Author: Breffni Banks

Acclaimed Artist Antonia K. Moore Unveils New Single ‘Elizabeth Taylor,’ a Tribute to the Enduring Legacy of a Hollywood Icon

Written by Breffni Banks on May 13, 2024. Posted in News.

Antonia K. Moore is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their brand new single, ‘Elizabeth Taylor,’ dropping on May 31st, 2024.

Inspired by the captivating life and influence of the legendary actress, “Elizabeth Taylor” it is more than just a song – it’s a celebration. Antonia explains, “Elizabeth Taylor was the original boss babe. She wasn’t just an actress, she was a cultural phenomenon, a trendsetter, and the biggest influencer of her time.”

Known for her timeless elegance and undeniable charisma, Elizabeth Taylor’s impact on popular culture continues to resonate, with even modern-day icons like Katie Perry and Kim Kardashian expressing admiration for her life and legacy.

Fuelled by a recent Netflix documentary on Richard Burton, Antonia initially began crafting a song about the iconic actor. However, a collaboration with renowned producer Cian Sweeney (known for his work with some of Cork’s brightest talents and his own project 1000 Beasts) led to a surprising shift.

“Cian suggested stripping the song back,” explains Antonia K. Moore, “and it completely changed the direction. It became clear that Elizabeth was the true focal point, the one who captivated audiences and redefined stardom. ‘Liz’ was always the star, and the song reflects that realisation.”

This isn’t Antonia’s first foray into capturing the public’s attention. Her debut single, ‘Hedonistic Optimist,’ garnered radio play on major stations like 2fm, Cork’s 96fm, and 8Radio, while also receiving praise from esteemed music critic Tony Clayton-Lea stating “A sleek, assured cut of electro-pop from @AntoniaKMoore – kinda perfect for those late-night / early morning on-the-way-home vibes” and finding a home on various Spotify playlists.

‘Elizabeth Taylor’ promises to be another captivating chapter in Antonia K. Moore’s evolving story. With its infectious energy and insightful homage to a timeless icon, this single is sure to resonate with fans across generations.

Stay tuned for the official release of ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ on May 31st, 2024!

IMRO Recognised for Excellence in Workplace Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion

Written by Breffni Banks on May 2, 2024. Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

IMRO is thrilled to announce its shortlisting in the Excellence in Workplace Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion category at the Workplace Excellence Awards. This recognition celebrates IMRO’s unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment.

These awards honor professionals and businesses dedicated to continual workplace improvement. They acknowledge their commitment and effort while providing a valuable opportunity for organisations to align themselves with top-tier business standards.

IMRO is committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. Our diverse perspectives are enriched by many dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, culture, language, education, and professional and life experience. Our differences make us a better team – we make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver better business results.

Lisa Ni Chosidealbha, Director of Media Licensing and Public Affairs at IMRO, emphasises this, stating:

“Diversity, equality and inclusivity are integral to IMRO’s day to day decisions, operations and activities. With a strong understanding of the impact of DEI on the social, political, and economic developments in the commercial and creative worlds we operate in, every effort is made to ensure that the same ideals are reflected in our thought processes and decision-making. Ensuring that all staff members have access to team-building experiences, workshops, and information has enabled IMRO to create a more inclusive culture and develop a greater understanding among those who work with us. More recently a focus on volunteering and offering assistance to charities has provided a more holistic approach to the DEI within the organisation. the overall result is a staff more energised, more innovative, and more confident than before which in the long run will be beneficial to IMRO as an organisation and ultimately the customers we serve.”

Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing and Membership, underscores IMRO’s dedication to mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

“Our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace extends to prioritising mental health and wellbeing initiatives. From seminars providing practical coping strategies to insightful podcasts featuring experts in the field, we continuously strive to empower our staff and members to prioritise their mental health. As senior leaders, we actively participate in and endorse these initiatives, recognising the importance of leading by example. By openly engaging in discussions surrounding mental health and wellbeing, we aim to break down stigmas and create a culture where seeking support is encouraged and celebrated. Our decision to enter IMRO into The Workplace Excellence Awards in the category of ‘Excellence in Workplace Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion’ is a testament to our unwavering dedication to these values.”

IMRO’s entry into The Workplace Excellence Awards reflects its steadfast dedication to creating a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered. By prioritising diversity, culture and inclusion, IMRO not only enriches its organisational culture but also drives innovation and delivers better business results.

For more information about IMRO and its commitment to workplace excellence, please visit imro.ie

The Essential Role of Live Music Venues in Ireland’s Cultural Fabric

Written by Breffni Banks on April 12, 2024. Posted in Blog, Featured Articles, Industry News.

Live music venues serve as vital arteries in Ireland’s cultural ecosystem, pulsating with energy and creativity. From the intimate spaces to the iconic stages, venues play a multifaceted role that extends far beyond entertainment.

Julie Kelleher, from Bray’s Mermaid Arts Centre, aptly emphasises the social significance of these venues. They are not just places for performances but are integral to the fabric of local communities, fostering connections and providing a space for shared experiences. Moreover, they contribute to the local economy by driving foot traffic to neighboring businesses and supporting artists’ livelihoods.

“Venues are vital social hubs in any town or city where they exist. They are part of the fabric of local communities, providing an exciting and enjoyable social space for people in their area on a consistent basis. The presence of venues and the busy programmes they present encourages additional spending in bars and restaurants and on taxis and public transport (where it exists!), so they’re great for the local economy. And perhaps most importantly, they provide regular opportunities for Irish and international artists to gig in front of a paying crowd, which as we all know is becoming an ever more crucial source of income, as well as place to build profile and hone craft. We have world class musicians in this country, and their home venues are often as much their training ground before going off to conquer the world, as they are the warm welcome home gig later on.

There’s an exceptional music culture in Wicklow, both in terms of artists and people who appreciate a wide range of music living here. Bray is a fantastic town for live music, supported by very loyal audiences who attend live events at Mermaid all year round. We’re constantly inundated with proposals from acts that want to play here, and since we’re a multidisciplinary space, it’s often impossible to find dates for everything that crosses our path.

From the audience point of view, though, it means that they really do get the best of what’s on offer! We work really hard at putting together a varied and exciting programme of music events and creating a really excellent live experience for those audiences. It’s fantastic to see the whole culture of that recognised and celebrated by IMRO. We’re really grateful to the mystery industry colleague who nominated us, as well as all those who voted in the Live Music Venue Awards and the team at IMRO.”

As Julie highlights, these venues are essential platforms for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talents. They serve as incubators for talent, providing a space for artists to refine their craft and connect with audiences.

Similarly, Bren Berry’s reflections on Vicar Street in Dublin underscore the venue’s importance as a cultural landmark, enriching the community and nurturing a sense of belonging.

“Vicar Street has been celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and we are delighted to win another IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year for Dublin.

We opened on 30th August 1998 and it has been a huge privilege to work with so many brilliant artists from Ireland and all over the world as well as all the amazing managers, agents, colleagues and crew over those 25 years.

We have a really special team at Vicar Street and we are proud to be an important part of the community in The Liberties as well as being an integral part of the Irish live venue network which is run by amazing people all over the country.”

Finally, Chris Montgomery of McCafferty’s Bar, Donegal points out that “venues are the lifeblood of the Irish music scene, acting as the vibrant stages where melodies come alive and communities gather to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of music.

As a pub deeply embedded in the fabric of our local music culture, winning the IMRO Live Music Venue of Ulster Award was a moment of immense pride and validation. It symbolised our commitment to fostering live music, providing a platform for emerging talents, and nurturing a welcoming environment for musicians and audiences alike.

This accolade not only honored our past efforts but also inspired us to continue championing Irish music and fostering an environment where it can thrive. It reinforced our belief that venues are not just bricks and mortar but essential pillars of cultural expression and community engagement.”

In essence, live music venues are the lifeblood of Ireland’s music scene, offering a diverse range of experiences and contributing to the nation’s cultural identity. They embody the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and resilience that defines Ireland’s artistic community.

As we celebrate the legacy of venues like Mermaid Arts Centre and Vicar Street, let us recognise the invaluable role they play in shaping Ireland’s cultural landscape. From supporting local talent to providing memorable experiences for audiences, these venues are indispensable pillars of our cultural heritage.

IMRO and Law Society Annual Copyright Lecture Announced

Written by Breffni Banks on March 27, 2024. Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

IMRO and the Law Society created the Adjunct Professor of Intellectual Property Law position in response to the fast-changing digital landscape and the inevitable effects on copyright law and practice.

One of the highlights of this initiative is the IMRO/Law Society Annual Copyright Lecture. This year’s lecture will take place at 6pm on May 1st, 2024, in the Law Society’s offices in Blackhall Place. The lecture will be delivered by Dr Mark Hyland, the IMRO Adjunct Professor and the topic of this year’s lecture will focus on AI and its impact on copyright and intellectual property.

A panel of experts will discuss the topic in more detail following the lecture. Professor Eleonora Rosati, Jeremy Godfrey and John Phelan have accepted our invitation to sit on this year’s panel. Professor Rosati is a Professor of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Stockholm and is a Co-Director of the University’s LLM in European Intellectual Property Law programme. She is also one of Europe’s foremost experts in the field of copyright law and has written specialist textbooks on the CDSM Directive, copyright, and the CJEU. Jeremy Godfrey is the Executive Chairperson of Coimisiún na Mean who will be regulating, guiding and developing this space and John Phelan is the Director General of the Global Music Publishers association, based in Brussels and many of his members will directly experience both the positive and negative sides of AI.

The event will be chaired by Senator Malcolm Byrne.

If you are interested in attending please register here.

Once Upon A Time… is the new album from… The Swedish Railway Orchestra via Blowtorch Records

Written by Breffni Banks on March 7, 2024. Posted in News.

Once Upon A Time… is the third collaboration between TSRO and Galway-based independent label Blowtorch Records, following up 2022’s acclaimed Dance To The Drum Machine and last year’s Connotations EP. Recorded and mixed between Ireland and Spain throughout all of 2023, it is the most intriguing record yet from the electronic outfit.

“The album took an unusually long time to make”, Smith says of the record. “I wanted to get everything right. It’s got hints of dance-punk, some psychedelia, some melodic verses and some interesting lyrics all over it. I’m so proud of it.”

The lyrical topics vary quite drastically across the album. From album opener, The Chelsea Hotel, with its New York City daydreaming psychedelic imagery to lyrics of a political persuasion such as on the track Once Upon A Time In Palestine.

Once Upon A Time… will be released digitally on all streaming sites worldwide and on a delicious violet transparent 12” vinyl.

Connect with TSRO

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Cooleys are Back with an Energetic & Driving Revival of the Age Old Folk Song ‘Paddy On The Railway’

Written by Breffni Banks on March 7, 2024. Posted in News.

An energetic and driving revival of the age old folk song, ” Paddy On The Railway “.

After national and international success on the air waves with their last 2 releases; a reimagined take on ‘Grace’ and the breathtaking cover of Joy Division’s iconic hit ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart ‘, The Cooleys are back with the lead single from their debut EP ‘Dearly Loved’.

‘Paddy on the Railway’ is dedicated to their departed and dearly loved friend and flute player Danny Doyle who features on the track and the EP is titled in his honour.

It’s a lively Irish shanty that tells the story of a young man’s departure to America during the Irish famine years of 1841 to 1849. Influenced by the Wolfe Tones’ recording on their album ‘Across the Broad Atlantic,’ this upbeat rendition of the traditional ballad infuses the tale with a spirited energy, capturing the optimism and determination of those seeking a new beginning across the ocean. With its infectious rhythm and spirited melody, the song celebrates the resilience and hope of the Irish diaspora, embodying the enduring spirit of a people determined to forge a brighter future despite adversity.

Recorded and produced by Dave Molloy, The Cooleys continue to push the boundaries of creativity with another refreshingly original take on this beloved folk classic, showcasing the band’s unbridled musical prowess and inventive spirit.

About The Cooleys

The Cooleys are a boundary-pushing music collective from Ireland, known for their innovative approach to sound and fearless exploration of genres. With a penchant for originality and reinvention of classic Irish folk and ballads, along with their original work the band continues to captivate audiences with their unique musical vision. At the core of this band is Dylan Pearse and Barry Kieran.

Barry, steeped in the ancient history of the fiddlers of Oriel, is known for his work with award-winning contemporary folk act Kern and for his essential part in SJ McArdle’s critically acclaimed song cycle Port.

Dylan Pearse is a singer/songwriter and song collector of note, a road warrior who has cut his teeth in pubs and clubs around Ireland. His recently released debut album ‘Songs from the North Country’ is an absolute ‘gem’, regarded by some to be as important as albums such as ‘Penguin Eggs’ by Nic Jones and ‘Bryter Later’ by Nick Drake. It has received much acclaim from a multitude of well regarded internet and national radio broadcasters.

For more information, follow them on:

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify

Kildare Band Blandad Release Latest Single ‘Japanese Housewife’

Written by Breffni Banks on March 7, 2024. Posted in News.

How far does one go to make another person happy? What sacrifices do they make?

Japanese Housewife is a snapshot in time of an argument in a relationship. How one person treads a fine line to appease or to submit to the person they love.

People change, situations are in flux… but in the end, love is all.

BLANDAD are a 5 piece hardcore/grunge band from Kildare, Ireland.

They formed in 2022 as various members of previous bands (In The Space Between, She Speaks, Drink Puke Dead, Club War) who found a common love for heavy, energetic punk and big grunge soundscapes.

They are currently writing and recording their debut EP, with a couple of singles already under their belt.

Expect wild, hard hitting hardcore sounds and shoegaze aesthetics.

Blandad are : Dan Shanahan (vox), Wayne Macmanmon (guitar), Dean Lane (guitar), Paul Hughes (bass) and Jamie Harrison (drums)

www.blandadband.com

Irish Harper-composer Aisling Lyons Releases Contemporary Harp Single ‘Sunbeam’

Written by Breffni Banks on March 7, 2024. Posted in News.

Irish harpist, concertina player and multi-award-winning musician and composer, Aisling Lyons is set to release her latest single, ‘Sunbeam,’ a heartfelt and original contemporary harp composition. The single is a poignant tribute to her late friend Sarah and showcases Aisling’s emotive musical storytelling.

Written by Aisling, ‘Sunbeam’ is a musical reflection inspired by the profound emotions experienced after the passing of her dear friend. The composition beautifully captures the essence of memories and the healing power of music during times of loss.

Produced by Ben Wanders in Limerick, ‘Sunbeam’ boasts a rich and evocative sound, showcasing Aisling’s virtuosity on the harp. The collaboration with Wanders brings a unique blend of contemporary elements to the composition, with all sounds created by the harp.

Gráinne Beth Enright, known for her exceptional design work, has contributed a visually striking artwork for ‘Sunbeam,’ further enhancing the overall sensory experience of the single.

Aisling Lyons, with a decorated musical career and multiple awards to her name such as being nominated in last year’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, is currently immersed in the creation of her second harp album. ‘Sunbeam’ serves as a glimpse into her evolving musical journey and artistic expression. 2024 sees Aisling travel to Australia, the U.S, Germany and Brittany for various festivals and performances.

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‘Sunbeam’ is set to be released on March 15th and will be available on all major streaming platforms.

Connect with Aisling Lyons

Website | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

Lewis Barfoot Releases ‘Ancestors’ in Recognition of International Women’s Day

Written by Breffni Banks on March 7, 2024. Posted in News.

“In addressing and bringing into light the shameful treatment of women in Irish history and in affording voice for their emancipation and empowerment, Barfoot, might just be one of the most important voices in contemporary Irish music” – FATEA Magazine

Ancestors is the latest music video from Cork based contemporary folk artist Lewis Barfoot and South Korean visual artist Narae Kim. It was filmed entirely on an iPhone amidst the breathtaking Sheep’s Head in West Cork. It is a mystic, majestic video and feels like a sacred healing ritual. Ethereal overlays, purifying elements of water and stunning shots of Lewis moving in nature coalesce to create a mesmerising, almost dreamlike, visual experience.

Scheduled for release on International Women’s Day, the video pays homage to the strength and resilience of Irish women throughout history who have paved the way for freedom, without necessarily experiencing it themselves. Ancestors is a heartfelt tribute to these women and their enduring legacy. It is taken from Barfoot’s sophomore album HOME, released in November 2023, and features guest vocalists Kerry Andrew (aka You Are Wolf), Sarah Dacey, MaJiKer, Ben See, Ellis Kerkhoven, Bren Ó Ruaidh, Elisabeth Flett and Justine Grounds.

“She sings like an angel, plays like an inspired Orpheus, and her lyrics are as uncompromising as reinforced concrete. Lewis has done it again. HOME is a stunning album” – At The Barrier

This is the third collaboration between Lewis and Narae Kim. Their last work was the superb animation Fisherman which premiered at the Cork International Film Festival (Nov 2020) and went onto screen at Irish Film London (Dec 2020), St Brigid!s Film Festival (2021), Cruinniú na nOg (2021), Chicago Irish Film Festival (2021). Irish Film Institute (2021), Athens International Film Festival, Ohio (2021) and The Still Voices Festival (Nov 2021).

www.lewisbarfoot.com

IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards 2024 Winners Announced

Written by Breffni Banks on March 6, 2024. Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

On Tuesday 5th of March, IMRO hosted the 2024 edition of the Live Music Venue of the Year Awards, at the Sugar Club, Dublin.

The short list of nominees were selected by over 20,000 IMRO members with a public vote then awarding the National Live Music Venue of the Year 2024 accolade to The Imperial Bar, Co. Cavan.

Eleanor McEvoy, IMRO Chairperson said of the awards, “I’m delighted for these well deserving winners this evening. They are the life blood of the Irish music industry, providing the means, the ambiance and the environment to hear music the way it is truly meant to be heard – live on stage in front of an appreciative audience.”

Winners in the regional categories include:

Dublin – Vicar Street

Rest of Leinster – Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow

Connacht – Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo Town, Co. Sligo

Munster – Dolan’s, Limerick City, Co. Limerick

Ulster – McCafferty’s Bar, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

Dublin: Vicar Street – ©Glen Bollard

Rest of Leinster: Mermaid Arts Centre – ©Glen Bollard

Munster: Dolan’s – ©Glen Bollard

Ulster: McCafferty’s Bar – ©Glen Bollard

All Together Now received the award for IMRO Music Festival of the Year, while Beyond the Pale was honoured as the IMRO Small Music Festival 2024 recipient at the event.

Music Festival of the Year: All Together Now – ©Glen Bollard

Small Music Festival of the Year: Beyond the Pale – ©Glen Bollard

The team from Electric Picnic was also recognised and awarded as the IMRO Tech Crew of the Year.

Best Tech Crew: Electric Picnic – ©Glen Bollard

Performances on the night came from Qbanaa, EFÉ, Big Sleep and DJ Maria Lawlor.

Qbanaa – ©Glen Bollard

EFÉ – ©Glen Bollard

Big Sleep – ©Glen Bollard

DJ Maria Lawlor – ©Glen Bollard

Hot Press’ Stuart Clark also gave special commendations, presenting awards to Dolan’s, Mike the Pies, and the Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year for 2024 to 3Olympia Theatre.

Safe Gigs Ireland and shesaid.so Dublin were also in attendance on the night. Shesaid.so is a global community comprising women, gender nonconforming individuals, and allies in the music industry. Both organisations share a commitment to fostering a safer and more inclusive environment in the music and nightlife sectors. Safe Gigs Ireland focuses on eliminating discrimination and violence, while shesaid.so works towards supporting diversity and inclusivity in the music industry. Together, they contribute to creating a positive and respectful atmosphere for all attendees.