Month: March 2018

Charlie McGettigan is one of the foremost singer-songwriters Ireland has ever being blessed to call one of our own. Indeed, the release of his new album, ‘Tuesdays With Paul’, this year will mark 50 years since Charlie moved to Dublin to be part of the thriving folk scene establishing itself in the city at that time.

‘Tuesdays With Paul’, is released today, Friday 23^rd March.  The album is being distributed by Warner Music Ireland and will be available to purchase via mail order from the shop on both warnermusic.ie and Charlie’s own website charliemcgettigan.ie together with Golden Discs and many other independent stores nationwide.

Recorded with his good friend Paul Gurney at Real World Studios in Longford, the guys would meet on Tuesdays to chat about the album, in pre-production, and then record.  It was a special time, with friends coming together to make a record both are equally proud of.  ‘Tuesdays With Paul’ was mastered by Billy Farrell at Dead Eye Productions.

The new single is Track 5 from the new album, ‘When I Was A Kid’.  Of the song Charlie says “I, and even my own children seemed to have lots of freedom growing up.  These days it seems to me my grandchildren live very protected lives because of a paranoia / fear of what’s out there”.

Charlie’s songs have been recorded by many including De Danann, Mary and Frances Black, Ray Lynam, Daniel O’Donnell, Sandy Kelly, Hal Ketchum, Eleanor Shanley and Maura O’Connell to name but a few.

Some of Charlie’s live shows have included touring with good friends, Maura O’Connell and Eleanor Shanley amongst others. However, there is no escaping probably Charlie’s best-known performance, The 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin.  It was one of those “do you remember where you were, what you were doing moments” when Charlie joined forces with Paul Harrington to win the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, with Brendan Graham’s, Rock n Roll Kids.  He has released nine solo albums including ‘In Your Old Room’, ‘Family Matters’, ‘The Man From 20’ and ‘Stolen Moments’ produced in Nashville by legendary producer Bil Vorndick.

These days Charlie tours both here in Ireland and abroad.  He presents “The Saturday Connection” and “The Arts Show” on Shannonside / Northern Sound Radio, where he previews live music and theatrical events, interviews guests from the world of arts and entertainment and plays an eclectic mix of music and song on CD.  Together with serving on the Board of IMRO, Charlie is also a member of the Board of The Dock Arts Centre in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim.  Charlie moved to Co. Leitrim in 1973, this is where he calls home.

‘Tuesdays with Paul’ is out now.

Full track-listing and composer credits of ‘Tuesdays With Paul’

1. That’s How It Is (Written by: Charlie McGettigan)
2. Dust If You Must (Written by: Rose Milligan and Charlie McGettigan)
3. It’s A Wonderful Life (Written by: Charlie McGettigan and Dave Sheridan)
4. Wherever You Go (Written by: Charlie McGettigan)
5. When I Was A Kid (Written by: Charlie McGettigan)
6. Comfort In A Song (Written by: Charlie McGettigan)
7. Bonnie and I (Written by: Charlie McGettigan and Tony Kerr)
8. On A Wing And A Prayer (Written by: Charlie McGettigan and Mary Sweeney)
9. You The Towers And Me (Written by: Charlie McGettigan)
10. Flying Away (Written By: Charlie McGettigan)

Irish/UK act Motorcycle Display Team have just announced the release of their new album ‘Yours Probably’ which sees the light of day on Friday 13^th April. The sound of this album is classic MDT but ramped up to a much more exciting level. The mood is as slick and subtle as ever, while they continue with the darker tones displayed on their previous release ‘Letters of Last Resort’.

For a period, it looked like this album was doomed. In January 2016, just as the band had started to gain traction as a reckonable act from the tour supporting their previous record, plans were being made for this release. Then original bassist Matt dropped the bombshell that he was leaving the UK to live in Bulgaria, in turn leaving MDT. Drew Thompson took up bass duties for six months but the commitment needed to contribute to MDT proved too much and he amicably stepped down.  With crucial gigs booked, MDT needed someone to step in fast. Jim Chapman, an old friend of the band, was asked to step in for the upcoming shows. After a couple of jams, it was clear that Jim was the perfect fit for the role of permanent MDT bassist.

With Jim in tow, the band set to finish writing for the album, giving themselves strict deadlines. They found this hugely effective and work flowed easily with lots of concepts coming from all members.  Production would again be handled by Cesar Gimeno Lavin.

Recording of ‘Yours Probably’ finished in summer 2017 and the first single from it ‘Oh Country, My Country’ was released in September to support a mini tour of Italy. This single has been warmly received by fans and the media; it has been played on FM radio stations in UK, Ireland and Italy. Also at this time, one of their gigs was broadcast live on Italian radio.

The themes on ‘Yours Probably’ include creationism, broken relationships, automation, the Murdoch press, parenthood, identity, Brexit, and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. Steve’s lyrics – by turns ironic, outraged and bereft – question our quiet acceptance of the hypocrisy and injustice we see around us, as well as the silent battle of uncertainty we wage with our inner selves.

To support the release of the album, a second single ‘Erosion’ shall be released in March. The video for this single is being made by Jordan Copeland, son of legendary The Police drummer Stewart Copeland.

In addition to this, MDT are going to be gigging all over the UK this spring and summer. Refer to www.motorcycledisplayteam.com or follow them on their social sites for information on dates in your area.

‘Yours Probably’ is now available for pre-order through all the usual outlets and is released on 13^th April.

UPCOMING SHOWS

17^th March- Notting Hill Arts Club, London

18^th April- The Horn, St. Albans

2^nd May- John Peel Centre, Stowmarket

3^rd May- Bannerman’s Bar, Edinburgh

4^th May- Yardbird’s Rock Club, Grimsby

25^th May- The Railway Hotel, Southend On Sea

IRISH SUMMER TOUR TBA

UK AUTUMN TOUR TBA

With Brave Giant’s online views and Spotify streams both nearing the 1 million mark at time for writing, the band have just announced their next Dublin headline show at The Button Factory on Saturday September 22nd. Tickets priced €14.50 (including booking fee) go on sale 10am, Friday 23^rd March. The Button Factory concert follows the band’s previous six headline shows selling out ,over an 18mth period, in the capital.

To coincide with the tickets for The Button Factory Show going on sale this Friday morning, March 23^rd, they are delighted to bring you the new single, ‘Dakota Dakota’ is already a major hit in the band’s live show, and this single version will go on release on April 12^th, with pre-sale live later this month.

In addition to announcing the band’s new headline show, Brave Giant will also perform alongside Hudson Taylor on their upcoming Irish tour. They guest at The Opera House in Cork (March 29^th), The Big Top in Limerick (April 1^st), and Ruby Room @ TF Royal, Castlebar (April 2^nd).

Brave Giant is also confirmed to play Sea Sessions 2018 on Sunday, June 24^th, and The Groove Festival on Saturday July 7th.

The new single, ‘Dakota’, follows October 2017’s No1 ‘Way To Love’. Brave Giant has received some wonderful support from Irish radio since their first commercial single (‘Lordy Lordy’, in 2016). The last (nearing) two years have been remarkable for the independent band. ‘The Time I Met The Devil’ single from 2017 has enjoyed almost 100,000 views alone (featuring Irish actor and comedian, Joe Rooney) adding to the band’s impressive overall tally of 1,000,000 online video views. It’s the song that also resulted in a Late Late Show invite last spring for the boys!

2017, built perfectly on the band’s growing list of followers. The Longford based four-piece celebrated their first official No 1 on iTunes, played to an enthusiastic, and large band of followers (and some new fans too) on their debut Longitude outing, sold out a number of regional headline Irish shows, together with making a trip stateside for the Milwaukee Irish Festival, and a headline show in Rockwood Music Hall in New York. The year concluded with Brave Giant playing their biggest headline Dublin show to date at The Academy. It was the band’s 6^th consecutive headline-show to sell out in the capital.

Previously, winning Joe.ie’s Le Crunch competition, joining Gavin James and Roisin O as musical ambassadors for Bord na Móna’s inaugural #HearthSessions campaign together with being invited to guest with Picture This still remain highlights since 2016. Formed in 2011, Mark Prunty (guitar/vox), Podge Gill (guitar/vox), Ross McNerney (banjo/mandolin), Emmett Collum (drums) are the four young Longford men of Brave Giant. Their love of Irish music is evident in their sound, a skilfully achieved blend of rock, folk and alternative influences.

Tickets on sale this Friday, March 23rd @ 10am for The Button Factory show (22nd September 2018)

Thursday, March 29th – Cork Opera House w/Hudson Taylor

Sunday, April 1st – The Big Top, Limerick w/Hudson Taylor

Monday, April 2nd – Ruby Room @ TF Royal, Castlebar w/Hudson Taylor

Sunday, June 24th Sea Sessions

Saturday, July 7th – Groove Festival 

Brave Giant on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

Darwin’s Daughter, aka Fiona, lives in Ireland and regularly travels to Scotland, and England  seeking inspiration and collaboration for new songs.  Recently graduating from songwriting at BIMM in Dublin, Darwin’s Daughter, is releasing her debut EP.

‘The Dark’, is a collection of four songs written by Fiona and recorded at Audioland Studios in Kildare.  In her songs Darwin’s Daughter offers a brave and thoughtful insight into love, loss and longing.  They are reflective, intimate, and at times ethereal making them hard to pin to a single genre. The EP will be launched on Saturday 24th March in Bello Bar.

Guest musicians on the EP are Max Greenwood (Piano), Kim V. Porcelli (Cello) and Anthony Gibney (Guitar).  The EP was recorded and mixed by Anthony Gibney at Audioland Studios  (Kila, Alien Envoy) and mastered by Simon Francis Mastering (Kodaline, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Aqualung, Kylie)

‘Fiona has made a wonderful EP.  In the last few years I’ve watched her blossom into a serious talent. Inspiring.’ Boo Hewerdine

www.darwinsdaughtermusic.com

Two years on from the moment they became a viral sensation with their Adele medley, which now stands at over 25million views, Glenn Murphy and Ronan Scolard are ready to release their first album ‘Horizon’.

Written and recorded over the past year, and produced in Ireland by The Production Suite, who have worked on albums from fellow Irish artists such as Westlife and The Stunning, ‘Horizon’ shows that glenn&ronan are not just talented singers but are also talented songwriters.

Released on Irish label Liffey Records, the album is a perfect mix of brand new songs written by the boys along with some covers of their own favourite songs, including ‘Eve’ by BellX1 and Ed Sheeran’s ‘All of the Stars’.

“Horizon” makes for an impressive debut album from the duo who captivated audiences with their stunning blend of vocals: heart-warming and evocative, these unique vocals draw you into each and every song.

“Horizon” is available on Digital and CD from April 13^th, 2018.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/glennandronan/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/glennandronan

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/glennandronan/?hl=en

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkjw8XHC-wkSjUO8LYi34jg

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dckPbzTj3dmmZL5OO8feu

‘Accidents & Emergencies’ is the new single from Dublin quartet The New 52.  Written by frontman Darragh Cullen following an anxiety related seizure which landed him in hospital, the song features on the new EP ‘Green’ on release March 30^th.  The band play Dublin’s Workman’s Club on April 8^th and Galway’s Roisin Dubh on April 13^th.  The EP will be available for €4.99 from iTunes & all streaming sites.

Singer Darragh Cullen explains “I wrote the song following a seizure I suffered in 2016, a particularly harrowing anxiety incident which landed me in hospital for a night. I wanted the music (and lyrics video) to reflect the manic, overactive, and loud thoughts that anxiety produces. Plus, I wanted the song to really rock, because the band are so good at turning it up a notch – or three!”

The ‘Green’ EP is their first new collection of songs released since the 2016 debut album ‘Let me sleep’.  Since then, The New 52 supported Blue Rose Code on a successful Irish tour, and released 2 singles ‘Good Intentions’ and ‘I Am’ which reached Number 1 in the iTunes Rock Charts.

The 5 original tracks on the new EP were recorded in guitarist Conor’s home studio, Studio 57, and produced by Conor & Darragh Cullen.  The new EP is a departure for Cullen, who after recording all the instruments solo on the debut album when he was just 15, has now joined in a collective effort with the other members of The New 52 for the first time on these recordings – with Darragh on guitar/vocals, Conor McLoughlin on guitar, Mikey Deasy on bass/vocals, Sean O’Connor on drums.  Rebecca Geary (Sub Motion singer) guests on backing vocals, on the songs ‘We’ll Always Have Paris’ & ‘Is There Revolution?’.

The five original songs on ‘Green’ tackle diverse topics ranging from highly personal narratives to international affairs – ‘Accidents & Emergencies’ is an intensely personal chronicle of Darragh’s anxiety related seizure and hospital stay.  ‘Is There Revolution?’ is politically charged, about living in the Trump era.  ‘Love’ was inspired by the Netflix show of the same name, written directly after Darragh finished binge watching the first season.  ‘Controlling The Night’ is a fine illustration of how the collaborative energies of the band can change the dynamic of the song.  It was arranged based on the influences of all 4 members, including Mikey’s love of funk resulting in a slap bass solo and the band’s mutual love of Prince which influenced the guitar tones used on the recording.

GIGS:

April 8th – Workmans Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2. Doors 8pm. €7 from workmansclub.com

April 13th – Roisin Dubh, Galway. Doors 9pm free admission

https://www.facebook.com/thenew52music @TheNew52Music

Dubliner Paul Alwright releases a new album ‘Hungry’ on 11^th May, with the single ‘Seeds of Doubt’ out now.

Musician and actor Paul Alwright released three albums under the name Lethal Dialect. Recently he shed the moniker and is releasing his forthcoming album ‘Hungry’ in May under his own name, citing a change in artistic direction.

The album is produced by David Prendergast. Co-produced by Benjamin Garrett. Mixed & mastered by Aidan Cunningham at The Forbidden Zone studio.

Guest musicians on the album include Lia Wright, Nic Hegarty, Maverick Sabre and Damien Dempsey. Album cover artwork by Christian Tierney / Photos by Tara Morgan.

Tracklist – Genius / Believe / Giants / Hungry / The Auld Chinaman / One Life / All Love ft. Maverick Sabre / Seeds of Doubt / Human ft. Damien Dempsey.

Live

Fri 18^th May – The Workman’s Club, Dublin

https://www.ticketweb.ie/event/paul-alwight-hungry-album-launch-the-workmans-club-tickets/8231155?pl=TWC

July 14^th – Iveagh Gardens, opening for Damien Dempsey. 

The video is about the perennial fear we have of how we are observed and perceived in a world where we are constantly under some form of surveillance or scrutiny. Paul’s torturers represent his doubts, self esteem and consciousness. The final shot of the flaming chair are those doubts dispelled and set a blaze.

The video is directed by Luke Daly, produced by Bold Puppy.

@Paul_Alwright) | Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/PaulAlwrightMusic/

KILLA YAN, one of a number of acts under the guidance of Dublin-based collective Diffusion Lab, makes his return to the limelight with the release of his new single ‘Damn Right’. This follows on from the success of his debut ‘Like I Used To’, released in 2017.

KILLA YAN’s musical journey began when he joined his first school choir at the age of five. He quickly began writing his own music and by the age of nine, he had finished writing his first song. In his teens, he found himself spending an increasing amount of time in recording studios across Dublin and as the years went by, he became friends with other local musicians and found himself helping them writing their own music. 

‘Damn Right’, is a pop classic set to the tune of heartbreak, as the lyrics recount the breakdown of the artist’s relationship, despite his best efforts.

“It’s about a relationship I really put everything into and I just knew it wasn’t working, the chorus really means I’m not blaming or cursing you away” KILLA YAN reveals “it’s a more mature way of looking at things, at looking at the end”.

If success was based on drive alone, there would be little doubt as to who would come out on top. KILLA YAN is full to the brim with both talent and determination, and is sure to become the name on everyone’s lips in 2018. 

‘Damn Right’ by KILLA YAN, is available to stream now at  https://s.disco.ac/zsccmdqoflsa

Follow KILLA YAN on FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM 

More at www.dflrecords.com

Pale Rivers announce a new single ‘Montparnasse’, following on from previous releases.  The song was recorded and produced by Owen Lewis and Steven Mullan and will feature on their debut EP due out in the next few months. The video is directed by Lochlainn McKenna.

Based out of Cork and Tipperary, the band began playing their first shows around the country including slots at Hard Working Class Heroes, Whelans One’s To Watch and Electric Picnic, as well as some high profile supports for acts such as Teleman, British Sea Power and The Wedding Present.

Tour dates (+ The Shaker Hymn)
April 19 – The Roisin Dubh, Galway
April 20 – Bello Bar, Dublin
April 27 – Gleesons, Clonmel
May 4 – The Roundy, Cork
May 5 – Connolly’s of Leap

We are Pale Rivers, a five-sided case study, sound vehicle. To speak of the past is, often times, erroneous at best. But to not share some details of how things came to pass would be wasteful, un-opportunistic and questionable.

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