens’ events throughout the city and free film screenings each night in the Craft Village. So whether you come for the full conference experience, or just pop in to catch your favourite band, everyone is welcome.

The goal of the festival is to create something unique and a little special that celebrates digital creativity – from music to gaming, TV to animation.

The full programme can be found here – http://bit.ly/ctprogramme

Tickets start at £29 for a full pass and places can be booked at info@nullculturetech.co.

For more information visit culturetech.co

IMRO Interview and Live Performance With No. 1 Irish Songwriter & Artist Ryan O’ Shaughnessy

During this year’s Britain’s Got Talent final, one hopeful was a marked contrast to the show’s reliably entertaining magicians, performing pets and dance squads – one man, an acoustic guitar and his own songs stole the hearts of the millions of viewers tuning in.

After his appearance on BGT, Ryan O’ Shaughnessy was signed to Sony Music and earlier this month released his debut self titled album which went straight in at Number 1 in the Irish Chart and Top 10 in the UK.

The mini album, which was recorded in May 2012 features all original songs written exclusively by Ryan. The lead track “No Name” is the song he performed on Britain’s Got Talent and which won him a place in the final and is a beautiful, heartfelt lament to unrequited love that showcases Ryan’s stunning voice and songwriting ability.

It’s a collection of hauntingly delicate songs that see Ryan comfortably sit next to the musical peers he admires, like Ed Sheeran and John Mayer. (Ed has Tweeted his admiration for Ryan, saying of “No Name” – Great voice, great song) Ryan O’ Shaughnessy simply put, is one of the countries hottest young artists.

Interview/Performance Details

Date: Friday 7th September
Venue: IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Lower Baggot St., Dublin 2
Time: 7:00pm

Interviewer: Paddy McKenna RTÉ 2FM

BOOK NOW! (OPEN TO NON IMRO MEMBERS | BOOKING REQUIRED)

To reserve a place at this event send an email to membership@nullimro.ie

 

Crash Ensemble’s first major concert as Music Ensemble in Residence at Project Arts Centre

Crash Ensemble, Ireland’s foremost new music ensemble, brings you groundbreaking new works from some of the world’s most distinctive living composers. The programme includes WORLD PREMIERES written especially for the ensemble by the legendary Glenn Branca and Kevin Volans, as well as work from Nico Muhly and a new arrangement for Crash by Donnacha Dennehy.

Glenn Branca

Glenn Branca is the man behind avant-garde masterpieces, The Ascension (1980) and Indeterminate Activity of Resultant Masses (1981), which provided formative inspiration for New York performers like Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, and Michael Gira of Swans in the late 1970s. ‘Thought’ is Branca’s first commission for Crash Ensemble, in which he takes “a fresh and appealing approach to how music could sound in the 21st century”. 

“I thought, ‘I’m gonna try this, man, I’m going to have these f—ing instruments kicking ass'” – Branca on Symphony No. 15: Running Through the World Like an Open Razor

Kevin Volans

Kevin Volans is widely acknowledged as ‘one of the most remarkable musical minds of our time’. After a productive collaboration with the Kronos Quartet in the 1980s, Volans’ Kronos discs, ‘White Man Sleeps’ and ‘Pieces of Africa’ broke all records for string quartet sales – Africa was number one on the US Classical and world music charts for 26 weeks. ‘Looping Point’ has been specially written for Crash Ensemble by Kevin Volans in 2012.

Nico Muhly

Nico Muhly’s ‘Drones, Variations, Ornaments’ is “music in constant transformation”, an offbeat offering for Crash Ensemble from this genre-defying young composer. Muhly has written opera, choral works and filmscores, while also producing and writing arrangements for Antony and the Johnsons, Björk, Sam Amidon and Grizzly Bear. ‘Drones, Variations, Ornaments’ was written by Muhly for Crash Ensemble in 2011 with support from the Arts Council.

Donnacha Dennehy

Donnacha Dennehy has created a unique arrangement of his 2010 piece ‘Disposable Dissonance’ for Crash Ensemble, which will receive its first performance on November 2nd.

Dennehy, founder and co-artistic director of Crash Ensemble, has received international critical acclaim for his work. His music has been described as “magnificently energetic” (New York Times), and “a wonder to hear” (Paul Griffiths). The Guardian, in a 5-star review of his recent Nonesuch album Grá Agus Bás called it a piece of “startling freshness”. 

‘Thought’ is presented as part of Crash Ensemble’s Music Residence at Project Arts Centre.

Programme:

Nico Muhly:  Drones, Variations, Ornaments* (2011)

Donnacha Dennehy: Disposable Dissonance (Re-written 2012 for Crash Ensemble)

Kevin Volans: Looping point* (2012) WORLD PREMIERE

Glenn Branca: Thought* (2012) WORLD PREMIERE

*Written for Crash Ensemble

Venue: Space Upstairs, Project Arts Centre

Date: Friday 2nd November 2012

Time: 8pm

Tickets: €20/ €18 concession. 10% discount on groups

Book Online : http://www.projectartscentre.ie/programme/whats-on/1631-thought

Book by Phone: 01 8819613

Book in Person: Project Arts Centre, 39 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin (Mon-Sat, 11-7pm)

 

Kopek Release New Single and Announce European Tour

Kopek are an Irish rock pop band from Dublin. Paying their dues with early gigs in and around Dublin included many a ‘battle of the bands contest’, which they won in regularity. From 2002 to 2009 Kopek toured relentlessly and continued to win competitions around the globe. It wasn’t too long until their powerhouse performances became one of their best word of mouth endorsements and in 2005 Kopek won the ‘Best Live Act at the Global Battle Of The Bands’, garnering them $100,000 and a world tour. They have just announced the release of new their single ‘Love Is Dead’ on Sept 14th.

Kopek’s debut album, titled ‘White Collar Lies’, has been released and has received international acclaim. The Album is mixed by one of the most sought after Grammy award winning mix engineers; Tom Lord-Alge (Green Day, Manic Street Preachers, Marilyn Manson, U2, Blink182, The Rolling Stones…), Mastered by Grammy Winner Ted Jensen (Sterling Sound- Madonna, Creed, Santana etc..) and Produced By Glenn Herlihy & Kopek @ Religion Music Studios.

Various tracks from the album have been synced across TV and Film; such as the new American Pie film “American Reunion”, “Saw 3d” and in Various MTV shows like “Punk’d, The Real World, Jersey Shore and The Challenge” to name a few.

Kopek have been touring the U.S for the past year in support of ‘White Collar Lies’ US Release. Their US released single “Cocaine Chest Pains” reached #25 in the American Active Rock Charts and went Top 10 in Canada in Active Rock Station for ten weeks. They are now back in Ireland and will be touring internationally in the coming months along with multiple single releases taken from their album White Collar Lies, which is now available in Ireland.

Web: www.kopekofficial.com

Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/kopek /

Twitter – @kopekofficial

TOUR DATES

SEPTEMBER:

27.09.12 LONDON – WATER RATS
28.09.12  TUNBRIDGE WELLS – THE FORUM
29.09.12 NOTTINGHAM – ROCK CITY

OCTOBER:

“Save The Nation Tour” 2012 (supporting Royal Republic):

04.10.12 SE – Gothenburg (Sticky Fingers)
05.10.12 SE – Stockholm (Debaser Slussen)
06.10.12 DK – Copenhagen (Lygten Station)
07.10.12 DE – Berlin (Astra)
09.10.12 PL – Warsaw (Hydrozagadka)
10.10.12 CZ – Prague (Lucerna Music Bar)
11.10.12 AT – Vienna (Szene)
13.10.12 AT – Salzburg (Rockhaus)
14.10.12 CH – Zürich (Plaza)
15.10.12 IT – Milan (Tunnel Club)
16.10.12 FR – Marseille (Le Moulin)
18.10.12 ES – Barcelona (Apolo La 2)
19.10.12 ES – Madrid (Moby Dick)
20.10.12 FR – Bordeaux (Barbey Club)
21.10.12 FR – Paris (L’alhambra)
23.10.12 FR – Strasbourg (La Laiterie)
24.10.12 DE – Münster (Jovel)
25.10.12 DE – Kiel (Pumpe)

NOVEMBER:

08.11.12 DE – Bremen (Schlachthof)
09.11.12 NL – Amsterdam (Melkweg)
10.11.12 DE – Cologne (E-Werk)
11.11.12 BE – Antwerp (Trix)
13.11.12 UK – Bristol (Thekla)
14.11.12 UK – Wolverhampton (Slade Rooms)
15.11.12 UK – Machester (Academy 3)
17.11.12 UK – Nottingham (Rescue Rooms)
18.11.12 UK – Glasgow (King Tut´s)
19.11.12 UK – Newcastle (O2 Academy 2)
20.11.12 UK – Leeds (Cockpit)
22.11.12 UK – Norwich (The Waterfront)
23.11.12 UK – London (Garage)
24.11.12  UK – Brighton (The Haunt)
25.11.12  NL – Zwolle (Hedon)

 

Robert Delaney ‘Rising Tide’

Following the release of his taster solo EP last year – ‘Lilies For My Sweetheart’ –  Robert Delaney’s  debut album,  ‘Rising Tide’ is available now  in Tower Records and HMV.

This is an album about life, about love, lost and found, with soul searching lyrics and carefully crafted meoldies which draw the listener in.

Robert is a Dublin based singer songwriter with rhythm and soul, folk and blues influences.  Robert was writing poetry before he ever picked up a guitar and that love of lyricism shines through his songwriting.

“Delaney’s lyrics are some of the best I’ve heard from an Irish songwriter in recent times” Mark Walsh, The Indie Sight.

 Delaney is an extremely talented singer songwriter hailing from Dublin and is on course for a very promising career within the music industry”..musicscene.ie

Listening to this album, it’s no mystery that Robert’s music elicits this kind of praise.

Following a very successful tour of east coast USA late last year, Robert plans to tour the west coast before Christmas 2012 and will launch his album with a live performance upstairs in Whelan’s on 19th September 2012. 

Robert has also written lyrics with other Irish acts including Dublin singer songwriter Donal De Blacam and London based electro act Bitches With Wolves.  His book of lyrics (‘Bourbon Lyrics’) was published in 2009 and is available from www.lulu.com.

www.robertdelaneymusic.com

http://www.whelanslive.com/index.php/archives/13970

 

 

 

 

Cry Monster Cry Announce Dublin Gig Date

Following on from the success of the release of their debut EP “The Fallen”, Dublin folk duo Cry Monster Cry have announced a date in Dublin’s Sugar Club for 28th September.

“The Fallen” was recorded over the space of two months, often in marathon night sessions in a studio in the seaside town of Malahide. Released in May the record shot straight to number 2 on the iTunes chart and was followed later that night by a sold out launch Upstairs in Whelan’s of Wexford Street.

The past few months have seen the band playing shows including Dublin’s Communion club night, Donegal’s Sea Sessions festival, Offaly’s Castlepalooza festival, taking to the stage at The Music Show in Dublin’s RDS, opening for Belfast singer songwriter Gareth Dunlop and American folk group Sea Of Bees. Recently their song “This New Country,” which is taken from their debut EP, was chosen by Tourism Ireland to feature on their new online campaign “Jump Into Ireland”.

Tickets for The Sugar Club show in Dublin are priced €11.00 including booking fee and on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.ie

For more see:
www.crymonstercry.com / www.mcd.ie / www.communionmusic.co.uk

The Saw Doctors | New Single & Ireland’s Favourite Number 1

“I Hope You Meet Again” is the new single from The Saw Doctors released today. The release comes in the same week the band’s 22-year-old hit, “I Useta Lover”, was voted Ireland’s favourite number one single of all time in a poll by Today FM and The Irish Daily Mail. The Saw Doctors classic from the summer of 1990 received the most votes with Michael Jackson at No. 2, The Pogues and Kirsty Mc Call at 3, Queen at 4, Sinead O’ Connor at 5, and U2 at Number 6.

The Saw Doctors have played to over 100,000 people in Ireland this summer alone with performances at the Galway Volvo Ocean Races, Derry Tall Ships Festival, Westport Street Festival and Waterford Spraoi Festival among others.

Upcoming Irish Shows

Friday, 17 August 2012 07:00pm
Drumlish, Longford
Marquee Festival at Drumlish

Tuesday, 21 August 2012 07:00pm
Tralee, Kerry
Denny Street Free Concert

Saturday, 24 November 2012 07:00pm
Dublin
Olympia

http://www.sawdoctors.com 

http://www.facebook.com/sawdoctors

New Album for Carried By Waves | ‘Softly Held Together’

Last year was a busy one for CARRIED BY WAVES, and one marked by considerable progress. A debut show in January 2011 was closely followed by a performance as part ofIreland’s ‘First Music Contact’ tour, and in August they were among the acts chosen to play at the ‘Hard Working Class Heroes’ festival inDublin. This run of shows was topped off in September of the same year by a slot at the internationally acclaimed festival ‘The Electric Picnic’ in Co. Laois.

2012 began with both Hot Press and ‘Heinekenmusic.ie’ tipping Carried By Waves as “one to watch” , and in July 2012 ‘Carried By Waves’ debut album ‘Softly Held Together’ was featured as Dan Hegarty’s “album of the week” on 2FM. This acclaim was bolstered by a string of successful nationwide shows, performing with various high profile Irish acts (e.g. R.S.A.G, Le Galaxie, Squarehead, Funeral Suits, Gretta Gunn, & Sleep Thieves among others), as well as a headline slot at the ‘Indiependence’ festival in Mitchelstown, Ireland for the ‘Love Music, Hate Racism’ stage . Following the release of 3 E.Ps last year and a handful of remix projects, “Softly Held Together” was released (for free download) in July 2012. Carried by Waves have just been selected to play at this year’s Hard Working Class Heroes Festival.  

You can check out the album at Bandcamp here: http://carriedbywaves.bandcamp.com/

Web: www.about.me/carriedbywaves

Breaking Tunes: http://www.breakingtunes.com/carriedbywaves

Upcoming Live Dates:

Sept 14th Triskel Arts Centre,Cork

Sept 21stCorkCity Council Offices

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