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Shortlist Announced for The Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition 2015

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

Clancy Brothers songwriting logo NEWThe Shortlist has been announced for the 2015 Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition.

The votes are in and the top three songs are…

(Drumroll…)

‘Make it Stay’ by Avi McGourty (Templemore, County Tipperary)

‘The Truth is Not Your Own’ by Jamie Mulrooney (West Coast of Mayo)

‘Southern Fire’ by Katie Carpenter, Gary Burke and Liz Madden (Dublin)

With more than 120 entries from the four corners of Ireland, and as far away as Canada and Jamaica, this year’s Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition was hotly contested.

Now the votes are in, the top three are on their way to Carrick-on-Suir to play a in the beautiful, atmospheric Nano Nagle Chapel on Sunday May 31st in what is sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s Clancy Brothers Festival of Music and Art. The winner of the competition will be revealed on the night.

Lisa Loughrey, last year’s winner, will headline with her group The Mariannes, an urban folk band with strong Irish folk, blues and alternative country roots, and songs forged with hard hitting lyrics, beautiful melodies and harmonies, and powerful arrangements. They recently released an EP with Lisa’s winning song, ‘Lost With All Hands’, as the title track. Lisa used her prize from last year to help towards the cost of producing the CD.

With cash prizes of €500 for the winner and €200 for each of the runners up sponsored by the Clancy Brothers Festival of Music and Art and IMRO, no one will leave empty handed. The winner also receives a voucher for CD duplication from Duplication Ireland worth €215 and all three gain premium services from InMusik.co. Other competition sponsors are Music Matters Ireland and the Tudor Artisan Hub.

Doors open 7pm and tickets for the concert are €10 from the Tudor Artisan Hub, 42 Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Ph 051 640921.

For more see www.clancybrothersfestival.org.

The Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition Open for Entries

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

Clancy Brothers songwriting logo NEWThe Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition 2015 is now open for entries. With free entry and a prize fund in excess of €1,500, this is an open competition for new, original songs.

Following a successful first year, competition organisers are looking forward to hearing a wide range of music from across Ireland.

The competition is open to all musical genres and styles, and to all ages and nationalities. As long as it is a song, it is eligible for entry. Entries are accepted on CD or by email in MP3 format, so it couldn’t be easier to enter.

This is a songwriting competition with the songwriter in mind. Songs will be judged based on melody, composition, originality and lyrics. The quality of performance and production will not be considered.

The three finalists will perform their song at a concert on Sunday May 31st in the Nano Nagle Chapel, Carrick on Suir, during the Clancy Brothers Festival of Music and Art 2015 as part of a fifteen minute set. The winner will be announced at the end of the concert.

With cash prizes of €500 for the winner and €200 for each of the runners up sponsored by the Clancy Brothers Festival of Music and Art and IMRO, no one will leave empty handed. The winner also receives a voucher for CD duplication from Duplication Ireland and all three will gain premium services from InMusik.co.

With further support from IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation), Music Matters and the Clancy Brothers Festival, this songwriting competition is set to grow.

Last Year’s Winners

Lisa Loughrey’s winning song, ‘Lost with all Hands’ is the title track on The Mariannes’ new EP. The Mariannes are launching their CD in Whelan’s, Dublin, on Thursday April 9th. And runner up Robb Murphy’s song, ‘Mysteries of the Heart’, features on his new album, ‘Sleep Tonight’, due out in March.

Entries

Email entries:
cbsongwritingcompetition@nullgmail.com

Postal entries:
Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition

C/O The Tudor Artisan Hub
42 Main Street
Carrick-on-Suir
Co. Tipperary
Ireland.

Closing date: April 29th, 2015.

Finalists will be notified by May 13th, 2015.

Please read the full rules before entering.

For full rules and information go to www.clancybrothersfestival.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Twelve Songs in the Running for Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2015

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

Pan Cheilteach Amhrán Náisiúnta 2015 postaer A3 jpegTwelve songs will go head to head in the Pan Celtic National Song Contest 2015 which will be held in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow on Saturday, 7 March at 8pm.

Sponsored by IMRO in association with Gael Linn and Glór Cheatharlach, the composer of the winning song will receive a cash prize of €1,000 and the song will go forward to represent Ireland at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest to be held in Derry in April.

The twelve finalists are:

Sharon Ní Chuilbin – “Tá Dóchas Ann”

Helena Byrne – “Is Tú Grá”

Pádraig Mac Domhnaill – “Oíche na Gaoithe”

Brighdín Carr – “Árainn Mhór”

Marcus Mac Conghail – “Is Cuma sa tSioc”

Eilín Ní Bheaglaoich – “Deoraí”

Tiarnán Ó Sé – “€50,000,000,000”

Bríd Ní Chionnaith & Róisín Nic an Starraí – “Imithe”

Colette Nic Aodha – “Oileán”

Damian Mac Gabhann & Aidan Cranny – “Imigh a Dhamhsóir”

Enda Reilly & Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin – “Go Beo go Deo na nDeo”

Lorna, Laine, Eoghan, Evelyn & Kiarán Ó Maoileáin – “Anseo”

The judging panel will be made up of Seá Ó Sé, Liam Lawton and Pádraigín Caesar.

All are welcome. Tickets @  €10.

Enquiries to 087 2857048, 059 9158105 or  pancelticcarlow@nullgmail.com

The Inaugural Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition 2014

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition

A new songwriting competition is about to make a big splash in the music scene.

With a prize fund in excess of €1,500, the Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition is set to be one of the biggest such competitions in Ireland.

This is an open competition so all musical genres and styles are welcome. It is open to all ages and nationalities. As long as it is a song, it is eligible for the competition. Entries will be accepted on CD or by email in MP3 format, so it couldn’t be easier to enter.

This is a songwriting competition with songwriters’ in mind. Not only are there substantial cash prizes for the top three entries, first prize includes recording time in a professional studio, mixing and mastering, provided by Emeraz.com, and CD duplication and packaging by Duplication Ireland. The winner will effectively have everything necessary to record and produce their song to CD and Radio quality.

There are also cash prizes for the top three entries: 1st €500, 2nd €200, 3rd €100.

Emeraz.com will also provide premium services for all three finalists. And every entrant will receive online vouchers for Emeraz services.

‘I look forward to the song writing competition at this year’s Clancy Brothers Music and Art Festival. I know it will prove to be a fantastic addition to this year’s Festival,’ Finbarr Clancy, the High Kings.

There will be three finalists asked to perform their songs at the launch of the Clancy Brothers Music and Art Festival on Tuesday May 27th, 2014, as part of a fifteen minute set. After which the winner of the inaugural Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition will be announced.

This is a songwriting competition so songs will be judged based on melody, composition, originality and lyrics. The quality of performance and production will not be considered. A songwriter may nominate someone else to perform in their place.

The Clancy Brothers Music and Art Festival already contains a strong songwriting element with the SongCraft series of concerts and workshops. Running for the last two years, these have featured John Spillane and Charlie McGettigan as headline acts and workshop facilitators. Local songwriters have also benefited from the opportunity to support these acts.

‘The Clancy Brothers Festival is a magical little festival in the most beautiful town of Carrick-on-Suir, nestling under the Comeragh Mountains, in the home of the Clancy Brothers. There is music in the air, and storytelling and poetry. Go to this festival, and soak in the great tradition of melody and balladry that is the legacy of the Clancys,’ John Spillane.

Email entries:
cbsongwritingcompetition@nullgmail.com

Postal entries:
Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition
Clancy Brothers Music and Art Festival
C/O The Tudor Artisan Hub
Main Street
Carrick-on-Suir
Co. Tipperary
Ireland.

Closing date: April 29th, 2014. Finalists will be notified by May 13th, 2014.

Entries must include the name of the songwriter(s); address; email; phone number; and signature of consent from parent(s) or guardian(s) where the songwriter(s) is under 18 years old. Where there is more than one songwriter, please indicate clearly who is the contact.

For further details and full rules of the competition please go to www.clancybrothersfestival.org  or find the Clancy Brothers Songwriting Competition on Facebook.

In association with:

Song Collector Sessions Returning to Douglas this Month

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

TSouthcountyFeb192014 IMROhe Song Collector Sessions is a show that gets up close and personal with Ireland’s most established, leading and promising artists, allowing the audience to get an insight into the minds and the music of some of this country’s greatest songwriters and indeed, song collectors.

Created by Cork singer-songwriters, Roy Buckley (www.roybuckleymusic.com), The Song Collector Sessions gives each artist a platform to perform and speak about their songs, their music, their influences, as well as some stories from the road and lets the fans experience and enjoy the huge musical talent that our country has to offer that is so often taken for granted. Songs are introduced with legendary stories of how and where and why they were written, and often hilarious anecdotes about the live music industry.

Every Song Collector Sessions show features different guests playing their songs and each show is unique and creates a memorable atmosphere. Previous guests have included John Spillane, Mike Hanrahan and Liam Reilly.

The Song Collector Sessions take place at intimate venues, fronted by Roy Buckley, with at least one other guest artist. This month, the Sessions return to The South County, Douglas, Cork on Wednesday February 19th 2014 – with 3 of Ireland’s finest performers as Roy Buckley guests… John Spillane, Ricky Lynch & Dave Browne.

Tickets 10 euro available from The South County –
Tel: 021 489 15 74
Email: info@nullthesouthcounty.com

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Liam McDermott & Paddy Nash

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Liam McDermott aka Funzo and Paddy Nash….

Liam McDermott (Funzo)

Song:  “Amour Fou”

LiamMcDermottFunzoPicFunzo, founded by singer and songwriter Liam McDermott, have performed over 250 gigs in Ireland since 2009, most notably, Ireland’s premiere music festivals – Oxegen, Electric Picnic and Hard Working Class Heroes. In 2009, Funzo won their third national songwriting contest; Christmas FM’s ‘Search For A New Christmas Classic’, which resulted in mass national radio play and a live performance on TV3’s ‘Ireland AM’, the nation’s #1 morning TV programme.

In 2012, Funzo featured on and co-wrote hip-hop artist Nucent’s song ‘Do You Really Love Me?’, which received generous airtime on FM104, 98FM, and remained in Spin FM’s Top 30 Most Requested for three months running. Funzo have also received widespread airplay and live airtime in Ireland, on RTÉ 2FM, Today FM, Spin FM, Newstalk, FM 104 and Ireland’s most listened to radio station, RTÉ Radio 1. Funzo have caught the attention of the national print media too, resulting in a full-page feature in Ireland’s most popular music magazine, HotPress, as well as being deemed one of the ‘Picks Of Electric Picnic’ in The Irish Times in 2009.

https://www.facebook.com/funzoband

Paddy Nash

Song:  “The Old Country”

PaddyNashPicSince the release of their critically acclaimed debut album in 2010, Paddy and his Happy Enchiladas have played the clubs of Ireland North and South as well as an extensive tour of England playing the legendary Hope & Anchor among others. Their unique blend of Folk-Pop-Punk has left audiences revelling in the rich lyrics and big melodies.

Accompanying Paddy, is 16 year old singer-songwriter Gemma Bradley. Hailing from Draperstown, Gemma is just starting out on her musical journey.

Their song ‘The Old Country’ was the result of a challenge laid down by Glasgowbury and Resonate to get local artists who were playing the festival to collaborate.  It’s a Father/Daughter story about modern day emigration in Ireland North and South.

www.paddynash.co.uk

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Roberta Howett & Alan Kavanagh

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Roberta Howett and Alan Kavanagh….

Roberta Howett

Song: “Eclipse”

RobertaHowettPicDublin born singer / songwriter Roberta Howett has a musical background grounded in classical training with The Royal Academy of Music. Roberta first graced our screens in 2004, when she reached the live finals of the X-Factor. After XFactor, she took time out to write her own music, which she released in Ireland independently. Roberta is a featured singer with Momo, www.tonicastells.com, and her vocals can be heard on Bressie’s debut solo album Colourblind Stereo, which was released in 2011 and went to number 1 in Ireland.

Having spent the past two years in London, she was one of four girls who made up FanFair. The group first began performing at major Rugby Union games, including a performance at Twickenham stadium, and went on to tour the UK and Ireland with The Wanted. FanFair released a single called ‘Mission’ last October which was featured on Collection’s TV advert, in which the girls starred.

www.robertahowett.com

Alan Kavanagh

Song: “Bitter Man”

AlanKavanaghPicAlan Kavanagh is a 24 year old singer/songwriter from Ashbourne , Co. Meath. While studying for a music degree in DKIT, Alan released his first single which went straight to number two in the Download.ie charts. After the release he went gigging throughout Ireland and abroad and has had the privilege of touring with Meteor Award winner, Luan Parle, supporting The Coronas and playing with Christy Dignam. His last single ‘Christmas Far From Home’ had 22,000 hits on YouTube in just two weeks and received a great amount of airplay on Christmas FM, Sunshine 106.8, LMFM and Dublin City FM last year.

Alan plays ukulele, guitar, piano, and bass and has a music degree from Dundalk IT. He has also composed a piece recorded by the national chamber choir. He has spent the last two years gigging with Celebrity and Holland America where he has visited over 20 countries.

www.alankavanagh.com

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Joe Casey & Paul Casey

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Joe Casey and Paul Casey….

Joe Casey

Song: “May the Road Rise”

JoeCaseyPic_Small

Growing up in a family of musicians, Joe was immersed in music from an early age.  He has been playing guitar, piano and singing since he was a child and has been writing songs and poetry for nearly as long.

Over the last 15 years you may have heard him solo, accompanied only by his guitar or with a troupe of traditional musicians from Ballyvaughen to Bangkok or from New York to Newbridge.  He played support with some of Ireland’s great songwriters including Mick Hanly and Luka Bloom.  In 2012 Joe decided to focus his energy solely on music and began recording some of his compositions.

“This Road” is Joe Casey’s debut album.  It is due for release in mid-November 2013.  The album contains ten original songs and while having a distinctive Irish accent, the music also tips its hat across the Atlantic to its Bluegrass, Cajun and Jazz cousins.

https://www.facebook.com/joecaseymusic

Paul Casey

Song: “Every Time It Rains”

PaulCaseyPic_small

Irish songwriter, guitarist and singer Paul Casey is being talked of among Ireland’s new music followers as “the new cool.” He’s constantly in demand in his home country, performing for enthusiastic fans with a challenging near-daily schedule.  With his latest album, Scrapbook, the Derry, musician has raised the bar yet again with a collection of stunning new tracks showcasing masterful production and songwriting.

In 2010, Casey made major waves in the UK after playing to a total of 55,000 fans on an epic 23-date tour of the UK and Ireland supporting legendary guitarist and 30-million album-selling Chris Rea. The tour took in venues such as the Symphony Hall in Birmingham and the Hammersmith Apollo in London.

The young songwriter has a string of critically acclaimed albums under his belt, along the way receiving a 9/10 rating in Ireland’s Hot Press magazine in a review by Jackie Hayden. Along with a handful of other songs, “Big World” marks a a stylistic departure from his previous material.  While still maintaining his acoustic-driven pop undertones, his new songs reflect his love of orchestral and cinematic elements.

http://www.paulcaseymusic.com

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

Shortlist Announced for the 3rd Annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

Christie Hennessy Poster 2013_1

Live Final Taking Place at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee

Saturday, 19th October | 8:30pm

Guest performances by Hermione Hennessy & RTÉ’s Aonghus McAnally

The live final of the third annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place on Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists, selected from over 200 entries from across Ireland and beyond, will perform their song in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges. The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place as a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons. Christie grew up in a house full of music in Tralee and went on to become one of Ireland’s best known singer-songwriters. Among his songs which went on to be recorded by other artists were “All The Lies That You Told Me” performed by Frances Black, “Don’t Forget Your Shovel” performed by Christy Moore and “Oh Jealous Heart” performed by Moya Brennan.

Special guest performances on the night will come from Christie’s daughter, Hermione Hennessy, and RTÉ star, Aonghus McAnally, who will perform some of Christie’s most well-known songs. The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest is among a number of events taking place in Tralee over the course of the weekend of 18th to 20th October at the Carlton Hotel, Tralee, including live music with the Troubadour Club on Friday 18th, a songwriting workshop on Saturday 20th, a young songwriter’s showcase on Sunday 20th and a series of interactive workshops with the WholeWorldBand music platform throughout the weekend.

Last year, Dublin and Cork songwriting duo, Enda Reilly and Christine Deady, took home the top prize in the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest for their song, “Follow the Water”, while the inaugural contest winner of 2011 was Paul McDonnell for his song, “Superman”.

The ten finalists taking part in the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest are:

Andrew Basquille – “What Needs Fixin First”
Katie Carpenter & Gary Burke – “Never Ends”
Joe Casey – “May the Road Rise”
Paul Casey – “Every Time It Rains”
Roberta Howett – “Eclipse”
Alan Kavanagh – “Bitter Man”
Liam McDermott (Funzo) – “Amour Fou”
Paddy Nash – “The Old Country”
Aidan O’Brien – “Maid of the Isle”
Doug Sheridan – “Speed Dating”

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844.

The Christie Hennessy Song Contest is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser, The Troubadour Club & The Carlton Hotel.

 

The Songwriter Club | Upcoming Meetings in Dublin & Galway

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

The Songwriter Club is back in Dublin on Saturday 21st September from 2pm – 5pm at The Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1.

Special guest speakers will be Dave Conway (Gigonometry) plus Kev Kirwan and Naomi O’Shea (Timebomb Sessions).

On Sunday 29th September, the club will be visiting Galway for the first time. The meeting will take place from 3pm to 6pm at The Secret Garden, 4 William Street West, Galway and will be hosted by local singer/songwriter, Noreena Gill, along with Keith McLoughlin.

The Songwriter Club was set up by Keith McLoughlin and Sinead McNally and has been running in Dublin since October 2011. The idea behind the club is to bring songwriters together every couple of months to chat about songwriting, the music industry, share ideas, set up collaborating groups and have fun getting to know each other.

There are usually special guests at the meetings, sharing information from different areas of the music industry. All songwriters, whatever the genre, whatever the standard are welcome to attend. The organisers ask for a €2 donation per person towards the use of the venue.

Follow the group on Twitter @songwriterclub and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Songwriter-Club/228119757249977

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