Author: Breffni Banks

The winner of this year’s RTÉ Choice Music “Irish Song of the Year” Award, Irish singer/songwriter Moncrieff releases the first single from his highly anticipated debut album today – with “Love Somebody” – out 28 July via energie.

Following the announcement of his massive upcoming EU/UK tour later this Autumn, Moncrieff returns with his latest single “Love Somebody” – a song he fittingly describes as a “kaleidoscopic explosion of colour.”

Having just won the RTÉ Choice Music Prize for “Irish Song of the Year” 2022 (for last year’s smash single “Warm”) earlier this year, Moncrieff has obviously been busy in the studio, finishing off recent EP “Highways & Hurricanes,” only to deliver yet another heartfelt anthem.

Complete with thundering claps, a punchy bassline and powerful drums, “Love Somebody” is indeed an “explosion of colour,” a powerful blend of sonic contrasts – incredibly touching and yet so urgent it’s impossible not to clap, dance or sing along: “… life is complicated and there’s no straight lines,” he knows, urging his listeners to go ahead, to fully commit, to fully fall in love: “If you gonna love somebody. Better go ahead and let ’em know. Everybody wants somebody. Never be afraid to let it show.”

A couple of EPs into his career, Moncrieff obviously knows how to build soaring hooks, how to juxtapose calm verses and hugely explosive choruses. “So If you gonna hold somebody. Then you better hold ’em hella close. I only knew I loved somebody, the moment that I knew I let her go“ “‘Love Somebody’ is a celebration of seizing the moment to show someone how much they mean to you,” says Moncrieff about the new song. “If you feel something for someone, the only time is now to let them know, life is too short to wait.” “‘Love Somebody’ is the kaleidoscopic explosion of colour that occurs in those moments when you feel something real for someone,” adds the singer and songwriter. “You are totally present and in that moment. The song is an instruction to take that chance and dive in. Love does not discriminate against age, race, size, gender or religion. It isn’t only made available to a privileged few. It is a natural right for everyone to feel love.”

In love with classic Soul and R&B (Otis Redding, Etta James, and Ray Charles) as a teenager, music became increasingly important as an outlet for Moncrieff when suddenly his sister and, only two years later, his older brother passed away. After his 2017 debut single was played by Sir Elton John on his radio show, he kickstarted the latest chapter in 2022 when his single “Warm” (off the eponymous EP, released last September via energie) went top 10 in Irish Radio and saw him perform on Germany’s ARD Network (“Frühstücksfernsehen”), clocking millions of streams/views along the way.

Following the release of his most recent “Highways & Hurricanes” EP, he just announced his “biggest ever tour around Europe and the UK,” including headline shows in Poland, Holland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and the UK – as well as a sold out headline show at The Milk Market, Limerick in December and an upcoming slot at Indiependence.

“Love Somebody” the brand new single from Moncrieff is out now via energie.

Fresh off the back of their electrifying performances at Kaleidoscope and The Workman’s Cellar, Box Clone are ready to release their new single ‘I’m the Fool’.

The track wastes no time establishing itself, launching straight into another of their trademark riffs. The group display their versatility on this song, with a more melodic vocal style being used throughout, in contrast to the rap vocals we’ve come to expect from them. Sonically things are as big as ever, with powerful drums featuring in the verses and a variety of riffs throughout.

Box Clone’s music appeals to an ever-increasing audience. Their previous single ‘Fight Addict’ achieved a number of national radio plays on Ed Smith’s show on Today FM. They have featured regularly on regional stations around Ireland, and have also shown a global appeal, with appearances on 91X and Hale FM – radio stations based in San Diego and London, respectively.

As with all of their material, ‘I’m the Fool’ was recorded and mixed by Box Clone’s frontman Oggan, with guitar, bass, vocals, synth and additional percussion being laid down in his home studio in Cork. Drummer Colm’s parts were recorded at Monique Studios in Middleton, and engineered by Christian Best (Mick Flannery, SAL, Paddy Dennehy).

‘I’m the Fool’ will be available to stream on Friday 11th of August.

‘Red, Red Evening Sun’ is the fourth and final single from Swimmers Jackson’s new album – Now Is All. Whether looking out the window of a one bedroom apartment in Battersea or working in a television news studio with no natural daylight, wishing you were anywhere else, watching the sun set, became part of the day to day over the last few years. The dream of free movement disappeared for all of us for a while, this song is about keeping that dream alive. As the summer comes into its final few weeks, ‘Red, Red Evening Sun’ is a toast to that returned freedom.

“Staring out the window,

Oh it’s such a pity,

It ain’t big and it ain’t pretty,

Let’s get out the city”

Swimmers Jackson Biography:

“Deft of touch” – Steve Lamaqc (BBC6Music)

“Springlike and brilliant” – Deb Grant (BBC6Music)

“Gorgeous”- Liian Smith (RTÉ Radio One)

“A little bit in love with this” – Kate Brennan Harding (RTÉ 2fm)

Formerly a three-piece in Dublin, releasing two EPs under the name ‘Swimmers’,

(Swimmer’s Year 2013, This Burning Circus 2015) before moving to London and striking out solo.

This new found confidence led to the recording of nine new songs between 2017-2019 which eventually saw the release of his debut album Murmuration on May 8th 2020 (RTÉ Album of the Week May 2020).

With no opportunity to tour given it was the very start of a two year pandemic, Jackson took to writing as many songs as possible to document the feelings of that time before heading back into a studio in Limerick between lockdowns over Christmas 2021 and St. Patrick’s Day 2022. Armed with a handful of songs about loss of identity, an uncertain future, concerns with society’s direction, and getting older against your will, the resulting album Now Is All is both hard fought and hard won.

Stripped Away the lead single, came out on 03.02.2023 to a huge amount of radio play. 

BBC 6 Music and RTÉ Radio 1 in Ireland were early champions of the track. Steve Lamacq describing it as ‘deft of touch’ with Lilian Smith saying it is ‘gorgeous’. The follow up single and title track ‘Now Is All’ has been described by 6Music’s Deb Grant as “Springlike and brilliant” while Siobhán Kane of the Irish Times gave the album a glowing review this week, remarking it is an album “peppered with intimacy and expansiveness”. Third single ‘Borrow Sorrow’ received airplay on both RTÉ and BBC.

Recorded by Micháel Keating (Bleeding Heart Pigeons) in Castletroy, Co. Limerick between Christmas 2021 and St. Patrick’s Day 2022. Drums and percussion by Brendan McInerney (Bleeding Heart Pigeons/ The Mary Wallopers).

Now is All came out via Wonky Karousel Records on April 7th, 2023 on limited edition vinyl & CD. Available from www.swimmersjackson.bandcamp.com

Influences include Elliott Smith, Hamilton Leithhauser, Rivers Cuomo, Andy Shauf,

Stephen Malkmus, David Cloud Berman, Cat Power, Conor O’ Brien, Frank Black and Michael Stipe. Swimmers Jackson end of summer tour starts in Belfast in The Sunflower Pub on Friday 8th September before going on to The Kicking Donkey in Bundoran (9th) and Sandinos in Derry (10th). He opens for Louis Brennan in Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney on October 24th.

Connect with Swimmers Jackson

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Roisin El Cherif is an Irish Palestinian artist and music video director from Galway. ‘Daylight’ is taken from her forthcoming debut album and features old school friend from Morocco and fellow artist Yescene.

When personally selected by Ken Callait (Producer of Fleetwood Macs Rumours) to take part in ArtistMax, a songwriting workshop in LA, Roisin created material which contributed to her debut EP “Glass House” released in 2018. With a background in film production, Roisin has built a distinctive visual style to go with her ethereal sound, drawing on mythology and magic resulting in elements of overlapping genres in her music. Roisin uses song writing as a form of thought exploration.

She has performed on the stages of Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Whelan’s, The Roisin Dubh and the Ruby Sessions among others.

Roisin is confirmed to play at Electric Picnic 2023.

“Full of gripping lyrics and irresistible pop melodies. Underneath El Cherif’s warm vocal, there’s something much more tribal. There is an experimental, atmospheric quality … El Cherif fuses everything brilliantly.” – EARMILK

“‘Kerosene’, the debut single from singer/songwriter Roisin El Cherif, signalled the arrival of someone special. Rich in textures, melody and moods, the brooding effort earned her plenty of acclaim.” – Hot Press 

“With a vocal range similar to that of Sia, Robyn and Lady Gaga, Micah’s fresh and authentic take on pop has garnered her plenty of radio plays and Spotify streams” – HotPress

MICAH is riding high on the success of her recent releases; ‘Stranger’, ‘Running to you’ and ‘Heaven and Hell’ with write ups in HotPress, Golden Plec, FM104, The Verge Music News, ICK Mag and Signal Flow.

Alongside her national TV appearance on RTE’s ‘The Last Singer Standing’, the Tipperary born singer-songwriter is going from strength to strength and has had airplay on 2FM, Today FM, iRadio, Red FM, featured as Spin 1038’s Ones To Watch and Spin SouthWest’s Track of the Week and charted in the Dutch Top 40.

Working with composer Gavin Murphy, producer Killian Cruiser (Sony, Interscope) and German based Christoph ‘Hadl’ Hassel (Sony, Universal, Warner) MICAH is continuously evolving her sound and is moving into a more exposed yet edgier style with ‘Heaven and Hell’ which dropped in March followed by ‘Replace Me’ in May.
With over 160k Spotify streams Micah’s sound can be linked to performers such as Tove Lo, Loreen, Halsey and Fletcher, with artists such as John Gibbons already supporting her efforts.

‘Blame’ will be the third single to be released from her upcoming EP on August 11th, and will be marked by a headline show with her full band upstairs in Whelans on Saturday August 19th.
Support on the night will come from Roo Elizabeth and Natalie Moran.

TICKETS
€16 available online from: www.whelanslive.com/event/micah/

“This is quality!” – DJ John Gibbons

“Micah is definitely one of those artists that you need to keep your eyes and ears on” – ICK Mag

www.micah.ie

www.instagram.com/micahmcmusic

Musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh (Kíla) and Myles O’Reilly share their second album ‘The Beautiful Road‘, a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover, Friday 28^th July via Claddagh Records.

Video: ‘Níl Aon Easpa Orm’

Video ‘King of the Kingdom’

Rónán Ó Snodaigh is a songwriter, composer, musician, poet and founding member and lead vocalist in the musical group Kíla.

Myles O’Reilly is a musician, composer and former member of the band, Juno Falls; he’s also a prolific video and filmmaker. Since first lifting a camera in 2010, multitasking O’Reilly has filmed, directed, and edited over 100 music video promos and 20+ music documentaries of Irish and International musicians, some of which include Sinead O’Connor, Glen Hansard, Villagers, Lisa O’Neill, Ye Vagabonds, Lisa Hannigan, Amiina, Janelle Monae, and The Staves.

Following the success of Rónán and Myles’ debut album Tá Go Maith, which was warmly received by audiences after its release in 2021, the duo have been playing numerous shows at home and abroad, showcasing their unique sound to an ever-growing fanbase.

Having written and developed new songs while touring, the duo decamped to a log cabin in Roscommon and a farmhouse in remote West Cork to work on ‘The Beautiful Road’. Recording one song every day, surrounded by countryside and inspired by nature the pair set out to create a soothing listening experience by focusing on higher frequencies, inspired by the calming effects of bird song, wind, rain, and sea. They also sought to counter the increased levels of intrusive ambient “white noise” caused by traffic, machinery, and other unpredictable sounds arising from the worlds post pandemic return to frenzied norms. Noises that so often overwhelm our ears and inner filters.

The result is a collection of songs that experiment with a variety of comforting sonic elements, including bells, breaths, brush-stroked rhythms, halftime beats, and ambient melodies, to create a sonic massage that relaxes the ears and settles the soul.

To accompany different moods and settings, Rónán and Myles carefully selected times and frequencies for each song, considering not only the tune but also the listener’s potential physical posture. From head-nodding paces and cheek-to-cheek melodies for seated listeners, to enough swing to keep dancers on the floor and enough room to drift off for those who prefer to unwind by walking or lying down, this album offers a range of sonic experiences for everyone. A musical refuge from the stresses of everyday life.

Speaking about the album, Rónán says “This is a process of encouraging, uncovering, and bringing the best out in each other.”

Myles adds: “Perhaps this analogy explains best my feelings about collaborating with Rónán on this new album.

Every time we record a new track, it’s another meter up the hill. We’re facing forward, and with each song, we’re watching our feet, traversing a similar tapestry of swollen bog, stone walls, hedgerows, and sheep-shorn grass. A new horizon always revealing itself up ahead. After a song has been tracked, we turn around to view how more elevated and removed we are from the valley below and the lives we live down there, independent of each other.

Every beautiful pause promises a next level to ascend. So this new album (The Beautiful Road) is such a natural continuation of Tá Go Math because we’re both still making our way, at our own pace, up that same mountain. It’s evident from our surroundings, in the places we record, the venues we play, and the reactions we’ve been experiencing and enjoying from the people we meet. It’s a journey we’re very happy to make on behalf of those who are listening, who have made their appreciation known. 

Rónán carries burning embers of chants, rhythms, and stories; I’m carrying a bale of kindling and a lighter, and on up the slope, we climb, with a goal to bring as many people up the hill with us… and light a fire.”

‘The Beautiful Road’ by Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly is out now, Friday 28^th July, via Claddagh Records.

Order on CD or vinyl at: https://claddaghrecords.com/collections/the-beautiful-road 

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/7f5Ct9sLesQqmB7t48H623?si=_Stk7hH0QeilUfJ0OJ8n7A

LIVE DATES:

Sat Sept 2nd – Electric Picnic

Sat Sept 23rd – Waterville, Kerry https://www.eventbrite.com/e/663590425827

Sun Sept 24th – Connolly’s, West Cork https://connollysofleap.com/ticket/ronan-o-snodaigh-myles-oreilly-sunday-sept-24th/

Wed Sept 27th – Whelans, Dublin

Friday Oct 20th – Culdaff, Donegal

+ More to be announced

ALBUM CREDITS

All songs written, composed and arranged by Rónán Ó Snodaigh.

Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by Myles O’Reilly.

Produced by Myles O’Reilly, with Co-Production tips and tricks from Rónán.

Percussion, Guitar and Vocals: Rónán.

Moog, Piano, Mellotron, String Arrangements and Backing Vocals: Myles.

Backing Vocals on The Beautiful Road from Rhob Cunningham.

Bass Guitar and Ambient Bass by Dara Diffily.

Bass Guitar on Níl Aon Easpa Orm by Shay Fogarty.

Mastered by Sean MacErlaine.

We are grateful for the generosity of Martina’s men in Roscommon who gave us one of their Riverhaven log cabins to begin recording this album. Many thanks to our dear friend Rhob Cunningham who let us camp and continue to make noise in his living room in Malahide. Special thanks to Debbie and Victor from Camus Farm in Clonakilty who gave us their luxurious loft space for a week as we pursued the final leg of this recording, and thank you kindly Aideen Macken, Seamus and Noah for patiently accommodating the last few recording and mixing sessions in Arbutus Place, Dublin.

TURPS is back with the release of latest single ‘Smile,’ taken from the forthcoming album ‘Age Of Uncertainty.’

‘Smile’ features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including Jamie Parks on drums, Manuel Trabucco on saxophone, along with locals Hannah Wujiw on backing vocals and Thomas Niland on electric guitar.

John Turps is returning with a new double album, ‘Age Of Uncertainty,’ remotely recorded and self produced in his studio. A 2009 Galway County Person of the  Year Award Nominee, TURPS as a survivor of sexual abuse, heart attack and cancer, has helped raise funds and awareness for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre.

Dublin-based artist Galvo is releasing his sensational debut album The HeARTist on September 26th, 2023. The 14-track indie-folk project is heralded by the release of its lead single Getting Better and its music video, July 13th, 2023.

Getting Better perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the album both tonally and spiritually. Galvo’s soft and emotive vocals harmonise beautifully over a warm bed of acoustic guitar that swells with rousing and dynamic percussion. The single carries an optimistic message of self-improvement inspiring its listeners, all over a moving sonic sound bed.

The accompanying music video shows Galvo as a man cursed with tiny hands that struggles with even the simplest tasks until he makes a deal with a shaman who grants him monstrously huge hands. The video doesn’t shy away from its funnier moments but also tells a powerful message of the dangers of pursuing the extremes in life and learning to find comfort in who you are.

The HeARTist has a richness and depth to its storytelling that comes as no mistake. The project is very much a result of the miraculous and at times unbelievable life the artist behind it has led. Fans may also recognise Galvo from his other music project, the band A Dark Horse (Hugh Rodgers and Niall Woods) who also lent their musical talent to the record. Between his working-class Irish upbringing that saw his family flee violence, through running a Pakistani Hip Hop label in London, and even serving as a Knight on the Vale on HBO’s Game of Thrones, Galvo has his own voice and has earned it the hard way.

Getting Better will be released across all platforms July 13th, 2023.

The HeARTist will be released across all platforms 26th of September, 2023. https://galvo.bandcamp.com/album/the-heartist-2 pre order.

“Young, Brave and Free” is the powerful new single by Irish singer-songwriter Rebecca Winckworth; a heartfelt anthem and a song of hope beyond borders.

It resonates the struggles, resilience, and hopes of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, climate change, and other disasters.

Rebecca’s poignant lyrics remind us that behind these unprecedented statistics lie real people who have dreams and aspirations, just like all of us. However, they have no choice but to undertake perilous and terrifying journeys along which thousands die each year, in search of a better future.

The stark reality is that while some young people are afforded opportunities, others are left without, solely due to the circumstances they are born into. The privilege of living in freedom and safety becomes a mere twist of fate, often determined by the geographic lottery of birth.

Combining heartfelt storytelling with a powerful musical arrangement, “Young, Brave and Free” challenges stereotypes and reminds us that each of us has the power to make a difference.

It summons us to treat one another with respect and empathy rather than fear and apathy. After all, our shared humanity transcends all borders.

Rebecca’s musical style embodies a captivating fusion of her Irish heritage, a passion for ballads and storytelling, with a worldly perspective that resonates with international sounds and rhythms. Her poetic lyrics delve into universal subjects and pressing social themes, illuminating the narratives of diverse people, cultures, and global perspectives.

“Young, Brave and Free” is available on all major streaming platforms now.

Musicians Áine O’Gorman and Victoria Keating have joined forces to release a powerful new song, ‘Sweetbird,’ as part of their ongoing effort to support Victoria’s battle with stage 4 cervical cancer. The duo have launched a Kickstarter campaign to complete their debut album while raising funds to assist Victoria in her courageous fight against cancer.

Hailing from West Cork, both Áine O’Gorman and Victoria Keating are renowned singer-songwriters with a remarkable musical journey. Áine’s debut single, ‘Lydia,’ earned high praise from Eve Blair of BBC Radio Ulster, who described it as “Absolutely stunning!” Three-time Grammy Award-winning producer Ryan Freeland commended the track, stating, “This is beautiful.” Additionally, Áine’s solo release, ‘These Empty Rooms,’ was included in this year’s Grammy submissions.

Victoria Keating has also made significant waves in the music industry, working extensively with Christy Moore since 2011. Her harmonious vocals graced five albums with Moore, and she captivated audiences while touring alongside Declan Sinnott, performing at sold-out venues like The Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury and Vicar Street, Dublin. Notably, Victoria has cultivated a dedicated fanbase through her weekly online show, ‘Little Rooms, Big Music,’ live-streamed from her living room since June 2020. With four singles released since 2020, all playlisted on RTE Radio One, Victoria’s talent has been widely recognised, as John Creedon hailed her as “quite brilliant.”

Áine and Victoria’s collaborative efforts have already yielded success with two co-written songs, ‘The Poor Ground’ and ‘Brigid,’ both of which made the RTE Radio 1 recommends list. Now, with their latest release, ‘Sweetbird,’ they aim to spread a message of inclusion and unity in a world facing increasing division.

The duo has launched a Kickstarter campaign to complete their debut album following Victoria’s cervical cancer diagnosis in May. With the recording costs now covered, all funds raised through the campaign will directly support Victoria during her treatment journey.

“We believe that music has the power to heal and unite,” said Áine and Victoria in a joint statement. “With ‘Sweetbird,’ we want to inspire people to come together, support each other, and bring hope to those facing tough challenges like Victoria. We’re immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received so far, and we’re determined to make a positive impact with our music.”

The Kickstarter campaign is a chance for music enthusiasts and supporters to contribute to a noble cause while receiving exclusive rewards, including early access to the duo’s debut album, personalised messages, and more.

To learn more about the Kickstarter campaign and to support Áine O’Gorman and Victoria Keating in their journey, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/953740193/victoria-keating-and-aine-o-gorman