Month: December 2017

Almost 1000 performers from local schools and choirs will be rocking around the Christmas tree at Dublin Airport over the next 11 days, bringing some festive cheer to passengers coming home for Christmas, visitors to Ireland and to those waiting on the arrival of their loved ones.

There will be entertainment in the Arrivals area of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 from Wednesday, December 13

Ryan Tubridy’s RTE Radio One show will broadcast live from Arrivals in Terminal 2 from 9-10am on Friday December 22 and 2FM’s Nikki Byrne and Jenny Greene will also broadcast their show live from 10am – 1pm on the same day.

This year will be one of the airport’s busiest musical schedules ever, according to Dublin Airport Spokesperson, Audrey O’Hagan. “We have almost 40 performances taking place between both terminals up to Christmas Eve. “Many schools, choral societies and music groups love to come back to perform for passengers every year and we’re delighted to see the return of some old friends again this Christmas.”

Rolestown NS, St Stephen’s NS, Gaelscoil Cholmcille, St. Margaret’s NS, Mary Queen of Ireland NS, Portmarnock Community School, St. Cronan’s Junior NS, Scoil an Duinnínigh and Scoil Mhuire are just some of the schools from Fingal that will entertain passengers at the airport this Christmas.

“We would like to thank the children and teachers from all those schools who have taken time out from their daily school activities to perform for passengers.  All these performances bring a very special atmosphere to the airport at Christmas,” Ms O’Hagan added.

Passengers arriving at night will be greeted by the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Choir, Young European Strings, Cor Duibhlinne and Comhaltas Ceoltórí Eireann from Portmarnock, the Airport Police and Fire Service Band, Fingal Gospel Choir and the Dublin Gospel choir amongst others.

There is video footage here: https://www.facebook.com/dublinairport/videos/1650753928304296/ of children from St. Stephen’s National School Navan welcoming passengers to Terminal 1 this morning

The full schedule of events is listed below and can change at short notice

Dublin-based vocalist-producer and multi-instrumentalist EDEN, otherwise known as Jonathon Ng, debuts the video for his new track “crash,” – available now at all digital providers. Directed by EDEN’s frequent collaborators Zhang + Knight (Naughty Boy, Ghostpoet) and filmed in Kiev, the video premiered today on V Magazine.

“The intro and outro to this song are some of the oldest pieces of music on the album; they were just pieces I’d play on guitar and sing years ago,” says EDEN of the track. “For some reason, I could never find a way to make the song feel complete; nothing I put in the middle ever felt like it worked. Fast forward to 2017 while I was living in New York and late-night freestyling through the thoughts echoing round my head; suddenly everything clicked and the rest of ‘crash’ just flowed out of me. Much like the album itself, it was so cathartic to finish an idea that I had held onto for so long and to finally be in a place to translate that idea into music.”

A jack-of-all-trades who writes, plays, and produces his own music and plays multiple instruments onstage, EDEN will release his debut album, entitled ‘vertigo’, on January 19th, 2018, on Astralwerks. Fans can pre-order the album now at http://ftrbnd.co/vertigoshop. Upon announcing last month that he will hit the road on his headlining vertigo world tour beginning in the U.S. on March 1st, 2018 to support the release, the 21-year-old musician not only sold out shows in Dallas, Chicago, New York and more almost immediately, but also added additional dates and upgraded venue sizes in over ten cities due to high demand. Tickets are on sale now at http://iameden.eu/tour. All dates can be found here.

In addition to announcing his tour last month, EDEN recently premiered the video for his single “gold,” which was directed by Zhang + Knight and filmed in Suffolk, U.K. – watch it HERE. Pigeons & Planes declares, “‘gold’ showcases (his) songwriting skills and forward-thinking arrangement choices, and it’s an exciting look at an artist poised for a breakthrough year…EDEN is set to have a big 2018. Get familiar.” The single, which flew to No. 10 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart upon release and has over 2 million Spotify streams to date, comes on the heels of EDEN’s previous track “start//end,” which Billboard calls, “striking… a nostalgically cast reflection on youth and all-too-relatable feelings of desperation and hope-there’s a secret depth to (EDEN’s) sound.” The song has over 2 million plays on Spotify and Ng shot the official video in London, Tokyo, Seoul, Los Angeles, New York, Belgium, and around his home in Dublin. The video, which Ng directed, filmed, and edited himself, trended on YouTube and has now amassed over 1.4 million views, thanks to support from EDEN’s devoted fan base – watch it HERE.

On his 2016 breakthrough EP i think you think too much of me, EDEN struck a rare balance of ingenuity and intuition with its guitar-heavy take on electronic pop. With vertigo, he takes an even more instinct-driven approach to his music, a process he perceives as a form of exploration. “Even when I’m writing, I don’t feel like I’m actually creating anything,” he says. “It’s more like I’m uncovering something that’s already there. Like how an archaeologist doesn’t create a fossil – they’re just finding it and uncovering it, and maybe rearranging it if it’s broken. Releasing this body of work is terrifying and exciting and overwhelming for me. A lot of it is so personal. This album is not a coming-of-age story, but it caused one.”

The lead single from i think you think too much of me, “sex,” was praised by Lorde and was hailed by Consequence of Sound as a “vulnerable synth-tinted pop track that’s about so much more than what’s happening between the sheets.” Racking up over 90 million streams on Spotify to date, EDEN’s i think you think too much of me EP hit No. 1 on the iTunes Alternative Chart, and No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart. From the bedroom of his childhood home, Ng initially began to cultivate a large online following and made his EP debut with End Credits in August 2015. Despite making no effort to promote it, he soon found the work gaining major attention – ultimately amassing more than 145 million streams combined across his two EPs. EDEN’s first U.S. tour sold out immediately and he spent the summer performing at major U.S. music festivals including Governors Ball, Bonnaroo and Firefly. He also performed at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK and Fuji Rock in Japan.

County Kildare musician, Hally, gave himself an insanely ambitious project. At the beginning of 2017 he set himself the challenge of releasing 52 songs,one song per week, to be completed by the end of the year. The project is called “Peeling Onions”  and not only is he producing one song per week (writing, recording, mixing and mastering all of them by himself with collaborations from his band “The Hymns” and other fellow artists) he is also creating a custom made video for each track. There are only 3 weeks to go and he is feeling the pressure to achieve his goal.

Ronan O’Halloran (aka Hally) is an Irish independent musician and producer whose genre is experimental by nature with indie folk predominance and jazz undertones. Hally has been sharing this experience and many hours in the recording studio with his impeccable band “The Hymns” namely Will Dowling (Sax/ Clarinet), Ian Smith (Guitars/ Keys), Gary O’Reilly (Piano/ Guitar/ Keys), Dave Redmond (Upright Bass), Greg Lloyd (Piano) & Kevin Brady (Drums/percussion) and many friends and fellow artists.

This is not only an artistic challenge but has also become a test of physical endurance for Hally. During the summer months, due to vocal cord strain, Hally had to rest his voice for several weeks and this has added immense pressure to finishing the project on time.

It has been an exciting experience for Hally and all involved and he has gotten great support from the press and social media, as Bobby Green puts it, “I was so excited when I heard about this project. I can’t contain my excitement when someone tries something different […] who in their right mind thinks that they could produce 52 quality works in a year [….] Oh, how surprised I was […] I’ve only seen 13 pieces but every individual piece is individually beautiful”, such support has driven Hally on to deliver, to date, 45 beautifully created pieces but is 52 achievable? or is he aiming for the impossible?

Hally is hoping to go live on Facebook to present his final piece of work, on Sunday 31st December 2017.

Do you think he’ll make it?

For more information please follow the links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hallymusic/

Charles James Walker is a musician from Longford, Ireland. A unique talent, his free spirit has taken him across the world, travelling to the most wonderful places and experiencing the most incredible things. It’s this life experience which translates passionately into his music. Creating songs that remain in your mind, each its own story with its own beautiful life. A deep soul, his music transcends the boundaries of the traditional singer-songwriter, with impassioned lyrics which touch on the most sensitive subjects of life, love and everything.

‘Get In’ is the debut single release from Charles from his forthcoming EP. It’s a powerful song and accompanying video that deals with mental health struggles; alcoholism depression and attempting suicide. The song depicts being on the edge ready to jump but holding back and being supported by loved ones. It’s a dark song which represents the mindframe of so many young Irish people and the stigma still associated with suicide.

Raking up over 3000 views on Facebook in only three days…it’s already resonating with people.

This folk musician is launching what is sure to be a promising career. With experience of gigging in a band behind him, Charles has crafted his showmanship which captivates audiences. He is looking forward to bringing this performance to gigs and festivals nationwide.

‘Get In’ is now available from CD Baby here.

Charles James Walker can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Jack O’Rourke brings 2017 to a close with an intriguing electro pop interpretation of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s classic, ‘The Power Of Love’. 

Released as part of ‘A Co-Present Christmas Album’, featuring tracks from 15 Irish artists in aid of Pieta House, Jack’s version of ‘The Power Of Love’ was recorded with production maverick Graham White of freezerRoom.

2017 saw recognition for Jack O’Rourke’s live prowess scale new heights, following the release of his debut album Dreamcatcher. Jack performed the album in its entirety with a full orchestra at Cork Opera House, while appearances on the Other Voices Stage at Electric Picnic, Indiependence, Groove and Sea Sessions have cemented his place as one of Ireland’s rising songwriters and live performers.

Jack also collaborated with the likes of Wallis Bird, Tracy K and Joe O’Leary (Fred) with Christian Eigner (Depeche Mode ) on drums on Freezer Room’s Fire on the Ocean album, which was also performed live at Electric Picnic. ‘The Power of Love’ is a further collaboration with White, bringing a classic 80’s track to a new audience with a perceptive slant.

“’The Power of Love’ is such an amazing song, to attempt to copy it would have been futile,” says Jack, “so myself and Graham approached it from a different point of view, trying to do the melody, the message and Holly Johnson’s vocals some justice. We’re delighted to have it included on such a superb compilation of music like A Co-Present Christmas, among some very talented musicans and brilliant songs. We hope people will buy the album and support a very good cause.” Jack begins the new year with shows at the Dublin Trad Festival on 25th January and also in Paris with Roisin O, while writing and recording tracks for his second album due out later in 2018.

A Co-Present Christmas Album can be purchased here: https://thecopresent.bandcamp.com/album/a-co-present-christmas-3 

LIVE DATES:

15th December – Cork, Live at St. Lukes

20th January – Dublin Trad Fest – Saint Werburgh’s Church, Werburgh Street, Dublin

17th February – Limerick, Lime Tree Theatre

15th February – France, Paris, Le Centre Culture d’Irlandais – with Roisín O (Co-headliner)

Dublin-based The 202s announce details of their long awaited second album via the dystopian disco stomp of ‘Soul Don’t Boogie’. The band’s original is backed by a dance floor primed remix by Lights DC and a dark electronic reworking by Dublin duo Mount Alaska. The release precedes the album ‘From When The Future Was Yet To Hurt Us’, due on February 2nd, 2018 via Difference/Repetition.

The 202s were formed in 2008 by long-term musical collaborators Mike Glennon and Steve Melling. The band named themselves after the Roland MC202 synth, which was the focus of much of their early musical explorations. Initially functioning as a studio based duo, their early demos caught the attention of Parisian indie label Le Son Du Maquis and they signed with the imprint in late 2008, making them label mates with acts including A Certain Ratio, Faust and Alan Vega.

In March 2009 the band, now a trio with the addition of Barry Smullen on drums, released their debut single ‘Shoot You Down’, a synth heavy adrenaline burst of indie pop which grabbed the attention of the Irish music world. The self-titled debut album quickly followed. An eclectic affair touching on elements of pop, ambience, post-punk and krautrock, it was warmly received and invited comparisons with acts including CAN, Eno, Sterolab and The Flaming Lips. The band performed widely on the Irish festival and club circuit throughout 2009/2010 and also appeared on TV shows including Other Voices. A European album release followed in early 2010 with the title receiving an enthusiastic response from elements of the continental music press. France’s D-Side Magazine described the band’s sound as one which, “oscillates between long electronic ambient vibes, refined pop, electro dance and harmonica folk,” while Germany’s Musikexpress dubbed them, “hymnal Kraut-pop from Dublin.” A planned European tour to capitalise on this attention was however, pulled following the collapse of their label Le Son Du Maquis in Summer 2010.

The band entered an extended hibernation in 2011, eventually reconvening and retreating to their studio-based origins. They broke their silence in 2016 with the release of ‘Oh My My’, a track which further distilled their interests in krautrock, psychedelia and repetitive grooves, and which was described as, “a hypno-pop chunk of fuzzed vocal harmonies and slowly grooving drums.” The 4 track ‘Up In Thin Air’ EP followed in 2017, mixing, “lilting indie pop,” with, “muted, hymnal,” ambience. The, “sleaze and scuzz” of their following release, ‘Dash For The Exit (Real Love Doesn’t Lie)’, meanwhile was described by Hot Press magazine as, “their darkest and most seductive single thus far.”

https://202s.bandcamp.com/

Irish band Red Empire has teamed up with Dublin charity Inner City Helping Homeless to help promote their Christmas appeal via the band’s new single ‘A Dublin Christmas’.

‘A Dublin Christmas’ tackles the growing issue of homelessness in Ireland and the very real human toll the crisis is taking on Irish society. The single’s accompanying video features Johnny Ward (star of Love Hate, Fair City, This Must Be The Place) and actress and dancer Rachel Tracey. The band teamed up once again with long-time collaborator Daragh Murphy of November Seven Films, and shot the piece at various locations across Dublin City.

The video highlights many of the issues facing homeless people at this time of year, explains Craig Cahill, lead singer with Red Empire: “The song and video explores a difficult relationship between two people who are struggling through the Christmas period. It shows how both people comfort each other to help overcome these challenges.”

According to the latest homelessness figures released by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, there are now 8,374 people recorded as homeless in Ireland. This figure includes 5,250 adults and 3,124 children – 46% of people classified as homeless are aged 24 and under. At the same time, there are 183,312 unoccupied dwellings in the State.

It was these figures that inspired the band to team up with the charity Inner City Helping Homeless to use their single to help promote the charity’s Christmas appeal. “If anyone would like to make a donation they can do so by calling Inner City Helping Homeless on 01-8881804 or through www.iDonate.ie,” said a representative from the charity, “Or, if anyone would like to become a volunteer they can get in touch via the same number or through our website www.innercityhelpinghomeless.ie.”

‘A Dublin Christmas’ was written and produced by Red Empire and was recorded at Hellfire Studios in the Dublin mountains. It was engineered and mixed by Ivan Jackman and mastered by Aiden Foley. The song is available now on iTunes and Google Play.

www.redempireband.com  www.facebook.com/redempiremusic   www.twitter.com/redempireband

Wyvern Lingo’s long-awaited debut album, simply called Wyvern Lingo, will be released on Rubyworks early in 2018, on Friday 23rd February.

The album was recorded in Dublin with producer James Kelly, with additional work taking place in Donegal, London and Cologne.

The trio self-released their first EP – “The Widow Knows” in 2014, which brought them to the attention of Irish independent label Rubyworks. Extensive international touring followed with James Vincent McMorrow and fellow-Bray native Hozier, and a second EP – “Letter To Willow”, followed in 2016. They have released three singles in 2017 – radio smash “I Love You, Sadie”, the political “Out Of My Hands” and just out now “Snow II”.

“These songs are a collection of experiences both separate and shared. Experiences that shape how we view the world, and how we’ve come to terms with the way our lives have unfolded.” – Wyvern Lingo

To coincide with the release of the album, Wyvern Lingo will embark on their biggest headline tour to date, across Ireland, the UK, Germany and The Netherlands.

Album pre-order link is – http://radi.al/WyvernLingo

Track listing.

1. Out Of My Hands
2. I Love You, Sadie
3. Maybe It’s My Nature
4. Crawl
5. Dark Cloud
6. Used
7. Fountains
8. Snow II
9. Tell Him
10. Fear
11. Subside
12. When I Can (Rubbish)

Tour dates:

12th Jan, The Library @ULU, London

23rd Feb, The Button Factory, Dublin

24th Feb, Glor, Ennis

25th Feb, Connolly’s of Leap, Cork

1st March, McHugh’s, Belfast

2nd March, Dolan’s, Limerick

3rd March, St Luke’s Church, Cork

8th March, Mike The Pies, Listowel

9th March, Roisin Dubh, Galway

10th March, Source Arts Centre, Thurles

11th March, Spirit Store, Dundalk

14th March, Sound, Liverpool

15th March, The Mash House, Edinburgh

16th March, Stereo, Glasgow

17th March, Think Tank Underground, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

18th March, The Castle Hotel, Manchester

20th March, Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds

21st March, Louisiana, Bristol

24th March, Prinzenbar, Hamburg

26th March, Privatclub, Berlin

27th March, Studio 672, Cologne

28th March, Upstairs at The Paradiso, Amsterdam

‘Wyvern Lingo’ will be released on Rubyworks on vinyl, CD and download on Friday 23rd February 2018.

 http://www.wyvernlingo.com/

It has been an eventful 12 months for Rofi James following the success of their debut singles ‘Fool For Your Love’ and ‘Open Eyes’ (with Best Single nominations). The band have played several high profile support slots with Picture This, Hermitage Green and Ryan Sheridan, as well as two major headline shows following their debut appearance at Electric Picnic 2017.

‘Fool For Your Love’ was placed on High Rotation on iRadio and made Song of the Day on Joe.ie.  ‘Open Eyes’ was one of the iRadio’s Top 10 Most Requested Tracks in February 2017 while also being selected as a winning track in the RTÉ 2fm #PlayThePicnic competition 2017. Both singles also received significant airplay on RTÉ 2FM, Spin1038, GalwayBayFM and OceanFM

‘Reason’ is out now on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, Amazon and all major streaming sites/services and digital platforms.

Upcoming Live Show:

DECEMBER 22ND 2017 // THE LOFT VENUE – GALWAY

Social Media Links:

www.facebook.com/rofijamesmusic 

www.twitter.com/rofi_james

www.rofijames.com

www.instagram.com/rofijames