Author: Breffni Banks

‘Queen’ is the brand new single from Dublin bedroom-pop act Jacqueline Kennedy. The track is written, performed and produced by Kennedy and features vocals from Cork rapper Darce. Kennedy’s sleek lo-fi production and use of saxophone aims to provide a homage to old-jazz clubs of the roaring 40’s while offering a contemporary twist for 2021.The song deals with the idea that anyone can be royalty against the backdrop of a changing society. Kennedy serenades listeners with smooth melodies which offers a complimentary contrast to Darce’s vicious verse.

Jacqueline Kennedy made waves when she was the winner of the 2020 TilT Development deal with Sound Training Productions and 98fm’s totally Irish. Now the Dublin producer and artist is ready to add her name to growing ranks of Female Irish pop acts, forging their own way. Following the likes of Fia Moon, Blakkheart, Bobbi Arlo and Gemma Dunleavy to name a few. Her smooth production and silky voice aims to transport the listener elsewhere by creating sound uniquely her own.

Bandcamp free download link: https://jacquelinekennedymusic.bandcamp.com/track/queen-ft-darce

Spotify Pre-save link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jacquelinekennedyanddarce/queen-feat-darce-2

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7BT9IYkZpQed0aazNBatnx?si=Euf3fHp-Sb6hxOjhyaS0RQ

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

LaGracia present ‘Say’, the first single off their debut EP ‘No One’s Fool’, a collection of four songs written by musical duo Gráinne McCarthy and Kevin Healy, composed by LaGracia.

These heartfelt and soulful songs are an honest insight into episodes from a tumultuous time in the lives of McCarthy and Healy, while ‘Say’, focuses on the themes of unmet expectations and self-realisation.

LaGracia are a popular band on the Dublin and West of Ireland circuit. Hailing from Sligo and Roscommon: with Gráinne on vocals, Kevin and Tom on guitars, and Dublin: Dennis on beats and Gar on bass and production.

Their sound has been described as nostalgic, reminiscent of the 90’s R&B era of En Vogue, TLC and Lauryn Hill, while lead singer-songwriter McCarthy has a voice that evokes classic soul/ R&B singers like Etta James, Dusty Springfield and Roberta Flack. The overall sound is brave, passionate and soulful.

‘Say’ is LaGracia’s first release since their single ‘Don’t You Ever Leave’ in 2015.

It was independently recorded in Temple Lane Studios with Michael Gormley, with additional recording and mixing with Leo Logan in Vibe Studios.

“It is a song about expectations in relationships, the struggle of feeling let down and misunderstood. You ultimately have to rely on yourself,” says McCarthy, an established performer, credited with a number of Irish television appearances, such as The Late Late Show accompanying Lucia Evans and The Waterboys.

“Our song-writing could be described as “emotionally charged”, getting off our chests what we are not brave enough to express directly.”

Influences for the song include Solange, Aaliyah and Janelle Monáe. They wanted to have a throwback feel while still having an original edge. They worked on the arrangements and production with G Frequency, a Hip Hop producer/ scratch DJ, known for his album ‘Let’s Begin’ and opening shows for Grand Master Flash. “Gar’s production really gave the song a level of epic that we couldn’t have achieved without him,” Healy. “We brought Gar into the band as a bass player, we hadn’t realised he was a phenomenal Hip-Hop producer as well.”

Peter Doran will release his highly anticipated fifth studio album ‘Voices’ on 7th May 2021. To celebrate the album release, Peter has announced a headline show in The Grand Social, Dublin on 16th December 2021, proudly presented by Singular Artists. Tickets €13.00 available from Ticketmaster.ie and Tickets.ie now.

Recorded and Co-produced by Hally at Arthouse Studios in Naas throughout 2019/20, ‘Voices’ features extensive contributions from multi-instrumentalist Lenny Cahill (Piano / Drums / Bass / Organ) and special guest vocals from US Songwriter Haley Heynderickx and Emmett Tinley (The Prayer Boat). String duties were shared by Dublin-based composer/arranger Mary Barnecutt and Peter’s long-term collaborator Gerard Toal.

The songs were written in the six year period since ‘Outlines’, a time of great change in the songwriter’s life, which saw him marry his long-term partner and muse and move into a 200 year old Farmhouse on the outskirts of Mullingar.

In recent years Peter has headlined shows in Holland, Germany, England, Ireland, Belgium and New York and opened shows for Mick Flannery, The Lone Bellow, Declan O’Rourke, Fionn Regan and Duke Special.

Track Listing for ‘Voices’:

1. Go Slow
2. Blue Mountains
3. Voices
4. Lady
5. Saved
6. None the Wiser
7. Ageless Song
8. Nothing New Under the Sun
9. Dark Days
10. Garden

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website

Tony Wright returns in his genre-hopping musical vehicle, VerseChorusVerse. This time with the industrial/grunge tinged banger of a single with an important message for the times, ‘Free to Decree‘, ahead of the release of his 4th solo Album, and fresh on the heels of their hugely popular last single, ‘Be Proud’, that was playlisted on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle and Dublin City FM!

The song itself was first soft released last year (via Bandcamp only) as a charity single for The Rainbow Project, that serves the LGBTQ+ community, and wasn’t going to be the next single but, as Tony says, “unfortunately the message bears repeating.” Sonically, the song has hints of Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana being ushered onto the dance floor by Patti Smith and Bicep. A huge nod to the more electrified direction of his own roots and where he seems to be headed for his next release…

The release also serves to announce the name of his forthcoming 4th solo album. Whilst in no doubt that the world has faced a lot of (to name but a few) challenges in the shape of political idiocy, of far right hate groups vying for attention, the pandemic, mass disillusionment and huge need for reform in so many of our worlds; it is easy to be pessimistic. But for once, just for a change, in the face of all the pessimism, Wright challenges us to ask and to dream…

“what if we won”?

If the songs, vision and optimism keep to this standard, we’ll believe the dream. We already do.

The album will be released on Bandcamp with a ltd edition Vinyl pressing on May 22nd, following on streaming services a few weeks later.

Written, performed, produced and mixed entirely by Tony whilst in total isolation during the 1st Lockdown whilst alone in Glasgow, this new album represents yet another shake up of musical stylings from the founding ASIWYFA member and songwriter.

After 6 previous albums, his first book, a theatre show, web series (“The Also-Rans”), Artist residency in Belfasts MAC, Wright has returned with this single, “Free to Decree”, and another collection of vital songs on his forthcoming album, forever reaching to find light in the darkness.

Just think for a second…”what if we won”…? It sounds and feels like we actually might.

Free to Decree is released to streaming services on 30th April 2021.

More Album news, ahead of its release on 22nd May 2021, to follow.

Bandcamp – Spotify – Twitter  – Instagram 

Dublin singer-songwriter Tommy Cullen is tearing into the summer with ‘Violet Rainbow’, out 28th May, a new single boasting anthemic hooks and dynamic funky grooves. Like most of  his output to date, the track was recorded in lockdown during a turbulent year spent in a tiny house on top of a river.  It is the latest addition to a repertoire spanning such diverse subjects as scary sharks, imaginary breakups and really nice trains.

‘Violet Rainbow’ has its origins in a voice memo captured years ago in a rented bus, while Tommy was travelling in the French Alps. Now the song emerges fully formed, expressing the universal desire to shine and giving voice to the many shades of violet that make up our lives. It was mixed by Marcus Jay, who also contributed additional production and drum machine programming, and mastered by Ivan Jackman at Hellfire Studios.

Former frontman with Dublin alternative band The False and the Fair, Tommy has been writing and producing music for a number of years. His solo efforts so far have been a new departure, with each release showcasing different aspects of his unique writing style. The accompanying videos, crafted by Tommy, feature an eclectic mix of animation, archive footage and extremely lo-fi VFX that bring his song’s stories to vivid, unpredictable life.

Tommy has been steadily growing an online following over the past year, reaching fans across the world and racking up a few streams along the way. He has also kept up a rigorous schedule, posting #NewMusicDaily on his Instagram in addition to his official releases.

www.instagram.com/tommycullenmusic

www.facebook.com/tommycullenmusic

https://twitter.com/TCullenMusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rPvQ9c6OwQ8wh64szP3xT?si=QuznuBBdTUq3iXEDPio8Vw

Dublin indie folk band Blue Fish Diamond have just released their new single ‘Free’. A stunning indie folk song that incorporates blues, folk and rock to create an unremitting rhythmic ode to life pre-COVID and a longing for it’s return. With influences ranging from Tom Petty, R.E.M and Neil Young, Blue Fish Diamond bring a new delicately harmonic and refreshing take to a staple genre.

Produced by Gavin Glass in Orphan Recording studios, Free holds a mirror to the thoughts of many of us in voicing hopes for a return to normal life.

About the song Jim Murphy says … “This last year has been a very challenging time for all of us. Thankfully there is hope on the horizon with the roll-out of vaccines, but we are still some months away from enjoying the freedoms of what was once everyday life. Our song ‘Free’ looks forward to that time, when we can embrace ‘sweet life once again”.

Formed in 2016 by Jim Murphy, Blue Fish Diamond released their debut album ‘From Dark to Light’ in 2018, which Hot Press Magazine described as “essential listening for those who like their music powerful and heartfelt”. Their music has been played on radio stations across Ireland and they’re also a staple of the Irish live scene having played Electric Picnic, Whelans, The Workmans Club and The Grand Social to name a few.

With several singles and an album planned for 2021, Jim Murphy (rhythm guitar & lead vocals), Shay Sweeney (drums), Ronan Quinn (bass), Laura Ryder (piano), Axel McDonald (lead guitar), Matilda O’Mahony (backing vocals) and Ella Ryan (backing vocals) are a band to keep a firm eye on as they are sure to rise the ranks over the coming months.

www.bluefishdiamond.com

www.facebook.com/bluefishdiamond

www.instagram.com/bluefishdiamond

www.twitter.com/BlueFishDiamond

“As time wore on, we increasingly felt the need to make something that shook us out of the fog. Something rattly, loose and defiant that blew the cobwebs away. Music that we could imagine playing at a 2am festival slot.”

So say HousePlants, the exciting creative vision of two of Ireland’s most respected artists – Bell X1 frontman Paul Noonan and innovative atmospheric producer Daithí.

“Having made ‘Take The Wheel’ together for Daithí’s most recent record, I sent him a song last summer by way of a ‘Howaya?’, really, but also for his banger sensibilities!” says Noonan. “We began trading ideas with the idea that whatever we were doing was not ‘Take The Wheel’, that we go the other way and make music that was visceral and a release of sorts.”

Daithí picks up the thread. “It doesn’t feel like one of us featuring on the other’s music – it’s greater than the sum of its parts,” he says. “I’ve always worked as a solo producer so forming a band has been a lovely experience. There’s magic in seeing one of your ideas being worked on from a different point of view, sending music to someone you trust and having it return as a brand new piece of art. The more you work together on an idea, the further it goes until eventually you can’t see the seams. It’s something completely unique.”

Debut single ‘What’s With All The Pine?’ is peppered with playful observations courtesy of Noonan’s wandering mind, forever etching little mental notes during his many virtual appointments across the past year. Noonan considers the track “an attempt to speak to one of the phenomena of this time; the sometimes soul-crushing Zoom calls, the efforts to convey a certain taste or togetherness with our backgrounds – while all around us is going to shit! – having a snoop, an interest in others’ private spaces and a certain judgy-ness around it all.”

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,” he says. “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.

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

Derry’s Lavengro are back with yet another superb pop single, their new release ‘Anchors’ which will be released on May 7^th 2021 across all streaming services. Get ready for a change in pace with ‘Anchors’ yet losing none of the Lavengro  sound they have become known for.

Gareth, Emmet, Dave and James make the four piece Lavengro  and have been riding high on the back of huge radio support from Northern Ireland including BBC ATL, Cool FM and Q Radio.

Speaking about the song, Lavengro  say “ It’s a song for those who are struggling with addiction and battling their demons. We called the song ‘Anchors’ as no matter how deep you get, someone will always be there to keep you from drifting away.”

Instagram  –  Tik Tok  –  Facebook  –  Twitter  –  YouTube  –  Spotify  –  Website

Dublin-based The Crayon Set has announced they will release their second single ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ taken from their forthcoming album. The second single is due out this Friday, 30th April 2021. The Crayon Set specialise in hook-filled, alternative pop and their forthcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ will be no different. The album is set for release in September 2021.

Supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.

Speaking about their new single, Robert explains “I was pleased when this song came along – I think it helped signal a new direction for the band. It had more of a groove to it – and it had a melancholic atmosphere that drew you in. Lyrically it is about feeling down and losing a sense of yourself and your role in the world. It probably inspired the ‘Downer Disco’ album theme – a bit depressing, but you could dance to it…”

Also speaking about the upcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ Robert describes “The idea behind the band, as the name suggests, was for it to incorporate different ‘colours’ i.e. musical styles and influences, for it to be diverse and not to be confined by any boundaries. So, I think it will be a life-long project and it means it can continue and evolve even if some members might come and go over the years. But I am very reliant on the other crayons adding their magic.”

The first line-up of The Crayon Set released their eponymous debut album in 2013 – it was recorded with Nick Brine (Teenage Fanclub, Super Furry Animals). It is filled choc-a-bloc with infectious, uptempo indie pop songs. The Irish Times described it as “as catchy as a virus”. It’s follow-up ‘Lost Languages’ was recorded with Gavin Glass (Lisa Hannigan, Villagers) and released in 2017 and featured Kate Dineen on guest vocals who later became a permanent member of the band. The album was in part a tribute to many of their favourite ‘Americana’ artists such as Tom Petty, R.E.M., Wilco & Neil Young. The music website Musician.ie made it their Irish album of the year.

Their new album ‘Downer Disco’ is due for release in September 2021. . It was recorded with producer Stephen Shannon at Experimental Audio in Dublin in 2019.

The Crayon Set are an exciting live band and have played many of the top Irish venues and festivals. Their dynamic live shows feature tight vocal harmonies, instrument swapping and occasionally some giant inflatable crayons …

Notes to editor:

• Interviews with The Crayon Set are available
• High res images here

‘Daily Life’ marks Landers fourth public release.

After only a couple of rehearsals, Landers decided to record a live session in a large warehouse known as KAOS in the outskirts of Berlin with their friend Aidan Floatinghome (works with Perlee, Wallis Bird, Hundreds). The upcoming release is the fourth and final installment from the session, celebrating the end of a two year journey for the band.

Their first 3 singles ‘Clear Blue Sky’ (released April 17th 2020), ‘Just Thinking’ (released November 6th 2020) and ‘Washing With Water’ (released February 12th 2021) received warm reactions by the press and public. All three tracks were repeatedly played on An Taobh Tuathail (the flagship alternative radio show on RTÉ Irish Radio), curated by Cian Ó Cíobháin.

Tom Miodrag from Irish Culture Berlin had this to say of Landers third single ‘Washing With Water’: “Tapping into our need for release, renewal and escape, the song undulates with unhurried grace, before being borne on the wings of Breiting’s sensitive bass playing, and von der Goltz’s understated drumming.”

This latest release is under the title ‘Daily Life’. It features one track from the KAOS session and another one that was recorded in January 2021. The last installment is setting out to create a grounding experience and to wrap up the four KAOS releases for the band.

The two tracks delve into feelings one experiences when confronted with truth. ‘Daily Life’ and ‘Eyes Closed’: dissolve and acceptance.

The title track ‘Daily Life’ is balancing essential elements of life: stagnation and forward movements, while ‘Eyes Closed’ is a minimalistic ambient track, creating a vast and wild landscape of sound for the listener to get lost in.

‘Daily Life’ features German violinist and composer Maria I.J. Reich. Maria’s performance adds a distorted quality to the harmonically grounded song, adding a tense “uncomfortableness” to an otherwise balanced piece. ‘Eyes Closed’ is an exception to the previous releases. Created earlier this year to deliberately cap off the whole KAOS session experience, it reflects the recent musical ideas and experiments of the band, pointing towards an ambient/noise direction. The piece was improvised and recorded live in a very collective way and it, therefore, becomes hard to tell which instrument creates which sound.

This final package brings together elements from the band’s past and present. A perfect way to celebrate the end of a chapter and to give hints towards the next chapter that awaits them.

All four releases are available on hand-made limited edition tape cassette, designed and crafted by Berlin-based artist Daniela Elorza.

Landers are an experimental folk band currently based in Berlin. After they met each other by chance in 2019, the band quickly realized they shared a common drive to make music that felt honest and true to their hearts. Dazed and excited about creating something of their own, they started putting pieces of songs together from scraps of poetry and old lost demos.

https://landerssite.bandcamp.com/releases

Live Dates postponed due to Covid-19

Rescheduling – TBC