Author: Breffni Banks

Ireland’s music sensation, The Black Donnellys, have just won an Emmy for their insane American Road trip Rokumentry. ‘An Irish Story: This is my Home’ took the coveted NATAS (National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences) prize in the “Outstanding Achievement” Documentry; Category.

“This is a great win for Ireland, and in particular some very much needed positive reinforcement for all the independent bands, to whom we hope this achievement will bring inspiration. Always believe and never give up.” said the band.

The movie also won the Prized Alum “People’s Choice Award 2020” at the Beloit International Film Festival, Winsconsin, U.S.A.   ‘An Irish Story: This is my Home’ took the No.1 spot, beating100 other participating movies.

The Black Donnellys’, Dublin born Dave Rooney and Dave Browne took up the acting role of musical directors and producers on this joyous, inspiring and hilarious documentary, showing the incredible power music has in bringing people together and the positive effect that immigration has had on the country. Directed by Karl Nickoley and featuring original music by The Black Donnellys, ‘An Irish Story: This Is My Home’ was released on DVD and video on demand just in time for St Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2020

The Black Donnellys start recording their new E.P next week, and are also filming the pilot for their highly anticipated new Rokumentry ‘Through a Storm’ Later this month,

2022 is going to be memorable for these Irish Trailblazers.

Watch this space…

https://www.facebook.com/theblackdonnellys
https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Story-This-My-Home/dp/B085LQQMWR
https://www.theblackdonnellysband.com

https://theblackdonnellys1.bandcamp.com/album/an-irish-story-this-is-home

Tupelo are James Cramer and Kevin Duffy. ‘Safety Light’, out now, is the first single from their next album.

James says, “Since last year I’ve been watching the young adults missing out on their youth and those brilliant vital years that connect being a teenager and growing into a young adult. It’s that small window in your life where your commitments are just not there yet but they’re coming. They’ve all missed out on a year’s summer, the lockdown came with rules without a filter with online school and online relationships. Missing out on that promise of young love that is your major rite of passage and such an important part of growing up that can lead to having a deeper capacity for caring, empathy and communication and to be able to understand what good relationships are and how to create one.

I wrote the song on my very first guitar which I got when I was 10 and I got it fixed up last year just before lockdown and it’s the guitar that features on the recording. It gave me a connection back to my youth soon as I started playing those nylon strings and I could feel the 10 year old songwriter trying to figure it out all over again, which led me to writing ‘Safety Light’ thinking about the lost summers and those magic nights that young adults are missing out on that I had. I hope the song will ring true for people of all ages going through various things at the moment and the song to be a ‘Safety Light’ for the listener.”

The video for the song is about a day in Dublin during the pandemic.

James says “I hadn’t been outside my 5k in a long while, it was day 300 and something of lockdown and this was the first day I ventured into town and I stuck the camera on the bike and let it go uninterrupted. It wasn’t to be perfect film, it was to have the bumps we’ve had, the jerky months of uncertainty we’d all had and I noticed the city I was brought up in had changed. It made me want to go back a few years when it was all “normal”. It made me miss the laughter, the motion of a busy city and just the craic we had. I ventured around places of my youth to see how they were. It made me think of leaving things you love when you’re young is easier but as time goes by you realise your love is not as strong as your reason for leaving. I suppose we all reach for a safety light at some point, once you find one it will fill your heart in one breath.”

Tupelo.ie

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Irish singer-songwriter Niall Woods, aka Nylophone, (Niall-Oh -Phone) strips back his process on bare-all new ‘Life Goes On’.

Turning off the synths and discarding his usual multi-layered production, Woods opts for a simple, fingerpicked melody set-up that allows the vulnerability and candor of his lyrics to ring profound and true.

Centered on loss and the resulting lows and loneliness experienced when one is bereft, the track’s narrative follows the hardships of going through the motions, of living out the mundane everyday – where the loss is felt the most. Niall’s vocals team with emotion, containing at once the weight of grief and the lightness of acceptance, hope, and the push to keep on keeping on.Breaking through the long and quiet nights depicted in the verses, a subtle change to a major chord in the chorus offers an unexpected sliver of light in an otherwise darker setting, carrying the lyric ‘life goes on’ with a gentle but resounding sense of comfort. As the drums, piano, and cello suddenly kick in, the busy whirr of life picks up, and the music moves in parallel.

“Sometimes, after a loss, it seems as if the world should stop. It can be unimaginable that life could possibly continue as it used to, but somehow it does, and often takes you by surprise. Perhaps it’s because you run on automatic, or perhaps it’s because the sheer weight of routine and tradition somehow trudges onwards with no regards to your personal expectations. In short, life goes on, and that’s exactly what this song is about.” Nylophone

Niall Woods, aka Nylophone, is an Irish artist from Wicklow who specializes in bittersweet and catchy indie pop songs.

The bulk of his music is written and recorded on a modest home-recording set-up before being moved to the studio, achieving the artist a colorful and polished soundscape that retains it’s lo-fi charm.

A key feature of Nylophone’s music is layered guitars and washed out synths, creating a dreamy soundscape that Woods sings over in plaintive and melancholic tones. The songs often detail themes of longing and alienation, but always in a catchy and concise way, where a strong melody is of central importance.

His contemporary production values have garnered the artist comparisons to dream-pop and alternative indie including Ariel Pink, Doves, The Shins and Atlas Sound, among others.

Though he fits neatly within that bracket, Nylophone’s influences, the themes his music explores, and the instrumentation he uses veer more toward 60’s artists such as The Beach Boys, and Del Shannon.

Today, Smoothboi Ezra releases their new EP ‘Stuck’ and lyric video for new single ‘Without Me’, ahead of the release of the official video in the coming weeks.

From their poster-covered bedroom-meets-recording studio in sleepy Greystones, a small coastal town in Ireland, Smoothboi Ezra has developed a world class flair for emotive songwriting. Their songs are catchy but subtle; self-deprecating but never sombre; always utterly charming. They offer an often overlooked take on emotional relationships, as Ezra is writing as a person who is gender non-binary and on the autism spectrum. They are moving the needle on what it means to write a love song.

Ezra’s latest EP ‘Stuck’ takes a closer look at the intricacies of relationships. Written during lockdown to a soundtrack of Angel Olsen, Soccer Mommy and Haley Heynderickx, the EP recalls a formative relationship with sensitivity and maturity scarcely attributed to young people. Speaking about the title track, Ezra says: “‘Stuck’ is a song about being in a relationship with someone you care a lot about but you know it’s not going to work out. It’s an unsaid mutual agreement that you can feel the relationship ending but you’re both waiting on the other person to end it.” The single is accompanied by a touching, lo-fi music video, starring real life couple El and Lauren.

Ezra reflects on the breakup on ‘Without Me’ and confesses to not wanting the person to move on: “it’s about trying to come to terms with not being that person’s number one anymore.” On ‘You’, Ezra speaks more broadly about their experience of emotional relationships: “My autism makes it hard for me to remember how I feel about people when they’re not right in front of me,” they explain. “I have very little emotional object permanence which makes it hard to feel loved by people but also makes it hard for me to let the people I love know and feel my love for them.”

Smoothboi Ezra is a 19-year-old songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Their recent single ‘My Own Person’ garnered widespread acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1, NME and The Irish Times. Their musical influences range from contemporaries like Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski, to legends like Elliott Smith and Kate Bush. In their short career, they have amassed over 17 million streams, despite releasing their music independently. They have supported Orville Peck at Dublin’s Grand Social and also sold out their first headline show at Whelan’s, Dublin in late 2019.

The ‘Stuck’ EP is out today, featuring the below tracks. Stream here.

1. Stuck
2. Without Me
3. You
4. Palm Of Your Hand

Setting eternally relevant themes to classic melodies with an ear for modernist production, Gavin James’ unassuming authenticity and songcraft has been the key to him unlocking 1.5 billion streams, 6 million monthly listeners at Spotify, and 32 international Platinum or Gold records. His million+ social media followers are similarly engaged by an artist simply being who he is. Today he shares his new single ‘Sober’.

If you haven’t yet discovered Gavin, his brand new single ‘Sober’ is the perfect introduction. It’s a stadium-scaled expression of the kind of sorrowful sentiment that you’d normally keep close to your chest: the ever-relevant young adult experience of wondering whether a love is fuelled by intoxication or if there’s something more substantial to hold onto.

Gavin says, “’Sober’ is a song about being in love with someone and then in the morning they all of a sudden don’t love you back. It’s pretty much about their sobering reality that you are not for them and you’re left alone replaying the relationship in your head … so you’re sad about it and you sing it real loud with a piano❤”

There’s a bravery in sharing such an emotion in a song that’s equally at home on the airwaves as it is unifying audiences at shows. And that’s matched by his judgement in deploying the full-strength of his emotive vocals only where it matters the most. Helping Gavin achieve his full potential on the track are some A-list collaborators. Production comes from Patrick Pyke Salmy and Ricardo Muñoz, who have been dominating charts across Europe with Zoe Wees’ hits ‘Control’ and ‘Girls Like Us’. The track was subsequently mixed by Mitch McCarthy (Olivia Rodrigo, Driver’s License).

From early favourites such as ‘Always’ and ‘Nervous’ to recent releases ‘Man on the Moon’ and ‘Boxes’, Gavin’s talents have been embraced by countless big names. He has played shows with Niall Horan, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, while Jimin of BTS amassed 256 million likes when he sang along to ‘Nervous’ on the South Korean streaming service V Live. Gavin’s most recent ‘Boxes’ EP hit number 1 in the album and airplay charts in Ireland last year.

A 29-year-old Dubliner, Gavin James has come a long way from his early days busking on Grafton Street. His international touring has resulted in 250,000 ticket sales for his headline shows, which included two nights at Dublin’s 13,000 capacity 3Arena. As we await the return of live music, Gavin has spent recent weeks sharing footage of some unforgettable moments of his previous shows, with electrifying scenes stretching from Brazil to Ireland’s Electric Picnic festival.

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Following their Number 1 on iTunes for their brand new EP ‘High Fidelity’, The Zen Arcade proudly announce ‘The Many Faces Of We’, a virtual concert film taking place, Saturday, 12th June via their YouTube channel http://bit.ly/TheManyFacesOfTheZenArcade.

Promoted by Kilimanjaro Live, DHP Family, This Feeling, DF Concerts, The Cookie, 100 Club, Live Nation, ATC Live.

The Many Faces Of We aims to showcase The Zen Arcade at the height of their powers and the depths of their delusions. Destructive enabling behaviour comes from the venues listed below who are indulging the band by simultaneously broadcasting the show too.

The Many Faces of We Virtual UK Tour – 12th June 2021

Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
Leicester – The Cookie
Bristol – Thekla
London – The 100 Club
Nottingham – Rescue Rooms
Glasgow – King Tut’s
Stoke – Sugarmill

Forthcoming on June 11^th, ‘Long Strand’ is the first single to be taken from John Blek’s upcoming album ‘On Ether & Air’. Emblematic of Blek’s distinctive sound, the single is a wistful ballad featuring delicate guitar work and ethereal vocals, supplemented by a gorgeous piano accompaniment from BBC Jazz Award winner and Mercury Prize nominated musician Kit Downes. The song title namechecks a scenic beach in West Cork, and the lyrics reflect finding beauty in the simpler slower things in life.

The stunning video for ‘Long Strand’ was directed by Barra Vernon and stars dancer Foxy P. Cox. It plays with the industrial setting of the video versus the natural setting of the song, juxtaposing the two to great effect. The natural flowing movements of the dancer interpret the curling flames and rolling waves in the lyrics.

John lives and was raised in Cork City, but in listening to his music one can hear the impact of travel and experience on his work. Influenced by Bert Jansch, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Blek is a storyteller first and foremost. He began his solo career in 2014 and since then has created at a prolific rate, releasing an album a year. On ‘Ether & Air’ will be the final part of his ‘Catharsis’ project, a four-album exploration of themes of the sea, the earth, the embers and the air. Written over a period of six weeks and recorded throughout the second half of 2019, collaboration was key to the creation of ‘On Ether & Air’.

John explains, “Chance encounters and some fortunate timing lead to me being able to work with some of my favourite musicians. Getting people with such unique playing styles involved went a long way in defining the sound of ‘On Ether & Air’ and creating an album of which I am immensely proud.”

Blek has a dedicated fan base, and he has trodden a well-worn path returning to play at venues across Germany, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and the UK, as well playing to sold out venues in Ireland like Triskel Arts Centre, Whelan’s and The Black Gate Cultural Centre. It won’t be long before he takes to the road again this Autumn to delight audiences with the music from his upcoming album.

10th Sept – The American Bar, Belfast. Tickets
16th Oct – Triskel, Cork. Tickets
17th Oct – Workman’s Club, Dublin. Tickets

https://johnblek.com/

Singer/songwriter/spoken word artist Elina Filice has released a new single in celebration of Pride Month (June), ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The dance-pop anthem celebrates the coming out experience, and getting lost to find yourself. Elina hopes the song can help those struggling to come to terms with who they are, as well as all of those on the lifelong journey away from shame, and into love and pride. 

The song departs slightly from Elina’s usual sound into a world of colourful synth-pop, driven by an irresistible disco groove. She says, “If I’m writing a queer anthem, it’s gonna have to be a little gay.” Rhythmic guitars, driving synths, and a percussive beat meet powerful lyrics about self-discovery. 

Elina says, “This song was written while reflecting on my own coming out experience. It’s such a unique and painful time, and those first feelings of queer love are so transformative. After dating the wrong gender you’re finally feeling something that feels right to you, things you’ve never felt for another person. At the exact same time you’re realizing who you are. It really is finding yourself through loving someone else, which is why for the queer identity, who we love and who we are are inextricably intertwined.” 

The single was recorded in Elina’s home studio and produced by Viscose.

Elina Filice is gaining attention for songs that defy genre and interactive live performances. Her music is soulful and melodic while influenced by blues and spoken word. Born to Canadian parents, Elina spent her formative years in Singapore before moving to Canada to attend university. She then relocated to Dublin where she worked extensively in the music industry and founded Red Vine Records. Elina is a strong advocate for queer rights and visibility, and regards music as a powerful tool for the queer community. She is fresh off the release of her sophomore EP, ‘Flight Risk’, which dropped at the end of May.

elinafilice.com

Connect with Elina: Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  Spotify  Youtube

‘Bad Habits’ is the brand new single from rapper and producer, Sea High.

An ode to despair, ‘Bad Habits’ is an energetic and somewhat unhinged ride through the artist’s manic outbursts regarding life, mental health and our lack of ability to do ourselves any favours when it comes to our wellbeing. Sea High’s panicked lyricism is woven throughout the backdrop of a dramatic, orchestral instrumental, produced by Sea High himself, which sets the tone perfectly for what he speaks of within. Feelings that we all know too well, self-sabotage, mood swings and a sense of one reveling in the very things that destroy them.

The cinematic beat, serving as a mechanism for the listener to question their own routines, their societal environment and most of all their Bad Habits, is engaging and energetic yet still alludes to the gloomy subject matter of the song, and carries Sea High’s words with ease.

Sea High delivers something a little different to the typical ‘Irish Hip Hop’. A catchy yet confronting piece that will make the audience think and feel while they bop their heads and tap their feet.

The visual work, beautifully directed and edited by Donal Bowens, further portrays the premise of an internal battle between Sea High and his most damaging traits while featuring energetic
performance shots and visual FX. The music video is to be released alongside the song on the 25th of June 2021.

Sea High is a multi-instrumentalist rapper, producer and spoken word artist from Louth. Coupling his passion for Hip-Hop with a love of the spoken word, Sea High delivers a unique, alternative sound that is a fresh take, not only in Irish Hip-Hopbut in the genre as a whole. His work is accessible and relatable, yet abstract and interesting, and promises to always bring something new.

Sea High began his voyage with ‘This Is Ireland’, an aggressive, politically charged rant about the housing crisis in his birthplace of Dublin and found his feet musically with ‘Vagary’, an EP that first showcased his penchant for authentic, introspective lyricism and production that invokes the emotions that are dealt with therein. Following up with his full fat album ‘Degradation Of Imagination’ Sea High gave us an insight into his mind with songs such as ‘Fever Dream’ which recently surpassed 200k streams on Spotify, and ‘Thoughts, Pt. 1’, a melancholic, moody piece which unapologetically enters the dark corners of the artist’s psyche.

During Lockdown, Sea High released ‘The Lockdown Project’ which featured some of Ireland’s most promising talent all recorded and produced in isolation during the Covid-19 lockdown. Alongside his bodies of work, Sea High has become well known on the live music scene in Dublin, Louth and the festival circuit with his raw, energetic performances solo and with Off-Key Collective, a grassroots label that he founded with Odd Numbers who mixes, masters and produces for the group, and fellow rapper Key Low.

Off-Key Collective also includes rapper Citizen Black and producer extraordinaire FOB. Sea High is continuing to collect accolades throughout his career, including performing spoken word at the GPO as part of District’s New Voices and winning Hip Hop Song of the Year at Liffey FM’s Snowglobe Awards 2020!

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https://www.instagram.com/seahigh_
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Critically acclaimed Irish singer/songwriter, Faraway Martin, returns with his new single ‘Let You Down’. 

Since his last release he has received international radioplay in the US, the UK, and across the Middle East. His track, ‘The Lights Turn On’ released last year, was playlisted on Irish stations RTE Radio 1, 2fm, iRadio as well as across local radio. It reached No. 5 on QBS Radio’s Top 40, the largest station in Qatar. Being the only unsigned act in the Top 40, Faraway Martin’s presence in the music scene has grown substantially. He has established himself both at home and abroad, with regular appearances as a live act in Qatar, where he supported Boyce Avenue and Bazzi. 

In Ireland he has also opened for Aslan, Mick Flannery, Mundy, and Hermitage Green as well as an appearance at Electric Picnic. He is raising the bar with this brand new single, blending relatable lyrics with beautiful falsetto melodies and a smooth as candyfloss soundscape.

‘Let You Down’ is a deeply relatable song that explores the shortcomings of the human condition and the unrealistic expectations people place on relationships. It delves into broken promises, being in denial, and the lies that are often said to protect one another from reality. Faraway Martin has a voice that is the perfect vehicle for a pop song yet carries depth and maturity throughout, which really connects with the listener.  Listing influences such as Damien Rice, Paolo Nutini, and Coldplay, it appears that Faraway Martin has found his own sound through his latest release.

‘Let You Down’ is the second single from Faraway Martin’s debut EP, which is scheduled for release later this year. Once the pandemic passes he will celebrate the release with live performances, continuing on from his previous appearances on the main stage in Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and a sold out gig in the Roisin Dubh for his first headline show.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JE2o9VwC4KQYkftLSsjx8 

www.instagram.com/farawaymartin 

https://www.breakingtunes.com/farawaymartin

www.facebook.com/farawaymartin

www.twitter.com/farawaymartin

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3dkNiAJehx54H7i-3BUxA