Author: Breffni Banks

Lisa Lambe, described by The Irish Times as “The finest singer and actress of her generation,” has just released her new single ‘These Eyes’ – available across all digital platforms now – the new version of the Guess Who classic is the follow up to her original single ‘Beautiful Thing’ .

One of Ireland’s most sought-after performers, Lisa Lambe is on the brink of her first world-wide album release having signed a worldwide deal with US label Blue Elan Records. Lisa is recording her new album in December in Ireland  with noted Irish producer/ mixer/ engineer and musician Karl Odlum. Blue Elan will release the album in the late Spring of 2019 (distributed by Rough Trade in Europe /U.K. & by Orchard throughout the rest of the world).

After graduating Trinity College, Dublin, with distinction as an actor, Lisa created many critically acclaimed performances. She regularly plays leading roles in both classic and contemporary productions with Ireland’s National Theatre, the Abbey, as well as with independent theatres and theatre companies throughout Ireland, including The Gate, Rough Magic, Landmark, and Theatre Lovett. Lisa has been part of the Irish National Theatre; The Abbey Theatre’s 2018 Programme performing in “Unmanageable Sisters” and, in the summer of 2018, in the smash hit, “Jimmy’s Hall.”

On radio and television, she performs often on RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcasting station and TG4, an Irish national television station. Lisa performs regularly at home with RTÉ Concert Orchestra and internationally with different bands and orchestras in world famous venues, including Radio City in New York, Nokia Live in Los Angeles, Red Rocks, Colorado, and the Glastonbury Irish Arts Centre in New York and Paris.

Lisa’s self-released first solo album ‘Hiding Away’ was recorded in Nashville to great critical acclaim. The Independent noted: “Whatever the guise, it would be hard to forget the talented singer & actress”  The Irish Times said, “Lambe’s voice is bright, warm, and supple , she has a voice of pure Gold.”  Other strong reviews followed with Hot Press saying, “Lambe’s voice is sumptuous and shines brightly,” RTE describing Lisa as a “National Treasure” .

Lisa’s recent live performances have been at Glastonbury, Ireland, Sitges, Spain, Rockwell New York, Irish Arts Centre New York, The Pentagon US, Vicar Street Dublin, Croke Park, Trafalgar Square London, Whelan’s Dublin, Electric Ballroom Camden, Evening Muse in Charlotte, Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, Ellis Island, the Irish President’s residence Áras an Uachtaráin, and Ireland’s internationally acclaimed Galway Arts Festival. She has recently collaborated and performed with artists including Paul Brady, Horslips , Colin Devlin, Hothouse Flowers, Gabe Dixon, Steve Wickham & No Crows, Celtic Woman (lead singer -3 years), Declan O’Rourke, Mark Geary, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, John Sheahan, Eddi Reader, Peter Bradley Adams, Jack O’Rourke, Mundy and many more.

Lisa Lambe’s  new single ‘These Eyes’ is available across all digital platforms now.

Kildare based Country Rock artist Sina Theil scores her seventh #1 in the Country Download Charts with her brand new Double A-Side ‘Travelin’ Soldier (Minstrel Boy Edit)’/ ‘Since You’ve Gone to Heaven’. Both songs deal with loss; one tells the tale of a young girl who finds her hopes and dreams for the future shattered by the futility of war, while the other portrays a family being torn apart by the sudden passing of a parent and struggling to stay together. The blending of ‘The Minstrel Boy’ with ‘Travelin’ Soldier’ was an idea from Sina’s Manager Mike Gleeson who grew up in a military family and always associated the song with ceremonies for fallen Comrades.

The tracks were released on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and all major download services on November 1st and follow up from the success of her debut album ‘Under Cover’ which charted at #1 in the Country Charts and #5 in the overall Album Download Charts. Sina’s music is being released on Kildare based indie label Downda Road Productions and produced by Brian O’Mahoney.

Sina Theil, former BIMM student & IMRO Member and her manager Mike Gleeson have grown her Facebook presence from 260 to over 9,200 Likes within a year and she is on a mission to put rock into Irish Country music. To date, Sina’s music has reached close to 3.5 Million Radio Impressions as registered by Radiomonitor and 1,350 radio plays on Irish Radio stations such as Midwest Radio, C103, Radio Kerry, Galway Bay FM, Ocean Fm, Clare Fm, Kfm and many more. Her sound has been compared to the likes of Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain and Brandy Clark.

On November 2nd, Sina Theil is launching her new #1 selling Double A-Side ‘Travelin’ Soldier’/ ‘Since You’ve Gone to Heaven’ at McAuley Place, Naas (Co. Kildare) as part of a small Ireland tour with her band. The event will be running from 7:30PM-10PM and tickets are €12/€15 with CD. Tickets are available on www.downdaroad.com, at the venue and the ISS Recruitment & HR Services office (Sallins Road, Naas). Opening acts include young up and coming local talents: Gemma Cox, Luke McGettigan, Molly Nolan & Georgia Lynch.

Link to the Facebook event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2021790534546836/ 

You can follow Sina Theil on social media: www.facebook.com/sinatheilmusic, www.sinatheil.com or Twitter & Instagram: @sinatheil

‘High Point’ is the second full-length album from Irish Singer/Songwriter and front man of The Devlins, Colin Devlin. Produced by Pierre Marchand who also produced Sarah McLachlan and Rufus Wainwright.

The world has changed since Colin Devlin released his acclaimed 2010 solo debut, ‘Democracy Of One’, but this Irish songwriter’s approach to finely crafted music remains steadfast. His cinematic tracks have been featured in more than a dozen films and TV shows over the past two decades. Now, Devlin returns with his second outing, ‘High Point’, produced by longtime collaborator Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright) and recorded in Los Angeles and Montreal. Devlin’s new songs explore the darkness and light of human relationships set to moody soundscapes influenced by David Bowie, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, and David Sylvian. The title cut recalls the shadowy rhythms of Devlin’s rock band past (he toured the world with The Devlins in the 1990s and early 2000s); ‘Highwire’ examines the coldness of 21st century technology, and the rewards of going the distance in a relationship; ‘Promised Land’ is a signature ballad with a Wurlitzer piano and backing vocals from fellow Blue Elan artists Chelsea Williams and Lisa Lambe; and ‘Exosphere’ is a simple ode to fatherhood and the mysteries of everyday love, but also a yearning for deeper knowledge of one’s own existence. The album includes guest guitarist Michael Brook, brother Peter Devlin on bass, Matt Chamberlain on drums, and Jeremy Ruzumna on piano and keys.

At a time when both politics and the planet seem to be spinning out of control, Colin Devlin’s new album ‘High Point’ takes the sonic high ground. The world has shifted since this Irish singer and songwriter released his acclaimed solo debut ‘Democracy Of One’ in 2010, but his approach to finely crafted music remains steadfast, with warm arrangements and timely lyrics about exploring the darkness and light of human relationships.

Devlin first earned his reputation for atmospheric songs and nuanced vocals during the 1990s and early 2000s, when his band The Devlins received four stars from Rolling Stone and placed songs in more than a dozen films and TV shows. After the success of his first solo album, Devlin won “Best Irish Male” at the Meteor Music Awards in 2010 and co-wrote several tracks on Janiva Magness’s 2016 album ‘Love Wins Again’, which earned him a Grammy nomination.

Now, Colin Devlin continues his signature sound on 2018’s ‘High Point’. His second solo effort was produced by longtime collaborator Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright) and recalls the work of classic moodmasters such as David Bowie, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, and David Sylvian. Recorded in Los Angeles and Montreal in 2017, the album’s lineup includes Marchand and Devlin on piano, guitar and keyboards; guest guitarist Michael Brook; brother Peter Devlin on bass; Matt Chamberlain (Tori Amos, Garbage) on drums; and Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz and the Tantrums) on piano and keys. Blue Elan artist Chelsea Williams adds vocal harmonies to several songs.

Devlin says ‘High Point’ has a “family and friends” vibe—with edge.

“The album was finished during nine days at Clear Lake Studios when all the musicians were together,” he says. “We rented a house in Los Feliz with a pool, and it all felt very rock and roll––until I realized that my three-year-old daughter had erased the production notes from my iPhone’s voice memos. Thankfully, it was perfect timing. We had just laid down the last track.”

Opening number and title track ‘High Point’ returns to the shadowy rhythms for which The Devlins were best known, featuring a haunting (and danceable) EDM break by the band. The singles ‘Just A Fire’ and ‘Highwire’ follow; the latter tune is set in a technological world where months fly by, connections are intermittent, and relationships are fragile but worth the effort to go the distance: “Stay with me now,” Devlin sings over a cascading piano line, “Believe in yourself, you don’t have to worry at all. Everybody stumbles and falls on love’s highwire.” ‘Promised Land’ is a signature Devlin ballad with a Wurlitzer piano solo and an addictive chorus with guest vocals from Williams and Lisa Lambe (“You can’t help me anymore. The truth is I don’t care. The promised land is waiting out there.”)

“I could have made a traditional alternative rock album with ‘High Point’,” Devlin says. “Instead, I let each song determine its own direction. There’s so much noise out there in the industry, and this recording reflects a range of textures and total creative freedom.”

‘This is Where We Are’ captures the optimism of that freedom in Devlin’s acoustic guitar and Chamberlain’s solid backbeat. ‘Nostalgia’ examines the pull of memories and the need to focus on the present; ‘Shine On’ is a gentle testament to loved ones lost but not forgotten; and ‘Water’ is a cascading tune about fleeting desire. The hymn-like ‘Exosphere,’ written after the birth of Devlin’s son, is a simple ode to fatherhood and the mysteries of everyday love, but also represents a yearning for a deeper knowledge of one’s own existence.

In a world of disposable pop music, ‘High Point’ is another plateau for a songwriter who relishes the sounds of real instruments and the value of living in the present.

“Between my first album ‘Democracy Of One’ and the new one, I married, had two children, and started to see life through a different lens,” Devlin says of the writing a recording of ‘High Point’. “The songs express an awareness of the beauty and temporality of life. We get so caught up, sometimes we don’t stop to realize how momentous each day can be.”

Album Tracklisting:

1. High Point
2. Just A Fire
3. Highwire
4. Promised Land
5. This Is Where We Are
6. Nostalgia
7. Water
8. Shine On
9. Exosphere
10. A Dream Worth Living
11. Lost In The Silence

Websites:

www.colindevlin.com/
www.facebook.com/colindevlinmusik/
www.instagram.com/colindevlinmusic/
twitter.com/colin_devlin

All Tvvins’ return with their recent single ‘Hell of a Party’ signalled that the duo are stepping up a gear as the release of their second album ‘Just To Exist’ approaches. The track was picked as 2FM’s Tune of the Day, supported by John Kennedy at Radio X, and added to key playlists at Spotify (New Music Friday), Apple Music (Best of the Week) and Deezer (Brand New UK).

Their evolution has continued with a fresh and fluid way of sharing their creativity when the moment takes them. First they dropped a skeletal acoustic take on ‘Hell of a Party’ and then they releasing the forthcoming album track ‘Warm Crush’ – with no plan in mind beyond the joy of sharing new music.

Now All Tvvins again push the boundaries of their sound with the release of their new track ‘Infinite Swim’. It’s a  heady cocktail of taut, muscular funk which touches upon both TV on the Radio and Chic with a searing, Prince-style solo and a typically anthemic All Tvvins hook. As with the rest of the ‘Just To Exist’ album, ‘Infinite Swim’ was produced by their friend and collaborator James Vincent McMorrow.

“There’s a definite salute to Talking Heads as well,” says Lar Kaye. “It just felt right.”

“I was delighted that my falsetto was strong,” adds Conor Adams, whose dedication to maximising the potential of his voice was richly rewarded. “I normally only use it for backing vocals where it’s buried, so it was nice to get it upfront and centre in the chorus.”

The album title ‘Just To Exist’ comes from a line in ‘Infinite Swim’. The album process was kickstarted by an invitation from McMorrow to work on a new track. The trio created ‘Hell of a Party’ over the course of a two-day session and that set them firmly on track. They spent January and February of this year recording the album, with the work ethic of producer, co-writer and effective third member McMorrow vital to their resurgence. They’d rediscovered the pure joy of making music and were rewarded with their best material yet.

The result is a collection which Adams describes as “a snapshot of where we were, what we were going through and where we hope to go next.” The title, adds Kaye, represents “an acceptance of what we had to go through” to make All Tvvins 2.0 not only exist, but to once again thrive. Adversity, it seems, is a potent inspiration.

In addition to the new single, All Tvvins have also just announced a live date in the National Stadium Dublin on Saturday 13th April 2019 with special guest Sorcha Richardson.

All Tvvins enjoyed a phenomenal start to their career. Their debut album ‘IIVV’ shot into the Irish charts at #2, earned a Choice Music Prize nomination for Irish Album of the Year and smashed the 15 million streams landmark. Meanwhile, gigs in the UK and Ireland included a life-affirming sold-out show at Dublin’s historic Olympia Theatre as well as a tour as guests to Metric. Now their momentum is rising with their forthcoming second album. Expect more news from All Tvvins soon.

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Following on from his hugely successful debut single ‘Full Recovery’, which has amassed over 2.5 million streams thanks to being added to several thousand playlists and being supported on BBC Radio 2, Amazing Radio and several prominent Irish stations, Curtis Walsh returns with a poignant follow up single: ‘Perfect Rain’, and accompanying video which captures a coming-of-age romance grappling with the complexity of relationships and growing up.

The young singer/songwriter’s masterful live performances have steadily built him a strong and dedicated fanbase over the past 12 months, including an invitation to perform at Gold Dust and Sofar Sounds in London in October 2018 and several key support slots with acts such as LANY, Tom Walker, Omar Apollo and The Academic. ‘Perfect Rain’ was recorded and produced by Ross Dowling (James Vincent McMorrow & Talos) and Jorg Gradwohl.

‘Full Recovery’ was an impressive introduction to an artist who is equally adept at writing great pop hooks as he is at tackling topics that are seemingly beyond his years, and now ‘Perfect Rain’ gives us more than a glimpse of the huge potential that this young artist possesses and sets Curtis up to be the artist to watch in 2019.

On the track Curtis says; “‘Perfect Rain’ is a love song I wrote for someone who meant a lot to me at the time. A relationship came about almost by chance, and without me realising that it might turn out to be something really good. It wasn’t planned….just like on a sunny day, if someone asked you what you least wanted, you’d say “rain” but then when it came , it was refreshing and actually just what you needed . Like a Perfect Rain’.”

‘Perfect Rain’ is released on Paragon Records: Friday 2^nd November

LIVE

**Supporting Omar Apollo in London and Amsterdam**
** Academy 2 Dublin, November 23^rd  **

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The Riptide Movement’s Plastic Oceans is a three-part web series that hopes to add to the urgent and important debate about how to solve the global plastic crisis and the devastating effect it is having on our marine life.

The Clean Coasts programme took the Riptide Movement along the incredible Irish coastline and met with some of Ireland’s leading marine biologists, researchers, campaigners and Clean Coasts volunteers to discover the real impacts of plastic in our oceans and what it means for the future of all life on our planet, including us. The Clean Coasts programme engages communities in the protection of Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life and currently has over 650 volunteer groups working along our Irish coastline, carrying out beach cleans and coastal protection work.

The band also visit a number of locations leading the way in tackling plastic waste including University College Cork, a Green Campus awarded site, chatted with Amanda Byram at the launch of Sky Ocean Rescue in Ireland, and sat down with the Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government Eoghan Murphy to see what actions the government are taking and what can be done to address the issue at policy level. Regarding wildlife, a visit to Ireland’s only seal sanctuary and a panel discussion with filmmaker Sophie Darlington highlights the impact our love of plastic is having on our marine animals.

The result is a web series aptly titled ‘The Riptide Movement’s Plastic Oceans’. Narrated by Jerry Fish, this web series highlights the extent of the plastic crisis in Ireland in an informative, artistic and engaging way, whilst also showcasing the small changes we can make to help stem the tide of single use plastics.

Talking about the web series and the bands’ collaboration with Clean Coasts, lead singer Malachy Tuohy said ‘We hope this web series and our music can help raise more awareness around one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Our reliance on single use plastics is destroying our oceans, a reality so poignantly highlighted by David Attenborough in Blue Planet 2. Through our web series we wanted to learn about the issue of plastic pollution here in Ireland and what small changes we can make to help stem the tide of single use plastics. Our oceans are drowning in plastic and it is not the legacy we want our generation to be remembered for’

Speaking about this web series Clean Coasts Manager Sinead McCoy said: Litter and particularly marine litter has a huge long term negative impact on our environment. Raising public awareness is incredibly important when it comes to reducing marine litter which we see washing up on our coastline on a daily basis. So, the Clean Coasts programme is delighted The Riptide Movement are using their influence to bring attention to not only the issue of marine litter but the incredible work being done by Clean Coasts groups and our Clean Coasts stakeholders.

For more information on how to get involved in Clean Coasts programme see cleancoasts.org

http://riptidemovement.com/plastic-oceans/

The Riptide Movement | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram 

After a brief hiatus following 2017’s ‘Be Cool’, and a year writing new music, exciting genre-defying Irish musician Rocstrong is back with a brand new single titled ‘Ching Ching Ching’, and its accompanying visuals, filmed in Barcelona, Kinshasa, Montevideo and Paris, and directed by Federico

Bazzi and Emmanuel Miranda. ‘Ching Ching Ching’ is the first single from Rocstrong’s forthcoming sophomore EP ‘All On Black’, which is set to be released on December 3, through West One Music Group.

Written and co-produced by Rocstrong, ‘Ching Ching Ching’ is a politically charged record about the power of money, and the wide wealth disparity in society in 2018. Backed by heavy guitar riffs and hard-hitting drum arrangements, and an infectious chant-like chorus, Rocstrong laments how we are being sold the dream that money is the most important thing in life, and how we are all fast becoming slaves to it.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Ching Ching Ching’, Rocstrong says, “my main goal with this record and video would be to show the undeniable contrast that this world has to offer, where hunger and misery have a hold on the majority of our population, while the 1% thrives on unimaginable power and luxury. The video tries to show the contrast in these two realities, depending on where you live, and how we all have truly become slaves to the money”.

The record also serves as an urgent pushback against the mainstream media and big business, who, according to Rocstrong, “hype up the importance of money, and want us to believe that if we work our ass off, we will someday achieve this ‘idyllic’ lifestyle. In the end, many of us live blinded and look away on many issues, maybe because we think we can’t do anything about it, or maybe because we no longer care about making this world a better and more fair environment”.

With over two million streams already under his belt and recent support from NME, Nialler9, 2FM, Today FM, Hotpress Magazine and BBC Radio Ulster, Rocstrong first burst onto the scene with his debut single ‘Go Head’, which was featured in the 2016 Coen Brothers movie Hail, Caesar, and described as “one of the biggest breakthrough debuts for an Irish artist”. His debut EP ‘SOWYG (Show Off What You Got)‘ soon followed, to rave reviews and critical acclaim globally.

2018 LIVE DATES

November 23 – The Convention Centre, Dublin
December 3 – The Generator, Paris

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rocstrong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officialrocstrong
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/r0cstr0ng
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/rocstrongmusic

In aid of the Irish Cancer Society and in memory Linda Kelly, the video and single, ‘This Promise to You’ has been recently released by IMRO member JP Ryan to help raise much needed funds for cancer research. The fundraiser includes the invaluable contributions of some courageous and wonderful people who have given their time for the video collaboration and message in the fundraising campaign. The smallest of donations can make a huge impact and advance the funding objectives.

Funding link: https://www.gofundme.com/this-promise-to-you

iTunes Download link https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/this-promise-to-you/1439020212?i=1439020213

October Fires entered into the new found home of Orphan Recording Studio this summer, in the beautiful surroundings of Hell Fire Studios, overlooking the flickering Dublin City skyline, to record the band’s debut EP entitled ‘Everybody Knows’. This record is a snapshot of the different tones and moods of the band, from the ominous opening track ‘Screaming Red’ to the mellower, intimate ‘Creeping In’, from the tongue-in-cheek grooves of  ‘Digging Holes’ to the more tribal, ritualistic Pray II. Recorded, mixed and produced by Gavin Glass, this debut EP is ripe for release this Halloween.

October Fires are a four-piece group consisting of Carol Somers on piano, vocals and percussion, Lisa Baker on piano, vocals and percussion, Eoghan O’Neill on bass and Eric Somers on guitar.

The band’s name was inspired by the smoky scent in the air walking home from practice one autumn night. October has a unique vibe, with its perfect blend of beauty and eerieness, a trademark of the band’s sound and their music is continually inspired by this balance.

Carol and Lisa met in 2002 studying music in Maynooth University. They’ve been inseparable ever since after finding an innate ability to harmonise together, even being able to predict what the other is about to do! This bond has become the central feature of the band.

Their style is difficult to pin down but the band describe their music as haunting, harmonic, dark pop. They take influences from choral music, classical, pop, soul, funk, folk, rock and fuse them together to create ‘their’ sound.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OctoberFiresband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoberfiresband
Twitter: https://twitter.com/october_fires
Breaking Tunes: https://www.breakingtunes.com/octoberfires
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/octoberfires

The dust settles on a summer that was wonderful in every way for Greenshine and as long nights draw in they can dream by the fire of concerts and festivals they played, friends they made and roadtrips far and wide beneath the glorious Irish sun of 2018. The band hopes to emulate the success of previous singles ‘The Girl In The Lavender Dress’ (most played track on RTÉ Radio 1 for over a month and third most played Irish track for the year of its release 2016. ) and ‘Dandelion Seed’ (over a month at the No.1 spot on RTÉ Radio 1’s Airplay Chart and over a month on the RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends List) with their brand new single ‘The Good Is Gone’.

This song, co-written by Mary and Ellie, wraps the slow seeping away of love in a retro pop tune with an almost country flavour reminiscent of the sound of The Byrds and other sixties heroes. Like ‘Dandelion Seed’  before it, ‘The Good Is Gone’ is taken from Greenshine’s upcoming new collection due for release in early Spring 2019. As Greenshine’s singles and album tracks continue to feature on playlists both national and international, the band would be delighted to receive that same support for ‘The Good Is Gone’- a song of heartbreak with a beat. As we leap forward musically into the coming seasons, Greenshine look forward to breaking new concert and festival ground with The Ballyshannon Folk Festival and The Doolin Folk Festival already on offer in 2019 as well as old favourites like Waterford Spraoi Fest and The Cork Folk Fest. In the meantime here are some dates for your diary with more to be confirmed!

UPCOMING GREENSHINE CONCERTS 

FRI. 9 NOV. THE DC MUSIC CLUB, 20 CAMDEN ROW, DUBLIN
SAT. 10 NOV. COLIEMORE, THE ARTIST’S HOUSE, COBH, CORK
SUN. 25 NOV. CONCERT FOR THE SIMON COMMUNITY, THE MILLS INN, BALLYVOURNEY, CORK
THURS. 13 DEC. COUGHLANS LIVE, CORK with Cormac O Caoimh
SUN. 2 DEC  5-7pm THE GARDEN ROOM, HIBERNIAN HOTEL, MALLOW – Greenshine perform to launch MALLOW FOLK CLUB

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