Author: Breffni Banks

Irish music legends The Pale release their first ever best of compilation album entitled ‘Paleanthology’ which will be available on CD and on all Digital platforms on Friday October 22nd and followed by a Limited-edition Vinyl pressing in the near future. The band who recently celebrated their 30-year anniversary in the music industry have compiled a 13-song collection of highlights from their diverse career, while recording new versions of some of their most loved songs especially for this release.

September saw the band return to the stage with a handful of shows to promote the release of ‘Paleanthology’ with their first show kicking off in JRB’S in Newbridge on September 11th, followed by shows in Dublin’s Whelan’s and Kavanaghs in Portlaoise on November 25th and 26th respectively, while finishing out the year in Mullingar’s legendary venue The Stables on December 4th.

Thursday, November 25th – Whelans, Dublin

Friday, November 26th – Kavanaghs, Portlaoise

Saturday, December 4th – The Stables, Smiddy’s Bar, Mullingar

The Pale started life in Dublin’s Northside in 1990 but drew their influences from far beyond. the band cut their teeth busking on Dublin’s Grafton street, alongside fellow Irish musicians like Kila, Paddy Casey, Mic Christopher, and Glen Hansard.

For some they are best remembered for their hits ‘Butterfly’ and ‘Dogs With No Tails’. but that is only the tip of the iceberg for a band that has steered clear of the beaten track, releasing a string of albums the effortlessly skip between style and genres, all the while retaining a strong lyrical focus.

Flirtations with chart success, forays into alternative circuses, tours way off the beaten path in Russia, Japan, Eastern Europe and beyond are all par for the course for a band that have refused to trade off past glories.

2019 saw them release their 13th studio album to date ‘Merciful Hour’, Followed by shows across Ireland, as well as Electric Picnic and closing the Friday night of Feile 19 in Tipperary. while November 2019 saw their hit single ‘Dogs With No Tails’ being featured in Season 2 of the BBC hit series ‘The Young Offenders’. While recently the band celebrated 30 years in the music industry and returned to the UK for the first time in many years for a short tour.

Beloved Dublin band The Coronas are back with a brand-new single, “Write Our Own Soundtrack”, out on 22nd October.

“It was written in the first lockdown,” explains lead singer Danny O’Reilly. “It’s about how a new relationship can give hope and positivity, even if the world is falling apart around you. When everything is suddenly upside down, love and relationships are given a new perspective and traditional ways of getting to know someone are thrown out the window.”

Like everyone in the events industry, The Coronas have had to overcome several hurdles over the past 18 months. After the disappointment of being forced to cancel a six-month world tour and delaying an album release, the band also had to come to terms with the fact that they may have the most unfortunate band name in the world right now.

However, when the album was released last summer, thankfully their moniker didn’t seem to bother anyone! True Love Waits topped the charts, outselling Fontaines DC and Taylor Swift on its way to number one, becoming the fastest selling Irish album of 2020.

Now the band are back with “Write Our Own Soundtrack” and an extensive Irish tour, which takes in seventeen dates around the country. Aptly called the ‘True Love Waited’ Tour, the band are set to finally play songs from the album live to their ever-growing fanbase. “’True Love Waits’ was written to be played live,” explains O’Reilly. “We’re ridiculously excited to be on the road again and play these songs to full capacity rooms around the country. It’s gonna be emotional.”

Tickets to The Coronas’ famous Christmas Olympia shows on the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th December sold out in minutes. Disappointed fans who didn’t get tickets won’t have to wait too long, as the band have just announced a huge Dublin show at the Summer Series at Trinity College, on the 1st of July next year.

This will hopefully coincide with the release of a new album, the band’s seventh. “Write Our Own Soundtrack” is the first taste from this and it’s bound to whet eager appetites.

Fri. 22OCT                   Spiegeltent, Wexford SOLDOUT

Sat 23 OCT                  Spiegeltent, Wexford SOLDOUT

Sat 30 OCT                  Sligo Live, TICKETS 

Sun 01 NOV                 Black Box, Galway, Limited TICKETS 

Tue 02NOV                  Black Box, Galway, Limited TICKETS 

Wed 03NOV                 Black Box, Galway. TICKETS 

Thurs 02 DEC               Big Top, Limerick, SOLDOUT

Fri 03 DEC                    Big Top, Limerick, SOLDOUT

Mon 06 DEC                 Opera House, Cork, SOLDOUT

Tue 07 Dec                   Opera House, Cork, TICKETS 

Thurs 09 DEC               Ulster Hall, Belfast SOLDOUT

Thurs 16 DEC               3Olympia, Dublin, SOLDOUT

Fri 17 DEC                    3 Olympia, Dublin, SOLDOUT

Sat 18 DEC                   3 Olympia, Dublin SOLDOUT

Sun 19 DEC                  3 Olympia, Dublin SOLDOUT

Mon 27 DEC                 Royal Theatre, Castlebar, TICKETS 

Tue 28 DEC                  INEC Arena, Killarney, TICKETS 

The mysterious Gorgeous Wrecks release their debut album Gentle Art of Persuasion on October 22nd,

Described by one critic as a cross between The Blue Nile and The Jesus and Mary Chain, Gorgeous Wrecks formed in 2019; the duo combining their collective vision for a musical project that combined electronic atmospherics, a selection of vintage drum machines, a guitar, and one very unique voice.

Soon after, they decamped to a studio in North Dublin with renowned Irish producer Ger McDonnell (U2, The Cure, Kasabian, Martha Wainwright), where, inspired by artists such as The Notwist, Portishead, PJ Harvey, Metronomy, TV on the Radio and New Order, they wrote and recorded their debut album Gentle Art of Persuasion.

Album available from https://gorgeouswrecks. bandcamp.com/

Irish singer songwriter Brian Flanagan, aka U.M.A.N (U Must Act Now) releases his new single ‘Bonfire’ on Friday October 22nd.

Out walking with his six-year-old son, in a quiet moment between the two, curious and full of wonder, he asked unexpectedly “Daddy, can we build a bonfire”. The two spent the rest of the day building what would become not only that bonfire but a memory of shared connection between father and son. Reflecting on the experience, Brian said “It’s through non-verbal cues, we build our strongest connections as humans. Right there in the warm glow we didn’t have to say a word, we close our eyes and dare to dream.” BONFIRE tells that story.

Having signed with Universal Music Ireland after landing one of the most played songs on Irish radio with his debut release ‘Flamin Day’ in 2017, U.M.A.N has followed up with a string of critically acclaimed singles ‘Lord’, ‘The Adele Song’ & ‘Feel Beautiful’.

Receiving significant national airplay and performing two sold out Irish tours along with a well received Late Late appearance to date, U.M.A.N’s eagerly awaited debut album, is due for release in 2022. ‘BONFIRE’ gives us a taste of what’s to come.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Pioneering a new sub-genre of Afrobeat called Afro Rng (rhythm and groove) Tommy Tomad shares his exciting feel-good single ‘Goosebumps’ which explores the feeling of love at first sight.

The record is a sonic metaphor of Tommy’s first encounter with lust and desire and his expression of this feeling. His unorthodox approach steers towards a melodic expression of the experience rather than lyric articulation, leading the listener through a heartfelt and emotional journey as Tommy Tomad reveals what exactly has given him ‘Goosebumps’.

Produced by Soundchef the record displays a complex fusion of jazz, funk, highlife, psychedelic rock and traditional afrobeat reminiscent of the Nigerian legend Fela Kuti. Exploding with different textures and sound palettes, Tommy narrates his story, layering enticing vocal and melody’s rhymes set to incite shivers and ‘Goosebumps’.

Soundchef comments, “The record is about having a good time. Tommy Tomad sang beautifully on this banger with the way he was able to find distinctive pockets in the song.”

Since exploding onto the landscape of the rapidly growing Irish music scene with crew TFClique, Nigerian born and Irish raised artist Tommy has been paving the way for afrobeat and afro swing in the island of Ireland all the way from Drogheda. Making debut with the ‘Sweet Dreams Tape’ followed by a feature on ‘Jayie’ on the highly accredited’ Organised Mess’ album by Evans Junior in 2018. As a result of the rising popularity, Tommy supported acts like Adekunle Gold, Oxlade and Wande Coal on their arrival to Ireland. With new music loaded and ready to go all we can ask is, what’s next for the African Loverboy?

Keep up with Tommy Tomad via
https://twitter.com/tommytomad
https://www.instagram.com/tommy_tomad/

Galway’s Niamh Regan has returned with ‘Love You Senseless’, the second single off her upcoming EP, In the Meantime.

Following on from the illustrious success of Choice-nominated debut album Hemet (Black Gate records, 2020) and the EP’s first single, ‘Happy Again’, ‘Love You Senseless’ is a breezy love song about the cyclical challenges of trying to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.

“I was waitin’ for the guilt to wear off,” she sings, recalling a sunny, melodic sensibility akin to the likes of early Stevie Nicks and Karen Dalton. Through the layers of instrumentation, a summery sense of nostalgia and newness ebb and flow. A natural storyteller, Regan’s voice is entirely her own, and with production by Alex Borwick, ‘Love You Senseless’ once again affirms Regan’s place as one of the most distinctive songwriters working in Ireland today.

Speaking about writing the song, Niamh says; “watching someone you love struggle can be difficult and this song focuses on the question of ‘how we can fix it’ and how irritable and guilty we can become when there’s no immediate answer”.

Circling around the challenges of miscommunication, ‘Love You Senseless’ is a love song at heart, and the soaring, affecting chorus, “I love you senseless I love you blind, love me through this make it worth my while” will be sure to linger with the listener long after the song has finished.

Niamh embarks on a 9-venue ‘Hemet’ Ire/UK tour this November and has just announced support acts joining her along the way. See her at:

• Róisín Dubh, Galway w/ support from Molly O’Mahony | Sat 13th Nov
• DeBarra’s Clonakilty w/ support from Molly O’Mahony | Sun 14th Nov
• Levis’ Corner House, Ballydehob w/ support from Molly O’Mahony | Mon 15th Nov
• Dolan’s (Upstairs), Limerick (Presented by Seoda Shows) w/ support from Molly O’Mahony | Wed 17th Nov
• Whelan’s, Dublin (Presented by Singular Artists) w/ support from Tadhg Williams | Thurs 18th Nov
• (SOLD OUT) The Duncairn, Belfast w/ support from Laytha | Fri 19th Nov
• Spirit Store, Dundalk w/ support from D Cullen and Sinead McConville | Sat 20th Nov
• (SOLD OUT) Quiet Lights festival @ Coughlan’s Live | Sat 21st Nov:
• The Green Note, London, UK | Wed 24th Nov

Tickets for these shows are available via http://niamhregan.com/tour.html

Niamh will also appear at Right Here, Right Now Festival at Cork Opera House, Friday 12th November. Taking to the stage on the night will be Mary Coughlan, Wallis Bird, Loah and Niamh, accompanied by the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra. Tickets available at corkoperahouse.ie

Having warmed the stage for Fionn Regan at Whelan’s last weekend, Niamh will open for Hermitage Green at The Black Box, Galway, Friday 29th November, and Glen Hansard at Millennium Forum, Derry, Tuesday 26th October.

Spotify | Apple Music | Twitter / @niamhreganmusic | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | TikTok

ONSET is an exciting new group featuring some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians who have just announced the release of their debut single ‘Invictus’ on October 29, 2021.

ONSET was formed by Pádraig Rynne (concertina + electronics), Graham Henderson (keyboard) and Davie Ryan (drums) who are joined by Tara Breen (fiddle), Niall McCabe (vocals/acoustic guitar) and Adam Taylor (bass). The group was borne out of their collective passion for a dynamic approach to traditional music. The music draws from their diverse musical backgrounds, and creates a deep and fascinating musical experience with flowing melodies and rhythmic character.

Successful recipients of the MISP scheme, ONSET began remotely writing and recording a four track EP over lockdown in 2021 developing a unique and fresh sound. Their debut single ‘Invictus’ will tie-in with their upcoming tour this autumn.

Through funding from the Arts Council of Ireland, ONSET will embark on a series of live shows through October, November, and December 2021 where they are sure to wow audiences with their extraordinary musicianship through a mix of brand new music, tunes from Padraig Rynne’s 2019 album Conscious, and original songs from Niall McCabe.

Described as “one of the freshest sounds in Irish music”, Pádraig Rynne is a virtuoso musician, prolific composer and is regarded as the finest concertina player in Irish music today. Pádraig released two albums with his ground-breaking band Notify who collaborated with multi-Grammy award winning musicians Mark Lettieri and Jason Thomas of Snarky Puppy.

Graham Henderson is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer. He began playing with Fairground Attraction who toured internationally and were nominated for two Brit Awards. Graham later joined Coolfin and has worked with artists such as Iarla O’Lionaird, Paul Brady, Declan O’Rourke, Moving Hearts, and Sinead O’Connor. Graham also produced the 2019 Dervish album The Great Irish Songbook.

Davie Ryan has toured extensively both nationally and internationally as a touring and recording musician in a range of diverse genres including, jazz, folk, pop, rock, world and traditional music. Davie has collaborated with renowned studio producers, including Grammy award-winning Jay Joyce (Tragedy Tragedy Studios, Nashville), Kieran Byrne (Cauldron Studios, Dublin), Christian Best, and John Fitzgerald.

Niall McCabe began playing traditional Irish and folk music before branching out into rock and soul. Following the success with his folk/soul project The Niall McCabe Band he teamed up with Irish New Wave Trad group Beoga. His first solo release Borders saw traditional roots accordions and mandolins intertwine with synths and drums, something he has brought to ONSET.

Tara Breen is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist and has performed with Ciorras, Galician piper Carlos Núñez and the Chieftains. In 2011 Tara was one of the musicians chosen to perform the Queen of England’s visit to Ireland.

Dubliner Adam Taylor trained in the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama under Waldemar Kozak of the National Symphony Orchestra. Adam is one of the founding members of the groove jazz collective, Creamy Goodness – a group made up of top session and jazz players from Dublin.

Tour Dates

October 16th – The Source Arts Centre, Thurles

October 30th – Glór Arts Centre, Ennis (all ages gig)

November 5th – Glens Theatre, Mannerhamilton

November 6th – Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray

December 12th- Triskel Arts Centre, Cork

Facebook: @onsetmusic1 // Twitter: @onsetband1 // Instagram: @onsetband // Website: http://onset.ie/

Irish multi-instrumentalist Abbacaxi has announced he will perform his debut Irish show live at The Workman’s Club Cellar on 10th December 2021.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10am from www.singularartists.ie.

Abbacaxi draws on his love of jazz, funk and proper songwriting, harks back to a time when dance music was made by real musicians, but comes with very modern dynamics.

Playing instruments was one of the few things that a young, Dublin-based Thomas Garnett was interested in outside of school. He started on drums, and soon joined all sorts of teenage bands. The energy of rock rhythms captivated him at first, but it was the beauty of melody that eventually turned his ear.

Now performing on his own, an Abbacaxi live show takes you on a trip with plenty of emotional peaks and troughs. Playing instruments and synths, looping from a library of his own sounds and singing, he goes from trip-hop to house.

There are floaty-light summer grooves with airy drumming and heavenly vocals. Bubbling deep house rhythms are stuffed with organic sounds, and funky bass riffs make for steamy late-night grooves. They are songs rather than tracks, and are all infused with love, warmth and balmy synths. The subtle but seductive vocals add to the classy good-time feelings.

Connect with ABBACAXI:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

Ireland’s ‘Pop Goth’ is back with her new single, ‘The Disaster Song’.

The Wicklow singer’s signature bubble-gum pop sound has seen support from national radio stations like TODAY FM, international blogs like Digital Tour Bus and magazines like Hot Press (who titled AILSHA as one of the country’s ‘Most Promising Artists’).

Her wry and playful style has seen her perform this year at The Workman’s Club, Viva Palooza, The Sound House and more, with a line-up of tour dates for the rest of October across the country (Details here).

AILSHA’s singles have received airplay on national radio stations including TODAY FM, where she has been described as having ‘huge potential to be Ireland’s next big popstar’ by Fergal D’Arcy (All Irish). In comparison to previous releases, her new single is delivered with a more raw but confident vocal performance that exudes the playfulness. In the artist’s own words-

‘”While ’The Disaster Song” is about leaving a rather disastrous relationship, it’s also about being able to laugh at all the things that went wrong. I produced the song in a 1960s-style and mixed it with my video game music influences for a fun song that I hope people can relate to, but also laugh along with. I’m a believer in not taking life too seriously and this song is a testament to that.”

AILSHA worked as a professional makeup artist for years while gigging around Dublin. She studied Music Production for Games at Griffith/Pulse College and in 2021 she fulfilled her childhood dream of being a composer for video games. She loves using her social media to inspire aspiring artists and producers to follow their dreams.

‘The Disaster Song’ will be released on all mainstream streaming platforms on Friday 29th October 2021.

Website // Spotify // Instagram // YouTube // Twitter // Facebook 

Acclaimed Irish rock musician, singer, songwriter Francie Conway is joined by David Richards (producer with QUEEN, David Bowie), Vivienne Boucherat and Chris White (from The Zombies who was inducted into The Rock’n’Roll Hall Of Fame in NYC 2019), for this special version of Peace, Love & Rock’n’Roll. The song was recorded in the legendary Mountain Studio, Montreux, Switzerland.

Francie’s current album Hidden Gems continues to gain momentum in different parts of the world and the album features outstanding performances by musicians from Pink Floyd, The Zombies, Argent, Focus, Moving Hearts, The Kinks, The Fureys & Aslan. The summer single ‘Staycation’ was well received by radio in many countries and continues to get attention.

Francie started his recording career with RCA Records, London with notable hits including ‘To The Edge Of Time’ & ‘One Night In Amsterdam’, with notable gigs including ‘Paleo’ festival, Nyon, Switzerland with 4,000 expected but 25,000 attending thanks to the popularity of ‘To the Edge of Time’ and with notable song covers including ‘Striking It Rich’ recorded by Stevie Wright from the legendary Australian band The Easybeats, the song became the title track for one of his albums and featured on many compilations.

David Richards and Francie first met at the Montreux Jazz Festival and this was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. David was the house engineer in Mountain Studio, attracting major artists to record in Montreux including The Rolling Stones & AC/DC. David was mixing ‘To The Edge Of Time’ with Chris White & John Woolloff when David Bowie invited him to dinner that evening. This led to the two Davids producing the Iggy Pop album ‘Blah, Blah, Blah’, Bowie’s ‘Lets Dance’ and many more. At this time QUEEN bought Mountain Studio and David Richards became the co-producer for all the QUEEN and Freddie Mercury’s recordings. David Richards’ star was shining bright and as they say, “the rest is history”.

Francie had been out of the music scene for a few years due to family reasons when one day he got a random call from David saying “got any unfinished songs mate, why not come out to Montreux and let’s see what will happen” This led to the writing of Peace, Love & Rock’n’Roll.

Website: www.francieconway.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/francie.conway.7

Twitter: https://twitter.com/francieconway?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francie_conway/?hI=en