Month: June 2020

Double Bassist Caimin Gilmore (Crash Ensemble, Stargaze, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, RTÉ Symphony Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra) commissioned Linda Buckley, Benedict Schlepper-Connolly, Sam Perkin and Nick Roth – four of Ireland’s most distinctive and vital young composers – to write four new Double Bass works using funds from the Arts Council of Ireland, Cork City Council Arts Office, and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The pieces were first performed live at the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, as part of Quiet Lights Festival, on November 23^rd 2019.

As part of The Arts Council of Ireland’s Covid-19 Crisis Response Award, to provide access for the public to art during the period of COVID-19 isolation, Caimin is releasing video premieres of each composers’ work on his YouTube Channel, every Thursday night in June, at 20:30 (IST). Culminating in the release of the live EP, ‘String Ogham’, on June 25^th.

‘Seancheann’ by Linda Buckley for Double Bass and Tape, premiered on June 11^th and available to watch now: https://youtu.be/Lsif8y9_7dg

Speaking about her piece, Linda says: “The pull of the homeland is strong, and especially when one comes from such a special place as the Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork.

Knowing that the premiere of Seancheann (Old Head) would be in Cork, I wanted to pay homage to where I come from. The sense of connectedness somehow grows when away – first in New York, and now in Scotland. I also wanted to explore a gentle side to the double bass, and envelop the listener in immersive sound.”

The pre-recorded live video performance is followed by composer interviews with Billy (age 5), his pal Ben (age 12) and Kate Ellis (Artistic Director Crash Ensemble).

Billy (age 5) plays trumpet. Ben (age 12) is Billy’s pal. He also plays trumpet and has a flare for philosophy. They both like engines and lamps. The two boys conducted four interviews via online video conferencing as part of the project, to have a bit of fun with the composers, ask them about their pieces, play them some trumpet, and have more happy ramblings. The interviews were carried out with help from Kate Ellis, Artistic Director of Crash Ensemble, Ireland’s Foremost Contemporary Music Ensemble.

The ‘String Ogham’ series opened last week with a piece by Sam Perkin, titled ‘<3’.  This uplifting track features Caimin Gilmore on Double Bass, Kate Ellis on Cello, and a tape recording. Listen back to hear the unrestrained joy of children giggling – made into music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7KvczfrGDI

Series trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GntBCbm65YY

Watch Double Bassist Caimin Gilmore, perform four new Double Bass works, with composer interviews from Billy (age 5), his pal Ben (age 12) and Kate Ellis (Crash Ensemble Artistic Director), as part of The Arts Council/ An Chomhairle Ealaíon Covid 19 Crisis Response Award, every Thursday at 20:30. Up next in the series: Benedict Schlepper-Connolly’s ‘Blackberry’ on June 18^th and Nick Roth’s ‘Arris’ on June 25^th, via Caimin’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMLu7EfNZBv3bmcIlx1-evQ

Dublin based dance/pop artist Butler has just released his eagerly awaited second single, the sensational summer anthem ‘Colours Of Love’, with Afro/Irish singer J Bols. Primed to become the sound of the summer, it is sure to become a dance floor staple. 

Delivering a perfect slice of radio-ready dance/pop, ‘Colours Of Love’ has a truly international feel that combines Afrobeat elements with huge pop and dance hooks.

Speaking of ‘Colours Of Love’ Butler said: “This song will instantly make you smile, I think it’s infectious and made for the summertime. I can’t wait for people to hear it.“

Butler is the brainchild of award winning singer/performer Luke Thomas, whose electrifying new project has allowed him to explore his more commercially creative side. ‘Colours Of Love’ sees him teaming up with fellow artist J Bols to create the ultimate summer bop.

‘Colours Of Love’ the brand new single from Butler and J Bols is out now, across all digital platforms.

https://www.instagram.com/butler_music/
https://www.facebook.com/ButlerMusic1/
Butler (@ButlerMusic1) on Twitter

Pillow Queens have announced their debut album ‘In Waiting’ for September 25th via Pillow Queens Records. Their single and latest video, ‘Handsome Wife’ are out today.

When Pillow Queens announced themselves in late 2019 with the soaring single ‘Brothers’, their bruising interpretation of mourning for a lost loved one immediately caught widespread attention. Channelling wrought emotion through a sea of 90s grunge and indie-rock sounds, the four-piece forge a powerful noise that is all their own – but meant for everyone. Pillow Queens offer a cathartic experience filled with camaraderie and solidarity.

Inclusivity, choice, and togetherness are just some words that chime loudly with Pillow Queens, and today’s new single ‘Handsome Wife’ arrives at a time when those words have rarely had more impact.

In a physically, and morally, divided world ‘Handsome Wife’ looks at the importance of life’s often underappreciated moments, as the band explains: “’Handsome Wife’ begins with a glimpse into an emotional homecoming, one that intensifies and romanticises the seemingly insignificant. Throughout, the mundane but tender moments are held up and deified, paying reverence to the ease in which a love can thrive outside the realms of tradition. The song continuously references structures and rituals that were once out of reach, but are now within our grasp. In spite of this Handsome Wife affirms that they pale in comparison to the communities we’ve built ourselves.”

Events currently taking place throughout the world only serve to stoke a fire under the likes of Pillow Queens, who find themselves continually inspired by a Dublin that is no stranger to fighting social injustice. Street artists, fashion designers, musicians, film makers and more comprise a scene which routinely champions queerness and marginalized groups, and engages with and activates young people in response to the likes of the city’s ongoing housing and mental health crises. Pillow Queens’ songs of togetherness and unity ring out louder than ever before.

In their short lifespan as a band they’ve released two demo EPs, performed on a successful string of UK & Irish dates & festival appearances, had playlisting from BBC 6 Music, and found themselves opening for the likes of American Football and Pussy Riot, as well as stadium performances opening for IDLES and Future Islands.

With all this under their belt, the band began working with Mercury Prize nominated producer Tommy McLaughlin for their single ‘Gay Girls’ – which received a nomination for the RTE Choice Music Prize song of the year, as well as International pickup from NPR’s World Cafe and KEXP. The song also found its way into the heart of actor Cillian Murphy and his BBC6 mixtape show.

2019 saw Pillow Queens venture into mainland Europe, as they lit up the Eurosonic festival and completed a string of tour dates opening for Soak.

The band were then invited to perform a live session for KEXP at Iceland Airwaves, then further shows in NYC and LA, before SXSW 2020 beckoned. Tour dates are being rescheduled for 2021.

Pre-order the album
https://pillowqueens.com/shop/

In Waiting tracklist

1. Holy Show
2. Child Of Prague
3. Handsome Wife
4. HowDoILook
5. Liffey
6. A Dog’s Life
7. Gay Girls
8. Harvey
9. Brothers
10. Donaghmede  

Pillow Queens: 
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify  

Oiche Events recently announced the launch Ireland’s newest music platform The X Collective. With music and artistic expression at its core, The X Collective is a creative platform that has opened its doors to the Irish music industry, focusing on the production and promotion of Irish recording artists and industry creatives. 

The debut release as part of The X Collective is a new song brought to you by Zapho, Tolu Makay (and her Berlin based label Welcome to The New World), and Jenny Browne, titled ‘Collide’, which is out now on all platforms. The track was recorded during lockdown, with musicians collaborating from across counties and countries.

Zapho (producer/ songwriter) approached Tolü Makay and Jenny Browne, to come up with a narrative where they all equally had a voice. The song tells the story of a building new interest in two people (souls), figuring out where they are, but not sure of what the outcome may be. They are in the moment and realise the emotions they have for one another may not be able to fully manifest due to uncertainty either from others perception, or personal beliefs.

This song provides an imaginary space to see it all, to feel it all, somewhat of an escape/illusion. 

Speaking about the release of ‘Collide’, Emily Shaw of Oiche Events (co-founder of The X Collective) commented: “’Collide’ is The X Collective’s first artistic collaboration. It’s been amazing to watch this song grow wings, from a mere idea in Zapho’s brain almost one year ago, to ultimately a tangible and beautiful product with the involvement of over 20 creatives. It takes a village to raise a child, and one could say the same effort is required in releasing a song.”

Zapho says: “In trying to establish myself more as a producer on the music scene, I wanted to start writing and working with other women in music. It was by total chance that I met Tolu at a gig, and Jenny a year later at a rave in Berlin, I couldn’t have been luckier to find two truly talented artists to work with.

I’m so proud to see how the song has grown from a small idea into something on this scale with so many people behind it. The best feeling is sharing that excitement with another artist. It’s something we made together, we put our hearts into it, we genuinely love the tune as well. This song is an attempt for 3 independent artists to rise together and truly support each other’s success and music. That’s what I’m all about as a person and artist.” 

Tolu says: “Getting introduced to the song and working on it with Zapho was a great, new, fun and exciting. 

This was very different for me as it is an LGBT themed song. Being an ally and having friends who are LGBTQ+, and having been given this opportunity, I wanted to represent positively however possible. This song is me standing in solidarity for people who look like me, especially living in Ireland, that don’t feel they have the freedom to freely be themselves. 

In light of everything that has happened last month around Black Lives Matter campaigns, and this month being Pride month, I feel it’s important to share this song. Being an Afro Irish singer living in Ireland, it’s important there’s something for everyone.”

Buy/stream ‘Collide’ by Zapho, Tolu Makay, ft Jenny Browne here: https://cdbaby.lnk.to/Collide

#TheXCollective

Oiche Events Twitter @oicheevents
Oiche Events Facebook
Oiche Events Instagram
www.oicheevents.com

Zapho – Facebook
Zapho – Twitter
Zapho – Instagram
Zapho – Spotify
https://www.zaphomusic.com/

Twitter – Tolü Makay @tolumakay
Instagram – Tolü Makay
Facebook – Tolü Makay
YouTube – Tolü Makay
Spotify – Tolü Makay

Kodaline’s recent singles ‘Wherever You Are’,‘Sometimes’ and ‘Saving Grace’ have proven that the band are as popular as ever, with the tracks quickly exceeding 24 million streams. Those songs have perfectly laid the foundations for their new album ‘One Day At A Time’ to make a huge impact when it’s released this Friday, June 12th. 

‘One Day At A Time’ is the band’s fourth album, and adds a new chapter to a career that has already encompassed three #1 albums in Ireland, two Top 5 albums in the UK, and more than a billion streams at Spotify.

Kodaline approached the album with a streamlined process that took them back to their roots. The majority of the sessions revolved around the four band members alone in their modest recording space in Dublin, with bassist Jason Boland leading the production side of things.

The band’s primary objective was to focus on the emotion that has informed many Kodaline fan favourites. As we’ve seen from the two recent singles, they’re playing to their strengths: insistent melodies and captivating hooks exploring stories that are revealing, unguarded and immediately relatable.

“The main thing this time was to capture those emotions through everything,” says frontman Steve Garrigan. “We also wanted to use a lot of harmonies and play to our strengths.”

“Our music is now as emotional as it can be,” adds drummer Vinnie May. “We’re really confident and optimistic about this record.”

In addition to the three singles,the album’s highlights include ‘Spend It With You’, the tale of a couple who vow to stay together as the world hurtles towards its final apocalypse; a beautiful celebration of the ups and downs of relationships in ‘Care’; and the concluding arena-scaled drama of ‘In The End’.

‘Saving Grace’, ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Wherever You Are’ are all provided as instant downloads for fans who pre-order the album here. It’s also available to pre-save / pre-add at Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.

Recent weeks have seen Kodaline play a series of livestream shows, covering new songs, fan favourites and rarities. Highlights have included a headline set for Virgin Radio’s Sunday Night Live series, plus a powerful performance of ‘Brother’ in which they were joined by Voices of Service.

The band will follow the release of ‘One Day At A Time’ by playing an eight-night residency at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. The shows run from September 8th-12th and 14th-17th.

In 2019, Kodaline played some of the biggest shows of their career. At home in Dublin they sold-out two huge outdoor shows at St. Anne’s Park, while a ten-date UK tour culminated with a packed show at London’s historic Roundhouse. Further afield, they hit festivals including Lollapalooza, Benicàssim and Open’er before becoming the first Irish band to headline the massive NH7 Weekender in Pune, India. Their extensive touring throughout Asia also included a headline set at Monsoon Music Festival in Vietnam plus dates in China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore.

‘One Day At A Time’ tracklist:

1. ‘Wherever You Are’
2. ‘Sometimes’
3. ‘Saving Grace’
4. ‘Say Something’
5. ‘The Evening’   
6. ‘Spend It With You’
7. ‘Care’
8. ‘Heart Open’  
9. ‘Everyone Changes’  
10. ‘In The End’

Official website
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube
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Jordan Run releases summer single ‘Gold’.

‘Gold’ is the second single off Jordan Run’s upcoming ‘Lockdown Tapes,’ EP out on July 10th. 

Producer and writer Aaron says, “This track is the most upbeat I’ve written in awhile. It expresses a moment of joy and the pursuit of happiness in someone important to you. It’s got a groovy Celtic guitar riff with big horns and a solid back beat. I am very excited for people to hear it.”

Effortlessly blending earthy electronic folk influences and anthemic heartland rock, is Jordan Run; an exciting Irish indie collective fronted by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Aaron O’Sullivan. With the release of four singles in 2019, it’s clear that Aaron is a songwriter of complete sincerity. The lushness of the verses in ‘Olivia’ give way to soulful, reflective choruses (“She gives me peace of mind”); while the poignant vocal of ‘Change Your Mind’ (“Take a second chance if you need it, I loved you from the start”) showcase a dynamic singer at his most expressive. In short, Jordan Run’s music is sophisticated while remaining relatable; catchy, while keeping its cool.  

This quiet intensity is a unique element of the band’s live shows, which have included an appearance at the Ruby Sessions Dublin, packing out their debut Coughlan’s show in Cork, support slots for Ariel Posen, Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) and James Arthur, and appearances at a number of major festivals (Electric Picnic, All Together Now, and Indiependence).

Jordan Run just released ‘In This Atmosphere,’ EP, which had features on Spotify’s official playlist ‘Friday Cratediggers,’ and ‘Easy,’ – alongside artist such as Lianna La Havas, Patricia Lalor, Bon Iver and Tom Misch. Jordan Run’s music has been played on Cork’s Red FM and is really catching on in the online world.

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jordanrun_official/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jordanrunofficial/  
Bandcamp – https://jordanrun.bandcamp.com/releases
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/77n5FV29Cq5bbukhovCofj?si=wC2F22CNQIup6XbDzXtLvA
www.jordanrun.com

Taking Ireland’s oldest poem as inspiration; The Song of Amergin, Eimear Quinn moulds us a contemporary & rhythmically exhilarating ‘ode to Ireland’ of epic proportions in the form of the song ‘Hibernia’.

The lyrics, in 3 languages; Old Irish, Latin and English are drawn from the ancient Irish text of the Invocation of Amergin, an English translation of The song of Amergin, and a collection of the historical Latin names for the Island of Ireland. 

The song is a collaboration with composer Sarah Class, who is better known for her work on BBC wildlife soundtracks. Quinn and Class were introduced by the late Sir George Martin, as both were published by his publishing company George Martin Music.

Eimear and Sarah were inspired by the phenomenon of human resilience and dignity especially in the face of the countless invasions, pilages, injustices that Ireland and her people have endured historically. The song speaks to the intrinsic human spirit present in us all, a core strength that is exclusively in the ownership of the individual that can can never be taken or broken. 

‘Hibernia’ invokes the ancient images of the poem, but also the historical latin names for Ireland. 

“I’ve wanted to create this song with Sarah for a long time. We were first introduced to each other by the late Sir George Martin as he thought that we would make a good team. We hit it off right away, initially composing a song called ‘Another Day’ on our very first meeting. 

Sarah has written extensively for wildlife documentary films, and it was her sweeping compositions for BBC Africa that inspired the music for ‘Hibernia’. We set out to weave an anthem of enduring strength, rich heritage and majestic resilience. The result is even more epic than I could have imagined!”

With much of the world in isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, artists have been instrumental in making life bearable for the millions of people stuck at home and living with the anxiety and uncertainty brought on by the crisis. Few have responded as rapidly and positively than Daoirí Farrell.

Within days of Ireland’s lockdown, BBC Folk Award winner and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominee, Dubliner Daoirí Farrell set up a corner of his kitchen as a makeshift stage and began live streaming. There was no plan to make this a regular event but with 1,700 comments and 49,000 views on Facebook alone in the following days, and requests coming in from across the world for another concert the next week, Daoirí began performing weekly at 10pm GMT every Sunday.

Titled The Corner Sessions, it included hand-sanitising reminders, limerick competitions, regular updates on Daoirí’s goldfish, Rocky-themed exercise, Covid-Corner signs made by Daoirí’s father Dessie, and of course some amazing live performances of music from Daoirí’s catalogue. Requests come in thick and fast during the shows with Daoirí’s girlfriend Catriona fielding questions and passing requests between songs.

On the back of The Corner Sessions, Daoirí recorded two songs during the pandemic. Called ‘The Lockdown Singles’, the two songs reflect requests he received from all corners of the world during his live-streamed sessions and over the past couple of weeks he has recorded a soulful and moving a cappella version of ‘The Parting Glass’ in honour of all of those who have lost their lives to Covid-19, along with a recording of ‘When the Breakers Go Back On Full Time’, previously recorded by Frank Harte and Dónal Lunny. This song recounts the longing of strikers for better days, reflecting the lockdown experiences of workers during the current pandemic.

The singles will be released on 26^th June with pre-sales from 19^th June.

He continues his lockdown series of live streamed concerts at 10pm GMT every Sunday, available on Youtube, Facebook and Instagram.

www.daoiri.com

Vulpynes have just released their latest single ‘Sister’.

According to the band, “A week before Covid19 struck, we were half way through recording our debut album in Black Mountain Studios with James Darkin.

Due to travel restrictions and Ireland being in complete disarray, we were unfortunately unable to finish it. After much consideration, we have decided to release the first half of the album as a single sided limited edition 12″. The EP, entitled ‘Us Against Them’ will be released via Ireland’s premier punk rock label F.O.A.D/Advance Records.“

Expect no frills, heavy melodies, jarring words and fierce primal drumming with succinct delivery. ‘Sister’, an ode to pseudo sisterhood, is out on all digital platforms on the 12th of June 2020. 

‘Hang On’ is the new single from Irish songwriter Goodtime John (AKA J. Cowhie, GOODTIME).

The single is a double AA side of sorts which features another new track ‘Black Sunrise’.

The two songs are a full band affair and have been around awhile in various forms. They are two rolling lightly psychedelic, folk pop songs that urge the listener to bend in a little closer.

The recordings feature some long time collaborators and close friends, the drums are played by Ross Turner (Lisa Hannigan, Villagers) and the bass played by Richie Egan (Jape, TRM).

They were recorded some time ago by Glenn Keating (who also plays bass on ‘Black Sunrise’) in Exchequer St Studios, Dublin, while the rest was recorded by JC in his home studio in Malmö over the last few months during the Covid 19 pandemic. The tracks where then taken to Emil Isaksson’s Studio Möllan for the finishing touches and mastering.

“These songs have never quite fit on an album to my mind, but have always felt to me that they go hand in hand. Cut from the same cloth as it were. In the current climate right now, I wanted to put something out that might bring a little light to people and hopefully lift them up.‘”

The songs are quite a change from last year’s critically acclaimed, dubbed out acoustic album ‘Beauty & Chaos’.

So put your headphones, and take these songs with you wherever you care to (or can) roam and hopefully regardless of the weather they let some sunshine into your day.

Photo credit: Richard Egan