Author: Breffni Banks

It’s 31 years since the first Feile Festival in Tipperary and in a year like no other, they present a series of events like no other, Feile Forever. 

The Feile Forever Series  will take place across Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th September located in Ireland’s most beautiful locations Birdhill, Co. Tipperary at the foot of the Silvermines.

The musical lineup across the weekend includes: Jerry Fish, The Frank & Walters, Paul Noonan, The Funk Junkies, The Alvin Purple Experience with Host Will Leahy and Dj NDT will all line out for Feile Forever 2021.  All the shows will happen in a specially built outdoor concert venue from the same team who revived Feile at Semple Stadium in 2018 and 2019.

Promoters CWB said, “After two great years in Thurles we had huge plans for Feile 2020 and 2021 but alas a Stadium show isn’t possible this year but hopefully the Feile Forever nights will fill the gap until next year.”

Kicking things off on Thursday 2nd September see’s Bell X1’s Paul Noonan take to the stage of the specially built outdoor socially distant concert venue. Songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Paul best known as the frontman of one of Ireland’s most iconic acts in Bell X1 but is also renowned  as a solo artist and collaborator on various musical projects including Printer Clips, Starboard Home, and House Plants.

The second night, Friday 3rd September see’s Jerry Fish make a special performance at  Birdhill in Tipperary. Jerry Fish is a carny soul, one who has spent much of his life on the road, a shape-shifter, showman, shaman, songster, rock peacock and supper club crooner from Lynchville, a constantly evolving artist who has always favoured innovation over orthodoxy.

Saturday 4th September brings arguably Ireland’s greatest pop band The Frank & Walters to the stage. They will talk about their career on stage with Will Leahy before playing a full show. 

The final night Sunday 5th September  sees two of the greatest live acts to come out of the Midwest come together for the very first time as The Alvin Purple Experience and The Funk Junkies.  

This project has been part-funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht Sport and Media from the Live Performance Support Scheme. 

Tickets: https://www.universe.com/users/feile-forever-CKYQZ6

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Offaly-based electro-pop trio KinetiX are set to release a brand new single on July 30. Composed of three brothers Arthur (drums), Ademar (keys/synths), and Theodore (vocals), they merge a variety of elements and influences into their music to create their unique style of pop.

With creative production and a driving beat, the dynamic song contrasts heartfelt verses with energetic electro-breakdowns. The song is an ode to becoming comfortable in one’s skin, and declaring self-belief as the secret to living without fear and achieving one’s dreams. Arthur says, “This song is about an undying belief in oneself and what that belief can help you become.”

The band collaboratively writes all of their music, with Ademar writing catchy chord progressions, hooks and melodies, Theodore putting words to Ademar’s melodies, and the organic song taken to Arther who produces, adding beats and sounds. The band started recording and producing in Diffusion Lab Studios, Dublin. When lockdown happened, they decided to build their own space, and now all of their music is being created from their home studio in Offaly.

The Stones brothers began learning traditional Irish music on the banjo, fiddle and button accordion. They enjoyed success in the traditional Irish music scene, collectively winning 23 All-Ireland solo medals at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann competitions. In 2010, they played on the Late Late Toy Show, playing the accordion, banjo and bouzouki. Arthur went on to form Irish band ‘Ruaile Buaile’, which he toured with for seven years, playing festivals across the world.

In 2017 the brothers began work on KinetiX, and have been releasing music since 2019. They collaboratively put their heads together, writing, producing and recording until they arrived upon their own unique sound. The pop band have been very well received in the Irish music scene, receiving positive feedback from the likes of RTE’s ‘Behind the Music’ blog saying, “KinetiX are in line to become Ireland’s next electro-pop stars.”

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‘Radio Days’ is the new single from veteran singer-songwriter Tommy Keyes, officially releasing on 28 July. And there could hardly be a more appropriate song for airplay as it’s all about the enduring importance of radio – even today when music can be consumed in so many different ways.

According to Tommy: “I won a cassette tape recorder as a prize in a competition at school. They weren’t long on the market and I’d never seen one before. I soon discovered how to connect it to the radio. Now, as well as listening to the chart hits and the new releases, I could record my favourites and learn to play them by ear on the piano. The natural progression was to take the chords and rhythms and turn them into songs of my own. And so it began…..

For all my life, radio has been my gateway to the wonderful world of music – my entertainer and my educator. Today, radio is as important as it ever was, especially for independents like myself. I dedicate this song to everyone working in radio who sees it as part of their role to give exposure to independent musicians.”

The song has all the ingredients of a radio hit – a lovely piano-driven melody, embellished by saxophone and a string quartet, story-telling lyrics that draw the listener in, delivered with Keyes’ trademark soulful vocal and sweet harmonies from the backing vocalists. It’s being promoted with a video awash with nostalgia.

The song is also the title track of his 6^th album which will be released in the autumn. Another track, ‘Any Other World’, received extensive airplay all around the world earlier this year.

‘Closer’ is the brand new single from Rachel Mae Hannon. The track will be released on all major music platforms from July 23rd, 2021 and is the second single from her upcoming EP ‘Like It Is.’

Rachel is a soulful vocalist and multi-instrumentalist writing all her own original music. Monaghan born and Dublin based, her genre can be found at the intersection of where pop meets neo-soul. Her songs portray her distinctive low vocal range and her eloquent use of harmonies.

‘Closer’ is about not being able to have physical contact with people in your life during the pandemic. It is about the longing of getting closer to people, yet the uncertainty of where people’s boundaries now lie.

Rachel wrote and recorded this track in lockdown between her hometown of Monaghan & Dublin where she is based. Produced, mixed and mastered by Cian Sweeney (1000 Beasts), the track also exhibits the excellent guitar of David Joyce and bass playing by Chris Walsh.

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Dimple Discs are delighted to announce that they have signed the legendary Dublin group Sack, the much beloved Irish band who released globally acclaimed albums in the 90’s and toured internationally with Morrissey.

The first release will be a download Single ‘What A Way To Live’ (Dimple Discs cat. No. JOEY002) on 20th August 2021 followed in the near future by a new LP and reissues of their back catalogue on vinyl and CD, which will begin hitting record stores from February 2022.

The label first came across the group in the flesh supporting their close friend Sean O’Hagan (of High Llamas and Microdisney fame) at the Grand Social in Dublin.  A link up was then always on the cards as they passed the two tests of being lovely human beings and a great ensemble. They join their fine stable of musicians with the indefinable sound that makes them unique.

There will also be a return to the live stage with a handful of shows to promote the single release, beginning with a limited capacity show at Mike The Pie’s in Listowel on Friday, August 13th, followed by a slot at The Grand Social, Dublin as part of the Dublin Quays Festival on Friday, August 27th. The band will close out the year with a headline show at The Grand Social, Dublin on Thursday, December 23rd.

Fans attending these live shows can expect to hear the band debut a host of brand new songs, alongside Sack classics like ‘Laughter Lines’, ‘What Did The Christians Ever Do For Us’ ‘Latitude’ and many more from their revered catalogue.

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Tour Dates

August 13: Listowel @ Mike The Pies

August 27: Dublin @ The Grand Social

December 23: Dublin @ The Grand Social

Following the release of their debut EP ‘Waves’ via Fair Youth Records NewDad announces more dates to their Irish National Tour in 2021.  All tickets will go on sale this Friday, 23rd July at 10am from local venues. 

4-piece alternative rock band, NewDad, emerged from Galway at the beginning of last year, self-releasing their first string of tracks ‘How’, ‘Swimming’ and ‘Cry’. Since then they have been streamed nearly two million times on Spotify alone. Previous singles ‘Blue’, ‘I Don’t Recognise You’ and ‘Slowly’ have all been added to the A list at BBC 6 Music, where the band did a session for Steve Lamacq before Christmas. 

Further support has come from Annie Mac on her Radio 1 Future Sounds show, Jack Saunders, who interviewed the band on his BBC Radio 1 Show, Matt Wilkinson at Apple Music, as well as NME, DIY, Dork, Clash, Dummy, The Forty Five, Music Week, So Young, Rodeo, Far Out Magazine, Disco Naivete, Nialler 9, Happy People and more.

 ‘Waves’ EP is out now.

16th September – The Spirit Store, Dundalk 

17th September – Mike The Pies, Listowel 

18th September – Kasbah Social Club, Limerick 

23rd September – Cyprus Avenue, Cork 

24th September – DeBarras, Clonakilty, Co. Cork 

25th September – Sandinos Back Bar, Derry 

Tickets on sale from this Friday, 23rd July at 10am

Also performing 

8th November -Ulster Sports Club, Belfast  (Sold Out)

10th November – Roisin Dubh (Sold Out)

11th November – The Workman’s Club, Dublin (Sold Out)

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Dublin hailing songstress KK Lewis has unveiled her highly anticipated debut EP ‘Dreaming’. Straight-talking, soulful and relatable, KK Lewis’ world of indie-pop is expertly crafted and easy to get lost in. Each of the five tracks that comprise ‘Dreaming’ explore a different version of the artist, whilst delivering a beautiful fluidity between her various personas. Opening up to her listeners, KK Lewis’ intimate lyrics and warm distinctive tone mark the EP as a must-listen for 2021. The young artist’s cinematic video for ‘Petals’, directed by the talent herself and Louis Maxwell, sees KK Lewis’ personality really come to life. A series of stunning, stylistic shots underpin the visuals, as KK’s creativity delves into a haunting, dramatic realm that allows you to soak up her evocative and poetic intent.

Discussing her new project, KK Lewis revealed, “This EP represents a skeleton of KK Lewis. Each song explores a different version of me, revealing a new story and a new sound. It highlights the confusion and insecurity I felt during my teenage years, not feeling comfortable enough to be myself. This project follows a journey of self discovery and creates a foundation for my sound to grow from. I recorded this EP with Papa Rua in his house. We spent a long time listening to lots of different music, talking about what we wanted the record to sound like and the story I wanted to tell.”

Influenced by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Arlo Parks and Celeste, the sincerity of KK’s lyrics always remains at the forefront of her music. Originally rising to prominence busking in Dublin, the Irish singer dropped her debut release last year and quickly garnered attention as ‘One To Watch’ for 2021. KK has honed her craft of late, holding true to her folk background while embracing the influence of contemporary artists like Joy Crookes and Biig Piig. Having already seen support from leading tastemakers such as Notion Magazine, this rising star is already full speed ahead in making her mark on the industry.

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‘Ride The Wave’ is the first single from Davey Long’s debut solo album ‘Eitilt’. The single goes on digital release on 23rd July 2021 ahead of the album release in Autumn 2021.

Davey Long is a songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist who is well known in the Irish music scene.  He has appeared on several albums including Celtic Woman’s GRAMMY nominated ‘Destiny’, The Fundamentals ‘Past and Present Collide’, Edison’s ‘Little Bohemia’, The Kilkennys’ ‘The Colour Of Freedom’, Emma Langford’s ‘Sowing Acorns’ and The Barnets’ forthcoming LP.  Davey co-wrote’ On The Carousel’ for Drops Of Green and the song went on to win an ASLR Celtic Music Award.

As a member of The Kilkennys, Davey wrote for the band and toured extensively worldwide.  He has performed at many prestigious music festivals including Milwaukee Irish Fest, Zwarte Cross, Temple Bar Tradfest and Smithwicks Source in support of Bob Dylan.  Davey’s poetry has been shortlisted for the Kilkenny Arts Office 2021 Poetry Broadsheet. His song ‘Lampedusa’ has been featured by the charity OPEN ARMS in their social media campaigns highlighting the urgent migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

‘Ride The Wave‘ was written in 2021 as a reflection on the precious nature of time.  The song is essentially about living life to the fullest.

BK Pepper is releasing a magical project, in a 4 song live EP and accompanying video in the unique picturesque setting of the 16th Century Rathfarnham Castle in South Dublin.  ‘From An Empty Castle’ is released today, July 16th.

Buy the EP on Bandcamp here: https://bkpepper.bandcamp.com/album/from-an-empty-castle

The film was directed by Antimo Puca and Hector Romero and the strings are performed by Glasshouse along with Gareth Quinn Redmond.  About the project Pepper says “I grew up in this area of Dublin and my parents still live around the corner from the castle. So I have a strong connection to the castle and the area. I would pass it 3 or 4 times a day growing up so filming a performance here has been really special.

We haven’t had the opportunity to perform the album live at all since its release. When you record something and release it, it’s time stamped, no going back to change it. Music is a living thing that develops and changes when you perform it. So it was great to record live versions in beautiful surroundings and acoustics. We had access to the whole castle so filmed in different rooms for different tracks and this all added to the dynamic of the performance. The castle’s squeaky floor also makes an appearance which adds to it too.”

Dublin based composer BK Pepper recorded his debut album in a number of locations, from Abbey Road to a converted swimming pool and the hard graft paid off with acclaim from not only the Irish media but international radio and blogs too.

Classically trained on piano and trombone, BK Pepper’s musical projects include composing for film and theatre as well as touring with both orchestras and rock bands. After many years performing and releasing collaboratively, BK finally released his own collection of songs.

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