Month: April 2021

Scattered Ashes will release their highly anticipated EP ‘Parallel Lines’, on Friday, 21st May 2021. Their single ‘Parallel lines’ will be the lead track to be released on the same day. ‘Parallel Lines’ a sombre meditation on the finite; a brooding paen to faith, doubt and reason.

“You can’t get too close, You can’t walk away, You’re caught in the threshold You’re stuck in the grey between right and wrong there’s a sacred place, To suffer the consequences Is to know his grace..”

Scattered Ashes are an abrasive Dublin four-piece ranging in influence from Brutalism to Punk. The band matches aggressive sonic textures with a strict sense of space, created by urgent guitar stylings and prophetic vocals. You can hear their influences, but the product is entirely their own.

Taking cues from the likes of Bauhaus, Gang of Four, Interpol & Joy Division, from the abstract to the oppressive, the band sit in a darker lane than most of their contemporaries, taking post-punk back to its murkier roots.

Their debut single ‘Love Is Not An Option’ released in November 2020 picked up immediate radio support from Steve Lamacq and across the BBC introducing network.

Released on 21st May on a blood red vinyl EP with first single ‘Love Is Not An Option’ and an angular remix by Wastefellow it was recorded at Darklands, in Dublin with Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C.), mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Echo and The Bunnymen).

Alternative pop artist Rushes returns with his brand new single ‘Wide Eyed’ and it’s accompanying music video, set for release on April 30th. ‘Wide Eyed’ marks the first release taken from Rushes’ upcoming project ‘Glowchild’ out later this year.

‘Wide Eyed’ is Rushes’ first release following the success of his debut EP ‘Glimpse’ in 2019, which hit over 1.5 million streams and was included on some of Spotify’s biggest playlists. The track is a methodical examination of an artist consumed by a sense of his own self-doubt. The lyrics of the song delve into the concept of attachment and exploring the negative impact self-doubt plays when it comes to cutting ties with the past. Rushes explains, “You linger and are constantly conflicted with whether or not you made the right decision. It’s aching and it feels like forever to see past the doubt that clouds over your decision.”

‘Wide Eyed’ comes after a year of lockdown and pauses when, for the first time in five years, Rushes found himself living at home in his native Skibbereen, Co.Cork. What he originally perceived as regression actually came to become something of a creative revival. “Restoring the connection I had with my home, made me grow as a person, made me feel kind of more whole again” Rushes explains.

Sonically, ‘Wide Eyed’ finds Rushes at his most emotive yet, with his soaring vocals combining beautifully with the track’s dreamy yet grainy, instrumentation. “I wanted a classic feel on the production side,” Rushes explains, “something that was quite raw, genuine and in some ways felt familiar.”

The accompanying video shot by Eddie O’Flaherty and Stephanie Naughter (Jafaris, Soulé) showcases Skibbereen and the local areas where Rushes grew up. The motif of the suit against the atypical green surroundings, encapsulates the track’s feelings of uncertainty and imbalance. “I think the video depicts the narrative of the track,” Rushes explains, “you’ve cut a connection but now you’re on your own. It’s like wearing the suit and yet having nowhere to go. I’m wearing my dad’s old suit, I found in the attic, but it felt right.”

The video was edited by Rushes who, with lockdown, had a lot of extra time on his hands and wanted to learn a new skill. He wanted to really showcase Skibbereen through his own eyes. “This was very much a DIY project,” Rushes explains, “I had no idea how to edit videos, but I wanted it to come from me to keep that closeness of feeling.”

‘Wide Eyed’ is the introduction to a more mature and introspective artist, one who’s taken lessons learned in the past and built upon them. ”The songs are like my superpower”, Rushes adds of the creative process, “they give me the confidence to really show myself more seriously.”

Rushes has previously been named as a 2019 RTÉ2FM Rising Artist and One To Watch by The Irish Times and Red Bull Magazine. Spending 2019 playing some of Ireland’s biggest festivals including Other Voices and Body & Soul. In the same year, he also sold out his debut headliner show in Whelans, with support on the day from Dublin hip-hop artist Malaki.

‘Wide Eyed’ marks the welcome return of an artist at his creative prime, as Rushes takes centre stage to no doubt make his mark on 2021.

Listen: https://ffm.to/wideeyed-rushes

Off the back of her debut album announcement, and a new all-island Irish album tour in association with Singular Artists, Dani Larkin releases the third single off her upcoming debut album ‘promising to be one of the most exciting contemporary folk albums this year’ (Hot Press) -the dynamic, energetic and surprising ‘The Red (Maca’s Return)’ out now..

Album ‘Notes For A Maiden Warrior’ is due for release Friday 18th June 2021, available to preorder on vinyl now from www.danilarkin.com

‘The Red (Maca’s Return)’ is a mythic imagining of what it would be like if Maca, the goddess of War and Transformation, and the namesake of Ard Mhaca (Armagh) returned. The song dances in and out of a story from old and explores how the ego, if left unchecked, can lead to a cycle of war and violence that wreaks devastation on our intuitive self and in turn, the world around us. The energy, drive and crescendo of this song is one that marks a dramatic turning point on the album, before it is gently resolved through the soundings of previous releases ‘Samson & Goliath’ and ‘Love Part Three’. Soon to be brought to life visually by Director and Cinematographer Greg Wonder.

Building on from critical acclaim received during her most recent single release ‘Love Part Three’(nearing 100k Spotify streams!) which also features on her debut album, this folk artist saw huge support from Spotify editorial playlists, which saw the track featured across 6 big editorial folk playlists including Fresh Folk, Contemporary Folk, Infinite Acoustic and more. BBC Radio Ulster, RTE Radio One, RTE.ie, The Kate Brennan Harding Podcast, Hot Press and more all got behind her last release, championing the work of this up-and-coming folk star.

2021 is set to be Larkin’s breakthrough year as an artist, that began with her international appearance at Folk Alliance (the world’s largest folk gathering!), followed by confirmed debut at this year’s The Great Escape festival, and the recent additions of her team including leading live booking agency Midnight Mango, as well as Irish promoter Singular Artists, she is an artist on the rise!

The story within the song begins with men preparing themselves for war by painting their faces red and ends with them boasting after they have defeated wild cats (Maca), believing that they have once again triumphed in war. In parallel, the women of the tale are illustrated as a band of Maca’s warriors who carry light in the depths of darkness and sit comfortably within their wild selves. The truth embedded within the song is that each time the men ‘triumph’ in war they defeat their own nature, a natural sense of femininity that could lead them from a cycle of war and violence.

‘The Red (Maca’s Return)’ draws on the concept of how stories from myth, folklore and legend can teach us about our own nature and offer alternatives to the chaos and devastation we currently experience. In short, how the lessons in story and song can lead us to a more sustainable way of living if we choose to listen.

Hailing from the Armagh-Monaghan border, Dani Larkin is already being heralded as ‘one of the finest songwriters of our times’. Larkin has been creating music for several years, and is a well known face on the live circuit in Northern Ireland. A storyteller by nature, her music is inspired by the folktales she was raised with, intertwined with elements of traditional melodies and rhythms from around the world in a timeless tradition.

With Midnight Mango now as her official booking agent, and Singular Artists booking her Irish live shows, this artist has been seen to be picking up speed as of late, despite restrictions.
With the album release date confirmed for 18th June 2021, she is an artist that has been tipped for great things. She is a must-listen for those interested in contemporary folk music, and is one of the brightest lights on the Irish folk scene currently.

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He’s more familiar to TV viewers because of his job as a Sports anchor with Virgin Media News, but Paul Walsh has revealed a new side to the public, with the release of his debut single ‘It’s Over’, under the artist name Pink Rabbits.

After working with Dublin-based producer Ciaran Parnell, Paul has completed half of an album, with ‘It’s Over’ set to be the first of a number of single releases, before a debut album release towards the end of the year.

Paul has been writing songs for years, but decided to take it seriously when the number of songs in his catalogue continued to stack up!

“The song was written about seven or eight years ago. It’s about someone reflecting on a relationship break up (how original, I know!) and that person coming to terms or almost thinking out loud about its ending. I guess the person is in the last throes of denial before accepting that… ‘It’s Over’,” he said.

“I’ve been writing for about 15 years. I suppose I decided to focus on it seriously when I got sick of playing them in an empty bedroom at home! I felt the songs were on a par with what other Irish acts were producing, so decided to pursue it properly.”

Influenced by the likes of The National, Coldplay and Bell X1, Paul chose his favourite song by the National – Pink Rabbits – as his artist name.

“I’ll be honest – I got a few strange looks from some friends when I first suggested the name! But the more I thought about the song, its lyrics and also the memories it evokes from around the time it was released, the more the name felt right.”

Since it’s release on April 23rd, ‘It’s Over’ has been available on via Spotify, iTunes and other streaming platforms and will be available to buy as a download on Bandcamp: pinkrabbits.Bandcamp.com

Follow Pink Rabbits via Instagram @pinkrabbitsmusic.

rvstless is the new moniker of Steven McCann, a R&B/Soul project which found its feet throughout lockdown 2020.

No stranger to the live music scene, Mc Cann has played Electric Picnic, Body&Soul, Latitude in the UK and a whole host of festivals and tours, with his previous artist project TooFools and as an in demand session musician.

McCann has a track record of being the driving force behind TooFools, who, “made a splash on the Dublin music landscape” – Nialler9

After touring extensively over the past few years as a session musician, previously working alongside the likes of JyellowL, Melina Malone, Phil Coulter, Booka Brass, Ralph Rolle (Nile Rodgers & CHIC), and Lisa Hannigan to name a few, rvstless will release a debut EP later this year. The debut single ‘Wanna Be Free’ accompanied by a great DIY video, see’s the highly anticipated launch of rvstless on April 29th

The multi-instrumentalist recorded the EP solely throughout lockdown, its vision, to give people a brighter vision of what’s ahead.

“‘wanna be free’ is completely inspired by the current situation in Ireland. Everyone is essentially stuck in their particular county (Dublin), only allowed travel 5km and this song just represents wanting to live life and be free of very tough restrictions. It was fully recorded, written, mixed & mastered in my home studio to give people some hope for the future ahead!” –rvstless

On the video, rvstless says, “Hoped to capture the innocence of ‘normal life’s before the pandemic hit. Thanks to all my friends for letting me use clips from years ago when we lived a ‘normal life’ & to my ma & da for their dance moves. Stay positive.”

Previous support for Steven McCanns earlier projects and collaborations have come in from Nialler9, joe.ie, BIMM as well as a Knockanstockan headline slot and festival appearances both in Ireland and the UK.

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‘Queen’ is the brand new single from Dublin bedroom-pop act Jacqueline Kennedy. The track is written, performed and produced by Kennedy and features vocals from Cork rapper Darce. Kennedy’s sleek lo-fi production and use of saxophone aims to provide a homage to old-jazz clubs of the roaring 40’s while offering a contemporary twist for 2021.The song deals with the idea that anyone can be royalty against the backdrop of a changing society. Kennedy serenades listeners with smooth melodies which offers a complimentary contrast to Darce’s vicious verse.

Jacqueline Kennedy made waves when she was the winner of the 2020 TilT Development deal with Sound Training Productions and 98fm’s totally Irish. Now the Dublin producer and artist is ready to add her name to growing ranks of Female Irish pop acts, forging their own way. Following the likes of Fia Moon, Blakkheart, Bobbi Arlo and Gemma Dunleavy to name a few. Her smooth production and silky voice aims to transport the listener elsewhere by creating sound uniquely her own.

Bandcamp free download link: https://jacquelinekennedymusic.bandcamp.com/track/queen-ft-darce

Spotify Pre-save link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jacquelinekennedyanddarce/queen-feat-darce-2

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7BT9IYkZpQed0aazNBatnx?si=Euf3fHp-Sb6hxOjhyaS0RQ

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

LaGracia present ‘Say’, the first single off their debut EP ‘No One’s Fool’, a collection of four songs written by musical duo Gráinne McCarthy and Kevin Healy, composed by LaGracia.

These heartfelt and soulful songs are an honest insight into episodes from a tumultuous time in the lives of McCarthy and Healy, while ‘Say’, focuses on the themes of unmet expectations and self-realisation.

LaGracia are a popular band on the Dublin and West of Ireland circuit. Hailing from Sligo and Roscommon: with Gráinne on vocals, Kevin and Tom on guitars, and Dublin: Dennis on beats and Gar on bass and production.

Their sound has been described as nostalgic, reminiscent of the 90’s R&B era of En Vogue, TLC and Lauryn Hill, while lead singer-songwriter McCarthy has a voice that evokes classic soul/ R&B singers like Etta James, Dusty Springfield and Roberta Flack. The overall sound is brave, passionate and soulful.

‘Say’ is LaGracia’s first release since their single ‘Don’t You Ever Leave’ in 2015.

It was independently recorded in Temple Lane Studios with Michael Gormley, with additional recording and mixing with Leo Logan in Vibe Studios.

“It is a song about expectations in relationships, the struggle of feeling let down and misunderstood. You ultimately have to rely on yourself,” says McCarthy, an established performer, credited with a number of Irish television appearances, such as The Late Late Show accompanying Lucia Evans and The Waterboys.

“Our song-writing could be described as “emotionally charged”, getting off our chests what we are not brave enough to express directly.”

Influences for the song include Solange, Aaliyah and Janelle Monáe. They wanted to have a throwback feel while still having an original edge. They worked on the arrangements and production with G Frequency, a Hip Hop producer/ scratch DJ, known for his album ‘Let’s Begin’ and opening shows for Grand Master Flash. “Gar’s production really gave the song a level of epic that we couldn’t have achieved without him,” Healy. “We brought Gar into the band as a bass player, we hadn’t realised he was a phenomenal Hip-Hop producer as well.”

Peter Doran will release his highly anticipated fifth studio album ‘Voices’ on 7th May 2021. To celebrate the album release, Peter has announced a headline show in The Grand Social, Dublin on 16th December 2021, proudly presented by Singular Artists. Tickets €13.00 available from Ticketmaster.ie and Tickets.ie now.

Recorded and Co-produced by Hally at Arthouse Studios in Naas throughout 2019/20, ‘Voices’ features extensive contributions from multi-instrumentalist Lenny Cahill (Piano / Drums / Bass / Organ) and special guest vocals from US Songwriter Haley Heynderickx and Emmett Tinley (The Prayer Boat). String duties were shared by Dublin-based composer/arranger Mary Barnecutt and Peter’s long-term collaborator Gerard Toal.

The songs were written in the six year period since ‘Outlines’, a time of great change in the songwriter’s life, which saw him marry his long-term partner and muse and move into a 200 year old Farmhouse on the outskirts of Mullingar.

In recent years Peter has headlined shows in Holland, Germany, England, Ireland, Belgium and New York and opened shows for Mick Flannery, The Lone Bellow, Declan O’Rourke, Fionn Regan and Duke Special.

Track Listing for ‘Voices’:

1. Go Slow
2. Blue Mountains
3. Voices
4. Lady
5. Saved
6. None the Wiser
7. Ageless Song
8. Nothing New Under the Sun
9. Dark Days
10. Garden

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Tony Wright returns in his genre-hopping musical vehicle, VerseChorusVerse. This time with the industrial/grunge tinged banger of a single with an important message for the times, ‘Free to Decree‘, ahead of the release of his 4th solo Album, and fresh on the heels of their hugely popular last single, ‘Be Proud’, that was playlisted on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle and Dublin City FM!

The song itself was first soft released last year (via Bandcamp only) as a charity single for The Rainbow Project, that serves the LGBTQ+ community, and wasn’t going to be the next single but, as Tony says, “unfortunately the message bears repeating.” Sonically, the song has hints of Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana being ushered onto the dance floor by Patti Smith and Bicep. A huge nod to the more electrified direction of his own roots and where he seems to be headed for his next release…

The release also serves to announce the name of his forthcoming 4th solo album. Whilst in no doubt that the world has faced a lot of (to name but a few) challenges in the shape of political idiocy, of far right hate groups vying for attention, the pandemic, mass disillusionment and huge need for reform in so many of our worlds; it is easy to be pessimistic. But for once, just for a change, in the face of all the pessimism, Wright challenges us to ask and to dream…

“what if we won”?

If the songs, vision and optimism keep to this standard, we’ll believe the dream. We already do.

The album will be released on Bandcamp with a ltd edition Vinyl pressing on May 22nd, following on streaming services a few weeks later.

Written, performed, produced and mixed entirely by Tony whilst in total isolation during the 1st Lockdown whilst alone in Glasgow, this new album represents yet another shake up of musical stylings from the founding ASIWYFA member and songwriter.

After 6 previous albums, his first book, a theatre show, web series (“The Also-Rans”), Artist residency in Belfasts MAC, Wright has returned with this single, “Free to Decree”, and another collection of vital songs on his forthcoming album, forever reaching to find light in the darkness.

Just think for a second…”what if we won”…? It sounds and feels like we actually might.

Free to Decree is released to streaming services on 30th April 2021.

More Album news, ahead of its release on 22nd May 2021, to follow.

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Dublin singer-songwriter Tommy Cullen is tearing into the summer with ‘Violet Rainbow’, out 28th May, a new single boasting anthemic hooks and dynamic funky grooves. Like most of  his output to date, the track was recorded in lockdown during a turbulent year spent in a tiny house on top of a river.  It is the latest addition to a repertoire spanning such diverse subjects as scary sharks, imaginary breakups and really nice trains.

‘Violet Rainbow’ has its origins in a voice memo captured years ago in a rented bus, while Tommy was travelling in the French Alps. Now the song emerges fully formed, expressing the universal desire to shine and giving voice to the many shades of violet that make up our lives. It was mixed by Marcus Jay, who also contributed additional production and drum machine programming, and mastered by Ivan Jackman at Hellfire Studios.

Former frontman with Dublin alternative band The False and the Fair, Tommy has been writing and producing music for a number of years. His solo efforts so far have been a new departure, with each release showcasing different aspects of his unique writing style. The accompanying videos, crafted by Tommy, feature an eclectic mix of animation, archive footage and extremely lo-fi VFX that bring his song’s stories to vivid, unpredictable life.

Tommy has been steadily growing an online following over the past year, reaching fans across the world and racking up a few streams along the way. He has also kept up a rigorous schedule, posting #NewMusicDaily on his Instagram in addition to his official releases.

www.instagram.com/tommycullenmusic

www.facebook.com/tommycullenmusic

https://twitter.com/TCullenMusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rPvQ9c6OwQ8wh64szP3xT?si=QuznuBBdTUq3iXEDPio8Vw