Month: February 2017

Youth Work Irelands Irish Youth Music Awards (IYMAs) marks its ten-year anniversary this year returning to the Aviva Stadium for its all ages National Day festival on Saturday April 22, 2017. The National Day will see young musicians aged 12 – 19 from across the country representing their community and performing across two stages throughout the day. The IYMA’s also brings together some of Ireland’s top music industry personnel as it hosts a large educational hub supported by BIMM Institute Dublin. Featuring masterclasses and workshops in vocals, song-writing and more, festival goers can also attend panels led by music industry professionals including BIMM Institute Dublin lecturers and RTÉ 2FM Director of Music Alan Swan.

Tickets for the IYMAs National Day are available here from Eventbrite priced €20 including booking fee. The event is an all ages, alcohol free event. Group tickets are also here for youth clubs or projects priced €120 (including booking fee) allowing admission for five young people, two youth leaders and include a set lunch on the day.

“The IYMAs is a youth music educational programme helping young bands and musicians aged 12-19 to learn new skills within the creative and music industries and acting as a stepping stone between further education or employment opportunities. With our exciting new partners RTÉ 2FM, BIMM Institute Dublin and LinkedIn Learning, we are providing added media exposure for young up and coming acts in the programme, an opportunity to apply for a musical equipment support bursary if accepted on to a BIMM Institute Dublin course and use of Linkedins Learning platform to those participating in the programme. As part of the programme we further plan to develop progression paths for young people, and most importantly to create a space for the participants to perform, learn new skills and express themselves”, said Irish Youth Music Awards Director Barry Lennon.

Aimed at creating teamwork and friendship at local level, the Irish Youth Music Awards also provides first hand work experience in all areas associated with the music business such as PR, stage management, graphic design, photography and much more. The programme honours the most effective music projects run by groups of young people based on the entire project from the band, to the crew, to the promotion and to the representing bands’ performance at the Aviva Stadium.

The overall recipient region will win recording time in a professional recording studio, a recording session in RTÉ’s legendary Studio 8 and a full backline provided by Music Maker Dublin. They will also produce an album of their own original tracks released on physical CD with a professional design. Last year’s IYMAs album stormed the Irish compilation charts entering at number five. The album will be digitally distributed worldwide through all major outlets including iTunes and Spotify.

Last year’s recipient act JANAJ from Team Galway, who went on to support The Strypes with President Michael D Higgins in attendance, said, “Taking part in the IYMAs has opened so many doors for us as musicians and individuals. We got a glimpse into the depth of work that goes into promoting, creating, and selling an act and their music. The IYMAs has helped the young people from our team in Galway grow our passion for music, as well as gaining skills and experience in areas that we may not experience in a traditional school setting.”

The Irish Youth Music Awards National Day takes place in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 22 April 2017. RTÉ 2FM will also broadcast live from the event.

IYMAs partners and supporters include The Department of Children and Youth Affairs, RTÉ 2FM, BIMM institute Dublin, LinkedIn Learning, IMRO, Music Maker, Gaisce – The President’s Award and Youth Action Northern Ireland.

Photo Credit: Owen Humphreys

For More Information:

www.iymas.ie
www.facebook.com/irishyouthmusicawards
https://www.instagram.com/official_iymas/
https://twitter.com/officialiymas

Talos – aka Eoin French – releases a new single, ‘Odyssey’. It’s a swirling, romantic slice of poised electronic pop that builds to a contradictorily euphoric climax, one that belies the self-doubt at the heart of the track.

Talos on ‘Odyssey’: “In any endeavour we find ourselves at the point of doubt. Those moments where you question yourself. That’s what the line, ‘In this odyssey, it’s hard to leave…’ refers to. It’s a beautiful and testing cycle.

“I was asking myself some pretty big questions. Am I doing the right thing? Is this worth it? Am I deluding myself?! And I think in the end, the answer to all three is yes. These feelings come and go. The thoughts pass. Sometimes the delusions get realised. And we move on.”

Produced by Talos and Ross Dowling, ‘Odyssey’ is a further glimpse into the intriguing world this architect is building for himself – one that can be further explored with the release of his debut album, Wild Alee on April 21.

The Cork musician has also announced a nine-date Irish tour, with further dates to follow.

Live dates:
April 15 – Connolly’s of Leap
April 21 – Button Factory, Dublin
April 22 – Dolan’s, Limerick
April 27 – Roisin Dubh, Galway
April 28 – Live at St Luke’s, Cork
May 12 – St Patrick’s Gateway, Waterford (w/ Saint Sister)
May 13 – The Set, Kilkenny
May 25 – Voodoo, Belfast
June 22 – Spirit Store, Dundalk
+ more shows TBA

Tickets on sale now.
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www.talostalos.com

Telephone Explosions are an electronic duo comprising Maynooth couple Dolores Fogarty and Adrian Mee. The pair’s diverse interests merge with Adrian’s electronic background in his speciality of Computer Music, and the traditional Irish music origins of Dolores, who went on to become a member of the band Hvmmingbyrd until 2016.

Their first single “Pocket” was recorded at their home, and mixed and mastered by Andrew Carroll. The song draws influence from artists like Slowdive, Julee Cruise and Mazzy Star, with low-key fuzz guitar interplaying with sweet, halting vocals. The video was made using holiday footage taken at various beauty spots in Ireland, including Skellig Michael in Co. Kerry and Mount Errigal in Co. Donegal. Inspired by number stations, hidden transmissions and unbroken codes, Telephone Explosions plan to release their debut EP this summer.

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Following his critically acclaimed self-titled 2015 album, Best Boy Grip, AKA Eoin O’Callaghan from Derry in Northern Ireland, has released the video for his brand new single ‘Reptile’. With fans including Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Steve Lamacq (BBC 6Music) and Guillem Balague (Sky Sports), ‘Reptile’ has already been impressing those in the know.

Eoin says, “I’ve been enjoying developing my production skills, recording using really old synths and recording methods and making a sound that’s just sucks the listener in. I’m always trying to make a track that sounds like a future classic.”

The video was shot by Eoin himself and is fully contained in his modest recording studio at home. Its got a real 80’s warmth to it and he puts that down to his approach – “I’ve filmed it using an anamorphic lens like they use in the movies. Ive also recently taken ownership of an old reel to reel tape machine and its just so beautiful, I had to have it spinning away in the background. Im in love with the old analog gear both in music production and video making. It brings its own personality to everything.”

‘Reptile’ is out on 24th Feb via Amelia Records.

Website – http://www.bestboygrip.co.uk
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8WGGrSOcRw
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/5ScOh4QeTslRJ9ObFTmaln

Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh is back, bigger and better and packed to the rafters with music events for all ages and interests. Events take place around Ballyferriter in the Dingle Peninsula and things kick off on Wednesday Feb 22nd and continue through to Sunday the 26th. The major draws are the classes and the 3 major concerts. Classes take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 1pm. If you haven’t booked your place yet contact eolas@nullscoilcheoil.com or 087 3559938 to keep a place.

On Friday night, in Ionad an Bhlascaoid, they will celebrate the pipes in a specially curated concert featuring pipers from three traditions with Cillian Ó Briain, Maitiú Ó Casaide and Pepín de Munhalen fom Asturius in Northern Spain and Merike Perbatis from Estonia on Torupill. Each of the pipers will share from their own traditions and styles. This concert also includes a special appearance by young local pianist Ava Ní Dhufaigh.

Saturday offers a fantastic line up for this year’s big concert. Seán Ryan, Conor Keane, Máire Breatnach, Steve Cooney, amhránaithe Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Paul Dooley, Doireann Glackin, Iarfhlaith O’Donell, Karoliina Kreintaal & Merike Paberits, Pepín de Munhalen.

Tickets are available at the information desk in Óstán Ceann Sibéal from Thursday the 23rd.

Scoil cheoil an earraigh is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, Ealaíon na Gaelachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, IMRO, Fáilte Ireland, Comhairle Condae Chiarraí and RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta.

www.scoilcheoil.com

Shane Hennessy has launched a FundIt campaign for his upcoming album. The crowdfunding platform will allow fans to be a part of the production of the new album by purchasing it in advance of its creation to help make it a reality.

According to Shane, “I want to make the best album I possibly can, and your support will ensure that it is produced at the highest quality. I have so much new music to share and my aim for this album is to bring the acoustic guitar in a new direction, while bringing in musical influences both traditional and progressive! I would really appreciate any support you can give, and remember: your support is not just a donation – you are helping to create the album by purchasing your copy in advance, and receiving rewards in return! Your support can get you not only the CD but things like lessons, dedicated arrangements, tab books, concert tickets, private concerts and workshops, and more.”

So far this year Shane have been busier than ever before. Since January, he has been enjoying being a part of the ‘This Is Me’ concert tour around Ireland with Derek Ryan. They have played some of Ireland’s biggest concert theatres and opera houses, and will be hitting the festival circuit with Derek and his band later in the year.

The rest of this year will see Shane’s Irish album launch tour, live appearances internationally, and continued songwriting and session work. He’s also excited to be part of the Maton Guitars shop tour in the UK and Ireland, details of which will be finalised shortly!

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Synth trio Exiles formed in the South-East of Ireland in 2015 when producer-musicians Darragh O’Connor (Guitar/Synths), Johnny Smee (Keys/Electronic Drums) and Jack O’Flaherty (Vocals/Guitar), driven by a love for the 1980’s and all things electronic, began to collaborate on synthwave-inspired music.

With influences ranging from Hall & Oates, Tears for Fears and the soundtrack to Lethal Weapon, right through to St. Lucia, All Tvvins and the soundtrack to Lethal Weapon 2, Exiles carefully crafted their four track debut EP “Red Lights” in Camden Recording Studios under the expert guidance of producer Ross Fortune (Vann Music, Benny Smiles) – a gentleman who himself is no stranger to larger than life synthscapes that capture the excesses of the time.

Released last year “Red Lights” is an exploration of life, love, fast cars and escaping expectations. It’s a perpetual summer dream, a night-time cruise through the palm trees and neon lights of Ocean Drive, a speedboat ride into a South Beach sunset with the promise of a new dawn.

“Exiles clearly just want to have fun and make people dance, and they do both of these things with ease… an unashamedly carefree and fun- filled approach” – GoldenPlec

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Today Dublin based funk band Oddsocks release the second single ‘Birth Of The Cool’ from their now critically acclaimed new album ‘The Sound Of The City’. This up-tempo funky pop single is accompanied by a video recorded at ‘The Meadow’ recording studio by Dublin based videographer Afghaniscan. Oddsocks look forward to another string of Irish dates after this release beginning with a show in Whelans on March 3rd.

Featuring funk-pop & soul performances and the strong influence of producer Rian Trench (Solar Bears), ‘The Sound Of The City’ has given a defined new direction to the band. Synth-lead, groove driven tracks dominate the album while brass sounds and the soulful moods of Oddsocks’ multiple vocalists colour each track.

Oddsocks released the album’s leading single ‘What You Trying’ last November and it has since received extensive national and local radio playlisting throughout Ireland. Now the band look forward to releasing this new track to co-incide with the second leg of their Irish tour this February.

New Album ‘The Sound Of The City’ Available on Bandcamp and at oddsocksmusic.com

Single Launch: March 3rd – Whelan’s Upstairs – 8pm

“.….Well thought out compositions, with a mix of pure soul and funk…..” – Hotpress
“ …a satisfying synth-addled vibration. “ – The Irish Times
“It’s an accomplished promising debut” – The Irish Mail On Sunday

Birds of Olympus today made available debut single ‘Vine of the Soul’, the release of which is to coincide with the bands invitation to play at this year’s SXSW. The band will also perform in Dublin’s The Grand Social tonight for a pre-SXSW showcase.

Birds of Olympus’ soundscape, and mesmeric live expression will bring you to new states, states where human flesh has no option but to move.  Fronted by John ‘Spud’ Murphy (ex Hybrasil), an elusive Wicklow native who has shared the stage with artists like Morrissey, The Waterboys and The Libertines, to name a few.

Spud and his band have created a palette that is fluid, a living breathing thing.

The Birds exist in gravitational atmosphere entirely of their own, and their potential for a trance-inducing live performance is no empty threat.

‘Vine of the Soul’ the first offering from Birds of Olympus, won’t answer all the questions, it won’t make your job easier or your house bigger, but it’s new music you won’t want to miss.

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