Author: Breffni Banks

Innovative. Dynamic. Authentic. These are just a few words that come to mind when describing the electrifying artist known as Jah1, hailing from Monkstown Farm, Dublin, Ireland. With a magnetic blend of club music and modern trap, Jah1 has swiftly risen through the ranks of the rap game, captivating audiences worldwide with his infectious flow, unforgettable hooks, and profound lyricism.

Jah1’s journey has been one of unwavering dedication and relentless hard work. His artistic evolution reached a pivotal moment with the release of his most celebrated singles, “Big Boys,”. Other standout tracks in his burgeoning discography “They Don’t Wanna” and “Feel The Tension,” where Jah1’s ingenuity and clever wordplay shine through. Now, with “Too Many Bars,” Jah1 once again displays his versatility and artistry, showcasing his ability to craft tracks that span a wide emotional spectrum.

The freestyle “Too Many Bars” stands as a testament to Jah1’s exceptional talent. It provides a vivid reflection of his life in Dublin, Ireland, and the challenges he’s faced while pursuing his dreams. The track is a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and unwavering self-belief. It’s a testament to Jah1’s unique perspective and storytelling ability.

As with his previous work, “Too Many Bars” is set to leave a lasting impression. Jah1’s dynamic flow and clever wordplay are brought to the forefront, ensuring that his authenticity and charisma shine through every verse. In this single, listeners can expect an unfiltered experience of life in Dublin, shaped by Jah1’s unique voice and style.

In a message from Jah1 himself, he shared insights into the creative process behind “Too Many Bars”:

“I heard the beat online and just started to flow over it. I jotted down what came to mind on the spot and hit up Jungle Beam Studio to meet with the king of the jungle, Simba. Prior to the studio session, I was out filming my ‘Tour the Ends’ with Ocean1, a short documentary that provides a glimpse into my life and what I do. Simba was cool, and the entire experience, working with great people, was an incredible one.”

While some have stereotypically compared Jah1 to Eminem, he emphasizes that his music reflects his unique experiences and emotions, forged by his distinct journey. Jah1’s passion for music and storytelling remains at the core of his artistry, setting him apart as an original force in the industry.

“Too Many Bars” is more than just a song; it’s an ode to Jah1’s determination, the story of his dreams, struggles, and unwavering self-confidence. This single is a representation of the artist’s authenticity and the tenacity that has led him to the cusp of stardom.

Born and bred in the heart of Dublin, Jah1’s musical journey has been heavily influenced by hip-hop legends such as Eminem, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg. These iconic figures not only ignited his passion for music but also served as pillars of inspiration, driving Jah1 to pursue a career in the industry and become a master of the craft.

Throughout his burgeoning career, Jah1 has had the honor of performing in front of revered figures in the music industry, including the legendary Charlie Sloth at a show in Alicante, where he delivered a captivating performance. Additionally, he has supported Dave East at the Voodoo Lounge and performed alongside Jordan McCann in Alicante. Jah1’s interactions with celebrated artists like Coolio, MEEKZ, Manny, and Kiiingshooter have further enriched his journey.

As Jah1’s music continues to evolve and resonate with fans around the world, he cements his position as an artist with the power to inspire, uplift, and provoke thought. His journey is a testament to the belief that music can transform lives, bridging gaps and creating connections that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

DISCOVER JAH1 

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Leo Dynamic1 Hits 40 Million Views with His Music and Gains Viral Recognition for Track ‘Rock It Tonight’

Leo Dynamic1, the talented Irish artist known for his prowess in both the music industry and the boxing ring, has recently reached a remarkable milestone in his music career. With his infectious beats and captivating melodies, Leo Dynamic1 has crossed the 40 million views mark, solidifying his status as a musical sensation. But there’s more to this artist than just his music.

Leo Dynamic1, affectionately referred to as the “Punching Producer,” holds a unique distinction as a 2-time national boxing champion, showcasing his skills both in the studio and the ring. Drawing a parallel between Leo Dynamic1 and the legendary film character Rocky Balboa, they share an unexpected commonality: a passion for the sweet science of boxing.

In a recent twist of fate, a social media video featuring the movie legend Sylvester Stallone and his family went viral, largely attributed to Leo Dynamic1’s track ‘Rock It Tonight.’ The video captured the Stallone family’s enthusiasm as they grooved to Leo’s music, further propelling him into the spotlight.

It was Leo Dynamic1’s late father, Leo Snr., who introduced him to the world of both boxing and music. The influence of his father’s legacy runs deep, fueling Leo Dynamic1’s dual passions and motivating him to achieve greatness. This significant milestone in his music career is a testament to his relentless dedication and the love he carries for both the art of music and the sport of boxing.

Leo Dynamic1’s journey is a testament to the boundless opportunities that exist for those who dare to follow their dreams, transcending boundaries and blending the worlds of music and sports. As he continues to amass views and support, Leo Dynamic1 has a lot to be thankful for, and his late father’s legacy remains an ever-present source of inspiration.

A joyful catchy love song for when you know you’ve found your forever guy or girl, Joe wrote the heart of the song after proposing to Ruth 31 years ago! He rediscovered it in his journal while researching his new memoir Saved by a Woman. We had such fun producing this happy song of love and commitment!

Joe adds: ‘The basic lyrics and melody for this song came to me two weeks after I proposed to Ruth, the love of my life. Yes, that’s her in the picture. I am so happy that, with my superb collaborators The Rayne and Andrea Patron, the song can at last be heard. I had forgotten about the song and rediscovered it while researching my new memoir Saved By A Woman, the second book in my memoir series Losing Religion, Finding Myself. The song’s release on 20 October 2023 coincides with the publication of my new book.’

For more on the story of the song, click this issue of Joe’s Substack. (Don’t worry if it says ‘subscribe’—it’s a free subscription and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Follow The Rayne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/therayne.music

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsMZeqRvgQoiSel1ROPvCWQ

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Si1v2TuU5h14Hg6gTXfCb

For more about Andrea Patron: https://linktr.ee/patron.andrea

For more about Joe Armstrong: https://linktr.ee/JosephMichaelArmstrong

It’s hard to believe that ‘Discovery’, which releases today, 13th October 2023, on Claddagh Records, is just the third single from Ireland’s fastest rising folk artist, Niamh Bury. LISTEN HERE

The single is accompanied by a mesmerising music video featuring trapeze artist Emily Aoibheann.

Since the release of her debut single ‘Beehive’ in July of this year, the Dubliner has captured the immediate attention of music fans and media alike. July saw her grace the cover of the Sunday Times Culture Magazine and August saw CLASH magazine dedicate a full length feature to her and later this month.

The rarity with which emerging artists garner this level of media coverage within such a short space of time will be further cemented later this month when RTÉ airs a version of this single, ‘Discovery’, arranged by Cormac McCarthy and performed by Niamh Bury with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in RTÉ Radio’s iconic Studio 1.

Niamh’s previous singles ‘Beehive’ and ‘Who Am I To Tell Him?’ have struck a chord with radio playlisters, resulting in over 1 million radio impacts across 20 different stations in Ireland. RTÉ Radio 1 have added both tracks to their coveted Radio 1 Recommends list.

“Breathe out, breathe in / Those plans you’re making / You’re not fooling anyone / You’re not fooling anyone,” sings Niamh on ‘Discovery’, with her goosebump-inducing vocals folding around deeply felt lyrics.

Niamh says of her new single: “Discovery is about the embryonic state of something that is yet to fully form and reach its potential. It’s about having patience, trusting in the process and accepting that things will develop exactly as they should. I wrote it at a time when certain things I was striving for seemed elusive and out of reach, so in a sense, it’s also a kind of pep talk to self.”

With influences as wide-ranging as Laura Marling, Fiona Apple and Paul Simon, to name a few, Niamh Bury’s music will resonate with fans of artists like Big Thief, Ye Vagabonds and Billie Marten.

Over the past six months alone, Niamh Bury has collaborated and shared the stage with acts like Dermot Kennedy, Ye Vagabonds, Martin Hayes, Myles O’Reilly, Niamh Regan and Cinder Well.

Notably, this year Niamh was selected by Dermot Kennedy to play with him in an exclusive gig at one of Dublin’s favourite pubs, The Long Hall, as part of  Guinness’s Live and Rising campaign.

Her songs are maps of conversations – both real and perhaps yearned for – with oneself, loved ones, imaginary characters and those who have passed on to other worlds. Each is an attempt to arrive at some kind of empathy, understanding and acceptance. The music is both lush and spacious, giving the listener room to swim, dip or fly between verses.

She has performed at St. Patrick’s Festival, Body & Soul, Quiet Lights, and Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival, captivating audiences with uniquely stirring vocals, adept lyricism, and striking interpretations of old songs.

Niamh is one of the chief organisers of the iconic traditional singing session The Night Before Larry Got Stretched, which famously takes place in The Cobblestone Pub on the last Sunday of every month  and whose founders include members of Lankum.

‘Discovery’ by Niamh Bury is out now on Claddagh Records. 

Connect with Niamh Bury

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Pádraig Cahill, an up and coming Irish artist is releasing his captivating debut single ‘These Streets’, which tackles many relevant issues seen in Ireland today regarding homelessness and the housing crisis. It tells the true and compelling story of a homeless man living on the streets of Dublin and the struggles he faces. It is an uplifting, melancholic folk/pop song that captures all the issues and emotions a homeless person faces on a day to day basis.

Singer/songwriter Pádraig Cahill began busking on the streets of Dublin in 2019. He quickly gained a following on social media and gathered millions of views on YouTube performing both solo and alongside the likes of Allie Sherlock and Glen Hansard on the streets of Dublin. As heads began to turn, Pádraig continued his journey playing live shows across Dublin City such as The Sound House and
The Ruby Sessions. He is currently improving his skills as a musician and singer/ songwriter at Cork School of Music and will release many songs over the next year that will take him to new heights.

“While busking in Dublin, I noticed the same man at all of my sets. After many weeks, I struck up a conversation with him. He told me he was homeless and told me about all the events leading up to him becoming homeless. He told me that he has a wife and child and that he was still trying to provide for them while living on the streets. This really hit me and I asked him if I could write a song about his life.
Without hesitation, he said yes. A few days later, I played it for him. He began to get emotional and told me that was the best song he’s ever heard. Everything in the song is based on true events.”

Donegal singer songwriter George Houston started his music career in September 2020 with his debut single Boo Fucking Hoo. The track had instant local success pushing him to record his debut album Cold Toast followed by his second studio album Undesired the following year cementing his distinctive sound with brooding vocals, airy harmonies and candid lyrics. The artist has since seen traction and a steady growth of listeners across the country and beyond.

George has received much praise for his music, having been played on radio and playlists nationwide that has gained a strong following for the artist with over 85k streams on Spotify. Cold Toast was set as Ocean FMs Album of the week and both albums have been played across Ireland on stations such as RTÉ Radio One, RTÉ 2XM, Today FM, iRadio, Dublin South FM, Red FM, Dublin digital radio, Dundalk FM, Highland radio, Drive 105, Radio Nova and Shannonside FM to name a few, making the young artist one to watch.

Since the release of his Debut album, the eclectic pop artist has had the opportunity to play at Body and Soul, Whelan’s ones to watch, The Regional Cultural Centre, An Grianán Theatre, Buncrana Music Festival, Dunfanaghy Festival, The Earagail Arts Festival, BlackBox Belfast, and the famous Stendhal Festival with the legendary Sister Sledge and Hayseed Dixies headlining.

Other acts he’s had the pleasure of supporting include Duke Special, John Doherty, In Their Thousands, Tramp and the award-winning Ciaran Lavery who co-wrote George’s first single of 2022 in an exciting collaboration titled ‘Painted Faces’.

The artist has also had the honour of supporting the amazing Hothouse Flowers at their sold-out show in Derry December 2022.

The singer has developed a strong live reputation with an ability to make even the largest of venues feel intimate; whether doing an acoustic set or playing with his full band including Steamy McCay(TRAMP) on drums, singer Ciara Doherty on Guitar, Malcolm Boyd (Happy Out) on Bass and his sister Kate Houston on backing vocals and keys.

George’s live sets are known to wow audiences with his ageless voice and nostalgic sound, ensuring an experience not to be missed as seen on his debut national tour, ‘The Undesired Tour’ this April with sold out shows in Derry and Belfast.

George delivered his most recent release the ‘PAIN’ EP in September which saw the Donegal native land much coverage with RTE 2FM’s Beta Da Silva’s show, RTE Radio 1, Dublin South FM, Nialler9, HotPress, Golden Plec, Corks 96FM, Corks Red FM, 8Radio and many more building a solid foundation ahead of the young artists third studio album. He also released the music video for his single ‘In Aeternum Vive’ which received over 10k views within its first week of release and is now over 20k views!

George Houston now continues to build his momentum even further as he sets out to release his third studio album ‘Vehicular Suicide’ on Friday, October 13^th, strap yourselves in for a thrilling ride as the emerging artist is set to close off his exciting 2023 with a bang and an album that is set to leave a lasting impression amongst music fans. George has created a true unique listening experience with his upcoming spooky record and this is certainly one that is not to be missed.

George Houston invites us to a world of darkness and horror in his third studio album Vehicular Suicide.

The album moves in the form of a classic horror film with the title track introducing the Donegal artist’s morbid eclectic pop-rock songs sprinkled with his timeless vintage flare, almost like a theme tune.

As the album progresses the listener is encouraged to embrace the dark narrative, often comparing the decay of the mind through trauma and pain to the decaying body, enduring indescribable suffering as seen in ‘In Aeternum Vive’ and ‘Bleed Me Dry’.

Vehicular suicide explores the torment experienced through grief and heartbreak whilst transporting us to a dark world of horror; with vampires, cannibals and parasites to the soul being the topic of discussion, a Doors like organ texture and chilling vocal performance paints the tracks blood red as seen in ‘Blenderland’ and ‘White Fang’.

As the title track describes, Houston’s Halloween album is one to be listened to whilst driving, windows down in the dark on an endless highway, with dramatic guitar solos cutting through the 70s like pop-rock bangers.

Artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Doors and First Aid Kit being a strong influence on the sound of the album, George shows his range and versatility of songwriting through a plethora of genres, crafting a collage of sound perfect for the eclectic listener with a love for the macabre.

As every classic horror film should end on a cliffhanger, Houston brings us back to the first single he released in 2023 titled ‘Blenderland’, with an intention to unsettle on the final track of the nine track album, following what seemed to be a happy ending in a joyous track of growth and nostalgia in ‘Roots Grow Out’.  As the artist plays with timeless horror tropes, Vehicular Suicide offers a cinematic experience in George Houston’s latest off kilter, spooky season album.

George Houston explores the twisted relationship civilization and the media have with the idolised club of celebrity serial killers in the perpetual cycle of romanticised murder.

Inspired by the famous final scene of Thelma and Louise, Houston sings with wit in objection to the common adoration of infamous killers like Ted Bundy, Charles Manson and Jeffrey Dahmer, claiming the current romanticising of such monsters makes him “ready to commit vehicular suicide, read me a story like Bonnie and Clyde”.

Whilst taking inspiration from punk rock and classic pop, Houston’s uninspired performance is unlike any other with whirring erratic vocals moving in unison, mimicking the revving engine of a racecar in a mad dash to escape the madness of modern depictions of infamous murderers.

Being the first track of the artist’s third studio album, Vehicular Suicide acts as an opening theme tune to the Spooky LP with a narrative likened to that of a classic hammer horror.

White Fang, the sixth song in George Houston’s third album, is a plea for cruelty from a beloved monster.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cadB01kRSik

The artist begs his love, likened to Count Dracula, to be “cruel to be kind” as he struggles with his obsession. Inspired by popular tales of vampires like Dracula, Nosfaratu and Twilight, White Fang narrates the difficulty of unwanted love towards ‘blood sucking’ characters that crave the love of those enchanted by their magic.

With sweeping 80s synths and haunting organ solos, George’s influence from Kate Bush and The Doors is clearly heard as the dark pop rock ballad begs for mercy; “if you want my blood, if you want my soul, you better take my heart too, better take it all.”, a recurring theme throughout the album as the artist wishes to be spared of the pain of love and heartbreak.

Connect with George Houston

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Welcome to Honey Muzzle, Dublin’s newest rock concoction. Led by the electrifying guitar skills of Cormac Breslin and the soulful, stirring vocals of Josh Dunford, the band’s power and energy has breathed new life into the age-old blues rock genre.

Honey Muzzle’s debut single ‘Higher’ – released in July 2023 – became an instant hit, captivating the airwaves and winning the hearts of music enthusiasts. Breslin’s gritty guitar riffs blended seamlessly with Dunford’s evocative vocals, making ‘Higher’ a perfect example of the band’s signature sound. The song’s soulful essence struck a chord with audiences, garnering airplay on renowned stations like 2FM, Radio Nova, Dublin City FM, and KCLR, elevating Honey Muzzle to new heights.

Looking ahead, Honey Muzzle are determined to continue blazing their blues rock trail. ‘Stained’, the band’s second single, is set for release on October 20, 2023, with their debut EP to follow later in the year. As they venture beyond the Dublin music scene, Honey Muzzle aspires to share their passion and creativity with audiences worldwide.

Stained – Official Music Video

Connect with Honey Muzzle

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Charles Boulevard release today their second single of 2023 “Do As The Romans”. The band with members from the Czech Republic and Ireland have  selected this track from their forthcoming album “Where The Bell Tolls Free” due in early 2024.

“Do As The Romans” is a sweet rocker with a summery feel that takes a humorous look at the North/South divide. Lyricist Dermot Condron explains “I think it is the same wherever you go, be it Ireland, Europe or America . Northerners and Southerners feel they are different from each other.” The lyrics play on the idea of the serious northerner versus the laid back southerner with lines like “I see it’s hard to take the weather cold than tanned”.

Musically the songs is broken into two distinct parts which almost reflect that contrast between north and south. Pavel Holada on rhythm guitar and vocal cleverly creates this musical contrast as each verse begins with a harsh syncopated electric guitar groove reflecting the hard north, which gives way to the serene steel guitar sound of the chorus, where the free flowing rhythm of the south takes over.

As the chorus suggests, one day those serious northerners will hopefully find the time to grab some of that southern philosophy and “Do as the Romans”.

Following the success of their recent live show on YouTube and with their second album “Where the Bell Tolls Fee” now completed the band are already working on new material for a third album. More news to follow.

“Do As The Romans” is now available on all digital platforms.

Irish R&B sensation Aby Coulibaly is overjoyed to share her long anticipated debut project At The End Of The Day… It’s Night EP, out now on AMF Records (Loyle Carner, Greentea Peng, Olivia Dean) and Universal Music Ireland.

Released today alongside focus track ‘Fighting 4 Luv’, the full 9 track EP follows Aby’s latest vibrant single ‘DYWS?’ (Don’t You Wanna Stay?) and Summer stunner ‘Patience’. The project is an exploration of the complexities of human emotions, creating an introspective and immersive experience. From the soulful yearning of ‘Rewind’ to the more upbeat driving sounds heard on ‘Irresponsible’, the EP spans the panoramic edges of Aby’s sound whilst showcasing her natural flair for astute, observational lyricism.

Having burst onto the scene in 2020 with her greatly-received debut single ‘Taurus’, quickly racking up 2.5M streams, Aby followed that up with ‘Long Nights’, ‘Weekdays’, ‘Where u at’ & Rewind (watch her debut performance on Ireland’s Late Late Show). Across these releases and through her nostalgic meld of 90’s R&B beats, buttery vocals, Aby has amassed an impressive 6.7 million Spotify listeners. Taking inspiration from her Senegalese heritage and merging this with her day-to-day experiences of Dublin life, Aby creates a sound that’s effortlessly her own.

On At The End Of The Day… It’s Night’s release specifically, Aby describes finding herself in the right headspace for writing and releasing, “I once heard this analogy by Aaron Doughty that really stuck with me. He said imagine you’re a tree that produces fruit. The tree doesn’t care if you eat the fruit and enjoy it, eat the fruit and hate it OR if you throw the fruit at someone’s head. The tree will still be a tree and bear fruit no matter what you do with it. The same applies to you and your art whatever it is that you do. Like a tree you should continue to bear your fruit regardless of who likes or dislikes it. Once you like it yourself external validation shouldn’t matter. That’s what I’m on because it’s never that deep. At the end of the day, it’s night.”

Counting Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and James Blake amongst her influences, Aby’s eclectic palette feeds into the resolutely dynamic range within her sound. She is an artist who defies convention and constantly pushes the boundaries of creativity. Her music transcends genres, blending elements of soul, R&B, and experimental soundscapes to create a powerfully unique sonic palette. With a voice as ethereal as it is commanding, Aby has captivated audiences at home in Ireland and way beyond, earning acclaim for her unique approach to music and storytelling. Aby melds worlds together with confidence and shows a distinct sense of identity beyond her years.

This is just the beginning.

Listen to the album below: