Author: Breffni Banks

Les SalAmandas are a new singing song-writing act in the Irish music scene, Julie O’Sullivan (Ballydehob, West Cork) and Colyne Laverriere (Hostun, France).

Julie and Colyne met in late 2018 in Ballydehob West Cork, Ireland. Les SalAmandas made their live debut at Levis Corner House, an award-winning Irish venue, as part of  ‘Secret Song Festival’ (2019). On 1st September 2020, they performed at a sold-out gig in Levis Corner House and revealed a maturity of song-writing well beyond their years. Immersing themselves in the cultural centre that is West Cork, Julie and Colyne spent the last two years writing and recording their own material together and collaborating with local and national musicians.

Over the last two years, Julie and Colyne have had the opportunity of playing in many of Ireland’s wonderful venues and first-class festivals all over the country. Playing at Connolly’s of Leap, Lost Lane, Dublin, Whelan’s, Dublin, Waterfords’ Summer In The City, Coughlans Live Promotion’s The Great Beyond, and Other Voices Dingle. During this time they met and played alongside some of Ireland’s greatest talents; Mick Flannery, Clare Sands, Dani Larkin, Wallis Bird, Molly O’Mahony, Paul Dunlea, and many more.

These experiences inspired and moulded what Les SalAmandas became and the steps they followed to share their art with the world. In September 2021 Les SalAmandas launched a very successful crowd-funding campaign that funded the recording, mastering, and replication of their debut album that they are now putting the final touches on, which was co-produced by award-winning Canadian producer Daniel Ledwell.

In March 2022 Les SalAmandas’ first two singles ‘Now Is The Time’ and ‘Mouldy’ were both featured in ITV’s new series ‘Holding’ which was shot in West Cork in 2021. They are now ready to release ‘Gold (Fall With The Gun)’ their next single from their debut album.

Following ‘Mouldy’ which was released in September 2021, Gold (Fall With The Gun) moves away from heartbreak-pop and follows a more neo-folk/rock style, similar to their debut single ‘Now Is The Time’, Gold (Fall With The Gun) speaks a coming-of-age story-telling experience.

Using their unique style of singing, Les SalAmandas express the feelings of growing up and finding one’s place in the world from a female perspective, with subtle additions of harmonies throughout the song.

‘GOLD (Fall with the Gun), the new single Les SalAmandas is out on streaming services now https://linktr.ee/LesSalAmandas

Follow Les SalAmandas:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesSalAmandas

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lessalamandas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lessalamandas

The new single from pMad, again self-released & is accompanied by another visual masterpiece of a video that follows the struggle of us all being ‘Broken’.

‘Broken’ – none of us are built without cracks or faults, we all hurt, we are all human.

Acknowledgment of this will save us?

pMad’s third single release ‘Broken’ is an honest mix of pMad’s vision of the times we are in, with vocals & lyrics to redeem us all, along with a sonic intensity that is both equally dark and uplifting, while ultimately leaving you with a feeling of hope!

Paul Dillon is an Irish solo artist from Portumna, Co. Galway named pMad.

During the pandemic Paul in collaboration with Zedakube Recording (Ireland), Protonaut Studio(Germany) & Elith Mastering Labs (Mexico) & without ever being in the same room together created ‘Broken’ and his album which is due for release later in 2022.

pMad is ‘Broken’ in some form or another, just like everybody else. Knowing and understanding that we are all ‘Broken’ & being comfortable with that is the way to save ourselves.

Paul has played with bands such as ‘Starve the Barber’ & ‘The Suicidal Dufflecoats’ & is currently a member of ‘The Greeting’ & pMad.

Trying to keep up with everyone else, just leaves us behind, we are who we are – ‘Broken’ and that is ok!

Missed pMad’s previous singles ‘Medicine’ & ‘Who Am I’ – Download here

Find out more in the bio on his website and other links;

TikTok |YouTube | Bandcamp |Facebook |Twitter |Instagram |Official Website |Linktree and Streaming Links

Cork based singer-songwriter SAL has taken the first step on a new journey, with the addictive pop tune, ‘Bullet in the Heart’. The song has an 80s revival feel, while still including modern flavours and textures. This is a quite fitting introduction to SAL, as the release feels like something of a debut, even though she has already achieved so much in the industry.

“It’s a song about resilience in the face of loneliness and being in love…” says the Kildare native, “…while still being fearless of all that life throws at you in the midst of chaos”. Stylistically, the song features elements of electronic pop and contemporary R&B, creating a perfect soundscape to accompany SAL’s unmistakable vocals.

‘Bullet in the Heart’ was co-written by SAL with the late Scott English (writer of ‘Mandy’). It is the first release under the SAL pseudonym, as well as the first release since SAL signed a publishing deal with prestigious West Cork-based publishing company, AtSongs, and a management deal with London-based Charlie B Management.

Having unveiled a host of new material at Liverpool Irish Festival in 2021, SAL is ready to perform her new songs, with live shows in Ireland (Whelan’s, Dublin 5th May; and Cyprus Avenue, Cork 2nd June) as well as opening for Mica Paris at Woolwich Works, London on 23rd April, and a 12-date tour of Germany through May.

As well as going on the road, SAL will be releasing new material regularly in 2022, as she continues to write, evolve, and grow as an artist, with ‘Bullet in the Heart’ showcasing one colour on a wide spectrum, which will be revealed over a six song odyssey, released through the year.

‘Bullet in the Heart’ is officially released across all platforms on Friday April 8th.

Official Site: https://www.sal.world/

Social Media: Facebook | Twitter Instagram |Tiktok

O Deer is the musical project of Oisín Walsh-Peelo. Inspired by folk idioms, Oisín’s music is mellow and delicate, and draws from his diverse musical language.

Now based in West-Cork, Oisín has travelled extensively with his music. As a session musician (piano, guitars, harp, low-whistles and vocalist) he has played throughout the USA, Europe, Ireland, and the UK. He has toured worldwide with a wide range of artists and bands including Hudson Taylor, Gabrielle Aplin, Hannah-Grace, Villagers, Sun Collective, and I Have a Tribe.

Since the release of his first EP ‘O Deer’, Oisín has played support for Hozier in the USA, Joseph (US), Departure Lounge (UK), among others.

As touring and live music came to a stop in 2020, Oisín used this slower pace to record his debut album which is set for release September 2022. Today, he shares the first single, ‘Waterside’. A dreamy combination of ambient minimalism with folk-song idioms.

‘Waterside’ displays a mixture of the neo-folk songwriting style akin to that of Sufjan Stevens, with the ambient minimalism of the likes of Ólafur Arnalds. It has an earthy, natural sound contributed to by the open-string guitars. The nature sounds within the track (which were recorded in the Devil’s Glen in Wicklow) lend the song an ASMR quality. The sound is made distinctly Irish by the inclusion of the low-whistle.

Speaking of the single, Walsh-Peelo says:

“This song means a lot to me. It was written in a time just before the pandemic when there was a lot of change going on in my life. Waterside a short reflection of the state of the outer vs. the inner world: our natural environment vs. our mental and emotional one. It’s strange to me that we witness the beauty and wonder of our natural world on a daily basis, yet so often allow it to pass us by unacknowledged – It’s the same in relationships as well. This song tries to articulate that in some way. It’s really a reminder to myself to not take anything for granted.”

Connect with O Deer

Bandcamp | Instagram

Embodying newfound energy UNQ steps back into the limelight with a new single titled ‘In or Out‘. Introducing us to a deeper and more vulnerable side of herself in a generation where vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness. UNQ is eager to demonstrate that authenticity and vulnerability are actually a sign of strength. Her new single explores boundaries and is beautifully illustrated through the narrative of a romantic relationship where one chooses themselves over the emotional roller coaster of their relationship, leaving the partner to decide whether they’re permanently in or out.

Produced by Solow The Astronaut with the help of Jafaris ‘In or Out‘ is the perfect blend of slick textured R&B and afro-pop production paired with a coming-of-age vulnerability that’s expressed through introspective lyricism. Influenced by the diverse cultures of her Hausa heritage, UNQ welcomes the listener with her emotive vocal performance. Her enticing vocals offer a feel-good and unapologetic narrative as UNQ drives the idea that you can wear your heart on your sleeve while simultaneously establishing healthy boundaries and putting yourself first. Whilst her cinematic, powerful and timeless visualiser depicts her delicacy and vulnerability.

Known for her breakthrough single ‘Tired‘ alongside features on tracks for homegrown Irish talent like Soulé, Jafaris, Super Silly and Kaé. The multi-talented singer, songwriter and visual artist UNQ was born in South East London, raised in Dublin and is ethnically Nigerian. Her Nigerian roots forcibly create a space of unpredictability within her music and her live performances. She is eager to put Hausa artists on the map as she has recognised that there is a lack of representation of mainstream Hausa artists to date. Her relentless talent of dancing and her unique vocal tone lure first-time listeners and her fans in like prey and eternally captures them within her world of Sonic ups and downs. Nothing feels more refreshing, no run falls smoother. UNQ is cut from an R&B cloth but born with the versatility of a true millennial. She grew up on ’90s R&B, soul and jazz before making moves into her solo stride musically.

Connect with UNQ

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

RÓGAN X ØMEGA are back with new music and the alt hip duo continue to thrill. The 3-track release sees the long-time friends push the boundaries of their sound. Originally pursuing their own solo musical careers, the pair eventually began creating music together and this partnership sparked a run of singles. Releases such as ‘Different With It’ gained RÓGAN X ØMEGA a loyal fanbase and articles in publications such as Earmilk and District Magazine – the latter rating the track one of their ‘Songs of the Summer’. The duo also partnered with WeTransfer for a hugely popular piece on the rising hip-hop scene in Ireland.

Soon, the decision was made to establish themselves as an official duo and release their debut single ‘Fashion Week’. What first started as an occasional collaboration has since established the duo as one of the brightest Irish hip-hop acts. The two have received national airplay in Ireland and the UK, including BBC Across The Line, and featured in Spotify Editorial Playlists – New Music Friday, RAP IE & The New Éire. Based on their unique journey so far, this duo is destined for big things with many more releases in the pipeline. Speaking about the new release, ØMEGA explains:

“These three records are an extension of how we were feeling at the time. This internalised rage, anger and just overall sense of freedom of expression drove us to create them.”

Connect with  RÓGAN X ØMEGA

Spotify | YouTube | Twitter | Bandcamp | Soundcloud

Faraway Martin is an Irish singer-songwriter based in Qatar. He was recently named as one of Hot Press Magazine’s ‘Hot for 2022’. Last November he was one of the headline acts at Qatar’s Formula 1 Grand Prix. Earlier this year he played at The Qatar MotoGP and has headlined various festivals in Doha.

In Ireland he has also opened for Aslan, Mick Flannery, Mundy and Hermitage Green, and has also performed at Electric Picnic.

His previous track, ‘The Lights Turn On’, was playlisted on Irish stations RTE Radio 1, 2FM, iRadio as well as across local radio. It reached No. 5 on QBS Radio’s Top 40, the largest station in Qatar. Being the only unsigned act in the Top 40, Faraway Martin’s presence in the music scene has grown substantially. He has established himself both at home and abroad, with regular appearances as a live act in Qatar.

Faraway Martin will celebrate the upcoming release with a number of live performances, continuing on from his previous appearances on the main stage in Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and a sold out gig in the Roisin Dubh for his first headline show.

‘Figure You Out’ is a song about giving up on someone you have always been there for. It’s based on a situation where you bend over backwards for someone and they don’t show any thanks; it’s about seeing the light, knowing your worth and leaving a toxic situation like that behind. 

‘For me, this song gives a sense of freedom and new beginnings. I feel that’s where I am with my music now. It’s the first of a string of singles set for release this year.’

Connect with Faraway Martin 

Spotify | Instagram | Breaking Tunes | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Former ESKIES front man, Ian Bermingham, releases single ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ ahead of solo album.

Bermingham is no ordinary songwriter, Old Sea Legs no ordinary project, and – true to form – The Death Of Old Sea Legs is no ordinary bit of folk.

Best known for his time as frontman of Dublin quintet The Eskies, Ian Bermingham has developed a reputation as a truly singular writer and performer, ploughing a furrow that defies both trend and tradition.

His eagerly anticipated debut album The Death Of Old Sea Legs is a genre-bending, un-pigeonhole-able, totally singular record. It’s a timeless tangle of tongue-twisting, brain-burrowing lyrics that lurches from breathless barrage to lilting lament – at times without a moment’s notice. Crawling with vivid imagery and colourful characters, it’s a window into a world entirely of Bermingham’s own creation.

Displaying all of the storytelling nous and craft of the quintessential folk troubadour, the melodic ear of a pop pioneer and the lyrical largesse that has become so synonymous with Ian’s song writing, Old Sea Legs sees the Dubliner push himself to new and exciting territory as a solo performer, with a sound that manages to be both expansive and intimate.

The Death Of Old Sea Legs is the sound of a creative whose own sense of self has been abruptly challenged, forced to turn into the unknown and – in doing so – reaching new heights. Given the series of breakups and traumas from which it was conceived and delivered; it is the sound of sweet victory from the jaws of bitter defeat.

Irish & UK Album Tour Dates 2022

Fri 29 April  – DUBLIN, The Grand Social (IRE)

Sat 30 April – MAYO, Claremorris Folk Festival (IRE)

Sun 1 May – EXETER, The Phoenix

Wed 4 May – GUILFORD, Star Inn

Thu 5 May – NUNEATON, Queen’s Hall

Fri 6 May – BARTON ON HUMBER, The Ropewalk

Sun 8 May – BURY, The Met

Tue 10 May – LONDON, Green Note

Wed 11 May – BRIGHTON,  Folklore Rooms

Fri 13 May – MALMESBURY, The Rose & Crown

Sat 14 May – BIDEFORD. Palladium Club

Fri 20 May – BATH, Komedia

Sat 21 May = GLASTONBURY, King Arthur’s

Tue 24 May – LEEDS, The Constitutional

Wed 25 May – SHEFFIELD, Greystones

Thu 26 May – MANCHESTER, The Peer Hat

Fri 27 May – NEWCASTLE, The Cluny

Sun 29 May – HULL, Adelphi

Connect with Old Sea Legs

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube

The Indie Folk artist on everyone’s watch list; Cormac Looby is anticipated to sell-out yet another headline Whelan’s gig this coming May.

Riding off the back of the success of his debut EP; ‘Things We Don’t Control‘, the Cahir native will take to the main stage of the iconic Dublin venue on Friday, May 13th 2022.

Cormac, who sold out his previous Whelan’s gig on January 26th of this year, will return to avid crowds as he brings a whole host of new material, live to his devoted fan-base.

Tickets are €12.50 including booking fee and are on sale from this Monday March 21st at www.whelans.ie

‘Things We Don’t Control’ is Cormac’s debut long-form release and was recorded at the Black Gate Studio, Galway with the help of Cormac’s atmospheric live band. The tracks were written over a period of 12 months and address pivotal themes from the artist’s roots such as mental health, relationships and what it is to be an “Irishman.”

The title premise behind the EP for Cormac as a musician, was to get back to what he loved the most and where he found his initial start, playing instrument-led, thoughtful live music, with Cormac demanding all key sounds throughout his work be played rather than made.

“I was living in England at the time the idea for the EP was conceived and felt a yearning for home stronger than ever before. As such, I wanted Irish instrumentation to be a feature.”

Cormac’s longing for tradition and the comforts of home can truly be felt in the track ‘Couldn’t Be The Only One‘ which features Dylan Carlos (Fiddle), Méabh Donnelly (Bodhrán) and Richie Delahunty of ‘Moxie’ (Banjo).

With his debut body of work perfectly meshing together the old and the new, and Cormac utilising a nostalgic Irish sound along with his staple indie pop persona, this up and coming star has managed to perfectly emulate the trials and tribulations of being a modern Irish man straight out the gate.

Connect with Cormac Looby 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube | TikTok