Author: Breffni Banks

One of Ireland’s foremost electronic artists, Daithí , today releases his multi-layered new single ‘Familial ’ via Strange Brew . A track steeped in both tenderness and strength, ‘Familial’ is grounded by an underlying beat that echoes the solidity of the song’s subject matter.

The new single sees Daithí collaborate with New Zealand filmmaker Ayla Amano in an ambitious project that seeks to explore the ways families and communities communicate with one another; what is said and what is unsaid. What is spoken about through language and what is spoken about in more subtle, non-verbal ways.

The ‘Familial’ music video has already been shortlisted for three prestigious Kinsale Shark Awards  – for Best Music Video, Best Direction and Best New Director.
Through Daithí’s music and Ayla’s accompanying film, common themes are explored between family relationships in rural Ireland and in New Zealand, in an attempt to ultimately say something about the world at large.

Daithí  says: “‘Familial’ started out life as a track I wrote around an uncertain feeling I had about returning to my home county of Clare. Growing up in a remote area, there was a stifling feeling of repressed emotions; people in the area would sometimes find it difficult to say what they really felt. It was quite a personal piece of music to me, but it was transformed into something with even more to say when I began to collaborate with Ayla.  The idea of finding common ground and themes with a community so far apart from my own got me really excited, and I started seeing the track in a new, more global perspective. The themes are universal.”

Ayla  speaks about the concept for the film: “Originally, the concept for the ‘Familial’ video was set to film in Ireland. We’d discussed themes of family roots and community; ideas Daithí had been exploring around returning to his hometown in Clare. Then, while on holiday in New Zealand visiting my family, my partner and I discovered that we had a baby on the way, so we decided to stay there for the year. Apart from finding myself in a similar situation – reconnecting with my hometown and the community I grew up in – I was also reminded of New Zealand’s unique position in the Pacific. Our Pasifika communities are so integral to the spirit of Auckland, and after spending time in Ireland,  I could draw some unexpected parallels between the two cultures – wildly different on the surface, but both with a real strong sense of family and community, as well as a humour and warmth that my Irish partner immediately connected with.”

These themes are realised on screen by Samoan actors Jeremiah Tauamiti, Villa Junior Lemanu and Samson Vaotuua – all immensely gifted performers. The opening scene was filmed at the Otara Markets, a centrepiece of the Pasifika community in Auckland, where Villa recalls spending Saturday mornings as a child. The home scenes were filmed in Samson’s mother’s house. Jeremiah helped Ayla immensely in understanding the role of the church in Samoan culture and psyche.

“There was a real sense of community both on and off the screen,”  the director recalls. “Filming while I was six months pregnant provided yet another layer to the story. We spent a lot of time on set talking about family and reflecting on where we’d come from.” 

Connect with Daithí

IG  | TWITTER  | SPOTIFY  | BANDCAMP  | FACEBOOK

Dublin’s revered melodic rock quintet Sack are delighted to announce the 25th anniversary re-release of their album Butterfly Effect on double vinyl, CD and digital platforms on Friday April 8th, 2022, through the London based record label Dimple Discs. This new edition will feature re-mastered audio as well as new sleeve artwork designed by Sack vocalist Martin McCann.

‘Butterfly Effect’ was originally released in Ireland only on CD by Dirt Records in 1997 so this re-release marks the worldwide debut of the album, as well as its highly anticipated release on vinyl for the first time.

Recorded in Dublin with Stereolab producer Paul Tipler and Garret ‘Jacknife’ Lee (U2, R.E.M, The Killers, Robbie Williams, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party, Weezer, Modest Mouse and Taylor Swift) on co-production duties, this was an album that saw the band veer towards a heftier guitar-based sound.

Album opener “Climb Mine Powerhouse” sets the tone with its scratchy guitar resonance underpinned by warm bass lines and a galloping drum beat that succinctly evokes the childhood yearnings of the song’s lyrics. ‘Butterfly Effect’ also sees main lyric writer John Brereton move away from the polemic of the band’s debut album ‘You Are What You Eat’ into personal territory, reflecting on themes such as touring (Sleeping On The Floor) living away from loved ones (Wish You Were Here) and relationship failings (Latitude).

The album’s best-known track is the sublime “Laughter Lines” – a song that Morrissey noted at the time “should be Number 1 forever” in an Irish Times interview – penned by lead vocalist Martin McCann and guitarist Dave Dorgan, which opens with the killer couplet, ‘I drink to forget but I only remember, that day when you said it was over forever’.

In his book ‘Buried Treasure’ 2FM DJ Dan Hegarty says “The album’s urgency and impact is still as impressive today as it was on its release day. The tracks may come in the form of would-be Indie anthems, but they are bursting with the essential ingredients for any great pop tune. Here is another musical injustice – McCann is one of the most gifted and unique vocalists that Ireland has ever heard.”

John Brereton on the making of Butterfly Effect

In the latter half of 1995 we came back from a year living in London, slightly subdued after a whirlwind 1994 where our debut single “What Did The Christians Ever Do For Us” gained Single of the Week honours in NME and Melody Maker which led to a deal with London based indie label Lemon Records. We moved house to London and spent a great year touring the UK, recording our debut album ‘You Are What You Eat’ and hanging out in Camden hostelries with some of the leading lights of the Britpop scene, but our timing wasn’t right, so we returned, regrouped and refocused our energies. After losing a keyboardist but gaining a guitarist we re-emerged with a set of songs that were the backbone of ‘Butterfly Effect’, songs which excited the people behind Irish label Dirt Records. We had worked with Paul Tipler during our London sojourn and always loved his work with Stereolab, so he was invited over to Dublin to helm the album along with our bass player’s brother, Garret ‘Jacknife’ Lee, who had recently turned his hand to producing after some successful years as guitarist/songwriter with Compulsion. The studio was in the bowels of an old building on Dublin’s quayside and was quite basic equipment wise, but Paul and Garrett definitely got the most out of what was at our disposal. The album came out in 1997 on CD only (vinyl was losing it lustre at this time) and only received an Irish release which was disappointing considering the quality of the record. We have always believed in these songs (along with some truly wonderful and supportive people like Dan Hegarty amongst others) and are now delighted that it’s coming out with a proper release worldwide and on beautiful double vinyl too!

Martin McCann On his experience making Butterfly Effect

I didn’t expect to be an apprentice builder when we recorded Butterfly Effect. The studio in the basement of ‘Space 28’ on Dublin’s North Lotts was a pile of rubble with a control room! Hi tech in B&Q!

SACK BIOGRAPHY

To date they have released three albums, You Are What You Eat, Butterfly Effect & Adventura Majestica. The band’s sound has been described as ‘Frank Sinatra fronting the Pixies’.

Formed from the ashes of Lord John White the band came to notice with their strong melodic songs, biting political lyrics and new wave, guitar driven sensibilities. Their first single ‘What Did the Christians Ever Do For Us?’ was single of the week in both the NME and Melody Maker. In 1993 they signed to UK Indie label Lemon Records, who released their first album ‘You Are What You Eat’.

After living in London for a year (1994) the band moved back to Ireland where they recorded ‘Butterfly Effect’’ which was produced by Stereolab producer Paul Tipler and Garret ‘Jacknife’ Lee. The album – released on the Irish label Dirt Records — contained one of their most memorable tracks, “Laughter Lines”, a song Morrissey said, “should be Number One forever” and which appeared on the soundtrack to the movie “Carrie 2: The Rage”.

At Morrissey’s behest Sack opened for him on his 1999 Oye Esteban World Tour taking in mainland Europe, the UK & Ireland, and the USA. The former Smiths singer also included “Colorado Springs” (from ‘You Are What You Eat’) on his hand-picked NME CD “Songs to Save Your Life” before inviting the band to open for him again on a European tour in 2003.

Released later that year, ‘Adventura Majestica’ came out on the band’s own Jetset Junta label and saw the band incorporate new sonics into their sound, culminating in a title track that received a white label remix by Irish techno icons Decal.

Pre-pandemic, Sack played the Jerry Fish stage at Electric Picnic, the Night for Aware gig in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre and opened for High Llamas/Microdisney legend Sean O’Hagan at The Grand Social. 2021 saw the band return with a brand-new single “What A Way To Live” and record deal with new indie label Dimple Discs (home to Cathal Coughlan, Eileen Gogan, Damian O’Neill and the Monotones and others). The single received massive nationwide airplay in Ireland as well as many great accolades across the board including Newstalk’s Tom Dunne declaring it his ‘single of the year’.

Instagram – Facebook – Twitter – Spotify – YouTube

Following a sold out headliner at the famous Cobblestone Venue, Luke Clerkin is set to release his highly anticipated Owl Compass EP on April 1st. Owl Compass was recorded remotely between Dublin and Berlin with producer jaako. This will mark the culmination of their work together, a partnership which began in late 2020. Three singles from the EP ‘Lost in Translation’, ‘Normal People’ and ‘Fall in Line’ have already gained critical and radio success getting support from Indie Buddie, Hot Press, Spin, RTE and BBC amongst others.

Luke will take part in Smithfield Creatives: Creatives For Ukraine Event in Sin É Dublin on the day of the release. Proceeds from the gig will be donated to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Luke will also donate the Owl Compass Bandcamp Sales from the release weekend to the cause. Joining Luke at Creatives for Ukraine are Anna Condron, The Accidental Rapper, Shiv Hickey and R V E.

Talking about the release of ‘Owl Compass’, Luke said ‘I can’t believe it’s finally coming out! We’ve been working on these songs and these releases since late 2020. SO much love has gone into this project, and so much growth has come from it! I’m also excited that people will finally be able to listen to ‘Catch Up’, it’s both mine and jaako’s favourite song, and possibly the most personal song I’ve ever written!’.

Talking about the Creatives for Ukraine show, Luke said ‘When the news of what’s happening in Ukraine spread around the world, I wanted to do something for the people affected by it. I got on to my good friend and founder of Smithfield Creatives, Adam Kelly, and I asked him if we could run an event. Adam jumped on board straight away and together we’ve come up with a night consisting of some of the best singer songwriters, poets, rappers, and comedians that Dublin has to offer.’

Artist Bio

Luke Clerkin is an award-winning Irish songwriter and artist. He has been playing and releasing music for the last 6 years. His music has gained international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. He has built a name for himself for his heart on his sleeve lyrics and emotion evoking live performances.

Luke is known for playing over 250 gigs in a year at the beginning of his career, as a way of honing his craft. Since then, he has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland. Luke has also completed an apprenticeship with Ed Sheeran’s mentor and Nizlopi frontman, Luke Concannon.

‘Owl Compass’ will be released on all streaming and download platforms on April 1st.

Creatives for Ukraine takes place in Sin É on April 1st at 7.30 pm. Entry is a minimum donation of €5 with all proceeds being donated to Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

You can follow and listen to Luke here: https://linktr.ee/lukeclerkin

‘Fear of Art’ is the fourth song released from THUMPER’s forthcoming debut album Delusions of Grandeur, following singles Ad Nauseam, The Loser, and Overbite. A rampagingly infectious listen, the new single is classic THUMPER – self-aware, wry, maximalist and instantly alluring.

With their debut album “Delusions of Grandeur” out on March 18th, Dublin six piece THUMPER have announced a weekend of launch shows in London and Dublin to give the double vinyl release a proper send off.

Kicking off with a London show at the Victoria in Dalston on Tuesday 15th, the band head back to Dublin to open up for Damien Dempsey at Collins Barracks on Friday March 18th  and then a headline show on the Grand Social on Saturday March 19th.

Frontman Oisin said “Due to demand, our album launch show at Whelans has been upgraded to The Grand Social main room on Saturday March 19th!! We’re also delighted to announce that Pretty Happy and CABL are joining the party,“ We only release our first record once, so hit the link and scoop up tickets to the weirdest party in town”

All original tickets are valid for the new date, with extra ticket options now available from hellothumper.com (Including LP bundles, as well as €10 admission only tickets)

Frontman Oisín Leahy Furlong comments: “It’s about self-image, and your capacity to change. To reach beyond your comfort zone, and become a ‘better’ person. The two verses represent the two sides of your brain, one pragmatic and one a dreamer. The chorus is a third entity laughing at the prospect of the whole thing, that the struggle will never mean as much to anyone else as it does to you.”

Of the epic video Oisín Leahy Furlong comments: “‘Fear of Art’ is the final single to be released before we unveil our whole debut record, so we knew we wanted to make something special to go with it. This music video is the culmination of months of planning and a huge two-day shoot – our most expansive video yet.

“We enlisted the help of The Collective, a Dublin based production company responsible for genre-bending videos for Fontaines DC, Just Mustard, Denise Chaila and more. We collaborated with writer/director Jade de Robles Rossdale to create a treatment. The video involves a dysfunctional family reunion, complete with extramarital affairs, drug use, food fights, and even total vehicular destruction (recalling the Delusions of Grandeur album cover).”

Pre-order Delusions of Grandeur here: https://orcd.co/j4a8pjo

 Over the last two years the Dublin six-piece have been developing their sound and building an increasingly passionate fanbase. With a line up of two drummers and three guitarists, THUMPER’s maximalist wall of sound has long since set them apart in the booming Dublin music scene, and has them “punching like heavyweights alongside Fontaines DC and The Murder Capital” (Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6).

Delusions of Grandeur reveals THUMPER’s trademark penchant for saccharine melody and unabashed hooks, all the while set against their signature psych-drenched rumble. This harsh juxtaposition of sweet and caustic is where THUMPER thrive.

 While Delusions of Grandeur features plenty of homages to classic alt rock such as Weezer, Pixies or The Dandy Warhols, it is also steeped in the influence of contemporaries such as Viagra Boys, King Gizzard, Shame and even Idles at their most psychedelic. At other points the sheer bombastic nature of its production recalls Irish psych alumni My Bloody Valentine on Loveless, or no wave veterans Sonic Youth on Daydream Nation. 

 Nowhere is this bombastic recording process more apparent than on the record’s final act – the 20-minute ‘Overbite’ Suite consisting of three songs recorded and performed as one long piece – this epic attempt at pushing past the mould of what a ‘song’ can be, in part justified by the album’s title. 

 Delusions of Grandeur however is not just a statement of musical intent. The LP’s title refers to a struggle of self image, internal and external, and the existential maintenance that all of this implies. Frontman Leahy Furlong’s visceral and surreal lyrics obsess over the search for the ‘authentic self’ in a medium so steeped in pretentiousness.

This central tension mirrors and challenges the chaos of light and dark in the music itself, as the record continuously swings from light hearted to brutal, keeping the listener hooked the entire time. 

While THUMPER remain ‘Cult heroes‘ (Clash Magazine) in Ireland, the six-piece band are no stranger to international touring. They’ve already completed 3 extensive UK tours, a European tour, supported Fangclub, and appeared at festivals such as Groningen’s Eurosonic Festival and Hamburg’s Mucke Bei Dei Fische.

This volume of touring is no mean feat for a band who are only now releasing their first LP, but THUMPER are not resting on their laurels. 2022 will see THUMPER head to Reeperbahn Festival and Iceland Airwaves, amongst many others.

THUMPER will be touring their record throughout this year, performing across the UK, Europe, and North America.

Dates as follows:

15th March: The Victoria, Dalston (album launch show)

18th March: Collins Barracks, Dublin (supporting Damien Dempsey)

19th March: Grand Social, Dublin

13th May: The Great Escape, Brighton

THUMPER are:

Oisin Leahy Furlong – Vocals, Guitar

Alan Dooley – Guitar, Backing Vocals

Alex Harvey – Guitar, Backing Vocals

Dav Campbell – Bass, Backing Vocals

Stevie D’Arcy – Drums

Benedict Warner-Clayton – Drums

For more information:

Facebook || Website || Twitter || Instagram || Bandcamp || Youtube 

Gavin Murphy has today announced the release of his new single “Embrace The Stars”

Speaking about the new single Gavin says ““Embrace the Stars is about throwing caution to the wind and doing something exciting with someone special…even on the spur of the moment and living life as if there is no tomorrow…”

The new single was released on Wednesday 9th March 2022.

His previous singles “Alive” and “The Sound of Heartbreak” were both play listed on RTÉ Radio 1. In June 2020 Gavin’s debut album ‘45 RPM (Replay Past Memories)’ was made RTÉ Radio 1 Album of the Week.

Living on Ireland’s north-west coast, Gavin Murphy hails from Dublin’s North Side. His debut album ‘45 RPM (Replay Past Memories)’ was recorded and produced by Gavin in his home studio in Sligo.

Gavin is currently a music tutor with Music Generation in Sligo.

Working with Gavin on his new single was producer Ger McDonnell (U2, Sinead O’Connor, The Cure)) along with Paul Byrne on drums Keelan Murphy on Keyboards and Sarah Crummy on backing vocals.

His debut ‘45 RPM (Replay Past Memories)’ – RTÉ Radio 1 Album of the Week.

“45 RPM the result is bittersweet, nostalgic and fun” – Hot Press

“45 RPM sparkles with droll and wonderfully melodic minor pop nuggets” – Alan Corr, RTÉ Entertainment

Connect with Gavin Murphy

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh & Irish Chamber Orchestra have breathed new life into the noble, classical songs of our ancestors with this new album, Róisín Reimagined, out now Thursday 10th March 2022.

The sean nós tradition is undergoing a revival. During lockdown, award-winning singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh’s renditions of classic sean nós songs such as An Chúilfhionn or Róisín Dubh introduced a new generation of listeners to these melodically complex and richly ornamented songs.

Now Nic Amhlaoibh joins the Irish Chamber Orchestra for Róisín ReImagined, an exciting new project that pairs her peerless vocals with fresh orchestral arrangements of sean nós songs. Kilkenny Arts Festival and the Irish Chamber Orchestra have co-commissioned special arrangements from six leading Irish composers: Cormac McCarthy, Paul Campbell, Linda Buckley, Sam Perkin, Niamh Varian-Barry and Michael Keeney. Produced by Dónal O’Connor, Roisin ReImagined explores the connections between classical and traditional music and reimagines these timeless songs for a new era.

These works typically date from the 16th-19th century and bear the hallmarks of high art and learning. In many instances, they bear witness to the artistic culture of Gaelic Ireland, which was under siege and endangered the high art of their era. Amongst them are classics such as Róisín Dubh, An Chúilfhionn, Slán le Máigh & An tSeanbhean Bhocht.

Nic Amhlaoibh’s distinct voice and outward-looking approach has elevated these songs to yet another level through this project, and along with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and producer Dónal O’Connor, she has given a platform to a tradition that gives a deep insight into the Irish psyche. These sean-nós songs emerged from a practice that was part of a wider European and international culture, and this project will resonate with people from every corner of the world. The new incarnation of these old songs is a beautiful, uplifting sonic journey, especially for those fortunate enough to experience it live, and is sure to leave an imprint on the consciousness of the Irish song tradition.

Róisín ReImagined is out now on CD and vinyl: https://www.muireann.ie/store/roisn-reimagined

EVENTS:

Róisín ReImagined will be performed live by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and The Irish Chamber Orchestra at Kilkenny Arts Festival 2022. Tickets to go on sale soon.

As Deaf Joe, Irish musician Joe Harney has crafted forward-pushing electronic pop with pathos and nuance at heart. On his fifth album, Kalachuchi, the Edinburgh-based artist’s vision comes into sharp focus. Across thirteen songs—each as resounding as the next—Harney navigates love, longing and loss with a finesse that now sets him apart.

On albums including 2019’s Love Stories, as well as collaborations with the likes of Katie Kim and Percolator, Harney emerged as a palette-spanning master.

On Kalachuchi, he spans experimental pop and widescreen electronica to deliver his most fully-realised statement to date. From the Technicolour push-and-pull of opener andlead single ‘Shadow Work (Come Help Me Sleep),’ to the deft, disembodied harmonies of ‘Overstatements’ (To Belong)’, the LP is a gossamer guided tour to inner worlds.

While he was listening to everyone from D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill, to Susumu Yokota and Ryuichi Sakamoto while making the album, Harney commands singular space on Kalachuchi. Where the backwashed ebb and flow of ‘Erase Everything masterfully lulls, peaks including ‘Higher, Forever (Don’t Fall)’ prove open-hearted paeans to moving on and getting better. Whether peering inwards or reaching out, it’s ultimately all the same: this is music made with the solitary listener—the inner experience—squarely in mind.

Recorded in Scotland, Denmark and his native Ireland over three years, Kalachuchi is a release born from, and quietly deferential to, solitude. Across 40 minutes, Harney picks apart everything from the tug-o-war of close relationships to the cosmic restlessness of getting older. A certain beatitude, not least in Harney’s journey to fully embracing life as a gay man, luminously shines through. “The last two albums, Stuck and Love Stories, were made after I came out and they let more light in,” says Harney. “I wanted to continue that with Kalachuchi, keep the curtains open, kick the fucking windows out, Even if things get heavy here or there, it can still float, still feel buoyant, still shimmer.”

Kalachuchi is released via Bluestack Records on March 9th 2022.

bandcamp  | twitter  | soundcloud  | youtube  | instagram  | facebook  | bluestackrecords.com |

deafjoe.net

Acclaimed singer songwriter Wallis Bird shares ‘The Power Of A Word’ – the second instalment from her upcoming seventh studio album, HANDS, set to release this May.

Offering a thought-provoking look into the forthcoming LP, ‘The Power Of A Word’ (released 4th March 2022) is one of the more mellow tracks on the album, exploring the depth behind actions and words. How often, at times, the power of a word at best can change everything – but at its worst it can also do the same. Despite the analytical nature of the track, it manifests a soothing essence as an affluence of melodies wrap around Wallis’ distinct vocal.

WALLIS: “Power of the Word was written around about the time that Trump got voted out, thankfully, because he had the best words. I hate even talking about the man but it was a really big turning point, it was a great release in the world. The song highlights the power that words can have, that they can be useful and dangerous. The Power of a Word was written in about three hours, it was one of those moments when it just happens…it clicks.”

Irish born and Berlin based, Wallis Bird has released six albums since 2007, for which she’s won two Meteor Awards, Ireland’s annual music prize – mostly recently for Best Female Artist – and a prestigious 2017 German ‘Music Autoren Preis’ (Music Author Prize), not to mention two further nominations for the Choice Music Prize, Ireland’s equivalent to Britain’s Mercury Prize. In addition, she’s racked up over a thousand shows during the past decade, earning a reputation worldwide for her legendarily passionate, energetic and good-humoured concerts. Wallis has also previously found a champion in American artists Amanda Palmer, and the Irish Times once noted that Bird’s irrepressible trademark energy on stage could “kickstart an entire economy”.

‘Power Of A Word’ propels us into Wallis’ seventh studio album to date! HANDS – also known as ‘NINE AND A HALF SONGS FOR NINE AND A HALF FINGERS’ – is a turning of the spotlight onto herself, raising issues that are sometimes far harder to face. Confronting themes of trust, alcohol abuse, stagnation, self-censorship and self-improvement. Each of them, however, is delivered by a voice uncommonly blessed with joy, ingenuity and empathy.

FIND WALLIS BIRD ONLINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

Dublin’s Pillow Queens are getting set to release their sophomore album Leave The Light On, their first release on Royal Mountain Records (Wild Pink, Alvvays, US Girls), which is due out on April 1st, and today the band are sharing the album’s final pre-release single, a track called “No Good Woman.” Preceded by the singles “Hearts & Minds” and “Be By Your Side“. The single arrives at an exciting moment for the band who are about to make their debut on American shores. Their first shows will take place at SXSW, before they trace their way across the continent, with their New York debut at Mercury Lounge recently selling out over a month in advance.

This song is one which is very narrative based, though not in a linear way. It’s written more from the perspective of someone looking upon the scenarios of those around them,” explains singer Pam Connolly. “It tries to convey a perpetual hopelessness of debt and striving for an ideal that can never be achieved. It’s pretty much a song about Sisyphus.”

Full details of Pillow Queens upcoming tour dates can be found below.

To make Leave the Light On, the second full-length album from Dublin’s Pillow Queens, the band looked towards introspection. It’s a lonely record, evoking feelings of late night drives on back roads where you digest the day and quietly change lanes. Make no mistake: loneliness doesn’t mean alone, necessarily. On Leave the Light On, the band’s first record with Royal Mountain, loneliness is a warm space to reflect, to meditate. To quote the writer Maggie Nelson in her experimental work of auto-theory Bluets: “When I was alive, I aimed to be a student not of longing but of light.” Leave the Light On is a record not of longing but of light. It glows in tungsten. It is a record of queer dream blues.

Leave the Light On comes at a time where things are rapidly accelerating for the band, which consists of Pamela Connolly, Sarah Corcoran, Rachel Lyons, and Cathy McGuinness. After the success of their first record, 2020’s In Waiting, Pillow Queens went on to play bigger venues, festivals, and played James Corden. Music became a full time occupation for the band. At a point where most artists would get less personal and inward, Pillow Queens did the opposite. Leave the Light On is their most inward-focused release to date. It’s also a record about exploring the unknown, and for yearning.

Just take a song like “Hearts and Minds,” as one such offering. It’s a song about being perceived, by yourself, and by everyone else around you. It’s about feeling like a teenager again. And it feels anthemic, tinged by C86 power pop and varicolored harmonies. “Well I’m not fixin to move/I’m atrophied from winning over all these hearts and minds,” sings Connolly in her pristine and muscular voice.

The record is also a sonic departure for the band. Leave the Light On sounds huge, but also soft and intimate. It encourages a sense of duality—it is a record you can blast and a record you can also listen to on headphones in a moment where you just need to be alone with your thoughts.“Well Kept Wife,” is sparse, with iridescent guitars and crystalline bass. It takes inspiration from the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop, and the appeal of the banal and the everyday. Meanwhile “My Body Moves,” feels like a heartbreaking spark, a lift, it makes you want to dance and hold on for dear life. “Is it cool if I hold onto/Every inch of you/Till my skin turns blue.”

Leave the Light On is an inherently collaborative piece of work. Recorded in the Spring of 2021, the band wrote over the course of three months, and then went into the studio to work with producer Tommy McLaughlin, who the band worked with on In Waiting. The record came together quickly and naturally, becoming the most realized Pillow Queens release to date.

Leave The Light On is due out April 1st on Royal Mountain Records. It is available for preorder here.

Tour Dates

March 9th – Kilkenny, Ireland @ Set Theatre (Sold out)
March 10th – Galway, Ireland @ Roisin Dubh (Sold out)
March 11th – Dublin, Ireland @ Button Factory (Sold out)
March 12th – Dublin, Ireland @ Button Factory (Sold out)

March 15 – 18th
SXSW

Tues 15th:
3pm
Paste x Women That Rock showcase @ The Pershing (2415 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702)

1am
ATC Live x British Music Embassy 2022@ Cedar Street Courtyard.

Thur 17th:
12am
Velveeta Room / Music From Ireland showcase

Fri 18th:
11:20pm
Royal Mt showcase
Venue: Valhalla, 710 Red River St, Austin, TX, 78701

March 23rd – Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
March 24th – Los Angeles, CA @ Moroccan Lounge
March 25th – San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel SF
March 27th – Seattle, WA @ Clock-out Lounge
March 29th – Vancouver, BC @ Wise Hall
March 30th – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
April 1st – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
April 2nd – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
April 4th – Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Jr.
April 6th – Saint Paul, MN @ Turf Club
April 7th – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
April 9th – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
April 11th – Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
April 12th – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
April 14th – New York, NY @ The Mercury Lounge *SOLD OUT*
April 15th – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

May 3rd – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
May 5th – Manchester, UK @ Gorilla
May 6th – Glasgow, Scotland @ Stereo
May 7th – Newcastle, UK @ Cluny
May 10th – Brighton, UK @ Chalk
May 11th – London, UK @ Scala
May 12th – Birmingham, UK @ The Castle and Falcon
May 13th – Bristol, UK @ Thekla
June 12th  Berlin, Germany @ Tempelhof Festival
July 2nd –  Gdynia, Poland @ Open’er Festival
October 1st – Dublin, Ireland @ Vicar St.
October 2nd – Dublin, Ireland @ Vicar St.
October 7th – Limerick, Ireland @ Dolan’s
October 8th – Cork, Ireland @ Cyprus Avenue
October 14th – Belfast, Ireland @ The Empire
October 15th – Galway, Ireland @ The Roisin Dubh
October 16th – Galway, Ireland @ The Roisin Dubh
October 20th – Kilkenny, Ireland @ The Set Theatre