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Month: March 2014

Debut Single from Cork Songwriter, Clare Sands

Clare SandsClare Sands is a 20 year old musician, composer and songwriter based in the vibrant musical city of Cork. Having spent the summer of 2013 playing around New York City and making beelines into the NYC music scene, Clare is gearing up to release her debut single ‘Change Is A Comin’ on April 4th worldwide via iTunes.

With deep roots in Irish traditional and folk music her music emanates from these family traditions, combined with her love of Jazz and the Blues. ‘Change Is A Comin’ is Sands’ first single, and the song really captures Sands’ unique voice and gritty lyrics, which demand the attention of the listener. Accompanied by her backing band The Cranes, the song presents a unique texture which recognises Sands’ influences, whilst presenting them in a new and energetic way.

In support of her debut single Clare will be hitting up Ireland with a 15 date tour, accompanied by fellow songwriter and harpist Aisling Urwin. The quirky blues/folk duo have fifteen dates in venues around the country, followed by dates in Holland and Germany in the early summer.

Discussing the release of her brand new single, Clare said “I feel beyond excited and proud of it. A pleasure to play with such amazing musicians on it.”

For more see http://claresands.com/

D.F.F.’s debut album “Pouric Songs” out on April 4th

Dave Flynn Band_0116D.F.F. is one of the most exciting groups to emerge from Ireland in recent times with their African-tinged Chamber Pop Songs featuring glorious vocal harmonies and outstanding musicianship!

D.F.F. began in 2011 when Dave Flynn (guitar/vocals) had the desire to create a fresh sounding band. Flynn is best known for his work as a composer in the classical and traditional music worlds, particularly through his collaborations with Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill (The Gloaming). However, there is another side to Flynn’s work which was set aside whilst he was concentrating on classical/traditional music. Long before he composed classical and traditional music he was a songwriter and electric guitarist. This project is a result of his yearning to return to the song-writing world where his music career began.

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Other Voices Season 12

RTÉ Two from Sunday March 30th 2014 10:30 PM

Other Voices returns for it’s 12th season and takes to the air on RTÉ Two television on Sunday March 30th 2014 at 10:30 PMother voices

Series 12 began shooting last December in its spiritual home of St James’ Church, Dingle Co Kerry and then headed North in February along that line of longitude that connects Dingle to Derry to set up shop for the second year in a row at The Glassworks, Derry. Both of these locations; the Dingle Peninsula and the Foyleside City of Derry provide a beautiful visual backdrop for brilliant musical performances.

Over six weeks, presenter Aidan Gillen will take you on a musical trip with each programme featuring a compelling soundtrack of songs, conversations and unique acoustic performances.

Other Voices Season 12 will feature one-off performances, intimate acoustic sessions and interviews with some well known artists including David Gray, George Ezra, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, John Grant, Bell X1, Mogwai, Patty Griffin, Agnes Obel, David Arnold; platform rising stars Hozier, The Gloaming, Ásgeir, Lisa O’Neill, East India Youth, Poliça, Public Service Broadcasting, Foy Vance, Walking On Cars and introduce new artists, Willis Earl Beal, The Amazing Snakeheads, The Bohicas, Josef Salvat, Little Matador, Rosie Carney, Samantha Crain and Lulu James.

Programme 1 on March 30th at 10.30pm will feature music and conversation with The Gloaming, William Doyle aka East India Youth, ‘Take Me To Church’ singer Hozier and newcomer Roise Carney. In The IMRO Other Room are The Clameens and Slow Skies.

Speaking of Season 12, executive producer Philip King said

“There is truly remarkable music in Ireland just now The Gloaming reached No1 and are acclaimed worldwide, Hozier and Walking On Cars are engaged with Major Labels and Publishers, Rosie Carney is a voice of the future. To capture and transmit brilliant new music from this Island to the world to have that music endorsed and mentored by some of the most exciting artists who come to Derry and Dingle is at the heart of what Other Voices is about”

 

Other Voices is supported by DCAL, Derry City Council, RTÉ, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, IMRO, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Wallis Bird marks another milestone in her career with ‘Architect’

Architect“I needed to find a home; I needed to build a home. That’s what Architect is about”.

With the release of her fourth album, Architect, Irish artist Wallis Bird marks another milestone in her career – a career that has been fought step by step; a career that has been built slowly but solidly, as her growing legions of fans will testify; and a career with as many ups as downs, but very few compromises. To build a house, you have to put the foundations in place first, and Architect represents the culmination of a long journey of self-discovery and reinvention.

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The Furious Haze Release “I Remember You” in Aid of Simon Community

Joe  Sabrina with Martyn Lyle From The Furious HazeDublin-based five-piece, The Furious Haze, have just released their latest single, “I Remember You”, with all proceeds going to the Simon Community.

The band released their first single, “Crazy Jane the Hurricane”, last July, shortly followed by their EP, “Bring Me Up”, and their biggest performance to date at Electric Picnic. This summer, they will be taking the stage at The Westport Festival in June followed by another performance at Electric Picnic.

Before making the video, The Furious Haze spent some time talking to the homeless people who feature in the video, learning about their stories. They are hoping the single will raise much needed funds for the Simon Community. You can download “I Remember You” on iTunes .

For more see https://www.facebook.com/TheFuriousHaze and http://www.thefurioushaze.com/.

 

Kate’s Party Album Launch Takes Place This Weekend

KP_PosterMARCH 29TH marks the release of the highly anticipated debut album from Dublin band KATE’S PARTY. HOLLOW will be launched from the Grand Social on March 29th with special guests on the night including power-pop super group Women’s Christmas featuring members of Villagers, Jogging and No Monster Club.

CDs will be available on the night in the Grand Social and will then be available on CD and digital download from iTunes, Bandcamp, BigCartel, Tower Records in Dublin, Waterslide Records in Japan and all good record stores.

Pre-orders on sale now from http://katesparty.bandcamp.com/

It’s hard to quite put your finger on what genre Kate’s Party are. Originally formed as an all female acoustic 2-piece and drawing great influence from pop punk music particularly from the 90s, the band soon expanded to include bass, drums and electric guitars and have since been compared to the likes of No Doubt and The Smashing Pumpkins.

After releasing their EP ‘Back Down’ on Toast Office Records in 2012, the band did a string of successful shows around the UK and Ireland including a support slot for Teenage Dirtbags WHEATUS.

Their highly anticipated debut album HOLLOW was recorded at the Hive studios in Kilcoole and produced by ENEMIES guitarist Eoin Whitfield. Highlights of the album include Truman Show-esque paranoia inspired WELCOME TO SEAHAVEN and crowd pleaser BIKE FOR THREE.

http://katespartyband.com/
http://www.twitter.com/katespartyband

IMRO Songwriting Masterclass with International Hit Songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman

Seminar Date: Tuesday 29th April
Venue: IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.
Time: 7pm – 9pm

BOOK NOW

Those looking to reserve a place at this seminar should send an email to events@nullimro.ie

(No admission charge – However, due to the limited number of places available for this master class places will be allocated by way of a lottery. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 11th April)

From writing hits for other artists to recording her own, twice Grammy-nominated Beth Nielsen Chapman, Nashville based singer-songwriter has truly embraced musical diversity. A breast cancer survivor, environmental activist, teacher of workshops and lecturer on the magic of creativity, she’s penned numerous hits and written songs for many top artists including Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Bette Midler, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Michael McDonald, Amy Grant, Keb Mo’, Roberta Flack, Waylon Jennings, Faith Hill, Willie Nelson, Bette Lavette, and many more. Her music has been heard on ER, Dawson’s Creek, Providence, Felicity and in movie soundtracks, including “The Prince of Egypt”, “Message In A Bottle”, “The Rookie”, “Where The Heart Is” and “Practical Magic”. Mega-hit “This Kiss”, ASCAP’S 1999 Song Of The Year, sung by Faith Hill garnered her a Grammy nomination. She was Nashville NAMMY’S 1999 Songwriter of the Year.

A renowned writer of many hits for other artists as well as herself, Beth Nielsen Chapman is in demand as a songwriting teacher and creative coach, having taught at such schools as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and Berklee School of Music in Boston, and numerous festivals and venues internationally.

Beth presents her unique and inspiring style of teaching in much the same way she approaches writing itself. For any writer in need of a boost of creative energy, this journey into the workings of the creative flow will cover some great tips and advice on how to step fully into your centre and find your voice, in writing and singing as well as keeping your balance in the performance of your songs.

Play and even chaos can be fertile ground for inspiration and students learn some great tips on how to find a point of leaping off into the “good old unknown” as Chapman would put it. Teaching the dance of balancing between spontaneity and analysis, Beth puts a strong emphasis on the rewriting and editing process, so essential in developing a finished product from raw creative fodder to the best song possible. She addresses how to work with fear and blocks and how to protect and nurture your creative health in the midst of juggling the demands and disappointments of the music business.

As part of the workshop, some participants will get feedback on their songs and advice on how to take it to the next level. Recordings can be played for a song critique but if you are singer-songwriter, performing live can also provide an opportunity for constructive feedback from Beth on how to maximise the presentation of your performance. A guitar or keyboard will be provided. If you prefer to play a recorded version of the song, sound will be provided.

Website: www.bethnielsenchapman.com/

Debut Single “Carolina” from Cork Band Nothing New Under the Sun

Carolina single 2Nothing New Under The Sun is an exciting new five piece band that has emerged from the port of Cork City. With a diverse range of influences, the band effortlessly combines hooky guitar riffs, soaring vocals, a driving rhythm section and sweet folk-pop harmonies.

Their debut single “Carolina”, with renowned Irish producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery-Red to Blue 2012) was recorded earlier this year. It is due for release today, March 21st, and is available on iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp.

For more, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nothingnewunderthesunband

New EP from Otherkin | “As A High”

Otherkin_1Otherkin are set to release their latest EP, “As A High”, this month. The launch party, which takes place in The Grand Social on 27th March, will feature performances from Other Creatures, Womens Murder Club, Pockets and Segrasso.

In advance of the release, Otherkin have released a video for the title track, “As A High”.

For more see https://www.facebook.com/otherkinOK and http://otherkin.bandcamp.com/.

New Single from Joey Ryan Trio | “Stay Strong”

Joey Ryan 1 - Colour - Patrick O Shea PhotographyFollowing on from their most successful tour of Ireland yet in October 2013 after their 2012 release “Morning Will Come Soon”, Joey Ryan trio (JRT) will be hitting up sixteen dates around Ireland this March and April to promote their new single “Stay Strong”. The single is being released in conjunction with Breast Cancer Ireland to raise awareness and much needed funds for this fantastic organisation.

All sales of the single will be donated to Breast Cancer Ireland and the band have also organised a fundraiser night in Wexford Arts Centre for the charity.

“Stay Strong” is the first single from a new EP which is being released on Silverwood Music Label later in 2014.

The current tour will be followed up with a trip to Germany and Holland as the band embark on their second European trip.

Armed with a new setlist and new formation, Joey Ryan Trio will be performing in the following venues in March with more to be added.

March:

Thur 20th: Oliver Plunkett, Cork

Fri 21st: Wexford Arts Centre

Sat 22nd: Debarras, Clonakilty

Sun 23rd: Limerick (TBC)

Fri 28th: Greyhound, Kilkee

Sat 29th: JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon

April:

3rd: Debarras w/ John Spillane

11th: Karlsruhe, Germany

12th: Munich, Germany

14th: Crane Lane theatre, Cork

16th: Ryans music club, Kilkenny

17th: McKennas, Monaghan

30th: Cobblestone Joes, Limerick

For more see https://www.facebook.com/JoeyRyanSongs.

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