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Month: November 2014

Meet The Finalists (1/2)

The live final of the 2014 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 22nd November at Fels Point Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from hundreds of entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO, Tralee Chamber Alliance and Tralee Credit Union. Doors open at 8:00pm

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two separate pieces focusing on the finalists in our Member News section today.

Bennie Reilly BennieReilly (Little xs For Eyes)(little xs for eyes)

Bennie Reilly formed the band little xs for eyes in 2006 along with partner Davey Moor.  The band released an E.P in 2007 and their debut album S.A.D. in 2011, to unanimous critical acclaim. Reilly’s quintessential songwriting themes: a love of nature and the nature of love take the band on a journey through forest, jungle and ocean, singing songs of lost summers, loose kisses and longed-for landscapes. Her passion for pop and interest in intricate and lush vocal arrangements lend to the bands distinct harmony-heavy sound. The song Seeping Hearts is taken from the little xs for eyes forthcoming album Everywhere Else due for release early 2015.

little xs for eyes are: Bennie Reilly :: voice, guitar & keys

Davey Moor :: guitar, voice, mandolin & psaltery

Michelle Considine :: voice, glockenspiel & keys

Lucy Jackson :: voice & keys

Harry Bookless :: bass & keys

Ed Costello :: drums & voice

 

Claire O’ Brien

Claire O’ Brien OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAis a 23 year old musician from Cork. She recently graduated from University College Cork where she studied performance and composition as part of her music degree.

From a young age she has enjoyed singing and writing poetry and songs, inspired by nature, people and the world in general! The song she will be performing tonight tells the story of a dark and stormy night in Cork city when electricity was cut off all across the area after a swan flew into an electricity wire. Despite the grim nature of the song, she hopes the song’s melody and lyrics will pay tribute to the life of that bird and bring you enjoyment as you listen. Claire will perform tonight with Fionnuala Joyce, a wonderful friend, violinist and singer. Fionnuala Joyce arranged her own part for violin and vocal harmonies.

 

Gary Keane

Attending Gary Keanerecording sessions with Earth, Wind & Fire, tracking vocals in LA with producer George ‘G1’ Archie (R Kelly, Snoop Dogg) and engineer Tommy D Daugherty (Death Row Records, 2Pac)…..collaborating with Michael Jackson’s long-time bassist Cornelius Mimms, playing to an audience of 2,500 at this year’s Rose Of Tralee as well as live sessions at RTÉ studios and Electric Picnic – just a snapshot of 2014 so far for Gary Keane. Having played extensively around Ireland with his one-man beatbox and loop pedal show,  Gary is now one half of the production duo ‘White Boys’ who will release the song ‘Stylin’ as their debut single in January 2015 with a tour to follow.

Gary Keane – www.facebook.com/likeafiremusic

 

Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh

Nodlaig Ní Nodlaig BrollyBhrollaigh, born in 1977, is a singer/songwriter and musician from Dungiven, County Derry. Nodlaig inherited a wealth of traditional and folk music from her parents, well-known folk singers, Anne and Francie Brolly. Classically trained, Nodlaig plays harp and piano and was lead flautist with the Irish National Youth Orchestra.

Her debut album entitled, “Under a Pale moon” was released in 2004 by Wren Records and marked a return to her traditional/folk roots and featured original songs and contemporary compositions. The album was critically acclaimed in the U.S.A., was described as “a jewel” and “pure listening pleasure” (Rambles, Nick Rossiter) and was in the top ten in the Irish Music Magazine.

Nodlaig has performed at festivals throughout America and Europe, headlined the St Patrick’s day concert with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, toured with Phil Coulter and performed at the Dinan International Harp Festival in Brittany. Nodlaig collaborated with Paul McSherry and Brendan Hendry on the album, ‘Stringtones’ released in 2011 featured original songs composed by Nodlaig, “one of the best programmmes of recorded music I have heard in a long time” (The Living Tradition). Nodlaig, married with three children, established the Ruaidhrí Dall School of Harp and Song in Dungiven in 2011 and is involved in the revival of the Irish language and traditional music in the area.

Áine Ní Bhrollaigh, Nodlaig’s niece, born in 1996, sings lead vocal. Áine is a young and upcoming singer and has won many accolades in traditional singing and had a lead role in the recent production of ‘Les Miserables’ in the Millenium Forum in Derry city.

 

Alan Kavanagh

Alan Kavanagh Alan Kavanaghis a 26 year old singer/songwriter from Ashbourne, Co. Meath. While studying for a music degree in DKIT, Alan released his first single which went straight to number two in the Download.ie charts. Since his first release, he has supported acts such as The Coronas, Mundy, Luan Parle, Don Baker, 5ive and Jack L. Alan’s latest single ‘Bitter Man’ peaked at number three on the I-Tunes Rock Chart last year.

Alan plays ukulele, guitar, piano, and bass and has a music degree from Dundalk IT. He has also composed a piece recorded by the national chamber choir. He has spent the last two years gigging with Celebrity and Holland America where he has visited over 20 countries.

Alan Kavanagh – www.facebook.com/alankavanaghmusicpage

 

To attend this year’s event please email membership@nullimro.ie confirming your reservation. Doors open at 8:00pm

Introducing…. Loah

Loah is loah_profileSallay Matu Garnett, a singer songwriter of Sierra Leonean / Irish origin, having grown up in the classical combination of Maynooth and West Africa.

While there, instead of a TV all she had was a piano to keep herself entertained, which combined with a solid classical training on violin and voice resulted in a uniquely talented musician from a very early age. While at Trinity College, she collaborated with future members of the likes of Little Green Cars, Slow Skies, I Have A Tribe, Collapsing Horse Theatre Company, and many others, as well as singing with Kíla, Niwel Tsumbu and Trinity Orchestra’s early pop endeavours.

She’s now embarking on an ambitious solo career, combining her unique blend of folk and soul which can only be described as ArtSoul. In what’s been a phenomenal first year in action, she’s released two stunning songs/videos (“The Bailey” and “Cortege”), performed at Electric Picnic, the Dublin Fringe Festival, and Body&Soul’s Shapeshifters Ball amongst others as well as a debut headline concert in The Twisted Pepper.

2015 will see her release her first EP along with an Irish and UK tour. Expect big things, but even more so expect the unexpected.

You can follow Loah on Facebook and Twitter.

IMRO Supports Development of the Irish Uilleann Pipes

Na Píobairí downloadUilleann are delighted to announce the support of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) for Pipe-Up, an outreach teaching programme for the Uilleann Pipes.

Pipe-Up delivers tuition on the uniquely Irish uilleann pipes over a two year programme to Primary School children in fifth and sixth class. Students are provided with a practice instrument from Na Píobairí Uilleann’s Pipes On Loan instrument bank and receive regular weekly lessons.

The young musicians are also encouraged to develop their performance skills by ensemble and solo playing at school concerts and other public recitals. The project builds on a successful pilot with several Dublin schools.

The Pipe-Up programme also provides important development opportunities for emerging uilleann pipers seeking to build a career as professional musicians by providing a creative outlet through teaching and transmission of the music. The programme also includes mentoring of teachers and professional development through training on contractual, copyright and royalty considerations.

The project is a core element of Na Píobairí Uilleann’s Sharing the Sound of Ireland Strategy built on for objective pillars of Access, Education, Performance and Preservation, delivered through the organisation’s commitment to excellence in values, governance and processes.

About Na Píobairí Uilleann

Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU), the Society of Uilleann Pipers was founded in 1968 by pipers with the aim of protecting a threatened art form. Now, forty six years later, NPU is a thriving arts organisation with thousands of members, dedicated to servicing the aims and needs of uilleann pipers worldwide. It is the ambition of NPU to establish the music of the uilleann pipes as a major art form around the world in the 21st century. Since unveiling its restored Georgian premises at 15 Henrietta St, Dublin in January 2007, NPU has been busy catering for the expanding demand for regular tuition as well as releasing a number of significant publications and recordings. With demand for pipes considerably exceeding supply, a dedicated Training Centre – PipeCraft – has been established to deliver training in the very highly skilled craft of uilleann pipemaking. NPU’s commitment to tuition, both on a weekly basis at its premises and internationally, continues to grow, along with its public performance programme.

NPU also maintains a significant online presence. Source, our web-based piping and traditional music resource, makes available our accumulated training, tutorial and archive materials to lovers of Irish music around the world.

Na Píobairí Uilleann’s primary funding agencies include the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, The Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíonn and Dublin City Council

Na Píobairí Uilleann, 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin 1, Ireland

W: www.pipers.ie E:info@nullpipers.ie P:00353(0)1 8730093

www.facebook.com/napiobairiuilleann

www.twitter.com/Napiobairi

Simi Crowns – Going From Strength to Strength

Lagos born, 1979245_778479232190656_9133256813416539843_oDublin-bred Simi Crowns began writing, rapping and producing as a teen – influenced by an eclectic range of artists like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, Nas, Gorillaz, Marvin Gaye and Bjork. Tipped as a Face of 2014 by State Magazine and invited to be an ambassador for Kevin Godley’s music app WholeWorldBand, Simi is an exciting new voice on the hip-hop scene.

Assembling a live band alongside DJ D.O.G., bassist Michael Akano and drummer Princess Siwela, he creates a sound that draws on a world of influences. Simi’s dynamic live performances have seen him deliver show stealing supports to the likes of Pusha T and Tinchy Stryder as well as winning plaudits for his appearances at this year’s Electric Picnic.

Debut single ‘Pressure’ has already received substantial radio support from the likes of Dan Hegarty, BBC Across The Line, The Mix Up on Today FM, 98FM, Spin 103.8 Southwest, 8Radio and TXFM. A commercial track with an underground bite, ‘Pressure’ comes with a stunning video from director Bob Gallagher (Swords, Myles Manley, Elaine Mai). Shot at the Beau Jack Boxing Club in Dublin, the visuals perfectly mirror the song’s message of the personal and internal pressures that someone hard headed and determined puts on themselves to succeed.

“I think it’s wrong when people are indifferent to what you do, for me, I will not rest until the listeners love or hate what I do, there’s no room for them to choose not to express some sort of emotion in regards to my music.” – Simi Crowns

You can follow Simi Crowns on Facebook and Twitter

Derek Ellard adds support slots

With the derelease of his debut EP “Candour” Derek Ellard has crammed the past few years’ worth of experiences, technical knowledge and hard work into 4 succinct tracks.

Derek’s range of influences is diverse, but they have all played a part in the formation of his current sound. With roots in scream/post hardcore and a special desire to experiment with EDM, he is anything but static in his growth as a musician.

Lyrically he is informed by his history, travels and his current environment of Galway – a place that he has made his musical home and where he began his journey to become a fully-fledged artist in 2009.

Playing nearly 100 gigs nationwide in 2010 he eventually felt the need to focus and kicked the day job to work as a live musician full time while studying Sound Production during the day.

The artists he has shared a stage with demonstrate the diversity and universal appeal of his music. From The Unthanks to The Kanyu Tree, The Cast of Cheers to John Corabi – his sound is tailor made for those that love music despite genre and presentation.

With his debut EP just recently completed, the need to push his ability and widen the scope of his ability is seeing him delve deeper and deeper into the world of EDM. Hearing the amount he can accomplish with just a guitar and some pedals, arming Derek Ellard with a studio’s worth of digital equipment should prove to be a very interesting prospect indeed.

Derek will be playing support in The Grand Social in Dublin tonight opening for Pockets and will be supporting Wallis Bird on November 21st in Monroe’s in Galway.

Derek’s EP is hosted on Bandcamp and can be listened to / purchased here: http://derekellard.bandcamp.com/

You can follow Derek Ellard on Facebook and Twitter.

IMRO Set To Host Traditional Music Showcases and Seminars at Temple Bar TradFest 2015

As part tradfestof the exciting programme of events taking place at Temple Bar TradFest 2015 IMRO will host a series of traditional music showcases and master classes in the New Theatre, Temple Bar, over the course of the festival.

Traditional music groups or artists interested in performing at one of these showcases should email an audio and/or website link to showcase@nullimro.ie before 1st December.

Alternatively acts should send a CD & biog to the following address:

IMRO Membership Department
Irish Music Rights Organisation
Copyright House
Pembroke Row
Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2

TradFest has grown over the past ten years to become a firm fixture on the Irish festival calendar. Year-on-year it has seen a huge increase in international visitors from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, Spain and Germany. The festival has presented some of the biggest names in Irish music alongside many exciting new performers and musicians. Families will not be disappointed either, with outdoor stages carrying an emphasis on young Irish music and dance talent; street entertainment and a children’s club being just some of the many free events taking place during the festival.

Acts announced to perform in 2015 include: Donovan, Hothouse Flowers, Levellers, John Sheahan, The Dublin Legends,  Declan O’Rourke, Susan McKeown, Beoga, Cara Dillon, Coda, Mick Flannery Danú, DeBerra, Karine Polwart, Kathryn Roberts, Sean Lakeman, Leonard Barry, Liam O’Flynn, Paddy Glackin, Neil Martin, Mícheál Ó Súilleabhain, Matt Molloy, John Carty, Arty McGlynn, Lynched, Marc O’Reilly & The Hard Ground, The Irish Concertina Ensemble, Sweeney’s Men & The Undertones.

Shortlist Announced for the 4th Annual Christie Hennessy Song Contest 2014

Live Final ch2 (1)Taking Place at Fels Point Hotel, Tralee

Saturday, 22nd November | 8:00pm

Special Guest – Don Baker

 

The live final of the fourth annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place on Saturday, 22nd November at Fels Point Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists, selected from hundreds of entries from across Ireland and beyond, will perform their song in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges. The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), Tralee Chamber Alliance and Tralee Credit Union.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place as a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons. Christie grew up in a house full of music in Tralee and went on to become one of Ireland’s best known singer-songwriters. Among his songs which went on to be recorded by other artists were “All The Lies That You Told Me” performed by Frances Black, “Don’t Forget Your Shovel” performed by Christy Moore and “Oh Jealous Heart” performed by Moya Brennan.

Special guest performance on the night will come from Don Baker. The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest is among a number of events taking place in Tralee over the course of the weekend of the 21st to 22nd November at Fels Point Hotel, Tralee, including live music with the Troubadour Club on Friday 21st, a songwriting workshop on Saturday 22nd as well as product demonstrations and an IMRO songwriter clinic where any query you have about IMRO or your membership can be answered.

Last year, Meath native, Alan Kavanagh took home the top prize in the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest for his song, “Bitter Man”, while the inaugural contest winner of 2011 was Paul McDonnell for his song, “Superman”.

The ten finalists taking part in the 2014 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest (in no particular order) are:

Bobby Lee – “Every Last Drop”

Sadhbh O’Sullivan – “Wingless Bird”

Katie Carpenter & Liz Madden – “Southern Fire”

Gary Keane – “Stylin”

Nodlaig Brolly – “The Emigrant Carn”

Colm Lynch – “Never Meant To Be”

Claire O’Brien – “Swan Song”

Alan Kavanagh – “Just A Jukebox Away”

Bennie Reilly (Little xs For Eyes) – “Seeping Hearts”

Paul F McDonnell, Dave Molloy, Cathleen Flynn – “Be All You Can Be”

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844.

The Christie Hennessy Song Contest is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, Tralee Credit Union, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser, The Troubadour Club, Bose, Cort, Paintbox, Centre Screen & Fels Point Hotel.

To keep up to date with the contest and to know who the winner of this year’s prize is you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Vincent Lynch releases his brand new single ‘It Was You’

VincentLynchFreshly signed to Universal Music Group on a worldwide publishing deal, Cork based singer-songwriter Vincent Lynch releases his brand new single, ‘It Was You’ to radio stations this week.

Vincent’s brand new self penned song ‘It Was You’ aims to reflect the eclectic, diverse style that Vincent has made his own, and he hopes to replicate this in the brand new single release.

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Left Coast Chamber Ensemble 2015 Composition Contest

LeftCoastChamberEnsemble2015 COMPOSITION CONTEST
Award  US $1500 cash
Performance by Left Coast Chamber Ensemble during the 2015-2016 concert season
Recording of the live performance
Guidelines

Composers of all ages and nationalities may apply.

Select any combination of the following instrumentation for 1-7 players.
1 Male Voice (Tenor)
1 Flute (doubling Alto Flute and/or Piccolo)
2 Oboes (one doubling English Horn)
1 Clarinet (doubling B flat, A, E flat, and/or Bass Cl.)
1 Piano (or Harpsichord)
2 Violins
2 Violas
2 Cellos
1 Double Bass
1 Guitar

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