Author: Breffni Banks

Against, the backdrop of a hectic summer which saw Brave Giant play the main stages at Sea Sessions, Sunflowerfest and Groove Festival amongst others, The Word Stage at Mindfield at Electric Picnic, and headline others, such as Longford Town Festival, where an estimated audience of over 5,000 came out to see them play, Brave Giant will play a second, late night show at The Button Factory this September 21st, with doors at 11pm.

The band’s show at the same venue on Saturday September 22^nd, sold out earlier this summer.

Some of us will remember the fabulous concerts under the theme of Midnight at The Olympia! This additional show by Brave Giant is set to give all the good feels of those infamous shows, except it’s down the street, at The Button Factory instead!Tickets are now on sale from ticketmaster.ie

In addition to clocking up another sell out show here at home; Brave Giant’s debut headline London show for October 31^st went on sale earlier this week and sold out in four days! In doing so the show has become “one of the fastest selling shows at the well-known venue, The Islington (Tolpuddle St) since it opened its doors”. Due to this demand, a second show for Friday November 2^nd is now on sale!

Formed in 2011, Mark Prunty (guitar/vox), Podge Gill (guitar/vox), Ross McNerney (banjo/mandolin), Emmett Collum (drums) are the four Longford men of Brave Giant. Their love of Irish music is evident in their sound, a skilfully achieved blend of rock, folk and alternative influences.

Since releasing the first commercial track in 2016 (‘Lordy Lordy’), Brave Giant has had a string of top 5 singles, most recently ‘Dakota’. ‘Way To Love’, the single went all the way to no 1 on iTunes main pop chart last winter. ‘More Beast Than Beauty’ was also issued to Spotify this summer.

The new single ‘Somebody’s Someone’ is a huge hit in the band’s live show and allows Mark, Podge, Emmett and Ross collectively channel their romantic side! The song also features a stunning string section with Niamh Crowley (violins), Steve Wickham (violins), Austin McManus (Viola) and Anna Houston (Cello) providing this beautiful sound. ‘Somebody’s Someone’ is released via Warner Music distribution on September 14^th.

The last two years have been remarkable for the independent band. ‘The Time I Met the Devil’ single from 2017 has enjoyed almost 100,000 views alone (featuring Irish actor and comedian, Joe Rooney) adding to the band’s impressive overall tally of over 1,000,000 online video views. The independent band’s Spotify streams have also surpassed the impressive 1,000,000 mark.

With seven consecutive sell-out headline Dublin shows over the last two years, together with a number of independent regional sell out dates also this band is firmly making it mark across the country.

It’s only half way through 2018, and the Longford four-piece has also headlined Hype Festival, played the main stage at Sea Sessions and were delighted to make a return to Leixlip Rock The Yard Festival, later this month will also play the main stage at Sunflowerfest, and had the privilege of being invited to guest with Hudson Taylor at three of the dates on the band’s headline Irish tour earlier this spring.

2017, saw the band play festivals such as Longitude and Minefield at Electric Picnic, together with traveling stateside for the Milwaukee Irish Festival, a headline show in Rockwood Music Hall in New York, and being invited to guest with fellow midlanders, Picture This at one of their sold-out Olympia Shows. Previously, winning JOE.ie’s Le Crunch competition, joining Gavin James and Roisin O as musical ambassadors for Bord na Móna’s inaugural #HearthSessions campaign and capturing its first Top five single still remain highlights of 2016

F. https://www.facebook.com/BraveGiantOfficial
T. @BraveGiantBand
Insta. Bravegiantofficial 

Now and again, we meet people and it just works. Instantly at ease in each other’s company, conversation flowing like you are catching up on 20-years’ worth of news, and the fun, well it’s instant  and can take many forms.

This is a scene of sorts in how the now named GARADICE four-piece felt when they came together to work, co-create and ultimate perform in what was the fourth residency of The Leitrim Equation programme in 2014 approx. (Est. by Leitrim Co. Council in 2006). As a result of the time spent together in The Leitrim Equation residency and subsequent tour, the four-piece of Eleanor Shanley, Dave Sheridan, Padraig McGovern and John McCartin had decided to work together. To record an album.

Now less than two years later, ‘GARADICE’ the album is complete and awaiting release. The self-titled debut from the talented collective will be released on Friday October 5th

‘GARADICE’, the album is a collection of 13 eclectic songs and tunes. Recording commenced in 2017 in John McKenna’s cottage in Leitrim and the final touches recently completed in Kerry, where it was also mixed by the multi-talented Donogh Hennessey. Produced by Garadice themselves, mastering duties were picked up by Billy Farrell at Deadeye Productions.

The album features Dave Sheridan, Padraig McGovern, John McCartin and vocalist Eleanor Shanley, together with guest musicians Donal Lunny, Tom Morrow, Utsav Lal & John Joe Kelly they present beautiful arrangements of these songs and tunes, some original and some of which have not been played for over 200 years!

When you gather a crew of such fine musicianship, creative soundness, and much liked people you are going to see people wanting to be involved!

To coincide with the album’s release on October 5^th, the band will also be touring this autumn and winter

Friday 5th October – Ballinaglera (Co. Leitrim) – Traditional Irish Music Festival
Sat 20th October – Ed Reevey Festival Cavan Town
Saturday 27^th, Sun 28^th October – Return To Camden Town Festival London
Friday 2nd November – Cornmill Theatre Carrigallen Co. Leitrim
Sunday 9^th December – The Sugar Club, Dublin

Eleanor Shanley is one of the most loved and respected vocalists in Ireland. Nearly 30 years since starting her musical career as a vocalist with De Danann, and her voice is as pure and lyrical as the first day she stepped in front of a microphone in 1990. Renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs Eleanor has been at the top of her profession since joining De Danann and has recorded many solo albums including Desert Heart, A Place of My Own and her most recent, Forever Young from which her single, the Thom Moore classic Gorgeous and Bright, was the most played track on RTE 1 Radio for the summer of 2015.

Eleanor has toured Ireland, Canada, The USA, Europe, China and Japan both as a soloist, together with De Danann and other artists. She has also recorded with many great musicians including Ronnie Drew with whom she recorded two albums (Ronnie Drew and Eleanor Shanley and El Amor De Mi Vida), Sharon Shannon, Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, U2, The Dubliners and many more.

Padraig McGovern hails from Ballymagovern, a townland on the Cavan/Leitrim border. He has recorded with numerous artists over the last decade including a highly accredited duet album with Peter Carberry entitled Forgotten Gems. Padraig recently participated in the highly acclaimed multi-disciplinary project, The Pipes The Pipes, devised by Dónal Dineen. With fellow pipers Leonard Barry and Maitiú O’Casaide and visual artists Lionel Palun and Guillermo Carrion, the show paid homage to the instrument, old pipers, current pipers and also offered and insight into the future of piping.

Dave Sheridan’s flute playing has been described as “a highly accomplished free flowing fluid style, with sound technique and solid driving rhythm” (Hot Press Magazine) and a flute style, which takes on “Lark like qualities” (fRoots Magazine). On the back of his critically acclaimed debut album Sheridans Guesthouse, he released his second solo flute album entitled Drivin’ Leitrim Timber in 2010. This album has received rave reviews, with The Irish Times describing it as “a joy…. a thoughtfully organised collection, that celebrates a fluid free flowing regional flute style….with enough sharp edges to keep the listener’s antennae on high alert for the next hairpin bend”. Dave has recorded with artists from renowned traditional groups like Lunasa, Dervish, At The Racket and De Danann as well as performing on many occasions with the Sligo based band Téada. He has also performed on The Late Late Show, The Ray Darcy Show, Geantrai, The Reel Deal and Fleadh Live.

John McCartin started playing the fiddle at the age of 10 under the tutelage of Frank Kelly and later Maureen Fahy. He won many county and provincial titles at underage levels. Inspired by bands like Planxty, Dervish and Lunasa John turned his attention to accompaniment in his adult life. Since then he has become a regular accompanist to many of the traditions greatest exponents.

‘Escort’ is the brand new song by ambient and electronic artist Alex Smyth. This is first release since his Debut EP ‘The Utopian Dream’.

‘Escort’ is one of many songs Alex has written in 2018 and feels it shows the right progression since his ambient writing style as the song is a lot more up-beat. The song starts off quite ‘Ambient’ with the low sub-bass mimicking the chord progression of the guitars. With every verse and chorus the song grows giving you a sense motivation.

Alex’s writing style brings you on a journey through the verses which was shown in his song ‘Control’ from ‘The Utopian Dream’ and he wanted to bring listeners on this same journey with ‘Escort’. Alex’s hope for this song was to guide listeners to a climactic ending which is for sure to give you a sense of satisfaction when the song comes to end.

‘Escort’ was named after the ambition of the song – to guide you through the verses and ‘Escor’t you to its climax.

‘Escort’ is released on September 19th on Spotify, Apple Music and Soundcloud.

Winter 2012 in the railway town of Lennoxville, two hours east of Montreal, Canada. Mick D’Arcy sits down guitar in hand & begins to explore the process of emigration from his native Ireland. A collection of songs are born forming the early identity of Corner Boy’s folk/roots rock sound. Travel & live shows across North America ensue but time catches up. D’Arcy returns home to his native Wexford in the South East of Ireland, songbook in hand.

Attracting the attention of local musicians; Cian McGovern (Accordion, piano), Michael Sutherland (Drums), Matthew O Brien (Banjo, guitar) and Corner Boy is formed

Touring extensively in; Ireland, UK, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East their music receives widespread national/international radio and television acclaim. All 4 of their early singles (‘Ghost Town City’, ‘True North’, ‘Morning, Morning’ and ‘Untie The Noose’) reach #1 in the Irish iTunes folk charts with their single ‘Morning, Morning’ also charting at #1 in the Dutch world music iTunes charts. They feature at Ireland’s largest music festivals including; Sea Sessions, Indiependence, Hard Working Class Heroes, Knockanstockan, Electric Picnic.

Their latest single, ‘Moira (Under The Pale Moonlight) was recorded at Grouse Lodge Studios, Co. Westmeath in September 2017 by Grammy Award winning producer Ted Hutt (Old Crow Medicine Show, Dropkick Murphy’s). Released on Friday 21st September, ‘Moira (Under The Pale Moonlight)’ is an anthem of fallen love. 

CORNER BOY – UPCOMING LIVE DATES

Saturday 24^th November – Wexford Arts Centre (EP launch)

*Additional dates in Dublin, Cork, Galway & Waterford – to be announced 

SOCIAL  

www.cornerboymusic.com
www.facebook.com/cornerboymusic
www.twiter.com/cornerboy2
www.instagram.com/cornerboymusic

Dublin duo We Cut Corners have just shared the video for the latest single, ‘Laughing Maniacally’, taken from their forthcoming album, ‘Imposters’, which will be available on heavyweight vinyl, CD and streaming from Friday 12th October.

The single is accompanied by an infectiously bouncing remix of the song by Dublin electro duo Le Boom.

A video of the songs has been directed by Adam O’Regan.  About the song and video the band say,

“‘Laughing Maniacally’ is a song about the narcotic power of love and the manner in which our sense and sensibilities are corrupted by desire.  Adam, the director, chose to focus on the inherent tension when a pure expression, such as laughter, is performed in the sterile setting of an audition”.

We Cut Corners are guitarist/vocalist John Duignan and drummer/vocalist Conall Ó Breachain. The duo have carved out a unique place in the Irish music scene with their eclectic mix of songs, ranging from angular pop and garage rock, to wistful indie-folk, consistently coupled with their unique lyrical deftness.  The result is weird and wonderful, abstract at times, and brilliant.  The dynamic drum/guitar combination, and the blending of powerful, unique vocal harmonies is principal to their success.

We Cut Corners first three albums were all nominated for the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year.

The new album is now available to pre-order at the Delphi Label Store online at delphilabel.com/the-shop

The band are pleased to announce the following dates to celebrate the release of the album.

Saturday 13th October – Whelans, Dublin
Saturday 20th October – Cyprus Avenue, Cork
Sunday 28th October – The Spirit Store, Dundalk
Friday 2nd November – The Monarch, London

Details of Galway date in mid-October also coming soon

WEBSITE: www.wecutcorners.net
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/wecutcorners
TWITTER: twitter.com/wecutcorners
DELPHI LABEL: www.delphilabel.com/home
ADAM O’REGAN: www.foambuffalo.com

Ever since humans were invented, people have been asking themselves the question “why”?  As it happens, this is one of numerous themes visited by Blue Fish Diamond on their debut album ‘From Dark To Light’, released on 5th October. The second track on the album, ‘Why‘, sits in the grey existential area between dark and light.

Of the other tracks on the album ‘Blood On The Walls’ falls squarely in the shadows of darkness.  So too ‘Angels Of The Winds’, its apocalyptic story foretelling the arrival of the four horsemen against the backdrop of an orange moon.  The album title does not disappoint and the journey ventures from dark to light through hopeful tracks such as ‘The World Is Waiting and Salvation Call’.  And of course ‘Little Bear’, befitting Winnie The Pooh, but of no relation.  The other tracks on the album?  Well, you’ll have to listen to them to find out and in the words of one of the songs “so what you waiting for, come on for the ride”.

Blue Fish Diamond are a Dublin based indie folk rock band who formed in late 2016.  They have released three singles since February of this year (‘Hey Hey’, ‘Salvation Call’ and ‘Time To Go’), all of which have received radio play across the country including on RTE Radio 1, Radio Nova, Cork’s Red FM and KCLR.  Blue Fish Diamond’s influences include Neil Young, Bob Dylan, R.E.M, The Byrds and Tom Petty.

The band’s most recent gig was at Electric Picnic 2018 (1^st September, 2FM Play The Picnic stage).  Prior to that, they have played various Dublin music venues including the Tivoli Theatre, Whelans (main stage and downstairs), The Workmans Club, The Underground, the East Side Tavern and Sin E. They have also played at The Habour Bar in Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Blue Fish Diamond will be launching their album at various venues around the country, confirmed venues and dates are as follows:

Thursday 4^th October:     The Grand Social, Dublin
Friday 5^th October:          Billy Byrnes, Kilkenny

Details of other venues/dates are currently being finalised and will be announced shortly at https://www.bluefishdiamond.com/gigs/

It’s been about two years since Nolan put out his initial open call asking producers, writers and visual artists to deconstruct, reconstruct, reinterpret and un-reconstruct his work. It was open season for all artists who see a potential to stamp their mark on these works with their own personality and flair to be imbued in their reinterpretations. The lyric sheets could be cut up or reinterpreted, re-written or turned upside down. The artwork could be cut-up, re-printed or painted on or whatever the artist sees fit in order to reinvent the piece with their own particular style. Artists had full reign over how they prepare the music, words and images from Nolan’s critically acclaimed debut ‘Fredrick & The Golden Dawn’. At the time RTE Lyric FM DJ of The Mystery Train John Kelly shared on Twitter and help gain awareness.

Now after two years work the album is finished and is called “How is it how it is? – The Songs Of Kevin Nolan”. Now released, Nolan sees it as a twin sister album to the album he just release earlier this summer “Absent At The Moment When He Took Up The Most Space” (selected recordings 1997 – 2005). Now on the this new album ‘HIIHII’ many different artists from all over Europe have recorded interpretations of Nolan’s work, 13 chosen songs in all.

Vyvienne Long, Jan Frisch and Susanne Wawra to name a few.

The cover art of “HIIHII” is an MRI scan image of Nolan’s shoulder after he injured it.

Nolan says: “I’d put it to good use and also because these artists are dissecting my material, taking it apart and reinterpreting it.”

The new album can be streamed/downoaded on Spotify, Bandcamp, Amazon, on CD from Amazon on demand and all good download stores.

Find out more at www.kevinnolan.info

Dreaming of Jupiter’s sound incorporates a number of different influences from Electropop to Funk, RnB and Trip Hop in such a cohesive way it feels as though they have created a genre all of their own. It’s groovy, it’s atmospheric, it’s soulful and it’s different.

The band has exploded into 2018 having been featured on RTE’s ‘Striking Out’ in January and performing to a sold out Button Factory as part of legendary Chic Drummer Ralph Rolle’s ‘Funk Patrol’. Shortly after, the band released ‘Let Me Down, the first single from their upcoming debut EP. The single was premiered in February by renowned music blogger Nialler9 who commented that ‘Let Me Down’ “is a promising introduction to their forthcoming EP, an atmospheric and soulful groove that features elements of RnB, Funk and Electro-Pop with a Hiatus Kaiyote-esque sound.”

The track has received very high praise amongst the music industry and fans alike, and received airplay by 2fm, 98FM and Dublin City FM to name just a few stations. Following its release, Dreaming of Jupiter were named ‘Ones to Watch’ by Dundalk FM, ‘Let Me Down’ was Roddie Cleere of KCLR FM’s track of the week, and John Barker of 98FM commented that it is one of his
favourite songs of the year so far. The accompanying music video for this track, released on March 6th, was directed by acclaimed Manchester director Wes Rashid, after the band completed a mini UK tour in February, including a performance in London’s O2 Academy2 in Islington.

Following a performance at the world famous ‘Musikmesse’ in Frankfurt in April, the band released the second single from the EP, ‘Right Kind Of Love’. This Ambi-Groove Summer anthem was premiered by Clash Magazine who noted that “The rising trio have a soulful sound, one matched to effervescent pop and an ability to side-step trends. Carving out their own path, each new
release represents a step forward, with Dreaming Of Jupiter continuing to excel”. Dreaming of Jupiter have performed at some of Ireland’s top festivals this summer including ‘Body and Soul’, ‘Electric Picnic’, ‘Vantastival’ and a headline show in ‘The Secret Village’, to name a few.

As the summer draws to a close, Dreaming Of Jupiter now prepare to release their debut EP ‘Fading’ consisting of four tracks. Themes of ‘Fading’ include loss, grief, memory, self-worth, sexuality and solace. The EP will be launched on November 29th with a live concert. During the performance of the title track, the band will be joined by renowned visual artist Jessie Hopkins. Using the
music as her muse, Jessie will create through full body participation, a painting that will manifest as a visual representation of the energy shared between her and the band during their performance of the song. The one-off painting will serve as a direct visual interpretation of the energy of the show. This combined with colourful soundscapes, infectious grooves, spoken word and a mix of English and Spanish lyrics promise a unique, electric and explosive finale to what has been a ground breaking year for Dreaming Of Jupiter so far.

The soundtrack album for  Jason Figgis’ film about the world renowned photographer Sir Simon Marsden, “Simon Marsden: A Life In Pictures”, has just been shared. The original soundtrack is by Hugh Doolan while the Feature Documentary had its global premiere at London’s BFI August 16th and is due for general ‘Video On Demand’ release later this year.

One particular highlight is John Hurt reading Edgar Allan Poe poetry over one of the tracks ‘Film-Idea-Acoustic ‘as Simon Marsden’s beautifully eerie photos fill the screen.

Another gem in the film is the wonderful voice of 14 year old Jessica Doolan singing on the richly orchestrated main theme ‘A Place To Rest’ and on ‘A Few Degrees North – Eventide’

Other tracks on the album showcase Doolan’s accomplished acoustic guitar playing along with astral weeksy double bass that could well have been played by a Renaissance busker!

The album is available on Spotify , Bandcamp (free/pay-what-you-want) and iTunes

DIRECTOR & SCREENPLAY: JASON FIGGIS

STARRING: SIMON MARSDEN, JASON FIGGIS, SIR JOHN LESLIE and the voice of JOHN HURT

Film Preview: https://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/simon-marsden-life-pictures

SIMON MARSDEN : A LIFE IN PICTURES (2018) from Jason Figgis on Vimeo.

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