Month: September 2020

Singer/songwriter Carrie Haskins releases her single ‘The Lullaby’, about her son, on 11th September. Produced by Nashville producer Thomm Jutz.

‘The Lullaby’ was written by Carrie Haskins and guitarist Paul Costello. 

The idea and song came about shortly after Carrie gave birth to her little boy Harry in 2017. Now aged 2, Carrie describes the unconditional that love she feels for her son and how being a mother is the most protective job in the world. 

“All you want to do is care for them, make sure they are safe and give them as much love as you possibly can.”

Becoming a new mother brought on different emotions and feelings that Carrie described she never felt before. 

“It’s as if you have never loved or experienced love for anyone so much in your entire life.”

She continues to describe,  

“’The Lullaby’ is more than the title suggests. It’s about the love that a parent experiences and feels for their child, and I wanted to include and involve as many parents as I could in the song by inviting them to have their little ones be apart of the music video.”

‘The Lullaby’ describes the different stages of parenthood, the early years when you cradle your child to sleep, to the adventures and learning they face when they start to walk and explore the world. 

‘’It is a lullaby of love and song of protection and one that I think all parents and family members can relate to. It is the most honest and truest song I have ever written and one that means so much to me.” 

The song was composed in Carries’ car while herself and guitarist Paul headed down to a studio session they were booked into.

“Paul and I don’t see each other very often as we live in separate counties. We were asked to record a demo in a new up and coming studio in Waterford. As we didn’t have time to meet up beforehand, we spent the hour and half of the drive writing this song. While Paul played guitar in the back seat, I sang lyrics and melodies and tried to do voice recordings. By the time we reached our destination, we had the whole song written. It was probably the fastest song we had ever written together. The words just flowed out as did the melody.”

Carrie is a big lover of American county music and her songs have always shown a hint of that style through her instrumentation and writing. This time, she wanted more than the sound she had already had on her last two albums.

“We recorded ‘The Lullaby here in Ireland in Dublin as we did all our other tracks. The musicians and producers here are extremely talented and excellent players. Once the song was done, I just couldn’t put my finger on what was missing.”

After hearing one of her other friend’s new tracks that had come back from Nashville, she knew what was she missing.

“I just knew I had to get that true Nashville Sound on this track to really bring it to life.”

The second time around, Carrie sent her raw vocals and guitar over to Thomas Jutz in Nashville Tennessee. Jutz has produced for artists such as Nanci Griffith, Otis Gibbs, and Jason Ringenberg. The pair immediately began working on the instrumentation of the track and what elements they wanted to capture.

“Thomm just knew right away what was needed to make this track sound like it had come straight out of Tennessee. He has a great ear and brilliant session musicians around him. He was able to capture in just a few weeks what I had been wanting the track to sound like since we wrote it.”

With Thomm’s backing vocals and beautiful elegant melodic riffs heard by acoustic and dobro guitar, the song makes for a pleasant and ear tingling listening experience that will warm you up with feelings of love and joy.

The track is being released on the 11th of September in all major streaming sites through CD Baby along with the debut music video that can be viewed on any of the social media links below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieHaskinsMusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriehaskins/
Spotify Pre-save: https://show.co/ogwReMO
Website: http://carriehaskins.com/

2020 has seen the return of Irish indie-icons Power of Dreams with the release of their first music in over two decades. The band’s double-A side release ‘America / Across the Shannon’ was welcomed by both old and new fans while hitting the airwaves across their native Ireland, the UK and further afield.

It was a timely reminder of the enduring reputation of Power of Dreams; a band whose first album, ‘Immigrants, Emigrants and Me’ has been held up as a classic Irish debut release and enjoyed huge international success. 

Despite heading in different musical directions, the band returned over the years for the occasional live show and felt in 2020 it was time to return to the studio and record an album titled ‘Aüslander’ that frontman Craig Walker sees as the accompanying piece to their critically acclaimed debut.

The new track from ‘Ausländer’, ‘Hurricane’, out 25th September, sees Craig Walker and Co provide an indie-pop master class – as the synths, keys and bouncing bassline propel the song on an almost parallel track to lyrics that speak of some of the frustrations inherent in a tumultuous relationship. This dichotomy will be recognisable to fans of Power of Dreams over the years as Walker’s lyrics often speak of the struggle between heart and mind. 

“The band has been really bowled over by the response to the new music,” says Walker, “and it has really warmed our hearts. It’s been a pleasure working with Ian Olney and Keith Walker again on this record and has reminded me of what great players they both are. As soon as we play together it sounds like a band. The same goes for producer Erik Alcock and also Ali Staton. We have been busily putting the finishing touches to the new album and we feel that ‘Hurricane’ is a good indicator of what’s to come.”

‘Hurricane’ is the latest single taken from ‘Ausländer’ which is due out later this Autumn ahead of a special 30th anniversary commemorative issue of ‘Immigrants, Emigrants and Me’. 

Following the success of his last single release ‘Ballena Bar’ which has gathered over 300k on Spotify, with a feature on Spotify Editorial prestigious playlist ‘Jazz Vibes’. Nicolas Kluzek returns with ‘Palma’.

“Nicolas Kluzek is a true globetrotter, who grew up in France and currently lives in Dublin, but is at home in the world and draws inspiration for his music from diverse places. He has dedicated his new song to the Spanish city of Palma De Mallorca, which is more than a mass tourism and party city. The soulful song celebrates this beautiful town with flowing and haunting sounds and his anthemic trumpets.”  Malene Steffens.

‘Palma’ by Nicolas Kluzek is available across all digital platforms now.

The Riptide Movement have just dropped the brand new video for their latest single ‘Fall A Little More In Love’, out now.

This new video for ‘Fall A Little More In Love’ is beautifully captured and makes for an intriguing watch, it’s romantic, it’s edgy, it’s endearing and it really brings the song’s lyrical narrative and infectious, feel good vibes to life. Made by the band’s multi-talented songwriter and frontman Malachy Tuohy, who has directed and edited the band’s recent content, including the brilliant  ‘All I Ever Wanted’ and ‘Something Special’ videos. 

Dublin four-piece The Riptide Movement are back with their eagerly anticipated new single “Fall A Little More In Love”. Co-produced in Attica Studios with Tommy McLoughlin (Villagers, SOAK), their new track is an indie pop anthem with great lyrics, that conjure up some wonderfully evocative images of Ford Fiestas, kitchen parties and flats above Turkish barbers, the song is a memorial to enduring love, it’s infectious, it’s upbeat and a real feel good jam.

The Riptide Movement’s music has taken them all over the world from Main Stage at Electric Picnic to Glastonbury and Benicàssim. Their extensive recent ‘Something Special’ tour included a blistering headline performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. From busking on their native Grafton street to playing with the BBC Orchestra, Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, music has taken the band from Lucan to India, America, Russia, Australia and everywhere in between.

With six critically-acclaimed studio records to their name – most notably The RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominated, Gold selling, Number 1 Album ‘Getting Through’ – The Riptide Movement are renowned for their energetic, memorable live shows and soaring, guitar driven anthems, like ‘All Works Out’, ‘You & I’, ‘Elephant In The Room’, ‘Changeling’ and ‘Something Special’. They also released an environmentally conscious web series called “Plastic Oceans” in 2018.

‘Fall A Little More In Love’ the brand new single from The Riptide Movement, is available on all streaming platforms and digital formats now.

Influential Dublin-based producer and artist Chris Kabs releases his first single from his long-anticipated Album titled ‘Therapy’. As a producer Chris has accomplished major success such as producing JyellowL’s single ‘Ozone’ which appeared on the Fifa 20 soundtrack, he has also produced for the likes of current X Factor star Sia Babez and well known Irish group Tebi Rex. As an artist, Chris has described himself as ‘experimental’ as he takes inspiration from the likes of Wyclef Jean, Labrinth and even Drake. His debut album experiments with a unique combination of styles of Pop-R&B, Hip hop, Afro-pop and Afrobeat.

‘Fly Away’ is the first single to be released from the album which was produced, mixed and mastered by Chris himself. The soul song is uplifting and encouraging as it urges the listener to be confident and open the window and let all their worries ‘fly away’. It is a positive message portraying a message of no matter how bad the day before was, today is a new day.

Kab’s dynamic, multifaceted style of music can be accredited to having spent time living in many countries such as France and The Ivory Coast; he speaks English, Swedish, French and Lingala and has written music in three of the four languages. Having grown up performing in the church, elements of Chris’ gospel background are evident from his inspiring and positive lyrical content paired with uplifting and radiant sounds really giving a summer feeling to the 11 tracks. Kabs explains “I want to put whatever I am going through into my music so that my fans can share in the different emotions that I go through. A lot of the music on the album is about spreading positivity and is overall uplifting the listener.” as he explains through his ‘Fly Away’ lyrics; ‘we live day by day, don’t let the future stress you out. Open your window now and let your worries fly away’. His music is an expression of his life experiences, Kabs explains “I was married and had a big wedding and walked away the day after. Parts of this album are based around the experience that can lead to that type of action.”

With many of his production credits doing well outside of Ireland, Kabs is now gaining attention from rubbing shoulders with international artists such as Khalid and Post Malone. He was scheduled to support international rap star Coolio in April which was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cFEPWsvZm4bwiBcoqELG9?si=MA4dDLuASYeLruCeDjiNiQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriskabs/  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ChrisKabs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chriskabs

Galway artist Niamh Regan has long been lauded as one of Ireland’s most promising folk talents, and she’s about to prove just that with the release of her debut album ‘Hemet’, out today [4th September 2020] via Galway’s new record label Black Gate Records.

The Irish Times described Regan’s teenage demos as, “bursting with potential”, and at seventeen this precocious folk singer won a Paul Brady scholarship to study flute and guitar at the University of Limerick. Here, she formed the trad/bluegrass band Juhn Echo, and once again drew plaudits from The Irish Times who highlighted her “stunning vocals”.

After completing a degree in music, Niamh released her debut solo EP ‘Tried To’ in 2017 and follow-up single ‘What To Do’ in 2018 earning gushing praise from the likes of Hotpress (“beautifully crafted… captivating”) and Nialler9 (“a timbre that is commanding and wise”).

But who is Niamh Regan now? Comparisons with contemporary artists such as Laura Marling, Lisa Hannigan, This Is The Kit and Sarah Jarosz have popped up regularly in the UK and Irish press, while discerning critics detect the influence of Nick Drake, Bert Jansch, Richard Thompson, Tom Waits, Paul Brady, and Karen Dalton.

One thing is for sure: with the release of her debut album, ‘Hemet’, Niamh is about to carve out her own niche in the world of contemporary folk music and fulfil the potential she showed as a teenager.

Chatting about her debut, Niamh says: “I recorded this album after one of the most challenging years I’ve faced so far. I lost my mam, got married, went back to school and I grew up a bit (I think). My world got bigger and smaller all in one breath, and this album ‘Hemet’ is all about that.”

Explaining the album title, Niamh adds: “My husband is originally from a small desert town called Hemet, in California. And my two favourite songs on the album are ‘Hallelujah Game’ and ‘Two Seagulls’ which he co-wrote with me. It’s not so much a big soppy concept behind this album title but rather just a tip of the cap to a place that has given me community, support and inspiration for these songs. It feels fitting and I think it’s a nice word to say…. so Hemet. Maybe the next album will be called Kilrickle…”

‘Hemet’ is an album full of musical accomplishment, emotional maturity, and subtle craft. It is the long-awaited arrival of a truly immense talent. It is out now on digital, CD, and vinyl, via Black Gate Records.

Bandcamp: https://niamhregan.bandcamp.com/album/hemet

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7cnyuxlguQNEeCh2tsIsnZ?si=-bcWNABLTmSWVOsuHl7fOg

The album will be officially launched tonight, Friday 4th September, at 8pm with a special video concert from the Black Gate. The link will be shared here at 8pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/801662413934828/

Speaking about the album launch show, co-director at the Black Gate, Peadar King, commented:

“We would have loved nothing more to have had you all down to experience this live, but, as things are, we might have to wait another while for that. It has been a strange time for everyone, and with all of the fear that seemed to permeate our screens for months on end, we were delighted to be able to throw our energy behind creative projects that inspired us, and to put our energy into positive action.

This album will make you happy. It will make you sad. It will make you toast. And tea.

It’s not every singer that you hear that compels you to set up a new label just to put their music into the world.

We are really proud to have helped to grow such a wonderful community of people within the structures of the Black Gate over the past 4 years and it means a lot to us when we see the amazing support that Niamh has been getting from you all. We miss you. Take Care and see you for the virtual album launch.”

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Ahead of his Ireland Music Week performance, Christian Cohle releases powerful new single and video ‘Wallflower’ 04/09/20.

With 40K streams on his single debut, Spotify playlists like New Hits, praise from taste makers such as Music Ninja, Variance Mag, Nialler9, Hot Press and even collaborations with Ireland’s hottest up-and-coming film director (Tristan Heanue) Cohle has proven himself to be an exciting new dynamic force in electronic music.

He aims to continue this forward momentum with his third single ‘Wallflower’, arriving to all online platforms on the 4th of September, alongside a music video directed by 2020 IFTA nominee Tristan Heanue.

His forthcoming album ‘Holy Trouble’ is set for release late this year.

Previous releases ‘Breathe’ and ‘Ghost’ have also seen support from 2FM, Today FM, BBC Radio Ulster, Across The Line, RTE Pulse and more

“One central theme to ‘Wallflower’ is acceptance. I won’t pin down ‘Wallflower’ in any more shape or form than that. There’s a flavour of mythicism to the track, and I don’t want to reduce the mantra that is ‘Wallflower’ anymore than that, and risk it losing it’s magic, of just being, ‘Wallflower’! It is what it is, I suppose.

I really care about maintaining a degree of ambiguity in what I do. Even though I realize ambiguity is probably anathema to most journalists! I have mixed feelings about the vogue of artists having to explain their work’s
meaning.

Once something is released, it leaves my hands. It’s no longer mine. I think the audience plays just as important a key role in the creation of the song as I do. So for me, I hope people can find their own unique and personal meaning of what ‘Wallflower’ means to them. To me, that’s far more exciting, than where it originally came from.” –  Christian Cohle

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Ireland Music Week ~ 6 – 9/10/20

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One of Ireland’s greatest soulful jazz and blues singers Mary Coughlan has released her brand-new album ‘Life Stories’ out now. 

‘Two Breaking Into One’ is the first single to be released of her highly anticipated album. 

“It’s a song about betrayal.. it took me 15 years to feel comfortable with writing this song.” – Mary Coughlan

Track listing for Life Stories:

1. Family Life 
2. Two breaking into One 
3. High Heel Boots 
4. Forward Bound 
5. Elbow Deep 
6. I Dare You to Love Me
7. Little Dance 
8. Do It Again 
9. Why Do All the Bad Guys Taste So Good
10. Safe and Sound 
11. No Jericho 
12. Twelve Steps Forward and Ten Steps Back 

Mary Coughlan is arguably the greatest female singer to have emerged from Ireland in recent times.

Whether you’re into folk, blues or jazz, you can’t fail to be moved by the emotional depth, expression and power in her voice, forged from an extraordinary life.

Mary has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career, with a legion of devoted fans worldwide. To hear Mary sing is truly to be at the core of the human heart.

Since her first album ‘Tired and Emotional’ rocketed her to overnight fame in 1985, she has recorded 15 further solo albums. Coughlan has sold out some of the UK’s most prestigious venues and has toured the US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Scandinavia.

Throughout 30 years of her quite extraordinary life and recording career, Mary has drawn heavily from her legendary heroes: the grievous, teary outpourings of Billie Holiday (to whom she devoted a double album of her songs), the husky flirtations of Peggy Lee, Van Morrison’s soulful wails and the defiant chanteusery of Edith Piaf.

In June 2020, in recognition of Mary’s achievements and immense impact on the culture and arts community in Galway City, the Mayor, Mike Cubbard presented her with a 2020 lifetime achievement award.

The new album ‘Life Stories’ was mostly written and recorded by Pete Glenister and Mary Coughlan at No Name Studio. 

Buy ‘Life Stories’ Here:

Amazon | Amazon Music | iTunes |  

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In the wake of the release of her new album ‘breaded crickets’ Leah Sohotra releases her third single this year, ‘Mountain Song’.

Her previous two singles have accumulated radio play on RTÉ Radio 1, Northern Sound, Shannonside, KCLRFM, 8Radio, Dublin City FM and FlirtFM.

Single reviews from Hot Press, West Cork People, along with national and international music blogs.

The album features guest vocals by the highly acclaimed songwriter Mick Flannery who also co-wrote one of the tracks.

Leah is a singer/songwriter and single mother of two living in Blarney Co Cork. She’s been on the Cork scene musically only since 2017 and in October of 2019 was invited to play musical support for legendary artist Andy Irvine at the Cork Folk Festival.

Originally from Vermont, and having lived in Ireland for eight years, her imagery draws heavily on rural American and Irish landscapes. Her work also draws from classical literature and folk tradition, nursery rhymes and epic poetry and therefore the subjects are often animals and mythical creatures.

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