Month: June 2020

Today, Joe Chester releases ‘Somewhere Between Oblivion And Bliss’, the third single from his recent critically acclaimed ‘Jupiter’s Wife’ album.

Joe says, “Written during a long period of severe depression, when it wasn’t by any means a foregone conclusion that I’d make it. I got into the routine of walking down to the shoreline before dawn. Standing there, staring out to sea, I would sometimes feel as though I were standing on a precipice, suspended in the space between oblivion and bliss. A turning point came when I realised that this was not something to fear. That in life, sometimes we are the siren’s song and sometimes we are the shipwreck and that the one gives meaning to the other.”

The Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival, like many others has been cancelled but that did not stop the musicians and artists that were to participate in it coming together to celebrate the festival this year. It was a massive undertaking, but everyone came together with great enthusiasm for such a great project.

It was Bri Carr from Wild Atlantic Women Donegal & @Bri Carr Music that coordinated the collaboration and with the help of Kelli McGrory, Terry McGinty from Valley Studios and Sonia Nic Giolla Easbuig & Peter Jones from LIGID Léiriúcháin / LIGID TV Productions / An Baile.ie the online festival video came to life.

Following the fantastic response to the Wild Atlantic Women’s first lockdown music video ‘The Homes of Donegal’ featuring the breath-taking scenery of beautiful County Donegal within the original 2km lockdown limit, LIGID Léiriúcháin have challenged the artists in this production to produce their new home-videos within the 5km limit. They are looking forward to exploring more of the stunning County when the 20km phase comes!

You can also catch the Donegal sunset LIVE from the Donegal Gaeltacht every evening on Facebook at An Baile.ie

“While we may not be able to gather together in person this summer, the festival committee has worked hard with artists and partners to ensure the festival’s loyal local and international fan base can still enjoy the spirit of this beloved annual tradition and feel connected to the Rosses and its people.

Toward that end, we have produced a video that showcases many of the artists that would have performed at this year’s event. The featured song, naturally, is ‘Mary From Dungloe’ and features both Daniel and Margo O’Donnell as well as a host of local and international performers. The video is also an opportunity to show off the beauty of the area and the warmth of the people of Dungloe and is set against scenes of the Rosses and our very own Donegal Person of the Year 2019, Noel Cunningham, will also make an appearance.

Every artist is an individual artist in their own right, and to come together in a supportive, charismatic way adds charm and depth to our collaborations, concerts and music. We are extremely fortunate to have such an abundance of creativity and talent in our county and beyond.

We hope to reach the hearts and souls of our native Donegal folk, at home and abroad, with images of authenticity, real emotion, sights and scenery all on our front door steps. We have now proven that not only can we sing, or take mini music videos, but we can unite with one another in so many positive ways, even when we have to stay apart.

A massive thanks goes to all the musicians and artists who gave their time freely and sent in their beautiful videos from all over the world.

Sit back & enjoy.” – Mary from Dungloe 2020

From the bear’s lower back (Gorey, Ireland) emerges Foot Squeaker. Three Rock and Rollers with one rule: keep it hard, keep it fast. Formed in 2018, first show Summer 19′ with no boring filler and the crowd singing along instantly, first single NOW.

‘No Connection’ chugs harder than Thomas The Tank Engine racing down the tracks to save the day with toms and guitars beating your chin up and down, before ripping things open in the chorus.

‘No Connection’ was recorded in Hellfire Studios, Dublin, with Ivan Jackman (Chad Channing, Sinéad O’ Connor, Girlband) behind the desk. The band tracked live, just like it should be done. The song discusses how genetics do not always mean a guaranteed connection to the people in our lives.

The band left their houses at 5:30am on a recent Sunday morning to hit the streets of Gorey, within 2km of their houses, to shoot the video for ‘No Connection’. The deserted streets gave the perfect backdrop for the song.

When the live scene returns Foot Squeaker hope to share the stage with some of their favourite Irish rockers: Fangclub, Bitch Falcon, Thumper and Fontaines DC to name a few.

Sisters and multi-instrumentalists Méabh & Mella Carron formed their namesake band CARRON as a healing project during a period of extensive hospital treatment. They released their number 1 charting EP ‘Roots’ to rave reviews (Pure M, TLMT, Hot Press), along with follow-up singles ‘Prison Robes,’ ‘Battle Lines’, ‘Even Sad Birds Sing’ and ‘Numb’ which received extensive Irish airplay across 2FM, 98FM, 2XM, Dublin City FM, KCLR, Northern Sound and more. Starting out, CARRON, were pinned by Jim Carroll of The Irish Times as ‘ones to watch’ and have since performed sold out shows at music venues all over Ireland including Whelans, The Grand Social, Monroes, Dolans, The Sugar Club. Their most significant festival appearance was performing the Salty Dog stage at Electric Picnic last year.

Their new single ‘She’s Fire’ is a reworking of track 3 on their EP ‘Roots’, and was remixed by Richey McCourt. The song describes a pivotal point in the sisters’ adolescent lives. 

“We’ve always been really close but this track is about a time when things were really rocky. I think going through this rough patch brought us even closer and has played a role in the music we write together.” – Méabh, vocals + violinist.

“We love what Richey has done with this track. It’s given the song a new lease of life. It’s a reminder to us to try to stay positive during difficult times.” – Mella, vocals + piano

In their music and song-writing which they create along with best friend and guitarist Darragh McGrath, they aim to create a sense of one united female voice that is amplified by the strength of their sibling bond, to blend impeccable harmonies through shared blood, and to subtly nod toward their Irish heritage and backgrounds in musical theatre whilst maintaining a contemporary and powerful sound. 

With new music collaborations in production from their home during uncertain times,  you can expect to hear some more quirky tunes from CARRON this summer! 

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In uncertain times, there is one thing you can rely on…Aslan to make great music! Set for release on June 17th, Aslan’s brand new single ‘Hold On’ is a perfect tribute for the times we are in. Life and what it means is at its core. 

Christy, Joe, Billy, Alan and Rod were due to release this beautiful single earlier this year. A certain pandemic changed plans but the band felt the time is right to put this new music out to the world. ‘Hold On’ is a sweeping ballad of love, life and hope, it has Aslan’s anthemic sound in bucket loads!

Twenty six years ago a song called ‘Crazy World’ was released. How could we imagine its resonance over the last few months. Now it’s time for them to write a new chapter, ‘Hold On’…

Aslan have a series of rescheduled shows for 2021:

JANUARY 23rd Black Box, Galway
FEBRUARY 6th Amber Springs, Wexford
MARCH 16th Olympia, Dublin
APRIL 23rd Theatre Royal, Waterford
MAY 1st Wild Roots Festival, Sligo & 2nd Rhythm and Sticks, Kilkenny
JUNE 25th Teconnaught Festival Co.Down
JULY 16th Iveagh Gardens, Dublin

Irish singer/songwriter Eabha McMahon is currently writing and recording for her long awaited debut solo album which she will release under the name Ava. Her first single from the album is the self-written stunning ‘One More Day’.

Eabha has garnered world attention as principal vocalist with the renowned Irish Music collective Celtic Woman emerging as one of its most unique and outstanding talents.

At age sixteen she was invited to join Anuna, the acclaimed Irish choral group. who first came to world attention as part of the original Riverdance show. Hozier being one of many to have begun their singing career there. She became a prominent soloist during her time with Anuna.

Five years ago Eabha was asked to join Celtic Woman and has spent those years touring with them in over twenty countries across six continents. She got to make three television specials and five albums with this ensemble and was proud to receive her first ever Grammy nomination.

Following on from BARQ being one of 13 Irish acts in RTÉ 2FM’s 100 most played acts of 2016, Today FM’s PLAYIRISH Artist of The Week, as well as encouraging radio play on Newstalk, 8Radio, FM104, 98FM, Spin 103.8, Radio Nova, and many more – 2020 has gotten off to a bright start with ‘I’m Blaming You’ featuring on Audi’s current television and radio ad campaign, and previous singles ‘Not Touching (Can’t Get Mad)’ and ‘Thanks For The Night’ receiving over 600 plays on Irish radio since their release in February and April of this year.

For their upcoming single ‘Dive’ the combination of BARQ’s unique musical style with the skills of Diffusion Lab producer Marcin Ciszczon (Jafaris, Soulé, Mango x Mathman) has created a subtle but striking groove that brings to the fore the influence of modern R&B artists like Flying Lotus and Hiatus Kaiyote, with a nod to old school hip-hop in the style of J Dilla. 

“There is an air of inevitability about this band. An inevitability of success and fame. They are on an upward trajectory and keep getting better.” – JOE.ie

“Apowerful essence, layered with energetic sonics, haunting harmonies and lyrical deliveries that are cause for reflection” – Nialler9.com

Expect more music and more BARQ in your life over the coming months.

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Pearse McGloughlin returns with new single ‘Focus’ from his forthcoming fifth studio album ‘The Rest’. 

Always uplifting and atmospheric, pushing the boundaries of introspective storytelling, Pearse McGloughlin returns with his latest single ‘Focus’ which is released by Bluestack Records on June 3rd, 2020. 

“All that blossoms is not born in the black of winter.” 

Following his critically acclaimed The Soft Animal LP (“It has almost magical powers in the way that it pulls you in, creating something that’s utterly captivating and just so damn beautiful.” Record Of The Day) and recent releases (the ambient, instrumental collection ‘Glacial Side’ and the RTÉ Radio One play-listed ‘Betting Pool’), Pearse is once again joined by his band Nocturnes (Billy Donohue on keys and Enda Roche on percussion and guitars) on new single ‘Focus’. 

‘Focus’ is an evocation of dreamy summer evenings and red-eyed mornings that harken back to times that now seem distant, nurturing a hopeful air for a future when the current challenges of life are overcome. 

‘Focus’ is out June 3rd and will feature on Pearse’s forthcoming LP ‘The Rest’ (due for release September 9th, 2020). 

For more visit pearsemcgloughlin.com 

Bandcamp: https://pearsemcgloughlin.bandcamp.com/track/focus-2 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3dTXcyX
Apple Music: https://apple.co/3epLNqM
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/10851889 

Links to Pearse McGloughlin & Nocturnes: 
Official Website: pearsemcgloughlin.com
Facebook: facebook.com/sweetnocturnes
Twitter: twitter.com/sweetnocturnes
Bandcamp: pearsemcgloughlin.bandcamp.com
Youtube: youtube.com/user/sarkyp 

Netgigs are pleased to announce an exclusive online streamed live gig with Liam Ó Maonlaí, a founding member of Hothouse Flowers on June 13th 2020! Join Liam as he takes you on a musical journey in an intimate setting, playing all your favourites from his catalogue of global hits. Grab a glass of wine, relax in the comfort of your living room, and join the live chat while you enjoy Liam performing your favourite songs.

Liam’s foundation in music comes first from his mother and father.

Says Liam – “My mother’s people were all piano players. My father could make you cry with a song.”

Netgigs are thrilled to be the platform to host Liam’s exclusive online gig to his fans all over the world on June 13th at 8pm GMT for just €9.99. Link to purchase tickets here: https://netgigs.com/liam-o-maonlai

Liam found a path in life when he started playing the indigenous music of his home country. At the age of nine, he found himself in different towns by virtue of the strength in his whistle and bodhrán playing and his style of singing known as ‘Sean Nós’.

His traditional music continues to take a place at the centre of his expression but he is a lover of blues, soul, gospel, country, punk rock and folk. All captured in his beautiful live performances. 

Liam continues: “Our style of singing is about taking the pain of the people, of your neighbours and yourself, and making beauty out of it to get you through. Blues is also this. I play to soothe myself first. When I reach that feeling, that feeling travels if it’s own will.“

His solo shows reflect the fluctuations of time and change. The story evolves as the show moves and we travel back and forth in time and place. On his Netgigs live show, Liam will also perform the Band’s greatest hits.

For more information see: www.netgigs.com & https://www.liamomaonlai.ie

Netgigs was established to assist artists through these uncertain economic times. Proceeds go directly to the artist and rights holders.

LIVE STREAM START TIMES

UK/Ireland – 13th June – 8pm
USA – Hawaii – 13th June – 10am
USA – Alaska – 13th June – 12pm
USA – Pacific – 13th June – 1pm
USA – Mountain – 13th June – 2pm
USA – Central – 13th June – 3pm
USA – Eastern – 13th June – 4pm
Australia – AEST – 14th June – 7am
Australia – ACST- 14th June – 6.30am
Australia – AWST – 14th June – 4am
New Zealand – 14th June – 9am

Link to purchase tickets here: https://netgigs.com/liam-o-maonlai 

and here: https://secure.tickets.ie/Listing/EventInformation/41197/liam-%C3%B3-maonla%C3%AD-liams-house-13-June-2020