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Author: Breffni Banks

The Listening Room launches in Navan this July

A long awaited Irish music showcase finally debuts in Navan, Co. Meath, bringing together two creatives driving it forward;

For years now Gigs Ireland, aka Tracey Hanby, has been championing Irish musicians through radio work & events but never really had a real genuine opportunity to showcase their talents on a stage specifically for new developing artists, providing them with both the right sound equipment & listening audience to experience an authentic venue performance.

That is until local musician Daragh Daly approached her & suggested they knock their heads together creating something new for all involved.

Daragh has been working really hard on his own solo material whilst maintaining a fulltime job. Sometimes a challenging mix. Recently though Daragh won iRadio’s New Local Hero Competition highlighting his musical talent needs to be heard. This was the catalyst for creating a showcase night for artists by artists.

“We wanted something fresh, with unique branding that reflects our collaborative vibe. An authentic presentation of the Irish music scene. We both collectively know exactly what it takes to bring a listening audience to a venue. We would love this idea to travel nationally one day” explains Tracey.

Drawing on both their skill sets they will provide a professionally curated Showcase with 3 acts followed by a DJ set until close. Doors open at 7pm with show time from 7:30pm. All ages are welcome but must be accompained by an adult. Their 1st show on Sunday 30th of July at The Central Bar Navan & will be free to attend.

Act 1: Amy O’Regan is a 20 year old singer, songwriter from Co Meath, who has been immersed in performance from 5 years old from performing in various stage musicals to acoustic sets. Amy enjoys having a simplistic element to her music decorated with thought-provoking lyrics accompanied with a distinctive vocal tone. Amy primarily enjoys performing country, blues and jazz taking inspiration from Imelda May & Dolores O’Riordan. She is currently studying vocals at BIMM while teaching performing arts.

Act 2: Daragh Daly is a 21 year old indie pop singer/songwriter from Co. Meath. A multi instrumentalist who prides himself on constantly delving into diverse musical genres. His first encounter with music was picking up his grandads guitar & began the self teaching process at a young age. From there he learned various different instruments for studio & live sound techniques. He is influenced by idols such as Noah Kahan, Kingfishr ,Lewis Capaldi, Lauv, Joy Division, and Clinton Kane

Act 3: Blair Witch House are a shoegaze/dream-pop band from Meath & Dublin. Inspired by sounds of nature & nostalgia, the mixture of guitars, synths and samples paint a landscape of colour and melancholy. Combining harsh with melodic, and abrasive with calm, their debut EP Flutter was written and recorded over the course of summer 2022.

For more information follow The Listening Room’s socials:

Facebook: @listeningroomofficial

Instagram: @thelisteningroom.ireland

Reylta announces debut album ‘Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost’ with new single ‘Sightseeing’

Galway folk musician Reylta announces her debut album Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost with her poignant new single ‘Sightseeing’ , out Monday, 17 July, 2023 . Reylta will release her album on Wednesday, 11 October, 2023 , a record she describes as a “macabre lullaby”.

‘Sightseeing’ is mellifluous, lulling you into a false sense of security until Reylta unveils the track’s mournful core. Over acoustic guitar, Reylta sings in her honeyed voice about an oppressive relationship: “Every moment I am moving I am picking up your habits / Oh I wish I could stand it.”

“The song is about losing yourself in a relationship when you are with a more dominant person. Their friends become your friends, their hobbies are yours, and by the end of it you’ve lost most of who you were and stopped growing into who you’re meant to be,” Reylta explains. “In my imagined story the protagonist is falling from atop of a construction crane. They have become disconnected from their emotions, preferring to mirror their partner’s than feel their own.”

This latest song is the fourth single off Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost , following previous releases ‘October’ , ‘Lucifer’s Love / Leannán an Diabhail’ , and ‘Closer’ . The record lets listeners into Reylta’s world and the art that she’s been crafting for the past decade and recorded with her band in Donegal during May 2022.

“I wanted to invite strangers to take a seat in the back of my mind, understand how I see the world, and feel the stories I’d like to tell,” Reylta says.

The album title comes from the video games Reylta used to play as a kid on the Nintendo. However, there’s another layer to Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost : a desire to leave her mark on the world.

“I’m doing all of this for my younger self. I know how hard I have worked and all I have made, but if I don’t preserve some of this in recordings I will leave here and no one will know the hundreds of songs I have written. I do not wish to live forever but I hope my art does,” Reylta shares.

The previous album singles have been championed by Irish radio, including RTÉ Radio 1 , RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta , RTÉ 2XM , Galway Bay FM , and KCLR FM . LOUD WOMEN praised Reylta’s “smooth guitar tones and enchanting vocals” on ‘Lucifer’s Love / Leannán an Diabhail’, while Americana UK noted that she gives “a modern makeover” to the Irish tradition of storytelling. She has also been interviewed by the likes of the Irish Independent and Irish Examiner .

Reylta was previously highlighted in the Three’s City Stages initiative and tipped as one of Radio Nova’s New Local Hero finalists. Her music is steeped in Irish traditions and heritage, combining poetic lyrics, luscious string arrangements, and rich choral harmonies to create a sound both familiar and wholly her own.

‘Sightseeing’ is available on all major streaming platforms now.

Hozier shares new release ‘De Selby (Part 2)’

Self-described as a funky disco love song, Hozier has shared “De Selby (Part 2)” – the final sneak peek of his forthcoming album Unreal Unearth ahead of release on August 18th.

Sharing its name with a character from Irish literary classic The Third Policeman, “De Selby (Parts 1 & 2)” open the album. This immersive two-song suite dips into a Gaelic passage only to melt into a bass-driven groove on the second half.

In speaking about today’s release, Hozier says: “This song reflects on darkness and night falling. It aligned with the thinking of the character of De Selby. When you can’t see where your hands and the darkness end, they literally become one and the same. Part 2 is something of a descent. We are lost together in this moment with no beginning and no end. The track explores this theme over a disco track, hope you enjoy!”

Unreal Unearth, due August 18, marks Hozier’s third studio album. The 16-track LP is available for pre-order and features “De Selby (Part 2),” “Unknown / Nth,” “Francesca,” “All Things End,” and “Eat Your Young” as well as 11 new songs.

Unreal Unearth will be offered both digitally and in various physical configurations including standard black LP, raw ochre D2C exclusive LP, burnt clay Amazon exclusive LP, light umber indie retail exclusive LP, CD, and cassette.

Following a surprise set at Glastonbury last month, Hozier is currently wrapping his European and UK tour which included sold-out shows in Dublin, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Zurich. Following his upcoming sold out North American tour he will bring his massive international ‘Unreal Unearth Tour’ back to the UK and Europe in December, which will see him conquer arenas, including three nights in Dublin’s 3Arena on December 19th, 20th and 22nd and a sold show in London’s OVO Arena Wembley.

‘De Selby (Part 2)’ is available on all major streaming platforms now.

James Keegan releases new single ‘Attach Me to the Fire’

James Keegan is a singer-songwriter from Cork in the South of Ireland. Rooted in acoustic
pop/folk, James brings a warm, easy listening atmosphere. From gaining praise from Damien
Dempsey for his “powerful voice” to being stated by Music Crowns as “a man with a guitar against
the world”, the young singer-songwriter plans for a good year ahead.

James released his previous single “Take Me Home” in early April, to which it charted at No.1 in
the iTunes Charts in Ireland. The song also gained solid radio play and was received well all round.
James has played various gigs since then, playing in iconic Irish venues such as Dolans, Cyprus
Avenue and Seachurch to name a few, supporting artists such as Lisa McHugh and Mark Caplice,
he recently supported Irish Folk group Seo Linn in Dolans, along with supporting Irish music
legends Cry Before Dawn. James’ 3rd and most recent single “Attach Me to the Fire” was released
on the 23rd of June and also charted No.1 in the Irish iTunes Charts for all genres, making it his
second No.1 in a row.

The singer-songwriter says: “It’s mad that it’s after reaching the top of the iTunes Charts and I honestly can’t thank everyone that bought it and supports my music enough. The support I get from everyone in Cork and far and wide is amazing. They are great because not only are they supporting me, but because they are supporting a local artist which inclines more people to support the Cork and Irish music scene. Cork has a great music scene.”

Produced by Christian Best, the song itself is about having writer’s block and not opening up
your feelings to put into a song. It’s a statement to the songwriter to always have high hopes and to always hold one’s worth.

‘Attach Me to the Fire’ is available on all major streaming platforms now.

 

INHALER surprise fans with release of ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’ video

Inhaler have surprised fans with the release of their newest video, shot on the road over the last couple months for latest single, ”Just To Keep You Satisfied”.

“We have made a new video to accompany ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’ encapsulating all that we’ve recorded in the last year or so. Thanks for all of the love you’ve shown to ‘Cuts & Bruises’ and for bringing it on the road with you and into your homes.”

Just To Keep You Satisfied”, is the fourth single to be unveiled from ‘Cuts & Bruises’, following the uplifting ‘Love Will Get You There’, last summer’s euphoric anthem ‘These Are The Days’ and piano-powered favourite ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’.

“Cuts & Bruises’ became Inhaler’s second number 1 album in Ireland, whilst it also charted at number 2 in the UK and top 10 across a number of countries in mainland Europe.

Common Threads Music, Art, & Cultural Discovery In the breathtaking Burren, Co. Clare 

Music, Art, & Cultural Discovery

In the breathtaking Burren, Co. Clare 

Saturday October 14th, 2023

Bus Voyage tickets – SOLD OUT

Individual event shows:

Common Threads By Day – The Burren College Of Art

Nealo & Friends, Niamh Regan, Junior Brother

Common Threads By Night – O Donohues Pub, Fanore

Daithi, Elaine Mai, AE Mak

Tickets are €30 + booking fee per event, available on Eventbrite or through the website commonthreads.events

Bundle ticket also available: €55 + booking fee

On Saturday 14th October 2023, the breathtaking surrounds of The Burren North will provide the epic backdrop for Common Threads – a one-day voyage of musical and cultural discovery, featuring performances from Paul Noonan (Bell X1), Nealo, Æ MAK, Daithí, Junior Brother, Elaine Mai, Sinead White, Niamh Regan, Seba Safe, DJ Sally Cinnamon, and plenty more to be announced.

The 1 day bus voyage tickets sold out within an hour of going on sale, due to the phenomenal demand, individual event tickets will be available.

‘Common Threads by Day’ tickets and ‘Common Threads by Night’ tickets will go on sale to the Festival’s mailing list at 8am Thursday 6th July, and to the general public at 9.30am Thursday 6th July.

Sign up to the mailing list to gain access to priority booking – https://www.commonthreads.events/

Common Threads By Day – The Burren College Of Art

Nealo & Friends, Niamh Regan, Junior Brother

Common Threads By Night – O Donohues Pub, Fanore

Daithi, Elaine Mai, AE Mak

Tickets are €30 + booking fee per event, available on Eventbrite or through the website commonthreads.events

Bundle ticket also available: €55 + booking fee

Common Threads is a brand-new event created, curated, and programmed, by Peter Kelly and Daithí O Dronaí.

Given their collective backgrounds both having 10+ years in the music & arts space in Ireland, Common Threads aims to break the mould on what a traditional music festival/event looks like, and explore the links between a vibrant local community, key cultural spaces and an important natural landscape, while embellishing all of these common threads with art, live music and discovery.

The Burren is a unique and stunningly beautiful area of North Clare, known for its rugged landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage. The area is home to a thriving community of artists, musicians, and craftspeople, and has a long and fascinating history of cultural and artistic expression.

This innovative and exciting new event celebrates the beauty and cultural richness of the Burren. By showcasing local talent and creativity, and incorporating the natural beauty of the area, attendees are guaranteed a unique and unforgettable experience.

Follow on Social Media:

Instagram – commonthreads_ie

Twitter – common_threads_

FB – commonthreadsie

 

Rising Indie Stars HAWKE THE BAND Selected to Support Imelda May at Iveagh Gardens Dublin

Hotly-tipped Irish indie boys HAWKE THE BAND have just been selected to open up the 5000 capacity Iveagh Gardens show for the legendary Imelda May on Sat July 22nd 2022.

The lads are set to support Imelda May at her Iveagh Gardens 5000 capacity sold out show, and after being hailed as ‘The next big thing’ by legendary Irish band Aslan, HAWKE THE BAND have been making waves with their upbeat indie rock offering.

This Irish indie bands unique set up of two front men, Richie Power & Eoghan Mac Mahon,  began in Richie’s flat in the inner-city Dublin area known as the Liberties. Both singers then moved to London where they met the rest of the band, including drummer, and fellow-Irishman, Darragh McCarthy, who was studying a masters in performance in the prestigious ICMP University in London.

Their latest single Miracles is now in the 12 songs selected out of 15,000 entries for the final of the ISC international songwriting competition judged by Tom Waits & Coldplay amongst others, and their debut EP is courting interest from some of the world’s top producers – safe to say this band are set to take the world by storm with their scheduled releases this year.

Connect with HAWKE THE BAND

Spotify | Instagram | Website | Twitter | Facebook

New single by Irish/Dutch Group Moon Sisters ‘Land of Escape’

‘Land of Escape’ is the first single released by Moon Sisters. The song is about inter-connection on a deep level! People need people; to talk to, to laugh with, to cry with, to miss, to love, to depend on and to support, without bias or judgement. Moon Sisters express this as ‘a connection of hearts and minds’. The song is also about hope, which thrives on human connection – hope for wishes to come true, and for a dreamy escapeland: a better world! The song is inspired by the mutual bond that the three singers formed in a short time after meeting via the online social singing app ‘Smule’. The song can be streamed on Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and all the major platforms.

Connect with Moon Sisters

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Oscar Jennings ‘Wouldn’t Be Seen Dead’ Releases Ahead of Debut EP (of the same name) Out 2nd August

Introducing Oscar Jennings: A Rising Star in the Indie Folk Scene

Oscar Jennings from Derry is a gifted singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, who is about to captivate audiences with his debut EP, set to be released in August. Jennings has been honing his craft since the young age of 14, showcasing his talent through heartfelt performances at various venues and festivals across Ireland and the UK.

Hailing from a family rich in music (The Henry Girls), his unique blend of indie-folk aesthetics, sincere songwriting, and masterful musicianship, Jennings is now ready to make his own mark on the Irish music landscape, and beyond.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Elliot Smith, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Drake, Oscar Jennings has crafted a signature indie-folk sound. His acoustic style, coupled with honest lyrics and pop sensibilities, evokes a sense of nostalgia and introspection, making his music deeply relatable.

Under the guidance of producer Tommy McGlaughlin (Villagers, Pillow Queens) at Attica Studios, Oscar Jennings has recorded and produced the single. His upcoming EP was also partly produced by Declan Legge (Jealous Of The Birds, Lauren Ann) and Rory Donaghy. This long awaited project represents the culmination of years of songwriting and creativity, showcasing Jennings’ undeniable talent and artistic growth.

On the song, Oscar says:

“Wouldn’t be Seen Dead is a song written about endings and loss. The lyrics were intended to be abstract and atmospheric, allowing the listener to come up with their own unique interpretation of the song’s lyrics and narrative. I drew influence from the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Leonard Cohen when writing and producing this track, and it is the only recorded song of mine to feature recorded brass.”

Setting the stage for the EP release, Oscar Jennings is gearing up to launch the penultimate single, titled “Wouldn’t Be Seen Dead,” on July 14th. This beautiful indie folk song explores the themes of lost love and longing with profound emotional depth. Jennings’ heartfelt vocals and delicate guitar melodies create an intimate and introspective atmosphere, drawing listeners into his world. The song’s poignant lyrics and evocative storytelling make it a captivating piece of music that lingers in the mind.

Connect with Oscar Jennings

InstagramFacebookYouTube

Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly share new song & video ‘King of the Kingdom’

RÓNÁN Ó SNODAIGH + MYLES O REILLY

Share new single and video:

‘KING OF THE KINGDOM’ (RÍ A’RÍOCHT)

From their upcoming album

‘THE BEAUTIFUL ROAD’

Out July 28th 2023, via Claddagh Records

‘King of the Kingdom’ official video

Musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh (Kíla) and Myles O’Reilly have joined forces again to release their second album ‘The Beautiful Road‘, a soulful blend of folk, traditional, and ambient crossover, coming July 28th.

Following on from the first song released last month ‘Níl Aon Easpa Orm’, the duo share an instrumental track, and accompanying video: ‘King of the Kingdom (Rí A’Ríocht)’, in which Rónán emulates the sound of the ocean, to which the song serves as an ode: https://youtu.be/yupGGG536ts

Spotify

Rónán speaks of the recording process, saying, “I’ve been collecting rings, earrings, and keyrings that I’ve found in cities around the world, sewing them into leg shakers and belts for a number of years. While recording this album with Myles during four stormy days in West Cork, we could hear the roar of the Atlantic Ocean every time we stepped outside. This inspired me to wear them all at once, and dance to the track. I used my full body to play the rhythm of a heartbeat, the first beat we hear in the womb, mixed with glorious high-frequency patterns that the wind, the sea and waves can create.”

Myles recalls, “It was mesmerizing to watch and listen to Rónán in the studio, wearing a full suit of bells and dancing to the song. I immediately thought we also need to film this! On returning to Dublin, we moved in to D-Light Studios for the day. A blank and neutral space where Rónán could dance, be super playful, pay homage to and emulate the ocean with his remarkable suit of bells. Just as he had done for the recording. He wore blue clothing to represent the colour of the sea and painted his face white to mirror the white tips of breaking waves. The video was filmed by my close friend and cinematographer Steve O’Connor”.

ABOUT THE ALBUM ‘The Beautiful Road’:

Following the success of Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly’s debut album Tá Go Maith, which was warmly received by audiences after its release in May 2020, Rónán and Myles 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.

‘The Beautiful Road’ by Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly will be released July 28th via Claddagh Records. Pre-order at: https://claddaghrecords.com/collections/the-beautiful-road 

TRACKLISTING:

  1. King of The Kingdom (Rí A’ Ríocht) (3:36)
  2. Níl Aon Easpa Orm (6:12) (VIDEO: https://youtu.be/bSV3iA0yGR8 )
  3. The Beautiful Road (6:02)
  4. Sí Liom (Uaireanta) (6:17)
  5. Calling All Angels (5:10)
  6. An Ghlas Ar An Domhain (4:14)
  7. Sin Sin (4:19)
  8. Análl Mór Doimhin (2:35)
  9. Bacon, Eggs, Blood and Bread (3.45)

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 – Whelan’s, Dublin

Friday Oct 20th – Culdaff, Donegal

+ More to be announced

 

RÓNÁN Ó SNODAIGH

https://www.ronanosnodaigh.ie/

Bandcamp – Spotify – Facebook Twitter / @ronanosnodaigh – Instagram

BIO: https://www.ronanosnodaigh.ie/info

MYLES O’REILLY

www.arbutusyarns.net

Youtube Facebook Instagram Spotify Bandcamp Patreon Twitter

BIO: https://arbutusyarns.net/about/

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