Author: Breffni Banks

Dublin-based Kilkenny-born indie pop artist Cat Dowling has signed to Ireland’s Forever In Financial Arrears Records or FIFA Records, as it is more commonly known. She will release her next album in autumn via the steadily expanding label, who have continuously worked with exciting new Irish talent (Fight Like Apes, One Morning in August, Klubber Lang, Hope is Noise, Dae Kim, Lorraine Nash), as well as releasing material from more established names on the Irish indie scene, such as The Frank & Walters, Emperor of Ice Cream, August Wells, Power of Dreams and Whipping Boy.

Lauded as one of the most wonderful and evocative vocalists in Irish contemporary music, Cat Dowling’s beautifully dark pop songs and those husky and achingly intimate vocals will grip you from the outset. The former Babelfish and Alphastates frontwoman creates well-crafted songs that inspire.

Dowling also presents the video for her lush slice of soulful pop perfection, ‘Freedom’, created by film-maker Alba Lahoz. When restrictions momentarily lifted in Ireland, Cat’s three free-spirited tearaway children do their thing, showing that Freedom is a space inside us that can never be tamed.

“Sometimes we think big. Sometimes we think small. Sometimes we think with all we have got. When we have limited access to other humans, the humans closest to us are the most important humans of all,” says Cat Dowling.

“This video was filmed on a bitingly-cold December afternoon when light was sparse, winds howled and the skies randomly opened.  We managed to find the sun, fell in love with the wind and forgot about the camera. It was mainly filmed on Donabate beach and Dollymount Strand in Dublin. ‘Freedom’ is best explained and expressed in childhood when there are no limitations, everything is possible and we are free to be truly ourselves.”

Produced by Gerry Horan with Dowling as co-producer, and mixed by Ger McDonnell (The Cure, U2, Van Morrison, Martha Wainwright, Shane McGowan, Sinead O’Connor), Dowling’s latest output was partially recorded at Crossroads Studio in Kilkenny with support from Ireland’s Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.

Earlier this year, Dowling released the first single ‘Trouble’, making quite a big splash in her homeland, with a fantastic video by BAFTA award-winning director Fergal Costello. Based on a black comedy concept, it was filmed in winter in the Wicklow mountains, telling the story of a dark, comedic and violent tale that takes place outside of Belfast in 1981.

In 2013, Dowling debuted with ‘The Believer’ LP, ranked in numerous ‘Best of Year’ music polls, including The Sunday Times. The title track featured in the second series of ‘Banshee’, produced by Alan Ball (Six Feet Under, American Beauty, True Blood) and the ‘Witches of East End’ TV series, featuring Julia Ormond. The song ‘Somebody Else’ was also used in ‘My name is Emily’. Cat has also lent vocals on many collaborative projects, including for ABC’s ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ with Emmy-winning actress Viola Davis.

‘Freedom’ is out now, available everywhere digitally. Fans can expect Cat Dowling’s next long-player to be released in November of this year.

Like their name suggests, Irish four-piece modernlove. explore the complexities of the modern lives of twenty-somethings. Even though their lives are still complicated, Barry, Cian, Danny and Graham have already nailed their sound; they deliver polished, indie-pop with a glossy ’90s sheen and intricate details.

Today (September 3rd), they releases their debut EP, ‘monochrome blue’ on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). The 6-track project holds a special place in the hearts of the twenty-somethings from Drogheda, who began writing some of the songs when they were just 16. The EP is a record of their formative years, tumultuous and lovelorn at times, disappointing and unexpected at others.

“‘monochrome blue’ is an honest representation of our teenage years.,” modernlove. share. “It explores the negatives and the positives of the naive, and at times overly indulgent, endeavours of our youth and our emotional response to them.”

The lead EP’s focus track, ‘2 Missed Calls’, is a feel-good, danceable pop song with dark lyrical undertones. It details a guilt-laden love triangle across jangling guitar riffs, spacey synths, and mid-tempo drum rhythms. The accompanying music video visualizes such a scenario at a neon-lit party, where a drunken promenade of regret ultimately meets a happy ending.

The band reveals about the writing process,

“‘2 Missed Calls’ was at first intended to be a more straight up upbeat, feel good love song. As it developed the narrative began to shift toward something less innocent and cheerful. A lot of what we write about is young love and the rush and the craziness that comes with it. We’ve all been through it and none of us really knows how to handle it… not sure if anyone does to be honest. We’re still trying to figure it out.”

‘come over x’ is a vulnerable declaration of devotion that builds through sweeping soundscapes and ethereal chords. The accompanying video follows the lyrics, depicting a budding secret romance, with dizzying ’90s visual effects drenched in purple hues.

‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’, which arrived with a music video and a BBC Introducing session. evokes a feeling of being simultaneously overwhelmed by life’s stressors and isolated from everyone. The accompanying video echoes the sense of detachment as the camera drifts in and out of focus on the lead singer sauntering then chasing something he’ll never reach.

Last year modernlove. released the first two EP singles, ‘Liquorice’, a twinkling disco romp, and ‘Bop’ which leans into their whimsical indie roots. The songs reflect the youthful vigor of their late nights in Dublin when they all started college. They note, “Nothing would stop us from prancing into the night. There is a blissful innocence to those songs that at times now feels slightly unfamiliar as we’ve grown as friends and artists.” As the band’s first-ever singles, they received excitingly strong playlist support, landing on NMF UK at Spotify, as well as Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List. The band also recently shared a music video for ‘Liquorice’; a colorful indie dance party with shifting glances.

‘I know it’s tearing you apart’, one of the first songs the band ever wrote, was initially written at nearly double the tempo. They opted to slow it down to appreciate the subtleties and find a groove within the complicated narrative of being used for sex after a breakup by your ex and being ok with it.

To celebrate the EP release, the band will be playing a Dublin headline show on November 6th in the Workman’s Club, as well as their first London show at The Social on November 12.

‘monochrome blue’ EP Tracklist:

Available on all DSPs

1. 2 Missed Calls
2. lmk (if you wanna see me)
3. Liquorice
4. I know it’s tearing you apart
5. Bop
6. come over x

TOUR DATES:

Nov 6 – Dublin, IRL – Workman’s Club

Nov 11 -London, ENG – The Social

MODERNLOVE. SOCIALS:

Spotify / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / TikTok

HousePlants (Paul Noonan and Daithi) released their single ‘Window Pane‘ at the end of July and now follow up with a video for it. Directed by Allyn Quigley

Starring Gemma-Leah Devereux (Smother, The Bright Side, Judy).

Their debut album, ‘Dry Goods’, will be out on 17^th September.

The third single from the forthcoming album has the HousePlants creeping on their neighbours… “The everyday muffled noises we hear from our fellow humans living beside us tease us a little – a soundtrack to the mundane, the daily grind. Curtains, floorboards, hairdryers. People there alright, enough for the imagination to run with anyway.”

This follows on from the debut single ‘What’s With All The Pine?’ and ‘Companero’, which were released over the last few months.

For both artists, the project represents reclamation amidst a significantly difficult era for creative souls across Ireland and beyond. “There’s a community of music makers who mainly see each other at gigs and nights like the Choice Music Prize that feels somewhat atomised in the void of lockdown,” they say. “One of the nicer things about this time is that artists have been checking in on each other. It feels like lots of people are doing what we did.”

That sense of camaraderie and community is hard-wired into the music of HousePlants. A new tribe for modern times. All welcome.

‘Dry Goods‘ Tracklist:

1. What’s With All The Pine?
2. Window Pane
3. Companero
4. No Stoppin Me
5. Mannequin
6. Ringing In My Ears
7. Burning
8. Reveller
9. Wait!

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5tnWhgpR0zucG8lhmd9HKn?si=eCIgZZiQQaODK-_oZHgr2w
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/houseplantsband/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/HousePlants_hi?s=09
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WeAreHousePlants
Bandcamp:
https://wearehouseplants.bandcamp.com/releases

Seconds Away is a 5-part series of musician snapshots from the island of Ireland, recorded live in the National Stadium, Dublin, and presented by Gemma Bradley (BBC NI). The series was produced by Singular Artists and was made possible with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.  

ARTISTS FEATURED IN THE SERIES INCLUDE: 

A LAZARUS SOUL * A SMYTH * AILBHE REDDY * CHERYM * COLUMBIA MILLS * CONCHÚR WHITE * DANI LARKIN * ERICA CODY * GEMMA DUNLEAVY * JEALOUS OF THE BIRDS * MAIJA SOFIA * MARIA KELLY * MELTS * MODERNLOVE * 

ODD MORRIS * PASTICHE * REBEKAH FITCH * ROBERT GRACE * SAINT SISTER * SAM WICKENS * SLANEY * SMOOTHBOI EZRA * SOAK * SPRINTS * SUSAN O’ NEILL* TANDEM FELIX * 

Seconds Away series will be uploaded to Nialler9’s YouTube Channel every Wednesday in September and featured tracks aired on The Alternative with Dan Hegarty on RTÉ 2FM every Wednesday from 10PM. 

Check out the performances from A Lazarus Soul, Erica Cody, Odd Morris, Gemma Dunleavy, SPRINTS and Tandem Felix in episode 1 of Seconds Away here:

Episode 2 of Seconds Away will feature SOAK, Melts, Maija Sofia, Pastiche, A. Smyth, Sprints, and Cherym. The series will air on Nialler9 on 8th September at 8 pm on his YouTube channel as well as The Alternative with Dan Hegarty on RTÉ 2FM will also broadcast chosen performances from 10 pm on the same night.

Speaking about Seconds Away, Fin O’ Leary of Singular Artists said: Seconds Away has been an exciting project to work on for all involved, it’s been amazing to bring together so many incredible artists to perform live again. The National Stadium is a fantastic venue, steeped in history, and really comes to life in the series.

Keep up to date with episode information and upcoming live events see: www.singularartists.ie  

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‘Canal Straddle’ marks the return of Drimnagh wordsmith Fynch, with the rapper enlisting the help of Gaptoof (Kojaque, Kean Kavanagh, Kofi Stone), one of Ireland’s finest hip-hop producers.

2021 has seen Fynch release one track of his own, with ‘Soon’ being a collaboration with Poxy Records co-founder Willhouse. The year has also seen Fynch feature on tracks by the aforementioned Willhouse and Burner Records co-founder Local Boy, as well as on the title track of 49th & Main’s debut EP ‘Good Luck’.

‘Canal Straddle’ is a lo-fi, lyrical journey, with Fynch using the geography of Dublin to showcase the relationship between himself, his art and his hometown.

“I suppose with COVID, you get a lot of time to reflect on yourself, you weren’t really doing much else. I was thinking about my music and the strange two-pronged relationship I have with it. One minute, I think I’m the greatest wordsmith known to man and the next I’m reminding myself to not quit my day job.

Ultimately, that’s what ‘Canal Straddle’ is, for me. This brash introduction that I’m an ‘underdog, still Goliath in the ends, a Leviathan’ encapsulates how I routinely view myself.

With ‘Soon’, I was looking forward to the days after COVID, the dancing we’ll do and the gigs we’ll go to. Now, a few months down the line with the end supposedly in sight, I’m kind of telling myself not to get excited because you won’t be playing those gigs, you won’t be on those stages, get yourself a ticket, pal.

I don’t know what’ll happen, but I suppose you can tell that already!”

‘Canal Straddle’ is set for release at Midnight on Friday September 3 on Burner Records.

Fynch plays a sold-out headline show at The Button Factory on September 8.

‘CANAL STRADDLE’ WILL BE AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING SERVICES FROM 12AM ON SEPTEMBER 3.

FYNCH FACEBOOK – FYNCH INSTAGRAM – FYNCH TWITTER – FYNCH WEBSITE

For the first time ever, Other Voices – Ireland’s iconic music television show will join forces with the legendary Galway International Arts Festival to broadcast an extraordinary one-off ‘Courage’ livestream this Friday 3 September from the fabulous setting of the 13th Century St Nicholas’ Church in Galway City.

Together the trailblazing festivals have curated a dream line up featuring some of Ireland’s most exciting voices to perform as part of the Galway International Arts Festival’s 2021 programme.

Line up: Anna Mullarkey | NewDad | Tolü Makay | Mick Flannery + Susan O’Neill

The stunning line up includes Galway dream-pop band and BBC 6 Music darlings NewDad, soulful rising star Tolü Makay, pioneering avant-garde composer and performer Anna Mullarkey and the spectacular duo of gifted multi-instrumentalist Susan O’Neill and renowned Irish songwriter Mick Flannery who celebrate the release of their new album on the same day.

Taking place at 9pm this Friday 3rd September, Other Voices and Galway International Arts Festival will collapse distance between homes around the world and the front row of the iconic St Nicholas’ Church with an inspiring evening of performances all free to enjoy online.

Despite being long-time admirers of each other’s work, this unique livestream marks the first time in their collective 64 years that the two legendary West of Ireland festivals have collaborated together, with Other Voices over the moon to kick off their 20th anniversary celebrations in style in Galway City this September.

Quote from Philip King, Other Voices Founder

“We were delighted to receive the invitation to be part of Galway International Arts Festival in this, of all years. Galway has always cherished and celebrated a diversity of musical voices and Other Voices is very pleased in this our 20th year to put together a programme that is in tune with the ethos of the festival and to share stunning performances from St Nicholas’ Church in the heart of Galway with the world.”

Quote from John Crumlish, Chief Executive, Galway International Arts Festival

“As a longtime fan of Other Voices, I am delighted that Galway International Arts Festival is partnering with it on this year’s festival. It has always been such a great platform for new Irish music and we are delighted to be involved in helping celebrate its 20th birthday.”

Quote from Paul Fahy, Artistic Director, Galway International Arts Festival

“We are delighted to collaborate with Other Voices Courage on this fantastic livestreamed event from the ambient St. Nicholas’ Church during the Festival. This concert will make for a very memorable and special Galway night.”

Organisers hope that this incredible musical offering will bring Irish and international fans together to celebrate the breadth of dazzling talent exploding from Ireland, with half of the line up calling Galway home.

Fans can stream the performances for free on YouTube, on Other Voices’ and GIAF’s Facebook and Twitter and on RTÉ.ie, and can set a reminder for the livestream right now.

Full details are available at Othervoices.ie and giaf.ie.

‘OV Galway’ is a South Wind Blows production, produced in partnership with Other Voices and Galway International Arts Festival’s and is made possible with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Arts Council of Ireland.

Having just formed in 2021, Dublin based alt-electronic artist wornoc (aka Conor Walsh) has quickly championed the likes of Rock Sound, GoldenPlec, Soul Doubt and Hot Press Magazine, along with gaining national and international airplay with the likes of RTE 2XM, 2FM, 98FM and Sirius XM. wornoc has also gone on to collaborate with highly respected artists; Andrew Marshall (Billie Eilish) and Justin Nace (PVRIS) on a live drum performance for one of his previous releases ‘Signs’. Inspired by the sounds of artists such as Massive Attack, God Is An Astronaut, Tycho, Olafur Arnolds and Bonobo, wornoc’s music is cinematic, intense and emotional. Driven by infectious grooves, lush ambient textures, melodic guitar riffs and electronic music, wornoc provides a spectacular sonic environment for introspections, sounds that are far removed from what’s going on in the Irish music scene.

 Following great praise received from wornoc’s previous single ‘Four Corners’, producer and lone wolf, Conor Walsh continues his travels around Ireland in search of inspiration for fresh musical ideas. Released on the 31^st August, new single ‘Rising Tides’ is wornoc’s third musical instalment as a result of a week spent writing music, surfing and traversing the cliffs and beaches of Co. Clare. Recorded in wornoc’s purpose-built home recording studio, ‘Rising Tides’ is heavily influenced by the downtempo styles of renowned electronic artists, Bonobo, sprinkled with the dark timbral sensations of Massive Attack. The single features textural layers of delicate ambient guitars combined with tasteful bass grooves, subtle electronic beats and large roomie drums. wornoc will continue to release music every 8 weeks in the lead up to his debut headline show at Dublin’s iconic venue Whelan’s on the 29^th January ’22. All released singles will be bundled into a physical vinyl. Tickets are currently on sale via Ticketmaster.

“I received great inspiration from my travels around Ireland for my previous single ‘Four Corners’ that I wanted to continue the buzz and visit beautiful locations around Ireland that I have never really got to take in on previous trips. A large part of the inspiration comes from the people I travel with, the people close to me truly encourage me to do what makes me happy which is…music. I intentionally work part-time in my day job so that I can take these trips and push myself as a creator. I basically travel with a mini-MIDI keyboard, audio interface, laptop and guitar in order to track demos when I’m away, then refine my work in my home studio. 80 percent of the recordings caught in the moment with just my guitar, laptop or mic tends to be the final product. The one rule I have for myself when writing is to go off my gut instinct, if it feels right in the moment, then it works!!” wornoc

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Today, Wednesday 1st September, Maria Kelly​ has​ release​d​ the fourth and final single from her upcoming debut album – the title track, ‘the sum of the in-between’, on VETA Records.

Maria says, “’the sum of the in-between’ is a long list, laying out every messy, chaotic, complicated thing about me. It’s about giving myself permission to look directly at this current version of myself without criticising everything I find.

For me, that’s what this album is about – permission. Permission to face myself, permission to feel it all, permission to get the help I deserve – no matter how uncomfortable or painful that might be.

Who I was, who I’ll be, I’m ‘the sum of the in-between’; I guess I’m saying that the current me matters more than this rose-tinted version from my past, or this ideal version that I long to be. So, maybe it’s just time I gave her a break.”

The Irish alt-folk star announced recently that her debut album, ‘The Sum of the In-between’, will be available worldwide, on vinyl and on digital platforms, from Friday 15th October 2021 on VETA Music.

On Friday 12th November 2021, Maria will celebrate the release of ‘The Sum of the In-between’ with a headline show at The Workman’s Club, Dublin, presented by Singular Artists. Tickets are €15 incl. booking fee available from ticketmaster.ie.

Since the release of the album’s first single ‘Martha’ earlier this year, excitement has been building about ‘The Sum of the In-between’. Two further singles, ‘eight hours’ and ‘good enough’ elevated the Westport-born, Dublin-based singer’s forthcoming debut album to ‘potential album of the year’ heights.

As we move towards the release of ‘The Sum of the In-between’, a theme that emerges is one of acceptance and finding the strength to meet yourself where you are, wherever you are. Maria’s singles ‘good enough’, ‘eight hours’ and ‘Martha’ are deeply introspective and honest songs about her own mental health journey and the rest of the songs on this album, including this new single, continue that exploration.

Even before Maria had an album in the works, she was garnering praise from the likes of The Line of Best Fit (“…Kelly effortly balances the melodic whimsy of her folky vocal with the weight of her sparse, thoughtful songwriting”), Consequence of Sound (“…silky smooth vocals that spin widely relatable tales”), Wonderland (“From every angle, Kelly’s art is an immersive experience”) and Nialler9 (“poignant folk music at its very best”).

Alternative music bible Notion said, “Maria Kelly’s so-soft-they-could-melt vocals stay true to the West Irish alt-folk artist’s delicate and tender style”; Nameless Faceless commented that “Kelly’s voice possesses an intimacy and emotional intelligence that could break your heart”; and Hot Press writing that Maria’s most recent single, ‘good enough’, “sees Kelly continuing the open, courageous lyrical style that has earned her fans the world over.”

of all living things are a four-piece Dublin-based band, formally known as Nicetry.

Inspired by nostalgia and memories of youth, the sound is reminiscent of 90’s alternative music, with textured guitars complementing delicate female vocals.

Following their debut single last year, this October will see the release of the band’s new four-track EP ‘On Familiar Ground‘, through Dublin label Any Other City records (Villagers, Girl Band, Pillow Queens). The songs were recorded with producer Ber Quinn in Dublin’s Sonic Studios and will be released both digitally and on limited edition 12” vinyl.

The EP’s first single ‘If I Go’ is out now on all digital platforms. ‘On Familiar Ground’, out October 8^th.

Live Dates

Roisin Dubh – November 3rd
Dolan’s, Limerick – November 25th
Workman’s, Dublin – November 26^th

Pre Order link: https://irishmusicmarket.com/products/of-all-living-things-on-familiar-ground-pre-order

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofalllivingthings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofalllivingthings

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oaltband

Bandcamp: https://ofalllivingthings.bandcamp.com/

Website: https://www.ofalllivingthings.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pNytGB05MU3Rb5yCVs9yl?si=uHQNYBzTg2VxV2lXly8DQ&dl_branch=1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCerGRSu_E2GsYNRwZLS1H3A