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Month: September 2012

New Music from O Emperor

O Emperor are about to take their first tentative steps back in the general direction of the real world with their brand new release of a double A side single which will be available digitally from 1st November.

“ELECTRIC TONGUES/ERMAN GOU” is also available for streaming and pre-order now on http://oemperor.bandcamp.com

O Emperor have had a busy 2012 which saw them releasing “HITHER THITHER” in Europe on independent German label K and F Records, supporting the release with European tour dates.

2012 also saw them spending many moon cycles in their home studio/fire hazard recording material for their new album to be released next Spring.  Their new material promises to be quite a departure from their previous efforts, both of these new songs reflect the band’s developing taste and diversification:

“Electric Tongues” musically and lyrically conveys the sensory overload of a surreal dream – being strongly influenced by pioneering Krautrock acts from the early ’70s whom the band have collectively grown to love. 

“Erman Gou” evokes a more thoughtful, introspective mood. Set against a stripped down live band feel with some stream-of-consciousness guitar and synth work, it reflects the easy, unhurried approach that the band has favoured in recent times. 

Currently on tour in Germany, tour dates in November for Ireland and the UK are to be announced very soon.

For more information visit: http://www.facebook.com/OEmperor

O Emperor – Sedalia (Live with the RTE Concert Orchestra) from K&F Records on Vimeo.

Songwriting Retreat in Ireland with multi-platinum writer/producer Martin Sutton

This November 9th-12th, multi-platinum songwriter, producer and mentor Martin Sutton will be hosting an exclusive Songwriting Retreat in a 15th century Castle in Co. Laois, Ireland for a group of 18 songwriters, with a focus on going back to the basics of writing a great song with guitars and keyboards. It is a residential, fully catered long weekend, running Friday afternoon to Monday morning. Daytimes will be spent collaborating with other writers, working towards real time briefs for artists from around the World and the evenings will be filled gathered around a huge open fire in the dining room.

After dinner there will be a playback and discussion of the newly written songs and a chance to enjoy the company of like minded writers in this amazing venue. Martin will be available throughout the weekend for ongoing mentoring and advice, and will also be taking part in the co-writing sessions. Booking is now open and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

For full details and availability visit www.thesong.co.uk/ireland.html

Martin Sutton has been in the music business for nearly twenty years as a songwriter, producer, session musician and mixer. He has sold over seven million records worldwide for artists including Celine Dion, The Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Olivia Newton John, Mike & The Mechanics and pop idol winners around the world. He works in a variety of styles from R&B, Pop and Rock to Country and has written with Gary Barlow, Pixie Lott, Duncan James, Mike Rutherford and many of the world’s best songwriters.

He has also worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Kim Wilde, Andrew Roachford, Des’ree, Heather Small, Beverley Craven, Mica Paris and has composed special commissions for film & TV.

Martin is currently signed to Universal Music Publishing and works from his home in Buckinghamshire where he has a recording studio, but also spends time writing in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York and across Europe.

The Sweet Naïve ‘Let The Inside In’

‘Let the Inside In’ is the lead single from studio-based duo The Sweet Naive’s eponymous debut album. A pulsing barrage of oblique guitars and sardonic word-play, the song is indicative of the duo’s genre-blending approach, suggesting influences as diverse as Television, Scritti Politti and Beck.

Firm believers in the DIY aesthetic, the Sweet Naive recorded their ten-track debut in bedrooms, bathrooms, back-street studios and a pharmacy, and mixed it in Brooklyn’s Bunker Studios with Aaron Nevezie (Dangermouse, The Black Keys). Mastered by engineer Scott Hull (Lou Reed, Steely Dan). Available through all digital stores.

http://www.facebook.com/thesweetnaive

Contact: thesweetnaive@nullgmail.com

 

 

 

Róisín O ‘The Secret Life Of Blue’

Róisín O’s profile is growing faster than ever, with performances on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show (Sep 14) & TV3’s Ireland AM (Sep 17), the band have now played for well over 1 million people in the last 4 days. Their second single ‘How Long’ has also received numerous plays from Ireland’s top radio DJs, including Ian Dempsey & Ronan Collins. The inventive video for ‘How Long’ continues to attract attention too, with the lead actor/puppet becoming a star in his own right, and making it well worth a look.

Their debut album ‘The Secret Life Of Blue’ due out this Friday, 21st September and is on track to be one of the best Irish releases of 2012. The band will be celebrating the release with an album launch in Whelan’s also on 21st September; with plenty of surprises in store it is set to be their biggest headline show to date. To round off a year of debuts, the band will then embark on their first Irish tour in October. Keep an eye out for dates on www.roisino.com.

Róisín O album launch in Whelan’s on Friday, 21st September

Guinness, Hot Press and RTÉ 2FM Launch Arthur’s Day: Play on the Day Competition

Guinness, in association with Hot Press and RTÉ 2fm, are offering Irish bands and musicians the opportunity to join the line-up for Arthur’s Day 2012. The national winner’s prize package for the Arthur’s Day – Play On The Day competition 2012 will include:

*A special Flip Cover of Hot Press including a full professional photo session and interview

* A full three-day recording session in RTE studios

* An in-studio session for broadcast by RTE 2fm

* The release of a single, with no strings attached

* A place for a band member/manager on Hot Press’ MIX course including consultation with industry experts

* Thousands of euro worth of top of the range musical instruments and equipment

* Multiple mentions across Guinness Ireland’s Facebook and Twitter pages which collectively boast over 350,000 fans and followers.

The Play On The Day competition will form an integral part of this year’s Guinness Arthur’s Day celebrations. To enter, acts must submit a track at http://www.playontheday.com and then play a gig on Arthur’s Day.

Once entries are submitted, the judges decide on a shortlist of entries for four regions. The public will then get the opportunity to vote on the shortlist, resulting in the top four in each region going forward to the Regional Finals in November. The Regional Winners will then go forward to the National Final also in November.

The nationwide search, which covers the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, is open to all contenders performing in any musical style or genre. The judges are looking for an act that will bring something extra special to their live performances, and who will also benefit most from the brilliant platform offered by the competition.

GUINNESS has significantly expanded the Arthur’s Day celebrations since last year to include live music events in local pubs across Ireland so whether you’re from Dingle, Derry or Dublin, it’s never been easier to take part in what is set to be no ordinary Thursday night.

Renowned artists such as Example, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, Mika, prolific UK rapper Professor Green, Fatboy Slim, Texas and rising star Amy MacDonald are set to take to the stage in local pubs all across Ireland. This year there are no tickets on sale, just grab some mates and head to one of 500 free Arthur’s Day music events taking place in local pubs across all 32 counties.

To enter, go to http://www.playontheday.com where you’ll be taken through the simple entry process!

For more on Arthur’s Day 2012 go to www.guinness.com or www.facebook.com/guinnessireland

To enter Play On The Day, all participants must be over 18 years of age. Enjoy Guinness sensibly. Visit drinkaware.ie.

Comórtas Bonn Óir Sean Ó Riada 2012

Entries are now open for the Sean Ó Riada Gold Medal & Purse 2012 harp and pipes competition. Applications can be made from anywhere in the world and should include five tracks of the applicants playing unaccompanied. Applicants are asked to submit entries through the competition website.

Tracks by competitors will be broadcast each week on Raidio na Gaeltachta. The live final will be held in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Friday 18th January 2013 where the winner will be presented with a prize of €2,500.

For full details on the competition and rules of entry see http://cuireadhchunceoil.ie/

‘All The Colours’ Tony Floyd Kenna

Just released is the new album ‘All The Colours’ from Tony Floyd Kenna. The physical CD version comprise two discs. Disc one is ten new solo tracks recorded by Tony over the last year, in between and following sessions for the two Wanman & Floyd albums (Light Side Of The Dark & Dark Side Of The Night).

Nine of the new tracks were written by Tony with one coming from the pen of fellow Dublin singer/songwriter Peter Fitzpatrick. A couple of guests appear on specific songs with Jed McConkey on guitar on ‘Mama Said’ and Rhiannah Warm duetting on ‘Hey, Hey, Hey’. ‘Heart In A Box’ in particular is already receiving local radio and live support and Tony will be working hard to get it heard Nationwide. ‘Heart In A Box’ also received a warm response at the recent IMRO sponsored songwriters workshop hosted by PJ Smith and Eric Paslay from Nashville. Whilst most of the new songs are rock based Tony has taken advantage of the freedom offered by a solo project, so you will also hear a little Country and even some Post Punk New Wave!
 
Disc two features seven Wanman & Floyd tracks from the last two albums and three solo numbers from 2010/2011.

The digital version is available on Cd Baby and other music sites. CDs will be in Tower Records next week.

http://breakingtunes.com/tonyfloydkenna 
 
 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tonyfloydkenna4

‘The Limelight’ Refurbished

Following an extensive refurbishment, The Limelight Complex on Belfast’s Ormeau Avenue is scheduled to open the space formerly known as “The Spring & Airbrake” later this month. This is phase one of a multi-million pound renovation for these renowned city centre music venues.

The new multi-purpose venue, simply named “The Limelight”, will feature brand new, state of the art audio & lighting systems, along with an increase in size, and vastly improved sight lines . It will be located alongside Katy’s Bar, and The Limelight 2 (formerly The Limelight). An all new purpose-built outdoor space, christened “The Rock Garden”, is also in the pipeline, and is set to open later this year. The Limelight 2 (formerly the Limelight) and Katy’s Bar will also get a well deserved facelift. 

The Limelight Complex, encompassing all of the venues, is set to play host to international touring live acts across countless musical genres, as well as regular weekly club nights, all in keeping with the tradition and pedigree this building has built up over the last three decades. 

Co-Owner Phil Donaldson, Director of The Limelight Belfast Ltd., commented: “This represents just the beginning of what promises to be a very exciting period for The Limelight. Extensive re-development is planned over the next 18 months, which will be entirely focused on delivering a world class customer experience at our bars, live events & club nights.”


Upcoming events at The Limelight Complex include Labrinth, The Proclaimers, Frank Turner, Anthrax, Simian Mobile Disco, Ryan Bingham, Electric Six, The Staves, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Little Angels, Y&T, Duff McKagan (Guns & Roses) and Ugly Kid Joe. 

For more information, please contact joe@nulllimelightbelfast.com or jeff@nulljeffrobinsonpr.com.

IMRO Number 1 Award for Ryan O’Shaughnessy

Dublin singer-songwriter, Ryan O’Shaughnessy, became the latest recipient of the IMRO Number 1 Award last week at a packed event in the IMRO offices. Ryan’s self-titled debut album reached Number 1 in the Irish charts in its first week of release. The album also made the top ten in the UK album charts and Ryan embarks on a UK tour this October.

The mini album, which was recorded in May, features six original songs written exclusively by Ryan. The lead track, “No Name”, which Ryan performed on Britain’s Got Talent, won him a place in the final of that competition.  

Ryan visited IMRO HQ to take part in a public interview with 2FM’s Paddy McKenna and treated the audience to a live performance of a selection of his tracks. Ryan is pictured here receiving his IMRO Number 1 Award by IMRO’s CEO, Victor Finn. The IMRO Number 1 Award was established to recognise the achievement of artists reaching the number 1 spot in the Irish Album and Independent Album charts. Previous recipients have included Heathers, Republic of Loose and The Coronas.

Irish Artists Recognised In US-Based Unsigned Only Music Competition

The Unsigned Only Music Competition has just announced its 2012 inaugural winners. Nearly 7,500 songs were submitted and of those, three Irish based artists have received Honorable Mentions in the Folk/Singer-Songwriter category.

Belfast songwriter Ben Glover, Wexford-based Paul Creane and the Changing Band and Armagh songwriter, Tony Villiers, all received Honorable Mentions in the category which attracts worldwide entries.

Launched only a year ago and judged by a roster of celebrity notables such as Cyndi Lauper, 3 Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Rogers, St. Vincent, and many more, Unsigned Only is a unique music competition designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label. It has quickly established itself as the international music competition for unsigned artists. In addition to the high-profile artists, the roster of judges also included record label presidents as well as other industry leaders, offering songwriters the unprecedented opportunity to have their music heard by influential decision-makers.

For a complete list of Unsigned Only winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.unsignedonly.com/winners

Irish-Based Honorable Mentions

Ben Glover – Belfast, Ireland – “Memo”- Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Paul Creane & The Changing Band – Wexford, Ireland – “All For You Baby”- Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Tony Villiers – Armagh, Northern Ireland – “Radio”- Folk/Singer-Songwriter

2012 Judges include: 3 Doors Down; Kelly Clarkson; Robert Smith (The Cure); Kenny Rogers; Jeremy Camp; Musiq Soulchild; St. Vincent; Manchester Orchestra; Angie Stone; G. Love; Craig Morgan; Aaron Shust; Charlie Daniels; Steve Lillywhite (Producer); Matt and Kim; Cyndi Lauper; The Mountain Goats; Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine) and Scott Lapatine (Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Stereogum.

2012 Mentors include: Monte Lipman (President of Universal Republic); Pete Ganbarg (Executive VP/Head of A&R, Atlantic Records); David Wolter (Senior VP of A&R, RCA Records); Kim Stephens (President, Forward Entertainment and A&R/Capitol Music Group); Trevor Jerideau (VP of A&R, J Records); David Wilkes (VP of A&R, eOne Music); Pete Giberga (Head of A&R, Razor & Tie Records); and Jason Geter (President, Grand Hustle Records).

Sponsors include: Posse, Steamboat Ampworks, Verve Management, Music Business Registry, Mrs. Fields Cookies, and Spider Capo

Unsigned is now accepting entries for 2013. Many new judges will be added, as well as a new Teen category for artists 18 years old and younger. Information on how to enter can be found at www.unsignedonly.com.

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