Derry duo Amberlight release their brand new 80’s inspired single this Friday 26th November.
The song entitled ‘Strong Enough’ is now playlisted on RTE Radio 1 and the video was premiered on the Hot Press Youtube channel last week.
Produced & mixed by Karl Odlum, ÉAD (Jealousy) is written from the perspective of two people longing to share a loving relationship with someone.
It is a song about the painful realities of life and how everything is not always seems, in particular the highly unrealistic environment of social media, and the many harmful expectations synonymous with imagery and profiles depicting perfection.
The song features Róisín Seoighe who collaborated on this version of the song with MC Muipéad & Cian Mac Cárthaigh from IMLÉ.
IMLÉ (Translates as; The freeing effect of the mystical hours between 2am – 6am) are an unconventional band with a unique sound, featuring MC Muipéad & Cian Mac Cárthaigh as well as regular contributors Ríona Sally Hartman, Róisín Seoighe, Karl Odlum, Dave Keegan & David Hingerty.
Their sound mixes poetry, rap and pop music in a way that has never been heard before – particularly in the Irish Language.
IMLÉ’s self-titled debut album was released on Gael Linn Records in 2016. The album explores the meaning of life, our relationship with the planet and finding hope within despair. IMLÉ won best album, song and band at the 2017 Gradaim Cheoil NÓS.
The group have played festivals all over the world including Celtic Connections in Glasgow (2018 & 2020), Electric Picnic in Ireland and SUNS Europe in Udine, Italy.
Their second album will be released on Gael Linn records in 2022.
County Kerry filmmaker and writer Shaun O’Connor and West Cork singer-songwriter Alan Daniel Tobin (ADT) have joined in collaboration on a new multidisciplinary project of film and music ‘The Consequences of Breaking the Heart – An Irish Folk Tale’, out now [Tuesday 23rd November].
The soundtrack was created by Alan Daniel Tobin (ADT). Member of renowned Irish folk band LOWmountain, ADT writes stories of the heart wrapped in atmospheric soundscapes.
’The Consequences of Breaking the Heart’ is taken from ADT’s debut album volume one, which was produced by multi-instrumentalist, Justin Grounds and recorded in a little room overlooking the beautiful town of Clonakilty, West Cork. Hugely influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the West Cork landscape and his family, ADT admits to a minor obsession with lighthouses.
To coincide with the video release, ADT also shares _ repurposed_, a collection of tracks taken from volume one remixed by Cork based musicians and producers Duncan Lutz and Denis Clifford, who operate under the moniker [Subrelic].
Alan says: “I wanted my music torn apart in order to create something totally different from the originals with sensitivity and wildness. That’s exactly what [SubRelic] produced, and I was blown away!!! They have given my music a new purpose, a new direction and a new world. It excites me and that’s what _repurposed_ means to me.”
Drawing on Irish folk tales of the Selkie, O’Connor’s music video ‘The Consequences Of Breaking The Heart’, is based on a script written by award-winning Irish screenwriter Paul Cahill.
The story is about Muirín and Tadhg, a young artistic couple living and working by the Irish coast. Tadhg’s world is torn apart when Muirín suddenly disappears in the ocean. In his grief, his search for answers leads him to a stunning discovery.
It’s a story about love, and the consequences of the sudden loss of it. What can we do with our lives when we lose somebody without explanation? It’s also a tale about music and joy, and the importance of art in getting us through difficult times.
Director Shaun O’Connor says: “Paul and I had initially planned the story as a short film. But when I heard Alan’s (ADT’s) album, which is so influenced by the ocean and the coast, I immediately thought of how well-suited the story would be to one of the songs.
Even the title, ‘The Consequences of Breaking the Heart’, spoke so clearly to the tone and feel of the story. Paul and I went back to the script and restructured it to work in images only, and fit the lyrics of Alan’s song.
Initially we had planned to shoot the music video last year, but COVID put it on the back burner for a while. As the restrictions lifted in the last few months it’s been such a joy to finally get back out into the world and make new work. The story’s theme of art being a sustenance in difficult times also felt even more pertinent after COVID.”
This is Shaun’s second time working with producer Sinéad Barry and Director of Photography Jass Foley, after collaborating on a short film ‘A White Horse’ in 2019, which won numerous awards including ‘Best Irish Short Film’ at the Oscar-qualifying Foyle Film Festival in Derry, and put them on the longlist for an Academy Award the following year.
“The Consequences of Breaking the Heart” was shot in stunning locations in West Cork including Lough Ine and Inchydoney Beach. The lead roles are played by Elaine O Dwyer (Arracht) and Barry McKiernan (Valhalla / The Bright Side) and Claire Loy (In Orbit / Crosshair) plays their friend Liz.
Eamonn Patrick Walsh is a singer songwriter from Kilkenny City, Ireland, with a passion for Americana Country Music.
Eamonn’s debut album MY TIME was released in 2020 comprising of 10 self-penned songs.
Eamonn’s influences include Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, Garth Brooks, Suzy Bogguss, Sheryl Crow and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Other influences include Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Clint Black, and The Eagles.
In 2010, Eamonn was involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. During this very difficult period in his life Eamonn practiced mindfulness, began writing poetry, relearned how to play guitar, and subsequently was gifted the talent of song writing, which he is very grateful for as he could never write songs or poetry previous to this. With a vast array of songs written, Eamonn was determined to release an album. He channelled his love of Americana Country Music into his debut album MYTIME which was released in 2020 and is currently receiving a lot of airplay.
Eamonn’s latest release is ‘Upon a Christmas Day’.
Speaking of the song, Eamonn says; “In 1985 I worked in Australia. Everyday i sat outside work and had my lunch. I used to meet with an elderly Irish gentleman. We became lunchtime friends and met daily – same time, same place. I didn’t see him for 3 weeks. One day he arrived back. I asked had he been away? He said “No – I had a heart attack and nearly died”. I asked if he had someone to look after him. He replied “I have no family here”. Saddened by his response I suggested “If he would go back home to Ireland for Christmas”. He replied “Son I have no one back in Ireland – all I’ve loved is gone”. These words have remained with me since …”
Irish singer Chirpy releases new single ‘The Gift’ produced by Darragh Nolan at Astakalapa, fusing a mixture of hypnotic wave and dream pop, the track takes on a more grand listen with cinematic elements.
‘The Gift’ cycles a journey of forever wanting more and getting caught in waves of delusional infatuation. Sometimes in striving to achieve, we give too much of ourselves and lose our identity.
After a three-year hiatus, Rebecca Shannon (known as Chirpy) is back with a full album of new music. ‘The Gift’ is an introduction to a series of releases, which her audience can expect to be announced from January 2022. She hopes to release the full album by spring next year.
Chirpy’s last release (2018) was a self-titled debut album, which received widespread critical acclaim internationally, premiering on Clash Magazine (UK) and leading to a music video collaboration with Canadian arts organisation, Suddenly Dance. (https://www.suddenlydance.ca)
Last month, Rebecca took on a songwriting challenge from the UK’s short story boutique Quill Kickers (https://www.quillkickers.com) – writing, recording and producing a song with the input of the Quill Kickers community on instagram over a three week period. Check out the project on instagram @quillkickers.
‘After a little break from music, I have been quite busy for the past year on projects, producing and collaborating with other artists, we have another little surprise coming in December so make sure to stay tuned for that too!’ – Chirpy
‘The Gift’ is out Friday November 26th
Sharon Shannon’s classic Christmas single has had a 2021 make over!
With new production comes a new singer. Having first performed the single together on Sharon’s 2020 Late Late Show special, Galway’s Lucia Evans joins her on a brand new version of her ever popular Christmas single. It really is Christmas Time Again!
This song began its life as an instrumental called ‘Howya Horse’ written by Sharon Shannon which appeared on Sharon’s 2009 album called ‘Saints and Scoundrels’. Listeners commented on the interesting melody of the track and suggested she put lyrics to it.
Sharon had been toying with writing a Christmas song for quite some time and the two ideas finally came together in 2013. Sharon had written some lyrics previously which she then sent on to Rory Gallagher of The Revs who came up with the chorus idea and the two began collaborating.
Christmas Time Again! is available to stream across all platforms from 3rd December 2021
Audrey Bridgeman is an emerging Irish artist whose debut album, ‘Fire In Your Soul’, is out on 22 April 2022.
The title track is out now and is a mellow, soulful, feelgood song about self-belief and inspiration.
Audrey started playing piano at age 8 and drums at age 14 under the tutelage of her late father, Noel Nollaig Bridgeman (Skid Row (the original one!!), The Waterboys, Van Morrison, Steve Earle, Jackson Browne).
Audrey studied drums and percussion in Havana, Cuba with some of the top players from the Afro-Cuban tradition and was raised listening to the blues (the blues are the roots, the rest is the fruits!) and soul but is also influenced by many other genres and artists, evident in her songwriting.
‘Fire In Your Soul’ is a reflection of Audrey’s musical influences and is a melting pot of blues, soul, country, and world music.
It features musicians who have played with BB King, Gary Moore, Frankie Miller, Sinead O’Connor, Eric Clapton and Paul Brady to name a few. Audrey’s drumming background gives a unique angle to her songwriting and her distinctive voice is already capturing an audience.
BP Fallon describes the album as ‘Echoes of 60s Memphis, grooving along like a prime Stax record’.
Mike Scott of The Waterboys had this to say about the title track; ‘Righteous, funky and cool’. Get yourself on this train!!!
The next single from the album is called ‘On Your Own Terms’ and is out on November 27th .
It can be pre-saved here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/audreybridgeman/on-your-own-terms
Facebook:
Audrey Bridgeman Music
Instagram:
@audreybridgeman21music
Twitter:
@BridgemAudrey
Fresh off the back of their UK Tour, Pillow Queens today announces a second Vicar Street show due to phenomenal demand, Sunday 2nd October ‘22.
This follows the news that the headline show on 1st October is sold out. They will also perform in Empire, Belfast – Friday, 14th October ‘22.
Tickets for the second show will go on sale this Friday, 26th November at 10am via www.singularartists.ie
Since forming in Dublin in late 2016, Pillow Queens have seen their initial word of mouth buzz grow with every new release. From sharing stages with the likes of IDLES , Soak and Pussy Riot, to their own sold out shows, the band have developed a community of loyal and passionate fans. The winter of 2019 saw the band travel to the wilds of rural Co. Donegal to record their debut album with award winning producer Tommy Mclaughlin (Soak/Hannah Peel).
Released through the bands own label in September 2020 to near universal critical acclaim, IN WAITING surpassed all expectations, with The Irish Times 5-star review calling it “An Emotional Masterpiece”. The album was duly nominated for Ireland’s prestigious Choice album of the year award.
The album gained Album of the Day and A list play on BBC 6 Music , and drew praise and support from the likes of NPRs All songs Considered and KEXPs song of the day.
As more people fell hard for the record, 2021 began with the band being invited to make their US Late Night television debut on CBS’s The Late Late Show and continued to be a special one for Pillow Queens as they signed with Sub Pop Publishing.
In May, the band returned to their Dublin city practice space to begin writing their next record, and have recently found a new home for it, signing a worldwide deal with Toronto’s Royal Mountain Records.
The rest of the year will see the band complete their long delayed sold out Irish and UK tour dates.
Connect with Pillow Queens:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill have released an official video for “Are we Free?”, their current single off their highly acclaimed collaboration album.
Filmed partly on location at The Cork Opera House late October, where they started their tour to a capacity audience as Ireland opened up its live music sector again.
Continuing their collaboration with West Cork director Christopher Luke, the clip showcases the pair’s electrifying energy on stage whilst introducing yet another solid offering off the album.
Speaking about the video, Susan comments; “Are we Free? is a song in the album where the characters are at some of their worst in a fight. It was fun to perform a song in this way.”
Also performed on the Late Late show last month, ‘Are we Free?” has spent the past 3 weeks on the Shazam charts, as well as the Spotify viral top 50 in Ireland.
Currently in the midst of a sold-out Irish tour in support of the release, Mick and Susan came back last month from an extensive U.S tour, where they were personally invited by Phoebe Bridgers as her special guests when she played the Mann Centre in Philadelphia.
Phoebe and Mick have been mutual fans for a while. Describing her feelings for their new record Phoebe simply said ‘I love this F****** record’. The sentiment is shared across the board with American Songwriter calling it ‘A sorrowful masterpiece’ , The Independent saying ‘It’s been a long long time since a record like this has come around” and Clash simply calling it “Superb”.
‘Chain Reaction’ the lead single from the duet album won ‘Best Original Song’ at this past week’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk awards held at Vicar Street, ‘In the Game’ also received a nomination for ‘Best Album’.
In the past week, Mick Flannery also announced his biggest headline show to date, at the Iveagh Gardens, July 7th 2022. Playing with a full band Mick will take to the stage with old favourites, some new songs, and tracks from In The Game with Susan.
Tickets from €40 on sale through Ticketmaster.ie this Friday, November 26, at 9am.
https://www.instagram.com/mickflannerymusic
https://www.instagram.com/soundsofson
https://twitter.com/MickFlannery
https://twitter.com/SoundsofSON
Happy Christmas Volume 1 is the first Christmas release from Screaming Orphans, a genre-breaking, chart topping all-sister band from Donegal.
The 10 track album could be described as a Christmas stocking stuffed with every kind of holiday treat imaginable.
The album includes some classic holiday favourites (‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’, ‘We Three Kings’, ‘Christmas Time Is Here’), two originals (‘Bells’ and ‘Wishing You A Merry Christmas’), a comic offering in the form of ‘Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake’, and ends with a rollicking Irish session version of ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’.
This album offers up a celebration of the season’s easy going cheer and is bound to put a smile on your face. The end result is a thoroughly enjoyable romp through all that is Yuletide nostalgia.
Happy Christmas Volume 1 will be available worldwide on December 10, 2021 on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other digital media platforms.
Screaming Orphans Links:
www.facebook.com/screamingorphans
