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Month: March 2019

Garageland TV Episode 2 Now Online

Garageland TV – the brand new online TV show exclusive to buzz.ie continues to seek out the very best from Ireland’s emerging new music talents from the legendary Garage Gigs.

Following on from the huge impact of Garageland TV Episode 1, which featured blistering performances from brand new Irish Artists Laura Mulcahy & Wayne P, Cooks But We’re Chefs, Count Tornado for Christmas No. 1 and of course Inhaler (who have now taken the music world by storm), Garageland are delighted to present Episode 2.

Garageland TV Episode 2 features a powerhouse live performance from Dublin band V98, who recently released their first single and video to huge attention.

Also in the show are newcomers Magazines, a four piece outfit fronted by Catherine Leahy’s hypnotising vocals, while Shayne, Tom and Dan give it socks behind her. 

The Black Delta Movement are Video Guests on Garageland Episode 2 – dark, somber, from the underbelly of pre-digital and valve – this band are travelling from The UK on 28th March to Play The Garage Gigs in Dublin’s The Grand Social. Touted by Creation Records Alan McGee as breakthrough contenders for 2019, this show is destined to be on your ‘I was there’ list – you’ve been warned.

Fourth of 4 on this show is Electric Shore another tub-thumping live performance from Dublin’s Button Factory, regulars to Garageland events, Electric Shore are big faves in a world where there are no faves – also regulars on our Radio Show Garageland on RTE 2XM on Monday evenings live from 7 – 9pm.

Thanks for a great production to John Branagan and Lauren Geary.Thanks also for the onging support from IMRO Ireland, Arts Council Ireland, Sound Training, Rté Twoxm, Irish Daily Star, Hot Press Magazine

https://www.buzz.ie/music/garageland-e2-319739

Picture This Unveil ‘Modern Love’ Video

Critically acclaimed Irish international phenomenon Picture This have just released the official music video for their new single ‘Modern Love’ taken from their #1 sophomore album ‘MDRN LV’.

‘Modern Love’ is the follow up single to international hit ‘One Drink’, which last Thursday was awarded the Irish Song of the Year at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize.

Earlier this week, the band were also crowned Best Group, Track of the Year and Best Live Act in the HotPress Reader’s Poll for 2018.

The biggest act in Ireland and the nation’s hottest musical export in decades, Picture This arrived as a phenomenon with their self-titled 2017 full-length debut, ‘Picture This’. Certified triple-platinum in Ireland, it held the #1 spot in the Irish Album Chart for four weeks, while topping the Streaming Chart for seven weeks. Moreover, it remained in the Top 5 for 38 consecutive weeks. The follow up ‘MDRN LV’, released last month, entered the Irish Albums Chart at #1 and was certified Platinum after one week.

Two years since their formation, they’ve impressively sold over 300K tickets, concluding 2017 with a sold-out UK and Ireland tour highlighted by gigs at O2 Shepherd’s Bush London, SSE Arena Belfast, and a two-night stand at 3Arena in Dublin. This summer marked their first stadium tour in Ireland, which capped off with a 35,000-person stadium show selling out over 3 months prior.

The band have just embarked on their MDRN LV European tour which includes shows in London, Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Amsterdam and Stockholm. It also includes a sold out five-night residency in Dublin’s biggest indoor arena, 3Arena, later this month. 

Picture This are Ryan Hennessey, Jimmy Rainsford, Owen Cardiff and Cliff Deane.

http://www.picturethismusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BandPictureThis/
https://www.instagram.com/bandpicturethis/

1000 Beasts Share Latest Offering ‘Want’

‘Want’ is the latest offering from Cork based producer Cian Sweeney, feat the powerful vocals of Waterford native Carrie.  The track was co-written by Ryan O’Shaughnessy and Laoise at an IMRO sponsored writing camp last summer. A strong electronic track with a summer hit Scandi-pop feel, akin to Sigrid and MØ, while maintaining the slick production style 1000 Beasts is known for.

“‘Want’ lyrically tells the story of a conversation between a couple, unsure of what the protagonists partner really wants,” 1000 Beasts.

1000 Beasts is a project by Cian Sweeney, where the concept is simple, he collaborates with different artists across all spectrums and genres of music on every release. These are the ‘beasts’ behind the name. 

1000 Beasts is lauded for his energetic live shows, combining electronic beats with acoustic instruments, live drums and live visuals. Previous performances of note are Output Belfast, Hard Working Class Heroes, Whelans (headline show), Soma (Cork & Dublin) and Indiependance.

Previous collaborations with artists like Janet Grogan, Ryan O’Shaughnessy and Jacob Henley have all been well received, with heavy Spotify playlisting as well as featuring on hit TV shows such as Made In Chelsea, and proves that this songwriter, producer and collaborator is just hitting his stride. 

Future releases in the coming months include collaborations with Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Ryan Mack, Joe Cleere and Seamus Harty

1000 Beasts has received support from all major Irish radio stations including a live session with Jenny Greene at 2FM and plays on BBC Radio 1.

Previous release ‘Lord (It’s OK)’ feat. Janet Grogan was picked up by the coveted Spotify playlists New Music Friday UK, Pop Revolution and Fresh Finds: Hiptronix.

1000 Beasts Socials

Facebook    Instagram    Twitter    Spotify    Soundcloud

Jafaris’ ‘Stride’ Out Now

In 2017, Jafaris released his debut EP. As a body of work ‘Velvet Cake’ oozed in 90’s nostalgia and crafted catchy and conscientious songs that flirted with soul and pop and attracted attention from publications like Hot Press and District Magazine. It’s no surprise that Jafaris cites the music of J.Cole, Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar and Mick Jenkins as his influences all of whom are contemporary artists in their own right but produce their own unique sound, just like the hip-hop artist from Dublin. As a modern hip-hop artist, Jafaris combines rap, an array of beats, raw melodies and singing.

Raised in the Dublin suburb of Tallaght, Jafaris musical calling came a little later than most. Before the dazzling lyricism and poetic resonance, he brought to the emerging Irish music scene, dance had always been his passion and career path. It was through a dance audition that the multi-talented musician landed the role of Ngig in the 2016 Irish film sensation ‘Sing Street’ directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker John Carney.

Musically, his uncompromising fluency of expression means he is as exciting as he’s ever sounded. In 2016, Jafaris hooked up with Diffusion Lab and since joining the team, the triple threat, rapper, actor and dancer has gone on to become a knockout performer. In 2017 he performed at Forbidden Fruit, Hard Working Class Heroes and performed with the RTÉ Orchestra for the Story of Hip Hop at Electric Picnic. In 2018 he went one further and represented Ireland at Eurosonic 2018, played the main stage at Longitude, and returned to Electric Picnic with the RTÉ orchestra and what’s more, he headlined the Other Voices stage.

Ireland is paying attention to the rising star. In 2018, Jafaris, Saint Sister and Kormac were the three artists chosen for Three Ireland’s #MadeByMusic original campaign, which was eight months in the making and celebrates connecting people through the power of music. The three artists collaborated and made an incredible cover of Saint Sister’s single ‘Causing Trouble’, Irish music at its best! Together they performed at Electric Picnic. Jafaris’ sensual song ‘If You Love Me’ was the first song chosen in the campaign to be made into a video. The visually arresting video was directed by New York-based visionary director, Shane Griffin.

In July 2018, Complex UK premiered the music video for Jafaris’ first single ‘Found My Feet’ off his debut album. The song is about finding oneself and celebrating the newfound confidence that comes with that.

Last month, Jafaris shared his 2nd single ‘Time’ with astonishing visuals filmed in Los Angeles.

STRIDE album out now. 

Stride tour:
May 3rd – The Button Factory / Dublin
May 4th – Roisin Dubh / Galway
May 10th – Dolans / Limerick
May 11th – Cyprus Avenue / Cork

Socials: @jafarismusic

www.jafarismusic.com

Valerie Armstrong’s ‘Fil, Fil A Rún Ó’ to Feature on James Blake’s New Album

For Valerie Armstrong 2019 commenced with a lovely surprise.  James Blake’s label sent a courtesy email letting Valerie know her 1971 version of ‘Fil, Fil A Rún Ó’ had been sampled for James Blake’s ‘Barefoot In The Park’ on his new album, ‘Assume Form’.

Dubliner Valerie recorded ‘Fil, Fil A Rún O’ in 1971 when she was just 13 on RTE show Come West Along The Road.

‘Fil, Fil A Rún Ó’ is now on sale via iTunes and will also be live to stream on Spotify.

Having planned a return to the recording studio anyway this year, this little addition to Valerie’s credits is well timed, especially when one considers the hugely talented English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer has also worked with the likes of Bon Iver, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyoncé.

Valerie began singing and playing the harp at twelve, and quickly advanced to an accomplished level, winning many competitions including the All Ireland Feis Ceol in 1972, performing ‘Fil, Fil A Rún Ó’ also!

At 15, Valerie joined Jury’s Irish Cabaret as part of the Sion Hill Harpists, performing alongside the likes of Hal Roche and Ray Mc Anally.  For three years she remained in the Cabaret, studying for exams backstage and after finishing school was chosen to join the renowned musicians at Bunratty Castle.

After two years in Bunratty, Valerie decided to pursue a career of her own.  In the subsequent years, she worked as a session singer with numerous artists and producers including Bill Whelan (Riverdance) and Shawn Davey (Brendan Voyage etc.) before taking time out to raise her children.

Valerie’s last recorded work was 2011’s ‘Time Has Told Me’.  The album gave us the stunning, ‘Teardrop’, Valerie’s inspired cover of the Massive Attack original. The album was the manifestation of a long-held ambition and with her children now grown up this was the perfect moment!

‘Time Has Told Me’ is a collection of songs that represent Valerie at that point in her life, revisiting traditional tunes from her early singing years and a couple of cover versions of songs from some of Valerie’s favourite artists including Nick Drake and the aforementioned Massive Attack

This 2019 connection between Valerie and James Blake has been well documented in recent weeks across Irish media circles so re-recording the song was the natural next step.   Valerie’s new album is currently in pre-production and planned for release later this year.

https://www.valeriearmstrong.ie

John Blek Releases ‘The Body’

‘The Body’ is the second single from John Blek’s new album ‘Thistle & Thorn’ which was released on the 1st of February. It was recorded in Louisville, Kentucky with guest vocals by the ethereal Joan Shelley and guitar from Alan Lomax Archive curator Nathan Salsburg.

“I wanted to tell the tale of the strong woman. The woman who acknowledges the situation she is in and choses to do something to change it. It is a story of matter over mind

The album ‘Thistle & Thorn’ was recorded between Clonakilty, Co. Cork and Louisville, Kentucky during the early part of 2018. It features numerous collaborations with longtime musical partners Brian Casey and Davie Ryan as well as the aforementioned Joan Shelley and Nathan Salsburg.

‘Salt in the Water’ from Blek’s last album Catharsis Vol.1, was nominated for Song of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards 2018 at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City. It’s been a busy few years and it shows no sign of letting up. Endless tours and recording in Ireland, Europe, UK and USA keep the Irish troubadour busy.

He is a master storyteller and an inspiring live performer. His beautiful fingerstyle guitar and joyous vocal weave a tapestry that is as poignant as it is skilful. He is a true artist.

Gigs:

Thurs 7th Mar – Borris House, Carlow
Fri 8th Mar – The Washerwoman, Ballina/Kilaloe
Sat 9th Mar – Ubh, Newbridge
Sun 10th Mar – The Blackgate Cultural Centre, Galway
Sun 24th Mar – Coughlan’s Bar, Cork
Mon 25th Mar – The 19th Hole, Clonmel
Fri 29th Mar – The Weir Folk Club, Midelton
Sat 30th Mar – Leap Castle, Roscrea
Sun 31st Mar – Connolly’s of Leap, Leap

Website – https://johnblek.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/johnbleksolo/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/johnbleksolo
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/johnbleksolo/

Dervish Collaborate with Brendan Gleeson

Beloved Irish folk group Dervish enlisted a remarkable array of guest vocalists and musicians for their new album ‘The Great Irish Songbook’, including Irish Actor Brendan Gleeson on ‘Rocky Road To Dublin’.

Poetry also infuses much of ‘The Great Irish Songbook’, such as on the D.K. Gavan-authored ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’, a 19th-century story-song delivered with unabashed brio by famed Irish actor and part-time fiddle player Brendan Gleeson.

The album, which will be released on April 12, was produced by Graham Henderson (Sinéad O’Connor). 

The track is available today via all digital service providers. The album is available for pre-order.

Dervish ‘The Great Irish Songbook’ track listing: 

1. The Rambling Irishman (featuring Cathy Jordan)
2. There’s Whiskey in the Jar (featuring The SteelDrivers)
3. Molly Malone (featuring Imelda May)
4. The Galway Shawl (featuring Steve Earle)
5. She Moved Through The Fair (featuring Andrea Corr)
6. The Rocky Road to Dublin (featuring Brendan Gleeson)
7. Down by the Sally Gardens (featuring Kate Rusby)
8. On Raglan Road (featuring Vince Gill)
9. Dónal Óg (featuring Cathy Jordan)
10. The Fields of Athenry (featuring Jamey Johnson)
11. The May Morning Dew (featuring Rhiannon Giddens)
12. The West Coast of Clare (featuring David Gray)
13. The Parting Glass (featuring Abigail Washburn)

Peco Share’s Latest Single ‘Let The Credits Roll’

The second single from Peco’s debut album ‘The Middle Ages’, ‘Let The Credits Roll’ is a dreamy soulful duet featuring the stunning vocals of Tracy Gallagher.

Peco is quick off the press with his second single from debut album ‘The Middle Ages’ having released ‘Monster’ in January and the album in February.

The first single ‘Monster’ is still gaining considerable traction. In the last 6 weeks Peco has been played on countless stations and picked up the following accolades.

Live Dates

Apr 11th – Whelans, Dublin
Apr 13th – Pharmacia, Limerick
Apr 14th – The Spirit Store, Dundalk
Apr 20th – Cleeres, Kilkenny
Apr 26th – Monroes, Galway

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram Spotify 

The Claque Share Debut Release

‘Hush’ is the single, ‘Stray’ is the Bside. The Claque are Alan Duggan, Kate Brady and Paddy Ormond.

The tracks were recorded in Dublin by Daniel Fox (Girl Band).

A pre-order for a 12” of the single will be available and will be released through Any Other City Records (who released all the early Girl Band and Villagers releases, amongst others). https://ffm.to/theclaque

Old friends from Dublin and familiar faces in the city’s music scene – the three started the band in 2017 with the aim of combining elements of each other’s tastes to make music that is both challenging and catchy.

Their debut single ‘Hush’ is released digitally on 7th March via Any Other City Records.

LIVE //

27th April – Dublin (secret show) – free in. Sign up to the mailing list to find out more info.
11th July – Iveagh Gardens w/ Idles and Rolling Blackouts Costal Fever.
4th August – All Together Now, Waterford.

Photo credit = Aila Harryson-Lorrigan

Swimmers Jackson Shares ‘Believe’

If Swimmers Jackson’s last single ‘Pain In The Heart’ (Jan 2018), dealt with the acceptance of the way things are, then the newly released companion piece ‘Believe’ (Feb 2019) is the refusal to give up on that very same relationship, and the unresounding belief it will all work out in the end.

‘Believe’, comes out 13 months later, the exact same amount of time it took him to resolve the relationship issues that plagued both tracks when written. That of bringing distant, damaged hearts a little closer. 

Dublin native Niall Jackson – AKA Swimmers Jackson – releases his fourth solo single ‘Believe’ from an as yet untitled album, on February 22nd – 2019. Recorded by Darragh Nolan (Ailbhe Reddy, Conor Walsh, Winter Aid) at his Asta Kalapa Studios in Wexford, and Matthew Sutton (Tayne, Sweat Threats) in London, and mixed and mastered by Jesse Gander (Japandroids, Bouts) in Vancouver.

His first solo single ‘Summer’s Here’ (May 2017) received extensive radio airplay on Irish stations Newstalk, TodayFM, 8Radio, 2xm, and was awarded track of the day by both BBC’s Across the Line and Joe.ie, as well as track of the week on Wandsworth Radio in London.

The second single ‘Life’s Short (Embrace It)’ (Aug 2017) clocked in at just over 100 seconds long and was included on two official Spotify Playlists ( A Breathe of Fresh Eire and Alt. Rocked) as well as track of the week in The Irish Times. It also received a good deal of airplay in both the UK & Ireland.

Playing solo around the UK & Ireland in between touring with his other bands Bouts and Sweat Threats, Jackson was named as one of State Magazine’s ‘Faces of 2018’  https://statefaces.com/thefaces#/swimmers-jackson/ He is holding out for ‘Body of 2020’ next year.

Formerly a 3 piece, Jackson released 2 EPs under the name ‘Swimmers’, (‘Swimmer’s Year’ 2013, ‘This Burning Circus’ 2015). After moving to London in late 2015 with no bandmates, he was left reconfiguring Swimmer’s songs back into solo versions.This new found confidence led to the recording of nine new songs in March of 2017. Singles are creeping out as seen fit, before a collection will see light of day.

Jackson’s other acts Bouts www.gimmebouts.com & Sweat Threats www.sweatthreats.bandcamp.com continue to enjoy success, touring the UK, Europe, and North America, opening for the likes of Johnny Marr, Cloud Nothings, Yuck and P.U.S.A. He recently released a new album‘Flow’ with Bouts (Jan 2019).

Useful links ::

Bandcamp :: https://swimmersjackson.bandcamp.com
Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fgCqPLseTtoW658y6TOb7
Soundcloud :: https://soundcloud.com/swimmersjackson
Facebook :: https://m.facebook.com/pg/swimmersjackson
Twitter :: https://twitter.com/swimmersjackson
Website:: https://hyperurl.co/SwimmersJackson 

Swimmers Jackson plays London’s Grow venue in Hackney on Thurs 28th February and will also appear at London’s St. Patrick’s weekend Camden Trail in March (venue tba).

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