Month: June 2017

Diatribe Records proudly presents ‘All Soundings Are True’, a new collaboration between world-renowned musicians Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Garth Knox.

Since their debut as part of the National Concert Hall’s ‘Tradition Now’ series in 2015, the duo have sculpted a uniquely personal soundworld that draws on a rich shared musical heritage, spanning a wealth of traditional, medieval and contemporary music.

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh makes music on a 10-string fiddle called the hardanger d’amore, and travels the world as a solo musician, in duos with Dan Trueman, Mick O’Brien and Brendan Begley, and as a member of The Gloaming and This is How we Fly. He has performed on some of the most beautiful stages in the world, including the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall and the Lincoln Center, exploring the area where traditional music begins to disintegrate.

Garth Knox is at the forefront of the new music scene in many fields. Drawing on his vast experience as viola player of the Arditti Quartet and the Ensemble Intercontemporain, and his close collaboration with most of the leading composers of today, he has become a unique performer of music of many different styles, ranging from minimalist understatement to the cutting edge of new techniques and new technologies. Thanks to his interest in the viola d’amore, his repertoire has opened up to the music of the past, which he persuasively brings into the present.

The record is released internationally on Saturday July 1st 2017.

www.diatribe.ie
www.caoimhinoraghallaigh.com
www.garthknox.org

Hard Working Class Heroes festival is making its annual call to Ireland’s musicians, bands and singer-songwriters to apply for the chance to play and take part in this internationally-recognised event which runs in a variety of venues across Dublin showcasing Ireland’s best emerging talent.

Log on to hwch.net and click on the “BANDS APPLY HERE” button – applications will be through the artists’ Breaking Tunes profile.  Closing date for applications is July 14^th.

HWCH is fifteen this year, and as with all teenagers, it’s going to shake things up a bit to mark the occasion.

The first change is going to be the date 28^th-30^th September.  We pop back in to September every four or five years the way weekends fall, so be sure to put that in your diary.

Secondly, to give things more of a competitive edge, fewer bands will make up this year’s final line-up.

And whilst it is still a three-day event, the live showcases will only take place across Friday and Saturday night. More will be revealed next month.

First Music Contact, who run HWCH, work with Irish acts from the very beginning of their careers. This annual showcase is an opportunity to offer Irish acts some vital exposure provided by the stellar mix of influential Irish and international delegates who attend HWCH.

First Music Contact under the Irish Music Export office Music From Ireland help fund artists and present Irish showcases throughout the year at Eurosonic, SXSW, Canadian Music Week, The Great Escape, Reeperbahn, Mondo NYC and many more.

“As we are planning to expand our showcase portfolio through Music From Ireland in 2018, so to that end we are adding the bookers from BIME Portugal, Primavera Sound,  and the Central Park Summer Stage to the event this year. The HWCH team will take an even more hands-on approach in terms of targeting the delegates for measurable outcomes for the artists taking part”. Angela Dorgan CEO

Some of last year’s big successes to progress from the festival include acts such as Soulé, Elm, Ailbhe Reddy, Maria Kelly, Talos, Barq, Loah, A.S Fanning and Le Boom.

Since its inception in 2003, the festival has showcased many of Ireland’s best-known acts including Hare Squead, Saint Sister, recent Choice Music Prize winners Rusangano Family, Villagers, 2013’s breakthrough act Hozier along with Girl Band, Delorentos, Fight Like Apes, Jape, Coronas, Pleasure Beach, Le Galaxie, The Strypes, Otherkin and many more.

It has never been more important to showcase all the talent this country has to offer. Keep an eye on the socials for tips from some of the local and international judges between now and the application closing date on July 14^th.

HWCH is supported by The Arts Council, Culture Ireland and Failte Ireland/Tourism Ireland

http://hwch.net/

http://musicfromireland.org/

Twitter #hwch17

As a prelude to her upcoming second album Unbroken Line, Dublin singer-songwriter Ciara Sidine is launching four videos of live material from the record.

She kicks off with a single-take recording of the track ‘Trouble Come Find Me’, filmed by videographer Steve Mogerley at Camden Recording Studios. The dynamic recording captures an arresting live energy and showcases Sidine’s extraordinary vocal, in a song that is a statement as much political as personal, a feminist call seeking out trouble in order to keep the fires of change burning.

Sidine says, “‘Trouble Come Find’ me was inspired by the turbulent journey of a close friend, a woman who devoted her life to working with women, in the fight for meaningful choice in our reproductive lives.

“It is a call for women to unite to keep the fires of change burning, as there is so much still to be fought for in Ireland, not least our right to bodily autonomy. I wanted it to impart a sense of something brewing, an edge of danger. We live in dangerous times, where instead of being enhanced, human rights are being eroded across the world. We need to make trouble now more than ever.”

Further live videos from this alt country artist will be released over the coming weeks in anticipation of her album launch and Sugar Club gig later this year on 21 September.

Singer-songwriter Ciara Sidine was born in Dublin, Ireland. Her first album Shadow Road Shining was critically acclaimed, and her upcoming album Unbroken Line will come out in Sept 2017.

www.ciarasidine.com
www.facebook.com/ciarasidine
@ciarasidine

Donegal band The Plea release their new single ‘Wild One’ on Friday 28th July. ‘Wild One’ is the first single to be taken from their upcoming album Propanoia which will be released in the autumn.

‘Wild One’ is a melancholy acoustic ballad that explores the thoughts and memories that haunt a tortured soul. It was written by the band during a late night acoustic session in Donegal and they decided to record it on the spot. The rawness of the track inspired the band to write more songs for the album in the same vein; stripped back and simplified.
The video for ‘Wild One’ was directed by Michael McLaughlin of Disappear Here Media and shot in the band’s hometown, Ballyliffin in Co. Donegal, a part of the world that is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Pollan Beach in Ballyliffin and Lagahurry Beach on the Isle of Doagh served as the locations, and lead singer Denny Doherty features, intercut with shots of windswept waves, salt spray and sandy dunes.

The Plea have already had much success with 2012’s release The Dreamer’s Stadium, which saw them receive TV and radio airplay from the likes of Graham Norton and Bob Harris, and plaudits from BBC and Q Magazine. ‘Wild One’ is sure to be another radio hit for the band. The Plea will be announcing European tour dates and a release date for Propanoia in the coming weeks.

https://www.facebook.com/thepleaofficial/

Last week in Waterford City Hall, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin Vickers along with Mayor of Waterford District, John Hearne, launched a newly Irish-written song, The Coast of Labrador, to mark this year’s CANADA 150, commemorating the 150^th year of the Confederation of Canada. The Coast of Labrador is the work of internationally renowned songwriter, Brendan Graham, and Tipperary composer, Denis Carey. The song was given its premiere performance by Irish singer, Seán Keane in an event organised by Waterford Civic Trust, in association with Waterford City and County Council.

The Coast of Labrador is set during the nineteenth-century, a period of extensive emigration to Labrador, Newfoundland and the eastern shores of Canada from the South East of Ireland. It tells the story of a young Waterford fisherman who emigrates to Labrador, finding a new life there with a local Inuit girl.  He brings with him his sliotar and hurling stick and teaches his son to play ‘Hurling on Ice’, the forerunner to ‘Hockey on Ice’.

The song is a reminder of the long historical links between Ireland’s South Eastern shore and and Canada’s Eastern shore based on commercial activities which were well established by the end of the Eighteenth Century. Between February and March of each year, ships from the ports of south-west England heading for the rich cod fisheries of Newfoundland arrived at Waterford to take on supplies and passengers. Many people from the South East went to Newfoundland (Talamh an Éisc) in search of employment. Such was their impact that in 1842 Newfoundland was called ‘Transatlantic Ireland’, with one observer stating that ‘Newfoundland is merely Waterford parted from the sea’.

Songwriter Graham describes The Coast of Labrador, as ‘a further acknowledgement of the great contribution of the peoples of the Déise area to the growth of their adopted country of Canada and the strong historical and cultural connections between the South East of Ireland, and Newfoundland and Labrador’.

The Coast of Labrador by Seán Keane will be available on iTunes at the end of June.

Protobaby release their eagerly anticipated new single ‘From The Start’ on June 23rd

‘From the Start’ is the band’s first brand new release since the their second album ‘Cosmic Heart’ (2016) which followed the release of 2012’s very well received debut ‘The Spark’. Having recently recruited a new bass player in Dane Staunton, Protobaby have been busy writing and recording new material. The first release from these sessions is ‘From The Start’ a brooding, epic sounding look at the taste of success and how it can all come crashing down. Mixed by the Grammy nominated Chris O Brien and Graham Murphy, at The Production Suite, Dublin.

The band expect to tour later this year to debut new material from these recording sessions and plan on releasing a new album in 2018.

Both ‘Cosmic Heart’ and ‘The Spark’ tours saw the band play all over Ireland, the UK and Europe, including appearances at numerous festivals, TV/radio appearances and even gracing the cover of a special edition of Hot Press Magazine!

Singles ‘Popstars’, ‘State of Affairs’, ‘Traditions’ (accompanying Video was banned by Youtube), ‘Fluorescent’ and ‘Only A Spark’ were featured in regular rotation on local and national radio stations.

Check protobaby.com for more info and updates!

Indie Folk musician Peco was better known as the former frontman of ‘Valentine Black’ who achieved a number of international successes by representing Ireland at Indie Week Canada and also having a song feature on US television series ‘Road Trip Nation’. Upon various other commitments and engagements by the band ‘Peco’ put a solo project he’d been keeping on the back burner to fruition and signed a management deal with ‘Live Loud Music’.

Since moving over to the label he has released one track ‘Safe Haven’ and toured both Ireland and the UK including playing the prestigious Edinburgh Folk Club. This year has also seen him reach the American Acoustic songwriting competition as a finalist with his track ‘Safe Haven’.

His newest track ‘Self Help – A Beginners Guide’ has already been described as ‘Talking Heads’ meets ‘Bob Dylan’ and has a more unique appealing style that stands out from current listenings. Peco has a way with lyrics that boarder musical poetry. This track has seen him go back to the studio with the full band this time, and is the first track to be released from his forthcoming EP ‘And So I Arrived At The Start’.

Recently he has opened for bands like ‘The Hothouse Flowers’, ‘Bunoscionn’ and ‘Roisin O’.

Folk Music covers a broad spectrum and even within Peco’s catalogue, he ranges from ballads, rock, pop and acoustic based songs. The first headline show in Dublin this year is coming on June 29th in Bello Bar Dublin.

He will be supported on the night by Indie Rocker label mates ‘The New Social’ and long time friend ‘Daniel Shiel’.

For more info check out Peco on the below links.

www.pecomusic.com

Twitter 

Facebook  

Soundcloud

Spotify

If there were any doubts that the Blizzards return was a definitive one, they’ve shattered them all. Between an 11 date sold out Back to Basics tour (where they returned to all of the Irish cities in which they originally built their following), an all-time high of Spotify plays, and brand new single “Show Me The Science”, the Mullingar five-piece have made it clear – they’re here to stay.

The Blizzards have partnered up again with producer Philip Magee (The Script, Kodaline) to create a synth-heavy, 80’s anthem. “Show Me The Science” is the fourth single from the band’s forthcoming album, due later this year.

The video, directed by Irish company Crooked Gentlemen, follows a dance crew of misfits as they challenge their rivals to a dance battle. “The upbeat, positive, high-energy song made our concept effortless: every aspect of the video reflects its energy, from the vibrant costumes to the ridiculous storyline, to our lead good guy character’s hair,” say Crooked Gentlemen. “You just can’t hear the song without dancing, so the focus of our story is exactly that: two gangs, passionate about dance aerobics.” Featuring a familiar face in Steve Gunn (Fair City), the video is the first to be released since the Blizzards return last year.

The Blizzards support the 1975 in Malahide Castle this Saturday, June 17.

www.facebook.com/theblizzardsIE
www.twitter.com/theblizzards
www.theblizzards.ie

June 17th – Malahide Castle, supporting the 1975
July 7th – Club Creation, Dungarvan
July 14th – Mallow Racecourse
July 15th – Castlecomer Festival, Kilkenny
August 4th – Minnie’s, Drumlish
August 5th – Le Cheile
August 12th – Revival Festival, Listowel

Garage-rockers Otherkin keep the hammer down with the release of their brand new single, entitled “REACT”, and confirmation that their much-anticipated debut album, called “OK”, will be released at the end of the summer. “REACT” out 16th June tees up album release – “OK” on 29th September – followed by full UK and European run of dates.

2017 has already been a whirlwind for the band, having completed two UK tours, one headline and one with The Amazons, in support of the blazing ‘Bad Advice’ single and video. Furthermore, the band have opened for Guns ‘N’ Roses at the legendary Slane Castle, made their Download debut at Castle Donington and kept the Otherkin flame burning in Holland and France. Just recently, they were championed by Metallica’s Lars Ulrich on his Beats1 radio show. The band are just back out on tour in the UK with punk-rock legends The Dead Kennedy’s.

“OK” was recorded in Ireland with David Prendergast, Jason Boland and the band at the controls. The tracks were mixed in London by Jolyon Thomas, best known for his work with Slaves and Royal Blood. Showing real commitment to their art, singer Luke and drummer Rob both had fresh “OK” tattoos committed to flesh for the album artwork.

“OK” is available for pre-order now here.

To support the release of the album, Otherkin will be out on tour as both special guests of INHEAVEN in the UK and headlining their own gigs in fifteen European countries.

OTHERKIN – “OK” album track listing:

Treat Me So Bad
Come On, Hello
Ay Ay
Feel It
‘89
Yeah, I Know

Enabler
Razorhead
Bad Advice
I Was Born
REACT
So So

“REACT” is released on Friday 16th June, impacting 4th August. The album “OK” will be released on Friday 29th September on vinyl (with poster insert) and CD, and will be available to pre-order from 16th June from Apple Music and all digital music platforms. Fans who pre-order will receive four instant grat tracks – “Ay Ay”, “Feel It”, “Bad Advice” and “REACT”.

Tour dates:

30th September – Think Tank, Newcastle, UK (with InHeaven)
1st October – King Tuts, Glasgow, UK (with InHeaven)
2nd October – Brundell Social, Leeds, UK (with InHeaven)
4th October – The Plug, Sheffield, UK (with InHeaven)
5th October – Sugarmill, Stoke-On-Trent, UK (with InHeaven)
6th October – Buyers Club, Liverpool, UK (with InHeaven)
9th October – Mama Roux’s, Birmingham, UK (with InHeaven)

22nd October – Deaf Institute, Manchester, UK
23rd October – Crofters Rights, Bristol, UK
24th October – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, UK
25th October – Face Bar, Reading, UK
26th October – Camden Assembly, London, UK
28th October – Forum Basement, Tunbridge Wells, UK
29th October – Hope & Ruin, Brighton, UK
31st October – Rotown, Rotterdam, Netherlands
1st November – Witloof Bar, Brussels, Belgium
2nd November – MTC, Cologne, Germany
3rd November – Sugar Factory, Amsterdam, Netherlands
4th November – Vera, Groningen, Netherlands
6th November – Ideal Bar, Copenhagen, Denmark
7th November – Molotow Sky Bar, Hamburg, Germany
8th November – Musik & Frieden, Berlin, Germany
10th November – Cafe V Lese, Prague, Czech Republic
11th November – Chelsea, Vienna, Austria
12th November – Durer Kert, Budapest, Hungary
13th November – Daos Club, Timisoara, Romania
15th November – Feedback, Nils, Serbia
16th November – Hamam, Pristina, Kosovo
18th November – Stroeja, Sofia, Bulgaria
19th November – Elektropionir, Belgrade, Serbia
20th November – Firchie Think Tank Studio, Novi Sad, Serbia
22nd November – Hangar Bar, Izola, Slovenia
23rd November – Kranhalle, Munich, Germany
24th November – Gonzo, Zurich, Switzerland
25th November – Legend Live Club, Milan, Italy
28th November – Siroco, Madrid, Spain
29th November – Razmataz 3, Barcelona, Spain
1st December – Le Cargo, Arles, France
2nd December – Mecanique Ondulatoire, Paris, France
15th December – Button Factory, Dublin, Ireland

OTHERKIN are:

Luke Reilly – lead vocals, guitar
Conor Wynne – lead guitar
David Anthony – bass guitar
Rob Summons – drums

Dublin Alt Rockers The Stoles are delighted to announce the release of their new single “Evelyn”, taken from the band’s upcoming debut album “AGE OF DECEPTION” released on iTunes, Spotify and other major online stores on July 21st 2017 and through selected stores nationwide at a later stage.

The track was written by The Stoles and recorded at Red Lake recording studio, mixed by Peter Rice and mastered by Masterlabs; Artwork by Massimiliano Veltri.

The Stoles are a Dublin based alternative indie rock band consisting of three members:
Antonio: Vocals / Bass Andrea: Guitar / Vocals Ciaran: Drums / Vocals

Having come off a very successful run of gigs playing at some of Ireland’s best indie music festivals throughout the summer of 2015 and 2016, The Stoles launched straight into writing and creating their debut album. The process of writing an album has seen the band explore and hone their sound more than ever before.

The Stoles debut album is due to be released in 2017 on Spectra Records with a number of gig dates throughout Ireland and Europe to follow after the album’s release in 2017 and 2018.

In support of the release the band also announced a string of gigs for the month of July:

07/07 – FIBBER MAGGES (DUBLIN)
08/07 – MCPHAILS (DROGHEDA)
15/07 – GALWAY FRINGE FESTIVAL
22/07 – WHELANS (DUBLIN)
29/07 – GARBOS (CASTLEBAR)

‘They make an impressively complex noise for a three piece, funneling a broad range of influences into an alternative rock template…’ – Marky Edison, Muso’s Guide

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/thestoles
Website: www.thestoles.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thestoles
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thestoles
YouTube: www.youtube.com/THESTOLESBAND