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Month: July 2019

Double Screen’s ‘Blood Stream (feat. Blakkheart)’ Out Now

Double Screen (Dónal Sharpson), a Dublin based DJ, Electronic Musician and Producer, has teamed up with Cork Singer and Producer, Blakkheart (Eimear Ann O’Sullivan), for his new single ‘Blood Stream’. 

‘Blood Stream’ is a soulful, melodic dance track, that’s perfect for both easy listening and also the club. Double Screen’s heave bass lines, tribal drums and experimental production, combined with Blakkheart’s soul enriched vocals, match perfectly together for this electronic collaboration.

The track is also accompanied by an incredible music video made by Double Screen himself and is definitely worth checking out. ‘Blood Stream (feat. Blakkheart)’ is out now and available to listen on all online platforms!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doublescreenmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doublescreenmusic/

Valerie Armstrong Shares ‘Bridget O’Malley’

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 Run O’ had been sampled for James Blake’s ‘Barefoot In The Park’ on his new album, ‘Assume Form’.

Dubliner Valerie recorded ‘Fil Fil, A Run O’ in 1971 when she was just 13 on RTÉ show Come West Along The Road. The single was subsequently re-released and given prompt thumbs up by James Blake. 

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

Valerie is currently in studio working on the new album with producer Kenneth McHugh of Lefthand Productions (Cathy Davey, David Kitt, Jon Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Mundy, Donovan, Moya Brennan, The Dublin Gospel choir and many others). The album will include these new recordings and we hope it to be completed by later this summer.

From July 22nd, you can enjoy one of these tracks, the new single, Valerie’s reworking of ‘Bridget O’Malley’.

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

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 Run O’ 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.

Faraway Martin Shares New Single and Embarks on 32 County Tour

Faraway Martin returns to Ireland from Doha, Qatar, where he has been based for the past four years. The singer/songwriter is completing a mammoth tour of Ireland, playing 32 gigs in all 32 counties, in 32 days. September 1st will see the Mayo man take off via campervan promoting his new single ‘I Wanna Go’. The tour will comprise of headline gigs, support slots, house concerts and festivals appearances around the country as well as getting into schools and youth clubs to share his music and travel experiences. The former teacher will be joined by various Irish artists along the way to help him complete all 32 counties.

Since the release of his debut single ‘Intoxicated’ last October, and his follow up sing ‘Falling In Your Sleep’, the RTE Recommends Artist presence in the music scene has grown internationally. The Irishman has established himself as a live act in his adopted home in the Middle East, recently playing support to international pop sensation Bazzi and Boyce Avenue, of YouTube fame. Here in Ireland, he has opened shows for Mick Flannery, Hermitage Green, played main stage in Whelan’s with the Galway Street Club and filled the Roisin Dubh for his first headline gig. His upcoming track, ‘I Wanna Go’ is a coming of age track about travelling and discovering new places and friendships and features cúpla focal also.

Faraway Martin’s sound is heavily influenced by his Irish roots, with evidence of Damien Rice and Glen Hansard, yet his latest release, ‘I Wanna Go’ is a more upbeat song with an in your face guitars and an anthem like chorus. The track, recorded at Dogfox Studios, Nashville inspires feelings of wanderlust as Faraway Martin lilts about leaving the 9-5 life in search of adventure, something every listener can relate to. The track produced by Dave Skelton, is reminiscent of offerings from The Kings of Leon and Gavin James. With honest lyrics and catchy hooks, Faraway Martin makes an immediate impression on listeners.

www.facebook.com/farawaymartin
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Keywest Release ‘What Are You Waiting For’

Keywest have just released their brand new single ‘What Are You Waiting For?’, out today the 19 July 2019. The track is the fourth song to be released off their upcoming Marshall Records debut album ‘Ordinary Superhero’, which is now available for pre-order with exclusive bundles through Transistor Music here.

A busy few months awaits, with Keywest embarking on their Ordinary Superhero Tour across Ireland and the UK in October 2019. Tickets for all dates are on sale now from https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/keywest-tickets.

The band’s debut album ‘The Message’ entered the top 20 in Ireland, second album ‘Joyland’ went to Number 1 in Ireland in 2015, third album ‘True North’ went to Number 3 in Ireland and they had a string of radio hits such as ‘Carousel’, ‘This Is Heartbreak’, ‘This Summer’, ‘Something Beautiful’ and ‘Cold Hands’. The band have sold out shows across Ireland, including three Dublin sell out shows at The Olympia Theatre, The Academy and Whelan’s, all within 10 months. In addition to sold out headline shows, the band has performed at festivals including British Summer Time, Country 2 Country and Country Music Week in London and Longitude and Electric Picnic festivals in Ireland. The band have recently completed a 13 date Irish, UK and European tour, which included a sold out 1,200 capacity O2 Academy Liverpool show.

Keywest are widely known for their explosive live performances. The four-piece Dublin based band comprises of Kav, Glover, Jimi and Harry. The band formed after being introduced during a trip to Los Angeles where they became friends. Starting out in Dublin, the band found the gig scene in Ireland very slow and began busking, taking their sound directly to the people of Ireland. Whilst honing their sound and style the band became famous and well known for busking on Shop Street in Galway and Grafton Street in Dublin.

Out now, ‘What Are You Waiting For’ is the latest track to be released from Keywest’s upcoming Marshall Records debut ‘Ordinary Superhero’, which is due for release on the 27 September 2019, with Keywest kicking off their ‘Ordinary Superhero’ tour across Ireland and the UK in October 2019.

Ordinary Superhero Tour Dates
17 October: Belfast, LL2
18 October: Dublin, The Academy
21 October: Glasgow, G2
23 October: London, O2 Academy Islington
24 October: Bristol, Exchange
25 October: Liverpool, O2 Academy
27 October: Nottingham, Bodega
29 October: Edinburgh, The Mash House
30 October: Manchester, Deaf Institute
31 October: Birmingham, O2 Institute 3

ORDINARY SUPERHERO’ ALBUM TRACKLISTING
Somebody To Love
C’est La Vie
I’m Not Me Without You
Don’t Let Me Down
Ordinary Superhero
How Did We Get Here?
What Are You Waiting For?
Wear Your Love
This Is Heartbreak
Blood, Sweat and Tears

https://www.keywestofficial.com/
https://fanlink.to/whatareyouwaitingfor
https://www.facebook.com/Keywestonline https://www.instagram.com/keywestofficial/
https://twitter.com/keywestofficial
https://www.youtube.com/user/Keywestofficial

Elaine Mai Remixes Pillow Queens’ ‘Gay Girls’

Elaine Mai is back with a low-fi remix of the Choice Prize nominated track ‘Gay Girls’ by Pillow Queens. Described by Clash Magazine as “a vital Irish artist“, she is fast becoming one of the most sought-after remixers in the country.

Elaine says: “I’m a huge fan of Pillow Queens, and loved their ‘Gay Girls’ track from the first time I heard it. I knew I wanted to do something different with it and when I listened to the stems I was immediately drawn to the vocals. There are all these gorgeous nuggets that are super catchy, but also show real vulnerability. The line, ‘roots for you’ and the main vocal cut I highlighted in the chorus are absolute gems, so they formed a large part of the remix. I’ve wanted to work with the guys for a while, this was a brilliant project to work on and I’m delighted with how the track turned out.

Pillow Queens say: “We were sitting in an old man pub in Derry when the ‘Gay Girls’ remix came through, so we took it in turns to pass around headphones and have our minds respectively blown. We were excited Elaine wanted to remix one of our songs and couldn’t have envisioned how well it would turn out. ‘Gay Girls’ is a song really close to our hearts so it’s really nice to have Elaine breathe new life into it in a completely unique way.

Remixes aren’t the only thing on Elaine Mai’s mind. She has collaborated on a new track with Soulé and Sorcha Richardson which is due for release this summer, and has been working on new music, with her first single ‘Heartbeat’ coming this autumn.

Follow Elaine Mai for announcements on upcoming live shows.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elainemaimusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elainemai/

Follow Pillow Queens:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PillowQueeens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pillowqueensband/

Upcoming Pillow Queens live dates:
19 July – Roisin Dubh w/The Claque, Galway Arts Festival
3 August – All Together Now, Waterford
10 August – We’ve Only Just Begun, Whelan’s Dublin

Milk. Release ‘Temperature’

Formed of Mark McKenna (vocals), Conor Gorman (lead guitar), Morgan Wilson (drums), Conor King (bass), Milk. is a four piece pop band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Milk.’s music draws upon many genres, ranging from RnB, to electronic and pop.

Milk. started out with Mark and Conor G, bouncing song ideas back and forth and eventually recruiting drummer Morgan for a session and finally asking Conor to join the band too, describing this moment as, “it’s a bit like asking someone to be your girlfriend.” Their debut single ‘Drama Queen’ has over 200,000 Spotify streams to date and was premiered by Nialler9 and featured by Dork magazine and GoldenPlec amongst others. 

Self described as an indie pop band, the band produces all of it’s music independently with Adam Redmond of Flaked Studios, speaking on their latest release ‘Temperature’ the guys said:

“‘Temperature’ is about the changes felt between two people, whether in situations of love or lust. It’s also about the unity that’s felt between two people during sex.

The band recently sold out their first headline show in Whelan’s, Dublin and are planning more live shows to be announced soon.

Sara Ryan to Release ‘Bright Blue Screens’

‘Bright Blue Screens’ is the new single taken from the forthcoming debut album, ‘Breathe’ by Cork singer Sara Ryan. Showcasing evocative vocals, her sound creates a captivating soundscape, revealing a darker side simmering under the surface. Her social commentary style delves into the violent world of social media and mobile phone addiction in ‘Bright Blue Screens’.

The media compares us to each other
Illusion of Blue Screens moving further
Superficial world, technological dream
Can’t you see it’s not real it’s all a Dream

Social media is a powerful tool in today’s society, yet detrimental to human connection, promoting unrealistic expectations and comparisons towards a perceived perfect online profile. Sara explains, “the single is going through the darkness, facing it, being with the darkness, seeing the light through the cracks and surrendering to hope and light.” With references to nature, a touchstone and reality that is tangible and within grasp, ‘Bright Blue Screens’ contrasts what is real against the distorted perfection displayed within the world of blue screens.

‘Bright Blue Screens’ reflects the beautiful, the powerful and the unreachable; unveiling the artifice and leaving the darkness and loneliness lurking underneath…

The album was recorded in Monique studios Cork and produced by Christian Best.

Tour Dates
September 21 – Whale Theatre, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
September 27- The Washerwoman, Ballina/Killaloe, Tipperary
October 4 – DC Music Club, Dublin
October 7 – The Greyhound, Kilkee, Clare
October 11 – Coughlans, Cork

Sibéal Announces Album Release

Contemporary Irish singer Sibéal , will release her self-titled debut album, ‘Sibéal’, through Universal Music Ireland on 2nd August.

The album was recorded across a variety of studios, including Windmill Lane, The National Concert Hall, RTÉ Studios, Rathmines College DIT and in Rath Cairn, where Sibéal hails from.

Sibéal carefully chose the songs and poems on her album to fit alongside each other and create an evocative collection that seamlessly blends old and new.  The track listing allows Sibéal’s rich, haunting voice to take centre stage amidst a backdrop of hypnotising orchestral accompaniment and harmonies. It features stunning arrangements of ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, ‘The Wind That Shakes The Barley’ and the masterpiece that is ‘Mise Éire’.

Of her debut album, Sibéal says:

“My favourite part of making this album was the creative process. Being able to bounce ideas off some great musicians and working together as a team is something I love to do. I also enjoyed watching the orchestra perform and listening back to the strings and all the music on its own. It was a great way to get lost in the music.”

“I feel incredibly lucky that I’ve the opportunity to bring sean nós singing to a wider audience. I have a great sense of pride and love for this music and all that I’ve done to make this dream of mine come to life.”

“This album is a collection of the songs that I love to sing, I’ve been taught all my life to put my own stamp on a song and it is something you’re rewarded for in sean nós singing. This is how I sing. There are also influences from different artists in contemporary music that I have combined with sean nós. All of it together is who I am and the music that speaks to me.”

See Sibéal performing LIVE:

July 13                                  Leinster Fleadh, Meath
July 28                                  World Games Series Concert, Waterford
August 17                            Fleadh Ceoil, Louth 
August 31                            The National Concert Hall, Dublin. (Charity Concert for Rescue Services)
September 24 – 29          Zoneout Festival, Sydney, Australia
November 8                      Leaves Festival of Music and Writing, Portlaoise

WWW.SIBEALOFFICIAL.COM
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Saarloos Release ‘Fiesty’

Saarloos have just released their latest single ‘Fiesty’.

Saarloos are a new Dublin band consisting of acclaimed songwriters Craig Gallagher and Brian McGovern (formerly Fallen Drakes). Saarloos released their debut single ‘Changes’ in 2018 which received strong radio support in Ireland as well as reaching over 4 million streams on Spotify, making them the most streamed new Irish band on Spotify in 2018.

Saarloos have shared the stage with Gavin James across his sold out European tour this summer and last Summer blew the roof off Electric Picnic’s – Cosby Stage! They had an incredibly successful run on EU dates last year, with two sold out nights in The Grand Social, The Paradiso in Amsterdam!

Now they’re back for their biggest Dublin headline yet at Whelan’s this October with additional dates in Cork, Limerick, Belfast and their first London headline show and will be playing several festivals this summer!

AUG 4 // Independence Cork, Ireland
AUG 25 // Play The Field Festival,  Ireland
OCT 4 // Waterford // Project and Shortts,  Ireland
OCT 11 // Galway // Róisín Dubh, Ireland
OCT 12 // Limerick // Dolans,  Ireland
OCT 13 // Cork // Cyprus Ave,  Ireland
OCT 17 // Belfast // The Duke Of York UK
OCT 18 // Dublin // Whelans,  Ireland
OCT 19 // London The Islington, UK

Greenshine Announce Third Single from ‘Family’ Album

‘Brother’, written by Mary Greene and Cormac O’ Caoimh is the third single taken from Cork trio Greenshine’s third album ‘Family’. ‘Brother’ is a cinematic, dramatic and apocalyptic song which resolves in peace and redemption. The production is epic and features guest musicians Martin Leahy on drums and Eithne Willis on violin and viola. Ellie takes lead vocals. “Brother” follows 2 other singles from ‘Family’, ‘Dandelion Seed’ and ‘The Good Is Gone’ both of which reached the No. 1 spot in the RTÉ Radio 1 Airplay Chart as did previous single ‘The Girl in the Lavender Dress’ which went on to be third most played Irish track on RTÉ Radio 1 of the year of its release.

To support the release of the single and album Greenshine are doing an extensive tour. 

Summer dates:

Thurs. 18 July 8.30pm GALWAY ARTS FEST, BLACKGATE CULTURAL CENTRE (Sold Out)

Fri 26 July 8pm THE LOBBY AT THE GOLDIE,NANO NAGEL CENTRE,CORK with Martin Leahy, Drums & David Murphy,Steel

Sat 27 July 8pm THE HIGH TIDE CLUB, CASTLETOWNBERE, CO. CORK

Sun 28 July 5pm THE MALLOW ARTS FEST, HIBERNIAN HOTEL GARDEN ROOM.

Sun 4 Aug 10pm SPRAOI FEST, JORDAN’S, WATERFORD

Fri 23 Aug 9pm THE WEIR FOLK CLUB, WALLIS’ BAR, MIDLETON, CO. CORK

Sat 24 Aug 8.30pm MOY RIVER FOLK CLUB, CLOONACOOL, CO. SLIGO

Sun 15 Aug 8.30pm THE GALLERY CAFÉ, GORT, CO. GALWAY

Fri 30 Aug GARBO’S CASTLEBAR with Vickers Vimy

Keep track of Greenshine via:

http://greenshinemusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/greenshinepeople/
https://www.instagram.com/greenshinecork/

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