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Month: November 2018

ELKAE to Release ‘Sold’

Electronic soul artist ELKAE releases debut single ‘Sold‘ November 9th, launching in The Sound House November 16th with support from Claire Z and Baba.

Having already gained national radio attention (SPIN 103.8, 98Fm), ELKAE’s debut single ‘Sold’ is set to live up to the hype that’s already been surrounding it. A soulful ‘Chic’ like chorus is modernized by striking synths, vocoders and samples, the electronic sound the worlds been going mad for – to make ‘Sold’ a perfect mix of old school goodness and what’s happening right now! ‘Sold’ is a playful take on a first date with a girl who wasn’t yet out of the closet!

Fresh off the Body & Soul and ArtLot stage at this years Electric Picnic, ELKAE is set to release the first of many singles to come over the next year! Most recently ELKAE’s ‘Sold’ has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the IMRO Christie Hennessy song writing competition taking place in November.

Having just been picked as SPIN 103.8’s “One To Watch”, ELKAE and her band of fellow BIMM graduates are ready to take the stage on November 16th at The Sound House, a week after the song goes live across all platforms on November 9th.

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Joe Chester to Release ‘She Darks Me’ in January

‘She Darks Me’ is the lost album by Joe Chester, one of our finest songwriters, virtually unheard since it’s original recording. Written during stolen moments in between collaborations in L.A with Gemma Hayes and touring with The Waterboys, the ten track collection is perhaps the most melodic and liberating of Joe’s releases. Fewer overdubs and making courageous use of first takes where possible informed Joe’s renowned signature production style from that point on. A stellar range of musicians participated where opportunities to record could be grabbed, whether on the road with Steve Wickham and Trevor Hutchinson or on Willie Nelson’s tour bus with Mickey Raphael (Harmonica – Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris). The recordings have been recovered from the archives and given a masterful updated sheen by Joe from his self-built studio near his home in the south of France.

‘She Darks Me’ is set for release on Friday 25 Jan 2019.

James Cramer Shares Latest Single

James Cramer announces the release of a new song from his forthcoming album. The song called ‘Let Me Do Good’ is an epic song accompanied by a powerful video shot in Mexico City by filmmakers David Montuy and Pablo Leon.

David says: “When James asked me to make a short film inspired on the song, he knew I had to speak from a very personal point of view. Choosing to get it filmed in my hometown was a key element to it. And after spending some time away from home, I was able to spot some things that make Mexico City such a fascinating place”.

Previous single ‘My World Again’ is a stunning piano driven ballad and was used in season two of the Canadian CBC network show ‘Hello Goodbye’. James has played shows in Ireland and the USA and continues to work on his album scheduled for release in March/April 2019.

Clare O’Riordan Releases ‘On the Streets’ in aid of Cork Simon Community

On Friday 9th November, Cork singer-songwriter Clare O’Riordan will digitally release her charity single ‘On the Streets’ in aid of Cork Simon Community. To celebrate the single launch a special fundraising gig will follow on Saturday the 24th November at 9.30pm in An Spailpín Fánach, Cork City.  All proceeds from the sale of the digital downloads and from the fundraiser gig will go directly to Cork Simon Community.

The song ‘On the Streets’ forms part of a collection of Clare’s dramatic new music she recorded in the States with producer Jon Evans of Brick Hill Studios, Orleans, Massachusetts, USA. Described by Clare as a meditation on homelessness, the song is conversely uplifting as it reflects on the value of human dignity and advocates empathy for those who suffer amongst us on our streets. With a soaring vocal, reminiscent at times of Janis Joplin, Clare gives a powerful voice to the unspoken thoughts and feelings a homeless person may have. “My world is breaking is the love you are making not going to save a soul like me / I lying here shaking in the time you’re not taking and so our world will be, hiding empathy” (Lyrics, ‘On the Streets’).

Speaking about her new single Clare said: “I’m delighted to be able to help Cork Simon Community raise funds for homelessness in Cork and hope that my song ‘On the Streets’ will further enhance more awareness of this pressing issue. I was inspired to write this song after I saw an elderly homeless man on the streets of Cork city. His image and vulnerability stayed with me and as I wondered about his life story and what he might say this song came to me.”

Following Clare’s 2014 “exquisite debut ‘Shelter’” (Colm O’Hare, Hot Press) Clare is set to release her new album ‘Outside’ early next year which will include the single ‘On the Streets’. Speaking about her new music, Clare said: “Capturing the energy and passion of a live performance and broadening my musical sound was central to my approach. Like ‘On the Streets’ the songs can be haunting yet joyous, intense yet playful, passionate yet sensuous. They are songs that examine the polar opposites of life with cinematic clarity and beauty.

‘On The Streets’ the new charity single release is available in digital format from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon and from her website store clareoriordan.com from Friday the 9th of November 2018.

Upcoming Gigs:

Clare O’Riordan, ‘On the Streets’ Single Launch – Fundraiser Gig,  Saturday 24th November, 9.30pm, An Spailpín Fánach, South Main Street, Cork City

Web: www.clareoriordan.com
Fb: clareoriordanmusic
T:  @clareoriordan1

Badhands to Release Debut Album this Week

Badhands is the musical project of Dublin songwriter and musician Dan Fitzpatrick. His recently completed debut album, entitled ‘Predictable Boy’, began as a collaboration with producer and bass player Tom Cosgrave (The Minutes), then quickly evolved in to a more expansive project with the enlistment of multi-instrumentalist Aoife Ruth, drummer Ken Mooney, and engineer Chris Barry. The end result is a collection of vivid, textured songs that range in tone between dark and brooding to frantic and energetic, with moments of genuine euphoria weaved in to the mix, echoing at times the likes of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Leonard Cohen, Arcade Fire and Villagers.  With a strong focus on lyrics and vocals the album explores themes such as laziness, loneliness, loss and madness. The record is beautifully intimate but also has an accessibility that will quickly capture the imagination of the listener. 

‘Predictable Boy’ marks Fitzpatrick’s first venture as a solo artist, having previously worked as a musician and songwriter for years with the likes of The Mighty Stef, The Last Tycoons, Paddy Hanna and Maud in Cahoots. The album is set for release on November 9th 2018 with  a Dublin launch show at The Workmans Club on November 17th and a nationwide tour.

Badhands’ debut single ‘Waves’ was released in November 2017, and was soon followed by an impressive run of live gigs, namely a performance at the Whelans Ones to Watch festival, a packed headline show in The Workmans Club, and a sold out gig at Vicar Street supporting Michael McDonald.

Tour Dates:

November 16th – Bennigans, Derry
November 17th – The Workmans Club, Dublin
November 22nd – The Roisin Dubh, Galway
November 24th – Broken Home, Newbridge
December 7th – Pharmacia, Limerick
Plus More TBA

Gemma Bradley Announced as Winner of IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition

Singer-songwriter Gemma Bradley, originally from Derry but now based in Dublin, was crowned the winner of the 8th annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition with her song ‘Berserk’.

The live final took place on Saturday, 3rd November at The Ashe Hotel, Tralee, with a special guest performance from songwriter Don Mescall who was joined by Stella Parton. Ten finalists were selected from just under 300 entries from across Ireland and beyond to perform their original song in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges.

Speaking at the announcement of the winner Gemma said: “I am so thrilled to be named the winner of this year’s Christie Hennessy Song Competition – I still can’t believe it! Thanks so much to the judges for selecting me. It’s been such a surreal experience, the level of talent there was amazing! Just so thrilled!

Gemma was presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of CARA Credit Union. London and Donegal native Leila Jane received €300 as a worthy runner-up for her Franz Kafka inspired song ‘Look Away From Our Creation’.

The competition which is a tribute to one of Tralee’s most famous sons received almost 300 entries from across Ireland and beyond. Now in its eighth year, the competition has grown in stature over the years to become one of Ireland’s leading song competitions and continues to attract a high calibre of songwriters from Ireland and overseas, covering a broad range of musical genres. Previous winners have included Paul McDonnell, Dave Molloy, Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly/Christine Deady, Míde Houlihan & Katie O’Connor and Curtis Walsh.

https://www.facebook.com/GemmaBradleyMusic/
https://www.facebook.com/LeilaJaneMusic/

Photo: Joe Hanley

It’s Back | Other Voices Dingle 2018

Following a glorious Autumn stopover in Ballina, Co, Mayo, Other Voices journeys home to Dingle, Co. Kerry for a beautiful winter weekend of music, song and story from November 30th, 2018.

The IMRO Other Room will showcase six of Ireland’s most exciting new acts, filmed for the 2019 TV series in front of a live audience. Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive said: “Other Voices has a long tradition of presenting the very best in musical talent from these shores and further afield and IMRO is delighted to once again play a part in bringing this iconic show to our screens. The IMRO Other Room opens a door each year to some of our finest emerging songwriters and performers and we look forward to shining a light on this wonderful talent”. Those selected for the IMRO Other Room this year are Kitt Philippa, Columbia Mills, I Have A Tribe, Mango & Mathman and Kojaque.

The final performance slot at the IMRO Other Room will be decided by the public through the IMRO Other Voices Open Call with RTÉ 2FM. Details of the Open Call were announced on the Tracy Clifford Show and submissions are now welcomed from artists and performers of all genres until midnight on Sunday November 11th. See www.othervoices.ie for details. Artists who submitted through the Open Call for Other Voices Ballina earlier this summer will automatically be entered for consideration and do not need to re-apply. A shortlist of artists will be curated by music and music media professionals and this shortlist will be announced on the Tracy Clifford Show in mid-November, when music fans can choose their favourite track from the selection published on the RTÉ 2FM website. The artist with the most public support will be the nominated Listener’s Choice and will be invited to take the final place on the IMRO Other Room line-up at Other Voices in Dingle, which takes places on Saturday 1st December and will be filmed and broadcast as part of the 2019 Other Voices TV series on RTÉ Two early next year. For details, terms and conditions, please see www.othervoices.ie

With the success of the Hennessy Sound Lounge this summer, Other Voices are delighted to welcome Hennessy as partner on this year’s Music Trail, featuring more than 35 artists performing across 12 venues throughout the weekend. The first slew of acts confirmed for the Hennessy Other Voices Music Trail include Irish/French dream-pop purveyors A Ritual Sea, Galway experimental electro producer Daithi and Elma Orkestra, the new project from Derry multi-instrumentalist Eoin O’Callaghan. Galway native Grainne Cotter will offer up her stunning alt-pop-blues sound, while Cork’s Happyalone will slake hearts and minds with their blissful sonic textures. Catch Kerry experimental folk singer Junior Brother, shoegazing Dundalk rock revivalists Just Mustard, avant-garde Dublin folksters Pine The Pilcrow and Dublin rock band Silverbacks. Irish-Nordic group Slow Moving Clouds promise post punk drones, baroque strings and soaring falsettos, while Kildare’s Tebi Rex brings Irish hip-hop to a whole new level. Other Voices pilgrims will get up close and personal with Derry politico-punks The Wood Burning Savages, Cork electronic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Trick Mist and the hugely talented Dublin producer and vocalist Wastefellow. Many more Hennessy Other Voices Music Trail artists will be announced shortly. Festival goers can enjoy Hennessy Very Special and Ginger across the weekend in Music Trail venues.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Elaine Cullen, Market Development Manager Moet Hennessy Ireland, said: Hennessy has been a long-time supporter and nurturer of Irish cultural talent. As with any brand partnership, real results come from authentic collaborations. Other Voices has always identified and supported new Irish music talent, from Damien Rice to Saint Sister more recently. We feel there is a true synergy between Hennessy and Other Voices and look forward to working together to craft, and enjoy, a Hennessy Other Voices Music Trail filled with exciting voices and memorable moments.”

This December, over 100 gigs and talks will take place over three days in Dingle. This year, Other Voices are introducing a registration charge of €30 + booking fee (€10 per day). By registering for Other Voices, music fans will be ensuring that Other Voices returns to Dingle for another year of magic. While there are some sponsors on board, it only part-funds the weekend. This registration fee will go towards ensuring an event that meets the highest standards for all attendees. To register and purchase wristbands, log on to www.eventbrite.ie. All attendees who register in advance will have their names entered into draws to win tickets to St. James’ Church, signed Other Voices posters, tickets for Ireland’s Edge, Other Voices merchandise and much more. Gigs in An Diseart, An Chonair, Nellie Fred’s and McCarthy’s will only be accessible to those who have registered and collected their wristband in the Other Voices Hub.

Running as a distinct strand alongside Other Voices, the culture and creativity series Ireland’s Edge will take place on November 30th and December 1st at the Dingle Skellig Hotel. Ireland’s Edge – Áit / Place will look at the theme of place, our personal and collective idea of identity and home, and how social, political and environmental change can disturb, disrupt and dismantle our understanding of what ‘place’ means. These themes will be examined in the company of an engaged, curious audience, and panels of thinkers, policy makers, innovators, commentators and artists. The two-day event will feature contributions from Ciarán Devane, British Council CEO and Chairperson Designate of the HSE, Carole Cadwalladr, Journalist at The Observer and 2018 Orwell Prize recipient, Professor John Naughton, Author, Internet Historian and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH) at University of Cambridge, H.E. Mrs. Deike Potzel, German Ambassador to Ireland, Billy Mag Fhloinn, Performance Artist, Folklorist, Musician and many more. Tickets for Ireland’s Edge – Áit / Place are priced €15 and available now at www.eventbrite.ie. For more information see www.irelandsedge.net

With a truck load of musical delights for St. James’ Church yet to be announced, not to mention the return of Music Trail West, Banter, After Dark, art exhibitions, DJ sets, live radio broadcasts and more, Other Voices Dingle 2018 is set to be the ultimate end of year gathering.

Other Voices Dingle 2018 is made possible with the support and partnership of RTÉ, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Kerry County Council, Hennessy, IMRO and Fáilte Ireland.

www.othervoices.ie

@OtherVoicesLive / @OtherVoices / #OtherVoices

Sean & Conor Price Release Latest Single ‘Obession’

Sean (18) and his brother Conor (16) are from Blessington in County Wicklow and appeared on X Factor 2017. They started busking on Grafton Street in Dublin, famous for it’s busking, from the ages of 11 and 13 and shared their songs with the crowds. In 2016 the brothers released their debut EP called ‘Change’. There are four original songs on the EP, which went to number 9 in the Irish album charts.

Their first audition on X Factor 2017 was in Edinburgh and they chose to sing Jimi Hendrix / Bob Dylan classic ‘All Along the Watchtower’. But it was not a straight cover – with the brothers bursting into a rap in between the famous chorus. The busking brothers blew away the judges with their modern rendition of ‘All Along the Watchtower’, complete with a funky rap. After a huge applause, Simon Cowell told the duo: “This is probably one of the best auditions we’ve had. I’m going to say something to you guys – I don’t want to change a single thing from what I saw and heard today.”

This audition has proved to be the 3rd most watch video on YouTube in Ireland during 2017. Their journey on the live shows brought them through three rounds and then into the quarterfinals where they journey finished, earning them a spot in the top 10.

Since X Factor, Sean and Conor have released 3 singles: ‘Be Like You’, ‘Get Lost’ and ‘Quit’, each reaching number 1 in the Irish iTunes Charts. Their new track ‘Obsession’ is the current radio single.

Over the summer, Sean and Conor performed a SOLD OUT headline tour of Ireland in 10 of the most infamous venues including Dublin’s Vicar Street, The INEC Killarney, Millennium Forum in Derry and Ulster Hall in Belfast. In Oct and November they bring their Tour to the UK with shows in London and Manchester. They have just announced a Dublin date in The Helix on Dec 28th. Tickets go on sale today Nov 2nd.

They have just announced a Dublin date in The Helix on 28th December. Tickets are on sale now available from: https://thehelix.ie/what-s-on/all-events/sean-conor-price/

Their new mini album, ‘Dreamer’ just went straight in at #8 in the National Irish Charts.

Online links:

Instagram:  @sean_and_conor_price_music
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SeanandConorPrice/
Twitter: @sean_conorprice
YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCuR9dpCWielxBkXMk-GQNpw

Gemma Bradley Releases ‘Hollow Heartbeat’

The sensational contemporary R&B, pop-singer starlet, Gemma Bradley, continues to develop her career in music with the enchanting and seductive new single ‘Hollow Heartbeat’.

Returning to the spotlight after the buzz generated by debut single ‘Berserk’, armed with her hypnotically catchy new single ‘Hollow Heartbeat’, Gemma has wasted no time in adding to her impressive repertoire to delight her eager and ever-expanding following. Leading the way for the next-generation of Pop superstars, the 22-year-old Dublin-based songstress has already garnered a reputation as the saviour of authentic female pop stars.

Inaugurated in the highly talented and competitive Dublin music scene, Gemma has already established herself as the most talented, touted and talked about young musician on the circuit.

Emotional, passionate and beautifully written, ‘Hollow Heartbeat’ is suffused with the signature sounds associated with Gemma’s work; a mature and intelligent song-writing craftmanship combined with catchy ear-worms and melodic hooks that reverberate and echo in your sub-conscious, all under-pinned with a mesmerising voice with enough hidden power to halt a high-speed train.

Gemma is an artist who creates a unique eclectic sound. Unapologetically embracing her favourite aspects of pop music and then meshing them with the finest, hand-picked sound from R&B and Soul music, Gemma offers her own brand of sweet and delicious Pick & Mix Pop songs to thrill fans and critics alike. Taking inspiration from her mother’s record collection, including the iconic vocal prowess of Amy Winehouse, the distinguished rhythms of Bob Marley and the avant-garde creativity of Izzy Bizu, Gemma has created her own style of authentic, contemporary pop music.

Born in England and raised in the Sperrin Mountains in County Derry, Gemma’s song-writing artistry has developed at break-neck-speed since childhood. After working with Folk musicians throughout her youth, Gemma understands how fantastical and engaging stories can unfold in a few verses. Gemma’s raconteur skills are at the core of her song-writing. Each track paints a vivid picture. Gemma’s delightfully delicate and whimsical songs earnt her a place at the prestigious BIMM Institute in Dublin where she continues to hone her craft.

At the tender age of fifteen Gemma’s talents caught the eye of promoter Paddy Glasgow who then booked the young singer for her first major festival slot. After passing her baptism of fire with flying colours, Gemma has since been featured on the Other Voices programme and was a contender at the Big Music Project in London. Her distinctive sound has piqued the interest of a number of radio DJs as far away as WPPM in Philadelphia as well as several slots on BBC Introducing and RTE shows. Star-studded song-writing partnerships with Derry musician Paddy Nash led to the song reaching Irish-Folk legend Christy Moore who was just as quick to stamp his approval to the legions of fans screaming Gemma’s praises.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GemmaBradleyMusic/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gemma_Bradley_

Spotify: http://bit.do/Berserk

Lisa Lambe Releases ‘These Eyes’

Lisa Lambe, described by The Irish Times as “The finest singer and actress of her generation,” has just released her new single ‘These Eyes’ – available across all digital platforms now – the new version of the Guess Who classic is the follow up to her original single ‘Beautiful Thing’ .

One of Ireland’s most sought-after performers, Lisa Lambe is on the brink of her first world-wide album release having signed a worldwide deal with US label Blue Elan Records. Lisa is recording her new album in December in Ireland  with noted Irish producer/ mixer/ engineer and musician Karl Odlum. Blue Elan will release the album in the late Spring of 2019 (distributed by Rough Trade in Europe /U.K. & by Orchard throughout the rest of the world).

After graduating Trinity College, Dublin, with distinction as an actor, Lisa created many critically acclaimed performances. She regularly plays leading roles in both classic and contemporary productions with Ireland’s National Theatre, the Abbey, as well as with independent theatres and theatre companies throughout Ireland, including The Gate, Rough Magic, Landmark, and Theatre Lovett. Lisa has been part of the Irish National Theatre; The Abbey Theatre’s 2018 Programme performing in “Unmanageable Sisters” and, in the summer of 2018, in the smash hit, “Jimmy’s Hall.”

On radio and television, she performs often on RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcasting station and TG4, an Irish national television station. Lisa performs regularly at home with RTÉ Concert Orchestra and internationally with different bands and orchestras in world famous venues, including Radio City in New York, Nokia Live in Los Angeles, Red Rocks, Colorado, and the Glastonbury Irish Arts Centre in New York and Paris.

Lisa’s self-released first solo album ‘Hiding Away’ was recorded in Nashville to great critical acclaim. The Independent noted: “Whatever the guise, it would be hard to forget the talented singer & actress”  The Irish Times said, “Lambe’s voice is bright, warm, and supple , she has a voice of pure Gold.”  Other strong reviews followed with Hot Press saying, “Lambe’s voice is sumptuous and shines brightly,” RTE describing Lisa as a “National Treasure” .

Lisa’s recent live performances have been at Glastonbury, Ireland, Sitges, Spain, Rockwell New York, Irish Arts Centre New York, The Pentagon US, Vicar Street Dublin, Croke Park, Trafalgar Square London, Whelan’s Dublin, Electric Ballroom Camden, Evening Muse in Charlotte, Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, Ellis Island, the Irish President’s residence Áras an Uachtaráin, and Ireland’s internationally acclaimed Galway Arts Festival. She has recently collaborated and performed with artists including Paul Brady, Horslips , Colin Devlin, Hothouse Flowers, Gabe Dixon, Steve Wickham & No Crows, Celtic Woman (lead singer -3 years), Declan O’Rourke, Mark Geary, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, John Sheahan, Eddi Reader, Peter Bradley Adams, Jack O’Rourke, Mundy and many more.

Lisa Lambe’s  new single ‘These Eyes’ is available across all digital platforms now.

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