Author: Breffni Banks

State Lights Release New Single ‘Freedom’

Written by Breffni Banks on June 11, 2018. Posted in News.

Singer Shobsy, guitarist Joe Regan, drummer Paul Ridgeway and bassist Noel Perry all met at BIMM Music College in Dublin. Bonding over a shared interest in classic 80’s music and a common desire to write big stadium sized songs the guys decided to work on a music project. This early incarnation lead to the formation of State Lights in 2015.

After the remarkable success of their last single, ‘Peace Will Come’ and its star-studded music video, State Lights are back with a brand new track.

‘Freedom’ introduces an alluring and unique contrast between themes of the new, free-thinking era of Ireland, sound tracked to a heavily-influenced 80’s alt-rock sound but also channels modern dance elements reminding the listener of contemporary Coldplay tracks. The forward-thinking track no more challenges Ireland’s archaic agenda, but celebrates the progress Irish society has made. State Lights’ ‘Freedom’ captures the essence of modern Irish people – Wrapped up in just enough synthesisers to make you dizzy with nostalgia! What more could you want?

‘Freedom’ is a ballad encouraging people to break free from oppressive and toxic relationships; to go forth and live the life they’ve always dreamed of living.

Shosby (Lead singer):

“The song is about choosing to set yourself free. Stop waiting around for someone else to do it for you.”

State Lights will be performing on the main stage (Saturday, July 7th) at Groove Festival in Killruddery House, Bray, Co. Wicklow.

The Whileaways Release Double A Side

Written by Breffni Banks on June 11, 2018. Posted in News.

The Whileaways release the first single from their upcoming third album ‘From What We’re Made’ on 11^th June with the album to follow on 20^th July. The single is two sided: the A side is ‘Roll Down Your Window’, a jaunty summer single featuring the band’s trademark interwoven harmonies; and the B side is the more laid-back ‘Spare Me From The Heartache’.

The Whileaways are Noelie McDonnell (vocals, guitar), Noriana Kennedy (vocals, banjo) and Nicola Joyce (vocals, baritone ukulele). The three are accomplished folk musicians in their own right with more than a dozen recordings to their collective credit. They came to know each other’s singing at music sessions in the folk melting pot of Galway city. The trio first got together in 2012 with a tour and the success of that led to releasing their eponymous debut album in 2013.

Their second album ‘Saltwater Kisses’ was released in 2016 and critically lauded, both at home and internationally. It was chosen as album of the week by RTÉ Radio 1 and received four-star reviews from The Irish Times and The Irish Echo in America who described their sound as ‘perfected simplicity’.

Indeed, The Whileaways’ three distinct voices combine to weave a tight tapestry of captivating harmonies. They prefer minimal instrumentation on their recordings, allowing their distinctive vocals to be the focus of their music. The trio balance folk songs from both sides of the Atlantic with beautifully crafted original songs, in a way that is inventive and undeniably engaging.

Over the last couple of years, The Whileaways’ have been involved in some interesting collaborations, including working with orchestras and a brass and string ensemble. When writing the songs on ‘From What We’re Made’, the band were influenced by that experience and wanted to include this influence whilst still retaining the unique vocal sound that they are best known for.

Their third album represents a maturation of the band and their creative aesthetic, and they’re looking forward to giving audiences a taste of this at gigs later this year.

See The Whileaways live:

Sat 16 June – Cork – Live at St Luke’s

Sat 21 July – Unitarian Church, Dublin

Mon 23 July – Campbell’s Tavern, Galway

Wed 5 Sept – Markree Castle, Sligo

Sat 8 Sept – Harvest Festival, Fota House Cork

Sat 15 Sept – KAM, Kinvara, Co Galway

Sun 16 Sept – Clifden Arts Festival, Galway

Tue 28 Sept – Goresbridge, Kilkenny

We Cut Corners Announce New Single ‘The Specialist’

Written by Breffni Banks on June 11, 2018. Posted in News.

Dublin duo We Cut Corners have announced a new single, ‘The Specialist’ – an anthemic, hook-laden exercise in emotive immediacy. The release is accompanied by a brooding, ambient remix by Irish producer, Daithi. The single is streaming from Friday 15th June.

‘The Specialist’ is the lead song from the group’s anticipated fourth L.P, ‘Impostors’, due for release in October, 2018. Their first three albums were all nominated for the Choice Music Prize Album of the Year.

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 take inspiration from Ryan Adams, Vampire Weekend, The Velvet Underground, Leonard Cohen and Radiohead, all the while creating their own brand of concise and articulate indie music.

The band will soon be announcing dates across Ireland in October to coincide with the release of the new album.

WEBSITE: www.wecutcorners.net

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/wecutcorners

TWITTER: twitter.com/wecutcorners

DELPHI LABEL: www.delphilabel.com/home

KnockanStockan Music & Arts Festival 2018 Announces 85 Acts

Written by Breffni Banks on June 8, 2018. Posted in News.

KnockanStockan is set for a moon landing with 85 acts rocketing onto their bill making this year’s festival a glorious supernova of 140 beaming artists. This will be a festival to remember offering up an unforgettable musical feast for festival fans hungry to find the best in Irish and international music. A wonderful weekend to stimulate all the senses, KnockanStockan have also shared an outstanding Performance Art lineup as well as beautiful new stages and areas to complement the festivals already beautiful surroundings. Prepare to be dazzled!

—————————————-

Performance Art

Knock Knock Comedy

Immam Idma | Andrea Farrell | Joe Dowlin | Stephen Ryan

Knockan’Sprogs

Areas to explore…

KnockanStockan have commissioned a collective of artists called Espaço Libellula who will use sacred geometry techniques and String Art to create a NEW main stage at the festival for which the like of has never been seen in Ireland! Stay tuned for the unveiling of the name of this stage!

Faerie Field

The oldest of their hand built wooden stages, the Faerie Field is nestled in its own natural amphitheatre surrounded by hawthorn trees, chilled during the day and up for anything after dark, a magical world for musical exploration.

DimeStore Tent

If you’re looking for things to get dark and heavy you’ll more than likely find them at the Dimestore Tent, a staple of the festival for over half a decade, lending itself perfectly to big bands and big sounds.

Woodtown
Woodtown is the creation of Mitch Dunne and her team of wood sculptors. You’ll find freshly made wooden furniture to lounge on, original wooden sculptures and games as well as the Holistic Haven and the wonderful Wishbone stage.

Unfiltered Stage

KnockanStockan are excited to have Carlsberg join them in the field this year to collaborate on a new venue space with a Danish twist. The Unfiltered stage will be set with beautiful lake vistas where guests can sit and watch performance art, intimate collaborations, interviews, comedy by day and dance to some of Ireland’s finest DJ collectives play on a stage in the round in the centre of this exciting new venue!

Wishbone Stage

Lovingly put together with carved dowel joints and rods and using some of the surrounding trees as part of the structure the Wishbone Stage gives the impression it was grown rather than built. Expect surprise and delight with everything from poetry and theatre to beatboxing and belly dancing.

The Rasher Factory

Animal Buzz brought a barn last year to KnockanStockan, this year they bring you THE RASHER FACTORY. In a season of festive heresy, this safe space will offer a relentless selection of multi disciplinary artists within a geodesic dome. Savage beasts, untamed by savage tunes.

Knockan’Sprogs

KnockanStockan have a wonderful program of events to keep the Knockan’sprogs entertained! From Storytelling, Open mic stage for the budding future performers at KnockanStockan.

Art Trail

The Art Trail is one of the visual treats at KnockanStockan, with have an ingenious bunch of creatives bringing imaginative installations to the festival, making exploring this already naturally beautiful festival site transform into the thing of dreams.

Campervan tickets are sold out but for those looking to camp in style there is the option of Boutique Lakeview Camping with a selection of luxurious yurts, bell tents and tipis available via knockanstockan.ie/boutique-camping

Tier 1 & 2 tickets to KS2018 have already SOLD OUT, with only a few more Tier 3 tickets left to go!

Tier 1 tickets – SOLD OUT Tier 2 SOLD OUT Campervan Tickets SOLD OUT

Limited Friday Early Entry, Saturday & Sunday Camping Tier 3 available at €150 via knockanstockan.ie

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Rowan Announce New Single and EP

Written by Breffni Banks on June 8, 2018. Posted in News.

Rowan announce the release of their second single ‘Everytime’ on the 1st of June, after their previous success with their debut single ‘Sunrise’.

With the ‘Asleep In The Rain’ EP on the way, ‘Everytime’ is coming just in time before the tour, with shows around Ireland, New York and London. The symphonius brass, indie timbre and harrowing lyrics are reminiscent of the earlier works of Arcade Fire, The Strokes and possibly Nick Drake. With members just after finishing tours with The Frank & Walters, Little Hours, Stephanie Rainey and many more, the band are ready to embark on their own headlining tour.

Tour Dates

09/06 – Goldendiscs, Cork
10/06 – Alchemy, Cork
13/06 – Hank’s Saloon, New York
17/06 – Beal Bocht, New York
18/06 – Rockwood Music Hall, New York
23/06 – Rockaway Folk Festival, New York
26/06 – Whelans, Dublin
28/06 – Tileyard Studios, London
01/07 – The Greyhound, Kilkee
27/07 – Levis’, Cork
09/08 – Coughlans, Cork

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rowanofficialmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowanofficialband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rowantheband
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v-Fe2m5p52lWl

New Jafaris Single Out Today

Written by Breffni Banks on June 8, 2018. Posted in News.

One of Ireland’s brightest musical talents, Jafaris is about to release ‘Found My Feet’, the first single from his forthcoming album. He is showcasing a sound that’s unlike anything he has released before. ‘Found My Feet’ was first written last summer, but since then has gone through numerous alterations and changes. “It sounded completely different to what it does now” Jafaris admits, “I was in a different place musically so I completely rewrote it and had the production changed”.

Now completed, ‘Found My Feet’ is a song about finding oneself and celebrating the newfound confidence that comes with that. The songs is the most aggressive and tribal- inspired piece of music Jafaris has released thus far, and is a large contrast to his previous EP, ‘Velvet Cake’.

The song is led by a combination of hard drum and bass percussion, contrasted in the chorus with traditional African drumming. Jafaris’s vocal line nestles perfectly between the instrumentation, lifting the track to new heights. With a number of unique influences felt throughout the tracks melody, this marks the start of a whole new chapter in Jafaris’s musical journey.

‘Found My Feet’, the new single by Jafaris, is available to stream now.

www.jafarismusic.com

Hard Working Class Heroes Call for Applications

Written by Breffni Banks on June 7, 2018. Posted in Featured Articles, Industry News.

Hard Working Class Heroes festival is making its annual call to Ireland’s musicians, bands and singer-songwriters to apply for HWCH 2018. 50 acts will have the chance to play and take part in this internationally-recognised event which runs in a variety of venues across Dublin showcasing Ireland’s best emerging talent.

Log on to hwch.net and click on the “BANDS APPLY HERE” button – applications will be through the artists’ Breaking Tunes profile. Closing date for applications is July 6^th.

The festival takes place from Thursday 27^th to Saturday 29^th September with an opening networking night followed by the live showcases which will take place across Friday and Saturday night. Keep an eye on the socials for tips from some of the local and international judges between now and the application closing date on July 6^th.

First Music Contact, who run the festival, work with Irish acts from the very beginning. This annual showcase is an opportunity to offer Irish acts some vital exposure provided by the stellar mix of influential Irish and international delegates who attend HWCH including avenues for agent, label, management deals and more.

RTÉ 2FM have come on board as the official radio partner (further details to follow in July).

Last year HWCH reduced the amount of bands showcasing to 50 and highlighted the need for acts to have a development plan and an eye on international activity. The success of this move resulted in a record number of Irish acts being selected for overseas showcase events in 2017 including Eurosonic, SXSW, The Great Escape, Reeperbahn, Primavera Pro and more.

Some of last year’s big successes to progress from the festival include acts such as Soulé, Roe, Bitch Falcon and David Keenan who played at Eurosonic in January / Fontaines, Æ Mak, Jafarais Lilla Vargen and Jealous of the Birds who showcased at The Great Escape / Paddy Hanna and Le Boom who recently graced the Primavera Pro stage in Barcelona.

Since its inception in 2003, the festival has showcased many of Ireland’s best-known acts including Maria Kelly, Saint Sister, Choice Music Prize winners Rusangano Family, Villagers, 2013’s breakthrough act Hozier along with Girl Band, Ailbhe Reddy, Delorentos, Soulé, Jape, Coronas, Pleasure Beach, Talos, Le Boom, Otherkin and many more.

“With bands securing agents, managers and some label deals as well as a huge jump in national and international profile, a slot at HWCH is something of a bucket list achievement for a lot of developing Irish acts “ says HWCH Director Angela Dorgan “the payoff is also on view in the record amount of Irish acts on the bill at all our domestic festivals. It has never been more important to showcase Irish talent”.

At last year’s festival, HWCH announced a new initiative with Dublin City Council Local Enterprise Office, the ‘Start Your Own Music Business Course’ was designed by DCC LEO and First Music Contact specifically for musicians and those who work with them in an effort to increase supports to musicians as Creative Industries.

The first 18 graduates of the pilot scheme which ran this year with great success will be celebrated on the opening night of HWCH. FMC are delighted to continue the relationship with DCC LEO for 2018 and beyond with the second SYOMBC launching in January with more to come around the country througout 2019.

HWCH is supported by The Arts Council / Culture Ireland / Dublin City Council Local Enterprise Office (LEO) / RTÉ 2FM / IMRO

http://hwch.net/

http://www.firstmusiccontact.com/

https://www.breakingtunes.com/

www.musicfromireland.org

Minister Bruton announces Non-mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2018 awardees

Written by Breffni Banks on June 7, 2018. Posted in Industry News.

The Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton T.D. today (Thursday the 7^th of June) announced the successful 35 organisations who will receive a grant under his Department’s Non-mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2018.

The purpose of this Scheme is to provide support by way of a cash grant to smaller scale music education/community music initiatives and organisations around the country. These individuals, organisations and groups are providing access for young people and children to varied music education experiences in our communities. In March of this year, the Minister invited applications for grants under the scheme, with 69 applications received. The total budget available in 2018 is €100,000. A full list of the 35 successful recipients is provided below.

Minister Bruton said “I am very pleased that we can offer this bursary which will help nurture our talented young musicians and in particular I wish to acknowledge the work of their organisations and the many volunteers who work with them. Supporting young musicians in this way enables them to achieve their full potential as well rounded individuals.”

A large number of applications were received from organisations/groups that displayed:

A well-established track record in music education provision
Service provision in the area of non-mainstream music education/community music
Delivery of non-mainstream music education for young people aged 18 years and younger
Strong learning outcomes for participants
Preference was also given to those organisations/groups who can demonstrate that they cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

Successful applications

St. Agnes’ Community Centre for Music and the Arts CLG (CCMA), Dublin 12 : Bursary award €15,000

St. Agnes’ Community Centre for Music and the Arts was established in November 2013 by Sr. Bernadette Sweeney. It provides access to music tuition and group classes on an inclusive basis to all young members of the Crumlin community. It currently caters for 350 children and young people per week. The Centre is open five days per week and on occasion they have concerts and events on Saturdays and Sundays also. Their musical aims are primarily based on the principle of access to all. Quality of provision is guaranteed by their expert teaching staff and regular participation in the Royal Irish Academy of Music Grade examinations. Performance opportunities include Orchestral Concerts on an ongoing basis, two summer concerts to showcase CCMA talent and following a Summer Camp in July each year the week culminates in an orchestral concert in Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin. In addition they have an Annual Pantomime and Musical.

Blanchardstown Brass Band, Swords, County Dublin: Bursary award €3,350

The Blanchardstown Brass Band is a traditional British Style Brass Band which was founded in 1826 and they celebrated their 191^st year of existence last year. They are one of the oldest Brass Bands in Ireland. The organisation is governed by a voluntary committee and they have a band room in Blanchardstown village for practicing. Most of their youth members have learned to play music as a result of their band membership. The band performs around the Dublin 15 area for concerts and special events as required. Typical programmes include Marches, Overtures and Light Classical music, Music from Shows and Film, Irish and International Music. A professional Music Director provides individual lessons and rehearsals for members to improve their ability. The overall objective is to give members the opportunity to learn and play a brass instrument to an expert level in a community setting. Most members are not in a position to buy their own instrument so they are provided with a professional level instrument while playing with the band. The bursary will be used to purchase instruments, equipment and individual support for young people in an inclusive manner. It will enable the continuity of teaching children in a non-mainstream music education programme and simultaneously ensure the future of one of the oldest bands in Ireland.

2018 Total Bursary funding €100,000

€15,000 St Agnes Community Centre, CCMA , Crumlin, Dublin.
€10,000 Whitefriar Street String Project, Aungier Street, D2.
€5,500 Mayo Concert Orchestra,Castlebar Concert Band, Mayo Youth Orchestra
€5,500 Kilkenny Uilleann Pipers, Co. Kilkenny
€4,500 DIT Ballymun Music Programme, Ballymun, Dublin
€4,500 Inisboffin Island Development Company, County Galway
€3,350 Ballymore Eustace Concert Band, Kildare
€3,350 Inishowen Childrens Autism iCARE, Buncranna, Donegal
€3,350 Blanchardstown Brass Band, Swords, County Dublin
€3,350 HFC Concert Band, Wexford
€3,350 Naomh Brid Music, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
€3,350 Barack Street Concert Band, Waterford
€3,350 Carndonnagh Brass Band, Co. Donegal
€3,300 Colour My Strings initiative, Moyderwell, Co. Kerry
€3,250 Kids Classicks, Dunboyne, Co. Meath
€1,250 Gleann Glass Initiative,Roscrea,Co.Tipperary
€1,250 Partry Kids Choir, Claremorris, Co Mayo
€1,250 Old School of Music, The Commons, Co. Tipperary CCE
€1,250 Tourmakeady CCE, Co. Mayo CCE
€1,250 Foilmore CCE, Cahersiveen, Co Kerry
€1,250 Ballyboy CCE, Tullamore, Co Offaly
€1,250 Caislean Nua CCE, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
€1,250 Cavan Town CCE, Co Cavan
€1,250 Tuisceart Loch Gorman CCE, Wexford
€1,250 Gorey Ballyraggert CCE, Gorey, Co Wexford
€1,250 Ratheneska CCE, Co Laois
€1,250 Spink Comhaltas, Abbeyleix, Co Laois
€1,250 Powerstown Liosronagh, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
€1,250 Cahir CCE, CO Tipperary
€1,250 Laois Folk Orchestra CCE, Co Laois
€1,250 Mountmellick CCE, Co Laois
€1,250 Ceolteoirí Cluain Tarbh, Clontark, Co Dublin
€1,250 Craobh Leamchan, Lucan, Co Dublin
€1,250 Craobh Osraí, Marble City Branch, Kells Co Kilkenny
€1,250 Rahan CCE, Tullamore, Co Offaly

Photo supplied by Shane O’Neill of SON Photography.

New Video From Track Dogs Ahead of Irish Tour in August

Written by Breffni Banks on June 6, 2018. Posted in News.

‘Born In Love’ is the new single & video from Track Dogs, the Madrid based band featuring two Irish musicians alongside one American and one UK musician. Filmed in Madrid in mid-May, it was directed and written by Óscar Cavaller Martínez. It shows a group of friends leaving the lure of their smartphones behind on a day out in the countryside and is based on an original idea by Track Dogs’ singer Garrett Wall.

In August, Track Dogs will tour Ireland starting on 25^th August at the Bridge Bar, Ramelton, Co Donegal, then they play the Ukulele Hooley, Dun Laoghaire on 26^th, followed by 28^th August at White Horse Sessions in Lahinch. On 30^th August they headline the Sugar Club in Dublin, followed by an appearance at Electric Picnic’s Salty Dog Stage at 8pm on 31^st August and on 1^st September they will end the tour at First Fruits Arts Centre in Watergrasshill, Co Cork.

Taken from their new album ‘Kansas City Out Groove’, ‘Born In Love’ displays the band’s distinct combination of harmonies, trumpet and cajón which has seen them winning fans so far this year at Costa Del Folk in Ibiza, on festival stages across the UK and at Trafalgar Square, London where they performed on St Patrick’s Day.

‘Kansas City Out Groove’ is Track Dogs 4^th album and it features their striking line-up of 4-part harmonies, acoustic guitar, ukulele and bass alongside cajón and trumpet with banjo and mandolin. The new album is a progression in their sound to a more robust Latin, ‘south-of-the-border’ & Americana feel. ‘Kansas City Out Groove’ was recorded in Madrid at Playground Studios on an analog Studer A80, originally used in Abbey Road in the 1970’s on sessions for Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Working with co-producer and Latin Grammy nominee Germán Gutiérrez, Track Dogs have finally achieved the sound they’ve spend 10 years evolving. The album is available on all streaming outlets & trackdogsmusic.com.

IRISH TOUR:

25/8 Bridge Bar, Ramelton, CO DONEGAL

26/8 Ukulele Hooley, Dun Laoghaire, CO DUBLIN

28/8 White Horse Sessions, Lahinch, CO CLARE

30/8 SUGAR CLUB, 8 Lwr Leeson Street, DUBLIN 2 €15 Booking: 01 678 7188

31/8 ELECTRIC PICNIC – Salty Dog Stage 8pm

1/9 FIRST FRUITS ARTS CENTRE, Watergrasshill, CO CORK €20.00 Bookings: firstfruitsartscentre.ie

trackdogsmusic.com

www.facebook.com/trackdogs/

twitter.com/TrackDogsMusic

Laura Elizabeth Hughes Shares New Video

Written by Breffni Banks on June 6, 2018. Posted in News.

Ahead of the release of her highly anticipated new EP ‘Ceremony’ this Friday, Laura Elizabeth Hughes releases the official video for her stunning new single ‘The Dark’.

‘The Dark’ is the first single taken from Laura’s new E.P. ‘Ceremony’ which will be released to the world this Friday 8th June. ‘Ceremony’ is the result of four years hard work honing a craft for which the young songwriter has already been lauded for with her self-titled debut release.

The experience of being part of the Irish contingent for this years Eurovision entry has also provided Laura with something not many performers get to do in their careers. ‘Together’, was co-written by Laura with fellow Irish musicians Ryan O’Shaughnessy and Mark Caplice provided Ireland with their first Eurovision grand finals appearance in five years and captured the hearts of not only the Irish public but nations all around the world.

Laura’s new songs have been well received by audiences so far having been given a live airing at recent performances at the Ruby Sessions and as special guest to Canadian–American songwriter Justin Nozuka in The Sugar Club. Her unique voice has seen her build a substantial fan base from across the world with her YouTube channel amassing an astonishing 2.5 million views.

‘Ceremony’ is a celebration of a talented songwriter bringing her undeniable talent to the fore with each song being born from her life’s experiences. The four song E.P. captures a journey from darkness to light and showcases the distinctive vocal and writing talent of a songwriter on the cusp of something very special.

‘The Dark’ is the first single to be taken from ‘Ceremony’ and is available now with the full E.P. to follow this Friday, 8th June.

LIVE

August 5th Indiependence Music Festival, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork

More dates to be added soon

For more see:
lauraelizabethhughes.com

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Author: Breffni Banks

State Lights Release New Single ‘Freedom’

The Whileaways Release Double A Side

We Cut Corners Announce New Single ‘The Specialist’

KnockanStockan Music & Arts Festival 2018 Announces 85 Acts

Rowan Announce New Single and EP

New Jafaris Single Out Today

Hard Working Class Heroes Call for Applications

Minister Bruton announces Non-mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2018 awardees

New Video From Track Dogs Ahead of Irish Tour in August

Laura Elizabeth Hughes Shares New Video

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