Month: February 2021

Neo-classical composer Emiji – A.K.A Marcin Ciszczon and co-founder of one of Ireland’s most successful independent production houses, Diffusion Lab – returns with the second single from his upcoming debut album. The moving and cinematic ‘Unspoken’ features vocalist Sandra Maria and is set for release on 24th February.

‘Unspoken’ examines the vulnerability and bliss of feeling unconditional love and the wisdom and beauty of nature. The track draws influences from a psychedelic journey in a forest the artist experienced with his partner, whose vocals feature on the track. 

In the final refrain, the song drifts wistfully to its conclusion, as Sandra Maria sings about ‘two becoming one’. As referenced in the track’s title, the memories of such an experience, and its impact, go unspoken, it’s a memory living only in the whistling of the forest. 

Following the release of the first single ‘Larimar’ in January, ‘Unspoken’ marks the second release from Emiji’s upcoming album ‘My Journeys’, which is set release on 26th March 2021. ‘My Journeys’ documents the importance of becoming one’s best self and explores the use of holistic medicines, embracing nature, encouraging change, and showing courage to take the first step on a voyage of self-discovery.

‘Unspoken’ is a lush, moving cinematic piece in tone and timbre which captures love, ego, and vulnerability under the guise of self-reflection. Emiji earmarks himself as an artist unafraid to question both himself and the world around him and is willing to stretch the limits of creativity in an effort to best understand some of life’s most timeless themes.

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Liam Merriman and Eoin O’ Maher have released their brand new single ‘Joanne’, out now.

Liam Merriman speaks about the record “A song with a smile. Brimful of energy & charm and a bouncy chorus.” One to give a much-needed lift to the spirits. ‘Joanne’ features an outstanding line-up of top Irish and Nashville musicians. All wrapped up and skillfully delivered in less than 2 minutes.”

Liam Merriman has been a significant presence on the live music circuit in Ireland over many years. His songs have been released by Polygram Records, RTE Records and the independent Three Rivers label. His work has also been published by Cohesion Arts in America as a contributing writer, and artist on the acclaimed Nashville based 1861 Project. He has made several TV appearances on RTE and BBC and his songs have received airplay and play-listing on national, regional and local radio stations in Ireland and overseas. He has released seven albums of his work to date, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with 2020 Grammy Award Nominee Thomm Jutz.

Eoin O’Meachair’s life has always been immersed in Irish culture and tradition. He has played banjo and whistle since childhood and is an accomplished mandolin player and vocalist. He is well known from his many international tours as a member of traditional Irish folk band, Caladh Nua, of which he was a founding member.

Over the past year, we have been treated to a breath-taking plethora of ambient music works by Dublin-based musician, filmmaker, and director Myles O’Reilly, under the moniker [Indistinct Chatter].

He will release his third ambient LP ‘My Mother’s Star’ on March 23rd, 2021.

‘Your Excitement’ is the first taster which is officially out today, Monday 22nd February, marking Myles’ mother’s birthday.

Speaking about the new project, Myles says: “Due to the pandemic lockdown measures of January 2021 I found myself in the studio again. The process of making myself create a new sound every day was a routine that was key to nurturing my mental health and well-being at that time. I did a lot of experimenting with generative modular patches, looking to create happy accidents.

Increasingly through the process, there would form thoughts and memories of my mother. Inside the notes, scales, and sounds, her presence became ever more pronounced. I would then start each day with a meditation on her and begin creating sounds informed by the feelings that surfaced.

During the lockdown, some days were uninspiring and revealed nothing to me at all, but it was the practice of trying that always meant I was closer to hitting on something positive. A total of 8 times the energy and warmth of her love would shine through the sounds I was generating like a gap in the clouds, and it’s those moments that have resulted in the upcoming album, ‘My Mother’s Star’.

Today on my mother’s birthday, I share the video for ‘Your Excitement’. While recording the album in January’s lockdown, I did a lot of walking around Dublin city centre listening to mixes. The one track that resonated most heavily with that eerie sense of empty Dublin streets was this.” 

‘Your Excitement’ soundtracks Myles’ short film ‘Essential Services’, in which he casts a lens on essential service retail outlets open in Dublin’s city centre, during the strict level 5 pandemic lockdown of January 2021.

The video was filmed entirely on his phone over a few evenings in between the hours of 4pm and 6pm, at a time the inner city would normally be experiencing a throng of rush-hour traffic.

As part of the official St. Patrick’s Festival, 12-17 March, Filmmaker and musician Myles O’Reilly will perform an ambient film score live to footage of the Sheriff Street Flats, spanning several decades from the 1950s to when they were demolished in the late 1990s. Details: https://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/events/indistinct-chatter-the-sheriff-street-flats

Also as part of St. Patrick’s Festival, Myles joins a line-up of some of the country’s finest trad players for ‘Barróg Lá Féile Pádraig’, pre-recorded at the legendary Whelan’s venue in Dublin. Myles joins Rónán Ó Snodaigh, better known for his singing with the group Kíla. The pair recently released their debut single together Tá’n t’Ádh Liom.

Details: https://www.stpatricksday.ie/events/barrog

‘My Mother’s Star’ LP by [Indistinct Chatter] will be out on all digital platforms March 23rd 2021.

Bandcamp: https://mylesoreilly.bandcamp.com/music

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Ireland’s legendary Blues and Soul singer, Rob Strong, may be in his seventies, but as the title of his biography suggests, Rob is still going strong! In 2020, the Derry native celebrated a remarkable 55 continuous years on the road in Ireland, from The Polka Dots in 1965 to fronting the iconic Plattermen in the Showband Era,  fronting his own bands (Las Vegas, The Rockets and later The Rob Strong Band) and known as ‘The Godfather of Soul’ in Ireland.

The book not only follows the amazing musical journey of Rob Strong over six decades in Ireland, but in the words of Brush Shiels “also offers a unique insight into the Irish music scene from the Showband Era, to the beat scene in Dublin and the progress of Rock Music in Ireland.” The foreword is written by Barry Devlin from the legendary Horslips .

Rob recalls his fascinating life story, starting with the humblest of beginnings, in the tin huts of Springtown Camp, where he grew up in Derry, Northern Ireland. His peers in the music world describe Rob Strong as ‘world class’, ‘underrated’ and ‘The superstar Ireland never had’. Rob once turned down the opportunity of joining Deep Purple, one of the world’s biggest ever Rock bands. Author, Paul Holland, who is also Rob’s manager, interviews a host of Ireland’s best musicians- Colm Wilkinson, Johnny Logan, Phil Coulter, Don Baker, Barry Devlin, Brush Shiels, Frankie McBride and Mary Coughlan, amongst others, in an amazing insight into the music scene in Ireland, during the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Rob’s son, Andrew Strong, gives an exclusive interview into the making of the smash hit movie ‘The Commitments, in which he starred in 1991 in a dedicated chapter on Andrew, the movie and the influence of his father.

The Rob Strong Biography also includes a 15 track album ‘Soul Affair’ and is available from www.robstrong.ie 

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Originating from rural Ireland, Seán Finn is a multi-instrumental songwriter, grounded in pop and jazz. Seán is classically trained on piano, self-taught on guitar, and has been writing music for the last 6 years. 

Taking inspiration from Cole Porter to David Bowie, and from the Beatles to Mac DeMarco, Seán’s current work intends to provide driven yet melodic compositions for his listeners.  He is currently working on a project titled ‘Pencil In Regret’, which consists of 11 songs that were written before and during the pandemic. 

Seán Finn is working with producer Jack Roulston on the project, and together they have mixed 2 songs already, and another 4 are almost complete. ‘Mexican Beauty In Red’ is the first song to be released from this project.

“Reading a biography about Antonio Carlos Jobim, I fell in love with his music and studied some of his most famous pieces. In particular his song, ‘Triste’, inspired my new single. I sat down at the piano and decided to try and write a bossa nova song as a challenge, just to see if I could do it. I didn’t believe that it was something people would like, but the more people I sent it to, the more people thought it was good, so I decided to release it as my next single.”

“When I was younger, I never listened to the modern-day pop songs on the radio. I don’t know what it was, but I had no connection to the production of modern-day music at all. My sisters used to play songs by Kelly Clarkson and sit in front of the television watching MTV, I just didn’t get it. It didn’t appeal to me at all.” 

He continues to say “I was much more a fan of program music. Music from the movies that I loved like ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Indiana Jones’, I loved the dramatism of all that.”

Mexican Beauty in Red was released on February 19th.

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Grooveline – an exciting, up and coming, five piece teenage band from Co. Leitrim. Coming from diverse musical backgrounds, the quintet apply their influences to make a dramatic and captivating sound. Rock/Funk grooves and melodies fuse together with their significant energy to create a unique sound.

Their latest single ‘Would I Lie’ is an electric song bursting with funkalicious riffs, catchy lines and pure energy!

With his highly anticipated new album ‘Adventurer Wild’ set to arrive later this year, Irish songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jamin O Donovan now returns to deliver the record’s second offering ‘Invitation’.

Following on from his previously shared single ‘Shores’, ‘Invitation’ looks to showcase his brighter and more up-tempo side. With a blend of soaring production and his own wistful persona, his newest delight captivates us with its broad and euphoric soundscape.

Speaking about his new release, he said, “with all that’s going on in the world at present, it feels hard to see the wood for the trees at times. Between the pandemic and the growing fractious environments within and between nations, this track is literally an invitation to have another look at how we are responding to the current needs on the world stage.”

Since the release of his previous albums ‘Go God Go’ and ‘Leaving My Empire’ with Cork band FRED, Jamin has allowed his sound to take form and grow over time into a powerful expression. Now under his own record label, Jamin is ready to take on the next chapter in his music career and is heading towards a successful 2021.

‘Invitation’ will be available everywhere from February 26^th 2021.

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The former Saucy Monky co-frontwoman and Secret Things singer Cynthia Catania is continuing to focus on her solo career with the release of this catchy and poignant new song, ‘Last Beer’.

Drawing on her personal experience with love and chemical romance – ‘Last Beer’ tells the metaphorical story of pining for those tempting loves – even when we know they’re bad for us. “Tall and beautiful, long-neck-cold” – she’s actually reminiscing about her last drink!

The former Saucy Monky member co-fronted the band with talented Irish songwriter Annmarie Cullen. Catania has been focusing recently on her solo career. Her second single of 2020 was released just before the pandemic devastated the music industry. Six months later, Catania – rather than wait for the world to return to its ‘before’ state – released ‘Remember‘, a nostalgia-inducing single about her days in the band. The follow-up – sleek, mystical, and very beautiful ‘Suitcase‘ can be seen on the Hot Press Music Channel.

Her latest work, ‘Last Beer’ and its corresponding music video (set in nostalgic 1960’s n’ 70’s; concept and direction by Sue Ann Pien) and the radio version of this release (produced by Catania) will drop February 25th. Musical contributors include Adam Marcello (Katy Perry and American Idol).

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Still stuck at home (er… only in a Home of the Year finalist home, 2015) during Covid 19, Ger Eaton, creative director, future planner, musical collaborator and style savant, is heeding this advice from his self-appointed A&R daughter, 18-year-old Jude.

After the excellent response to Ger’s first solo single ‘I Thought I’d A Friend’, Jude is keen to keep the musical momentum flowing, with Ger’s new release, ‘Hollow’.

Jude said, “I think this solo vibe is working well for you Dad… didn’t I tell you people would really dig what you do?”

Jude had noted that while her Dad had worked with Duke Special, Jack L, Mundy, Fionn Regan, and The Pale (to name just a few), appeared on Later with Jools Holland, played Glastonbury, toured extensively in the US with his own bands Las Vegas Basement, The Carnival Brothers and (her favourite) Les Marionettes, he had never released music as a solo artist until recently.

“You’re like that old guy...”, she said, “... Brian Eno… you always stand out from the rest.” As creative director and fashion forecaster of 25 years for the chic Robert Chambers Hair Salon, Ger has indeed used his creative talents to turn everything he encounters ( including himself ) into a visual kaleidoscope of flair.

Now Ger, while ruefully accepting that the modern A&R approach has changed, has taken Jude’s advice by releasing both ‘I Thought I’d A Friend’ and ‘Hollow’. Jude maintains that due to her Dad’s unique look and interests he can appear in any number of media formats (such as fashion, hairdressing, styling and interior design) as well as, of course, the usual music ones!

Single release date: 5th March 2021 Available from: Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, and all other major digital platforms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GerEatonMusic/
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The third in a string of new releases from alternative Irish songwriter ORIAN (Joey Ryan), ‘What Pulls You’ is an introspective ode to loved ones and self.

It follows ‘Grateful’, a poignant track about letting those close to you in. On the new single, ORIAN tackles the darkness of inner battles and how much better they’re dealt with together. ORIAN’s characteristic pop-infused guitar melodies pepper the verses as the song slow-builds, each chorus gaining more and more traction, emotionally and sonically.

Produced by long-term collaborator ANDOR and mastered by Ainsley Adams, pristine and ethereal vocal layers create an ambience that ebbs and crashes throughout the track. Its sentiment revolves around opening up, with an ‘It’s OK not to be OK’ mantra – one that Joey didn’t know he needed to vocalise until it was written.

He penned the track in reference to the ways in which school, and toxic notions of masculinity drum in the need to put on a brave face from a very early age, and how dangerous this can be. ‘What Pulls You’ is accompanied by a moving music video that drives home the importance of individual expression and collective support. Directed by Nick Scholey.

“In school there was no allowance for feeling down, or any avenue to pursue to talk to anyone about it. It was very much a grin and bear it, with a smile on your face kind of attitude, which is incredibly dangerous and wrong. I wanted to address this for the first time in my music as these experiences have left a lingering impact on me. This song is a testament to that; allowing people in and not suffering in silence.”

Having performed and released two albums as Joey Ryan for almost a decade, 2019 saw Ryan morph into ORIAN; a natural progression that reflected the songwriters move away from his folk and acoustic roots into a more indie alternative and atmospheric space. 

After independently releasing his first two singles ‘Tryin’’ and ‘Holding On’ in May and November 2019, ORIAN achieved support from Irish radio stations such as RTE Radio One, BBC Ulster,  RED FM, BEAT 102103, KCLR, Dublin City FM and Shannonside, alongside support from Radio Eins, TIDE and Fritz Radio in Germany. 

Reflecting the time taken to redefine his approach and style, ORIAN’s ‘Ask You Twice’ (co-written and produced by Berlin-based Producer Joschka Bender; mixed with additional production by ANDOR) was released in September 2020 and was swiftly followed by ‘Grateful’, produced by ANDOR, co-written with Craig Walker, and mastered by Ainsley Adams, last November.

With influences ranging from The National to Bon Iver; Hozier to The War On Drugs; ORIAN is guitar melody-based, atmospheric indie folk; with strong yet delicate vocals. 

Having completed his second headline tour of Germany in February 2020, ORIAN’s Ask You Twice and Grateful marked the first two out of five new singles from the Irish artist planned for release over the next few months.  The third has now arrived with ‘What Pulls You’. Another exciting chapter of a blossoming career with a very bright future.

Joey has performed and supported many artists over the past few years in Ireland and Germany. Notably Mick Flannery, JET, Bastille, Georg Ezra, John Spillane, David Ryan Harris, Jack Lukeman.