Author: Breffni Banks

Accordion player Keelan McGrath has become the youngest ever winner of the IMRO sponsored Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal competition.

The 16 year old, from from Borrisokane in Tipperary, competed against 15 other finalists in a concert broadcast live on RTÉ Ráidió na Gaeltachta and was judged by musicians Noel Hill, Charlie Harris and  Mick Mulcahy.

The annual competition was established by musician and broadcaster Peadar Ó Riada, to focus on different traditional music instruments. Previous winners include fiddle players Aoife Ní Bhriain and Darragh Curtin, harpers Oisín Morrison and Úna Ní Fhlannagáin, uilleann pipers Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn and Éanna Ó Cróinín, flute player Seán Gavin and concertina player Cormac Begley.

McGrath has also won the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil two years in a row and won the Under 18 title in his first year to compete in the category.

Ape Rising have released the video for their latest single ‘The Model Prime’.

‘The Model Prime’ is from their debut 12 track album , which was released in September is a mix of melodic space rock with a synth, math rock feel.

Using their love of videogames as inspiration for their song writing, the band hid themselves away for nearly 18 months to produce and record the album themselves, releasing their first single ‘King Of The Universe’ from the album in 2016. Using the critical acclaim for ‘King Of The Universe’ as a teaser for their album, the band then returned to the studio to put the final touches on what would eventually become their 12 track debut.

One of the tenets of Ape Rising is their need for creative control on all aspects of their music, not only producing and recording their own music but also creating all their own music videos, as is the case with ‘The Model Prime’.

A level of creativity that they fell in love with when their first band The Radioactive Grandma were a regular fixture in Dublin’s music scene.

The video was created and edited by Ape Rising’s bass player Jimmy who has his own production company ‘Defaced Productions’ www.defacedproductions.com
The band are supporting Bitch Falcon in The Bowery on 15th March, tickets are available here: http://thebowery.ie/calander/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ApeRising/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ape_rising

For their third studio album, Le Galaxie have coupled with LA based Independent label Red River. This isn’t the only new and exciting partnership for the band, as longtime collaborator May Kay, formally of Fight Like Apes, is now a full-time member of the Le Galaxie family.

Third Smoke are an Irish indie rock band that specialise in delivering performances of raucous gang vocals, dynamic harmonies and the chaotic swapping of instruments. The band operates as a musical collective driven by artistic exploration and friendship. Musical influences range from The Dandy Warhols, Arcade Fire, The Beatles and The White Stripes.

Third Smoke’s profile has been steadily rising over the last two years, with notable performances including supporting Ham Sandwich on a national tour and in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, along with supporting Glen Hansard, Delorentos and Le Galaxie. The summers of 2016 and 2017 have consisted of festival appearances at Longitude, Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions, Indiependence, Vantastival and many more. In addition to the above, Third Smoke have played multiple headline performances in 2016 and 2017 including Whelan’s (both main room and upstairs), the Roisin Dubh, The Spirit Store and more.

‘Maya’ is the second single of Third Smoke’s Maybe ‘In Time’ EP. The title track gained National radio exposure on Today FM, 2FM, Spin 103.8, Live 95 Limerick and Cork’s Red FM among others including BBC Northern Ireland. Recorded by Karl Odlum (The Frames, Kila, Ham Sandwich, David Kitt) mastered by Danny Kalb (Beck, Karen O, Foster the People)

“Dundalk-based indie-folk band Third Smoke have been developing their multi-vocal style on once-off singles and ‘Maybe In Time’ is another fine step in the right direction of the power-in-numbers style.” Nialler9

“Excellent new Irish music from Third Smoke – Their brand new single ‘Man Made Fire’ is an epic salvo from one of our most interesting bands.” Ed Smith, Today FM.

“…whatever genius binds Third Smoke. The Dundalk band are deservedly on the rise and their combination of Fleet Foxes-esque harmonies, Beatles-inspired melodies and deft playing is enough to ensure smooth ride. Watch this space”​ Phil Udell, State.ie

https://www.thirdsmoke.com/

Ireland’s most eligible bachelor, Nathan Carter is set to have hearts racing around the country following the release of his new Valentine’s Day single.

‘This Song is for You’ is an original track, penned by the singer with prolific Irish songwriter, Don Mescall.

Released just in time for the most romantic day of the year, it’s set to be the soundtrack for date nights and dances for years to come. However, the young heartthrob is leaving us guessing about who he’ll be singing it to on 14th February!

Despite a busy schedule though Nathan does manage to find time to perfect one his favourite hobbies:

“Song writing is something I’m really enjoying at the minute and it was a real pleasure to put pen to paper with Don on this one. We’re delighted with how it has turned out and I’m really looking forward to letting everyone hear it live during our concert tour!”

‘This Song is for You’ will be released on Monday 5th February 2018.
The single is available to download from iTunes.

Nathan & his band play the 3ARENA DUBLIN on Friday 23rd March & the SSE ARENA BELFAST on Saturday 24th March!
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.ie and www.aikenpromotions.com

Fontaines D.C. release their new AA Side this month. It’s called “Chequeless Reckless/ Boys in The Better Land”. It comes out on all Digital Platforms and 7′ Vinyl on Fri 23rd Feb.

To coincide with the release, FONTAINES D.C. embark on a whole host of dates too.

“Limited third 7″ Single from Dublin’s Fontaines who have now added DC to the end of their name. ‘Chequeless Reckless’ is one half of a double A-Side single and is a mesmerising cut that’s built on a krautrock rock esque groove but played by punks. The vocals are spoken in a distinctive Irish drawl and sits in between Mark E Smith and Justin from the Vaccines. The other half of the single is ‘Boys In The Better Land’ which is another golden nugget that has the sound of The Modern Lovers if they’d grown up in Dublin. This band just keep getting better and better.” – Rough Trade

“Fontaines DC’s are set to open their 2018 account in a way that you’d hope that they would. Kicking on from where they left off last year, the forthcoming double A Side ‘Chequeless Reckless/ Boys in The Better Land’ are tunes that may well make other acts wonder what’s the point.” Dan Hegarty 2fm/2XM

Sat Feb 10th – Limerick – Seoda Shows 5th Birthday Party
Sun Feb 11th- The Olympia Theatre, Dublin – Opening for Franz Ferdinand
Mon Feb 12th – Live on BBC Northern Ireland – Across The Line
Wed Feb 21st – Roisin Dubh – Galway
Fri Feb 23rd – Mike The Pies – Listowel, Co. Kerry
Fri March 2nd – Mason’s Loft – Derry
Sat March 3rd – The Button Factory – Dublin
Wed March 7th – The Victoria – Dalston, London
Fri March 30th – Garbo’s – Castlebar, Co Mayo.

“A heady mix of layered atmospherics and fuzzy pop that bodes well for the future” – Drowned in Sound

“With this latest release, Slow Riot join the ranks of Eagulls and Savages at the forefront of a new breed of bands fusing danceable beats with dark-pop sentiments.” – The Line Of Best Fit

Ireland’s Slow Riot are releasing their new double A-side single, ‘Voyeur/Burn in the City’, via Straight Lines Are Fine on February 2nd. The tracks are the first new material from the band since last year’s ‘Pink December’. Much has happened in the interim; the band expanding to a four-piece after the addition of second guitarist Liam O’Connor (formerly of Fonda), an intense period of songwriting, honing their live craft via numerous festival appearances (notably Electric Picnic, Other Voices), and the recording of a debut album which will be released later in 2018. ‘Voyeur and Burn in the City’ showcase their new approach and provide a tantalizing glimpse of what is to come with their debut full length release.

‘Voyeur’ and ‘Burn In The City’ demonstrate the breadth and depth of the band’s new found songwriting arsenal. The former a visceral alternative rock track, fusing dense yet well balanced production with catchy melodies and driving rhythms; it’s an unstoppable force.

“Liam came to us with the chord progressions and guitar melody of ‘Voyeur’. I liked the contrast between the spectral, somewhat eerie verse parts and the melodic, hopeful chorus”, says vocalist/bassist Niall Clancy. “Lyrically I wanted to convey this disparity between hope and desperation and found a similarity in, what can be, the voyeuristic nature of romance today.”

‘Burn In The City’ employs dreamy guitars, sweeping synths and a reverberant, spacious mix. The track is hard hitting yet sentimental, animated yet brooding, recalling acts such as Eagulls, Preoccupations and Merchandise in its new-wave dance beats with dark, soaring undertones.

Fresh out of the studio, the ‘Voyeur/Burn in the City’ single was recorded with longtime collaborator Kevin Vanbergen (The Pixies, The Maccabees, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The La’s and Biffy Clyro) at Savage Sound Studios, Hastings at the beginning of 2018. Vanbergen has been a catalyst for the band’s creativity since hooking up with them for the recording of their debut Cathedral EP. Their working relationship continues to thrive, with production of the new material pushing the band into richer sonic territory.

The band have collaborated with up and coming Irish artist Darragh Dempsey for the artwork and videos for ‘Voyeur/Burn In The City’. Recognised by the art world world as a rising talent, Dempsey’s ‘Flesh’ painting was inspired by Francis Bacon’s ‘Study after Velazquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X’; the anguish and surrealism of the image echoing the themes of the band’s new music.

Slow Riot emerge from their hometown of Limerick backed with support from the likes of The Irish Times, Nialler9, Other Voices, Electric Picnic, Today FM and Whelan’s One’s to Watch; their plaudits building at an impressive rate. They’re flying the flag for a new breed of Irish acts ready for the global stage.

They have also amassed a rich profile of support this side of the Irish Sea, with the likes of Drowned In Sound, Q Magazine, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash and Gigwise amongst many others citing them for big things. Previous single ‘Trophy Wife’ earned the band plaudits from Shaun Keaveny on the 6Music Breakfast Show, Radio X, Absolute and was a mainstay on the band’s native Today FM with DJ Paul McLoone declaring Slow Riot to be “my new favourite Irish band”.

Slow Riot return to the UK in April to headline Communion’s club night in London plus regional dates, but not before they play their first headline Dublin show at Whelan’s on March 22nd. Summer festival dates will be announced very soon.

https://www.facebook.com/slowriot.theband/

Garageland have announced that the Garage Gigs Spring Series will take off with a very large bang in the first week of March with shows in Dublin’s Grand Social and The Button Factory, followed quickly by dates in Drogheda, Kilkenny, Cork and Limerick. Further on in the spring there are plans for shows Galway, Mayo, Donegal, along with dates in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Belfast.

Founder Dermot Lambert has announced that Garageland intend to promote up to 60 shows this year in Ireland and the UK, all featuring as many as 240 brand new and emerging artists.

2017 proved to be one of Garageland’s biggest years with the release of the Garageland Volume 1 compilation along with artist friendly initiatives with the likes of Sound Training Centre, Music Maker, RTE and more. The year finished with a PR storm as Inhaler made waves around the world, with their indie pop sound attracting all manner of people to their Garage Gig Show in the Button Factory.

Garageland on RTE 2XM with Dermot Lambert continues to reach ever higher audience numbers with the regular Monday evening live radio show which features music from brand new artists alongside a long line of music industry guests that’s included Willie Ryan (Hozier Management), Olaf Tyaranssen (Hot Press Magazine), Ailish Toohey (Gavin James management), The Pale, Jackie Hayden and many more.

Garageland supports is supported by IMRO, The Arts Council of Ireland, RTE, Hot Press Magazine, RAAP, IRMA, Sound Training College, MusicMaker.

Spring Dates are filling up fast, and any artists wishing to take part should contact garageland.ie.

Upcoming Dates

Thurs 1st March – Dublin – The Grand Social

Pleasure Dome / Colin O’Shea & The Chaos / Kyro Jones / Shag Haired Villains / Emily 7
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Thurs 8th March – Dublin – Button Factory  – (filmed for Garageland T.V.)
Skyfever / Fade To Light / Hammy & The Pilgrim  / Patricia / Killian O’Driscoll
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Sat 10th March – Kilkenny – The Pumphouse
The Wha? / Sweet Freedom /  Oisín & Cara / Out Of Habit / Bankrupt
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Saturday 15th March – Limerick – Pharmacia

Deborah McKeown  / Aidan Bolger & Band / More TBA
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Fri 16th March – Drogheda – McPhails
Fuzz Gigolo  / Modern Love / The Brief /  Gathinos
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Thursday 22nd March – Dublin – The Grand Social

Fish In The Sky /  Hidden Stills / More TBA
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Thursday 22nd March – Dublin – The Sound House

Stone Blind State / Vext / More TBA
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Thursday 29th March – Dublin – The Button Factory
The Elation / The Enzymes / More TBA
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

APRIL

Thursday 19th April – Dublin – The Button Factory
Elevation Falls / We March / NCX
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Friday 27th April – Dublin – The Grand Social
Towns-End / The Brief / More TBA
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

Friday 27th April – Dublin – The Sound House
Surreal Audio/  More TBA
Doors – 7.15pm / Admission €10 online / €13.50 on door

More dates and artists currently being added

www.garageland.ie

Sea Sessions, have announced Rudimental as their third and final headliner along with a host of new acts. Festival organisers have also announced the day breakdown for their headliners with Dizzee Rascal headlining Friday 22 June, Walking On Cars on Saturday 23 June and Rudimental on Sunday 24 June 2018.

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.

Dizzee Rascal, Walking On Cars and Rudimental will be joined at Sea Sessions 2018 by Everything Everything, Hannah Wants, Dusky, Roots Manuva, Hudson Taylor, Le Galaxie, 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, Colin Perkins, A Different Animal, Order of The Mess, Ciara Brady with more to be announced.

Winner of IMRO Festival of the year at the 2017 IMRO Venue 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 and has firmly established itself as one of the most important dates on the Irish Festival circuit.

Festival director Ray O’Donoghue says “We like to think we always have a quality lineup but we really feel this year has a lot of strength in depth. From massive international names like Rudimental and Dizzee Rascal to really great Irish acts like Hudson Taylor and Ryan McMullan we think there’s something in it for everyone. The site capacity has been upped, the festival site has been extended, there’ll be usual Surf and Sports plus some great surprises like our brand new “Astoria Stage” named after the now demolished Astoria Ballroom”.

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.

Over the years such luminaries as  Tinie Tempah, Paul Wellar, 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 Donegal County Council and Failte Ireland the event has become an important kick start to the tourist season for the capital of Irish surfing in Bundoran.

Sea Sessions

22nd – 24th June 2018.

www.ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide. 

www.seasessions.com