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Month: June 2018

Alice Lynskey Releases Second Single

Roll Up. Roll Up!! Following on from the success of her debut single ‘Devil in Me’, Alice Lynskey’s latest offering takes us to the funfair – on the ‘Lovesick Rollercoaster’ to be exact! From the highs to the lows and back again, ‘Lovesick Rollercoaster’ is a song that will take you on a musical journey, ultimately leaving you breathless and wanting more.

Recorded at Jam Studios in Kells, Co Meath, ‘Lovesick Rollercoaster’ was produced, mixed and mastered by owner Martin Quinn.

She has also appeared on and been played on many radio programs including RTÉ Radio1 (playlisted) RTÉ 2FM, KCLR, East Coast Radio, South East Radio, BBC Radio Ulster, WLR FM, Highland Radio, Dundalk FM, ICMR, Dublin City FM, 8Radio, Midlands 103, URadio, RosFM and Together FM to name a few. She has also been played on several UK stations and on radio in both New York and Portland.

‘Devil In Me’ was added to Remy’s Playlist and music blog, was featured in Hot Press and received brilliant reviews through the Melosity Musician blog and regional press to name but a few.

Alice took part in RTÉ’s “The Hit” entering her song ‘Run and Hide’. It made the final having been chosen by The Stunning who recorded it and made it a top 10 hit.

To date Alice has played support to many great acts including The 4 of Us,The Don Baker and Rob Strong Band and The Carole Nelson Trio, with many more gigs planned for the year ahead.

Alice Lynskey’s songs range from country to pop  and a fresh combination of the two, which is reflected in her influences. Having grown up in a house filled with many music styles, the varying sounds and vibes of Britney Spears, Aimee Mann, ABBA, Mary Black, Elvis, Queen, Carrie Underwood, Johnny Cash, Pink, The Beatles, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Albert Hammond, No Doubt and Florence and The Machine, to name but a few, are all mixed in with a definite Nashville influence.

Alice is originally from Tallaght in Dublin and is now living in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Singing from a very young age her first taste of show biz was at age 6 having joined the Helen Jordan dance school. She appeared in the Olympia Theatre showcase, dancing and wishing she could sing too.

Due to her nanny and grandad’s love of poetry and rhyme she began writing limericks in primary school, and then moved on to songs. She soon began entering school and local talent competitions and has since sung in the 3Arena, The Helix, Enniscorthy Castle, The Wexford Arts Centre and The Mermaid Centre Bray as well as on RTÉ TV.

Alice studied Pharmaceutical Science at DIT Cathal Brugha Street, and now works as an analyst in the pharma industry in Wicklow. She took classical voice training with the Deirdre Masterson School in Wexford.

Alice is a frequent performer at the Ri Sessions in The Olde Ship pub in Arklow. She also plays in Jack Nealons as part of the Tuesday Melt Sessions and at The Wexford Arts Centre as part of PwC Spotlight programme for emerging music artists.

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The Official Irish Charts Undergo Revamp – Video Streams to Count for the First Time

The Official Irish Singles Chart is set for a makeover this summer, as Irish fans’ consumption of music videos counts towards the weekly rundown for the first time, while the charts get a revamped new look and added brand reach, through an IRMA partnership with the Official Charts Company and consumer platform OfficialCharts.com.

Video enters the Official Irish Singles Chart for the first time
Streaming and downloading of videos from artists ranging from Picture This to Dua Lipa, Imelda May to Drake, Kodaline and Ariana Grande will begin to count towards Ireland’s official singles countdown, which is compiled by the Official Charts Company and unveiled every Friday.

The change is one of a string of adjustments to the Irish Singles Chart, that have been developed in conjunction with the Irish music industry. The addition of video comes as established audio services such as Apple Music and Spotify add video to their offer and YouTube launch their first subscription service in Ireland, signalling a key moment in the development of the premium music video sector. The first chart to include video will be counted down and published on 6 July 2018.

The change is designed to ensure the chart remains a showcase for hit music, however music fans choose to access it. The Official Irish Singles Chart will continue to be the most comprehensive countdown in the Irish market, reflecting sales of downloads, CD and vinyl, as well as streams of audio tracks or video tracks, whether on premium subscription or ad-funded services.

The services which will contribute video streams will include YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify and Tidal, who have all added videos to their platform over the past year. New services offering official video streams – such as the YouTube Music subscription service which launched on Monday (June 18th) – will also be allowed to report from launch.

Revamped look and boosted promotion for the Irish Charts and Irish music scene

The Irish Charts have not only had a methodology makeover, but a fresh look is also unveiled today as the first glimpse of a new brand partnership brokered between the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) and chart specialists the Official Charts Company. IRMA has joined forces with successful consumer digital platform OfficialCharts.com to rebrand the Irish Charts and boost promotion of the Irish music market.

OfficialCharts.com already reaches 2 million users monthly around the globe, the collaboration will see Official Charts creating and managing a dedicated online hub – www.officialcharts.com/Ireland  – and new @IrishCharts social channels on Twitter and Facebook. These new channels will showcase exclusive editorial content tracking the weekly Irish Chart race, interviews with both homegrown and international acts who are making an impact in Ireland, as well as shining a spotlight on rising Irish talent, news and competitions. Users can also access the weekly Irish Singles Chart, Albums Chart, and Compilations Chart. Further exciting brand developments are in the pipeline to roll out later in the year.

Willie Kavanagh, IRMA Chairman, comments:

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for the Irish Charts, the addition of video will ensure Ireland is keeping pace with today’s rapidly evolving music landscape. With new major digital services launching, video arriving on audio streaming platforms, and of course, the continued resurgence of vinyl, never before has there been more ways for Irish fans to enjoy their favourite music, whenever and however they want. It’s important that all this activity is captured and reflected in the nation’s official singles countdown, making it more insightful and relevant than ever. Plus, the fresh new look and visibility we are bringing to the Irish Charts and Irish music scene through our brand partnership with Official Charts and OfficialCharts.com is just the beginning of where we want to take this next.”

Picture This, the County Kildare duo whose self-titled debut album was the best-selling Irish album of 2017 comment: “We love shooting our own videos and it is such a fun way of expressing our music. For that to now count towards the Official Irish Singles Chart is amazing for Irish acts.”

Kodaline, whose first two albums hit Number 1 and achieved multi-platinum sales in Ireland comment: “We’re excited to see these new changes to the charts, particularly the introduction of video streams. We also think it’s going to be a great opportunity for new Irish bands and artists to make their mark in the charts”.

In parallel with the inclusion of video data into the chart, a handful of additional tweaks will be made to Irish chart rules. The combination of these changes will mean the chart continues to reflect how fans are committing to and engaging with music in an increasingly streaming-led world, as well as highlighting the fresh new hits coming through.  These changes include:

> Paid-for streams to be given greater weight in the new chart, than “free” (ad-funded) streams.
Free ad-funded streams will be weighted at a different rate in the Official Irish Singles Chart compared to streams played under a paid-for subscription from the July 6 chart. 100 streams via a subscription service will equate to one sale, as will 600 “free” streams. This replaces the current combined conversion rate where all streams are treated equally – with one sale equivalent to 100 streams. This will apply to both video and audio streams equally.

> Three-track cap – no more than the 3 most popular tracks (based on sales & streams) per artist in the Top 100.  Designed to prevent album tracks from popular artists taking up multiple positions in the Irish Singles Chart and so making it harder for new artists to feature in the chart. It minimises double-counting of album tracks between the Singles and Albums Charts and makes the two charts more distinct.

> New streaming ratio will come into play for tracks which are well past their peak and in steep, prolonged decline. The new ratio at the very earliest, kicks in from the 10th week on the chart if a track has been declining for almost a month. This serves to recognise the distinction between a single’s natural shelf life and the stretched out “long tail” of streaming as a form of consumption.

October Fires Share Second Single ‘Pray’

October Fires have just released their latest single ‘Pray’. It is the second release by the band since forming in September 2017 with their debut track entitled ‘Traces’. The band recorded ‘Pray’ at home with the help of their friend Ciarán Diver. The track was mixed by Gavin Glass in Orphan Studios.

October Fires are a four-piece group consisting of Carol Somers on piano, vocals and percussion, Lisa Baker on piano, vocals and percussion, Eoghan O’Neill on bass and Eric Somers on guitar. The band have a special bond, consisting of best friends, family and newlyweds.

The band’s name was inspired by the smoky scent in the air walking home from practice one autumn night. October has a unique vibe, with its perfect blend of beauty and eerieness, a trademark of the band’s sound.

Their music is continually inspired by this balance and the time of year is such a favourite, that band members Carol and Eoghan even held their wedding on October 28th 2017, cementing the future of the band!

Carol and Lisa met in 2002 studying music in Maynooth University. They’ve been inseparable ever since after finding an innate ability to harmonise together, even been able to predict what the other is about to do! This bond has become the central feature of the band.

Eric, Carol’s brother, was the final piece of the puzzle, much to the delight of the other members, joining what has now become a tight musical outfit. Their style is difficult to pin down but fans have likened their sound to ‘Radiohead meets Tori Amos’.

The band describe their music as haunting, harmonic, dark pop with a fusion of musical influences from choral music : classical : pop : soul : funk : rock.

Their lyrics and vocals range from dark to airy, whimsical to witchy, embedded with gritty and driving sounds, October Fires are looking to set every venue alight!

The band’s debut EP is set to be released Halloween 2018.

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Eve Belle Releases ‘Best Intentions’

Eve Belle is a young singer, songwriter and chronicler of sorrows from deepest Donegal. Her songs and stories are imbued with an uncommon world-weariness seldom found in writers of such tender years.

In Eve Belle’s songs, someone is always leaving; or is about to be left. Her gaze is unblinking, she says: “I try to create emotional portraits of my own experiences through my lyrics. I think the best songs come from the most earnest emotions, so I try to put minimal filters between what I feel and what I say in the song.”

In 2016, One of Eve Belle’s early songs, the aptly-titled, achingly beautiful ‘Too Young To Feel This Old’ came to the attention of Irish independent label Rubyworks. Around the same time, her evocative cover of Coldplay’s ‘Violet Hill’ found favour with Chris Martin & Co., and was widely shared online.

On signing to Rubyworks, Eve worked with London-based producer Fred Cox, best known for his work with Billie Marten and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, and Simon Aldred of Cherry Ghost and Birdy fame. The latest fruits of their studio labours is her new single ‘Best Intentions’.

Eve says of the song:  “Best Intentions is about being drawn to someone, but knowing the relationship is on very unstable foundations. It’s from the perspective of someone trying to step back from that feeling of infatuation before they’re too far gone, before logic goes out the window. It’s also kind of about struggling to find a balance between being overly cautious and impulsivity, wanting to protect yourself, but not wanting to limit yourself in the process”.

Drawing on influences as diverse as Julien Baker, Cigarettes After Sex and Conor Oberst, Eve Belle has recently played live in Ireland with Beth Orton, Wyvern Lingo and HamsandwicH and enjoyed festival appearances at Electric Picnic, Indiependence and Sea Sessions.

‘Best Intentions’ is available now on all good download and streaming services.

SPIES Release New Single ‘Uriah’

Following two years of silence, SPIES made an unexpected return in March with their single ‘Young Dad’.

‘Young Dad’ marked a notable change for the band, with their new synth hooks complementing their notoriously tight sound. Accompanying the single, SPIES made their return to the stage playing to a sold-out crowd in Whelan’s. This set was comprised of mostly new material showcasing the band’s changed direction.

The release of ‘Uriah’ is a continuation of SPIES’ progression and evolution incorporating electronic themes and driving rhythms. This new single is the second to be released from their upcoming debut LP ‘Constancy’, scheduled for release later this year. Vocalist Michael Broderick describes the song as “A reflection on the story of Uriah and King David”, – the song mirrors the themes of friendship and betrayal in this story with a personal experience.  Uriah was recorded in Dublin’s now defunct Bow Lane studio and was engineered by the bands long time producer Jake Miller.

The band, who were not long ago feted by the likes of NME and The Guardian, could have played it safe but their new sonic direction demonstrates their willingness to change, grow and adapt. As the band explain, “We were starting to listen to the likes of Floating Points, Fatima Yamaha, New Jackson, etc. we were also learning how to use midi and sequence synthesisers. We collected a lot of gear and began to write songs using new sounds and techniques. We found it much more satisfying than our older style of writing where we made a lot of noise until something stuck.”

Following the release of ‘Uriah’, SPIES have scheduled two live dates playing Dublin’s Workman’s Club on August 10th and The Islington in London on August 13th.

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Fairness in Sight for Creators as MEPs Vote to Close Copyright Loophole

Time is Now for Political System to Demonstrate Value of Music in Ireland

The European Parliament’s JURI Committee today voted to accept proposals that close the copyright ‘loophole’ which allows certain technology companies such as YouTube and Facebook to exploit creators’ rights in relation to user-uploaded content (Article 13 of the Copyright Directive).

To date, these companies have not been required to fairly remunerate songwriters or music performers for the use of their work in user-uploaded content online.

These proposals now move to Plenary vote in early July, which will see all MEPs have the opportunity to vote in favour of securing creators’ copyrights online.

Commenting on today’s Committee vote, Eleanor McEvoy Chair of IMRO said,

‘The news of today’s vote is music to our ears. As a singer-songwriter and Chair of the organisation that represents 12,000 music creators in Ireland, I am delighted that the JURI Committee has today voted in favour of fairness. Technology and music can and do work hand-in-hand, and that’s great – but it has to be fair. Creators need to be paid for their work and I’m glad that the Committee has recognised this. At IMRO, we are now calling on all Irish MEPs to show their support for music when this issue goes to Plenary in the weeks ahead. The political system in Ireland has been supportive of music to date, but now is the time to really demonstrate that Ireland truly values music. This is a crucial time for the future of Irish creators.’

Victor Finn, Chief Executive of IMRO said,

‘This vote is the welcome result of a sustained campaign by IMRO and our European counterparts to ask the political system in Ireland and beyond to value creativity and the arts, as much as technology. Our position has always been that sharing of content online is good for music – for fans and for artists. What we are asking, is that like any professional in any sector, is that someone who writes, publishes and performs music gets a fair return for the use of their work. We hope for a positive outcome at Plenary and are seeking support of all Irish MEPs, Government and the wider political system to get this through. Ireland is known worldwide for our music. Now is the time to support it.’

VerseChorusVerse Release Third Album Today

outro’ is the third album from Tony Wright’s VerseChorusVerse, and it represents a further evolution of sound and style from the prolific songwriter. A departure on all fronts, does the title hint at something?

This album is by far his most widescreen yet, boldly cinematic and full of dramatic twists. Still it continues the artists fiercely DIY ethic in all aspects – from recording to concept to artwork to videos – along with some valued help from some even more valued friends.

A welcome return to his Alt roots signalled by some of the hook laden guitar lines that he defined his old bands signature sound with (ASIWYFA), and accompanied by tongue in cheek lyrical observations – the album is a sonic rollercoaster through a cascading black hole peppered with Sci-Fi references throughout. It is sculpted like the soundtrack to an as yet unmade movie.

Locked away from civilisation, it was recorded in a haunted Manor House on the North Coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland with longtime friends and collaborators Herb Magee (Arvo Party/LaFaro) and Andy Coles (7.5 Tonnes of Beard).

Released on Bandcamp late June 2018 to help fund the release of Wright’s next project; his debut book and a theatre tour throughout Ireland this coming October – stating that he wishes people to support this endeavour by buying this record instead of doing a crowd funder campaign. “Art begets Art.”

outro’ is published by Kobalt & will follow on to a general release through all digital platforms on the 3rd of August.

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The Pale Announce Vinyl Resissue and Live Date

The Pale’s devilishly brilliant ‘Here’s One We Made Earlier’ has been re-mastered and sounds better than ever.

Universal Records re-issue the vinyl on June 22nd and The Pale squeeze that into another crazily busy year.

The Pale have recently been selected as one of the artists for Dublin City Council’s ‘Dublin Culture Connects Local Heroes’ project. The band are currently writing songs to commentate and celebrate three local icons. More news on this very soon.

The band are also putting finishing touches on their 12th studio album and will be announcing details in due course.

The Pale play Dublin’s Unitarian on release day, June 22nd – tickets available from BornOptimistic.Com

http://thepale.ie/

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D. Attends Launch of Plans for Redevelopment of London Irish Centre

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D., alongside Minister of State for the Diaspora, Ciarán Cannon and Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan last night attended a special event marking the plans for the redevelopment of the London Irish Centre. Established in 1955, the London Irish Centre has played a central role in the lives of the Irish community in London for over six decades. A regeneration of the centre is being advanced which will enable it to project a dynamic image of Ireland and present high quality Irish contemporary arts as well as provide an important resource for the Irish community in London.

Minister Madigan said “It is timely that the London Irish Centre is embarking on an exciting new phase with plans to develop a space which will respect its traditions, while creating a contemporary world class space reflective of Ireland’s creative talents and global reputation. Such initiatives form an important part of the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 initiative, which aims to greatly increase Ireland’s global presence and ensure that, although we are small in scale, Ireland’s international engagement will mean that we will ensure our position as an island in the centre of the world.”

The patrons of the London Irish Centre, Ed Sheeran and Dermot O’Leary hosted the event and indicated their commitment to advancing the redevelopment of the centre. Along with other artists such as Lisa Hannigan, Andy Irvine, Eimear McGeown and Stephen James Smith who performed at the event, the patrons highlight the importance of fostering the creative ties between Ireland and Britain and flow of artists which assist our cultural connectivity.

The London Irish Centre plays an important role in showcasing Ireland’s artists and promoting Irish culture in Britain, with an annual programme of arts activity supported by Culture Ireland. The Centre is an important venue in Culture Ireland GB18, a special year long programme which aims to further develop Ireland’s cultural ties with Britain at a time when Ireland-Britian relations are undergoing changes in a European context.

The £250,000 raised from the event will lay the foundation for the £8m development of the iconic London Irish venue. The vision for the development of world-class facilities announced will be followed by a wide-ranging consultation with interested parties and stakeholders to ensure that the project will revitalise and achieve a strong home for Irish culture and community in London.

President Higgins to Acknowledge Altan for their Contribution to Irish Music and Culture

Traditional Irish band Altan will perform at the Áras an Uachtaráin Garden Party hosted the the President and Sabina Higgins Monday 25th of June,  where President Higgins will acknowledge Altan for the contribution they have made to Irish Music and Culture over the last 30 years.

Altan are very delighted to be invited to perform at the Áras. The band were honoured with a Civic Reception by Donegal County Council last month, to celebrate the bands 30 year Anniversary.  In 2017 Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh one of the founding members of Altan was awarded ‘Traditional Musician of the Year’ at the Gradam Ceoil Music Awards.

Altan have been long established as the best and foremost traditional Irish band to come out of Ireland. This was recognized on November 7, 2006, when the Irish Government through An Post (The Irish Postal Body), honored Altan by issuing a postal stamp featuring the band. This award showed Altan’s immense impact on recent Irish culture at home and abroad and the growing popularity of Irish traditional music generally.

With their exquisitely produced award-winning recordings, their ground breaking ‘Island Angel’ recording going to no.2 in the Billboard World Music Charts in 1993, ranging dynamically from the most sensitive and touching ancient ballads all the way to the energetic foot-tapping reels and jigs, and their heart-warming engaging live performances, Altan have moved audiences from Donegal all the way to Tokyo, to Sydney, Seattle and beyond.

Na Mooneys will also perform on the evening. Na Mooneys were  formed in late 2013 Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh  and her siblings Anna Ní Mhaonaigh and Gearóid Ó Maonaigh along with Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh’s nephew, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Caitlin Ni Gabhann and Maireads daughter Nia Byrne.

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