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Month: November 2017

IMRO Other Room Acts Announced for Eir Other Voices Festival 2017

We’re delighted to reveal that the following artists will be appearing in the IMRO Other Room at Eir Other Voices in Dingle (1-3rd December):

Joshua Burnside // LE BOOM // Maria Kelly // Katie Laffan // katie kim // Rosborough // Pillow Queens // Slow Riot

Also appearing on the Other Voices Music Trail in association with Heineken will be: Alex Seel Music // Bitch Falcon // David Keenan // Hiva Oa // Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker // LAOISE // Molly Sterling // Malojian // Nialler9 // Sorcha Richardson // The Remedy Club

For more info see othervoices.ie || Eir Other Voices Festival | Dingle 2017

Ulaid & Duke Special announce the December release of their new collaborative album “A Note Let Go”

Ulaid & Duke Special announce the December release of their new collaborative album “A Note Let Go”, followed by dates across Ireland & UK in February 2018.

When contemporary song writing and traditional Irish music meet, the results can be something to be treasured. Such is the case with the new release ‘A Note Let Go’, a collaboration between traditional group Ulaid, and singer-songwriter extraordinaire Duke Special.

The collaboration of these acts draws on two vastly different worlds of music. Through his skills in song writing, Duke Special injects drama and theatricality into the mix, bringing storytelling to the fore with meditative twists and turns amid the melodic architecture. Ulaid’s mixture of skills in arrangement, interpretation, composition and performance lend a peculiarly folk-but-modern, urban-but-pastoral air to the whole.

For a collaboration that may have seemed unlikely in theory, it proves itself thoroughly in practice; when heard, it somehow seems inevitable – Colin Harper

Release Date: 4th December 2017

Mark Geary Releases New Single ‘Frostbite’

‘Frostbite’ is the second single to be released from Mark Geary’s new album ‘The Fool’ album, following up “Battle of Troy”, which came out in May.

Coming late in the recording process, with this new single Mark captures an intense image of calamity “I woke up half-alive..:” and its after-shock with haunting chords and bigger production. ‘Frostbite’ was featured recently in the NBC TV show The Night Shift.

It’s five years since his last studio album and in that time, Mark Geary has been frequently touring, building his fan-base throughout Europe and the US, and ‘gig-bashing’ songs shaped from ideas born on the road.

For this latest studio album, produced by Karl Odlum in France, Geary has amassed a collection of well-honed lyrical songs with catchy hooks which often belie the deep emotions at play.


First single “Battle Of Troy”

http://markgeary.com/

 

All Together Now with Jeremy Cunningham (The Levellers), Liam O’Maoinlai (The Hot House Flowers)


Date:
Thursday
23rd November
Time: 8:00pm (Doors @ 7:30pm)
Location: Tailors’ Hall
Tickets: €7.50 (including complimentary glass of wine)
Bookings: http://templebartickets.ie/e/10/festival-of-politics

Can the universal language of music make a difference? We examine how song can make make a powerful statement and bridge differences where the political lexicon often fails.

Culture (noun): the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.

When can culture, in particular music, influence change in our socio-economic system? Can music soften views on religion, ethos and ethnicity to marry opposing sides and effect meaningful change? We look at how music has impacted for the better on world matters, crossing boundaries and shaping opinions.

Panel includes:

Jeremy Cunningham lead bass guitarist of The Levellers, British pioneers of political folk-punk. The Levellers  music has always had a political edge and they were one of the few bands of their generation to translate this into mainstream commercial success, selling more than six million records, including two number one albums, in the 90s.

Liam O’ Maoinlaí a musician and frontman for The Hot House Flowers, who explored the possibility of music as a common language between cultures in his 2008 documentary Dambé: The Mali Project with fellow musician Paddy Keenan. Together, the pair made their way across 3,000 miles, collaborating with musicians from village tribes and Nomadic Herders to form a united path of song.

Annette Bellaoui a Danish activist and Muslim convert who is changing the narrative through music and humour. Bellaoui is founder of Tavse Stemmer – Missing Voices.de, a project created by Muslim women for Muslim women with two objectives: present opportunities for Muslim women in the arts; and debunk the myth that there is little more to Muslim women than subservience and religious bondage.

Nadine O’Regan, journalist and presenter of Today FM’s ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ will chair this event.

 

Making the Grade | Special Screening | IMRO Member Ticket Offer

When: Tuesday 21st November
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: The Light House Cinema, Dublin 7.
Bookings: (IMRO Member Guest List Offer Email: events@nullimro.ie

Hosted by IFTA

A feel good musical journey of piano playing from absolute beginner through to accomplished pianist.

In Ireland over 30,000 students prepare for piano exams each year. Making The Grade is a musical journey through a demanding piano grading system from an absolute beginner through to accomplished pianist. It is a stirring journey of students’ musical passions and perseverance, of teacher dedication, parental ambitions and the occasional musical drama.

Director Ken Wardrop has been described as one of Ireland’s freshest creative talents. His authentic filmmaking voice has led to many original cinematic works. With a strong emphasis on the aesthetic and a delicate humanity, Ken’s art has garnered much International attention. Screening at some of the most prestigious festivals including Sundance and Cannes. His films have received many international awards including a European Film Academy Award for his short film UNDRESSING MY MOTHER in 2005.

In 2004 Ken co-founded the film production company Venom and commercials company Antidote with his long time creative collaborator Andrew Freedman.

 

Rising Irish electro-pop duo Le Boom set to release second single | 24 November

Since appearing as a duo under the Le Boom name last summer and garnering 230,000 Spotify plays for their debut single, Christy Leech and Aimie Mallon have quickly become one of the most sought-after new acts in Irish music.

Their electronic house-pop is a rush, it starts dance parties. Between Leech’s falsetto and Mallon’s manic percussive energy, there’s an infectious buzz in their music.

 Last August, the band released their debut single ‘What We Do’ and in the intervening months (with only a remix in the meantime), they’ve done great things on live stages from Body & Soul to Electric Picnic and beyond at Latitude, Hard Working Class Heroes. Castlepalooza, Sea Sessions and Indiependence to name a few.

‘Don’t Need It Now’ is a live favourite from the past year. It’s a song that has that same melodic playfulness as their debut single with an added rhythmic toughness and swerve. The song comes with an extended club mix and an instrumental

In November, Le Boom play their first sold out headline show in Whelan’s Dublin on Friday 24th November (HMU for guestlist) and have many more gigs on the way in 2018.

Release date: 24 November 2017

http://www.leboomlovers.com/

Interview with Iconic International Music Video Director Steve Barron (Michael Jackson, Madonna & David Bowie) | IMRO Ticket Offer

Steve Barron: In Conversation

Hosted By Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA)

Date: Sunday 19th November,
Time: 2pm
Location: Windmill Lane Recording Studio, 20 Ringsend Rd, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4.
Bookings: IMRO Free Ticket Offer | Email: events@nullimro.ie

Steve Barron is an Irish director whose diverse body of work over four decades has spanned feature film, television drama, and iconic international music videos.

Steve is renowned for his ground breaking and innovative 1980s music videos with some of the world’s biggest music stars including Michael Jackson, Madonna and David Bowie. Many of these award-winning videos are now included on ‘Greatest Music Videos’ lists. In 1992 the ‘Billie Jean’ video was inducted into the Music Video Producers Hall of Fame

The London based director is posting his most recent feature film, cast by Louise Kiely, Supervized, starring Tom Berenger, Beau Bridges and Fionnula Flanagan. Other feature film work include the hughly popular Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), Coneheads (1993) and Rat (2000). Steve started his career as clapper loader on Ridley Scott’s The Duellists in 1977. Steven’s television drama works includes notable projects Treasure Island, Merlin, and The Durrells.

He has been nominated for 27 Emmy Awards and five Golden Globes.

Steve will be talking about his fascinating career, working with the biggest music stars in the world at the beginning of the MTV generation, creating and directing award-winning and innovative music videos (including the concept of the music video as a short film for Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’), and working in feature film and drama in Ireland, UK and US, for over 40 years.

He has also been nominated for 27 Emmy Awards and five Golden Globes.

Some of the notable music videos Barron directed include:

– Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (1983)
– Fleetwood Mac – “Hold Me” (1982)
– Madonna – “Burning Up” (1983)
– Paul McCartney – “Pretty Little Head” (1986)
– David Bowie – “As the World Falls Down” (1986) “Underground” (1986)
– Dire Straits – “Money for Nothing” (1985), “Calling Elvis” (1990), “Heavy Fuel” (1991)
– A-ha – “Take on Me” (1985), “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” (1985)
– Bryan Adams – “Run to You” (1984), “Heaven” (1985), “Summer of ’69” (1985)
– Simple Minds – “Promised You a Miracle” (1982)
– Eddy Grant – “Electric Avenue” (1982), “I Don’t Wanna Dance” (1982)
– Culture Club – “God Thank You Woman” (1986)
– Fun Boy Three – “It Ain’t What You Do….” (1982)
– Heaven 17 – “Penthouse and Pavement” (1981), “Let Me Go” (1982)
– The Human League – “Don’t You Want Me” (1981), “Love Action” (1981), ‘Fascination” (1983)
– The Jam – “Strangetown” (’78), “When You’re Young” (’79), “Going Underground” (’79)
– ZZ Top – “Rough Boy” (1986), “Sleeping Bag” (1986)
– Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – “Maid of Orleans” (1982)
– Sheena Easton – “For Your Eyes Only” (1981), “Telephone” (1983)
– Joe Jackson – “Steppin’ Out” (1982), “Real Men” (1982), “Breaking Us in Two” (1982)
– The Skids – “Iona” (1981)
– Styx – “Haven’t We Been Here Before” (1983)
– Supertramp – “Cannonball” (1985), “Better Days” (1986)
– Tears for Fears – “Pale Shelter” (1983)
– Toto – “Africa” (1982), “Rosanna” (1982)

New Report Reveals Irish Music Industry Contributes Over €700m to Economy

IMRO CALLS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL MUSIC STRATEGY 

  • Report finds that the overall contribution of the music industry stands at €703 million
  • Employment in music industry stands at over 13,000

Music contributes more than €700 million to the Irish economy, according to a new report published today. The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy, commissioned by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and produced by Deloitte, sets out a number of recommendations to maximise the contribution of music in Ireland, including the development of a National Music Strategy. The report – an update on a Deloitte/IMRO 2015 analysis of the annual contribution made by the music industry to Ireland’s economy – was officially launched today by Eleanor McEvoy, singer/songwriter and Chair of IMRO; and musician and report ambassador Steve Wall.

The findings indicate a strong and growing music industry, which is contributing significantly to the economy and supporting more than 13,130 jobs. Based on the latest figures available, this updated report has found that the total contribution of the music industry, directly and indirectly, to the Irish economy is almost three-quarters of a billion euro annually – €703 million – including music-related consumer expenditure and supply-chain impacts. The report underlines the opportunity for further growth in the sector through the development of a National Music Strategy, rooted in four key action areas:

  • Coordination & collaboration through the establishment of a cross-Government music grouping to work with a cross sectoral Industry Advisory Panel to address barriers to growth in the sector;
  • Concentration on copyright to help ensure a fair return for music creators, crucial at a time when the music copyright landscape has changed utterly as a result of technology and the industry is under threat from the extremely low level of return to writers and performers, from platform services;
  • Creative skills development through advanced training and education services that will ensure musicians realise their potential, and that the ‘business of music’ is understood;
  • Compensation that is adequate to address income uncertainty associated with work in the creative and cultural industries – perhaps the single greatest barrier faced by entrepreneurs in the sector.

Based on sectorial analysis conducted by IMRO and Deloitte, the report was drafted in consultation with IMRO members and key music industry representatives, including artists and labels, publishers, songwriters, management companies, retailers and broadcast personnel. Unsurprisingly, the report also revealed that digital revenues (€16.3 million) surpassed physical revenues (€16.0 million) for the first time. However, growth in streaming revenues was particularly pronounced and overtook downloads for the first time.

Eleanor McEvoy, Chairperson of IMRO said, “Music is part of our national identity, our psyche, and our way of life. Beyond its important social and reputational contribution, however, music is a vital economic driver – both directly and indirectly. As Chairperson of IMRO, I am pleased to present this report and to further shine a light on our members’ contribution – those music creators who write and perform musical works – to Ireland’s economy. If we are to continue to maintain and grow the success of Ireland’s music industry, and increase its economic and social contribution, now is the time for the development of a National Music Strategy.”

Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO said “While the figures revealed in this report point to a successful and growing industry, further expansion is possible. IMRO believes that the establishment of a dedicated National Music Strategy would help to further develop Ireland’s indigenous music industry, boost growth in regional Ireland, support small businesses, and local economies.

“A focus on copyright should represent a core element of this National Music Strategy. An environment that fosters growth for new and legitimate businesses, including platforms such as YouTube, SoundCloud and Facebook, while providing legal certainty for consumers, and ensuring that this is paired with appropriate remuneration for creators, is needed. Ensuring creators receive compensation for all uploads of their work is crucial to ensuring a sustainable basis for the music industry going forward.”

Delorentos Return with New Single and Dates

Delorentos have been making music together for over 10 yrs, and, in that time, we’ve seen and done a lot….

Screamed our lungs out on stage. Gasped for air between songs. Stared arm-in arm, in awe, over fields full of people and at beer-soaked audiences in sweaty bars. 

Laughed at bad jokes in silly interviews. Cried in anguish, with tiredness, because somebody knows the words.

It doesn’t get any easier, but that just makes it more special.

Pulling apart… Re-imagining… London… Dublin… Wi-Fi…. Donegal…. Missing teeth… Baby Girl… House Fire… READY!…”

Delorentos will be releasing a new album in early 2018.

In the meantime ‘In Darkness We Feel Our Way’, (with Richie Egan from Jape), is a taste of what is to come, with artwork by the very talented Irish artist Jacob Stack ( http://jacobstack.net/).

The band will be playing 4 intimate shows in Ireland in April 2018:

Friday 6 April – Dolans, Limerick

Saturday 7 April – Cyprus Avenue, Cork

Thursday 12 April – Roisin Dubh, Galway

Friday 13 April – Whelans, Dublin

Tickets on sale Friday 17 November from http://www.ticketmaster.ie/ and local outlets

They will also be celebrating New Year’s Eve in style at Whelans, Dublin

[tickets available now from http://wavtickets.ie / 1890 200 07 / 01 478 0766 or in person from Whelans, Camden Row, Dublin 2)

http://www.delorentos.net/

NARLI | National Association of Record Labels of Ireland | AGM | 28th November @ IMRO

The Annual General Music (AGM) meeting brings to the table Ireland’s six leading independent record labels for a real-time musical discourse about where music is at in this country. Right now.

Lasting for exactly sixty minutes, the meeting will be conducted in sonic form, with speech relegated to the footnotes and the aftershock.

Each record company will be represented in live performance, with their music and their images speaking on their behalf, in a discussion chaired by Kenneth Killeen, artistic director of the Improvised Music Company…and his guitar SFX.

The minutes of the meeting will be streamed live and recorded for subsequent release by the NARLI umbrella organisation.

Date: Tuesday 28th November
Time: 6:00pm
Location: IMRO, Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.
Web: https://www.facebook.com/events/134828720508975/

 

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