Deke O’Brien’s musical journey began as a member of Ian Whitcomb & Bluesville, a pioneering ensemble that etched its name in history by becoming the first Irish band to grace the US charts in 1965. Throughout his career, O’Brien’s versatility as a musician shone brightly as he lent his talents to renowned groups like Bees Make Honey, the pioneers of London’s pub rock along with Ian Drury’s Kilburn and the Highroads, Nick Lowe and Brinsley Schwarz playing such legendary pub rock venues as the Nashville Rooms, the Kensington and the Tally-ho, He also signed a major record deal with EMI and toured extensively in UK & Europe.
On his return to Ireland he formed Nightbus and toured nationwide with the Boomtown Rats on the ‘Falling Asunder’ tour, leaving his imprint on the musical landscape. However, O’Brien’s contributions to the music industry extend far beyond his onstage performance. He formed Trax on Wax music publishing company, and signed local writers, most prominent being Christy Dignam, for his first release in the group ‘Meelah XVIII’. Also, he cosigned the Atrix and Tom ‘happens’ Dunne, in his first ever band ‘The End’ along with Ronan Hardiman who went on to compose music for Lord of the Dance.
At a later stage he formed the copyright clearance agency Adtrax, which became the driving force in the Irish advertising industry. Adtrax was responsible for the copyright clearance and production of many popular TV and radio commercials such as Guinness, Failte Ireland, Stena shipping line, Heineken, Toyota and Aer Lingus to name a few, showcasing O’Brien’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative vision.
In the late 80s, he was a founding director of IMRO and thereafter MCPSI. In a pivotal moment for Irish Music, O’Brien assumed the presidency of the Music Publishers Association of Ireland (MPAI) in 2023. O’Brien brings with him a wealth of experience and a boundless enthusiasm for advancing the interests of music publishers and the songwriters they represent.
Reflecting on his role, O’Brien expresses: “In the coming year, we will be focusing on an increased offering of training and information to our membership and we are committed to amplifying their needs, within the pro-copyright lobby in Ireland and overseas” he continues. “I am looking forward to what we can achieve in promoting Irish music throughout Europe and how we can better serve the songwriters we are privileged to represent. The writers being the absolute lifeblood of our industry.”
Visit: https://www.mpaireland.ie/
