Author: Breffni Banks

Music Used in Audio-Visual Productions

Why does IMRO request notification of audio-visual productions along with corresponding cue sheets?

• Notifications of audio-visual productions in which your music has been used and the corresponding details of your musical works will be sent by IMRO to our sister societies promptly to ensure accurate and timely distribution of royalties where qualifying performances have taken place.
• Cue sheets form the basis of audio-visual documentation both domestically and internationally. International collecting societies request cue sheets as the first step in documenting musical works for the purpose of distributing associated royalties. IMRO posts cue sheets to an international database which is accessed by our sister societies. IMRO provides cue sheets promptly, once they are available, in order to secure royalties as soon as possible.

Submitted cue sheets should be the complete and final cue sheets containing all music used in the production. The cue sheet information identifies the musical works used in the first instance with the corresponding musical works registrations determining how the royalties should be distributed.

IMRO receives cue sheets from various sources and members are encouraged to provide cue sheets for productions in which their music has been commissioned or included.

A full music cue sheet can be obtained from the production company. The complete cue sheet should include all music used in the production, the composer information, and publishers’ details where published, the music duration and the usage of each cue i.e. featured, background, opening and closing theme etc. To support the cue sheet documentation, all musical works used in the production must be registered in full to ensure that royalties can be distributed. Members are encouraged to notify IMRO of a productions release, along with the territories where the production is to be released, if known, so that IMRO can notify the societies in the relevant territories and track the due royalties on behalf of our members.

Music Used in Commercials

If your music has been commissioned or included in a commercial/advertising campaign, then IMRO encourages you to provide us with the relevant details to assist in the distribution of royalties for qualifying performances. This is particularly valuable in terms of advertising campaigns that are exploited internationally, either through mainstream television or radio or via online video on demand or streaming platforms. This information assists IMRO in the tracking of commercial performances overseas to ensure qualifying royalties are distributed accurately and promptly.

Once a commercial has been finalised, you should take the following steps:

1. Register the musical work(s) used in the commercial with IMRO via the online member portal. Include the following supporting information from the advertising agency or production company when registering the work(s):

• Product and campaign title (with alternative titles if relevant)
• Dates of transmission – this should include the start date and, if applicable, the end date of the campaign (a media schedule would be of benefit here)
• Expected platforms of transmission – TV, radio and/or online campaign
• Relevant territories of exploitation (these may be included in the media schedule
• The stations/services featuring the campaign (these may be included in the media schedule)
• Any associated identifiers for the adverts e.g. Clock Number, advertising codes etc.

Please note, if the work(s) are already registered with IMRO you can add this additional information to the work details online.

If you have any queries in relation to submitting work details for audio visual productions or commercials please email membership@nullimro.ie

“I just wanted to say congratulations on the release of your first single, it is miles better than anything I could’ve done at your age and you should be so proud, so well done” – Dermot Kennedy

“This guy is a great talent, not only that but he’s also a great guy” – Ryan Tubridy

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Ireland, teenager Michael Moloney is a talented singer-songwriter who captivates audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. With a distinctive blend of folk and pop influences, Moloney’s music resonates deeply, drawing listeners into his world of introspection, love, and personal growth.

Moloney made waves in 2020 with a mesmerizing performance on The Late Late Show, where he previously shared the stage with renowned Irish artist Dermot Kennedy. His hauntingly beautiful voice and raw emotional delivery left viewers and critics alike spellbound, cementing his position as one of the most promising acts to emerge from Ireland’s rich musical heritage.

With an impressive track record in both radio and television, including appearances on Ireland AM, The 6 O’Clock Show,  and The Today Show with Maura & Daithi, Moloney has garnered widespread recognition for his talents. His music has received extensive airplay on prominent Irish radio stations, including RTE Radio 1, Today FM, and Newstalk FM and heavy support from Jennifer Zamparelli at 2FM. His songs have struck a chord with audiences across the nation, earning him a dedicated social media following (32k Instagram followers) and critical acclaim.

In addition to his success on the airwaves, Moloney has showcased his musical prowess on various television platforms. His performances have graced the screens of popular Irish TV shows, capturing the hearts of viewers with his authentic stage presence and undeniable talent, making him a sought-after guest on renowned programs and elevating his status as a rising star in the Irish music scene.

Having Sold Out The Soundhouse in Dublin, and the TF Royal, Castlebar in his home county of Mayo, and gracing the stages of Sea Sessions, Dolans, The Linenhall Arts Centre and more, Michael Moloney is set to play in Whelans on July 20th supporting Carron and tickets are on sale now.

Moloney has been under the guidance of Universal Music Ireland, with his previous single ‘All That I Do’, released by the major, and recorded in Windmill Lane by Gavin Murphy (RTE Concert Orchestra)

Now with his new single ‘90’s’ out on July 7th, Michael Moloney continues to push boundaries and evolve as a musician.  With his infectious melodies and upbeat songwriting, Moloney is poised to make an indelible mark on the international music stage.

“This song is a celebration of the decade that helped inspire my creativity.  There is something cathartic and powerful about expressing your emotions through music. But for my new single, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to challenge myself, push myself out of my comfort zone and explore a new genre that I had never tried before: pop. Pop music is fun, upbeat, and catchy. It makes you want to dance and sing along. I love 90’s pop culture like Friends or Nirvana, and the style and attitude of people who grew up in that generation, so I wanted to reflect that in the song! It’s a way of showing people a different side of me, one that is more playful, adventurous, and optimistic. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it!”- Michael Moloney

Irish artist JustG is gearing up to release his latest single, ‘Drink, Repeat’ a captivating deep tech track designed to ignite dancefloors and captivate music enthusiasts worldwide. With its infectious vocal loop and heavy, groovy bassline, ‘Drink, Repeat’ promises to be an unforgettable club track that guarantees non- stop dancing.

JustG is slowly becoming a prominent figure in the music industry, amassing over 3 million Irish radio impacts as well as over 1.4 million plays across all major music streaming platforms. His previous releases have received accolades, including “Track of the Week” features on Spin Southwest and 2FM, as well as features in press outlets such as HotPress magazine and RTE Entertainment, showcasing his consistent ability to deliver exceptional music.

“With this track I wanted to create something for the clubs. Something that DJ’s could just drop into their sets and not worry about if people know it or not. Something that catches people’s attention and makes them dance.”

Drink, Repeat is released the 04th of August.

“JustG’s ‘Bad Decisions’ is an absolute anthem and is our track of the week on RTE 2FM” – Laura Fox, RTE 2FM

“Destined to follow Belters Only into the pop charts is JustG” – HotPress

Connect with JustG

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

On Friday 4th August, Naimee Coleman returns with her second single, a cover version of Joy Division’s enduring classic ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’. Coleman takes a mellow stripped-back approach to the iconic song. Naimee says “Sad songs have always been my favourite songs and ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ is such a heart-wrenching, honest and beautiful sad song. I’ve been performing it live over the last year at gigs and have seen how the song resonates with people”.

The track features on Naimee’s forthcoming album The Edges coming out later this year. The Edges is a collection of sometimes gritty, often melancholic, but always deeply personal songs.

After signing with EMI Records in her late teens, Coleman went on to record her debut album ‘Sliver Wrists’ at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. For her follow-up, ‘Bring Down The Moon’ she worked with Tears For Fears’ keyboardist Ian Stanley, creating a blend of singer-songwriter pop that propelled her into a whirlwind few years. Naimee toured extensively both as a headliner and opening act for the likes of Van Morrison, David Gray and Suzanne Vega. This earned her award nominations; a sizeable Japanese fanbase to go with her European one, and the opportunity to appear on the fabled British TV show Top Of The Pops as the featured vocalist on Aurora’s Top 5 re-imagining of Duran Duran’s ‘Ordinary World’. Naimee relocated to Los Angeles in 2004 where she embraced the chance to start from scratch in the California music scene. She fell in love, got married, wrote mountains of new music and toured the length and breadth of the country.

Returning to her singer-songwriter roots, Naimee wrote both for herself and other artists, with her music featuring in numerous films and TV shows for Disney, Warner Brothers and CBS. She performed as a solo artist and also as a backing vocalist for various musicians, including the Bee Gees Robin Gibb, whom she toured with as a backing singer in the US and Europe. After returning to home soil in recent years, adventures in motherhood put her music career on a brief pause, but she is excited to be back writing and recording. Having found her live feet again performing solo shows as well as opening up for Gemma Hayes most recently, Naimee can’t wait to tour The Edges.

‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ is released on Friday 4th August. You can Pre-Save the track HERE

Connect with Naimee Coleman
Instagram / Twitter / Facebook

Having been warmly received on his debut EP ‘Finding Myself’ in 2021, VJ proved his ability to flit across topics of love, introspection, mental health and faith within his soul-stirring mix of hip-hop, R&B and indie rock, and lyrical realism all centered upon his brave self-discovery laden explorations.

Metamorphosis is a short self-reflective soliloquy about finding meaning in life and searching for purpose. VJ delves into the world of spoken word as he delivers a Shakespearean like dialogue questioning and omitting past troubles, emotional turmoil and highest hopes for the future. Paired a with a beautifully animated video which sees VJ exploring nature in search of guidance, meaning and more.

Explaining Metamorphosis, says “ It is an introduction, to my world, to my mind and how I see things. The last few years have brought me blessings, It’s crazy how so much can change… Relationships, friends, family and myself. I hope you enjoy the story…”

With the turn of a new leaf is there a new project on the horizon? Buckle up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable sonic odyssey with VJ Jaxson who will captivate your senses and leave you craving for more.

Stream latest single ‘Waiting on the Day’

Connect with VJ Jaxson

Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube

From Galway to Ghana

What a year it had been for Sena Dee and with his growing popularity, Sena Dee is now gearing up to
release his highly anticipated new EP, “Songs About You ”, a collaboration with artists from Ghana to
Galway such as Cian Sweeney (1000 Beasts), NOONE, Obed, $pacely & Biqo. The lead track do you
have a guy? (NOONE Edit) features his trademark smooth vocals, smooth sax and infectious beats.
“do you have a guy? ” is set to be one of the biggest hits of the summer and is set to solidify his place
as a rising star. The track will be available on all major streaming platforms on July 14th.

Artwork

David Alabo, an artist of Ghanaian-Moroccan descent, is recognised for his multi-disciplinary work exploring themes of displacement, solitude, and introspection through a speculative Afro-surrealist lens. His art ranges from computer-generated programming to digital sculpting and interactive installations, creating artworks that are both fantastical and familiar. David Designed this artwork while staying with Sena Dee last summer in New York. This artwork captures the solitude and emotion that can be felt when falling in and out of love.

Sena Dee – Bio

Sena Dee is a rising star in the Irish music scene, known for his soulful vocals and genre-bending sound. With a unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeat influences, Sena Dee has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting new artists on the scene. Born and raised in Galway, Sena Dee developed a passion for music at a young age, and has spent years honing his skills as a songwriter and performer. His debut singles “Lonely” and “On Read” were met with critical acclaim. Since then, he has released several successful singles and continued to build a dedicated following on Spotify, where he has featured in playlists such as Alternative Ireland, Fresh Finds Uk & Ireland, Alte Cruise & New Music Friday UK. Among his inspirations he lists Bakar, Van Morrison, Loyle Carner, Thin Lizzy and J.Cole. With a string of releases planned for 2023, the future looks promising for this young artist.

On August 4th, 2023, Joseph Chester releases a new live album, exclusively for streaming or high resolution download on Bandcamp.

Fragments of Lucia (Live at the James Joyce Tower, Sandycove) features a guitar recital by Joseph Chester, recorded at a very special evening at the James Joyce Tower & Museum as part of the 2023 Bloomsday Festival. Performing a solo version of his suite, Lucia (for Guitar & Strings) which was first performed at Axis Ballymun on Bloomsday 2022 and released by Bohemia Records in January 2023.

The album is available to pre-order now from joechester.bandcamp.com

“While playing LUCIA with the string section is really a transcendent experience (it literally pushes me transcend my own limitations on the guitar!), playing the piece solo, as I have done many times now, in some quite special places, does allow for a particularly intimate experience with the audience. I’ve been enjoying pushing at the edges of it, finding more and more silence and allowing the music to stretch out in places. No performance is ever quite the same and there were definitely some old ghosts in the tiny sitting room of the Martello Tower in Sandycove when I played there on a beautiful, warm night in June. To say nothing of the very many sea birds who were also in attendance and singing along. I’m very glad that this special night was captured for posterity.

I’ve always been adamant that Lucia is not about James Joyce or Ulysses but entirely about Lucia herself, an attempt to paint a portrait of an erased woman, silenced in life and then once more in death. However, there’s no question that the figure of her father looms large over her story and so to get to tell that story and play this music in that very special and precious place brought a heightened emotion and resonance to the whole thing. Lucia spent a few months in Dublin in 1935, retracing her father’s footsteps. She lived in Bray and it’s hard not to imagine her paying a visit to the Martello Tower where her father lived and where Ulysses begins. Shortly afterwards she was admitted to St. Andrew’s in Northampton until James got her out, saying that “he would never agree to his daughter being incarcerated among the English.” It’s one of the many sad twists in this tale that that is exactly where she would end up.”

– Joseph Chester, Rennes, July 2023

Alternative-indie band The Lost Messiahs release new single, “Radiance of Moon.” It is the fourth single from their recently released third studio album. 

Shimmering guitars and steadfast vocals create an ethereal soundscape, a signature sound of the band. The wistful and heartfelt lyrics tell a love story. Songwriter Ollie says the song “expresses the joy and feeling of gratitude to have met one’s soulmate, and the sense of wonder and magic that each new day reveals.”

The video features radiant vignettes in haunting slow-motion. The scenes glow with incandescent colors sure to captivate viewers. 

The Lost Messiahs hail from Portlaoise in the midlands of Ireland. The band was formed by songwriter and guitar player Ollie Plunkett. There is a spiritual connection in The Lost Messiahs music, from collaborations with monks to exploring the inner workings of the mind and the search for meaning. Rich production, meticulous songwriting, and immersive instrumentation give their music textured, atmospheric landscapes. They have been compared to the likes of The National, War on Drugs, and Mercury Rev. 

Along with critical press acclaim and nation-wide radio play, the band has played at festivals and venues all over Ireland. The band have released two critically acclaimed studio albums and several singles. They are set to play Forest Fest and Electric Picnic this summer, as well as other dates to be announced.

The Lost Messiahs are: James O’ Connor (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar), Eamonn Duff (Bass), Martha Cummins (Drums), and Ollie Plunkett (Electric Guitar).

Connect with The Lost Messiahs

Instagram  | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube | Website

Irish artist and producer Sarah-Beth released her highly anticipated single, ‘Blame,’ on July 21st, giving audiences a glimpse into her forthcoming album. ‘Blame’ showcases Sarah-Beth’s new artistic era, blending electronica with her already ethereal, melancholic sound, which she coins as “melantronic.”

The haunting vocals of ‘Blame’ intertwine with delicate harmonies and a captivating piano chord progression, creating a sense of darkness while enticing listeners to move to the beat. She explains ‘’Producing allows me to make intriguing sonic decisions. My recording process is very zen. I light candles and burn incense in my bedroom and treat it like a spiritual practice.’’

Collaborating with producer Josh Northwood, who added his expertise as a co-producer, mixer, and mastering engineer, Sarah-Beth has crafted a melodic masterpiece. Together, they have been meticulously working on her upcoming album, aiming to transport listeners on a mesmerizing sonic journey.

Sarah-Beth, an Irish artist, producer, and music educator based in London, draws inspiration from life experiences, spirituality, and her surroundings to create vivid musical landscapes. The former frontwoman of the genre-bending five-piece Luunah amassed over 250,000 streams and performed at major Irish festivals like Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, and Indiependence. Her music has graced the airwaves of RTE 1, 2FM, Today FM, BBC SPIN SW, RED FM, and more.

With her upcoming album, Sarah-Beth invites you into a new epoch of her musical evolution. ‘Blame’ is a tantalizing taste of what’s to come—a captivating blend of melancholic melodies and electrifying sounds that will move your body and soul.

For more information, visit: https://linktr.ee/sarahbethmusic

Natural B is from a town called Sagamu in Nigeria and has been living in Ireland for nearly 20 years. He makes Afrobeat music, also known as African music. The music he creates can be described as positive and uplifting.

Natural B graduated from media production at Ballyfermot Institute of Further Education / Dublin City University. His previous releases include Mixtape Pending (2011), Believers (2012), Stream of Songs (2020), and Listen (2022).

‘More Fire’ is Natural B’s latest release, a song that represents a test of resilience. Throughout his life, he has faced numerous trials and tribulations, and it often felt like one hurdle after another. However, with each challenge, he has learned to become stronger and more determined than ever before. As a creative, he has had to overcome setbacks time and time again, and even in his personal life, he has had to dig deep to find the courage to keep moving forward.

Natural B believes that many people can relate to the feeling of going through the motions of a 9 to 5 job and feeling like there’s no social life left. That’s where the inspiration for ‘More Fire’ came from – wanting to create a sound that would lift him and inspire others to do the same. The song is upbeat and dancey, intentionally designed to evoke a sense of positivity and upliftment. It’s about blowing off some steam.