Rock'n'Roll is back // Resurrection secured // Long live the King
FLEETWOOD is released Nationwide thru' i-tunes on September 10th 2010.
Fresh from releasing their first single ‘Secret History’ the Dublin based noise merchants are back with the second single from their forthcoming debut Album.
Dublin trio The Minutes have gigged extensively in Ireland and the UK. Touring with the likes of Albert Hammond Jnr (The Strokes),The Pigeon Detectives, The Von Bondies & Supergrass. Previous singles include 'Black Keys' 'Harmonic' and 'Ukraine'. Ukraine helped the band establish themselves in the Dublin music scene thanks to heavy rotation on local indie stations.
After a year long residency in 09' at Dublin live music staple Whelans, The Minutes developed a unique rock n' roll show to call their own.
After becoming one of Dublin's must see live acts, it came time to record their debut album and in October of 2009 the three piece headed to Marcata Recordings in upstate New York. Together with producer Kevin McMahon the band have crafted a ten track album that captures the energy of their live sets. The record blasts through one foot stomper after another, from the 2 minute rawness of Secret History, to the crashing drum solo on Believer right up to live favourite In My Time Of Dying. Due for release late 2010, 'Marcata' is a record you'll come back to time and time again.
With a successful trip to the SXSW festival this March just behind them, Hop Farm and Oxegen Festival this promises to be an exciting year for the Dublin three-piece
Night Time Walking is Abigail’s first release. Oh Sam and Light A Match are the singles from this album. She is about to record her next album, which will be released later this year. Ed Power, in the Independent on Friday, wrote of her LP "Expect it to feature prominently when critics come to assess their favourite Irish records." Her album has received critical acclaim in Ireland.
Abigail has most recently been awarded a music bursary from the Arts Council of Ireland. A multi instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter she began writing music at a very early age. Her original style of music is the result of a diverse musical up bringing. Abigail has featured on albums by David Kitt, Somadrone, 3epkano, Brianna Corrigan (Beautiful South) and Star Little Thing. She was also invited to play at the 2010 Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival. She won a prize with Hotpress and the New York Tisch Film School to have a music video made for her song “Oh Sam”http://short.ie/ohsam. Ruth Barnes (Resonance FM) introduced Oh Sam on Tom Robinsons Show BBC Introducing on BBC Radio 6 (23/08/2010).
She was commissioned to write music for the animated film “Trolley Boy,” which was screened at the Galway film festival 2009 and the 2010 L.A. Short Film Comedy Festival. The film was also nominated for an IFTA. She was also commissioned to write a piece for the internationally renowned 'Diversus Guitar Ensemble'. They included an arrangement of her song Light A Match on their recent European tour. She has recently been commissioned to write a piece for the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra. The new work will be part of their upcoming tour and debut recording.
“Multi-instrumentalist and composer Abigail Smith, who has just released her debut solo album, is also one to watch. Night Time Walking is a wonderfully bizarre collection of Smith's own songs that sounds like Kate Bush and Bjork had a love-child with Schubert and the Cocteau Twins. …” Cormac Larkin, The Sunday Tribune.
“…her album, Night Time Walking, a series of songs arranged for voice, piano, viola and cello, is a thing of rare beauty indeed. It is to be tracked down and devoured immediately….” Derek O’Connor, Image Magazine.
"Expect it to feature prominently when critics come to assess their favourite Irish records…" Ed Power, Independent on Friday.
“I love this one [Oh Sam], it gets stuck in my head…..I could listen to it over and over again…” Ruth Barnes on BBC Introducing with Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6.
This year for the first time The Contemporary Music Centre opens its entire building to the public on Culture Night with a very special programme of music events including live performance, interactive installations and a multi-media exhibition.
Bryan Quigley, double bass player, performs Dogs in Waiting by Ailís Ní Ríain, on the hour throughout the night, with a video interpretation screened during intervals. International prize winning Ní Ríain, now based in the UK, will be present throughout to interact and engage with audiences.
In the Centre’s courtyard Eoin Smith installs an interactive turntable piece complete with DJ mixer and laptop. Smith currently a PhD student in Maynooth, also present on the night, specialises in electro-acoustic music composition.
Enda Bates creates an interactive spatial music installation Sound Swarm in the Centre’s library. Sound Swarm consists of a quadraphonic loudspeaker array controlled by a remote wireless controller from the Nintendo Wii games platform. Bates is a founder member of the Spatial Music Collective and specialises in spatial music. He will also be present on the night to talk about his work.
A new gallery space at the very top of the building is to exhibit a section of the multi-media Art of Sound exhibition. The six large panels by Irish photographer Eugene Langan, featuring composer photos and graphic scores, are accompanied with an audio tour narrated by Eamon Lawlor, RTÉ lyric fm.
“Each year The Contemporary Music Centre enjoys engaging with a very wide public audience through Culture Night. This year we are delighted to open our entire building to the general public with a very varied programme of free music events for all to enjoy”, says Karen Hennessy, Promotion Manager, The Contemporary Music Centre.
The legendary Nile Rodgers will be delivering a keynote speech at the Belfast Waterfront next Monday (13 September), to officially launch the city’s first ever Belfast Music Week.
During the week, Belfast City Council is hosting a series of workshops, seminars and networking events for Belfast’s creative business community.
As well as a full week of music events, with more than 100 performances across 30 venues, Belfast Music Week has programmed five days of free master classes, seminars and keynote addresses that will cover the full spectrum of the music industry in 2010.
“These events are designed to educate participants by giving them invaluable insights into the music business, both nationally and internationally, to stimulate debate and discussion about the state of the industry here in Belfast, and also to entertain audiences with the stories and observations of those delivering them,” commented Councillor Conor Maskey, Chairman of the council’s Development Committee.
Events start on Monday 13 September, when one of the most important and influential musicians of the last 40 years comes to deliver a keynote address: Nile Rodgers has worked with Michael Jackson, Madonna, David Bowie, Britney Spears and The Rolling Stones, and his band CHIC created a sound that laid the benchmark for dance music and hip-hop – their track ‘Good Times’ was sampled on the original hi-hop track ‘Rappers Delight’.
“Nile is one of the most entertaining and engaging artists of the modern age, and this event promises to be something very special,” said Councillor Maskey.
Later that afternoon The Stiff Kitten venue hosts an electronic and dance music ‘summit’ featuring key figures from the sector – including DJ Paul Woodford from Ibiza, Richard McGinnis from Creamfields and music publisher John Truelove – the co-author of The Source's ‘You got the love’ – alongside Northern Irish act The Japanese Popstar's label representative, and Laura London from the Ninja Tunes label.
Tuesday 14 September sees an event devoted to branding and marketing: ‘ID and IP – Making the most of your Band’s Brand’ will include presentations from Duke Special's manager Phil Nelson, Backstreet International Merchandising and local band And So I Watch You From Afar.
On Wednesday 15 will see the Los Angeles-based WaveGroup will be pulling back the curtain on how emerging artists can get involved in the massive music gaming sensation of the last decade -‘Rockband’. Housed in the Spring And Airbrake, this event will appeal to rock fans and gamers alike.
Thursday 16 is all about music and the moving image: MTV, the council’s partners in Belfast Music Week, will host a session in The Black Box on how new bands can interface with the network, whilst another key international player – Sarah Gavigan – delivers a masterclass in how to get your music licensed in the multi media world.
The week’s events are rounded off on Friday 17 at the Oh Yeah Centre with a star studded panel on music journalism, and a heavyweight discussion on marketing in the digital age, with leading international experts Sara Griggs and Chandra Lynn, as well as former Kerrang! editor Paul Brannigan and Chris Salewicz, biographer of Joe Strummer, Bob Marley and Billy Bragg.
All events are free to attend, but with limited capacity on all, reservations are flying out the door. A full schedule and details on how you can book your places is available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/musicweek
One of the biggest names in the music world is to share the secrets of his long career with a local audience.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office is pleased to announce a scheme of grants for the purpose of providing financial assistance to individual artists, arts groups and arts organisations engaged in arts projects or events at local or county level. Grants are also available to support capital development and the professional development of individual artists.
Individual artists, arts groups and arts organisations working in all art-forms (architecture, circus, spectacle, street art, dance, film, literature, music, opera, theatre, visual arts and traditional arts) are eligible to apply. Collaborative applications are also welcomed.
The closing date for applications is Friday 1st October at 12 noon.
IMRO will host a Songwriter Retreat in Co. Wicklow in November 2010
Date: Monday 15th – Thursday 18th November 2010 (inclusive) Venue:
The BrookLodge & Wells Spa (4 Star)
Macreddin Village
Co. Wicklow
Web: http://www.brooklodge.com
Cost: €485 per person attending
This retreat will feature a songwriting workshop with hit songwriter/producer Paul Herman.
Paul Herman began his musical career as the guitarist in Faithless. He was involved in the studio recording of several Faithless albums and toured extensively with the band. It was whilst with Faithless that he became friends with a then unknown Dido and started writing with her. Together they collaborated on four Dido songs, ('Thank You', 'All You Want', ‘Don’t Think Of Me’ and ‘Slide’), which became part of her multi-million selling album 'No Angel'. 'Thank You' was also sampled by Eminem and became the basis for his chart topping worldwide hit 'Stan'. Paul then went on to sing lead and play guitar with the band Skinny, who released two albums, 'The Weekend' on Polygram and 'Taller' on BMG. 2005 was a successful year for Paul as he wrote with Natasha Bedingfield, (‘I Bruise Easily’), and Jem, (‘Flying High’, 'California Sun'). Paul also collaborated on several tracks with the British dance act Mint Royale and these were included on their last album, 'See You In The Morning Light'. He has collaborated with Corinne Bailey-Rae, which led to two co-written and produced tracks (‘Till It Happens To You’ and ‘I’d Like To’), which featured on her Grammy nominated debut album. More recently Paul has been working with producer Baby Ash on numerous projects, a couple of which are due for release early next year. Paul has recieved 2 Ivor Novello nominations.
This songwriter event will run along similar lines to those previously hosted by IMRO in that it will focus on songwriter collaboration and live performances of new material.
Each morning workshop participants will be randomly paired off together to spend the day co-writing. Each evening participants will be given the opportunity to perform newly written material live.
The cost of this workshop includes: 4 nights accommodation plus breakfast, 3 lunches and 3 evening meals at the award winning Brooklodge and Wells Spa. All additional hotel services, meals, phone, etc will be billed at normal hotel rates.
** Arrival at hotel on afternoon/evening of Monday 15th November and departure takes place after breakfast on Friday 19th November.
Retreat participants will be required to pay for the workshop fee on arrival. Extra hotel service charges, if billed, are payable to the Brooklodge on departure.
There are only 40 places available for this workshop, so early booking is advisable.
To book your place now please send a €100 cheque or postal order deposit made payable to IMRO
TO:
Keith Johnson
Director of Marketing & Membership
Irish Music Rights Organisation
Copyright House
Pembroke Row
Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
P: 353 1 6614844
F: 353 1 6763125
E: keith.johnson@nullimro.ie
About Brooklodge Wells and Spa
Georgina Campbell’s Hotel of the Year 2010 and AA Hotel of the Year 2008/2009 – The BrookLodge Hotel, a stunning 90 room AA/RAC 4**** country house hotel only 50 minute’s from south Dublin. Host to the dramatic Strawberry Tree, Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant, and “The Wells” – a truly luxurious Spa.
Also home to Macreddin Golf Club, incorporating 160 acres with all the natural elements of the landscape, Ryder Cup hero, Paul McGinley chose this designated area of outstanding natural beauty for his first golf course design.
Macreddin Village also hosts La Taverna Armento with its full Southern Italian menu; Acton’s Country Pub & Brewery; The Orchard Café; an Organic Bakery and Smokehouse; Food, Clothes & Wine Shop; an Equestrian Centre and 4×4 driving
A maximum of twenty songwriters will gather once again on the picturesque island of Inisheer (Aran Islands), October 10-17, 2010 for an intensive week focused on co-writing and development of craft. Confirmed writers to date include American artists SONIA (of Disappear Fear) and Texas music veteran Rex Foster.
During the week, writers will participate in daily discussion groups, assigned co-writing and morning and evening song sharing circles, with two Listening Room Concerts also presented at the end of the week.
Participation consideration is open to all writers, based on a review of their current works. . The participation fee is 875 Euros which includes room, meals, workshops and local transport to and from the island from Galway.
If you have an interest in making music as part of a team/group, and enjoy the spirit of samba, then MaSamba have just the thing for you! Their new 8 week Samba Drumming Course begins on Tuesday, 14th September 2010, and will offer participants a hands-on opportunity to play some of the most popular carnival rhythms from Brasil.
A special free introductory session will take place on Tuesday 7th September, where you can try your hand at drumming in a fun and supportive environment. MaSamba’s philosophy is one of inclusion and people with little or no previous experience are encouraged to give it a go!
All instruments and earplugs are provided, and all they ask is that you bring enthusiasm! The course will take place on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at their rehearsal space in the Liberties. Course Cost: €80, concession €65. Contact: sambacourse@nullmasamba.com, Ph: 0872363813
Speedking, the Castleblayney based hard rock band, have just launched their new album ‘Cause and Effect’. The album was produced and mixed by Ronan Morgan and mastered by Jon Astley, known for his work with Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jools Holland and the Sex Pistols, at Close to the Edge Studios London.
Recorded in Monaghan’s Attic Studio the album is the culmination of eight years of hard work. Over this time, Speedking have developed a unique hard rock sound, with the new album combining elements of progressive rock with strong melodies.
Throughout 2010 Speedking have been promoting ‘Cause & Effect’ nationally. At a pre-launch of the album in their hometown they filled one of the North East’s largest venues, receiving rapturous reviews from their wide fan base.
The official launch of ‘Cause & Effect’ will be followed by a heavy touring schedule, with international gigs lined up for 2011. For further details of venues and dates, visit – http://www.myspace.com/speedkingrock
July saw the release of Bairbre Munnis's stunning debut EP – Helium Heart. This four-track offering, from Dublin-based singer/songwriter is of a pop meets indie style, possessing commercial appeal while also offering that “dark horse” aspect. Each track offers a variety of sounds and lyrical content that is utterly relevant to today’s music enthusiast, and displays Bairbre’s talent as a singer and songwriter. Balcony TV’s Stephen O’Regan says “One of our all time favourites on the Balcony”.
Helium Heart was recorded over a period of eight months in Salt Studio’s and a home studio, while Bairbre finished her university degree. An array of fantastic musicians appear on the EP. These include Conor Donovan, drummer with Damien Rice, Dan O’Conner, guitarist with Boss Volenti, and Dara Munnis, who plays keyboards with Jack L and Gavin Glass.
Bairbre is no stranger to the Irish music scene and has been gigging all over Ireland from the age of 15, having supported numerous Irish artists, including Paul Brady. Bairbre was a winner of the prestigious 2fm Song competition in 2007. Influences such as Gemma Hayes, KT Tunstall, Joni Mitchell and Sheryl Crow are evident, whilst she creates her own individual sound.
Bairbre says that the launch of the EP “represents a big step in my music career” and she feels that “only positive things will come from the release of Helium Heart”. She has an ever-growing fan base both through gigging and being heard on social networks such as Myspace and Facebook. Bairbre recently completed a small national tour in June supporting singer/songwriter Keith Mullins, to promote this release, and now, is currently through to the second heat of the ‘Guinness Our Thursdays’ Competition. She can be found gigging around Dublin for the rest of the summer. Helium Heart was self released through iTunes and Amazon on July 20th and this release promises to be the beginning of something big for this 21-year-old artist. For information on Bairbre Munnis or to hear the full four track EP please visit www.myspace.com/bairbremunnis
Ray Heffernan, songwriter, commented, “great stuff, real quality in the songwriting and excellent performance and delivery too”.
