Author: Breffni Banks

The 2016 Irish viral video stars are back with their brand new release ‘Safe & Sound’ fresh from signing with Liffey Records. The track was written by the guys and has a hook that will have you singing along.

Glenn and Ronan have spend much of 2017 writing and recording their forthcoming debut album which is due for release February 23rd 2018.

Like many of today’s artists, singers Glenn Murphy and Ronan Scolard made their first foray into the public eye through social media, posting videos to YouTube. Feedback was very positive but nothing could quite prepare them for the whirlwind to follow after posting a video performing a medley of Adele songs.

The clever arrangement of the tracks combined with their two incredible and contrasting voices quickly got noticed. Within hours the video had been shared on a couple of major news sites and by the end of that first day had clocked up over a million views.

They realised something extraordinary was happening was when they then received a message from Ellen DeGeneres asking them to fly to USA to appear on her chat show! Following the broadcast, with their video views rising each day, the guys posted to their ever-growing social media base about their excitement at going to see Adele in concert in Dublin. Unknown to them, Adele was already a fan of the video, and their voices, and when she saw they were coming to the show arranged a little surprise for them. Towards the end of the show she called them up on stage to perform the medley…which they did, in front of an ecstatic Irish audience.

That kicked the media frenzy into an even higher gear and the two guys were inundated with all sorts of crazy requests and offers. However, they kept their focus and set about creating their own sound, spending the last eighteen months writing, recording and touring.

The fruits of that work will see the light in 2018 with the release of their debut album.

Dovile Lee, originally from Lithuania but living in Ennis, Co.Clare for the last 15 years, releases her much awaited debut EP ‘My Fairytale’ November 27^th available through all online stores and record shops. Her EP contains 5 original songs and 1 instrumental piece about the vicissitudes of life

Dovile has released two singles so far from her debut EP, the title single ‘My Fairytale’ and ‘Dead Man Walking’ to great success.

“Dovile’s music takes you to a place of solace. She is an Alt Rock / New Age artist who immerses her voice into a stream full of haunting and mystic currents” (Garreth Browne, Pure M Magazine).

www.facebook.com/dovileleemusic
www.twitter.com/dovilelee
www.soundcloud.com/user-308943446
www.dovilelee.bandcamp.com
www.breakingtunes.com/dovilelee
https://open.spotify.com/user/21cdqa4n2t25dwk6rs5v7jb3y
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vmFzbSu21EJp5NjaiZpJg?view_as=subscriber

In response to the relentless destruction and cruelty of mankind in recent events across the world and closer to home, The Grunts release their new single ‘Heal Your Heart’ on December 8th 2017.

Together for over 10 years, core members of the band, Liam O Shea (songwriter, guitarist) and James Spillane (drummer) maintained their influences from early 80s and 90s bands such as Echo and the Bunnymen and Pixies, creating their own brand of raw energy fuelled indie rock. Bringing in new blood more recently with the addition of Eugene D’Arcy (vocals) and Jay Fowley (bass) to the lineup, has given the The Grunts a new impetus adding a more subtle melodic flavour, The result is a fusion of alt rock, new wave and punk.

“Love Is Only A Kiss Away” sings Eugene D’Arcy on the raw choral rallying cry of the single, ‘Heal Your Heart’. Driven by the uptempo rhythm section, ​accented with shimmering guitars, ‘​Heal Your Heart’ ​is The Grunts most mainstream single yet and with sharp production from Kevin Power and mastered by Fergal Davis, it’s sure to drag anyone from their stupor.

Magic Hour Video have also filmed a fantastic music video for the up and coming single. B-side track ‘Shake Babylon’ was forged in the dark heart of the city of London, on the anvil and fires of corruption and parasitic capitalism. Melding Asian infused music with a Velvet Underground style disconnect, ‘Shake Babylon’ unfolds an eerie​ soundscape beyond the flesh and bones of reality.

To date The Grunts have released 7 EP’s and 2 albums including the acclaimed ‘Reflections In My Mirror Shade’ and ‘Cult Before Country’ with the track ‘Cult Before Country’ featuring on the global release of Orion/Maurice Carroll’s production ‘Dead Along The Way’. Their track ‘Party Weirdo (Dance With Me)’ has also appeared on the Tae Talk, a black comedy about roles of the sexes. (Mary McEvoy, Sinéad O’Riordan, Jenn McGuirk & Conor Clear). The Grunts have also appeared on Dead TV playing a live show at the Boogaloo, London.

Live Dates
Thu, Nov 16 – The Crane Lane Theatre Cork, (IRE)
Thu, Dec 7 – The Hall, Malaga (Spain)
Fri, Dec 8 – ZZ Bar, Malaga (Spain)
Sun, Dec 17 – Fibber Magees , Dublin (IRE) 

more to be added…

17-year-old singer-songwriter, Curtis Walsh who hails from Clondalkin, Dublin but now Laois based, was crowned the winner of the 7th annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition with his song ‘Perfect Rain’

The live final took place on Saturday, 4th November at The Ashe Hotel, Tralee, with a special guest performance from singer/songwriter Bronagh Gallagher. Ten finalists were selected from just under 300 entries from across Ireland and beyond to perform their original song in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges.

Speaking at the announcement of the winner Curtis said: “I was so thrilled to get the news recently that my song Perfect Rain had been shortlisted as a finalist for the IMRO Christie Hennessy Songwriting Competition.  Everything about the night in Tralee on Saturday 4th November was magical, as the standard of the performances from all the other finalists was so high, and then we were treated to a great special guest performance by Bronagh Gallagher and Conor Brady. But to have my name called out as the winner at the end of the night was truly mind-blowing, and I will be forever indebted to the judges and to IMRO for choosing my song as being their favourite. I would like to thank everyone involved in the competition for this opportunity, and I’d also like to thank my family and Milestone Management for their support.”

Curtis was presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of IMRO & Tralee Credit Union and Limerick native Nile St. James received €300 as a worthy runner up for his infectious funk infused song ‘Fell For You’

The competition which is a tribute to one of Tralee’s most famous sons received almost 300 entries from across Ireland and beyond. Now in its seventh year, the competition has grown in stature over the years to become one of Ireland’s leading song competitions and continues to attract a high calibre of songwriters from Ireland and overseas, covering a broad range of musical genres. Previous winners have included Paul McDonnell, Dave Molloy, Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly/Christine Deady, Míde Houlihan & Katie O’Connor.

https://www.facebook.com/curtiswalshmusic

Photo @ Joe Hanley

Irish Singer/Songwriter ZALI finds a new twist on losing love with her new single ‘Girls Like Us’. She explores how women are not alone in the pain of rejection and heartbreak and will find a supportive sisterhood in the wake of heartbreak.

Produced by the up-and-coming talented triple threat Keyboard Keith, with vocal production and engineering by renowned Irish producer James Darkin, ‘Girls Like Us’ showcases ZALI’s strength, both vocally and emotionally, as she performs her bold, unapologetic lyrics. With ‘Girls Like Us’, ZALI has created an anthem for women, freeing them from their inhibitions, giving them permission to stop playing a role and to start getting exactly what they want.

Inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse, Toni Braxton, Frank Ocean and Duffy, ZALI uses her music to tell stories and to capture the true emotion behind the music.

“‘Girls Like Us’ for me is an anthem to girls everywhere to just let go and be. After previously recording the track earlier in the year, I went back into the Studio to re-record the single after just recently going through some heartbreak to really capture every emotion I was feeling and ‘Girls Like Us’ to me was a reaffirmation that I will be okay. And that there are no rules, except living my best life for me. What I want with my music is to create a bond between me and my listeners through our shared experiences,” says ZALI about her creative process.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zalimusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZALImusic
Website: http://www.zalimusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zalimusicofficial/

AikJ is one of the fastest rising stars in Irish music. From the success of his previous single ‘Hidden Agenda’, the singer-songwriter brings a soulful allure to his new single ‘Heights’ which is released on Friday the 3^rd of November.

‘Heights’ tells a story on a critical situation in a relationship where love becomes the equation and solution. Where there’s a confliction in the making the past present, but wanting the present to be a preceding future. ‘Heights’ is a conflict of both worlds in time and both participants finding it hard to fall in the same line of perspective.

Heights official music video will be released on the 3^rd of November. But is already available on Spotify Apple Music and ALL other digital platforms.

FOLLOW AIKJ ON FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER for all musical updates.

Stephanie Rainey has announced the highly anticipated release of her brand new single ‘Sorry’ on 24 November 2017.

‘Sorry’ is the follow up to singles ‘100 Like Me’ and ‘Nothing of You Left to Love’ which saw Stephanie Rainey achieve almost 1 million spotify streams and considerable radio airplay in Ireland on their release.

With ‘Sorry’, Stephanie Rainey returns with the heartfelt sound that propelled her into the spotlight with her self release ‘Please Don’t Go’ which has now accumulated some 10 million streams across platforms.

Stephanie Rainey’s headline tour of Ireland sees her play Dolans, Limerick on 16th November , Cyprus Avenue (Cork) on 26th November, Whelans (Dublin) on 29th November and The Slaughtered Lamb (London) as special guest with Beoga on 30th November.

Speaking about the track, Stephanie Rainey said:

“When I wrote Sorry it reminded me of ‘Lean On Me’ by Bill withers. It has the same message and a little bit of the same vibe.

We were lucky enough to record this with some of the incredible singers from the London Gospel Choir. It was an absolute honour and definitely a stand-out moment for me from the past few years. Sometimes when you’re recording something, there’s just a vibe in the room, a real energy that everyone is part of and this was one of those tracks. It’s got heart and I’m really proud of it. 

I’ve been excited about people hearing this song. There’s no nervous energy attached to it because it just feels very honest and raw. It’s taking me back to how this all began with Please Don’t Go and that feels good. We’ve had an amazing year with the last 2 singles connecting and I hope people get the feeling from this track that was intended, 

My favourite line from the song is…

‘I’ve known you since our freckles faded, 

So I know what you’re going through’

I always say to people, when you hear this song, think of someone. It could be your best friend, your partner, your Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister, whoever. Keep them in mind. Or else think of yourself, and hear it as a sort of letter to yourself. It makes it feel very different”.

‘Sorry’ will be available for download across all digital platforms from 24 November 2017.

 Upcoming Live Dates:
Thursday 16 November – Dolans, Limerick
Sunday 26 November – Cyprus Avenue, Cork (Matinee all ages)
Sunday 26 November – Cyprus Avenue, Cork
Wednesday 29 November – Whelans, Dublin
Thursday 30 November – The Slaughtered Lamb (London) special guest with Beoga
Thursday 14 December – Mike The Pies, Kerry

http://stephanierainey.com/
https://www.facebook.com/stephanieraineyband/
https://twitter.com/stephanierainey
https://www.instagram.com/stephanieraineymusic/

Following on from a trio of critically acclaimed singles this year, ‘Head Start’, ‘This City Doesn’t Feel Like Home To Me’, and the radio hit ‘Battles’, Bray indietronica quintet Columbia Mills finally announce details of their debut album, ‘A Safe Distance To Watch’, which will be released on Friday November 10th.

‘A Safe Distance To Watch’ was recorded in Westland Studios in Dublin between December 2015 and February 2016 and produced and mixed by Rob Kirwan. (U2, Hozier,Depeche Mode)
The overarching theme of the album is putting space between yourself and someone else or certain situations to avoid being influenced negatively or to avoid influencing someone else with your own negativity. Finding or providing peace by putting a distance between yourself and someone else despite the short term or long term pain it creates.

Each song is a true story and touches on various aspects of our lives. The album’s theme takes up where the first two EPs left off and continues the story of Columbia Mills.

The band, who garnered rave reviews for their sets at both Indiependence and Electric Picnic this year, have also announced a launch show for the album, at Dublin’s Button Factory on Friday November 17th.

www.facebook.com/columbiamillsinfo/

Dreaming Of Jupiter are a 3 piece band from Dublin City formed by Zoë Gough, David Levins and Sam Oye. The band’s sound, which crosses genres, has been described as an elegant blend of melodic pop with electronica, new soul and trip hop. Following the release of their second single ‘Eyes of Stone’ and accompanying music video in April 2017, the band have had a busy summer playing at numerous festivals around the country including Castlepalooza, Sea Sessions, Sunflowerfest, and a full live headline show in September in Dublin’s Bagots Hutton.

Dreaming of Jupiter are now set to go on their first national tour around Ireland, playing venues including Cleere’s Theatre in Kilkenny, The Bello Bar in Dublin, JJ Harlows in Roscommon, and McCarthy’s in Dingle, with more to be announced. The tour will close with a live performance from the band in the renowned Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin city. This concert will be recorded live, and videoed on the night. There will be a limited number of free tickets to the event available via application on the band’s website: www.dreamingofjupiter.com.

Nialler 9 – ‘Nialler9’s New Artist of the Week’ in ‘The Irish Times’, March 2017.

Hot Press – ‘Since bursting onto the scene last year, Dublin ambi-electro 3 piece Dreaming of Jupiter, have exploded in a way most bands can only dream of in such a short space of time – and it is very clear to see why.’

09.11.17 BANK OF IRELAND, GRAND CANAL, DUBLIN FREE
17.11.17 BELLO BAR, DUBLIN https://www.facebook.com/OicheEvents/
24.11.17 Mc CARTHY’S, DINGLE https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dreaming-of-jupiter-live-at-mc-carthys-tickets-39014388085
30.11.17 CROW CLUB, DUBLIN https://www.facebook.com/CrowClubmusic/
08.12.17 CLEERE’S THEATRE, KILKENNY https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dreaming-of-jupiter-live-at-cleeres-theatre-tickets-39026738024
09.12.17 JJ HARLOWS, ROSCOMMON https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dreaming-of-jupiter-live-at-jj-harlows-tickets-39026837321
14.12.17 WINDMILL LANE RECORDING STUDIO, RINGSEND RD, DUBLIN https://dreamingofjupiter.squarespace.com/wind-mill-lane-sign-up

www.dreamingofjupiter.com
www.facebook.com/dreamingofjupiter