Month: October 2019

The Galway Music Residency is delighted to announce its autumn 2019 series of Music & Musings in partnership with the Contemporary Music Centre. This series of concerts, features ConTempo Quartet with emerging and established composers from Ireland, exploring new music, how it comes to be and how to listen to it.  Presented in an intimate setting these events offer opportunities for all to understand and appreciate today’s musical creations.

The first concert in the series featured Seán Doherty’s work The Devil’s Dream, commissioned by the Vanbrugh Quartet. This work, exploring the theme of ‘death’, was paired with excerpts from Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1 From My Life.

The second concert in the autumn 2019 series of Music & Musings on Thursday 14^th November will feature veteran Irish composer Marian Ingoldsby with her work Struck by a raindrop, first premiered in 1999 by the Jupiter String Quartet. This piece will be paired by excerpts from Britten’s String Quartet no. 3.

Finally, on Thursday 5^th December, ConTempo Quartet will perform the WORLD PREMIERE of Ed Bennett’s new work for string Quartet recently commissioned by the Galway Music Residency and Galway City Council Arts Office as part of a three-year commissioning initiative. The piece will be complemented by additional works and performances will again be punctuated by discussion between composers and artists, with audience participation welcome.

Tickets for these unique events cost €15/€10 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.ie or at the door subject to availability.

This series is kindly supported by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), an entity focused, among other programmes, on developing cultural initiatives to promote music creation, culture and cultural diversity. The Galway Music Residency is aslod supported by NUI Galway, the Arts Council, Galway City and County Councils and GMIT. For further information, visit www.thegalwaymusicresidency.ie or call 091586706.

The Galway Music Residency (GMR) was established in 2002 to cultivate a comprehensive music development programme for Galway, with a professional ensemble at its centre. The programme was designed to bring performances to new audiences in Galway City and County and to broaden the experience of those already involved in music. ConTempo Quartet was chosen as GMR’s Ensemble in Residence in 2003 and continues to captivate audiences throughout the city, county and beyond with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music. GMR also runs a vibrant programme of community and educational projects, engaging with young musicians and listeners of all ages.

Formed in 1995 in Bucharest, ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today.  It has performed world-wide in many prestigious venues, winning prizes at competitions in Munich, Rome and London, and worked alongside artists of the highest calibre.  It has broadcast widely on European radio, premiered and recorded many contemporary pieces and in June 2016 the members were conferred with honorary doctorates in music from NUI Galway in recognition of 13 years of music and education in the West of Ireland. In 2014 ConTempo was also appointed RTÉ’s Quartet in Residence.

The Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) is Ireland’s archive and resource centre for new music, supporting the work of composers throughout the island of Ireland.  CMC is a relevant, resourceful and recognisable force in the documentation, development and promotion of contemporary music in Ireland.  CMC meets the needs of a wide variety of interest groups: composers, performers, musicologists, teachers, students and reaches a range of audiences including music enthusiasts, other artforms, children and young people in its support to contemporary music.  As the archive for composers’ works and related materials from the island of Ireland, CMC’s strategic goal is to ensure that the contemporary music landscape in Ireland is documented and preserved for future generations and that access to our dynamic library of contemporary works is provided.  

Fresh from their performances in the National Concert Hall and Knockanstockan Festival, October Fires decamped in the stunning Black Mountain Studios to record their latest single ‘Caught In Your Design’. Influenced by themes explored in The Handmaid’s Tale, it is heavy but cracks of light and hope shimmer throughout.

“A haunting visceral journey for the Halloween Season upon us.“

In the words of producer James Darkin, the song is “Moody as f**k!”

The band will be headlining the most atmospheric gig of the season in the Grand Social, Dublin on Sunday 20^thof October with special guest support from Baby Witch. Costumes will not be frowned upon! Tickets @ via Eventbrite https://castingspellswithoctoberfires.eventbrite.ie

October Fires have been described as large scale indie-folk, haunting and eclectic with a distinct and individualistic sound. 

Their music is continually inspired by the autumnal season, with its unique blend of beauty and eeriness, darkness and light.

Since the band released their first radio single ‘Pray’ in June 2018 and their debut EP ‘Everybody Knows in October 2018 they have been greeted with numerous glowing reviews from Hot Press, Nialler 9, Remy, The Last Mixed Tape, Barry Gruff and featured in Joe.ie Song of the Day.

They have received steady radio play on RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Radio 1, Radio Nova, 98FM, 8Radio, DublinCity FM, Galway Bay FM, FM104, WLRFM, KCLR FM and 92.5 Phoenix FM. 

October Fires have also performed on RTÉ’s ‘The Arena Show’ with Sean Rocks, 98fm’s Totally Irish with John Barker and award winning DJ Roddy Cleere on KCLR FM.

Website: www.octoberfiresband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OctoberFiresband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoberfiresband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/796V5r0IPoVVk0curfaBJf?si=uxOcFclhQE-fwEPq6LQzDw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/october_fires
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXw-CTaE7EW06kkV-4ckaLw?view_as=subscriber
Breaking Tunes:https://www.breakingtunes.com/octoberfires

Brendan Mulholland comes from County Antrim and Micky McCluskey from County Armagh in the north of Ireland. Whilst their roots lie in different musical genres, Brendan hailing from a traditional Irish musical background and Micky growing up in the world of rock and pop, their paths crossed many years ago at a local regular music seisiún in Clenaghan’s Bar just outside Glenavy in County Antrim. It was apparent from the outset their music gelled and coalesced, drawing inspiration from each other’s styles and collaborating to produce some new and innovative sounds whilst lending their unique approach to the pure traditional tunes. They have been playing together for almost 20 years now, collaborating with leading artists locally, nationally and internationally. Brittany has been a particularly favourite place to play and visit for them. Over the years they have written tunes individually and more recently as a ‘duo’. Their debut recording as a newly established act, ‘Mulholland McCluskey’ has just been released.

Drawing inspiration from some of the great Ulster flute characters, the album features tunes picked up from, and suggested by, the likes of Sam Murray, Barry Kerr, Paddy Davey, Martin Meehan alongside Manchester’s Mike McGoldrick and Breton flute maestro Jean Michel Veillon. Adding subtle musical flavours to the album are engineer Sean Óg Graham & Lunasa’s Trevor Hutchinson on Double Bass. Brendan and Micky have also engaged their creative quills to great effect and their new compositions sit beautifully alongside melodies from stalwart composers such as Armagh’s Brendan McGlinchey, Clare’s Junior Crehan, Galway’s Paddy Fahey, Donegal’s Tommy Peoples the legendary Matt Molloy from Roscommon.

Brendan Mulholland is widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish flute playing in Ireland today. He is in constant demand both at home and abroad for his flute concerts, workshops and lectures. Brendan has featured on several studio albums including ‘Tuned Up’ with Brendan Hendry & Paul McSherry, Mary Dillon’s ‘North’ and he has performed throughout Europe and the USA with artists such as Music in the Glen, Gráinne Holland, Réalta, John Carty and Bríd Harper. His first solo recording ‘Jean’s Hill’, released in 2012, was met with much critical acclaim and his trio act Music in the Glen with Conor Lamb and Deirdre Galway have also received widespread recognition for their debut album which was released in 2018. Micky McCluskey has been playing Guitar and Bouzouki for more years than he cares to remember. He has featured on albums for Artists such as Réalta and Grainne Holland to name a few. He has performed throughout Europe and the USA with many artists including Ben & Tommy Sands, Phil Coulter, Gráinne Holland, Réalta & Bríd Harper. 

Live:

1st December 2019 – Whelans, Dublin

Columbia Mills are delighted to share the first single ‘Strange Game’ (Sept 27th) from their forthcoming sophomore album ‘CCTV’.

Columbia Mills don’t deal in gimmicks or crowd-pleasing antics but on ‘Strange Game’, the lead single from that new album, the lyric “You’re not ready to carry me home” is a ready-made call and response refrain to echo around your brain.

The album due for release 2020 and was produced by Columbia Mills and mixed by Rob Kirwan (Hozier, PJ Harvey, Editors etc) 

“‘Strange Game’ is the first single from our forthcoming album. The song explores the effects that a battle with addiction and depression can have on a relationship. Sometimes when people go clean it can actually bore the other person in a strange way. 

There may have been part of the addiction that formed the relationship in the first place and without it there’s an empty space. 

Toing and froing, trying to get the balance right between a boring sober relationship and an exciting chaos laden life.” says Fiachra Treacy.

Constant musical development has marked the journey of Columbia Mills since the band’s inception in 2014.

Brothers Fiachra and Uisneagh Treacy found like minds in Ste Ward, Paul Kenny and Mick Heffernan in Bray, Meath and Dublin.

Their mission statement was to merge electronica, dance and pop while fostering a spirit of inclusion always evident at the long-gone club in Dublin’s docklands from where they took their name.

‘Never Gonna Look At You The Same’ and other songs on their debut EP ‘Factory Settings’ smelled like prime Mary Chain but 2015’s EP ‘The Perfect Day’ found them transitioning from the Reid brothers’ influence to more beat-driven cacophonies on its title track and the quietly epic ‘History’.

On 2017’s debut album, ‘A Safe Distance To Watch’, they transitioned again. One of its stand-out tracks, ‘This’. 

‘City Doesn’t Feel Like Home To Me’, reflected the disappointment lead singer and principal songwriter Fiachra felt with Dublin after arriving from Bray in pursuit of a musical career; a city that was said to prize its artists, now prices creativity beyond its boundaries.

With new member, Ken McCabe on keyboards/electronics, Columbia Mills’ burgeoning fanbase will be in no way surprised that the tracks on their sophomore album, ‘CCTV’ (due for release in 2020) sees continuing evidence of that constant music development.

The new songs reveal a band who have truly found their voice but also the hands to fashion the sound to which they’ve aspired. You will sense that and soon cherish what you hear. They, meanwhile, will be plotting their next move.

LIVE

8th Nov – Mike The Pies, Listowel
15th Nov – Bloody Mary’s South William Street, Dublin

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Photo: Derek Kennedy 

Derry guitarist/songwriter Paul Casey releases a brand new guitar driven single ‘Weight’ this week. The track is available on all digital formats now.

Casey’s ‘Homegrown’ concert series continues this Halloween when Roe, Ports, Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas, Goats Don’t Shave, and Paul Casey and his band take to the stage on Saturday 2nd November in Ebrington Square, Derry.

Ahead of the release of her new Album ‘In the Deep’ at the end of November, Úna Keane releases first single ‘Delicate’.
 
The Album will be launched with a full Audio Visual show at D-Light Studios in Dublin on Thursday 5th December. Tickets are now on sale here.

She draws, she works with film and she composes music, and all these elements are combined in this latest work.

Recorded in an old Victorian Railway worker’s cottage in Dublin 8, the record explores themes of connection, communication and flow. She co-produced the album with Jack O’Donoghue (aka MeasTú).

Building on her 2017 Piano Solo LP ‘As I Wake, Still I Dream’ (**** The Irish Times), this new work expands to include Electronics, Soundscapes and an old Typewriter. Looping and layering piano, spoken word & field recordings means that every performance is unique and creates a level of intimacy between performer and audience. An accompanying Light Show of her own animated artwork as well as speed-corrected archive film footage has the effect of drawing an audience even further into the music.

A classically trained pianist with a background in Tech, she mines deep. Inspired by the likes of Max Richter, Laurie Anderson and Arvo Pärt, as well as the pioneering work of the Lumière Brothers & the woodcut prints of Albrecht Dürer, her work lives and breathes in a unique, multidisciplinary space.

Following postgrad study with Berklee College of Music in Boston where she was awarded Distinction in Film Scoring and Orchestration, Úna recently scored award-winning Actor / Director Michael Smiley’s debut short “La Petite Mort”. The short was subsequently chosen for Official Selection at the 31st Galway International Film Fleadh. She also recently contributed her piece ‘Seas Ascending’ to the score of ‘Rebel or Die’ : a Documentary by Collective Dublin for Extinction Rebellion Ireland.

To date some of Úna’s work has been broadcast on RTE & the BBC, and her compositions have been performed at Electric Picnic, All Together Now, Féile na Bealtaine and the National Concert Hall, as well as on many random pianos wherever she finds herself. Her piece “My Panacea” was included on Nils Frahm’s 2017 Piano Day Playlist. She’ll be bringing her particular brand of musical alchemy on tour from December 2019 with plans to tour Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

Lankum, the Dublin based four-piece, present a new live show celebrating their much-anticipated third album which will be released on Rough Trade Records, Friday 25^th October 2019.

Lankum have an alchemical ability to combine traditional folk roots with contemporary undercurrents to forge music that is dark, mysterious and transcendental. Comprising of brothers Ian Lynch (uillean pipes, tin whistle, vocals), Daragh Lynch (vocals, guitar) alongside Cormac Mac Diarmada (fiddle) and Radie Peat (harmonium, accordion, vocals), Lankum channel a diverse set of influences and histories to create a beautifully rare thing: a songbook from and for the people.

Born of years criss-crossing Dublin’s folk and experimental scenes, their two albums ‘Cold Old Fire’ (2013, recorded under former name Lynched) and Rough Trade debut ‘Between The Earth and Sky’ (2017), breathe new life into ancient/modern rituals with urban punk fervour, rural psycho-geography and, underpinning it all, the eternal drone of the uilleann pipes.

The group kickstart the Irish leg of their album launch tour at Dolan’s, Limerick, Friday 18^th October, before touring to the Róisín Dubh, Galway (19^th October), The Empire Music Hall, Belfast (24^th October), Vicar’s Street, Dublin *Sold Out* (25^th October), and Live at St Luke’s as part of Quiet Lights festival in Cork (23^rd November).

Tickets on sale now at www.lankumdublin.com

Pre-order and pre-save your copy of the album from https://roughtrade.ffm.to/thelivelongday 

Signed art print and song book available with pre-orders from the Rough Trade Records webstore.

LANKUM ALBUM LAUNCH – LIMERICK
+ special guest Junior Brother
Dolan’s, Limerick
8pm, Friday 18^th October
Tickets €18 + booking fee
www.lankumdublin.com

LANKUM ALBUM LAUNCH – GALWAY
+ special guest Junior Brother
Róisín Dubh, Galway
8pm, Saturday 19^th October
Tickets €20 (€18 members)
www.lankumdublin.com

LANKUM ALBUM LAUNCH – BELFAST
+ special guest Junior Brother
The Empire Music Hall, Belfast
8pm, Thursday 24^th October 2019
Tickets £15
www.lankumdublin.com

LANKUM ALBUM LAUNCH – DUBLIN
+ special guest Junior Brother
Vicar’s Street, Dublin
Friday 25^th October 2019 *Sold Out*
**Extra date added – 4^th January 2020
Tickets €30
www.lankumdublin.com

LANKUM ALBUM LAUNCH – CORK
Live at St Luke’s, Cork, as part of Quiet Lights festival
8pm, Saturday 23^rd November 2019
Tickets €25
www.lankumdublin.com

Fast-rising new Kilkenny band The Wha have today shared their second ever track ‘40 Odd Years’ on Chess Club. Prior to the release of ‘40 Odd Years’ the band had gathered increasing momentum off the back of their debut single ‘Innocents’ in August – a track which won the affection of BBC 6 Music’s legendary Steve Lamacq amongst others. The Wha have also confirmed their first ever London date – on 28 November at The Sebright Arms for Good Karma Club and a headline show in their native Ireland at Whelan’s Upstairs on 13 December. The band will head out on a string of dates with Two Door Cinema Club next week with shows in Dublin and Belfast. 

All aged just 18-years-old The Wha are dual vocalists and guitarists Finn Cusack and Sam Cullen, joined by Marek Lech (bass) and Abe G. Harris (drums). Childhood friends Finn and Sam met in primary school, eventually forging a songwriting partnership aged just 15 years-old that would go on to form the nucleus of The Wha. Influenced by the evergreen greats – The Beatles, Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan – and contemporary auteurs like Julian Casablancas, Alex Turner and Father John Misty, as well as playwright Sarah Kane, satirist Flann O’Brien and novelist Jack Kerouac; The Wha find humour and understanding everywhere – piling it high alongside buoyant riffs, tempestuous rhythms, and Finn and Sam’s wry lyricism. 

The first fruits of their songwriting labours was August’s ‘Innocents’: a paean to growing up, the Catholic Church’s well-documented scandals and addiction. ‘40 Odd Years’ takes their songwriting into a different lane. Still energetic, raw and playfully chaotic, they now flirt with a darker lyrical tone – “it’s about a grandmother turning lesbian and her lover subsequently murdering her husband…” – which remains offset by signature jangling guitars and bluesy gut-punch delivery from Cullen (who takes up vocal duties on this one). 

Having left school as soon as possible to focus on music full time, The Wha’s attachment to their hometown endures – filming the accompanying video for ‘Innocents’ there. “Growing up in Kilkenny has its ups and downs,” the band begin, “It’s a small city, you can’t really run away from anything. I think lots of young people here get to the point where they want to leave, whether it’s for two years or forever. It is a fun town to grow up in. Some nice spots, some nice pubs. It’s easy to waste time here.” 

As well as Steve Lamacq, Radio X’s Gordon Smart and Felix White and a host of press tastemakers including Dork Magazine and DIY Magazine – who recently made The Wha a ‘Get To Know’ artist HERE – have already thrown their weight behind the teenage outfit, who originally caught the eye of Chess Club with an early demo of ‘Innocents’. Currently home to the likes of Alfie Templeman, Bloxx and Phoebe Green, with previous discoveries including Wolf Alice, Jungle, Billie Marten and Sundara Karma, Chess Club has proven a fertile breeding ground for exciting new emerging talent – and The Wha are no exception. 

See The Wha live in 2019 (headline shows in bold):

Oct 14 | Olympia Theatre, Dublin w/ Two Door Cinema Club
Oct 15 | Olympia Theatre, Dublin w/ Two Door Cinema Club
Oct 16 | Telegraph Building, Belfast w/ Two Door Cinema Club
Nov 28  | Sebright Arms, London 
Dec 13 | Whelan’s Upstairs, Dublin 

The Wha – ’40 Odd Years’ – out now via Chess Club Records 

Insta: @therealwha
FB: @thewha17
Twitter : @therealwha

2019 has been a breakout year for Gary Ó Nualláin. It started with his debut single, ‘Victories’. Critically acclaimed for its powerful message and driving musicality, Victories set the stall early for what to expect from this indie troubadour. 2019 also saw the first international shows of Ó Nualláin’s career, earlier this summer when he toured in Berlin. The year is culminating in a headline show at former music venue of the year, The Grand Social. Ó Nualláin will take to the stage with a 5-piece backing band, that are sure to blow the roof off the Liffey Street venue on 14th November.

A lover of trad, and all things Britpop, Ó Nualláin creates a mesmerising blend of traditional folk authenticity, punch the air choruses, and melodic prowess in the vain of Messrs Gallagher, Ashcroft, Cocker and more.

Support on the night will come from Sarah Buckley, and New California Republic.

Tickets are €10 from Eventbrite and available now (€13 on the door)

https://garyonuallain.com
https://facebook.com/GazzaONuallain
https://twitter.com/GazzaONuallain
https://instagram.com/garyonuallain
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1N5tbClfuBPd4ujc5psEL1

Eventbrite ticket page: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/gary-o-nuallain-live-at-the-grand-social-tickets-57610860635?fbclid=IwAR3BhIqp041XC-eIzJQexL3OL0iTyAGsBxgD29q4hskkg0pY9t0z7R_CLJ0

No single label owner had a greater reputation in the 90s in UK indie than Alan McGee. The Scottishman and Creation Records owner signed Oasis, released Teenage Fan Club, managed The Libertines, instrumental in the careers of The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and My Bloody Valentine. The success of these acts hid the near-bankruptcy at the label, it was a true rock’n’roll output inspired by acid house and chemical reactions.

In recent years, McGee has been writing for the Guardian and has remained releasing and championing new acts and has started a 7-inch label named Creation23. Always an interesting speaker, McGee is coming to the Midlands for one night at The Stables Venue at Smiddy’s, Mullingar for a Q&A conversation with Ronan Casey on Saturday 19th October. 

Apparently he’s signed a new band from Galway so you’ll hear about that as well as his return to management of acts like The Happy Mondays and Cast as well as the upcoming Danny Boyle executively-produced film based on McGee’s memoir with screenplay by the legendary Irvine Welsh.

There was also a documentary called Upside Down released about the label a few years back, the trailer is below.

Also on the night are some special acoustic sets from Midlands band Cronin and ex Dead 60’s frontman Matt Mcmanamon.

Also a DJ spining Creation Records and Alan McGee related tunes till the early hours.

Tickets available from Eventbrite.ie and the venue.

Doors open 8pm.

Show starts at 9pm.

For more info check – 

www.croninmusic.net
www.facebook.com/croninmusic
INSTAGRAM @croninmusic