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Month: February 2016

Hard Rock calls artists to rock local, win global for chance to perform in Ibiza and win $50,000

hrr-logo-top-2Announcing Open Registration for World’s Largest, One-Day Music Showcase
Winning Artist to Perform at Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza, Spain

Hard Rock, in partnership with ReverbNation, is turning up the volume for its sixth-annual global music competition, Hard Rock Rising. On Wednesday, June 1, 2016, up-and-coming local artists and music acts will have a chance to rise to international stardom by performing in the world’s largest, one-day music showcase taking place at participating Hard Rock Cafes around the world. Musicians who are interested in participating can register online at HardRockRising.com today through Friday, March 11, 2016, for a chance to win $50,000 USD, a professionally-produced music video, a Fender Instruments prize pack and an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza.

“Live music has been a cornerstone of Hard Rock’s mission since our beginning in 1971,” said Jeff Nolan, Hard Rock International’s resident music guru and Memorabilia Historian. “Hard Rock Rising 2016 is a one day, global celebration of local artists. We hope to raise awareness for these incredible and too-often overlooked acts, while simultaneously providing exposure that helps them breakthrough to the next level of success.”

Rock Local, Win Global
Following open registration, entrants will receive a unique URL to share, encouraging their fans to vote online. The act who receives the largest number of online votes will become the wildcard “winner” for their local Hard Rock. The online voting period runs from Thursday, March 17 to Wednesday, March 23. Fans are able to vote for multiple artists located in any participating city.

The wildcard “winner” will be automatically eligible to participate in the Hard Rock Rising music showcase taking place on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the participating Hard Rock Cafe or Hotel location they selected when registering. Three additional acts for each location will be selected to perform by the local Hard Rock Cafe or Hotel team. One winner will be selected from each location by a panel of local industry judges.

A panel of international music industry professionals will then narrow the local cafe winners down to four regional finalists and one global grand prize winner. All will receive a professionally-produced music video that will be added regionally to the Hard Rock video system, a 1,000 count CD/DVD pack of their latest recording and video from Bison Disc, and a Fender Instruments prize pack. The grand prize winner will receive $50,000 USD, have their video added worldwide to the Hard Rock video system and get an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza in September 2016.

Hard Rock Rising is hosted, in partnership with ReverbNation, the global leader in providing independent musicians with the tools to manage every aspect of their careers. ReverbNation’s unique platform and extensive community of more than 4 million artists in over 100 countries worldwide provides undiscovered artists with a chance to catapult their music careers and expose themselves to Hard Rock’s global audience.

“The opportunity for ReverbNation to partner with and support Hard Rock Rising for another year highlights our passion and dedication to providing emerging artists with the tools they need to evolve their music careers,” said Mike Doernberg of ReverbNation. “By utilizing our unique platform and curation capabilities, we are able to expose the talented musicians of the ReverbNation community and introduce them to Hard Rock’s global audience.”

For full rules and a list of participating locations, visit www.HardRockRising.com

About ReverbNation
ReverbNation is the global leader in providing independent musicians the tools to manage every aspect of their careers. Since 2006, ReverbNation’s complete career management solution has built a community of over 4 million artists. This unrivalled access to today’s emerging talent, added to an industry leading curation capability, and a growing online audience of millions of fans, allows ReverbNation to play a pivotal role in the early identification and development of the next generation of successful artists.

For more information, visit ReverbNation.com and follow ReverbNation on Twitter at Twitter.com/ReverbNation.

About Bison Disc
Bison disc is a leader in music CD and CD package manufacturing. With 22 years of experience, Bison Disc works to provide thousands of order to musicians worldwide. Bison Disc is known for its legendary quality, large selection of packaging options and exclusive customer service.

About Hard Rock International
With venues in 68 countries, including 162 cafes, 23 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Reykjavik and Gran Canaria, Spain. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Atlanta, Berlin, Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China.

For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com

IMRO calls for political focus on the role of music to Ireland’s economy and society

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has today called on political parties and candidates campaigning in General Election 2016 to focus on the future of Irish music as they shape their policies and engage with the electorate. This follows the publication by IMRO, of a report last year entitled The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy and Society which demonstrates that the music sector in Ireland supports 11,500 jobs and contributes almost half a billion euro to the economy annually.

Victor Finn, Chief Executive Officer, IMRO said, “If Ireland’s music sector is to be protected, sustained and developed, the right policy environment must be created – a focus on training, education, copyright, access to export markets and finance is required to help ensure a viable music industry into the future.

We have seen very little focus on the future of Irish music by parties and candidates in the General Election campaign to date. This is despite music being a sector that supports thousands of jobs, delivers hundreds of millions of euro to the economy and attracts thousands of tourists to Ireland annually. It is a crucial part of our national identity and must be prioritised.

Being a musician is a real career and musicians are entrepreneurs who require support just like any other SMEs.  By supporting these entrepreneurs, there’s a huge opportunity not just for Ireland’s economy, but also socially, helping to create and maintain jobs nationwide and ensure that our towns and villages can be revived as vibrant cultural hubs.”

He continued, “At IMRO, we acknowledge that there has been some focus by Government to date on the future of music through Culture 2025 and programmes such as Music Generation.

However, a piecemeal approach will not work. What is now needed is one clear, consolidated, cross- Departmental music strategy that is coordinated, focused, measurable and cost-efficient. We have seen with the Oscars and Baftas recently, how successful Irish film has been and this is as a result of real support and development.

There is a similar opportunity for Irish music, and all that’s required is real political will and coordinated action.”

IMRO is calling for a number of simple measures, which, if implemented, could finally see the music sector in Ireland develop to its full potential:

  • The establishment of a Music Industry Taskforce, with representatives from Government, the business community and industry to help reinvigorate the sector and encourage collaboration;
  • Appointing an IP ‘Tsar’ to consider the impact of IP and copyright legislation and enforcement in both the music and technology industries;
  • The development of advanced training courses for music professionals to focus on ‘business of music’ education, particularly for early career musicians;
  • Establishing a Music Office – Music Ireland – to act as a focal point for the music industry, similar to the Irish Film Board. This office would provide assistance to individuals in the music sector and those looking to enter new overseas markets;
  • Greater support for musicians, many of whom are self-employed, in accessing finance and ensuring that fiscal supports are effective and appropriately structured.

The Irish Music Rights Organisation represents over 10,500 songwriters, composers and music publishers in Ireland and throughout the world.

‘Whistle This’ Promotions anounce showcase details

Whistle This Promotions
presents a number of acts performing at Bowes of Thurles this Friday February 12th. Performances are by:

  • John Conneely & Mark Sullivan
  • Tom Shorley
  • Paudie Ryan & Friends
  • Eddie Mc Cormack
  • Daniel Mathews & Daniel Butler

Plus special guests on the night.

Whistle This is a monthly showcase session providing a platform for singer/songwriters, musicians, poets and performers. The event takes place in Bowes, Thurles and is hosted by Tom Lyons. It features a mix of experienced songwriters/performers and those seeking to gain experience in live music.

Acts that have performed in the past include Eoin Ryan, Dietrich, James McGrath, Mick Hanly with Eoghan O’Neill, Adela Meally, Clem O’Brien Band, Tom Shorley, Pat Wright, Jester, Fran Garry, Half Ten, Larry O’Sullivan, Shane Lyons, Seskin Lane, Tom Lyons, Avi McGurty and Kelsey Creek.

Check www.facebook.com/Whistle-This-Promotions for further details

Inflyte Promo App offers new features

IMRO memberscan now experience the exciting new features that Inflyte have just rolled out for their label clients, DJs and tastemakers.

Inflyte is a mobile-first promo platform for record labels to securely push watermarked digital promos to industry Inflyte tastemakers mobile devices. Inflyte combines push-notification technology and Dropbox integration to provide an unrivalled user-experience for both labels and tastemakers, designed to increase engagement and deliver superior campaign performance.

Label managers access rich analytics and data through an online dashboard that create efficiencies at every step of the promo process while reducing administrative overhead. Launched in October 2014, Inflyte’s streamlined approach to digital promo delivery has seen the company quickly establish itself as the main service provider for hundreds of leading UK and European labels including Defected, Cocoon, Get Physical.

The updated app (which is now live in the App Store) if just one of the new additions along with the rolling-out of a brand new website and their new Pay As You Go rates for labels and PR agencies, which offer even better value for money.

Inflyte have also added a powerful new email alias tool to ensure labels are always delivering promos to the most up-to-date address for their recipients. DJs and tastemakers can now add all their old email addresses to their Inflyte account and the service will filter all communications through to the correct address for them.

The new features include:

• Beautiful New Visual Design
• In-App Dropbox Integration
• Endless Promo Paging
• In-App Format Preferences
• Promo Search
• Track Waveform Displays
• Sort by Sender

If you want more information regarding the service you can click on the link to the Info Pack.

As an exclusive offer run in partnership with IMRO, Inflyte are offering record labels 25% off their monthly subscriptions for the first 3 months.

Connect via www.inflyteapp.com and quote IMRO15 to secure your discount!

Inflyte promo app offers new features

IMRO membersInflyte can now experience the exciting new features that Inflyte have just rolled out for their label clients, DJs and tastemakers.

Inflyte is a mobile-first promo platform for record labels to securely push watermarked digital promos to industry Inflyte tastemakers mobile devices. Inflyte combines push-notification technology and Dropbox integration to provide an unrivalled user-experience for both labels and tastemakers, designed to increase engagement and deliver superior campaign performance.

Label managers access rich analytics and data through an online dashboard that create efficiencies at every step of the promo process while reducing administrative overhead. Launched in October 2014, Inflyte’s streamlined approach to digital promo delivery has seen the company quickly establish itself as the main service provider for hundreds of leading UK and European labels including Defected, Cocoon, Get Physical.

The updated app (which is now live in the App Store) if just one of the new additions along with the rolling-out of a brand new website and their new Pay As You Go rates for labels and PR agencies, which offer even better value for money.

Inflyte have also added a powerful new email alias tool to ensure labels are always delivering promos to the most up-to-date address for their recipients. DJs and tastemakers can now add all their old email addresses to their Inflyte account and the service will filter all communications through to the correct address for them.

The new features include:

• Beautiful New Visual Design
• In-App Dropbox Integration
• Endless Promo Paging
• In-App Format Preferences
• Promo Search
• Track Waveform Displays
• Sort by Sender

If you want more information regarding the service you can click on the link to the Info Pack.

As an exclusive offer run in partnership with IMRO, Inflyte are offering record labels 25% off their monthly subscriptions for the first 3 months.

Connect via www.inflyteapp.com and quote IMRO15 to secure your discount!

Guest List Offer | IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards

IMRO Music Festival of the Year Award 2015
IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music 2015
Best Venue / Festival Technical Crew 2015

We have a limited number of guest list places available for this event.

Simply email: events@nullimro.ie with your name(s).

Date: Tuesday 16th February
Venue: IMRO – Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Dublin 2
Time: 6.30pm – 9:30pm
MC: Paddy McKenna – Editor Joe.ie

Featuring live performances on the night by The AcademicROCSTRONG and Saint Sister.
The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) is delighted to announce that the eighth IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards will take place onTuesday 16th February 2016 at IMRO HQ in Dublin.

This year, two new awards have been added to the proceedings – IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music 2015 and Best Venue / Technical Crew 2015.

The annual awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, providing the public with an exceptional live music experience on a weekly basis.

More than 11,000 IMRO members considered hundreds of venues across the country for the shortlist. Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue. IMRO members also voted on Ireland’s music festivals, delivering a shortlist of their top ten festivals.

Live music venues and festivals play a vital role in the music industry in Ireland, giving international and homegrown artists a platform to engage with fans and build new audiences. They also play a central role in urban and rural communities across the country, providing a social gathering space for varied audiences, and contributing hugely to the domestic economy.

Live music fans should simply log on tohttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/imrovenueawards choose their favourite from the shortlist provided, by February 15th.  One lucky voter will win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.

IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year 2015 Shortlist

IMRO Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 2
Vicar Street, Thomas Street, Dublin 8
The Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin 2
The Grand Social, Dublin 1
3Arena, Dublin 1

IMRO Rest of Leinster Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
The Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Sky and the Ground, Wexford
Cleeres, Kilkenny
The Set Theatre, Kilkenny
Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford

IMRO Connacht Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
Roisin Dubh, Lower Dominick Street, Galway
Monroes, Dominick Street Upper, Galway
Matt Molloys, Westport, Co. Mayo
The Dock Theatre, Leitrim
Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo

IMRO Munster Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
The Greyhound, Killkee, Co. Clare
Crane Lane Theatre, Cork
Levis, Ballydehob, Co. Cork
Dolans, Dock Road, Limerick
Coughlans, Cork

IMRO Ulster Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney Co. Monaghan
An Poc Fada, Monaghan
Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co. Cavan
Allingham Arms Hotel, Bundoran, Co. Donegal
Hotel Kilmore, Cavan

IMRO Music Festival of the Year 2015
Body & Soul
Electric Picnic
Dublin Fringe Festival
Longitude
NYE StreetFest
Forbidden Fruit
Galway Arts Festival
Other Voices
Temple Bar Tradfest
Fleadh Ceoil

Alt-Pop Artist Stevie Cliff Releases Debut Single “Burn Baby Burn”

Stevie Cliff’s debut single “Burn Baby Burn” will be available on iTunes and Spotify Monday February 8th. The track was produced and mixed by Ciaran O’Shea (Frank & the Walters, Toy Soldier) and mastered by Fergal Davis.

No stranger to the Irish Music circuit Stevie has spent the last few years honing his craft as a singer songwriter opening for acts such as Mick Flannery, Paddy Casey & Declan O’Rourke. In the midst of this musical apprenticeship was a year spent living in New York. The change in urban environment caused a shift in the focus of his sound. Slowly acoustic instruments were traded in for drum machines and synthesisers. This allowed influences such as LCD Soundsystem & Chromeo come to the fore to be mashed with his love of intelligent lyrics.

The end result is the debut single “Burn Baby Burn”. The track combines slick 80’s synths with staccato guitars and solid pop hooks to devastating effect. Lyrically the song explores the postmodern state of romance that today’s millennials must navigate on a daily basis.

Listen on SoundCloud

The track is a statement of intent for the twenty-something Dubliner as he gears up to release a debut EP later on in the year.

Accompanying the release is the official music video Directed by Darren Lee of Belfast based Maverick Productions.

www.steviecliff.com

The 1st Peter Rosser Composition Award 2016

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble, in conjunction with the Peter Rosser Foundation, announce the first ever Peter Rosser Composition Award, in memory of their esteemed colleague and friend.

The award is open to composers born or domicile in N. Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, regardless of age  Submissions from emerging composers are particularly welcome.

Composers are invited to write a piece for Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble of 5-8 minutes duration.
All shortlisted works will be workshopped, performed and recorded (as well as video streamed) by HRSE at a special event in Red Box Recording Studio, Belfast on Friday 27th May 2016.

DEADLINE: 4pm Friday 29th April 2016

1st Prize: £1000
2nd Prize: £500
3rd Prize: £250

For full competition rules and submission guidelines, please click here

The 1st Peter Rosser Composition Award 2016

peter-rosser-image-244x300Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble, in conjunction with the Peter Rosser Foundation, announce the first ever Peter Rosser Composition Award, in memory of their esteemed colleague and friend.

The award is open to composers born or domicile in N. Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, regardless of age Submissions from emerging composers are particularly welcome.

Composers are invited to write a piece for Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble of 5-8 minutes duration.
All shortlisted works will be workshopped, performed and recorded (as well as video streamed) by HRSE at a special event in Red Box Recording Studio, Belfast on Friday 27th May 2016.

DEADLINE: 4pm Friday 29th April 2016

1st Prize: £1000
2nd Prize: £500
3rd Prize: £250

For full competition rules and submission guidelines, please click here

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