Author: Breffni Banks

A new Irish Supergroup emerges producing the standout Country Pop Album of 2018.  Weekend Special release their debut album ‘In The Heart of The Castle’.

Like The Highwaymen and The Traveling Wilburys before them, the members of Weekend Special have come together to create music that will be appreciated and cherished as long as recorded music exists.

Between them the members of Weekend Special have recorded, shared the stage with or produced the likes of Nick Cave, INXS, Mary Black, Cat Power, Glen Hansard, Sherbet, Jim Lauderdale, John Cooper Clarke, Lloyd Cole, Leslie Dowdall (In Tua Nua), Mundy, Billy Bragg, Mark Olson (The Jayhawks) and more.

Brothers Rohan and Al (Quiff) Healy played to a television audience of 7 million on The Voice UK Season 5, performed for President Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin and had countless adventures over their more than 1,000 shows with The Dublin City Rounders. Their father, David Virgin, renowned songwriter and producer of 5 No1’s in the Australian charts with Sekret Sekret, was also the visionary behind the sound of early industrial noise group SPK, a cited influence on the likes of Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers.

A production and performance team can work with nothing, however, without a song. Introducing Seán Silke, one of Ireland’s most prolific and talented songwriters, racking up over 500 original songs with no signs of stopping. Seán’s compositions and lyrics have been raising eyebrows in the Irish and international songwriting scenes, with country stars Michael English and Mike Denver quick to acknowledge the craft and character of Seán’s work.

This impressive package is topped off with the smoky soulful strains of the enigmatic Darien Chase. Her voice contains the full depth and range of human experience, an essential requisite to convey the range of emotions contained in the 14 tracks on ‘In The Heart of The Castle’. The songs take us from the heady heights of unexpected true love, to frustration and depression, life, death and everything in between.

The first single, ‘Making The Most of Love’, touches on love found later in life. Sometimes a period of hardship and perseverance can be required as regards affairs of the heart. The right person remains elusive. That mix of deep friendship, trust, confidence, fun and romance is rare. Yet sometimes – relatively late in life – it all comes to pass.

Weekend Special’s debut album, ‘In The Heart of The Castle’, is out now on Beardfire Music and is available on all major platforms for streaming and download.  

www.weekendspecial.ie

RUN iN RED have just announced the release date for their new single ‘Fade Away’.

Recorded with Colm Drennan in Sound Training Productions, Temple Bar, the song will be launched with the band’s debut video, directed by Andrew Connellan, on June 14th.

To celebrate this release, the band will play their first headline show in The Sound House on Eden Quay – just a stone’s throw away from the their studio base on Talbot Street. Following performances in Whelans, The Workman’s Club and The Grand Social, the three piece are eager to release new material to their growing fanbase.

‘Fade Away’ will be available on all digital platforms with physical copies in Golden Discs from Friday the 15th, and will be the first single off the band’s second EP ‘Undercover, Overthrown.’

A 3-piece Transatlantic band based in Dublin, RUN iN RED are urgency transcribed into music. With members from the Dublin, New York and UK music scenes, in 2017 the band released their debut EP: ‘The Revelled Theory Mind.’ Its lead singles have drawn praise from JOE.ie, TogetherFM and have recently been play listed on Pandora Radio in the US. Currently playing select shows in Dublin, the band are set to release their second EP in late 2018.

Run in Red will perform at The Sound House, Dublin on Friday the 29th of June, 2018. With support from Barefoot Soldiers.

Tickets on sale at: runinred.eventbrite.ie priced at €6 inc. booking fee or €10 at the door.

www.runin.red

SIIGHTS are a new dynamic pop duo operating between LA, Ireland & the UK since one of the girls came off two years of touring as multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with Hozier. In that time they have built up a major following and fanbase internationally. They are both serious studio technicians and writers so the music is fully self-produced & self-written. ‘Got It’ is out June 8^th 2018.

The first track they shared online immediately went viral, amassing over 18 million views and quickly becoming the #2 most Shazamed artist in Ireland.

Writing, producing and performing everything on their own tracks, SIIGHTS fuse elements of funk and electronica to create their own strand of bouncy, anthemic pop. ‘Got It’ follows this regimen to a t, fizzing with pop hooks and enough swag to immediately define them as extremely well-honed musicians and writers.

Speaking on the track, Mia and Toni say: “‘Got It’ is about self-expression and body confidence; it’s about having the confidence to be yourself and to own and celebrate your unique qualities. Our differences are what make each of us extraordinary. We just wanted to write a song that celebrates that, something that encourages people to smile and embrace their whole self, ‘You got it so .. flaunt it.’”

Instagram

@siightsofficial

facebook/siights

Butler an eclectic mutli-genre artist from Dublin with a focus on making synth driven pop music. Hooky vocals with dance driven drum loops and 80’s break beats are his thing. Debut single ‘Applause’ draws from his love of all things Prince, 80’s electro and synth pop and of course hip hop.

‘Applause’ – with a hypnotic bassline and distinctive 80’s L.A. or Miami vibe is sure to get you in the right mood for summer. Written and co-produced by Butler this is only the beginning and a taste of what’s to come. Available on all platforms from June 12th be sure to look out for this slice of fresh summer feel-good pop music.

Plans for more releases are underway with some very interesting collaborations with other Irish artist in the pipeline. Watch this space…

https://www.facebook.com/ButlerMusic1/
https://twitter.com/ButlerMusic1

Mermaid Of Luna Park, Vickers Vimy’s second single off ‘Atlas Of Hearts’ follows hot on the heels of RTÉ Radio1 playlisted single ‘Keep Your Eye On The Road’.

The song was written after spending a day at Coney Island in New York City. Luna Park was an amusement park that opened in 1903.

The first two lines written were “It’s a feast of fables, a polaroid for the ages” which sets the tone for the song. It features Hammond organ and saxophone, and a nod to ‘Itchycoo Park’ that gives it breezy pop sensibilities and a New York urban jazz feel.

Hailing from Mayo, on the wild atlantic coast of Ireland, Vickers Vimy craft songs that dwell on the borders of folk and Americana. Rich eclectic sounds anchor lyrical themes of scratched vinyl nights and hazy Sunday mornings. Their second album ‘Atlas of Hearts’was released on March 31st.

Vickers Vimy have collaborated with Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames & Swell Season) and had the pleasure of recording in the studio of Nick Seymour (Crowded House). Vickers Vimy have had the amazing fortune to support the late John Martyn. They have supported the Hothouse Flowers, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Mundy. They have shared the RTÉ Music Train with Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Kodaline, Lisa O’Neill and Jack L.

LIVE:

June 2018
29th Christchurch, Castlebar

July 2018
6th Roisin Dubh, Galway
10th Kennys, Lahinch

August 2018
11th Secret Village Festival, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Mayo
26th Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival

https://www.vickersvimy.ie/

FLYNN takes a more personal approach with his second single ‘Peace Of Mind’, a follow-up to its hugely success predecessor, ‘Red Light’. FLYNN describes the song as an ode to self- confidence and the ability to focus on yourself. “People are constantly telling me what I should be doing,” FLYNN explains, when asked about the songs origins. “It’s about being confident with my own thoughts and running with them rather than taking other people’s opinions on board”.

‘Peace Of Mind’ was first conceived of as a song more than a year ago, during a writing session with songwriter Hannah Wilson (who’s previously worked with collaborators of Ed Sheeran, Demi Lovato). The magic of the song was truly discovered upon FLYNN’s arrival at Diffusion Lab and it wasn’t long before the song took on a life of its own.

Soul-pop vocals and piano-lead instrumentation inject the song with its distinct personality and flare, as its lyrics provide a very personal view into the mind of an artist certain of his sound, direction and place in the musical landscape.

With a busy summer ahead with more music on the way and festival appearances, FLYNN has never been in more demand, but despite everything, he has finally found the peace of mind he strived for.

‘Peace of Mind’, the new single by FLYNN, is available to stream / download on June 1st.

Sea Sessions Unsigned Sessions Showcase takes place on Thursday 7th June in The Chasin’ Bull, Bundoran. Finalists Myth, Sonja Sleator, Walking Android, Avelina and Kate Grimes were selected from hundreds of entries to perform on the night to be in with a chance of winning one of two performance slots at this year’s Sea Sessions. Sponsored by IMRO, entry on the night is free with ticket giveaways and more in the night.

With only 3 weeks to go, Sea Sessions have also announced their day to day line up along with 2 brand new stages.

Headliner Dizzee Rascal performs Friday 22 June followed by Walking On Cars on Saturday 23 June and Rudimental on Sunday 24 June 2018.  Hannah Wants and Dusky will headline the new Astoria Dance Stage and Irish album chart toppers Delorentos and The Blizzards will headline the new Monroe’s stage.

Sea Sessions, who return to the unique festival setting of Donegal’s Bundoran, has sold out weeks in advance over the last three years and this year promises to be bigger and better than any year yet as festival organisers celebrate 10 years partying by the beach in 2018.

Friday 22 June 2018

Dizzee Rascal, Dusky, Hudson Taylor, Le Galaxie, Versatile, Fekky, DJ Yoda (AV show), The Hot Sprockets, DJ Deece, Molly Sterling, Amber & The Bear, New Valley Wolves, Thumper, Alan Finan, Order of the Mess, Ciara Brady

Saturday 23 June 2018

Walking On Cars, Hannah Wants, Chasing Abbey, The Blizzards, Jerry Fish, Wild Youth, Kormac (AV show), David Keenan, Brave Giant, Interskalactic, Willie & The Bandits, Get Down Edits, 1000 Beasts, Vernon Jane, Colin Perkins, Sixpenny Plug

Sunday 24 June 2018 

Rudimental, Everything Everything, Delorentos, Greg Wilson, Stomptown Brass, Fabio, DJ Mek, Marc O’Reilly, Waldorf & Cannon, Elaine Mai, Slow Place Like Home, Ryan McMullan, Delta Fuse, A Different Animal, Motion DJs.

With their unique blend of quality acts, beach sports,  surfing and a stunning location right on Bundoran beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, Sea Sessions has evolved organically over the years and is much more than just a music festival.

Sea Sessions surfing and sports events have become an important kick off to the tourist season in Bundoran and have made Sea Sessions an integral part of the Irish festival circuit.  Winner of IMRO Festival of the year at the 2017 IMRO awards alongside picking up the gong for Festival of the year at the “Excellence in local Government Awards”, Sea Sessions has gone from strength to strength.

Sea Sessions 2018 festival lineup includes Dizzee Rascal, Walking On Cars, Rudimental, Everything Everything, Hannah Wants, Dusky, Delorentos, Chasing Abbey, Hudson Taylor, Le Galaxie, Jerry Fish, Kormac (Av Show), Fekky, The Blizzards, Versatile, DJ Yoda (AV Show), Wild Youth, Greg Wilson, Stomptown Brass, Fabio, Ryan Mc Mullan, The Hot Sprockets, DJ Deece, David Keenan, Wille & The Bandits, Slow Place Like Home, Waldorf & Cannon, Amber & The Bear, Marc O Reilly, Get Down Edits, DJ Mek, Brave Giant, New Valley Wolves, Elaine Mai, The Clandestinos, 1000 Beasts, Vernon Jane, Thumper, Alan Finan, Delta Fuse, Salty Sea Dogs, Bpm, Colin Perkins, A Different Animal, Order of The Mess and Ciara Brady.

Over the years such luminaries as Tinie Tempah, Paul Weller, Bastille, Seasick Steve and loads more have graced their unique stages. The Festival started way back in 2008 as an after party for a Surfing Competition. Now it holds the top Surfing Competition in the country as well as hosting the worlds top skateboarders, BMX’ers and loads of beach sports. Supported by and working with DonegalCounty Council and Failte Ireland the event has become an important kick start to the tourist season for the capital of Irish surfing in Bundoran.

Early Bird tickets have now sold out but tickets are still available from all Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, www.ticketmaster.ie. Priced from €109.90 for 3 days and €134.90 including 4 nights camping. There’s also limited single day tickets available from €49.50, Surfer Bar (VIP) Upgrades from €50 extra plus Glamping options. Check www.seasessions.com for more details.

Sea Sessions
22nd – 24th June 2018.
www.ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

In the way the likes of Nils Frahm & Arvo Pärt can get up close and personal, Úna Keane’s piano solo album ‘As I Wake, Still I Dream’ is like a soothing cushion for the soul. Released in May 2017, the record was critically acclaimed, garnering 4 star reviews from both The Irish Times and The Sunday Times. Following a short hiatus to focus on motherhood (she gave birth to her baby girl just after Christmas), she’s brings her particular brand of minimalist piano on tour this summer with 8 Irish dates – a combination of venues and house concerts. Some UK and European dates will follow in the autumn. Full details at www.unakeane.com

“Consistently beautiful” – Tony Clayton-Lea
“A testament to the wonderful mysteries of sound” – John Kelly
“Lingers even after the final note has been struck” – Lauren Murphy

The Midsummer Arts Festival is coming back for a third year on June 23rd 2018. With even more event and activities for all the family, it promises to be a great day out. So put June 23rd in your diary. Keep an eye out here and on our Facebook page for up to the minute details as they are announced.

Are you interested in working in the music industry? If you have any questions about working in the industry, then this is for you. Taking place from 11.30am to 12.30pm in McAuley Place, Sallins Road, Naas, this is an open forum talk with 3 of Ireland’s leading musicians, John Spillane, Luan Parle and Sadhbh O’Sullivan. Listen to them talk about how to make a living from working in the Music Industry. The floor will be open for questions at the end of the session. This is a free event and open to anyone from 12yrs upwards, but places are limited. Booking is essential. Book your place at www.midsummerartsfestival.ie

Introducing singer and producer, Chirpy – a dark, dream pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Dublin, Ireland. Her debut six track demo EP which was released last summer went straight to No. 1 on the Irish iTunes download charts and received widespread critical acclaim in the tastemaker sphere. Born Rebecca Shannon, she has been around on the Irish music scene for the past 10 years as a session musician (voice, guitar, bass, keys) and collaborator performing most notably with the Irish International set-up, Anúna (where many well known artists such as Hozier started their careers). She has toured Ireland, the UK, Europe, the US and Asia as a singer and performer.

Self-produced, Chirpy’s self titled debut album was recorded in Dublin, London and Lucerne and draws on a noticeable classical music background with contemporary electronica input, combining a sweep of cross-genre influences from predecessors including Leonard Cohen, Kate Bush and Björk, to the contemporary sounds of Stina Nordenstam, Jessie Ware and Lali Puna.

The first track ‘Breathe’ will be promoted as a single during the album release. It asks for a stop from the chaotic world with the opening line ‘it’s a miracle to be here‘…..

‘Born on a planet where we frantically struggle paying our way to stay on… that miracle is often easy to forget.’

www.facebook.com/chirpymusic
www.twitter.com/chirpy_x
www.instagram.com/chirpy_
Youtube: https://bit.ly/2GQZrCh
www.officialchirpy.com