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Author: Breffni Banks

IMRO Award Presented to Keywest

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Featured Articles, News.

We were delighted to be joined by Keywest for the presentation of an IMRO Award in recognition of their album Ordinary Superhero.

The IMRO Number 1 Award was introduced to acknowledge IMRO members who reach number 1 in the album charts here in Ireland.

Ordinary Superhero is the fifth studio album from multi-award winning, multi-platinum selling Irish band Keywest. Their infusion of folk, rock and pop comes from their humble beginning busking their way across Ireland and the UK and going on to worldwide concert tours and festival appearances. Featuring the singles ‘Somebody to Love’, ‘C’est La Vie’ and ‘I’m Not Me Without You’, their duet with Una Healy from The Saturdays.

RTÉ Choice Music Prize – Irish Album of the Year 2022 Shortlist Announcement

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

RTÉ Choice Music Prize

In association with IMRO and IRMA

Irish Album of the Year 2022 – Shortlist Announcement

Three new prizes / Irish Song of the Year announcements later this week on 2FM

Live in Vicar St, Dublin with an Exclusive RTÉ Broadcast – 9th March

Tickets on Sale Now

The shortlist for this year’s RTÉ Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2022, in association with IMRO & IRMA, was announced today on RTÉ 2FM’s Tracy Clifford Show.

The shortlist is as follows:

Anna Mieke – Theatre (Anna Mieke under license to Nettwerk Music Group)

Aoife Nessa Frances – Protector (Partisan Records)

CMAT – If My Wife New I’d Be Dead (CMATBABY)

Dermot Kennedy – Sonder (Island)

Fontaines D.C. – Skinty Fia (Partisan Records)

Just Mustard – Heart Under (Partisan Records)

Pillow Queens – Leave the Light On (Royal Mountain Records)

Sorcha Richardson – Smiling Like An Idiot (Faction Records)

The Mary Wallopers – The Mary Wallopers (The Mary Wallopers)

Thumper – Delusions of Grandeur (Eva Magical Music Sounds)

As part of RTÉ’s continued commitment to promoting Irish music, 2FM again celebrates the announcement of the shortlist across its schedule today with All Irish All Day from 6am to Midnight.

2FM’s Tracy Clifford Show will broadcast a week of Choice Music Prize announcements and activities, including further details on the three new prizes and Irish Song of the Year:

Irish Artist of the Year – shortlist Tuesday 10thJanuary

Irish Breakthrough Artist – shortlist Wednesday 11th January

Classic Irish Album – further details Thursday 12th January

Irish Song of the Year – shortlist Friday 13th January

(the public vote for SOTY will open at the end of the week)

Commenting, Adam Fogarty, Head of Music, RTÉ 2FM, said “It’s been another year of quality music from Irish artists which we’re looking forward to celebrating on 2FM. The new prizes, particularly Irish Artist of the Year and Irish Breakthrough Artist, along with Irish Song of the Year will ensure that we get to put an even bigger spotlight on incredible Irish artists and recognise their achievements over the last twelve months.”

“RTÉ Choice Music Prize recognises and champions some of our finest songwriters and IMRO is delighted to continue its longstanding association with this prestigious music prize. Irish music continues to push new boundaries and this prize provides an important platform for new music to connect so strongly with audiences in Ireland and important overseas markets.” said Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive.

The Irish Album of the Year 2022, along with the four prizes above, will be announced live from Vicar St on RTÉ 2FM in a special show 7-11pm on Thursday 9th March. The show will feature live performances from some of the shortlisted acts, further details on the line-up to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now via https://www.ticketmaster.ie/choice-music-prize-tickets/artist/1541435

The 18th annual RTÉ Choice Music Prize will once again celebrate the best in Irish recorded music.   The Prize has become one of the music-industry highlights of the year since its inception in 2005. The Irish Album of the Year award is chosen from a shortlist of ten albums by a panel of eleven Irish music media professionals and industry experts. The list of judges is listed on http://www.choicemusicprize.ie

The winning Album of the Year act will receive €10,000, a prize fund which has been provided by The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and The Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA). All shortlisted acts will receive a specially commissioned award.

RAAP, Culture Ireland, FMC and Minding Creative Minds are also official project partners of the RTE Choice Music Prize.

Through its funding of the Music From Ireland programme, Culture Ireland’s support of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize will be directed towards shortlisted artists, as well as assisting the RTÉ Choice Music Prize “Conversations”.

#rtechoiceprize

Job Vacancy at IMRO – Head of Information Technology and Systems

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Featured Articles, News.

Job Title: Head of Information Technology and Systems

Salary: Available on Request

Working Environment: Hybrid Working Model

Application: Please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria for the role to hr@nullimro.ie

Deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Tuesday 17th January 2023.

Purpose of Job

The Head of Information Technology and Systems role provides vision and leadership for developing and implementing information technology solutions that align with the Company’s strategic objectives. The position directs the planning and implementation of the organisation’s IT systems in support of its operations to improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and mission development. This individual is responsible for all aspects of the Company’s information technology systems.

The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer, is a senior management team member and oversees the Information Systems (IS) and Infrastructure (IT) teams within IMRO.

Principal Accountabilities

Strategy & Planning

  • Participate in strategic and operational governance processes of the Company as a member of the senior management team.
  • Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve Company goals by fostering innovation, prioritising IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.
  • Develop and maintain an appropriate IT organizational structure that supports the needs of the business.
  • Establish IT departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures.
  • Identify opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development.
  • Assess and communicate risks associated with IT investments.
  • Develop, track, and control annual operating and capital budgets for information technology.
  • Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.
  • Communication of IT strategy to the IMRO board of directors, the Technology sub-committee of the board, senior management, and the employees of the Company.

Acquisition & Deployment

  • Coordinate and facilitate consultation with stakeholders (staff, members, customers, and affiliated societies) to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.
  • Approve, prioritise, and control projects and the project portfolio for selecting, acquiring, developing, and installing major information systems.
  • Define and communicate corporate plans, policies, and standards for acquiring, implementing, and operating IT systems.

Operational Management

  • Oversee the development of corporate standards, technology architecture, technology evaluation, and transfer; sponsor the business technology planning process; manage client relations, align IT with the business; and develop financial management systems.
  • Oversee plans to reinvest in the IT infrastructure, as well as in business and technology professionals.
  • Ensure continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of service level agreements with end users and monitoring IT systems performance.
  • Ensure IT system operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations.
  • Awareness of current trends and issues in the IT and music industry, including current technologies and prices. Advise, counsel, and educate executives and management on their competitive or financial impact.
  • Promote and oversee strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities.
  • Supervise recruitment, development, retention, and organization of all IT staff following corporate budgetary objectives and personnel policies.
  • Enable the Company to be agile, to respond to rapidly changing consumption trends in the music industry, and to continually strive to maximise member and affiliate revenue in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Working with the Head of Information Systems to manage the overall development of Information Systems within the Company and to support both teams to ensure they have the resources, budget, training, and capacity to deliver on IMRO’S IT strategy.
  • Working with the Head of Infrastructure to manage the overall development, maintenance, and evolution of the IMRO Infrastructure with a specific emphasis on reliability, scalability, and security.
  • Report on the performance of the IT/IS function to the IMRO board of directors, its Technology sub-committee, and management.

Other

  • To be familiar with and plan for changes in international and national copyright legislation and trends.

Position Requirements

Formal Education & Certification

  • University degree in computer science or equivalent and 5+ years of relevant work experience.

Knowledge & Experience

  • 5+ years experience managing or directing an IT operation.
  • Experience working in the IT industry.
  • Experience in strategic planning and execution.
  • Considerable knowledge of business theory, business processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations.
  • Substantial exposure to data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems.
  • Good understanding of computer systems characteristics, features, and integration capabilities.
  • Experience with systems design and development from business requirements analysis to day-to-day management.
  • Proven experience in IT planning, organization, and development.
  • Excellent understanding of project management principles.
  • Superior understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply IT in solving business problems.
  • In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT.
  • Strong understanding of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures.
  • Proven leadership ability.
  • Ability to set and manage priorities judiciously.

Personal Attributes

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong negotiating skills.
  • Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
  • Exceptionally self-motivated and directed.
  • Keen attention to detail.
  • Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Exceptional service orientation.
  • Ability to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Job Vacancy at IMRO – Dynamics 365 CRM Software Engineer

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

Job Title: Dynamics 365 CRM Software Engineer

Salary: Available on Request

Working Environment: Hybrid Working Model

Application: Please send a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria for the role to hr@nullimro.ie

Deadline for applications is 5.00pm on Tuesday 17th January 2023.

Job Objective

Ensure the stability and reliability of day-to-day operation of the information systems to allow IMRO be as productive as possible.

General

Working as part of the IT team of 4 developers, 1 operations and 1 architect, the candidate will develop software solutions to meet IMRO requirements through team and individual efforts.  Participates in the analysis and composition of requirements, design of architectural and component software features, design and implementation of system, design and implementation of test plan, and documentation and support of final solution.

Should be able to adapt to new languages, methodologies, and platforms to meet the needs of the project/business.

Development and customization of solutions: Business Intelligence solutions, CRM Configuration and Workflow and SharePoint Designer. Develop applications written in multiple SW languages, using a mix of C# and JavaScript as your primary toolset.

In addition, the candidate works as part of the IT team to support the end users and maintain system stability, and integrity. This includes the following day to day responsibilities:

  • Evaluating the functionality of systems
  • Consulting computer users to ascertain needs and to ensure that facilities meet user or project requirements
  • Ensuring adherence with software licensing laws
  • Implementing and managing security procedures
  • Providing user training, support, advice and feedback
  • Testing and modifying systems to ensure that they operate reliably
  • Keeping up-to-date with new technology
  • Working with Microsoft Office 365 product suite
  • Working within Microsoft Azure Environment
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

  • 3-5 years’ experience developing Dynamics CRM solutions
  • Degree in Computer Science or equivalent
  • Highly analytical with good problem-solving skills
  • Good communication skills

Experience in the following areas

  • Programming experience with a strong understanding of Object-Oriented Programming using C#
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365 SDK
  • Power Apps
  • Power Automate
  • Power Portal
  • Configuration of entities, security roles, workflows, plugins
  • Integration with SharePoint

One to Watch for 2023 – Moncrieff Releases Heartfelt New Single ‘Perfect’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Irish singer-songwriter Moncrieff has released his heartfelt new single ‘Perfect’. Moncrieff’s soulful vocals soar over warm piano chords and subtle strings in this arena-ready ballad which showcases the Irish-born’s ability to write uplifting melodies that simultaneously pull at the heartstrings. Listen here.

Speaking about the single, Moncrieff says: “Perfect is a very personal song for me about all those small moments in a relationship that make you realise that something isn’t as perfect as it once felt. It can be so hard to admit that something just isn’t right in a relationship and, despite your loyalty and care towards each other, sometimes good things come to an end.”

Moncrieff has already performed with Adele and impressed greats like Elton John and Avicii with his songwriting, yet he is only getting started. His debut single ‘Warm’ released earlier this year was an instant hit at Irish and German radio and was performed live with The RTÉ Concert Orchestra & Dublin Gospel Choir on The Tommy Tiernan Show.

A self-produced six-track EP also titled ‘Warm’ followed in September, that served as an introduction to Moncrieff’s poignant, vulnerable and deeply personal songwriting and clocked in 6 million streams in just two weeks.

Moncrieff’s intimate compositions offer a stunning sonic portrait of an exceptional musician who isn’t afraid to address his demons in the studio. Having lost two siblings as a teenager, Moncrieff turned to songwriting as a way to heal and has been on a mission to connect with people through music ever since. After moving to London to pursue his music career, it wasn’t long before the music greats took notice. Sir Elton John noted him as ‘one to watch’ on his radio show ‘The Rocket Hour’ and Adele recruited him to perform as a backing vocalist for a number of her live shows.

With his new single ‘Perfect’, Moncrieff has stepped up his songwriting once again and continues to prove himself as one of the most remarkable new singer-songwriter talents to emerge from Ireland. The track has already had a huge reaction from both new and existing fans, having been teased on TikTok and had its live debut while on a 30 date European tour during winter 2023 , prompting seas of lighters-in-the-air moments in venues all over Europe.

The release marks a new chapter and rounds off a hugely successful year for Moncrieff which has also seen him bring his incredible stage presence to festivals in Europe, sell out his first tour in Ireland (April

2022), perform sold-out headline shows in London and several German cities, open for The Script (European Tour) , Leon (Scandinavian tour), Philip Poisel (German Arena tour) Stereophonics (Irish  tour) and ending year performing  to a sold-out Dublin Olympia Theatre earlier this month (2000 cap sold out in an hour) at the end of his European tour dates. .

With more new music and live shows to come, watch this space to see Moncrieff climb new heights in 2023 and beyond.

Connect with Moncrieff

Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube

 

Galway-based Folk Americana Trio The Raines Release Superb 5th Single ‘Leaves Shake’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Galway-based Folk Americana Trio ‘The Raines’ superb fifth single ‘Leaves Shake’ OUT NOW

Straight in at No.1 on release day on both the Irish Apple iTunes Top 40 chart and Singer/Songwriter Chart and Special guests of Mick Flannery at his Vicar Street concert, 16th December

*** PLUS ALSO SEE THE RAINES LIVE ***

Intimate winter shows in The Creel, Westport, Co. Mayo on 10th December and An Taibhdhearc, Galway City on 23rd December

Storming straight in at No. 1 in both the overall Apple iTunes chart and in the Singer/Song Writer charts, Folk Americana group The Raines (Ruth Dillon, Juliana Erkkonen and Yvonne Tiernan) are back with their brand-new single ‘Leaves Shake’, taken from their forthcoming debut album.

Following a standout year for The Raines that saw the release of their critically acclaimed single ‘Another Lover’, a sold-out Irish Tour, and appearances on the esteemed “Sunday with Miriam O’Callaghan” and “The Ray D’Arcy Show” on RTÉ Radio 1, their new single ‘Leaves Shake’ is sure to finish their year off on a high note.

Speaking about their latest single Ruth reveals “Leaves Shake is a reflection on the quiet resilience of a woman and all she carries throughout her life, using the analogy of a tree whose boughs bend under the weight of wind and rain, but is full of strength from its roots. Both find their power even after the storm”.

‘Leaves Shake’ was written by Ruth Dillon and was recorded in various locations by Ivan O’Shea and Juliana Erkkonen. Ruth Dillon is on vocals and guitar, Juliana Erkkonen on vocals and fiddle with Yvonne Tiernan on vocals and percussion. Guest appearances are made by Sam Wright on bass and Tom Portman on dobro.

The award-winning Producer Brian Masterson famous for his work with The Chieftains, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson and The Bothy Band, to name just a few mixed and mastered the track.

The Raines are special guests of Mick Flannery at his upcoming Vicar Street concert on 16th December plus they play two exclusive intimate December shows, The Creel, Westport, Co. Mayo on Saturday 10th December, tickets available on www.thecreel.ie (with a limited number of tickets available at the venue) and An Taibhdhearc, Galway City on Friday 23rd December, tickets available via eventbrite.ie

‘Leaves Shake’ is out now across all of the major digital platforms.

 

Grace Day & Frances Praet Join Forces for ‘Felt Like Falling’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Rising Nashville artists Frances Praet and Grace Day have joined forces to create a surprisingly feel-good Pop/Americana breakup collaboration. The song, out everywhere on November 30th, will hopefully make you dance while also compelling you to question – am I in this relationship because I’m in love or because I just ‘Felt like Falling?’ The song is a perfect fusion of each artist’s unique style, blending Grace Day’s signature quirky pop sound with Frances Praet’s timeless Americana/country style. While Frances and Grace have worked together in a creative capacity before, most notably on Grace Day’s early 2022 single ‘Never Lonely With You’ which features Frances’s production chops, this is their first official collaboration as artists.   

Donegal native Grace Day began her music career in Galway Ireland, where she attended NUIG and played in bands. She decided to move to Nashville on a whim, not knowing a single soul in the city. Her spontaneity pervades her music through her eccentric, often humorous lyrics, and unique indie pop sound. Grace has an array of music idols across many genres including Julia Michaels, Bo Burnham, and Phoebe Bridgers. Her dreamy heartbreak ballad ‘Never Lonely With You’ was well-received by the heartbreak community, and was on rotation on National Irish radio stations such as RTE 1 and BBC. Grace is a big fan of collaboration and when she’s not working on her own music, she’s writing with other Nashville Artists/writers.

Frances Praet was born in Louisiana but has been living in Nashville for the past 8 years, where she and her Dad have been running a music production company. Having produced for many independent artists, Frances is a jack of all trades in the Nashville music space. The title track of her recent EP ‘Romantic, so Tragic’ was featured on the Apple ‘New in Country’ playlist. Frances considers Fleetwood Mac and Linda Ronstadt to be some of her most important influences and has created her own unique lane in the young Americana scene. Her pristine, velvet vocals and nostalgic production give her music that intangible timeless quality. 

Grace Day Website

Frances Praet Website

Kevin Nolan ‘Let’s All Get Nervous’ Listening Party at the Big Romance, Dublin 13th December

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and author Kevin Nolan will host a listening party of his upcoming album ‘Let’s All Get Nervous’ in the Big Romance, Dublin on the 13th of December from 6-8pm.

The Big Romance is an audiophile bar with a custom sound-system, a passion for great music, craft beers & good company. From the people behind Hidden Agenda.

The first 5 people will get a free 12 inch vinyl copy of ‘Let’s All Get Nervous’. There is no ticket needed.

Kevin Nolan bio:

They say that good things come to those who wait. That evergreen proverb feels tailormade for Kevin Nolan. Hailed as one of Ireland’s most fascinating artists by this very mag, the fiercely gifted singer/composer’s first full-length (the still shimmering ‘Fredrick & The Golden Dawn’) was unleashed in 2014. While Nolan has since released a fistful of singles, EPs and a compilation LP, fans had to re-learn the lost art of being patient when it came to getting their mitts on a second album. Now, after six years of toil, Nolan has finally unveiled ‘Let’s All Get Nervous’. Nolan displays a shark-like mentality throughout, always moving ahead and not afraid to show his teeth. Featuring appearances from the likes of Vyvienne Long, Mik Pyro, AlabasterDePlume and Susanne Wawra, tracks such as ‘The Dead-Beat’ and ‘The Coming Of Complete Night’ dazzle, in particular thanks to Kevin’s storytelling skills. Best of all is ‘Bow The Lyre’, which blends ’60s flower-power organ with bleeding edge beats to impressive effect.Tapping variously into dirty blues, art and math rock, jazz and spoken word, Let’s All Get Nervous is truly a feast for the ears. We need to talk about Kevin Nolan.” – Review of Let’s All Get Nervous by Edwin McFee, Hot Press.

Born and based in Dublin, Ireland. Nolan’s music has been played on BBC 6 radio and John Kelly, Lyric FM. In 2019 he collaborated with Susanne Wawra on an audio installation, ‘Kinderkurheim’ which was exhibited in The Irish Museum Of Modern Art. His latest release is ‘Let’s All Get Nervous’. Discover more of his work at www.kevinnolan.info

Further details for the listening party are outlined in the below:

Padjo Dolan Set to Release New Single ‘Ivy’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Having grown up in the idyllic surroundings of County Clare, in the west of Ireland, Padjo has written songs tirelessly since he was a teenager and has formed numerous bands throughout school and college where he studied in Galway. A city known for its nurturing of musical talent. Having honed his skillset, he decided he was going to embark on a solo project and began writing and recording, readying himself to share his tapestry of carefully crafted music by the means of a debut album.

Citing major influences such as legendary guitar riff bands and artists like U2, Oasis, Bon Jovi, Chris Cornell, Bruce Springsteen and any artist who unapologetically sets out to impact the world by telling their story.

The track is a sign of things to come – High Energy, Rocking tunes – as the balance of Padjo’s debut album is nearing completion.

IVY CREDITS:

Written by Patrick Dolan

Performed by Patrick Dolan

Produced by Cian Boylan and Conor Brady

Mixed by Cian Boylan and Conor Brady

Mastered by Ruadhrí Cushnan

Recorded, Mixed, Mastered in Camden Recording Studios, Dublin

Niall Teague & Padraic Joyce Live at The Mick Lally Theatre Galway

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Galway music duo Niall Teague and Padraic Joyce will perform a taster of new material from their forthcoming album on Saturday, December 17th at The Mick Lally Theatre.

The event will feature special guests Treo ensemble and a host of amazing local musicians. Not to be missed. Doors 8pm, Adm: 18euro www.druid.ie.

Their latest release will be available in the spring and promises to be their best yet.

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