Month: August 2017

IMRO member Brendan Graham’s ‘You Raise Me Up’ has been chosen as the ending title track on the 30 episode series Father Charles Soong.

The series is based on the life of Charlie Soong, who, along with his daughters, is seen as one of the founding figures of the People’s Republic of China. Born in 1863, Soong went on to become one of China’s most successful businessmen while his children also went on to lead important roles in the beginnings of the People’s Republic of China.

The role of Charlie is played by award winning Hong Kong born actor Tse Kwan-ho.

‘You Raise Me Up’ which was composed by Brendan Graham and Rolf Løvland, is one of the most recognisable songs in the world having been recorded by over 1,000 artists and has been for a hit for performers including Josh Groban and Westlife.

Martin Hurkens performs “You Raise Me Up” in the closing credits for Father Charles Soong.

Following two successful solo albums and tours Shane Filan has announced that he is back with his third album, ‘Love Always’ featuring some all-time classic love ballads alongside new original songs. The 12 track album features some of Shane’s favourite ballads along with some fan suggestions, from all time classics like ‘Make Me Feel My Love’ and ‘Eternal Flame‘ to new hits including ‘Beautiful in White’ which has already amassed over 70 million views on You Tube. The album will be on sale on Friday 25^th August 2017.

Shane says, “This is an album I have been wanting to make for a long time, I love singing ballads and this album is full of some of my all-time favourite songs as well as some fan choices such as the Bangles hit ‘Eternal Flame’ which I had never thought about covering but loved recording, to one of my own personal favourites Bryan Adams’ ‘Heaven’. Picking the tracks was the most difficult part of the process and I wanted to put my own take on them and I’m really proud of the versions I have done. There are also three brand new original tracks that I’ve written following requests by fans for some new music and I am really proud of how they sit alongside the other songs”.

Shane has cemented his position as one of the UK & Ireland’s most popular male solo artists, following phenomenal success with Westlife – one of the world’s most successful bands of the last few decades – and he shows no signs of slowing down, “There’s nothing that make me happier than singing and being on stage” he says, “it’s something I am very proud of and it’s what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.”

The new album will also be accompanied by a UK and Irish tour also titled ‘Love Always’. “The great thing about thing about this new album and forthcoming tour is that the set list is going to be so strong with the addition of these songs to my set list, with some of my earlier singles and obviously the Westlife favourites. The fans will know every single word of every song, it’s nice to look forward to a tour knowing the crowd are really going to love it, it’s going to be a new chapter and everyone is going to be singing along to these songs”. 

Westlife had fourteen chart topping singles and forty-four million sales. Their career, Shane says, “fulfilled all of our dreams 1000 times over.” It’s been a remarkable journey for a singer songwriter who grew up inspired by an admiration of Backstreet Boys and Michael Jackson.

Track Listing:

This I Promise You
Don’t Dream It’s Over
Make You Feel My Love
Beautiful In White
Need You Now
Heaven
Completely
Unbreakable
Eyes Don’t Lie
I Can’t Make You Love Me
Crazy Over You
Eternal Flame

Tour dates 2017 

October

• Thursday 19 – Dublin – Olympia Theatre
• Sunday 22 – Belfast – Waterfront Hall

http://www.shanefilan.com/

Van Morrison has released the first single proper from his forthcoming album via all digital services.

‘Transformation’ is a sublime piece of soulful music; the kind of gloriously transcendent song that only Van Morrison seems to write. The track features regular Van collaborator Chris Farlowe on additional vocals alongside UK jazz great Jason Rebello on piano and legendary guitarist/former Yardbird Jeff Beck. The video for ‘Transformation’ was filmed at Van’s recent gig at London’s Porchester Hall.

‘Transformation’ is taken from ‘Roll With the Punches’ – his 37th studio album – due for release via Caroline International on 22nd September 2017. As well as several of his own compositions, ‘Roll With the Punches’ features Van’s interpretations of a selection of undisputed classic rhythm and blues songs, reconnecting Van with music he came of age with in the ’60s. Of the album, Van says:

“From a very early age, I connected with the blues. The thing about the blues is you don’t dissect it – you just do it. I’ve never over-analysed what I do; I just do it. Music has to be about just doing it and that’s the way the blues works – it’s an attitude. I was lucky to have met people who were the real thing – people like John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Witherspoon, Bo Diddley, Little Walter & Mose Allison. I got to hang out with them and absorb what they did. They were people with no ego whatsoever and they helped me learn a lot.”

Van Morrison plays previously announced dates in the autumn. The shows are: 
Dec 4th Belfast Europa Hotel
Dec 5th Belfast Europa Hotel 

http://www.vanmorrison.com

Creating music for film and TV is an art – but defining the sometimes-mystical quality that will help a music score succeed is often difficult to quantify.

For anyone with an interest in the process of scoring for film/TV and pathways for access to this important of aspect of audio visual post production this upcoming IMRO seminar will provide you with invaluable insights and knowledge to help move your career forward.

Hosted by Award winning film maker, musician, advertising copywriter, short story writer Nick Kelly and leading composer for film/TV and advertisements John Gerard Walsh this event is undoubtedly a must attend event for any songwriter or composer looking to break into this notoriously difficult area for emerging Irish composers and songwriters to gain a foothold.

Nick Kelly is responsible for some of the best loved Irish singles of all time with his former band The Fat Lady Sings, is a Choice Music Prize-nominated solo artist, and was voted #3 Best Irish Songwriter (after Hozier and Damien Rice) in the 2015 Hot Press Readers Poll.

In recent years he’s also become an Oscar-shortlisted filmmaker (for his 2011 short film “Shoe”), whose work has been featured by New York’s MoMA.

To coincide with the Irish cinema release (8th Sept) of his much-anticipated first feature film “The Drummer And The Keeper” (winner of “Best Irish First Feature” at the 2017 Galway Film Fleadh) Nick brings his updated SEE:HEAR show to IMRO on Friday 25th August.

SEE:HEAR intertwines live performances of some of Nick’s best loved songs, exclusive scenes from “The Drummer And The Keeper”, and a witty and compelling talk on the many links he sees between making music and movies.

Nick will be joined on the night by composer John Gerard Walsh who scored music for the film. John Gerard Walsh is an award winning Composer. Originally from Cavan Town, he now lives and works in Dublin. In his formative days, he studied classical guitar and music theory at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in between touring with rock bands and scoring projects for up and coming film directors. A string of commissions for the national broadcaster RTE followed with scores for the television series “Rebellion 1798”, “Proof” and opening themes for “The Six Nations”, “World Cup”, “Prime Time” and “Television News” to mention a few. Through his commercial music company Symphonic, his music has featured in major advertising campaigns for Guinness, Carlsberg, Heineken, Fáilte Ireland, The Gathering, Jameson, The Olympic Games and the launch campaign for Eir. In addition to “The Drummer and The keeper”  he has recently scored the feature films ”Cherry Tree” and provided music for the Discovery Channel drama series “Harley and the Davidsons”. John is also a founding member and songwriter with “The Carnival Brothers”.

Date: Friday 25th August
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Location: IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Dublin 2
Bookings: Limited number of places available (Booking Essential – Email: events@nullimro.ie)

‘The Drummer and the Keeper’ tells the story of the unlikely friendship formed between two young men; Gabriel, a reckless young drummer who revels in rejecting society’s rules and Christopher, a 17 year old with Asperger’s Syndrome, who yearns to fit in. This heartwarming story, shows the strength of the human bond, in the face of adversity.

The film stars a collection of talented Irish actors including Dermot Murphy (Clean Break, Raw), Charlie Kelly (Secret Scripture, Jadotville), Peter Coonan (What Richard Did, Love/Hate), Aoibhinn McGinnity (Moone Boy, Quirke, Love/Hate), Annie Ryan (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Laws of Attraction), Niamh Algar (Without Name) and introducing Jacob Mc Carthy.

‘The Drummer and the Keeper’ is produced by Kate McColgan for Calico Pictures, with support from the Irish Film Board and is distributed by Element Pictures.

Garage-rockers Otherkin keep the pressure on with the release of the video for their brand new single, entitled “Come On, Hello”, as the buzz builds for their much-anticipated debut album, called “OK”, which will be released at the end of the summer.

2017 has already been a tornado of touring for the band, having completed three UK adventures, one headline, one with The Amazons and a third with punk legends the Dead Kennedys. Furthermore, the band opened for Guns ‘N’ Roses at the legendary Slane Castle, made their Download debut at Castle Donington and kept the Otherkin flame burning in Holland and France. Just recently, they were championed by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich on his Beats1 radio show.

“OK” was recorded in Ireland with David Prendergast, Jason Boland and the band at the controls. The tracks were mixed in London by Jolyon Thomas, best known for his work with Slaves and Royal Blood. Showing real commitment to their art, singer Luke and drummer Rob both had fresh “OK” tattoos committed to flesh for the album artwork.

To support the release of the album, Otherkin will be out on tour as both special guests of INHEAVEN in the UK and headlining their own gigs in fifteen European countries. They are also confirmed for the Leeds / Reading festival at the end of August.

The album “OK” will be released on Friday 29th September on vinyl (with poster insert) and CD, and is available to pre-order now from Apple Music and all digital music platforms. Fans who pre-order will receive four instant grat tracks – “Ay Ay”, “Feel It”, “Bad Advice” and “REACT”.

http://www.otherkinok.com/

Will de Burca today releases his latest single ‘It Shall Be Opened’ on all digital platforms.

‘It Shall Be Opened’ is the 4th single from Will de Burca’a second album ‘Embedded’. Expect to hear a sample of Earl Nightingale’s 1956 work ‘The Strangest Secret’, dominates ‘It Shall Be Opened’, making a decent use of strings to create an atmosphere with pinging effects and deliberate beats recall Public Service Broadcasting.

f: facebook.com/willdeburcamusic
b: willdeburca.bandcamp.com/
I: @willdeburca
t: @WdeBurca

PRESS
Dan Hegarty 2fm – “Tomorrow’s Light & Darkness is a gem from a very talented producer“.

Jim Carroll The Irish Times – “Tracks like Sliced and American Scene from the debut “0415” EP by the Dublin-based producer showcase someone quickly figuring out how to add meaty, beaty electronic oomph to neatly finessed cinematic ideas.”

RedBull Music’s Blog – “There nothing quite like a bit of contrast when it comes to a tune and its video. Will De Burca is on this wavelength if his new single ‘Visions We Have Are Fading Away’ is anything to go by. The tranquil bliss of the tune, and rapid beauty of the visuals work wonderfully well”.

Remy Music Blog – “A highly engaging collection of tracks which gently prods the listener in the direction it was intended to take them in, a truly rewarding album by the Dublin electronic artist.”

John Baker 98 fm – “Excellent debut album from Dublin based producer Will de Burca“.

On Saturday, the 26th of August 2017,  Tom Ryan, will be screening his debut short film “A Man With A Plan” and also performing original songs live, together with Michael Laffan and Birgit Burhenne in Shannon Rowing Club. The evening will have a Film Noir feel and people can dress accordingly, but this is not compulsory. The doors open at 9 pm and the entry is free. Spaces are limited, so please come early to avoid disappointment.

The song “A Man With A Plan” was written in 2014 and was inspired by one of Tom’s favourite movies, Casablanca. “I always felt an artistic need to create a visual to further express the message of this song. With no financial backing I was not sure how to make my vision a reality, but as the saying goes: “where there is a will, there is a way”. I was very fortunate to find three other people, in my acting/drama class, whom share the same passion for film and we completed this project without money but with sheer dedication and motivation. I wrote the screen play, co-directed and co-edited this short film and am hugely proud of the end result.”

To give a brief synopsis of the short film..

Simone and Jay currently live in an annex in an industrial unit on the outskirts of Limerick City. Jay has a dark secret and he wishes to tell Simone, but he’s afraid she will think he’s a freak and leave him. Their life consists of running from one town to another leaving behind bad memories and unfinished dreams. Jay is becoming a recluse and Simone fears she is losing him to a very dark place. When will they stop running and will Jay ever find a way to reveal his secret and save his relationship with his beloved Simone?

https://www.facebook.com/TomRyanSingerLimerick/

International pop icon P!NK is back with her new single, “What About Us” today at all digital providers via RCA Records. The pop anthem was written by P!NK, IMRO member Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol and Steve Mac and produced by Mac. “What About Us” is the first official single from P!NK’s highly anticipated seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma, which is available for pre-order now and set for release on October 13th.

While P!NK co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album, she worked with a variety of songwriters and producers including Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid, Max Martin, Shellback, Jack Antonoff, Julia Michaels, Greg Kurstin, busbee and so many more (full track list below).

This past summer, P!NK has been making appearances at a variety of music festivals all over the world. Still to come are performances at Waldbühne in Berlin, Germany, the V-Festival in the United Kingdom, Tinley Park in Chicago, IL and Kaboo Music Festival in San Diego, CA.

Beautiful Trauma Track List
01 Beautiful Trauma
02 Revenge
03 Whatever You Want
04 What About Us
05 But We Lost It
06 Barbies
07 Where We Go
08 For Now
09 Secrets
10 Better Life
11 I Am Here
12 Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
13 You Get My Love

Since her debut in 2000, P!NK has released six studio albums, 1 greatest hits album, sold over 42 million albums, over 75 million singles, over 2.4 million DVDs worldwide and has had 15 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (four at #1). In addition, she is the recipient of three Grammy Awards, one Daytime Emmy Award, three Billboard Music Awards, six MTV Video Music Awards, two MTV Europe Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in 2013. She has sold out arenas all over the world, made her acting debut in Lionsgate’s Thanks for Sharing and released a side project with singer/songwriter Dallas Green entitled You+Me. Last year, P!NK released “Just Like Fire” from Walt Disney Studios’ feature film Alice Through The Looking Glass. The track was #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart for 6 consecutive weeks and has over 155 million views of the music video. P!NK was featured on Kenny Chesney’s “Setting The World on Fire,” marking her first #1 on the Country Airplay Chart and Hot Country Songs Chart. The track also received a 2017 Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group performance earning P!NK her 18th Grammy nomination.

P!NK is a huge supporter of various charities, including: Make a Wish Foundation, Autism Speaks, Human Rights Campaign and No Kid Hungry. She was formerly a spokesperson for COVERGIRL and remains on the UNICEF team as an Ambassador.

Following from the success of their debut E.P. earlier this year, indie-shimmer-pop act Montauk Hotel release their new single ‘Sense of Place’.

Montauk Hotel have made an impressive impact on the Dublin music scene over the past year with their 80s influenced glimmer of indie pop, fusing strong melodies with glistening guitars to create a sound that is their own. Montauk Hotel are made up of Claudia Verdecchia (vocals), Shell Dooley (guitars), Aoife Hester (bass) and Karima Dillon-El Toukhy (drums).

The band have garnered a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting live acts, with shows including The Last Mixed Tape’s Lost Series, Bello Bar, The Sound House, Retro Revival Indie Club, The Bowery and The Harbour Bar, Vantastival and Sunflower Festival, as well as headline shows at Whelans, Sin E, The Harbour Bar and The Workman’s Club. The band were selected as RTE’s Irish Band Set to Rise for 2017.

Their debut single ‘Black Dress’ was released in late January to critical acclaim. Montauk Hotel launched their E.P. on March 10^th with a sold-out show in Whelans, Dublin. Their launch gig for ‘Sense of Place’ takes place in Whelan’s on August 12^th.

“Dripping in metallic guitar vibes and early ‘80s indie pop, ‘Black Dress’ is a charming melodic opening gambit” Nialler9, New Irish Artist of the Week – The Irish Times

“A gorgeous jangly pop noise” Hot Press

“the Dublin band’s vapourous indie guitar married with strident vocals… is delicately-spun and melodic stuff” RTE Entertainment – Irish Band Set to Rise 2017

Praise for ‘Montauk Hotel’ E.P.

“one of the most accomplished Irish releases of 2017” RTE 2FM

“…a highly stylised record filled with vivid flourishes of brilliance that set the four-piece apart… Leaving them in their own shimmer-pop milieu”9/10, The Last Mixed Tape

“there’s a real earworming charm to the band’s streamlined, chorus-drenched jangle-pop”The Thin Air

“Montauk Hotel is a fine debut… that shows great promise so early on in their tenure as a band writing and recording music” State Magazine

Twitter: @MontaukHotel
Instagram: @montaukhotelband
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