Month: May 2020

Singer songwriter Nella releases folk ballad ‘We’re All in This Together’ featuring Donal Lunny on the zouk. She wrote the song 10 years ago and recently finished in isolation. She put a video together and released it to offer some comfort and joy during these tough times and it’s already getting media attention and soaring numbers. With 250 shares and 8K views on Facebook in just 24 hours. The track has already had plays on RTE Radio One and Corks 96fm, this song is set to touch hearts all over the world. ‘We’re All in This Together’.

Featured in video game tracks, film scores, and alternative music, Nella’s voice has reached around the world. Nella’s EP Revolution was released in 2015 and quickly hit the number one spot on iTunes in pre-order sales. She has been recognised for her soaring lead vocals on World of Warcraft Legion, scored by Russell Brower. Nella toured with the Video Games Live series across the globe. She has a fan base that spans adult alternative fans to avid video game players that connect to some of their favourite storylines with Nella’s emotional through-line. She has been collaborating with a number of Grammy- and Emmy-award winning artists and composers, and we will see more releases from Nella in the coming months.

‘We’re All In This Together’ is about finding hope in this moment of uncertainty. Nella and Dónal had been recording the single at the beginning of 2020 and decided to bring forward its release in the hope that people would feel more united in a challenging moment. Nella’s wistful vocals tell the story above the atmospheric zouk styling of the one and only Dónal Lunny. This track has the power to bring people from across the world together, as we all live through this difficult moment and imagine the day we can all go back out into the world.

The single is available now on:

Bandcamp: https://nella1.bandcamp.com/releases
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/ie/album/were-all-in-this-together-feat-donal-lunny-single/1510711295

Follow Nella:
https://www.facebook.com/nellasmusic
https://twitter.com/nellasmusic
https://www.instagram.com/nellasmusic/
http://www.iamnella.com

Bayonets is a solo project created by Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock, indie, blues and folk. In addition to writing and performing live, Vinnie also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. His body of work conjures haunting intrigue, each melody luring the listener into a dark and beguiling tale. Bayonet’s sound is undeniably his own and unclassifiable in any one genre.

Vinnie was due to be playing a string of gigs and festivals in 2020 but due to recent events they are TBA. Vinnie is currently located in Barcelona, Spain and working on new material. All three of Vinnie’s singles have been premiered by Hot Press Magazine and have made Joe.ie’s song of the day.

The tracks have received regular radio play on RTE’s 2fm. They’ve even hit airwaves as far as Brooklyn, United States Vinnie will release his 4th single in May 2020.

Stuart Clarke – Hot Press ‘”Slow Burning Fire’ is a terrific solo debut from the Kerryman!”
Sarina Bellissimo – Spin 1038 “Hauntingly beautiful.”

Since the beginning of lockdown, Cork singer-songwriter Mick Flannery, in partnership with PlayIrish, have been hosting a popular online concert showcase, ‘Mini Gigs at Mick’s’, where friends of Flannery takeover his Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Series 5, which began last night (7pm, Tuesday 5th May) with a live performance from American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee: Valerie June. Mick says: “Valerie June has been exceptionally kind to me over the last few years. I owe a lot of great new experiences in different places to her. Valerie is an inspiring performer and a great human.”

(Valerie June NPR Tiny Desk: https://youtu.be/iBDrTHCSWDc)
The showcase continues every other night, with: Wexford singer songwriter Wallis Bird Thursday 7th May, Cork troubadour John Spillane Saturday 9th May, multi-platinum selling musician Steve Wall (The Walls, The Stunning) Monday 11th May, and Dublin based post-folk band Slow Moving Clouds Wednesday 13th May.

(Wasteland by Mick Flannery, starring Steve Wall https://youtu.be/zGp-ktso84M)

Follow Mick Flannery on Facebook and Instagram to see ‘Mini Gigs at Mick’s. Previous episodes are available to watch also on Mick’s social channels – enjoy previous shows from Jack O’Rourke, Sara Ryan, John Blek, Niamh Regan, Rachel Sermanni, Jeffrey Martin & more:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mick.flannery.musician
Instagram: @mickflannerymusic

MINI GIGS AT MICK’S IS HOSTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PLAYIRISH

‘Mariana’, the latest release from Limerick singer-songwriter Emma Langford, is an uplifting, comforting song, taken from her forthcoming album ‘Sowing Acorns’ due out this September. Today she releases the music video, produced and directed by, and starring, Kildare-based artist Sophia Cadogan.

The music video for Mariana explores the idea that as we get older, we often lose touch with our inner child, and our creative self. The main character is a victim of her own repression, desperate for escape; a captive in her own life, her own mind. The video sees her re-discover herself and find the inner peace she needs to deal with isolation.  

 “I tried to capture the essence of Emma’s song – a story of a woman that has been oppressed by her circumstances and trying to summon the strength to rediscover her true self.” says Cadogan. 

“It was challenging to make something like this while on COVID-19 lockdown, with no options for cast or crew and using only what locations and equipment that were available to us.” 

An exceptionally talented visual artist and actor, Sophia used only what was available to her within the confines of her own home to make this beautifully evocative music video. 

“Shot over the last week in my own home and garden (and a nice hill that is within the 2km boundary) I tried to paint a picture of woman with a wild, creative spirit that is trapped within her own mind. It was important to me that I captured the sense of strength and femininity that I heard weaving through Emma’s beautiful song and do justice to Mariana’s story. I did, thankfully, have great help from Patrick and Saoirse Casey who stepped in behind the camera, and from JP Quill who colour-graded the project remotely.” 

As her forthcoming album ‘Sowing Acorns’ was being pieced together, Emma made the decision each track would be a series of dedications, with a strong focus on the women in her life. Mariana is dedicated to the memory of Angeles Ito and LesleyAnne Liddane; “two women who were dazzling streaks of colour in a grey world, who cared deeply about others, and who would have urged me to find the joy in everything, to push on, to keep going.”

The song is also available to buy/stream on Bandcamp, and all profits from its sale will go to Safe Ireland‘s Covid Emergency Fund. Safe Ireland is a nationwide network of 38 local shelters and agencies including Clare Haven and Adapt in Limerick.

Bandcamp Link: https://emmalangfordmusic.bandcamp.com/track/mariana-2
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/6Di0mmVverA

Web: www.EmmaLangfordMusic.com

Facebook: facebook.com/EmmaLangfordMusic

Twitter: @ELangfordMusic

Patreon: www.patreon.com/emmalangford

Listen to Emma’s Music on Spotify

State Lights announce the release of its new single ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ on Friday May 8^th.  The band recently rescheduled its next headline show originally planned for The Button Factory this weekend, the show will now take place at the same venue, but the later date of Thurs October 15^th.

This headline follows the band’s sold out Whelan’s main room show last October, which was followed by a hugely successful London live debut in November.

‘Don’t Make Plays On My Heart’ is now available to pre-save on Spotify https://www.presave.io/t/dmpomhsls

‘Don’t Make Plays On My Heart’ follows the double-A from earlier this year featuring the band’s original ‘Let You Go’ and State Lights’s sublime cover of The Blue Nile’s ‘Tinseltown In The Rain’.  The single was picked up on service by RTE 2FM’s flagship breakfast show (2fm Breakfast with Doireann & Eoghan) as its single of the week and enjoyed support also from Independent radio including FM104, Spin1038, KCLR and others.

Showcasing a sound ready made for arenas, State Light’s ‘Don’t Make Plays On My Heart’ is a heartfelt indie pop track, which is likely to bring the band to even more new audiences. 

During the last four weeks, we have all being following WHO and our government’s advice relating to Covid-19; the Stay at Home, Stay Safe restriction period.  During this time State Lights has being busying themselves with some home performance recording also.  You can find them on the band’s social media pages, but below are a few selected for your pleasure.

Tinseltown In The Rain – https://www.facebook.com/statelightsmusic/videos/238185557330637/

Miss Sarajevo – https://www.facebook.com/statelightsmusic/videos/301521037485375/?d=n

 Let You Go – https://www.facebook.com/statelightsmusic/

Open Your Arms – https://www.facebook.com/statelightsmusic/videos/3024999270923420/

Starman – https://www.facebook.com/statelightsmusic/videos/289959258654838/

Over the last twelve months the band’s trajectory seems to have deservedly increased a gear or two! From highlight slots on national radio here at home such as artist of the week on RTE 2FM, Homegrown Hero on Today FM’s flagship morning show Dermot & Dave to performing on the country’s biggest television entertainment chat show (and the longest running in the world!), The Late Late Show.  In recent times band has also tallied substantial airplay and support from KROQ Los Angeles, Radio X (UK) and a host of other International radio stations.

This positive uptake resulted in a slot at the prestigious Electric Arena Stage at Electric Picnic 2019, where they shared the stage with The Kooks, St Vincent and Cigarettes after Sex. This was followed up with support slots with The Fratellis and The Academic.  Last summer the band also played the highly acclaimed Indiependence together the Kaleidoscope Music Festival, a hugely successful new event to festival season here at home.

State Lights formed three years ago at BIMM College in Dublin.  Bonding over a shared interest in classic pop music and a common desire to write big stadium sized songs the guys decided to work on a music project. Band members are singer Shobsy, guitarist Joe Regan, drummer Paul Ridgeway and bassist Noel Perry.

‘Don’t Make Plays On My Heart’ is now available to pre-save on Spotify and pre-order from iTunes
Spotify Album URL: http://open.spotify.com/album/4t5tN7EvJAniDIbaJE4DvD
Spotify Track URL: http://open.spotify.com/track/6HfVee7TtSGveVXo1AnfuH
iTunes URL: https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-make-plays-on-my-heart-single/1506666880?ls=1&app=itunes
Apple Music URL: https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-make-plays-on-my-heart-single/1506666880?ls=1

Spotify Pre-save: https://www.presave.io/t/dmpomhsls

You Tube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCiDgPon1TQMmbwbC1XQ88w
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/statelights/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/statelightsmusic/
Twitter: @StateLights

The Academic are pleased to share details of their brand new single ‘Anything Could Happen’, available now. The single is the first new release from the band since singing a global record deal with Capitol Records.

Almost every other year (give or take), an article runs in a noteworthy publication by a noteworthy critic discussing and analysing ‘the cycle’. The cycle points to era-defining guitar bands breaking through at a similar time, before a barrage of copycat bands grasping for, and just missing, their coattails sends this new scene spiralling back underground, waiting for the next Great New Hope to bring it back into the mainstream some years later. And so said cycle begins all over again. Exhausting. Usually it’s just a shallow shoal of red herrings; rarely do one or two outliers warrant talk of guitar music returning to the airwaves and on hefty rotation.

So what does that mean for Mullinger’s first noteworthy musical export since one quarter of One Direction; The Academic? Well, surely those pencilling the next ‘cycle’ missive will be interested to hear that godfather of it all Mick Jagger hand-picked them to support The Stones here in Ireland, but really their story is one of hard-graft, persistence and some exquisitely sharp indie-pop tunes. It’s a sound that already has them down as hard-won hometown heroes and with a number 1 album to their name and sold out shows all over the country, the band’s music is already finding very willing ears much further afield. Having already caught a tail wind in the UK, Europe and the US the band are heavily pencilled for more international tour dates when this lockdown lifts.

Fronted by Craig Fitzgerald, a man who gives good quote without over-selling the product, the young four-piece sit at the middle of a venn diagram that draws from the likes of Phoenix, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand and Vampire Weekend. Instant guitar tunes that nestle in the cranium and need a bulldozer to remove.  Their first major label single ‘Anything Could Happen’ slinks and weaves itself to the head and heart – A pulsating, sharp tune that sets its stall from the opening notes and expands its chest until the final cymbal crashes. It’s a fine, confident opening gambit, with much more already committed to tape. White lads with guitars? No question. A potentially huge band with tunes to believe in? Absolutely.

‘Anything Could Happen’, produced by Nick Hodgson, is released simultaneously with the accompanying video premiere on YouTube. Directed by Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp, the video is a real reflection of the current times we’re living in under lockdown, giving a brief insight in the lives of quarantined couples around the world.

Quote from the Band:

“It’s been a strange one with this video. We were due to shoot it a few weeks back but with all the movement restrictions in place, everything changed. We had to can our initial idea for the video and come up with something a bit more DIY. For us now, the song has taken on an entirely new meaning  so we wanted to create something that brings people a sense of hope in these difficult times.  We crowd sourced video footage from people all over the world in lockdown who are doing whatever it takes to keep positive. We thought the idea would be fitting in the current climate.”

“‘Anything Could Happen’ is a rallying cry to the people in our lives who find themselves stuck in cycles of mundanity and monotony. We hope it inspires people to be kind to themselves and take control of their futures.”

https://www.theacademic.net/
https://www.facebook.com/theacademic
https://twitter.com/theacademic
https://www.instagram.com/theacademic/

The new single from Tommy Keyes, ‘Go With You’ is released on 15 May and is an unashamedly feel-good track to bring some smiles to these difficult times. It’s a catchy throwback to teenage dates, school dances and the movies, with a McCartney-esque feel, featuring two legends of Irish music – Richie Buckley on sax and Thomas Walsh of Pugwash as a barbershop quartet!

The track is taken from the album ‘Ageing With Attitude’ which is due in October. Here’s what they said about his last album, ‘Temptation Once Again’:

“Tommy Keyes is a new discovery. Well-crafted, interesting original songs, inspired by life, love and living.” Niall Toner, RTE

“The album is brimful of catchy hooks, the musically-sensitive Keyes is admirably-served by his hand-picked band” Jackie Hayden, Hot Press

“A man who exudes a classic Seventies songwriting style…….a sophisticated set that, as US radio bosses say, suits all day parts” Eamon Carr, Herald

Prominent in Dublin bands in the 1970s, Tommy Keyes disappeared from the music scene for almost 40 years. Since his return in 2016 he has released four albums and played top venues such as Whelan’s, Button Factory, Sugar Club and the Workmans Club. 

Website:: www.tommykeyes.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tommykeyesmusic/

Kodaline’s recent tracks ‘Wherever You Are’ and ‘Sometimes’ have shown that the band’s huge following is as strong as ever. The two songs have quickly amassed 15 million streams at Spotify alongside 7.5 million video views at YouTube. The band add to that flying momentum with the news that their new album ‘One Day At A Time’ will be released on June 12th. Its launch is boosted by the release of the new single and video ‘Saving Grace’.

‘Saving Grace’ is an anthemic expression of optimism and vulnerability, with Steve Garrigan’s soulful topline complemented by the band’s uplifting choral vocal harmonies. The track is accompanied by a new video which was directed by the band’s regular collaborator Stevie Russell. Given the restrictions posed by the current situation, Kodaline asked fans to send footage of them having fun while staying safe at home.

Inspired by over 500 entries from a staggering 64 countries, Stevie Russell and Kodaline collaborated to edit some of the many highlights into one video. The result is a natural, uplifting visual which shows the unifying power of music even when circumstances force us to be apart. 

Kodaline commented, “‘Saving Grace’ is a song about that special person in your life that is there for you no matter what. It’s a song that means a lot to all of us, as we all rely on people in our personal lives to be there and support us though the high and lows of our career.”

‘One Day At A Time’ is the band’s fourth album, and adds a new chapter to a career that has already encompassed three #1 albums in Ireland, two Top 5albums in the UK, and more than a billion streams at Spotify.

Kodaline approached the album with a streamlined process that took them back to their roots. The majority of the sessions revolved around the four band members alone in their modest recording space in Dublin, with bassist Jason Boland leading the production side of things.

The band’s primary objective was to focus on the emotion that has informed many Kodaline fan favourites. As we’ve seen from the two recent singles, they’re playing to their strengths: insistent melodies and captivating hooks exploring stories that are revealing, unguarded and immediately relatable.

In addition to ‘Saving Grace’, the album’s highlights include ‘Spend It With You’, the tale of a couple who vow to stay together as the world hurtles towards its final apocalypse; a beautiful celebration of the ups and downs of relationships in ‘Care’; and the concluding arena-scaled drama of ‘In The End’.

‘Saving Grace’, ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Wherever You Are’ are all provided as instant downloads for fans who pre-order the album from Here. It’s also available to pre-save / pre-add at Spotify and Apple Music.

‘One Day At A Time’ tracklist:

1. ‘Wherever You Are’
2. ‘Sometimes’
3. ‘Saving Grace’
4. ‘Say Something’
5. ‘The Evening’   
6. ‘Spend It With You’
7. ‘Care’
8. ‘Heart Open’  
9. ‘Everyone Changes’  
10. ‘In The End’

Official website

Spotify

Apple Music

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

DeBarras live music venue in Clonakilty, West Cork, has unfortunately closed up for the time being abiding by government regulations, but you can join them for the ultimate, intimate lock-in sessions online.

DeBarras Sitting Room to Sitting Room Sessions are in to their second month of bringing you some of the finest Irish talent online, with some guests popping in from overseas along the way too. Tune in to their Facebook page, at 9:30pm every night, and 8pm on Sundays (GMT+1).

MAY LINE-UP:

Spoken Word – Wed 6th

John Spillane – Thurs 7th

Junior Brother – Fri 8th

Jordan’s Run – Sat 9th

Tribute to Noel Redding, featuring Jeff Ward & some special guests – Sun 10th

Traditional Irish Session – Mon 11th

Fiona Kennedy – Tues 12th

Les Clague – Wed 13th

Aoife Scott – Thurs 14th

Liam O’Maonlaí – Fri 15th

Jenny MacNamara (New Orleans)  – Sat 16th

John Blek – Sun 17th

Traditional Irish Session – Mon 18th

Liz Clark & Tessa Perry – Tues 19th

Steve Ryan (WINDINGS) – Wed 20th

Elaine Malone – Thurs 21st

Ray Blackwell from DeBarras said: “For the strange times we find ourselves in…. some of our favourite musicians will be bringing the music from their Sitting Room to yours. They will recreate DeBarras (or a DeBarras vibe) in their own home and perform a gig and we will live stream the performance on our Facebook page. Stay cool out there! We can do this.”

Tune in at DeBarras Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DeBarrasClon/

Other Voices ‘Courage’ has garnered a fantastic global response since it began on the 23rd of April, with hundreds of thousands of viewers tuning in worldwide. World renowned singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan will be performing from the National Gallery of Ireland this Thursday night. 

Long time friend of Other Voices’ Lisa Hannigan, released her third album At Swim in 2016. The evocative record was produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner and includes the beautiful Seamus Heaney poem ‘Anahorish’, set to music by Lisa. In 2019, Lisa Hannigan released her first concert album, with the Berlin based contemporary classical orchestra s t a r g a z e. Both Lisa and s t a r g a z e  joined Other Voices in Berlin last July to perform songs to celebrate President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins’ state visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.  This Thursday night, Lisa Hannigan will play songs for you, live from The National Gallery of Ireland. Tune in on Thursday night at 8PM GMT on YouTube, Facebook Live and RTE Culture. 

To date, ‘Courage’ live streams have featured performances from Ye Vagabonds, Sorcha Richardson, Caoimhín Ó’Raghallaigh, Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi. The project has gone from strength to strength, with over 200,000 tuning in worldwide to date.

REMINDER // OTHER NEWS 

TONIGHT: 

8PM – Expect to see an electrifying set from Dublin’s own Mango X Mathman live from Whelan’s. 

THURSDAY: 

A new Other Voices ‘Courage’ TV series will start at 23:30 on RTÉ2 

Tune in to watch a stunning, uplifting performance from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning brothers Ye Vagabonds, recorded in Whelan’s, Dublin. The TV show includes additional performances which were not included in the live stream.