Author: Breffni Banks

After spending the majority of this year making waves in the US, Westmeath indie rockers The Academic return for what will be their first and only Irish headline show of 2017, at Vicar Street on November 4th. Tickets go on sale next Thursday 14^th September at 9am from all usual outlets.

The guys will have just returned from a 25 date tour in the USA for Vicar Street, before they head off again!

The 4 piece have had a meteoric rise since releasing their debut  EP ‘Loose Friends’ just under 2 years ago. A Choice Music Prize nomination for their debut single ‘Different’ was followed by sold out shows and tours across Ireland, the UK and Europe, millions of streams online, and radio airplay across the world most recently with their hit song ‘Bear Claws’ an “indie banger” according to Clash Magazine. The track which is the first single from their highly anticipated Debut Album has been gaining huge momentum at radio in Ireland, the UK, Europe and now in the US where it was the 8^th most added track at the hugely influential Billboard Alternative Chart a couple of weeks ago.

‘Bear Claws’, produced by Tim Pagnotta (Neon Trees, Saint Motel), is now available on all platforms.

“Irish band The Academic don’t write songs – they write anthems” –  Clash Music

“killer hooks once in your brain, will probably refuse to leave” – DIY Magazine

“The Academic show an anthemic wisdom well beyond their years” Uproxx Magazine

The Academic is Craig Fitzgerald (vox/guitar), Dean Gavin (drums) and brothers Matt (lead guitar) and Stephen Murtagh (bass).

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

SESSION MOTTS’ first unleashed their unique sound, a hybrid of Northern Soul, disco, dream pop & post-punk, on their debut single ‘Chip Shop Fights’, released in January of this year. Nialler9 quickly named the MOTTS ‘New Artist of the Week’ in The Irish Times, and the group soon picked up similar accolades from DublinLive.ie and DublinConcerts.ie.
The single received regular plays on the likes of RTÉ1, Newstalk, 98FM, 8Radio and Dublin City FM.

Their second single Plundered Past was released in May. Plundered Past is based on the true story of the 1988 unsolved murder of 18-year-old German backpacker Inga-Maria Hauser, whose body was found in a County Antrim forest. Despite its tragic inspiration, Plundered Past is an uptempo dancefloor stormer intended as a defiant celebration of a life cut short. GoldenPlec premiered the video, Dan Hegarty (2FM) gave the track it’s first radio play, Tom Dunne (Newstalk) named it as one of his Top 3 Irish releases, and it went on to get lots of spins across regional and national radio – and in the USA and Canada too.

SESSION MOTTS was initially formed as a studio project, but the reaction to the track from fans and media was so great they decided to bring it out on the road. They are now playing live, and blew the roof off The Harbour Bar back in June and played their Dublin debut in Whelan’s in July to a sold-out crowd of mega-happy punters.

Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for their forthcoming single Back In The Day, due for release later in September. In the meantime, catch them live at Roisin Dubh, Galway on Thursday, 21 September and Workman’s Club, Dublin on Thursday, 12 October.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING…
“Dark, shimmering brilliance. A new voice in music” 
- Tom Dunne, Newstalk FM

“Song of the Morning: SESSION MOTTS’ Plundered Past. Smart Disco-Pop with a serious message” 
- Tony Clayton-Lea, The Irish Times

“Sporting the best new band name since you last had a gaff party, SESSION MOTTS are a band in thrall to the eighties: specifically Magazine, New Order, Microdisney and Aztec Camera” 
- Nialler9, The Irish Times

“Hot new Dublin act SESSION MOTTS…’Plundered Past’, an eerie, enthralling dancefloor pop tune” 
- Hot Press

“This band have already began making waves with their equally enchantingly-titled single, ‘Chip Shop Fights’, this is a band that’s as talented as it is witty….it’s equal parts delightful and charming. Their sound has a sort of dreamy, ethereal undertone to it, the vocals are wispy and haunting but uplifting nonetheless” 
- DublinConcerts.ie

“Song of the year so far perhaps?” 
- Dublin Live

SESSION MOTTS Website 

SESSION MOTTS on Spotify 

SESSION MOTTS on Facebook 

SESSION MOTTS on Twitter 

SESSION MOTTS on Instagram  

SESSION MOTTS on Soundcloud 

Irish singer-songwriter Emma Langford’s hotly anticipated debut album, “Quiet Giant”, is due for release in Winter 2017.

Following the success of her self-titled EP in 2016 praised by Hotpress Magazine as “almost angelic”, Emma Langford returns with her debut album, “Quiet Giant”, set for release this Winter. The album showcases ten tracks, set against a stunning backdrop of strings, percussion and piano. The songs dance lightly between genres, weaving a coming-of-age narrative that explores love, heartbreak, and wrestling with self-doubt.

“Quiet Giant” was recorded amidst the rolling pastures of Portlaoise at Golden Egg Studios, with Grammy nominated producers Graham Murphy & Chris O’Brien of the Production Suite. The album lands as Langford embarks on a tour of Germany and Switzerland in October and November with the Irish Folk Festival. Irish and UK tour dates to follow.

Alongside the album pre-order, you also have the opportunity to grab a range of exclusive merchandise and tickets for the album launch at Dolans Warehouse in Limerick in December.

The album can be pre-ordered from Bandcamp at emmalangfordmusic.bandcamp.com/album/

Praise for Emma Langford’s previous work:

“A breath of fresh air… Very easy on the ear.” – Phil Coulter

“...there’s an almost angelic quality to her material.” – Roisin Dwyer, Commissioning Editor, Hotpress Magazine

“…a songwriter of great depth and personal soul searching and a voice to match.” – Carl Corcoran, Presenter, The Blue of the Night, RTÉ Lyric FM

Facebook: /EmmaLangfordMusic

Twitter: @ELangfordMusic

Instagram: EmmaLangfordMusic

2017 has seen The Eskies trek all across Europe, playing Dutch centrepiece Eurosonic Noordeslaag and also picking up mainstage appearances at Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Beautiful Days & Bestival as well as a whole host of festival appearances across the continent.

With a year so packed to the brim with gruelling touring abroad, the band have decided to bring it to a close with a long overdue string of shows right here in Ireland.

The first of ‘loads of exciting news to come this month’ sees the Eskies announce five Irish dates through December in Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway and finishing with a hometown show at The Button Factory in Dublin on Sat 16th Dec.

Tickets go on sale at 10 O Clock this Friday and are available from – www.theeskies.com

Twitter – @theeskies

Having been born half a century too late in 1990, Cado is a modern rock and roll artist with an obsession for music of the past! After stealing a Beatles’ album from a record shop aged 10, he was inspired to make music for people to dance to.

Cado, who grew up in County Kildare, Ireland, was mesmerised at an early age by the sound of The Beatles and Chuck Berry and from then commenced a lifelong obsession with music! His father would perform Johnny B. Goode to him, and when he heard the hard hitting opening riff featured in ‘Back to the Future’ at age 11, he did not hesitate to pick up a guitar and has rarely put it down since!

The multi instrumentalist has toured the UK and Ireland with The Shades and in early 2016 he began recording a collection of songs inspired by the music he adores. In August 2016 he released the “Take Me Back” EP. The singer-songwriter takes a completely DIY approach, self recording and mixing everything in his personal studio. Every instrument is performed by Cado
allowing him make music that he truly loves. Cado spent late 2016 and early 2017 recording his latest EP in a DIY studio in his hometown of Naas. The first single and title track “Satisfy My Soul” was released on Friday August 18 2017. Mixed by Martin Quinn (The Strypes, Heroes In Hiding) and mastered by Pete Maher, (U2, Jack White) “Satisfy My Soul” is available to stream and buy from all online music stores and streaming services. The accompanying music video, produced by Second Frame and starring actor Shane Casey, has just been released.

https://www.facebook.com/cadomusic
https://twitter.com/cadomusic1
https://www.instagram.com/cadomusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/CadoOfficial

Eoin Glackin returns with his new alt-country infused rock single, ‘Wear It While You Can’, released 27th October.

With 2 albums, 2 EP’s as well as 2015’s Hot Press Award nominated eponymous compilation album under his belt Eoin has focused his new sound to a sharp, exciting blend of alternative country and rock and roll.

‘Wear It While You Can’ was inspired by the story of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston marathon in 1960, who was infamously almost tackled off the track by the organiser when he realised a woman was running “his” race. The song developed into this barn burning, foot stomping single with the core message of do what you want while you are still able, “Why wait on the end when the end it waits on us?”.

Eoin’s love for the heroes of “outlaw country”, like Steve Earle and Kris Kristofferson, which he perhaps picked up on his summers spent in his mother’s native Co. Donegal, is something he has worn on his sleeve since childhood, when having “The Highwaymen” written on his school bag left some of his north Dublin class mates scratching their heads. This alt-country rock sound will be further explored on his new album, due 2018.

Having spent the last few years touring and opening for acts such as Joan Armatrading, Beth Orton, Damien Dempsey, Aslan, Shovels & Rope, Dick Valentine (Electric Six) and The Darkness, Eoin’s reputation as an exciting live act continues to grow. Whether surrounded by his full band or solo with a drum at his feet and harmonica around his neck, he makes quite an enthralling racket.

This, along with his lyrical song writing, drenched in poetic imagery and unique storytelling has garnered him praise from media and fellow musicians alike…

“Eoin’s lyrical imagery make me feel like I’m watching a movie in my mind” – Damien Dempsey

“His songs make an instant connection” – The Independent

“A genuine talent” – Dan Hawkins (The Darkness)

“Some of the best lyrics almost any listener will have heard” – Fatea Magazine

“Smashing it” – Ed Sheeran

http://www.eoinglackin.com/

Ivy Nations have had quite the summer following the release of their third single “Live By Design” last spring. It received national airplay, they dominated the Irish festival scene with performances at Sea Sessions, Indiependence, Electric Picnic and the main stage of Castlepalooza, their debut music video premiered on UK blog ‘London on the Inside’ and they traveled to London for their first ever overseas headline show.

Now they return with a live video of their latest single, filmed in Station Studios Dublin. It’s the first in what will be a three-part mini series in which the band perform some of their favourite songs to play live.

www.ivynations.com
www.facebook.com/ivynationsofficial
www.twitter.com/ivynations
www.instagram.com/ivynationsofficial
www.soundcloud.com/ivynationsofficial

Hermitage Green are set to release new single ‘Lions Share’ ahead of their headline show at the Olympia Theatre on 22 September.

Produced by Matt Lawrence (Adele, Amy Winehouse, Mumford & Sons), ‘Lions Share’ is taken from their forthcoming EP and is available for download across all platforms from 8 September 2017.

Speaking today, singer Dan Murphy says, “Lions Share is an expression of certain aspects of human behaviour. Indulgence, greed, selfishness, the innate need to consume, and lastly a complete sense of apathy for all of the above. When you care for nothing – that is the moment when you can reap the full rewards“.

Currently on tour in the US, Hermitage Green will announce details for their massive UK and Ireland winter tour very soon including their full Australian tour dates. They are set to return to headline the Olympia Theatre next month on 22 September following their sold out show on November last year.

The Limerick band has seen massive success over the past year, including the release of their debut album ‘Save Your Soul’ to performing on the main stages of festivals worldwide including Ireland’s Electric Picnic. They most recently celebrated a sold out headline show at King Johns Castle in their hometown of Limerick.

An acoustic folk rock band, Hermitage Green have successfully built a dedicated legion of fans across the globe thanks to their captivating and unforgettable live sets. Playing gigs in South Africa, Australia, United States, Canada, Dubai, France, London and of course Ireland.

Hermitage Green’s unique arrangement of instruments includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar and banjo sets them apart.

‘Lions Share’ is available for download across all digital platforms from 8 September.

UPCOMING LIVE DATES

IRELAND
FRI. 22/09/17: OLYMPIA THEATRE – DUBLIN
SAT. 14/10/17: HERMITAGE GREEN, DELORENTOS, HAM SANDWICH AND RAGLANS, WEXFORD SPIEGELTENT FESTIVAL
THU. 19/10/17: CORK OPERA HOUSE

AUSTRALIA
WED. 01/11/17: MELBOURNE – PRINCE BANDROOM, 1 NOV
THU. 02/11/17: HERMITAGE GREEN | BRISBANE FINN MCCOOL’S
SAT. 04/11/17: HERMITAGE GREEN | SYDNEY – THE LAIR
SUN. 05/11/17: HERMITAGE GREEN | PERTH BADLANDS

http://hermitagegreen.com/
http://www.facebook.com/hermitagegreen
https://www.instagram.com/hermitagegreen/
http://twitter.com/hermitagegreen
http://www.youtube.com/user/hermitagegreen

What better time than to release the debut EP of ‘The New Social’ than ahead of their performance at this years Electric Picnic. Having been shortlisted as one of the finalists for ‘Play The Picnic’ with 2fm, the band decided to drop their debut EP simply entitled ‘The New Social’ on Friday 1st September.

The band take to the stage at 8pm this Friday night and can add Electric Picnic to another check on the list for 2017. Their debut single ‘Get Out Of My Head’ is at almost 60k streams on Spotify and continues to grow having been playlisted by Spotify themselves on several occasions across Europe, America and Japan so far.

Having been a band that just wants to get their music out, ‘The New Social’ haven’t plugged their debut EP in any way as of yet. They believe in building on what people can already hear and can continually utilize to gain new fans and show them that they are a breed of new music. Hailing from Castlebar and all based in Dublin 2017 has seen them sell out the Workmans Club for their single launch party and 2018 is going to be a year which delivers more music. The latter months of the year the band are already focusing on writing and coming back with a string of shows in the new year as they continue to build their portfolio of tracks which are real standouts.

‘Front man Niall Fahey is the focal point of the group and has great leadership qualities as a performing showman. The crowd like him and he likes them back.  As a group they communicate clearly, they are a very organised and well rehearsed bunch of guys.  Their camaraderie is evident and you know they’ve done the leg work that is required of any band, they’re very experienced.’  Musicwand.ie

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