Author: Breffni Banks

H O M E T I M E’s new single BURN THE PHOTOGRAPH is a slinky slab of skittering electronica with a positive message at its core: make peace with your past; learn from it; step away from the toxicity. Whether it’s a failed relationship, a burning building, or a spat with online idiots – save yourself. Run hell for leather. The past is a place, not an anchor.

So far, radio stations in America, Canada, Israel, UK, Switzerland, South Africa, and Australia have spun the track – some stations repeatedly. Ireland is starting to catch up and some welcome airplay has been confirmed. Repeat airplay in both.

HOMETIME has been steadily building a buzz and an audience. The feelgood last single, WHAT YOU WANTED spent two weeks at the top of Canada’s gay chart, The Q32, and a total of five months on its Top 20.

The single before that, IT BEATS LIVING ALONE, recently re-entered the listeners’ Top 50 on francophone radio station LRdR, broadcasting to Switzerland, France and Belgium, reaching a new peak of No.10. First single, GRATITUDE – a cool slice of house-scented pop – opened some radio station doors for HOMETIME internationally, but it was second release, THE SOUND OF HEARTBREAK, that finally cracked the tough nut of Irish radio, gaining airplay on 2FM and RTE Radio 1. It also made best-of-year lists by Irish and American radio stations.

HOMETIME is the pop project of Dublin singer/songwriter, Tony Kavanagh. A proudly queer artist, HOMETIME has featured in LGBTQ media at home and abroad. He’s been invited to be part of a multi-artist album project in the States, kicking off late this year – with a related TV special mooted for early/mid 2024. Writing for himself and with/for others, HOMETIME’s work on début album, Syllables, is nearing completion.

Connect with HOMETIME 

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

Forever referring to themselves as “a phoenix from the ashes” Orwells ’84 in its original incarnation was the brainchild of singer and songwriter Damien McKenna.

Based on the free spirit and loosened shackles of the Plastic Ono band, McKenna set out to seek musicians for the cause. Quickly recruiting guitarist and long-time friend Sean Byrne the pair were followed into the line-up by celloist Ella Englishby.

Based on these elements the band cultivated a manifesto and a sound to match. The line-up was completed by the incomings of musicians and producers Peter Mc Coy and Pauric McCrum and with the final addition of renowned trad fiddle player Roisin Ward Morrow.

The band recorded their debut EP Truth is the First Victim with Pauric and Peter later that year in 2019. This was the band’s second venture with the duo; having worked together previously on their debut single Cailín which picked up support from the likes of RTE 2FM, Nialler9, Today FM and many more.

Since releasing Cailín, Orwells ’84’s folk-indie style remained present yet matured, with a more refined world-view. The band quickly felt they were in a position in which they believed to be consistently developing on an upward trajectory.

The EP had been thought and considered a marker, a call to arms if you will. To the people in the venues, the ones on the streets and those who can help them achieve what they believe they can.

Since their birth they have crafted and artistically explored theirs and society’s thoughts and emotions and poured these experiences into the music. They do not write songs, they feel songs are falsified. They write truthfully about life’s experiences.

The band ventured even further in the experimentation that would culminate with the writing and recording of their debut album.

Like most bands, the pandemic affected Orwells ’84 in terms of momentum and growing interest. However, it did not deter the creativity that surrounded the sought after style, both musically and lyrically, that the band prepared to announce to the world.

Like many others from Dundalk and on the Irish music scene, Orwells ’84 are even more eager to deliver their unique musical voice to the world with something new and exciting to say. They’ve performed with people like David Keenan, Nix Moon, Myles McCormack from Belfast group Lonesome George and Finnian, among others. And while the band are often labelled with some form of the words ‘indie’ and ‘folk’, their style meets at the junction of many different genres.

There’s something about Orwells ’84 that is indescribably different — and with their newest project, they’ve discovered what most musicians spend lifetimes working for — the place where feel-good music meets vital social commentary.

In February 2023, the band released the first single ‘It’s What They Want’ which premiered on RTE 2FM with Dan Hegraty as well as landing coverage on HotPress, Our Sound Music, Edgar Allan Poets, The Goo, InMusic, Indie Disco, Corks Red FM, iRadio, WLR FM, KCLR 96FM and many more.

Their second single ‘Tomorrow (Maybe I’ll Feel Alright)’ received support from HotPress, Edgar Allan Poets, RTE 2XM, Indie Disco, Near FM and many marking the start of what is set to be an exciting year for the band with the run up to their debut album.

On April 7^th the band released their debut album ‘The Crucible’ to critical acclaim garnering high praise from Hotpress and The Irish Times while also receiving notable airtime from RTE Radio 1, RTE 2FM and BBC Radio 1. The band are now set to continue this year with a string of releases from this album.

THE BORDER AND THE MISTRESS

Border and the Mistress is the new single and accompanying video from the album ’The Crucible’ With elements of the trad stylings of Paul Brady and Andy Irvine, Border and the Mistress is a true love song about the town so special to the song writer Mc Kenna.

The video was shot and directed by talented Tim Sherwood who has recently worked with artists such as Le Boom and Rachel Mae Hannon. The video is a delicate, artistic mirror image of the emotive and suggestive single itself. It features the wonderful actors Seán Óg Cairns and Kerri Watt and showcases the band’s art and eye for the visual as well as the song.

Born and raised in the border region, McKenna deftly describes his love for the places, people and imagery of his hometown of Dundalk. Pointing to the conversations and stories, McKenna has shown his love for the history and the people of the town.

The band have created an amazing trad infused soundscape with an almighty uplifting end. All of which sets the scene for the story that is to come.

The band believes that this song is true love.

Love for their town, their love for the song and the love the songwriter has for the heroine of the piece.

Border and the Mistress is, the band believe, their seminal work to date. It is a piece of work they are very proud of.

THE CRUCIBLE

Def : a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new.

The brand new album from Orwells ’84 is the culmination of the band’s four year musical journey. Cultivated to embody a vast musical soundscape and lyrical prophetic themes, the album has taken on the very form that the band have looked to achieve – a place where feel-good music meets vital social commentary.

The album has had a long stop start life which began during the first COVID 19 lockdown. The bands primary song writer (Damien) Mc Kenna wrote and amassed 24 songs and short demos in the bands practice space, effectively known as The Crucible. The process gave the band a heavy task as they set about building on the demos created during the harsh restrictions. The lockdowns took its toll, typified most by the original title for the song “The Social Contract” which was for a long time “Lockdown Demo”.

Once safe to peer over the parapet the band quickly set about beginning the recording. Previous producers Pillowhead were drafted back in and the settings of Blackmountain Recordings in Louth and Sunset Studios in Dublin City were chosen.

However, once the recording began it was clear that Orwells ’84 had begun to create more than a collection of songs. They created an album as a piece of art. Opened by the track “Isteach” (the irish word for in) and closed by the epilog “Amach” (the irish word for out) the album is filled with colour, movement and emotion.

Lyrically the songs deal with a mass of human experience and the social conditions. There are songs for all seasons, from the roaring “Wake Up” to the beautifully crafted “Close by the River” Orwells ’84 have left no musical stone unturned. The aim is to engage the listener and invite them to interpret, in their own way, the music that has been set out in front of them as the audience.

“The Crucible” is an album built to be listened to from start to finish, front to back. But within the walls of the album there are great songs. Singles “It’s What They Want” and “Tomorrow (Maybe I’ll Be Alright” will be followed up with ‘The Border and The Mistress’. Selecting these were tough and the band are happy with the strength of it.

Laced with elements of The Beatles, Elbow, Bowie to name a few, the band have drawn on all the elements of all the music they love and have created an album that they can stand behind with their chests puffed out. This is an album they love and have taken pride in!

Connect with Orwells ’84

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

‘Come a Long Way’ is the title track and lead single taken from the 11th studio album from Irish roots rocker Ben Reel. The song takes a look back to his past, reflecting on childhood memories growing up during the troubles in South Armagh, N. Ireland.

The album features 11 brand new self penned songs all recorded & produced by Ben himself in his home studio in South Armagh.

The album has hints of Rock, Blues, Alt Country & Gospel.

The songs are of soulful nature and are delivered from the deep well of the soul.

Like standing at the crossroads they are songs of reflection, hope and searching for redemption.

This album tells the story of Reel’s journey thus far.

A taking of stock and a dusting down before setting off on the road ahead.

Most of these songs were written during the pandemic so there was plenty of time to take stock and reflect on the soul.

check out website below for all tour dates, info & links:

https://benreel.com/tour-dates

https://benreel.com

The latest release ‘Lost’ from Taylor D sees an infectious return to pop. Taylor started off March with her booming pop song ‘Fan Girl’ which got airplay all over the world and was on heavy rotation on Irish Radio, including 98fm, and Spin 103.8   The track amassed over 160K streams on Spotify alone in a short time.

After the release of ‘Liar’ which was a shift in genre for Taylor,  she is now back with a summer pop hit which has a hint of the tropics.

The song,  which is her 3rd release from her upcoming EP ‘Fan Girl ‘  which is due for release on September 8th , goes back to the theme of unrequited and unreciprocated Love with lots of imfectious loops and tropical pop beats.

It can be streamed on all platforms on July 21st.

Late Night Pharmacy, the dynamic alternative rock band, is set to release their latest single release, “Practice Wife” on July 21st. After the success of ‘Can’t Sleep Without Paracetamol’ gaining national radio support (RTE 2FM), this highly anticipated track promises to captivate audiences with its fierce post-hardcore sound and thought-provoking lyrical narrative.

“Practice Wife” emerges as an angry post-hardcore anthem, propelled by pummeling drums, distorted bass grooves, and a swirling guitar riff infused with effects and feedback. The song takes an unexpected turn around the two-minute mark, transitioning into a Midwest emo-style clean guitar passage reminiscent of American Football and Slint. The track then builds back into a fervent post-hardcore climax, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in a rousing singalong experience.

“The lyrics are written from the perspective of a woman whose husband is leaving her for a much younger woman. They were inspired by an article written by Justine Musk (Elon Musk’s ex-wife), in which she described how she was treated in the marriage and claimed that Elon treated her as a “starter wife”.”

Late Night Pharmacy continues to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the alternative rock scene. On July 28th,  Late Night Pharmacy will be performing in Workman’s (support Orchid Feeder & Eskimo). Additionally, the band has a double headliner show at Wigwam on August 26th, sharing the stage with Orwell’s 84, and featuring Anie Valentine as the supporting act.

BIO

Just before the pandemic, Late Night Pharmacy was one of four Irish bands selected to participate in the TiLT Development Deal, in collaboration with Totally Irish 98FM. As a result, The band played a show in the Button Factory and recorded two songs in Temple Bar’s renowned Sun Studios. 

More recently, the band worked with producer Aidan Cunningham (The Blizzards, Overhead the Albatross) to produce and mix three songs. The band released these five songs as singles over the course of 2021, receiving coverage and airplay on 98 FM, Hot Press and Golden Plec, among others. The band successfully returned to the live arena by playing sold-out shows in the Button Factory and Whelan’s in September and October 2021. In August 2022, the band released their latest single “Is It Because”, which they commemorated with a sold-out headline show in Whelan’s.

Connect with Late Night Pharmacy

Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify

Spirited, sassy and soulful, 22-year-old, Irish Artist, Kt is no stranger to the entertainment space.

Born in Australia and raised in Ireland, she trained in dance, drama, classical voice, piano and composition.

Growing up listening to, and being influenced by vocal heavyweights such as Amy Winehouse, Imelda May and Etta James, and then recently graduating with a degree in Popular Music from Leeds Conservatoire, Kt is a singer songwriter who sounds completely in control of her sound and creative vision.

Following her self-love anthem, I’m Damn Fine, Kt is ramping up boss-energy in her new attitude-filled, break-up banger, Fickle Friend, aimed at a friend who has broken her trust. This new sassy relatable cut features Kt’s trademark soulful vocals which are accompanied by fresh Pop Soul beats.

Kt finds herself learning that when a relationship cannot be repaired and feelings of loss, betrayal and anger linger; the only option may be to break-up.

 Kt on the track:

‘I wrote ‘Fickle Friend’ about someone who broke my trust, and it hurt, and when you get screwed by a friend sometimes the only thing to do is to tell them how you really feel and then break-up. Singing it out helped me vent my feelings, and I can’t wait to hear about how people relate situations in their own lives to the one I went through’.

Confident songcraft sparkles with energy, and the chorus is an incredible earworm too.

Wanting the track to sound live, she teamed up with Irish producer, Dave Skelton, who completely understood her vision. Channelling empowerment and ‘unapologetic self-confidence through candid lyrics’ (Notion), Kt’s ‘unique style and powerful vocals make for an incredibly uplifting and relatable experience.’ (Earmilk)

Smitten? Debut EP, Pixels, coming 2024.

Connect with Kt 

Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

In the midst of a busy summer of festival appearances Caoivín returns with ‘Where The Wild Things Do Grow’, a song which details the ever evolving relationship between nature and people in Ireland. The track features a mix of contemporary and traditional elements including a hop jig rhythm and will appear on the artist’s upcoming album due to be released early next year. The single will be released on all streaming platforms on Friday 21/7/23.

Stream “Where The Wild Things Do Grow” here: https://on.soundcloud.com/53NeS

Future pagan poster boy Caoivín (pronounced “kwee-veen”) is a producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist fusing the worlds of trad and modern dance music. Born into a musical family, he began playing traditional Irish music at the tender age of 5 and spent the majority of his early childhood summers travelling to and from various different fleadhs and music weeks. In his late teens and early twenties, he began to develop an interest in a wide variety of other genres outside of the traditional Irish music realm which led him to discover most notably electronic dance music and its many forms.
The unique sound of Caoivín takes influence from the range of musical styles which the musician has been exploring from that point up until now, while being rooted at the same time to the long unbroken lineage of traditional music on which he was reared.

Connect with Caoivín

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter

Scullion – Live at The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre (TSEAC)

Saturday 29^th July 2023

Doors Open: 20:00, Show Starts: 20:30

Outdoor Show

https://www.tseac.ie/scullion

TSEAC are delighted to welcome ‘Scullion’ to the outdoor stage as they present their latest album ‘Time Has Made a Change in Me’, along with old favourites.

‘Time Has Made a Change in Me’ is an uplifting and inspirational collection of songs for the head and heart.

Philip King of Scullion says “Songs shift, change shape and come alive in magical ways when shared live. The electricity generated is palpable and energising. To head out on the road with these, and share them with audiences around the country is going to be a real delight. We are delighted to be returning to TSEAC. One of the most wonderful venues in Ireland. It’s a brilliant place to celebrate music and the spirit of Seamus Ennis.”

Formed in the mid-1970’s, Scullion are revered and feted as one of Ireland’s most innovative, original and brilliant live bands. Their latest record emphasises the band’s musical curiosity and like all of the band records, it breaks new ground.

James Joyce, Bob Dylan and Sufjan Stevens are also woven into the DNA of this record, with the inspirational music of Sonny Condell beating at the heart of the thing.

See Scullion perform live at The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Saturday 29^th September, 8pm. Tickets €25 are on sale at https://www.tseac.ie/scullion

UPCOMING LIVE DATES:

Sat 29^th July – The Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin

Fri 4^th August – Birr Theatre, Birr, Co. Offaly

Sun 3^rd September – Electric Picnic, Laois