Dublin R&B/Pop artist GRWL returns with her gorgeous sophomore track ‘Facetime’.
Drawing influence from SZA, Clairo, and H.E.R., the track delivers luxurious, soulful vocals layered on top of relaxing, subdued rhythms. Enveloped in a hazy, sultry atmosphere, this is a record that doesn’t fear rawness and honesty. It lets the listener in and reveals the singer’s inner-most thoughts and feelings.
Speaking about the track, GRWL details how the lyrics explore the complexity of relationships in a modern world; “It’s a song about online relationships, missing someone, and only having your phone as the communication piece.”
GRWL’s latest bedroom-pop offering is just a taster of what is in store for next year. Plans to release more music are underway, and she is looking forward to getting back to performing gigs very soon.
The artist introduced herself last year with the stunning debut ‘Overstayed’, with her soothing vocals paired with intricate and candid narratives making for something truly special. Written in her bedroom, ‘Overstayed’ was an impressive introduction to her music and the stories her lyrics tell.
Multi-talented and hotly-tipped BIMM Class of 2021 graduates Sky Atlas will release their debut EP ‘Stone’ this Friday 5th November, supported by a live EP launch show at The Grand Social, Dublin on Thursday, 11th November.
The four-piece has been relishing the return of live music and has already played a sold-out joint headline show with Valium Funk in Belfast. This Thursday 4th November, Sky Atlas will support Vernon Jane in Whelan’s Main Room in Dublin.
Sky Atlas is made up of Louis Younge, a wildly versatile multi-instrumentalist as adept with a violin as he is with a wind organ, Deftones-loving drummer Ryan McClelland – an “absolute monster behind the kit who can play anything”, bassist Danilo Ward; a “mystery man” who grew up in a French commune, and who, in his own words, grew tired of playing in the church band all his life, moved to Ireland and wound up pursuing music full-time in BIMM Dublin alongside his future bandmates, and lead vocalist and guitarist Lughaidh Armstrong-Mayock, who cut his performing teeth as a teenager in a Leitrim rock school. Heading up an act as musically diverse as Sky Atlas is in Armstrong-Mayock’s blood, given his mother Dee Armstrong’s storied career as a member of revered Irish folk group Kíla. Having developed his voice through singing cover songs as a teenager, Armstrong-Mayock is beginning to embrace his roots. A recent stint in David Keenan’s band while touring in support of the Dundalk troubadour’s debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery’ helped unlock new aspects of his songwriting personality.
The band says: “We can’t wait to get this EP out into the world! It feels like our first step forwards as a group and it’s great to finally capture the songs on record. Most of the tracks haven’t been played live yet, so the opportunity to showcase this music in a venue like the Grand Social is very exciting for us. That feeling you get from a good crowd is hard to beat and we really want to give people as much energy as we can on November 11th.”
The title track of the EP, ‘Stone’, is, at its core, a love song with Armstrong-Mayock’s sensitive vocals building to a beautifully-layered crescendo with all four band members’ voices contributing to the song’s cinematic feel. It has received airplay nationwide from the likes of RTÉ 2fm, Radio Nova 100, KCLR, Beat 102 103 and Dublin’s 98fm. Hot Press commented that the “vivid track showcases the band’s diverse influences, and highlights a stunning orchestral instrumentation.”
The band’s next single ‘Threads’ further cements the extraordinary musicality of the band. This is a classic four piece set up but is in no way typical, with additional strings (violin from Louis Younge and cello from Laura McCabe) augmenting the lush soundscapes that Sky Atlas create. Armstrong-Mayock says of the song, “‘Threads’ is definitely one of the heavier tracks on the EP and one of my favourites to play live. We were kind of thinking Jack White meets Radiohead in terms of the shredding violin parts and large orchestral sections towards the end.”
On Friday 5th November, alongside the release of the EP, Sky Atlas will release their next single ‘Dream On’ – an emotionally-driven ballad with a 90s rock tinge reminiscent of songs like Jeff Buckley’s ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’ that make use all of the instruments available to them to maximise the emotional impact and sheer cinematic scale of the song.
As for the EP itself, the band’s multi-instrumentalist Louis Younge is confident that the material represents a compelling prologue for those looking to find the frequency. “It’s a true reflection of us, musically, as a unit,” he says. “And it’s music that we really like playing and listening to. First and foremost – I know it sounds kind of stupid, but we want people to enjoy it. They’re not little nuggets of energy, it’s not a pop album, it’s a little bit deeper than that. I would love to get into bed and close my eyes and stick on my nice headphones and just swim in sound for about 25 minutes. That’s what I want this to mean to people.”
That taste for adventure, that shrinking and expansion of space, is present throughout the ever-evolving Sky Atlas – music to accompany the swirl of the stars above.
Drimnagh rapper Fynch is back with ‘Pavement’, an alternative hip-hop ode to Stephen Malkmus, jock jams, and the marriage of Gerard Pique and Shakira.
On the back of 2021 releases ‘Soon’ and ‘Canal Straddle’, ‘Pavement’ marks a similar vein of smooth, lyrical hip-hop which Fynch has been previously lauded for.
With production from frequent collaborator Chxmist (TOYGIRL) and background vocals from acclaimed alt-pop duo Elkin (‘Bodies’, ‘Tokens’, ‘Win Win’), ‘Pavement’ is a distinctly soulful track, with Fynch’s lyrics and delivery marking a fresh assuredness in his art.
Lyrics referencing 90s indie rock band Pavement (hence the artwork harking back to the band’s 1997 album Brighten the Corners), House of Pain frontman Everlast, Blue Extra chewing gum and, as you may come to expect from a Fynch song, football bars that if you blink, you may miss.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had a bit of craic when writing my own songs,” Fynch says. “When someone wants me to feature on a track, I’ll always want to write the most eclectic and out there bars, but I always end up self-reflecting on my stuff and eventually, it becomes a bit dour.”
“On ‘Pavement’, there’s a bit of self-reflection, but it’s about me being a bit more assured, a bit more willing to showcase a confidence that I have in the deeper recesses of myself.”
“Nothing like a bit of a change of pace, even if I did manage to get a few football references in there. They’re my USP at this stage!”
‘Pavement’ is set for release on all platforms at Midnight on November 4th.
To celebrate the release of ‘Pavement’, Fynch is holding a single launch in Sin É on November 6th. Tickets are available here.
Singer-songwriter Sina Theil is set to endure a freezing cold night sleeping out in Ballymote, Co. Sligo for a good cause on November 6th!
This is just one of the special events the “Hottest Act in Irish Country Music” award winner has lined up this week in order to raise much needed funds for the Celtic FC Foundation Christmas Appeal. “No matter if you’re a Celtic FC fan or maybe aren’t even interested in sports at all. This campaign supports people who are really struggling with poverty, disability and disadvantage. COVID-19 has plunged many families into hardship, so I hope to raise as much money as I can for this brilliant charity”, Sina says.
Contributions can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sina-theil-music and the local singer who already raised over €1,000 within the first campaign days encourages people to please share this link as much as possible on social media. She adds, “Any contribution will go a long way as Christmas approaches. Even just sharing the campaign can have such a huge impact on the people we’re trying to support. And please remember to always donate within your means.”
You can find more information about the charity campaign and Sina Theil’s music on www.facebook.com/sinatheilmusic or instagram (@sinatheil) and on all major download services.
Irish singer and guitarist Síomha (pronounced Shee-vah) dances the line between folk, jazz and neo-soul effortlessly taking audiences on an unexpected and unforgettable journey with her soulful melodies.
Today Síomha shares her new single ‘Spéir Rua’ (Red Sky), giving us first glimpse into the ethereal newness and musical mastery of her new album ‘Infinite Space’ which is due for release in 2022.
Speaking of the track, Síomha says: “Spéir Rua is a love song for the landscape of the West of Ireland. It was inspired by many late night drives after gigs when I lived right on the West Coast at the edge of The Burren. As I got closer to home, I was lucky to witness the beautiful red blaze of the morning sky. Nature was giving her best performance and in those moments it felt as though I was the only spectator. I would stop and sit alone and watch the night sky light up and become a new day.”
“Spéir Rua is one of my favorite tracks from my upcoming album. It’s exciting, mellow and sexy all at once. The sound is smooth, warm, energetic and life giving, just like a sunrise”.
The track begins with the cool sultriness of night and explodes with the fiery colours of a morning sky. The landscape of the song is painted by breathtaking strings, worlds of percussion, rich choral arrangements and a rhythm section rooted in groove.
‘Spéir Rua’ was translated into Irish by Billy MagFhloinn. It was recorded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and produced by Grammy nominated Tyler Duncan (Carly Rae Jepsen/ Theo Katzman/ The Olllam). It features an all-star lineup of musicians including Joe Dart (Vulfpeck), Martin Atkinson, Michael Shimmin (the ollam), Louis Cato (Bobby McFerrin/ Snarky Puppy) and violinist Jeremy Kittel (Bela Fleck/ Chris Thile).
Producer Tyler Duncan says:”Spéir Rua is a spell, there’s just no other word for it. An otherworldly spell that reaches into the past, into the future, into the cosmos, into your heart, and binds them together like the veins of a leaf. This … is what magic sounds like.”
This unique union of Irish lyrics soaring over a backdrop of music rooted in jazz and soul is like nothing you’ve ever heard before. See Síomha perform live this month on her Infinite Space Tour – an Album Preview Tour, giving audiences the opportunity to hear Síomha’s new album Infinite Space from start to finish before its release next year.
“SÍOMHA was my guest on my 2017 Irish Tour. She is a consummate singer, songwriter and guitarist. My audience loved her performance every night as did I and my band. Go see her!” Paul Brady
Following on from the April release of Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill’s Courage EP, Other Voices are delighted to announce that a second EP, featuring four songs from Lisa Hannigan’s captivating performance from the series will be issued on November 4th.
Lisa Hannigan has been a part of Other Voices since its inception – she was featured in the first-ever series broadcast in 2002 and has performed as a solo artist and with others several times over the last 20 years. So celebrating that relationship is a real delight.
Recorded at the National Gallery of Ireland in May 2020, the EP will feature four beloved tracks from Lisa Hannigan’s critically acclaimed 2016 album At Swim. Fellow singer-songwriter Loah and cellist and vocalist Kevin Murphy are featured on three of the four songs on the EP and the tracklist includes unique live versions of ‘Undertow’, ‘Funeral Suit’, ‘Anahorish’ and ‘We the Drowned’.
This live stream which came from the glorious Shaw Room of The National Gallery was one of the most popular in the series with huge public engagement globally. The version of ‘Undertow’ featuring Loah was uploaded to YouTube and currently has over seven hundred thousand views on the platform. Other Voices is delighted to be able to share these special recordings with the world.
Lisa Hannigan said: “It felt so odd and magical to be out singing in the National Gallery during that very first lockdown phase. To be singing and playing with two such incredible musicians in that beautiful space after so long shut away, and knowing that there was an audience out there at home, felt joyous and almost overwhelming. The Other Voices crew are family at this stage so no better crew to be there with, navigating that strange new world of performance and connection.”
Loah said: “The night at the National Gallery still sends chills of such joy up my spine. It felt very special to be able to sing in support of Lisa with Kevin during such a moment and suspend our worries for an evening. Lisa’s songs are such a balm even at the best of times – it was a blessing for us all! I feel very happy to be part of this and have it out in the world.”
Kevin Murphy said: “I loved it, Great setting, great people, and I was allowed out of the house!!”
Other Voices Founder Philip King, said: “It was a glorious night of music and song that collapsed distance and brought us together at a time of separation. Lisa’s glorious voice buttressed by Loah and Kevin gave great uplift and inspiration to all who heard it on the night. It’s wonderful to share with you these unique arresting moments of musical magic.”
The Cork International Choral Festival is now accepting entries from Irish composers for the 2022 Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition. The closing date for entries is 10th December 2021.
Judged by a panel of experts and composers of international renown, the competition gives up-and-coming Irish composers the chance to have their work assessed, produced and performed at an international level. The winning composer will receive the coveted Seán Ó Riada Trophy, a cash prize (kindly donated by the Ó Ríada family), and the opportunity for their work to have its premiere performance by Chamber Choir Ireland at the Cork International Choral Festival’s Gala Concert held in St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral on Friday 29 April 2022, conducted by Paul Hillier.
The winner of the 2021 competition was Dublin-based composer, musical director, pianist and teacher Norah Walsh (pictured) for her piece On A Quiet Day In the Future.
Initiated in 1972 in recognition of the creative life and work of Seán Ó Riada (1931-71), the present format of the Competition offers a platform for Irish composers to have their work judged and rewarded purely on its own merits without the judges being influenced by the reputation or status of the composer. All compositions are submitted under a pseudonym, with the author’s real name not being revealed until after the judges’ decision has been made. Works composed in the Irish language are encouraged. The competition has, as a central aim, the intention of providing Irish choirs with fresh, authentic material for inclusion in their programmes.
The competition has attracted the attention of many highly-regarded composers, with past winners including Solfa Carlisle, Rhona Clarke, Patrick Connolly, Frank Corcoran, Séamas de Barra, Eoghan Desmond, Michael Holohan, Marian Ingoldsby, Donal MacErlaine, Simon MacHale, Michael McGlynn, Kevin O’Connell, Amanda Feery, Criostóir Ó Loingsigh, Donal Sarsfield, James May and last year’s winner Peter Leavy. Several of these works have been published by international choral publishing houses.
With nearly 250 compositions being submitted since 2010 in the new format, the Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition clearly highlights the number of composers now working and living in Ireland, and further demonstrates the Cork International Choral Festival’s continuing commitment to encourage the composition and performance of contemporary music.
The application consists of a Score submission and Composer’s Contact Details. Postal applications should be forwarded in hard copy by registered post to the Cork International Choral Festival, Civic Trust House, 50 Pope’s Quay, Cork, before the deadline of the 10th December 2021.
The composer must use a pseudonym on the printed score. Five unbound copies of the score should be provided in a sealed envelope along with the application form (available at www.corkchoral.ie) detailing the name and contact details of the composer, with the pseudonym detailed on the exterior of the envelope.
Georgia G is a 20 year old singer/songwriter from Malahide, Dublin. She has been writing songs for as long as she can remember, with inspiration from Lady Gaga and Sister Sledge.
Georgia G is currently studying songwriting in BIMM Dublin. She was chosen for the BIMM spring gig this year amongst many applicants, which was aired in May & recorded in The Grand Social. Georgia has been working extremely hard on her new music making sure her next release is exactly how she envisions it. This would be an amazing opportunity for Georgia G as she has plenty of demo’s and ideas she wants to show the world!
Mixing a variety of genres to create her own sound, the young artist is bringing an explosive and vibrant sound to the world. Georgia G enjoys writing songs that people can connect to, if that means writing from personal experience or experience of friends, movies, TV shows etc.
Georgia G enjoys nearly all genres of music, some of her favourite artists include Chic, Charlie Puth, Sister Sledge, The Aces and Lady Gaga.
Georgia has been performing for nearly all of her life. With her passion for musical theatre, she performed in many musicals including her sister, Lauryn Gaffney’s original musical `Big Shot’. Performing in Feinstein’s 54 below and OFF-BROADWAY in summer of 2019, with her sister and other talented cast members.
Georgia’s new single ‘Are You Single?’ is a post lockdown bop for all those singletons who wanna meet people in person!
Elena Duff releases a new single ‘Christmas won’t be Christmas’ on November 1st.
This is Elena’s 5th single and for the season that’s in it, the song deviates from her usual indie-folk genre into more pop territory. The song was co-written with her mother, the poet Honor Duff, who put together the original lyrical concept, with Elena working further on the lyrics and also creating the melody and production.
‘Christmas won’t be Christmas’ has lyrics which speak of regret that a lover is away for the festive season. This wistful sentiment contrasts with a boppy, upbeat, pop tempo. The song ends with hope for reunion between the couple on New Year’s Eve.
The song can be accessed on all streaming services from November 1st, or you can purchase a digital download on Elena’s Bandcamp:
To celebrate the announcement of their biggest tour to date, Pillow Queens have invited some of their favourite artists to cover songs from the bands critically acclaimed debut album, ‘In Waiting’.
“We love these artists so much, so we were humbled that they agreed to be part of this little project. It means a great deal to us. They did such an incredible job”
The ‘Quietly Waiting’ EP, is out today.
As the name would suggest, these delicately stripped back interpretations get to the core of what makes these songs so special.
Soak begins the EP with a beautifully atmospheric take on album opener ‘Holy Show’, letting their voice dig into every word and harmony.
Merpire then somehow captures all the heart and scale of ‘Liffey,’ while still making it fit warmly inside her Melbourne studio.
Next, John Ross from Wild Pink finds a gorgeous finger picked imagining of ‘Brothers’, full of whispered harmonies and haunting textures.
Irish folk legend Damien Dempsey closes the EP with a stunning and soulful performance of album closer ‘Donaghmede’. Accompanied by just piano, Damien sings the song written about his and Pamela’s shared hometown with passion and no little pride.
