Author: Breffni Banks

Relish are back with a new single, new album and live show at Dublin’s Vicar Street this May 2018.

After 3 albums and various hit singles over the years, brothers Kenny and Carl Papenfus, the nucleus and song-writing force of platinum selling band Relish, are back with a brand new single ‘Unbroken Light’ taken from their new album released on Friday 4 May 2018.

Kenny and Carl will celebrate the release of their new album with a live show at Dublin’s Vicar Street on Saturday 5 May 2018 performing their famous energetic show as a five-piece . Both felt the illustrious venue was the place to mark the release of their new album having performed at Vicar St as part of Sinead O’Connor’s band (as guitarist and drummer respectively) in support of her No1 album ‘I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss’.

Tickets for their Vicar Street show priced €30 including booking fee are on sale now from Ticketmaster and the new album, included in the ticket price, can be collected on the night.

After co-writing and performing the soundtrack for Oscar winning director John Carney’s latest Hollywood movie “Sing Street” (nominated for a Golden Globe in 2017), and touring the world as part of Sinead O’Connor’s band, (producing & performing her track for the Blind Willie Johnson Tribute album ‘God Don’t Never Change’), re-releasing of ‘Wildflowers’ and ‘Karma Calling’ through Universal Music, and making a big impact with the new track  ‘Got It Made’, Kenny and Carl have finally announced the release of a brand new album and return to  International stages including Dublin for their album launch in Vicar Street this May 2018.

Relish have a busy 2018 ahead as they are set to perform at this year’s Java Jazz International Music Festival in Jakarta, the biggest festival in southeast Asia, among other Asian and European live appearances in the Summer of 2018. Their full list of festival and headline tour dates will be announced over the coming months.

Having had pop hits and rock hits Relish have always blurred the lines between genres, but with success from Asia to the UK and supporting bands as diverse as U2, At The Drive In and Kelis, and admirers ranging from Brian May, to Sinead O’Connor, to Paul Weller, to U2, RELISH have created their own place to exist, breaking down musical barriers with every new release.

Previous releases saw Relish work with such acclaimed producers as John Leckie (Radiohead/The Stone Roses) and Al Clay (Stereophonics/The Pixies). Highlights have seen 4 chart-topping Irish singles, No1 in the Japanese airplay charts and even the unlikely request from Westlife to cover their single ‘Rainbow Zephyr’ reworked as ‘Hey Whatever’ which was a UK Top 5 and international hit. Past Relish releases have proven gold and platinum selling albums.

Though external projects outside of Relish have proved interesting, from playing lead guitar with Paul Weller to performing the lead role in Julian Joseph’s jazz opera “Tristan & Isolde” (culminating in a live performance at London’s Royal Opera House), to creating a boutique distribution, marketing and record label (High Altitude Recordings) Kenny expressed that:‘Working with great music and the finest musicians has always been our raison d’etre, and I think that’s what keeps our love of music alive, in whatever form be that RELISH or whatever else, BUT RELISH, as in Carl and I working together as a team, has always been our greatest love’.

Relish are back with a brand new single ‘Unbroken Light’ taken from their new album released on Friday 4 May 2018.

Pine the Pilcrow are finally releasing new music! Described by Remy’s Music Blog as “as the most accomplished modern folk act in the country“, Pine the Pilcrow release the enthralling and mesmeric ‘Only Ghosts’.

The release of their self-titled debut E.P. in March 2016 saw them nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2016 Pure M awards, winning The Last Mixed Tape’s ‘Readers EP of the Year’ award and nominated for Best Song at the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition for their ambient and emotive ballad ‘Don’t Need Me’.

With 2018, Pine the Pilcrow are releasing their second E.P. (‘Only Ghosts’) and continue to build upon their incredible debut release. Working with acclaimed photographer and film maker Donal Moloney to create a beautiful and haunting video for the single ‘Only Ghosts’ and having a work with legendary songwriter Brendan Graham in the works 2018 looks like it will be one to remember for Pine The Pilcrow. Allow this band, born with a sound all of their own, to sweep you away with delicate harmonies and heartfelt songs.

Preorder the physical E.P. here: https://pinethepilcrow.bandcamp.com/album/only-ghosts

‘Only Ghosts’ Tour Dates

MAR 13 – RUBY SESSIONS, DOYLES, DUBLIN

MAR 16 – OPEN DOOR SESSIONS, BALLIEBOROUGH, CAVAN

MAR 18 – LEVI’S, BALLYDEHOB, CORK

MAY 10 – IONTAS THEATRE, CASTLEBLAYNEY, MONAGHAN

MAY 18 – THE FOLK N SOUP CLUB, TIPPERARY

JULY 11 – GHOSTLIGHT SESSIONS, EARAGAIL ARTS FESTIVAL, BALLYBOFEY

Irish acoustic folk-rock band Hermitage Green have just released ‘Bring It On Down’, the second single off of their recent EP album ‘Gold & Rust’. 

‘Gold & Rust ‘consists of 6 progressive sonic masterpieces and was produced alongside Grammy award winner Matt Lawrence (Adele, Amy Winehouse, Mumford & Sons) in world renowned Rockfield Studios in Wales where Hermitage Green’s new recordings share company with the likes of Queen, Robert Plant and many others.

“’Gold & Rust’ – the title was inspired by a lyric that Darragh Griffin wrote in the song ‘Bring It On Down’. I suppose as an album title it represents the many contrasts of being in a band in 2017. The ups and downs, highs and lows, whatever you want to call it,” said Dan Murphy.

“From playing the mainstage at Electric Picnic, to getting laughed out the door of a bank when looking for a mortgage. From walking out of a sold out Olympia Theatre in Dublin, to playing to 7 people in a town somewhere in the U.S. From telling your bandmates you love them and would do anything for them, to trying to kill your bandmates because they piss you off sometimes. ‘Gold & Rust’ is the dichotomy between the struggle and the absolute privilege of doing what you love for a living.”

Hailing from Limerick, Ireland, Hermitage Green have made a large impact in a short period of time. After having released their first full length album via SONY Ireland and watching it climb the charts with tracks like ‘Quicksand’, ‘Not Your Lover’, and ‘Save Your Soul’, the band has been touring internationally to sold out rooms across Ireland, the UK, Middle East, Australia and the US. Known for their exciting performances, Fortitude Magazine describes them as “known for having good time with their crowds, with their likeable attitudes and infectious humour shining during and in between their songs.” Hermitage Green can certainly control a crowd with their enthusiasm but also their talent itself is mesmerizing.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

May 31^st -Dublin, IE – Whelans

June 1^st – Dubin, IE – Whelans SOLD OUT

June 3^rd – Limerick, IE – King Johns Castle

Website: http://hermitagegreen.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hermitagegreen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermitagegreen/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hermitagegreen

Spotify: http://bit.ly/HG-Spotify

iTunes: http://bit.ly/HG-iTunes

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hermitagegreen

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/hermitagegreen

The next artist who looks set to make the leap into the mainstream musical consciousness both in Ireland and in the world is an act known as Flynn. Flynn, real name Darren Flynn, was raised in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath but has spent the last number of years plying his trade in the U.K.

His British journey began in Bristol, where Flynn fell in love with 90’s hip-hop and R’n’B. He gigged and busked every day for a full three years, sometimes even playing four open mic nights a week, all in order to develop his craft. As his reputation as a talented singer, wordsmith and musician began to turn heads, he moved to London in an attempt to take his music career to the next level and to develop himself not only as an artist but as a writer.The track was first written in a year ago but never quite got the attention it deserved.

Upon joining Diffusion Lab, the team set about writing a second verse, a bridge and adding the depth of instrumentation you hear on the track today.

‘Red Light’ is a representation of everything Flynn has come to represent. With a combination of his acoustic beginnings and the introduction of smooth, dance-inducing synth, the song stands out thanks to the sing-aloud chorus, made all the better thanks to the strong falsetto vocals provided by Flynn himself. The stylish choral-layering of Flynn’s voice lifts the bridge and adds to the track as it reaches its triumphant finish. Flynn’s voice throughout is exceptional, especially considering he has never taken vocal lessons. The control which Flynn has when it comes to the higher register of his all-encompassing vocal range is staggering, and the power behind his voice in the songs more subdued moments highlights an artist well capable of altering styles instantaneously.

“When I wrote Red Light I was basically writing a note to myself. The song is about finding the courage to dive into life head on without any hesitations or second thoughts. I remind myself that overthinking will only hold me back and that taking risks is the only way to progress and succeed.” Flynn explains.

With more music on the way, 2018 looks set to be the year in which Flynn takes his place in the upper echelon of new musical talents in Ireland. Given the journey he has already had to this point in his career, it’s clear that when it comes to success nothing will get in his way.

‘Red Light’ the new single by Flynn is available to stream on March 2nd.

Motions are an alternative rock band from Dublin formed by Tom Daly and Dave Nulty . Following a string of impressive singles from their debut ‘Back To Where I Begun’ to ‘All I’ve Ever Known’, which earned global airplay in the U.S., Ireland, Germany, China, Australia, South Africa, Peru and more, comes the debut EP ‘Late Night Calls’. ‘Late Night Calls’ was produced and mixed by Philip Magee, best known for his work with Kodaline and The Script.

The Late Night Calls EP is out now, available at:

Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/album/1XoAkg7Unf8ZSORox4BnRV

iTunes @ http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1346369388?ls=1&app=itunes

Soundcloud @ https://soundcloud.com/motions-music

Cormac O’Caoimh releases Double A Side ‘Proud / ‘Have You Built Yourself Well’.

Why a double A-side single? ‘Have You Built Yourself Well’ and ‘Proud’..have BOTH reached the semi-final of the International Songwriting Competition, judged by Tom Waits and Robert Smith of The Cure (among others). Previous winners include Vance Joy, Gotye and Bastille. Just announced yesterday..the finalists and winners will be announced in the weeks ahead

Proud appears in the AAA category (Adult Alternative Album)…I think that is just indie to you and me, where he probably belongs (despite the many folk and singer-songwriting comparisons) and the quieter mellower ‘Have You Built Yourself Well’ is in the Lyrics category. This new double A-side shows both of his two sides (that he is normally compared to) – the indie pop world of The Go Betweens and Badly Drawn Boy and the introspection and mellowness of Nick Drake.

Cormac O Caoimh released his 4^th solo album ‘Shiny Silvery Things’ in 2017. It in charted in the official IRMA charts and was launched with a sold out show in the Triskel Christchurch, Cork. All 12 songs have already received airplay and the first single (his most successful to date) reached over 3 million listeners in Ireland. The song was played in over 23 stations in Ireland and many more in the UK ( a lot of spins from the BBC including the prestigious award winning listenership Radcliffe and Maconie show on BBC 6 Music) and Europe. The second single (Track of the the day in Hotpress) wasn’t far behind reaching 2 million listeners.

His intimate vocals, magical melodies and exquisite guitar playing has always attracted very favourable appeal to critics (with Mojo, The Irish Times, HotPress, R2, Americana UK, OndaRock in Italy and many more) always quick to point to his unique style as well as comparisons to acts varying from the dreamy pop of The Go Betweens, Badly Drawn Boy, Elliott Smith and Prefab Sprout to the introspective and more folk-oriented Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen and Paul Simon. But he sees himself as a pop song-writer. When pop was good.

“Acoustic Gems from the Cork singer-songwriter. Each song superglues to the memory “ **** Mojo Magazine

**** “There are echoes of terrific songwriters here – the likes of Lloyd Cole, Paul Simon, Eels’ Mark E Everett, and Prefab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon filter through – but O Caoimh’s personalized worldview makes the material his own” – The Irish Times

Live date:

Mar 3rd Ennis, The West’s Awake

After great anticipation, KnockanStockan has returned with full punch for 2018, with an impressive first lineup announcement setting a sensational standard for the many acts yet to be announced for the festival this year. A true representation of the high calibre of music in Ireland, this first announcement presents the beginning of an exceptionally eclectic lineup, a great mix of homegrown talent and international artists of critical acclaim fitting for all musical tastes and sure to impress even the most refined musical palate. Not long after going on sale, Tier 1 tickets to KS2018 have already sold out, a true sign of excitement for the festival’s return after a one year break in 2017:

Bantum | Humans of the Sesh | ROE

JyellowL | Navá | Sim Simma Sound System

Bicurious | Akora | Chancer  | The Olllam |

Moon Looks On | Spudgun | Munky

Farah Elle | Deborah | Yankari | The Scratch

The Bonk | Vernon Jane | Slouch

The Hot Sprockets | Grand | Simon Bird

Ailie Blunnie | Super Silly | Wood Burning Savages

Paddy Hanna | Elaine Mai | Cúla Búla | Kojaque

Celebrating the best of modern Irish culture, KnockanStockan’s diverse musical lineup will be accompanied by additional treats for festival fans this year, featuring new collaborations, several international artists, spectacular new stage designs, new areas to explore, an array of art installations and endless performance art in many glorious forms. Each new addition to the festival will be a tasteful continuation to the KnockanStockan we know and love with additional features both complementing and elevating the festival’s remarkable reputation.

“A small festival with a massive soul” – Hot Press Magazine

A much loved family friendly event, KnockanStockan’s artistic eclecticity brings something for everyone, which has earned the festival many awards throughout the years such as Best Line Up, Best Small Festival, Best Family Festival and Best Social Responsibility Award. KnockanStockan returns to its breathtaking site overlooking the Blessington Lakes, refreshed and revitalised after a one year break, ready to bring back the best in independent music and the best in everyone who attends!

Tier 1 tickets – SOLD OUT    Friday tickets SOLD OUT

Saturday & Sunday Camping tier 2 available at €135 via knockanstockan.ie

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To coincide with the release of their debut album, ‘Midnight Broadcast’ (through Seventh Dial Records) Warsaw Radio have released their new single ‘Ms. Monroe’. The song and video takes inspiration from the relationship between film maker Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe. The narrative imagines Monroe giving advice on relationships after the break down of her relationship with Miller when they were filming what would be Monroe’s last film (‘The Misfits’) in Reno, Nevada.

Warsaw Radio formed in 2013 in Brighton when Nikki Bates (violin & vocals) answered an ad posted online by Brían McNamara (vocals & guitar) looking for musicians to start a band. McNamara had recently moved from Limerick, Ireland to Brighton to be closer to the London music scene. Prior to moving to Brighton McNamara honed his craft playing solo in venues and busking in New York’s Greenwich village and San Francisco. Brían was previously lead singer in a rock band signed to Xeric Records in Ireland (a label owned by The Cranberries first manager Pearce Gilmore) and as an unsigned solo artist played across Ireland including shows with acts such as Mundy and Bell X1. Nikki Bates moved to Brighton from Barcelona around the same time as Brían. Hailing from the North of England, as a musician she had worked with the likes of Sting, EMI studios, Cinematic Sinfonia and London Philharmonic Orchestra.

According to McNamara the name of the band came about when he was reading a history book and there was a couple of paragraphs about the siege of Warsaw in 1939. “During the siege they had a live orchestra performing on air to help with peoples morale…. the musicians on Warsaw Radio kept going until their transmitter was hit by a shell. It was a pretty incredible story and it reminded me of the famous quartet on the Titanic who kept on playing as the ship sank. I liked the message of defiance and we were looking for a band name so that’s where it began.

Bates & McNamara performed as a duo initially and played with a variety of line-ups on the Brighton and London music scenes.  The duo attracted attention due to the unique blend of McNamara’s baritone vocals and Bate’s soaring strings. Laurence Bridge joined the band full time in 2014 on bass. Bridge had previously worked with a number of indie rock acts in Brighton and the likes of Tom Odell and Lucie Barat. Paul Lennox (drums) and Edd Mann (lead guitar) completed the W.R touring line-up.

In the autumn of 2016 McNamara approached Mercury nominated producer Jag Jago (The Maccabees, Florence Welch) at Brighton Electric Studios with demo tracks and this led to the release in Feb 2017 of their debut single ‘After Eve’. The single was picked up BBC Introducing and debuted on BBC Northern Ireland’s – Across the line show. This was followed by support from BBC Radio 6 Music D.J Chris Hawkins and Dan Hegarty on RTE 2 FM in Ireland.

The band have toured extensively in the UK & Ireland including head-line shows at Ronnie Scott’s London, Notting Hill Arts Club, Whelans Dublin, The Belfast Empire, The Great Escape Festival in Brighton and The Beautiful Days Festival in Devon. They have appeared as special guest support to artists such as The Waterboys, Mick Flannery and The Lone Bellow, all bands/artists that have inspired their sound. W.R’s sound brings together different genres based on each of the individual band members in a fusion of rock & alt-folk.

Upcoming shows:

Friday 9 March                                 Green Door Store, Brighton (Album launch show)

Tuesday 27 March                            Whelan’s, Dublin

Wednesday 28 March                        Roisin Dubh, Galway

Thursday 29 March                           Cyprus Avenue Cork

Friday 30 March                                Kasbah Social Club @ Dolans, Limerick

Thursday 5 April                               Sofar Sounds, London

Saturday 28 April                             Nells Jazz & Blues, London (supporting The Stunning)

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