Month: July 2020

Global phenomenon Dermot Kennedy today releases the brand-new video for latest single ‘Giants’. The animated short follows the announcement of Dermot’s upcoming pay-per-view gig to be performed at the Natural History Museum in London on July 30th.

The animated video, created by Trizz Studios and directed by Oriol Puig, takes its cues from nature and creates a beautiful and surreal setting for Dermot’s lyrics to take shape and form their meaning. 

On the thinking behind the video Puig said;

 “We started with the simplest expression, a spark to ignite the journey. We then created a subject and we set it in constant motion, sometimes struggling through different situations, others stopping to enjoy moments of simple beauty, a metaphor for a constantly evolving life. Coronavirus has made people rethink their relationship to nature and how that affects our actions. It’s made us rethink and visualize the impact we have and how quickly nature is able to self-heal. This brings us to a new set of emotions and a new angle on what our priorities should be.”

Expanding on this, Dermot explains;

 “Nature has long been a recurring influence for my music and to celebrate and explore the scale and beauty of the natural world with this video felt instinctive. 

In this time of great uncertainty and as we are forced to acknowledge how fragile and complex life is, the journey this video takes is important figuratively and physically. Change is inevitable and necessary but also challenging. A new world and a new beginning underpin the message of the song and this video.”

‘Some Summer Night’ will be Dermot’s first proper live show since his headline US tour in March where he sold out New York’s prestigious Radio City Music Hall. The livestreamed event has already broken records in the UK, US and Europe for the largest number of ticket sales for a pay-per-view gig of this scale. Tickets are available now via Driift and will include a charity element with optional donation to the BLM Global Network. The show will feature exclusive one-off versions of fan-favourites as well as an appearance from Paul Mescal, star of the hit global BBC show ‘Normal People’.  Next year will also see Dermot’s rescheduled live dates from 2020 take place in Ireland in June. Re-scheduled dates below.

Alongside his #1 selling debut album ‘Without Fear’, Dermot has now reached over a billion streams globally and single ‘Outnumbered’ has gone multi-platinum across the UK, Europe and Canada. With shows selling out everywhere he sold over 300,000 tickets globally in the last year alone and was nominated in the ‘Best International Male’ category at the 2020 Brit Awards.

‘Some Summer Night’ live via time zones:

Live #1 : Ireland, UK & Europe (9pm IST & BST / 10pm CEST)

Live #2 : East Coast North America and South America (8.00pm EDT / 7.00pm CDT) 

Live #3 : West Coast North America and Central America (8.00pm PDT / 9.00pm MDT)

Live #4 : Australia, New Zealand & Asia (8.00pm AEST, 10pm NZST & 7pm JST & KST) July 31

Rescheduled 2020 live dates

June 2021

04 – Dublin, St Anne’s Park
14 – Killarney, Gleneagle INEC Arena
15 – Killarney, Gleneagle INEC Arena
16 – Killarney, Gleneagle INEC Arena
24 – Belfast, Belsonic, Ormeau Park
25 – Dublin, Malahide Castle
26 – Cork, Irish Independent Park

LISTEN TO ‘WITHOUT FEAR’ NOW

http://www.dermotkennedy.com/
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Victoria Johnston’s debut #1 singles ‘Tar Liom’ and ‘You Are The Peace’, have been selected for nomination consideration for the upcoming 63rd GRAMMY Awards.

Both debut singles went to #1 in the overall top iTunes charts (Ireland) earlier this year following their release in March 2020.

‘Tar Liom’ and ‘You Are The Peace’ were recorded and produced by Grammy nominated Producer Denis Woods (previously of Windmill Lane Studios and who has worked with artists including Clannad, Enya and AC/DC).

Earlier this year Hot Press Magazine double-featured Victoria Johnston as ‘Artist’ and ‘New Music’ to watch for in 2020.

Renowned Irish Songwriter and novelist, Brendan Graham has performed and shared a spoken word version of his lyrics to the internationally acclaimed hit song, ‘You Raise Me Up’.

This spoken word version of ‘You Raise Me Up’, was specifically made to support the worldwide, COVID-19 response in over 70 countries by MSF – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. The doctors of MSF are working daily fighting to save the lives of others working with some of the poorest, displaced–by-war and discriminated against people in the world in war-torn places of conflict where there are no proper hospitals, or even living conditions.

To donate to MSF, please visit http://www.msf.ie and help them continue their incredible work.

Irish Folk Stories Live is a bold and ambitious new project created by Irish composer Peadar Townsend.

Peadar wants to share some of the magical and exciting folk stories from Ireland’s rich heritage with a worldwide audience in a brand new format, using newly written film-soundtrack-style orchestral music to accompany Irish narrators, who will recount these stories as if by the fireside.

Irish Folk Stories Live are looking to fund an exciting new artistic venture through crowdfunding and direct investment. If you have some funds to spare and you believe in promoting the culture of Irish Folk Stories in a brand new format you can make a contribution and in return you will receive investment incentives. 

Initially recordings will be released on CD and will be available to download with a view to bringing these fantastic tales to the concert hall. The vision is for a spectacular live production featuring narrators, full orchestra and a big screen with exciting and lavish animations to enhance the listener experience.

As Peadar himself outlines, “in order for ‘Irish Folk Stories Live’ to become the significant event that we are hoping for, we need to raise a substantial amount of money to fund the recording of this never-before-heard project. We already have some well versed creatives on board including; actors Patrick Bergin, Connor Byrne, Sharon McCoy, and master storyteller (seanchaí) Niall de Burca who will all narrate the stories for us. The orchestra will be complemented by traditional Irish musicians who will provide music for specific parts of each story. These will include the very cream of Irish vocal and instrumental talent. The renowned and talented illustrator 17th & Oak, who has worked for companies such as Walt Disney, Lucasfilm, Fox, Total Film and Empire magazines will be illustrating our Irish Folk Stories Live prints as well as epic artwork for the live shows.“

For more information: https://www.irishfolkstorieslive.com/

JYellowL announces a brand new single ‘Doesn’t Feel Like’, due out on Wednesday 22nd July 2020. This will be the second single taken from his upcoming debut album ‘2020 D|vision’, due out 4th December 2020.

JYellowL’s first singe ‘Jewels’ garnered huge radio support in Ireland as well as placement on multiple Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, We Move, Breathe of Fresh Eire and New Eire. Apple Music also supported the track by adding the track to ‘New Dublin and ‘Summer Waves’.

JYellowL speaks about how ‘Doesn’t Feel Like’ is very personal to him:
“This song is about my experience as an African immigrant in the western world. I came to Ireland when I was in my early teens and it was the first time I was made conscious of my racial and cultural difference. The first time I experienced racism, covert and blatantly overt. The first time I met people who hated me because of my race and wanted to cause me bodily harm as a result. The first time I met people who truly believed they were my superior because of my skin colour. The first time that my character was judged based on the actions of groups of people, whom I shared nothing in common with but complexion,  and faced the physical consequences in some instances. Those experiences I faced coupled with the historic injustice faced by other black people all over the western world, made me feel like I didn’t belong here. They say home is where the heart is, but I found it very difficult to place my heart somewhere that I was regularly reminded was not my “actual” home.”

JYellowL learned from his Jamaican grandmother how to be himself in a world that wants to force you down a particular path. Born of Jamaican and Nigerian parents and raised in Ireland, the Dublin-based rapper has drawn on all three origins to create a distinctly powerful sound that is radically individual.

A leading voice emerging out of the fierce juggernaut that is Ireland’s rap scene, this debut follows two groundbreaking EP’s and a string of headline performances, both in Ireland and internationally. His standout track ‘Ozone’ has surpassed 1.5 million views on Spotify and the single ‘Oh Lawd’, featured on the soundtrack of the ‘Normal People’ TV series, has already surpassed 1 million views. A self-driven artist and entrepreneur, his newly established JYellowL Records Ltd quickly landed a distribution deal with the international distribution company IDOL.

The lyricism JYellowL delivers cuts to the heart of issues that are at once deeply personal and urgent on a global scale, driving political change right now. With a degree in politics from UCD University in Dublin, he explores the social problems that both intrigue and disturb him, from international conflict to economic inequality, unafraid to tackle subjects like racism in his music early on. In 2020, as protests erupted across the world, he spoke to a crowd of thousands at a Black Lives Matter in Dublin, envisioning a future Ireland that is radically inclusive and anti-racist.

As far back as 2017, his track ‘Cold In The Summer’ addressed the international crisis of racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, while voicing a defiant demand for change. VICE Magazine profiled him as a leading voice of Irish rap in their 2017 Music Issue, ‘on the crest of a wave of young artists in Ireland with an increasingly political bent’.

It didn’t take long cutting his teeth in Dublin’s burgeoning rap scene to make his rise. By 2018, JyellowL had released his groundbreaking debut EP ‘Bulletproof’ and was supporting Rap superstar NELLY on a 3-date Irish tour that November, followed by a sold out Dublin show with “Money Trees” hitmaker Jay Rock.

In 2019, his highly acclaimed ‘Me N Me 2’ EP followed, coming out at the same time as he took on a headline Irish tour, his first headline show in London, and performed a headline international concert at Steck Poppodium in The Netherlands.

Named as one of RTE’s 2FM Rising acts for 2019, he released two singles – the catchy ‘Ozone’ and hard hitting ‘Tek Time’, the latter of which featured on Spotify’s influential Who We Be playlist. Endorsements from Spotify solidified his position as one of Ireland’s most influential young artists, featuring on a plethora of editorial playlists.

JyellowL made his stamp on the Irish festival scene that summer with a series of knockout performances including Longitude, KnockanStockan, Body & Soul, Band On The Strand Festival, Red Bull Gaf Party, and an international headline slot at Delft Jazz Festival in Holland. He ended that summer on a high with a coveted headline slot at the ‘3 Made By Music Stage’ on the Saturday night of a sold-out Electric Picnic, one of the pinnacles of the Irish festival circuit.

This game-changing performance led to the next and most exciting part of 2019, with JyellowL’s single ‘Ozone’ selected to feature on the in-game soundtrack for the mammoth EA Sports FIFA 20. The curated playlist placed his track on the same level as hits by Anderson Paak, Major Lazer, Hot Chip and Skepta to name but a few. The success of 2019 peaked with a live performance and broadcast of ‘Ozone’ on Ireland’s biggest broadcast event of the year, RTÉ’s NYE party.

The new decade kicked off with JYellowL performing in the church at Other Voices Ballina, a unique space that artists travel to Ireland from around the world to perform.

His hard-hitting 2020 anthem ‘On The Estate’ released is another bold step forward in developing his sound while a string of wide-ranging collaborations have showcased the versatility of JYellowL’s sound and craftsmanship. He has worked with long-time collaborator Aaron Unknown on ‘Asylum’, American based wordsmith Mac Irv on ‘No Rivals’, as well as Irish RnB artist Aik J and Ari Noir on ‘Last Flight’ remix and ‘Alone’. He also made the soothing ballad ‘Blue Skies’ with electro pop duo Siights and a thumping club banger ‘shock Em’ with Irish hip hop artists Evan’s Junior and Jordan Adetunji.

‘Doesn’t Feel Like’ is the second single taken from his upcoming debut album ‘2020 D|vision’ (due out 4^th December 2020. This year is gearing up to be the most exciting year yet for Dublin rapper JYellowL.

‘Blue Jewel In The Sky’ is the title track of the forthcoming brand new studio album from Finbar Furey.

One of Ireland’s most versatile and talented artists, Finbar Furey has been bringing his own unique artistry to generations of fans around the world for over fifty years. Finbar Furey continues to attract new fans with his own compositions, traditional songs and hits from his vast catalogue of recordings spanning five decades. He has truly reached the status of one of Ireland’s National Music Treasures! 

His songs celebrate love and life but he doesn’t shy away from the causes close to his heart, homelessness and human rights. In his new single, ‘Blue Jewel In The Sky’, Finbar takes us into new territory with an exciting electric sound, singing about the destruction of the planet, about man’s greed and selfishness. ‘Blue Jewel In The Sky’ seems strangely fitting in these uncertain times of global unrest. The upbeat rock guitar intro defies the narrative of the song which is tempered by the touching harmonies of his daughter Áine, underscoring the sentiment of the song.

“I wrote ‘Blue Jewel In The Sky’ at the end of the 90’s about the madness of man’s inhumanity to man; Greed is the taker of life.”

‘Blue Jewel In The Sky’ is the title track taken from the forthcoming brand new studio album. The same titled single will be released on 31 July 2020.

“You can rip it out with one whack – but you can’t put it back.” – Guy Carawan

Singer, songwriter, actor and multi-instrumentalist, the impact of Finbar’s work in the music industry has been immense. Finbar’s innovation was recognised by the music industry when he and his brother Eddie were awarded Single of The Year by John Peel in the 1970’s when they introduced their sound to a new generation of music fans. His work has drawn respect and admiration from artists ranging from Shane MacGowan and Imelda May, to Bono and Martin Scorsese.

Website | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube |  Instagram

Photo by Dearbhla Glynn

Unfortunately due to the government decision to postpone the planned full reopening of pubs until August 10th the Vulpynes show on Sunday, July 26th will not go ahead. The the has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 15th at 8.00pm.

Don’t let looks deceive you, for a 2-piece band Vulpynes, Kaz & Molly, make noise! Expect a fusion of heavy and melodic hooks, snarling vocals, and a visceral rhythm section.

Vulpynes are raw and energetic garage rock at its finest, yet their infectiously brazen wall of sound remains inimitably their own. In 2018 they released their debut EP ‘Vulpynes’ on UK label Headcheck Records to wide critical acclaim, shared a stage with Marmozets, Deap Vally, DOYLE (Misfits), blazed a trail across the UK festival circuit and sold out their own headline shows.

‘One of the best and loudest live acts in the country’ – Hot Press

Vulpynes have played the Alternative Sunday Social Club several times in the past who are delighted to welcome them back. This gig will have a strictly limited attendance and will be run in accordance with all the relevant government regulations re Covid-19.

Saturday, 15th August     Doors 8.00pm     €10.00 (Conc. €8.00)

The Wild Duck, 17/20 Sycamore St, Dublin 2

Dublin’s Fruit Market closed its doors for the final time late last year after 127 years of trading.

The iconic Moore Street is dying off and with the flower sellers in Grafton Street having to battle to keep their pitches it seems as though bits of “Auld Dublin” are disappearing rapidly.  So here is Billy Treacy & the Scope’s tribute to all the “Dealers” who have gone before us. Whether subliminally or intentionally Singer/Songwriter Billy Treacy seems to have captured the mood with his new ballad ‘The Market’.

With Ireland in lockdown and lots of uncertainty around, the public seem to be yearning for a return to the old ways. So Billy Treacy & The Scope have decided to release this track to the radio stations now rather than wait for their album launch.

A video for ‘The Market’ will follow as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/billytreacy.singersongwriter/
Website : https://www.breakingtunes.com/billytreacyandthescope?fbclid=IwAR02N_rbQvaECFdWTuq77GF8CF4NHDLf2Nmt_m1roXsJuZkFLqSD2VRsvzA
Twitter : https://twitter.com/billy_treacy
Periscope : https://www.pscp.tv/billy_treacy
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/648x57Yx8SFwGp82Ym1a9e?si=IaLae6iLQMmqaApxvtT1RQ

Artwork by Sinead Ui Shlataire

1000 Beasts is one of those artists for whom music is both an emotional and a scientific experience. In his debut EP, ‘On A Different Page’, the Irish talent delivers what he is all about; collaboration, vibe & creativity. Boiling off innovative ideas, the EP gathers night time electronic anthems, drunken disco swing rhythms, chopped hip-hop samples and rich aerial vocals. 

“Written in 2019, ‘On A Different Page’, is the result of experimenting with different sounds, styles & creative techniques before settling to finding my own voice and a perfect team of collaborators.” 

With 6 tracks featuring 4 different vocalists, ‘On A Different Page’ is sonic journey which blends elements of electronic, pop, lo-fi, R&B, hip hop and soul into one distinct voice and sound. From fantasies to injuries, twisted minds to lessons learnt, the project narrates love in different scenes and through different characters experiencing contrasted feelings. 

Listening to ‘On A Different Page’ is almost just like going through the chapters of a good novel. 

‘Tokyo’, a bass heavy lo-fi groove filled with jangling percussion and Portuguese/Brazilian vocal samples, is the upcoming single of the project. The track is the 2nd collaboration between 1000 Beasts & Irish born London based artist, Kayleigh Noble.

“We both knew that with our first track together, ‘Le Marais’, we had a great piece and it was a no brainer to continue collabing, so I developed the ‘Tokyo’ track in the second half of 2019, knowing I’d love something with that feel on the EP and after two writing/recording sessions, the whole thing came together very quickly.”   

Drawing influences from artists such as Mr Jukes, Tom Misch, Flume & Kaytranada, 1000 Beasts is an electronic producer & musician from Cork City. Starting off producing electronic pop songs in 2017 he already achieved great critical success, with spins on BBC R1, heavy radio support in Ireland (TodayFM, 2FM…) and some of the biggest editorial playlists on Spotify (Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds: Pop, New Music Friday UK, The Pop List, A breath of Fresh Eire…), Apple Music, and Deezer. Setting a precedent for what is to come, 1000 Beasts has also created high energy live show combining live sampling and looping, with drums and vocals.   

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