Author: Breffni Banks

Rounding off the success of an impressive string of singles, pop connoisseurs Wild Youth reveal their much-anticipated sophomore EP ‘Forever Girl’.

With this spellbinding and unpredictable catalogue of six tracks, ‘Forever Girl’ highlights Wild Youth’s determination to not be labelled as your average pop group, showcasing a collective diversity and boldness when it comes to sonic risk taking. Though spanning in style and execution, from the flirtatious ‘Champagne Butterflies’ to the abrasive powerhouse anthem ‘Can’t Say No’, one thing consistently remains across ‘Forever Girl’: their ability to craft credible music and exhilarating choruses calling for ‘out of body’ experiences, whilst simultaneously maintaining their homegrown, humble values.

With two refreshing new tracks – the buoyant pop stylings of ‘Weekend Rockstars’ and ‘Wasted Without You’ – joining the thrilling singles ‘Next To You’, ‘Through The Phone’, ‘Champagne Butterflies’ and ‘Can’t Say No’, ‘Forever Girl’ follows widespread tastemaker approval from the likes of WONDERLAND, THE INDEPENDENT IE, POPJUSTICE, OFFICIAL CHARTS, EUPHORIA MAG, HOT PRESS, WHEN THE HORN BLOWS and ATWOOD MAGAZINE amongst extensive editorial blog hype.

A constant mainstay on airwaves and music charts since their debut in 2017, Wild Youth’s burgeoning international appeal has seen them become an equally present force across streaming platforms through their ‘Forever Girl’ singles. With well over 10M streams on Spotify alone to their name, Wild Youth have been landing multiple New Music Friday placements on Spotify, alongside becoming the face of their New Pop UK playlist twice amongst vital placements across key editorial playlists including The Pop List, New Pop Revolution, Happy Pop Hits, Fresh Pop, The Pop Lounge and Songs That Carried Us Through 2020. Apple Music have supported Wild Youth via A-List Pop, Breaking Pop and Alt Pop placements in addition to landing Pop Fresh on Deezer and The Best New Music on Shazam.

With the support of their loyal and ever-growing fanbase who remain thirsty for their signature catchy choruses, David Whelan, Conor O’Donohoe, Ed Porter and Callum McAdam’s unapologetic creativity has seen them tour alongside household names like Mumford and Sons, The Script and Niall Horan.

Arriving as the cherry on top of a hugely successful year thus far, Wild Youth’s ‘Forever Girl’ EP encapsulates the heartfelt, joyous nature of the band and acts as a significant milestone in the band’s journey towards inevitable global domination.

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Ambient, neo-classical producer/composer Emiji releases his thought-provoking debut album ‘My Journeys’ on March 26th 2021. 

Originally from Poland, Emiji, A.K.A Marcin Ciszczon is co-founder of one of Ireland’s most successful independent production houses, Diffusion Lab. He has spent nearly a decade working with some of Ireland’s most exciting musical talents in his role of producer, composer and engineer. During this time, he has worked with artists such as Jafaris, Nealo, Soulé, DAY_S, FLYNN and Mango X Mathman to name a few.

‘My Journeys’ is a moving cinematic overture that examines the depths of the human psyche and the ways through which we can best understand the world around us. It considers the profound themes of mental health, the healing power of nature and the benefits of holistic medicines; touching on aspects of pain, nature, uncertainty, darkness and the depth of wounds felt in childhood. Emiji used such moments as a medium through which to deeply explore the inner-workings of the human spirit, in the hopes of encouraging others to try to understand their own potential. 

Emiji considers music, among other things, as having the potential to have a hugely positive effect on people’s lives, including their mental health, and thus designed the album as a  soundscape intended for use as part of meditation, breathwork or progressive relaxation exercises “It’s about encouragement to move on, step up, learn and integrate new things into one’s life.” Emiji explains of the purpose of his work, “to listen to what mother nature has to say. To simply stop running from self and stop distracting one with all the things you don’t need.” 

‘My Journeys’ is minimal in instrumentation, relying mostly on a unique blend of complex synths while simultaneously touching on folk, classical and contemporary influences. The album creates a world in which the listener feels safe to open up, as they are ushered on a journey from self-doubt and uncertainty to a place of great inner peace. The album opens with the peaceful ‘Joy’, followed by the reflective ‘Larimar’ and ‘Dawning’. Love and self-worth come to the fore in tracks such as ‘Affection’, while the darker side of mental health or our minds are embraced on the likes of ‘Helpless’ and ‘Wounded Child’. Childhood memories take centre stage on the penultimate track ‘Parks and Alleys’, featuring accompaniment from the renowned NCH Gamelan Orchestra, before the album comes to a fitting close with ‘Relief’ to completing the journey of finding inner acceptance. 

The album creates a world around which the listener feels safe to open up, with Emiji’s compelling use of space within these tracks lending themselves to a reflective tone. 

The album was preceded by its lead single ‘Larimar’, featuring Dublin folk/pop duo Hvmmingbyrd, a track exploring the dichotomy of light and examining the importance of understanding one’s turmoil on the road to inner-peace and serenity.  Emiji released his second single ‘Unspoken’ in February featuring vocalist Sandra Maria which, in line with the album’s ethos, examines the vulnerability and bliss of feeling unconditional love and the wisdom and beauty of nature.

Both singles have achieved media acclaim from publications such as Nialler9, Hot Press, The Thin Air, the Journal of Music and DeMars Magazine. In radio, Emiji has seen support from Dan Hegarty on RTÉ 2FM as well as stations such as, Dublin City FM, RTÉ 2XM, KCLR 96FM, 8Radio, Northern Sound, NearFM, West Limerick 102FM, FlirtFM and PLAYIRISH.

Known for his stunning photography, Emiji is set to release a series of aerial photographs that were inspired by the album. As the music urges listeners to view the world through a more naturalist lens, this series see’s familiar landmarks transfigured through a unique and often inaccessible viewpoint. These limited edition prints will be available via his Bandcamp. 

‘My Journeys’ is a beautiful, touching testament to the importance of striving to be one’s best self, embracing nature, encouraging change and showing courage to take the first step on a voyage of self-discovery. It’s a soundtrack of progress and a hymn to humanity, as Emiji earmarks himself as an artist unafraid to question both himself and the world around him and willing to stretch the limits of creativity in an effort to best understand some of life’s most timeless themes.

In celebration of the album’s release, Emiji is holding an interactive album listening party via Facebook in which he will play tracks from the album, discuss its inspiration and influences, and host a live mediation for all in attendance. This is scheduled to take place on Sunday March 28th, at 9pm. 

Listen/Stream/Buy: ‘My Journeys’

Following the release of their debut EP ‘Waves’ via Fair Youth Records NewDad announce a National Tour for November 2021. Taking place in Belfast, Galway and Dublin, tickets are available now from Tickets.ie and Ticketmaster.

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.

Each member of the NewDad has put together ever-evolving Spotify playlists of tracks they love and are inspired by.

NewDad. are:

Julie Dawson: SPOTIFY

Áindle O’Beirn: SPOTIFY

Sean O’Dowd: SPOTIFY

Fiachra Parslow: SPOTIFY

8th November – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
10th November – Roisin Dubh, Galway
11th November – The Workman’s Club, Dublin
Tickets €13.00 on sale now from Tickets.ie and Ticketmaster.ie

Enda Gallery is an artist with a real purpose, and that is to create beautiful and liberating art. He takes influence from genre-defying artists such as Frank Ocean and Prince – mixed with the deep sincerity of Sufjan Stevens, Alicia Keys, and even Freddie Mercury.

Through this sense of creative deliverance, we hear his truest realisations and experiences with his new single ‘Super Raw’. Marinated in flavours of soul, hip hop, techno, and gospel, we are left with songs which peel back the layers of self-incrimination and personal disenfranchisement.

‘Super Raw’ is the first single of Enda Gallery’s upcoming ‘Summer’ EP.

Speaking about the song, Enda says:

“’Super Raw’ is a cry from that all-consuming love that devours you and all your peace in the flames of passion. A love that is both total and totally indescribable. So intense is the state that you feel a total chasm between you and your beloved. A love so intense you could not even speak of it and every moment became an epoch, every movement, every potential signal a great epoch. From that state comes the longing: “If I could just think of what to say you wouldn’t push me away, you’d bring me closer.””

‘Super Raw’ by Enda Gallery is available on all digital platforms now:https://found.ee/SuperRaw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/endagallery / @endagallery

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

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

YouTube: http://bit.ly/2OmGRLK

Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3uOFGp0

Apple Music: http://apple.co/2O0wqgK

YouTube Music: http://bit.ly/3uPpT9r

Growing up, Mike Roche came from a very musical family. His late Grandad Charlie O’Keeney was heavily involved in music from playing fiddle and keys with his band ‘The Silver Wings’. Having never taken music lessons as a child, he began to teach himself the piano following his grandfather’s death in 2016. His interest in music grew from there, and he slowly taught himself the guitar, mandolin and the bass guitar in a busy three year period.

‘Rewind Time’ is produced by Dave Skelton (Faraway Martin, RACHEL, Rofi James) and mastered by Aidan Foley of Masterlabs (Denise Chaila, U2, Thin Lizzy)

Releasing his 3rd single off his debut EP which is set for release summer 2021. ‘Rewind Time is a very deep, emotional song written in honor of Roche’s late grandmother. ‘Rewind Time’ incorporates touching lyrics driven by a heartfelt musical composition.

”While it’s a very personal song. I want the listeners to remember the loved ones in their lives that they have lost when they hear ‘Rewind Time’ and think of the good memories you had with them. One of the themes I explore in this song is the pain that comes with losing a loved one and it’s terrible that we have to experience that pain but, we are also lucky in a way that we get to because of them. Where would we be without the people closest to us in our life. They make us who we are today. And we owe it to them to carry their name and memories on and to become everything good that we loved them for. Music is just my way of doing that.”

https://linktr.ee/mrochemusic

Paddy Casey has just released his brand new single ‘Won’t Take Much’ today, alongside announcing the release of his fifth album ‘Turn This Ship Around’, a double album due to be released this summer.

‘Won’t Take Much’, the latest release from the album is a bouncy, uplifting, guitar-driven song bursting with brass and strings. Featuring on the first part of the double album ‘Turn This Ship Around’, the single reflects the upbeat, electric, synth and guitar driven side to the album, while the second part embodies a more laid-back, acoustic vibe.

Speaking of the single, Paddy Casey said: “‘Won’t Take Much’ is an independent production, recorded and produced in my own home studio. To capture the energy of a new song ‘coming to life’ the single was written and recorded in the same day with friends and bandmates being called on later to add strings and horns.”

Having been at the forefront of the Irish music scene since his multi platinum selling debut album ‘Amen (So Be It)’, Paddy Casey’s career has taken him all over the globe touring with acts like The Pretenders, R.E.M, Ian Brown, Blondie and Tracy Chapman to name a few. Closer to home he has played all over Ireland, including a sold out Dublin Castle, RDS and a record-breaking week long run in The Olympia Theatre, alongside special guest spots with U2, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan and more. 

Paddy Casey’s hugely successful debut album ‘Amen (So Be It)’ achieved many international highlights including tracks being featured in hit television shows such as ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Roswell’ alongside extensive American and European tours. Further establishing himself as one of the country’s most successful artists, his second album ‘Living’ went on to become one of the biggest ever selling albums in Ireland (approximately 15 times platinum). 

This was followed by the release of ‘Addicted To Company, Part 1’, with this album seeing Paddy Casey continue to tour across America, performing on The Late Show with David Letterman, securing a week-long slot on MTV and even managing to have drinks with Beyonce and Jay Z along the way. After the release of this  album Paddy Casey decided that it was time to part ways with his record label and go independent  in order to let himself and his music veer off in any direction the wind carried them, resulting in his first release ‘The Secret Life Of’ – a resounding success with the album reaching platinum status.

‘Won’t Take Much’ the brand new single from Paddy Casey is out now across all digital platforms, with ‘Turn This Ship Around’ is due for release in summer 2021.

Newcomer Irish singer songwriter Gavin Fox, who’s soulful, reflective songwriting blends folk and indie releases his second single ‘Free’ alongside his debut EP ‘On Second Thoughts’ on March 26th.

Following on from his debut single ‘Make Me Believe’ which picked up support from Hot Press, RTE Entertainment, Classic Hits, Shannonside, KFM, among others, Gavin now releases ‘Free’ the lead single from his debut EP ‘On Second Thoughts’ .

Accompanying the single is the official music video for ‘Free’ which compiles footage central to our society in recent years, and the idea of freedom. Featuring footage from the LGBTQ rallys, the #MeToo movement as well as an assortment of imagery associated with freedom. 

“This song contains an important message to a general audience of people who feel enslaved to or controlled by something external to themselves – the political system, religion, personal circumstances/fate, etc.  The message is simple; you can decide to be free, to choose how you want to live your life and to be the person you want to be as an individual.  Don’t allow yourself to be controlled. Choose to be free and be liberated by your own limitless possibility”. –Gavin Fox on ‘Free’

Gavin Fox grew up in an environment that was very restrictive, dominated by an extreme religion that controlled his life. Born into a Jehovah’s Witness family he was told what to think, what to believe and what to do from a very young age. He was never allowed to freely express himself or to choose his own path. He didn’t play football with his school mates or go to parties as a teenager – he was not permitted to socialise with non-believers. Instead, he spent many hours being taught how to deliver public sermons, delivering his first to an audience of over 100 people at the age of 7. He was also schooled in preaching and spent much of his time going from door-to-door. Birthdays were never tolerated. Christmas celebrations not permitted. Any non-religious activities or interests were strongly discouraged.

Gavin knew his life was different to that of his peers, to whom he never really felt he belonged. He also knew he had something inside telling him he needed to break free. Leaving the religion would result in being shunned and cut-off from the only community he knew and having to start his life again, alone. When he did find the courage to take that step, it took him many years and an in-depth process of self-analysis just to find out who he really was.

Gavin has had a story to tell for many years now. He had no idea his story would come out in the form of music. It took the time and space allowed during the lockdown of 2020 for him to discover a hidden creative talent for song-writing. Having picked up a guitar only in recent years, his emotional story came from deep inside him and poured out in the form of three of the most honest songs you are ever likely to hear. Since then, he has continued to write and plans to record an album later this year.

“Many people go through life trying to conform and please others. This EP is about being true to yourself and being free to be the person you want to be. 

It is about giving yourself permission to choose your own course and decide what kind of life you want. 

It is never too late to discover who you truly are and to freely express yourself. Don’t live with regrets. 

If you are having second thoughts about what you want out of life, act on them.” – Gavin Fox on ‘On Second Thoughts’ EP

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Lemonade Marinade release their 4th single ‘Paradise Bay’ on Friday April 2nd and once again all proceeds will go to mental health charities. 

Following up from the acclaimed songs ‘Brilliant’, ‘It’s Good To See’ and ‘Venus And Me’ the lockdown band release another delightful soothingly warm piece of music heaven.

The band are delighted to add the beautiful voice of Gillian Tuite to the ever involving line up. Think of the Americana sound of Alison Krauss intertwined with Ireland’s Maura O’Connell and you will Gillian somewhere in the middle. She has released quite a few solo songs in the last year, co writes with such prestigious songwriters as Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan and US songwriter Gary Ferguson. 

All the songs in this project relate lyrically to the chosen charity conveying a message of hope and again the track was written by songwriter and producer David Dee Moore. ‘Paradise Bay’ tells of the comfort given to those who are addicted to the magic of swimming in the sea even in the cold extremities of winter.  No more prevelant than the aquatic gatherings around the beautiful Clew Bay in Co.Mayo where David is based.

The rest of the top notch band consists of Nick Scott (Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Black) on double bass, Colin Henry (on dobro), Fintan Hanley (Vickers Vimy) on electric, Brian McAteer (Phil Coulter, Alisdair Frazer) on strings and the folk duo Cathryn Craig (Righteous Brothers, Chet Atkins) and Brian Willoughby (Strawbs, Mary Hopkin) on nylon guitar. David Dee Moore (Liam Clancy, Juliet Turner, Brian Kennedy) plays guitars and piano on the track.

Singer/songwriter, producer and radio broadcaster David Dee Moore collaborated with such artists like Niamh Parsons (3 albums), Steve Wickham (songwriting), the legendary Liam Clancy (Late Late Show), Brian Kennedy (TV and recording), Juliet Turner (performing) and Jerry Fish (writing and performing) to name but a few.

Cathryn Craig is from Richmond, Virginia and has built a strong reputation as both singer and songwriter. She is no stranger to Tennessee’s Nashville recording studios, working with Chet Atkins, The Righteous Brothers, Shel Silverstein and Jorma Kaukonen.

Nick Scott is bass player at the moment with Mary Black and Gilbert O’Sullivan and has literally played with everyone including an 8 year spell with Van Morrison. He is one of the most sought after session musicians in Ireland.

Brian Willoughby is best known for his virtuoso performances on electric and acoustic guitar. As well as playing with the Strawbs in the 80s and 90s, Brian has been a session player/sideman in much demand, playing with the likes of Mary Hopkin, Roger Whittaker, Monty Python, Joe Brown and Jim Diamond and Nanci Griffith.

Brian McAteer has been a leading light in the N.Ireland folk scene whilst training in classical violin. An expert on string arrangements working with Phil Coulter and Alisdair Frazier.

Fintan Hanley is the principle songwriter and guitarist with popular Irish recording artists Vickers Vimy. 

Over the past year, we have been treated to a breath-taking wave of ambient music works by Dublin-based musician, filmmaker, and director Myles O’Reilly, under the moniker [Indistinct Chatter].

Earlier this week, he shared his third ambient LP ‘My Mother’s Star’.

‘Your Excitement’ was the first taster shared by Myles, shared on his mother’s birthday, accompanied by a short film he created which he casts a lens on essential service retail outlets open in Dublin’s city centre, during the strict level 5 pandemic lockdown of January 2021. Video: https://youtu.be/GCezs4I4lW0

Speaking about the album, Myles says: “Due to the pandemic lockdown measures of January 2021 I found myself in the studio again. The process of making myself create a new sound every day was a routine that was key to nurturing my mental health and well-being at that time. I did a lot of experimenting with generative modular patches, looking to create happy accidents.

Increasingly through the process, there would form thoughts and memories of my mother. Inside the notes, scales, and sounds, her presence became ever more pronounced. I would then start each day with a meditation on her and begin creating sounds informed by the feelings that surfaced.

There were tough days where I was shadowed by the grief of her loss but in accessing that sorrow, so too did I unlock many memories of the joys we shared, especially in childhood. Investigating the shores of Blessington lake where we lived. Family holidays together. Her peaceful naps in the conservatory of our house. Nights driving home. Her car headlights illuminating rows of giant sleeping trees that would wake to dance and pirouette past us to the music she was playing. Eclectic. Vivaldi, Bach, Donna Summer, Hulio Iglesias.

During the lockdown, some days were uninspiring and revealed nothing to me at all, but it was the practice of trying that always meant I was closer to hitting on something positive. A total of 8 times the energy and warmth of her love would shine through the sounds I was generating like a gap in the clouds, and it’s those moments that have resulted in this album, ‘My Mother’s Star’.“

‘My Mother’s Star’ LP by [Indistinct Chatter] is out now all digital platforms.

Bandcamp: https://mylesoreilly.bandcamp.com/album/my-mothers-star

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZW8chj6uZFbQdMT7kg5gF?si=fWY_HiJ5QNuy8KPYny4xog

https://www.facebook.com/indistinctchattr

https://twitter.com/ArbutusYarns / @arbutusyarns

https://www.instagram.com/arbutusyarns/

http://www.arbutusyarns.net

Cork City-based singer-songwriter Hank Wedel will release a brand new single as part of his ongoing “Bandcamp Exclusive” series on Monday, March 29th.

‘Poe Park 2AM’ is the first offering of Hank’s work with well known Irish producer Declan Sinnott  last year, 2020, in between lockdowns and is the first shot out of the cannon of 10 songs they’ve recorded for release later this year.

The song, detailing a real life incident in NYC 30 years ago, features the vocals of Mary Greene with contributions from Hank’s “Open Kitchen” band mates James O’Sullivan and Brian Carroll.

A video will follow on Friday, April 2nd to coincide with “Bandcamp Friday”, a monthly promotion when Bandcamp gives all the sales royalties to the artists who sell tracks on that day.

https://hankwedel.bandcamp.com/track/poe-park-2am-2