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Month: July 2018

Sean Olohan Composes Song for Incoming President of Lions International

A song for life and a performance of a lifetime these are just two wonderful opportunities for song writer musician and IMRO member Sean Olohan from Wicklow town.

Sean was commissioned to compose a new song for the incoming President of Lions International when he was a member of the jury for the ‘Sounds from the Heart’ Lions World Song Contest in Krakow Poland last November.

He got to work on this special song straight away and then spent time in the studio recording the finished work which will be featured on the President’s official video and viewed by over 1.5 million members of the Lions worldwide.

The incoming Lions President of the World is Ms Gudrun Yngvadottir from Iceland and as soon as she heard Sean’s song she was thrilled with it immediately .

The title of the song is ‘Sing with the Lions –Sing out with Pride’. As soon as the song was heard by people in the headquarters in America they invited Sean to sing it live at the World Lions Convention in Las Vegas-no less! After getting over the initial shock of such a high profile performance Sean quickly started rehearsing for the biggest and most exciting performance of his life.    He will sing to 20,000 people from 120 countries visiting Vegas for the Convention. He will be joined on stage by his wife Jackie as Musical Director.

Sean feels extremely honoured to be representing Ireland but even more importantly is very proud to be representing his own Wicklow and District Lions Club of which he is a very active member.

As well as Sean performing his own song at MGM in Vegas it will also be performed by an Icelandic Choir who will also travel to the entertainment capitol of the world.

The top Lion in Ireland District Governor Frank O’Donoghue will also attend the Convention.

Lions President in Wicklow Pat O’Brien said it was an incredible honour that a member from Wicklow would be invited not only to write a new song for the World President but to perform the song in Las Vegas he said it must feel like a dream for Sean representing Wicklow and Ireland at the highest level and he has no recollection of anything like this happening in Ireland before.

Pat said all members of Wicklow Lions wishes Sean every success on the trip of a lifetime and an amazing opportunity to share his music to a worldwide audience.

Runabay Release ‘Blink Of An Eye’ On 3rd August

Hailing from the Glens of Antrim, Runabay is a six-piece band. They have been described as alt-folk or indie, but the intricate and adventurous nature of their songwriting means they rarely fit into predictable pigeonholes. Since the bands formation in 2014, they have strived to constantly evolve and develop their sound. To that end, this new track is a departure from previous releases, with a shift in sound and a changing aesthetic. Recent influences ranging from Daughter to Public Service Broadcasting have informed and modified their sound which now consists of shades of electronic, folk and indie culminating in a soundscape of intrigue and beauty. Right from the off, the riff from the new single grabs the listener and commences a journey through emotion and euphoria towards an epic conclusion.

Runabay have featured on and been championed by the likes of Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music), Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music), Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster) and have appeared on official high profile Spotify playlists of late, including Best of Indie Folk 2016, Alternative 2017 New Music Friday, Fresh Finds: Six Strings and Best of Ruby Sessions 2016.

They have also gained plenty of accolades including being nominated for ‘Irish Single of the Year’ in 2015, along with a string of glowing press features from Hot Press Magazine, ChordBlossom and Culture Hub NI.

The band’s live performances have been hailed as ‘joyous’, and with influences including Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Glen Hansard among others, 2018 promises to be a landmark year for the band. The band are set to release their debut album in early 2019.

“Blink of an Eye is essentially about putting yourself out there and getting shot down whilst trying to keep a brave face” explains frontman John McManus.“It’s a serious song with a kind of self-deprecating edge to it. The narrative is reminiscent of that old adage, ‘If you didn’t laugh, you’d cry’”. The video concept was borne out of the narrative that people have various personas they employ throughout the day, as a means of creating a barrier to their inner struggles. In this insta-age, where people strive to convey a perfect public perception, this video seeks to address this notion and makes the point that rarely are things as straightforward as they appear through the lens of a camera.

UPCOMING LIVE DATES 

Dalriada Festival, Co. Antrim – 14thJuly // American Bar, Belfast – 26thJuly // Sunflower Fest, Co. Down – 27thJuly // Stendhal Festival – Co. Derry– 11thAug // Moira Calling, Moira – 8thSeptember

Website runabay.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/runabayband

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

Spotify https://soundcloud.com/runabayband

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runabayband/

Ruby Tina Unveils Debut Single ‘There’s No Place’

Ruby Tina has just unveiled her debut single ‘There’s No Place’, following the release of her first EP, ‘Click My Heels’ in early summer 2018.

‘There’s No Place’ highlights Ruby’s powerful vocals along with her emotionally driven songwriting.

The Cork-based singer/songwriter is making waves in recent weeks having been debuted on the ‘RTE Radio 1’ playlist along with airtime both nationally and internationally.

‘There’s No Place’ can be found on all major platforms.

Keep up to date with Ruby on all social media.

www.rubytinamusic.com

 

Terry Hackett To Release ‘The Music Makers’

Ten years singing with the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, along with many more years involved in performance and production, led Terry Hackett to start writing his own material. Performing works wide and varied from Bach to Beethoven to Mahler, typically to a full National Concert Hall, along with his production and musical skills, influenced the writing and recording of his solo albums.

‘The Music Makers’, is the first single to be released from his forthcoming album ‘Kookoo City’. The song is inspired by two factors; Terry’s many years of teaching Music Production and Edward Elgar’s classical work ‘The Music Makers’, which Terry performed with the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir during his years as a chorister. It is due for release on all download and streaming platforms on 27th July 2018.

With an extensive background in the areas of performance, recording and production, Terry’s original involvement with music was as a drummer, playing and touring with several acts from the late 80’s through to the 00’s. At the same time, he became heavily involved in recording and production, both in studio and on the road. His work either behind the drum-kit or the mixing console has included artists from a wide range of genres including Picturehouse, The Wilde Oscars, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Lunasa, B*witched and Danny O’Donoghue & Mark Sheehan from The Script in their boyband days with Mytown. After ten years singing with the RTE Philharmonic Choir, Terry was inspired to start writing and recording his own material leading to his debut release ‘One Over Eighty’ in 2013, described by MondoTunes as “a record boasting gorgeous unique instrumental and pop compositions alike.” 

All of his productions are self-recorded and produced.

Twitter: @terryhackett

YouTube: www.youtube.com/terryhackett

Web: https://terryhackett.bandcamp.com

Kodaline Unveil Latest Video

Kodaline have just unveiled the video for their latest single, ‘Shed A Tear’.

The track is taken from their third album, ‘Politics Of Living’, which is set for release on 10th August.

http://www.kodaline.com/

Billow Wood Announce Latest Single

Billow Wood are set to release their latest single ‘Pushin’ and Shovin’’ on 20th July.

Nothing says Summer like an upbeat harmony driven folk-pop song. ‘Pushin’ and Shovin’ is full of creative energy and fearless lyrics, with both male and female lead vocals coupled with diverse instrumentation.

The opening lines “The view from my room has them Pushin’ and Shovin’, yet I stand alone connect nothing with nothing” creates an image of someone who appears to have it all in the eyes of others, yet is struggling behind the scenes.

When the chorus kicks in you find yourself toe tapping to the juxtaposition of up beat pop rhythms with slightly somber lyrics.

I know when your here there’s nothing that I fear, but I know when you’re there it’s too far for you to care” paints a picture of unreliability from someone that you are emotionally attached to, especially if they are not always close by. However, the catchy melody and Summer vibe rhythm should have you singing along by the last chorus.

Billow Woods unique ability to fuse modern folk pop has allowed them to create a fresh sounding summer track you will have on repeat.

LIVE

JULY
13th France, Grenay
14th France, Aix- Noulette
20th Leitrim, Fringe Fest

AUGUST
3rd Ballyshannon Folk Festival | Main Stage with Alan Kelly, Eddie Reader and Aslan
7th Mayo, Manchester Trad Fest, Matt Molloys

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER – U.S Tour
Orlando, Cincinatti, Indianapolis Irish Fest. **details to be announced on social media soon**

Website www.billowwood.com
Bandcamp: https://billowwood.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billowwood/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billowwoodmusic/
Breaking Tunes: https://www.breakingtunes.com/billowwood
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5jonCzFhMyr6jpWpG4I7js#_=_
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ie/artist/billow-wood/1300763694

Jafaris Returns With Stunning Visuals for ‘Found My Feet’

Jafaris has released the music video for ‘Found My Feet’ taken from his debut album, ‘STRIDE’, to be released in October.

Directed by filmmaker & director, Nathan Barlow and produced by Diffusion Lab, the music video was shot in 10 consecutive days in various locations around Ireland. As with nearly all videos from Jafaris, the visual for “Found My Feet” is equally intense as its audio recording.

The song is led by a combination of hard drum and bass percussion, contrasted in the chorus with traditional African drumming. Jafaris’s vocal line nestles perfectly between the instrumentation, lifting the track to new heights. With a number of unique influences felt throughout the tracks melody, this marks the start of a whole new chapter in Jafaris’s musical journey.

Since the track’s release just under a month ago, it has been streamed over 60,000 times on Spotify alone, and has been included on some of the UK’s most popular Spotify playlists, including New Music Friday UK,which boasts over 14,000 followers,  All New All Now, and the Fresh Finds: Fire Emoji. The track was also included in the Irish Urban playlist The New Éire.

Jafaris has been announced to play Longitude – Main Stage / Friday 13th July

www.jafarismusic.com

Femmepop Announces Latest EP ‘CYM’

Femmepop is singer songwriter/producer Margaret O’ Sullivan from Ireland. Based in London. She writes, records, performs, produces and mixes her work. Ms Femmepop’s voice has been classically trained and she attended Cork city’s renowned music college, Colaiste Stiofain Naofa for two years in her teens. With her music making comparisons to Lovefoxx, Kavinsky, Bat For Lashes, Madonna, Cocteau Twins and The School of Seven Bells – a plethora of sound, it is safe to say her college years have paid off!

The ‘CYM’ EP is Femmepop’s forthcoming release and on August 17th the EP will drop on all digital platforms. The release will be marked by Femmepop beginning her ‘CYM Tour’ in Berlin on the same date. Berlin being the home of electronic music and female artists ruling the scene there, it’s seems a very apt city for the release of ‘CYM’.

‘CYM’ was recorded by Femmepop between the months of December 2017 and February 2018 in Cork, Ireland. This is Femmepop’s most instrumental/dance based futuristic sounding release and a new direction from previous work. It includes 4 tracks namely 1) Astra, 2) CYM, 3) Motion and 4) Suck It Up. It is Femmepop continuing to grow as an artist and embracing new sounds and vibes.

Earlier in 2018 Femmepop was included on the soundtrack to the forthcoming Swedish film ‘Videoman’ as she teamed up with Robert Parker on the song ‘Demise’ The soundtrack is released by Lakeshore Records, LA.

www.femmepop.com
www.soundcloud.com/femmepop
www.femmepop.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/Femmepop
www.instagram.com/femmepop

Tupelo Present the Video for the Current Single ‘Joyous’

Kevin and James of Tupelo released their new album ‘The Heart’s Bloodline’ on the Crashed Records Label earlier this spring, to some wonderful comments and acclaim both here at home and abroad. Indeed, ‘The Shriven Dust’ recently featured on the Canadian CBC network TV series, ‘Hello Goodbye’.

The most recent single ‘Joyous’, has received some splendid feedback. The live video was filmed at Dublin’s Grand Social venue on Lower Liffey Street, one beautiful, sunny Saturday morning earlier this spring and features the simply stunning Line Up Choir.

“We were thrilled to have The Line Up Choir join us,” said James “and also delighted and honoured they choose ‘Joyous’ to feature in their own live concert at the RDS following our working together.” This writer loves the song regardless, but the addition of The Line Up Choir takes it somewhere very special indeed!

Currently in the USA for Chicago Irish Festival and other live commitments, on their return James and Kevin head to Norway for Tynesfest.

The band’s rescheduled Dublin headline show takes place on Saturday September 8th at The Grand Social, on Dublin’s Liffey Street. Tickets priced €12 and €15 are now on sale from tickets.ie

Tickets purchased for the original concert (at Tramline), which had to be postponed in March due to the snow storm, are valid for this new date at The Grand Social.

https://twitter.com/tupeloireland
https://www.facebook.com/tupelomusic
www.youtube.com/tupelomusicireland

TAYNE Announce Debut Album and Summer Dates

TAYNE – a London based experimental, noise-pop outfit created by Matthew Sutton – are pleased to announce details of their debut album ‘Breathe’,due this October via Strange Brew Records.

They will pre-empt the release with a brand new visual for ‘Haunted’.

Speaking about the visuals, frontman Matthew explains: “With the video for ‘Haunted’ I wanted to recreate some of the themes from the record and also give an insight to the chaotic, intense live presence of the band. The subject matter of the single is trying to not live in memories and let go of things that still haunt my mind. I knew I wanted to convey this as fast black and white shots of me, ghost like and out of focus.”

The album is self produced and mastered with TJ Lipple (Xiu Xiu, St Vincent, Fugazi, Bikini Kill, Holy Ghost & MGMT). Described as “Industrial Synth Pop” TAYNE’s music is an aural assault that welds moody, atmospheric vocals, punishing guitars, and overwhelming electronics, to pulsating rhythms; creating a unique listening experience.

Matthew gives further details about the upcoming album: “I would say it’s a very personal self-serving record. I wanted to write something that felt relevant to me and that I could talk about. Mostly, the record is a reflection of my own anxieties, insecurities, fears, hopes and expectations and mental health. Thematically, it’s dark, chaotic and intense; so I wanted to have some sort of juxtaposition. I decided to present the singles on the record in traditional pop song structure, with pop hook choruses. There are 10 tracks, 6 singles and 4 Segway tracks that link it all together. I wanted it to flow as one collection of musical thoughts. Similar textures, sounds, and beats echo throughout the record from start to finish. The intro pulse on ‘Breathe’ was intentionally meant to replicate a heartbeat – or a notion to take a breath and breathe – so it’s replicated or re-sampled on every track; its suspended tension looms through the whole album. There are a lot of demons on the record.

TAYNE’s live performances are equally as intense as the sounds they deliver and the band will hit the road this summer with a series of UK and European dates.

Live dates:

July 7 – Bristol – Cafe Kino
July 8 – Brighton – Cowley Club
July 9 – Glasgow – Old Hairdresser
July 11 – Edinburgh Bannermans
July 25 – Leeds – Santigos
July 28th – Oxford – Wheatsheaf
August 3 Berlin – Sjz Drugstore
August 6 – Berlin – Schokoladen
August 9 – London – The Finsbury
August 29 – Manchester – The Peer Hat
August 30 – Galway – Roisin Dubh
September 1 – Dublin – Whelans

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