The 122 BPM ‘Christmas Keep Your Distance’ has all the seasonal bells and whistles, with a killer chorus and a decidedly summery Middle 8. With lyrics like, “I was thinking about those ‘Normal People’, want to be with you like normal people” and “Every Pohutukawa has a silver lining” this earworm is the first release in seven years for singer/songwriter artist His Sweet Surprise.
Although it doesn’t mention the pandemic specifically, the song was influenced by and is a metaphor for Covid, referencing as it does two lovers separated by thousands of miles and suggesting that the one trying to get a flight back should stay and enjoy a sunnier Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere (with looser restrictions) rather than come home north during a “wicked blizzard“.
Previous songs by His Sweet Surprise included the 7Digital No.1 ‘Know You All My Life’ and tracks such as ‘Radio’ and ‘Molly Is A Liar’ (inspired by Madonna/Deadmau5 spat), all of which have been played on national and regional radio stations in Ireland in the past. This song provides a refreshing but commercially-sounding alternative to the traditional Christmas music staples.
Twitter @mytweetsurprise Facebook: His Sweet Surprise
Irish duo Saint Sister—Dublin-based songwriter Morgan MacIntyre and multi-instrumentalist/composer Gemma Doherty—today shared their new single and collaboration with Mercury-nominated songwriter Lisa Hannigan, ‘The Place That I Work‘, alongside its accompanying video, an Algorithm Studios production, directed by Kev Freeney. The song tells the story of a reconciled friendship following a period of estrangement, setting the traditional Irish Ballad form against a bedrock of atmospheric strings, synthesizers, and birdsong.
Contemplating the song’s origin, MacIntyre explains: “I wrote this song while I was working as a Christmas temp in Dublin’s oldest book shop, Hodges Figgis. One day a friend, who I hadn’t seen since we had a misunderstanding, came in and caught me completely off guard. I was, all at once, angry that we hadn’t talked for months and that they had chosen now, to come to where I worked to make peace, but also undeniably relieved and happy to see them, to know we were still friends.”
The arrangement of ‘The Place That I Work’ features a distinctive blend of interlocking three-part vocal harmony. Doherty, who arranged the piece, details the process: “After a few attempts at an arrangement, it seemed like it should be quite free and driven by the vocals, possibly a cappella. We’re so used to singing as a duo and creating vocal harmony with two voices, but with three voices you can find a real sense of completion within the chords. When we started thinking of it in three-parts, the first voice that came to mind was Lisa’s.”
Saint Sister first met Lisa Hannigan in 2016 at renowned Irish music festival Other Voices. Bonding over a mutual respect for each other’s work, they quickly developed a rapport, and months later Hannigan invited them to join her 2017 European tour. This was a dream experience for MacIntyre and Doherty, who opened on more than 15 dates and joined Hannigan on stage each night to sing backing vocals. When the time came for Saint Sister to record their second album, there was only one voice they had in mind for the song.
Speaking of the experience, Hannigan says: “I’ve been a fan of Saint Sister’s work since they started out and was thrilled to have them come on tour with me in 2017 so I could hear them play every night, and they also sang beautiful harmonies on some of my songs. So when they sent me this gorgeous tune I was so glad to be a part of it and it was a privilege to see how they arrange their songs up close. I love how the melody weaves between the voices, how the harmonies change and evolve over the course of the song, how the imagery feels so universal and specific at the same time.”
The trio first performed this song for “The Ruby Sessions At Home” series back in March. “It felt very special then to sing together when we were all so far apart, and preparing and recording the show was such a welcome distraction during the first lockdown,” explain MacIntyre and Doherty. “As with every Ruby Sessions, the gig was in aid of Dublin Simon Community. We wanted to bring some of what made that night so important for us to this video. A lot of us have temporarily lost the place that we work but too many people live without a home, without a safe space at all. It’s a mad old time. Mind yourselves and each other, and if you can please donate toDublin Simon Community. We have commissioned a limited edition print, inspired by the lyrics and designed by Joshua Fanning and will be donating a third of the proceeds to the charity.”
‘The Place That I Work’ is Saint Sister’s second single this year, following the release of ‘Dynamite‘ in March. Both follow the duo’s 2018 debut album, ‘Shape Of Silence‘, which earned them attention from outlets including NPR Music (watch their Tiny Desk Concert), Billboard, Earmilk, and The Irish Times, among others. In addition, the album was nominated for the Choice Music Prize and the Northern Irish Music Prize. The band have toured extensively over the past five years, both as a headline act and opening for others such as Hozier, Keane, and O Wonder, and have performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, SXSW, and Eurosonic.
Built around mesmerizing close-knit vocal harmonies, electro-acoustic harp and synthesizers, Saint Sister have been sonically likened to Enya and Cocteau Twins. The pair first met in 2014 in Dublin, where they moved to attend College from the north of Ireland. Doherty studied music composition with aspirations of becoming a film composer, but later returned to her first instrument, the harp, and began creating self-contained soundscapes around it—inspired by composers like Steve Reich. MacIntyre, meanwhile, had been a songwriter since her childhood obsession with lyrics, and cut her teeth on Belfast’s open mic circuit before releasing music as a solo artist in college to early recognition from Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody and Joan Armatrading. Frustrated by the limitations of working alone, she went in search of a collaborator; aware of Doherty through mutual friends, the two met over coffee and it quickly became apparent that they were hoping to build something similar. Between MacIntyre’s lyrics and Doherty’s soundscapes, their voices met right in the middle.
Following the release of Episode 1 of Don’t Forget To Remember Radio, Hip Hop Duo RÓGAN x ØMEGA return with another episode of their finely tuned conceptual project titled ‘Don’t Forget To Remember Radio’. Hosted by RTE’s DJ Beta Da Silva the project revolves around 3 tracks with intermissions of comic relief and relatable discussions tying the project together and giving the listener the full radio experience. With hidden gems and surprises appearances.
Produced by Internet Money’s CXDY, the second episode features 3 gritty, heavy-hitting tracks ‘Just Like The Movie’, ‘Are You Sure’ and ‘Whiplash’. The records are centred around modern hip hop blended with rock influences and glitch production, filled with tongue in cheek bars and cream of the crop choruses. The project has an alternative feel and can almost be classified as a new subgenre hip hop titled aggressive rap.
RÓGAN and ØMEGA are looking to rapidly takeover with their lyrics and unique sound. Having individually released music in 2019, they look to be more aggressive with it by teaming up. Having released tracks like ‘Different With It’ and ‘Run It Down’ to critical acclaim. Receiving support from Spotify editorial playlists, BBC Introducing, Kerrang FM, Nialler9, Hotpress, District Magazine, RTÉ 2FM, Pulse, Spin 103.8 and many more. The pair debut visuals for single ‘Murder She Wrote’ last January came from International director Ovie Etseyatse who is recognised for working with the likes Kizz Daniel, Davido, Yemi Alade.
Taking inspiration from Rappers like Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco, RÓGAN and ØMEGA found themselves moving from just fans of the music, to officially being Producers and Recording Artists in 2015 and 2018 respectively. RÓGAN released his debut EP ‘Arrogant’ in 2017, and found himself being featured in Stackd Magazine, and being booked for various gigs in different parts of Ireland. In 2019, he snatched the annual “Beat Club” competition and was crowned Beat Club Champion. As for ØMEGA, he released his debut single ‘RAMPAGE’ in 2018 and followed by collaborative EP ‘The Metropolitan Project’ with producer ILL DIAM, and found himself performing at the Electric Picnic, Dublin Fringe Festival. Securing himself a place on “NEW MUSIC FRIDAY UK” & “THE NEW EIRE” Spotify Playlist.
The Remedy Club, Americana/Roots duo, comprising Kj McEvoy and Aileen Mythen are gearing up for their first ever live stream concert with full band on Sunday 6th December. They will be the first ever Irish band to work with US live stream digital company, Mandolin who have been hugely successful in hosting concerts for the likes of Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Richard Thompson.
The duo released their critically acclaimed album ‘True Hand True Heart’ back in March, 2020 but when Covid hit, like many musicians worldwide they never got the chance to promote and tour the album to the extent they would have liked. Since then the band have signed with Nick Stewart & Associates Management, Neil O Brien Entertainment booking agent, London and signed a distribution deal with The Kartel Group in the UK and are re-launching the album along with their first every live stream gig with full band on Sunday 6th December.
The album was recorded in Room and Board studios, Nashville and produced by 5 – time Grammy award winning producer Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams). It hosts an array of Nashville based stalwarts including Lex Price on bass (Neko Case, KD Lang), Lynn Williams on drums (The Wallflowers, Delbert McClinton) and multi-instrumentalist and Rodney Crowell’s go to musician, Rory Hoffman. They describe the recording of the new album and working alongside producer Ray Kennedy as “a completely immersive and creatively fulfilling experience“. There are many themes covered in the album including “love, loss and a longing for unity and peace in place of division and building walls between us. Ultimately the songs are about humanity’s compassion and kindness over power and greed and finding that connection with ourselves and others.”
Exciting young Irish DJ and producer Shane Codd has unveiled the official music video for his floorfilling debut single ‘Get Out My Head’, out now on Polydor.
Directed by Hugh Rochfort, the video is set in lockdown on a suburban street and shows two young neighbours, a male and female, go to war with each other over a minor slight. As the video progresses, we see the couple chase each other through the streets as their rising attraction escalates.
A piano-driven vocal house banger, ‘Get Out My Head’ possesses all the right elements for infiltrating charts and club sound systems alike. A viral sensation, the track has amassed over 6.6 million streams, hit #1 on both UK and Ireland Shazam Charts and continues to climb the singles charts too. In the UK, it’s currently #24 in the UK charts and #28 in the Airplay charts having picked up playlist support from BBC Radio 1, Capital FM and Kiss FM.
Shane created the track at home in his bedroom in Cavan, as a response to the suffocating Covid-19 lockdown. He explains: “I wanted to get out and do things and I also wanted the stress of covid out of my head, like I’m sure a lot of us did. The vocals really sat with me, making the track was like an escape for me. I remember the first time I played in it my car I got a release and a feel good vibe of it. I imagined festivals and people dancing, which felt like a distant memory during Covid.“
He continues: “I posted the track online and immediately got a reaction. I was blown away. People were sharing it and tagging me, I was grateful and happy they liked it. I received messages from some people saying that it helped them during lockdown and that for them it was the tune of 2020, I couldn’t believe the reaction it was getting.”
Heavily influenced by the 90s and early-2000s dance sound, Shane Codd’s first big break came when he became a finalist at the 2018 ‘Breakout Producer’ competition held by famous Irish DJ Mark McCabe. A star in the making, ‘Get Out My Head’ is evidence of a talented young artist destined for the top.
This December, Other Voices partner with the Guinness Storehouse to host their first ever Christmas concert: Other Voices: Home at the Guinness Storehouse.
Taking place at 8pm on Wednesday 16 December, Other Voices: Home at the Guinness Storehouse will see this iconic building in the heart of Dublin 8 come alive with an eclectic programme of live Irish music and entertainment, delivering the must-see cultural event of Christmas 2020.
As we reach the end of a unique and challenging year, Other Voices: Home at the Guinness Storehouse will showcase inspiring and impactful live performances, connecting people both at home and abroad. During the evening, Other Voices will also accept donations that will go directly to supporting the music community in Ireland through the Irish Music Industry Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
Other Voices: Home at the Guinness Storehouse will feature a wide range of Irish talent including Limerick based MC’s Murli, Godknows and the phenomenal Denise Chaila, Choice Music Prize nominated musician Sorcha Richardson, Ivor Novello Award winning & Mercury Music Prize nominee Conor O’Brien (aka Villagers), trailblazing hip-hop duo Mango X Mathman, singer-songwriter and pianist Jack O’Rourke, Louth-based folk trio The Mary Wallopers, ‘New Music’ collective Crash Ensemble, renowned uilleann piper Sean Potts, fiddler player and presenter Doireann Glackin, a specially commissioned contribution from the award-winning Irish writer Joseph O’Connor and more.
As the night unfolds, the Guinness Storehouse will bring a dash of Christmas magic to the skies of Dublin with four beams of light shining out from the Gravity Bar, offering a symbol of comfort and connection to the people of Dublin. This beacon of light will also be seen around the Irish coast, as a necklace of lighthouses are illuminated as a safe, secure and comforting pathway home.
The evening will be presented by Sierra Leonean / Irish singer-songwriter Loah, whose career includes an acclaimed debut album and her brilliant performance as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar on the West End.
Speaking about hosting the event, Loah said: “It is an honour to present an incredibly special evening of Other Voices at the Guinness Storehouse. It’s been a difficult year for live performance, and this event will be a show of resilience and a celebration of all that is amazing in Irish culture. Many of us are far apart this winter, but we are hoping to bring you right into the heart of Dublin with a truly unique array of music and words.”
Speaking about the production Philip King, Other Voices said: “At Christmas time, home is at the heart of everything. That journey home for so many will just not be possible this year. The Other Voices: Home at the Guinness Storehouse event will be streamed live globally, from the heart of Dublin at the iconic Guinness Storehouse. It will collapse distance and light a pathway home and connect all of those separated from the ones they love, from friends, from family, from each other. This evening will connect, entertain and inspire and send a message of hope, love and courage this Christmas. I am delighted that we can again work at this remarkable location, with the Guinness Storehouse team.”
Speaking about the event, Catherine Toolan, MD, Guinness Storehouse said: “We are so excited to host this special event with Other Voices that will connect our home in the heart of Dublin to homes across Ireland and further afield this Christmas. Ireland is brimming with talent and creativity, but there’s no doubt it’s been a difficult year for performers, so we hope this event shines a light on the incredible talent out there and also raises much-needed funds to support the industry.”
Tourism Ireland will highlight the concert around the world to its millions of fans and followers on social media.
Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to support Other Voices: Home at the Guinness Storehouse. We will highlight the concert around the world to our fans and followers on social media – targeting in particular our diaspora and ‘Culturally Curious’ audience. Our promotions on social channels will run in advance of the event and we will also cross-post the livestream on Facebook, on 16 December. Highlighting events like this allows us to keep the beauty of Ireland to the fore, reminding people everywhere about our rich culture and showcasing our authentic home-grown talent around the world. Tourism Ireland wants to ensure that the island of Ireland is right at the top of international travellers’ ‘wish-lists’, when the time is right for them to travel here again.”
Other Voices: Home at the Guinness Storehouse will be presented in partnership with the Guinness Storehouse, with the support of Tourism Ireland. The live virtual event takes place at 8pm on Wednesday 16 December. To view, simply go to the Other Voices Social channels for links to the live stream. #OVHome
Stay tuned for more information and sneak previews over the coming weeks!
Sticking to their ethos of writing songs that are upbeat and danceable, The Dagenham Yanks have released a spontaneous Christmas song that promises to expose the shocking truth about how Rudolf acquired his red nose.
Written by the Yanks’ frontman Mark O’Sullivan, the song is a musical melody more akin to Buzzcocks than Crosby. “It’s a festive moshpit belter rather than a yuletide croon,” says O’Sullivan while seasonally attired in winter woollies on the set of the accompanying video for the song. “This is our happy, boppy, feelgood, festive present to everyone who’s felt the gloom of 2020.” Indeed, the song is a three minute package that would defy toes not to twinkle.
It comes on the back of the Yanks’ debut album ‘Trance-substantiation’ which was released on vinyl-only in August this year. The band marked the album’s release with two sold-out shows in The Kino Cork.
Irish hip-hop sensation Plantain Papi teams up with F3miii to release their fresh new single, ‘22’. This exciting release from the pairdrops on the 4th of December with the visuals of the track premiering the night before on Plantain Papi’s YouTube channel.
’22’ is an upbeat RnB song about growing up, maturing, and finding your path in life. The hook is extremely catchy, and it is definitely something you will find yourself singing at the most random times!
In life, we tend to get overwhelmed when we reach a crossroads and “don’t know what to do”. The song depicts this story from the viewpoint of a disoriented and heartbroken 22-year-old.
This record was written and produced by the duo and incorporates a variety of sounds such as live guitar and bass but still gives the hip-hop/RnB feel through the drums and melodies.
GRWL is a Dublin-based artist releasing her debut single Overstayed. Drawing influence from SZA, Clairo, H.E.R and SiR, the track contains soulful vocals over subdued RnB and an influence of pop. With uplifting guitar, dreamy harmonies, and a story within the lyrics, this strong debut release entices listeners from beginning to end, making it a track to keep on repeat.
Speaking about her track, GRWL details that the lyrics explore the complexity of relationships in a modern world and the constant drive to feel happy and secure in yourself. ‘Overstayed’ gives us a sense of her position in her world, and is a stunning introduction to her music and the stories her lyrics tell.
Leah, who adopted the moniker GRWL talks about how “when you’re in a relationship that doesn’t seem to be going well or when the feeling of loneliness takes over, you have to take control of what is going on and that is really tough, they are difficult conversations to have with yourself. We are all in charge of who we spend time with and how we are treated so to separate yourself from something that no longer serves you emotionally or no longer looks out for you, is an uncomfortable truth.” “I really just want to get across that feeling of knowing how it feels to sit in a pub surrounded by your mates but your head is running wild thinking of someone else or how upset you’ve been. I’ve found myself there many times and I really wanted to get that across in my lyrics.”
With the help of Adam Redmond from Flaked Studios, the production on the track started to bring the song to another level from where it humbly began. Written in her bedroom, consisting solely of electric guitar and vocals, GRWL wished to elevate the production. The harmonies layering the song create a rich large sound while simultaneously paying tribute to her favourite artists such as SZA and H.E.R. GRWL strived to match the level of production to her musical inspirations and the depth of emotion she feels when listening to these women.
This is simply a taster as to what GRWL has in store for us. Plans to release more music are underway, and having previously graced stages in Whelans, The Grand Social and The Workmans Club, she is eagerly looking forward to getting back to performing gigs to showcase her music in a live venue.
Callistan- songwriter and producer – releases his second offering as a solo artist, bringing us Christmas cheer in a year that could really use some festive magic!
This musical manifestation of Christmas features the vocal talent of songwriter Evelyn Finnerty who brings a wonderful warmth and authentic sentiment to the song.
“2020 has been a rough year for us all, to say the least,” notes Callistan. “I understand what it’s like to be apart from people that you love, whether it’s family, friends or that special person in your life and I think Evelyn’s vocal performance really conveys that feeling.”
Instrumentation and arrangement were thanks to the musical wizard that is Seamus Lawlor who managed to capture a perfect slice of Christmas nostalgia.
“Shea and I wanted to keep the idea of hope alive in the track, especially juxtaposed with what could be considered a sort of melancholic story. He managed to conjure up that classically magical and pure Christmas feeling.”
Ivan Jackman of Hellfire Studios did a wonderful job in mastering the track and giving it that final festive shine!
Callistan’s ‘Come Home This Christmas’ (feat Evelyn Finnerty) is released 4th December.
