Author: Breffni Banks

Apella today unveil the video to their third single ‘Logic’ which is available to download now across all platforms. Recorded in 24 hours, the video is Dara Quilty’s directorial debut with Dara Munnis on Director of Photography duties.

The new single ‘Logic’ follows recent radio hits Graceful Dancer and We Met At A Party. The duo are making a serious mark on the live front having recently packed out Whelan’s main room with some A-list new fans like Ed Sheeran, Saoirse Ronan and Irish football legend Damien Duff in attendance.

“I’m very excited to be releasing our third single, this is the one that brings the dynamic sound of Apella together, producing the record I treated each song as it’s own entity and ‘Logic’ is an upbeat ‘Beetle’s-esque’ meets Morrissey track *no offence Paul McCartney, Morrissey or animals”– Quilty, Apella

Last September Apella burst onto the scene with their debut single ‘We Met At A Party’ to huge support from both national and regional radio stations, the track is a serious declaration of intent from singer/multi-instrumentalist Dara Quilty and drummer Ronan Nolan; who’ve previously shared a stage with the A-List likes of Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, Twenty One Pilots,30 Seconds To Mars, and even Bon Jovi.

It’s no wonder then that Apella arrived fully formed and ready to win musical hearts and minds. Both ‘We Met A Party’ and the preceding single ‘Graceful Dancer’ make you want to hit the ‘repeat’ button as soon as they finish. That type of smart, sassy writing is repeated throughout their parent album, which showcases the duo’s new and ever expanding sound. With much more to come from, Apella are a band to keep your eye on and ears open to.

UPCOMING SHOWS: 

June 9^th:                        Bare In The Woods Festival, Laois
June 25^th:                      Sea Sessions, Bundoran, Donegal
Aug 5^th:                         Castlepalooza, Offaly
August 6^th:                     Indiependence, Cork
August 18^th:                   Canal Quarter Festival, Tullamore, Offaly (w/ The Riptide Movement)

For More Information:

Facebook:          http://facebook.com/apellamusic
Instagram:         http://instagram.com/apella
Twitter:              http://twitter.com/apella
YouTube:           http://youtube.com/apella
Soundcloud:       http://soundcloud.com/apella

Cronin return for their biggest run of Irish shows for new single release and vinyl release of debut album.

‘Little London’ will be released on 19th May. The remixed track from their debut album features a string arrangement by long time collaborator Terry Edwards who is currently on tour as PJ Harvey’s band which was recorded in London’s the Church studios famous for sessions such as Bob Dylan and The Stone Roses to name a few.

“It’s a dark, brooding tale of a young man trying to stop his love leaving him for the bright lights of London, kind of our Bond theme.” Mick Cronin reflects on the Scott Walker tinged track.

To coincide with the release and finally the release on vinyl of ‘The First Kiss of Love’ album Cronin are doing their first Irish shows since their 2 night run in The Olympia supporting Ocean Colour Scene.

Cronin Play –

Thurs 18th May – Clunas @Brew House, Newbridge
Sat 3rd June – The Grand Social, Dublin Retro Revival Club
Sun 4th June – The Stables @Smiddys, Mullingar
Wed 7th June – Charlie Malones, Limerick
Sun 25th June – Crane Lane, Cork
Thurs 29th June – Monroes Live, Galway
Fri 30th June – Boyles of Slane, Slane
Thurs 6th July – The Harbour Bar, Bray
Sat Aug 12th – Mike The Pies, Listowel, Co Kerry

The song ‘Dear Infant’ from the album ‘The Soft Animal’ by Nocturnes is out now on Spotify and all good digital retailers.

It is a song originally written by Pearse McGloughlin about artistry and the creative process. It put it aside for a while because as Jeffrey Lewis said ‘Songs About Songwriting Suck’ but then when Pearse’s daughter was born he went back to it, played with the words and melody some more and the song meant something new and fresh. So there’s an example of the potential songs have to be prophetic!

There is also a video for  ‘Dear Infant’ by young Sligo filmmaker Fionn MacArthur.

You can download/stream the track here on:
Soundcloud
Bandcamp
Spotify
ITunes

Following three critically acclaimed EPs, Armagh quintet Silences release their new single, Red Dress. The track was recorded at Big Space Studios in Newry with Declan Legge, who has also recorded SOAK, Ciaran Lavery, and Duke Special among numerous others. Working closely with Legge, Silences have managed to capture a sound, which has been described by the BBC as beautifully understated and extremely inventive. Comparisons have been drawn to Jeff Buckley, Alt-J and Death Cab For Cutie.

Speaking on ‘Red Dress’, frontman Conchúr White said: “‘It’s about wanting things that aren’t necessarily good for you and I think we are all guilty of that in some form. The entire track is a three chord loop but it doesn’t feel repetitive. We were meticulous about finding the right sounds and I think that comes through. We feel it’s a pretty cool song.”

Silences, led by singer and songwriter Conchúr White (with the line-up completed by Christopher Harbinson, Breándan White, Jonathan Downing and Michael Keyes) – have received critical acclaim for their three previous EPs ‘Nevernames’ ’Sister Snow’ and ‘Luna’. Support has come from the likes of Annie Mac (BBC Radio 1), Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music), Earmilk, Clash, All Things Go and Nialler 9. They have been streamed over six million times on Spotify and highlights in the last year have included performances at SXSW (SESAC Showcase), BBC Introducing as well as their first headline UK tour. More recently they were chosen as one of the eight finalists for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition and have been offered a slot at the prestigious festival.

https://www.facebook.com/silencesmusic/

Embedded is the second album from Will de Burca, recorded over the past 18 months at his studio in Dublin. Expect to hear a fast paced electronic intro followed by a mix of ambient dance, trip-hop and a combination of high intensity psychedelic rock.

Guesting on the album is Aoife Underwater on vocals – The Sound Of The End Of The Night (3) and Ruan Van Vliet on drums – Sliced (10).

On a HBO special this earlier year about the boxer Arturo Gatti, Track 4 Arturo “Thunder Gatti” was featured in the documentary. Gatti’s life was cut short at a premature age, later ruled as suicide, Will used many sports commentary samples throughout his career as a tribute to him in this track.

In the past 12 months Will has signed with Tremolo Music who have place several tracks into ad campaigns for Mac Cosmetics in South Korea.

For further info, visit http://facebook.com/willdeburcamusic

The University of Limerick (UL) with over 13,000 students and 1,300 staff is an energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education, research and scholarship. The dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering values which drive UL’s mission and strategy ensures that we capitalise on local, national and international engagement and connectivity. We are renowned for providing an outstanding student experience and conducting leading edge research. Our commitment is to make a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our students. UL is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 130 hectares with the River Shannon as a unifying focal point. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance this exceptional learning and research environment.

Applications are invited for the following position:

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance

Lecturer below the bar in Songwriting

Contract Type: Tenure Track (five year fixed term). During the term of the contract the successful applicant will have the opportunity to apply for tenure in accordance with the University’s Policy and Procedures for Granting Multi-annual Status to Entry-level Academic Staff

Salary Scale: €38,348 – €52,722 p.a.

Further information for applicants and application material is available online from:
http://www.ul.ie/hrvacancies/

Elaine says “Collaboration has always been something I’ve loved when making music. I try to work with others when it feels right and when you know a track needs another dimension or influence. I knew this track needed another voice to bring it to life and Temper-Mental MissElayneous was the only choice. Her rap adds a totally different layer to this track and her energy, flow and lyricism are incredible”

Elaine launches her EP this weekend in Dublin with special guest Liza Flume and in Galway with special guest Grounds for Invasion. Her new EP ‘The Colour of the Night’ is released the 19th May.

Upcoming gigs:

The Workman’s, Dublin // 5th May // EP launch
Roísin Dubh, Galway // 6th May // EP launch
Body and Soul festival, Westmeath // 23rd – 25th June
Dolans, Limerick // 13th May // Harmonise; A night of music for ENAR Ireland

http://www.elainemai.com/

Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, today announce details of a 3rd single release, ‘Convenience’ which goes on release May 31 2017 on Spotify, iTunes, and the usual digital platforms.

The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of friends and fellow musicians. Drawing comparisons with classic noise and stoner rock, influences like Kyuss and Fu Manchu can be heard.

‘Convenience’ is the follow up to their earlier single releases ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil)’ and ‘The Last Transmission’, and sets the tone for their forth-coming album ‘Avenue De Rennes’ expected in late July this year.

TWITTER: @grey_merchant & @Demeanour_tvuit
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thegreymerchant/

Midlands based quartet, Fallen Lights, are set to release their debut single, ‘Price Tag’ on Friday 19 May. Produced by Philip Magee (Kodaline,The Script, The Blizzards), ‘Pricetag’ is taken from their forthcoming 5 track EP released this Autumn.

New single “Pricetag”  is a colourful & energetic portrayal of Irish Indie Rock and, the track engages the listener from the get go and has you singing along by the end of the first chorus! Singer Graham Dowling says about the single “it’s supposed to reflect youthful relationships and the inevitable commitment issues everyone deals with.” From first listen its very evident that Fallen Lights have created a perfect summer single.

With their unique blend of rich harmonies and catchy melodies underpinning pop sensibilities, Fallen Lights, are bringing their high intensity live show on the road this summer for an impressive 32 date tour across Ireland with proceeds from the tour donated to Inspire, a mental health charity. The band are more than ready to take on their nationwide tour having performed with a host of well established acts including Scouting for Girls, Ham Sandwich, KeyWest, The Academic and The Blizzards, in their short time together.

Fallen Lights released their first EP in June 2015, which they followed with an extensive Irish tour. With tracks from their debut EP receiving remarkable airplay for an unsigned independent act,  a new EP on the horizon and new single ‘Price Tag’ available now the future looks promising for this young Irish band.

With this in mind it is easy to see how Fallen Lights guarantee to get even the most dedicated of rockers tapping their toes. All of this combined makes this wiry 4 piece from Ireland an instant hit with any new crowd.

As part of the release of their new single, Fallen Lights will take to the roads of Ireland and perform the mammoth yet admirable and fun adventure of a 32 date tour of Ireland in 32 days. A county a day is the only way! The 32 date tour aptly called “Mind The Mind” will also have the dual purpose of raising awareness for mental health issues and we have partnered with the charity Inspire for this.

NATIONWIDE TOUR DATES

May

23rd – Westmeath – Smiddys – Mullingar
24th – Longford – Eddie Valentines – Longford Town
25th – Cavan – Mc Mahons – Cavan Town
26th – Monaghan – An Puc Fada – Monaghan Town
27th – Armagh – Venue details to be announced
28th – Down – The Goats Toe – Bangor
29th – Antrim – The Harp Bar – Belfast
30th – Derry – Venue details to be announced
31st – Tyrone – Sallys – Omagh

June

1st – Donegal – McGettigans – Letterkenny
2nd – Fermanagh – The Crowes Nest – Enniskillen
3rd – Sligo – Kennedy’s – Sligo Town
4th – Leitrim – Whelan’s – The Venue
5th – Roscommon – JJ Harlows – Roscommon
6th – Mayo – The Broken Jug – Ballina
7th – Galway – Buskers – Galway City
8th – Clare – Dan O’Connells – Ennis
9th – Tipperary – Mulcahys – Clonmel
10th – Offaly – Joe Lees – Tullamore
11th – Limerick – Venue details to be announced
12th – Kerry – O’Connors – Killarney
13th – Cork – Crane Lane – Cork City
14th – Waterford – Uluru – Waterford City
15th – Wexford – Mc Governs – Gorey
16th – Killkenny – Biddy Earlys – Killkenny Town
17th – Carlow – Srcaggs Alley – Carlow Town
18th – Wicklow – Jim Doyle & Sons – Bray
19th – Laois – Sally Gardens – Portlaoise
20th – Kildare – Venue details to be announced
21st – Meath – Ryans Bar – Navan
22nd – Louth – Venue details to be announced
23rd – Dublin – Busking
Dublin 30th – Venue Details to be announced for Wrap Party

There aren’t many artists that can lay claim to having put out records on labels as divergent as Rough Trade and John Talabot’s Hivern Discs. Perhaps this is because few artists express such genuine diversity in their musical tastes and creative explorations as David Kitt.

Since the turn of the decade as New Jackson he has mined a seam of driving, ghostly house to run parallel with his solo strand of ambient folk electronica. His debut release in 2011 The Night Mail on Pogo channeled early record collection heroes Aphex Twin and Orbital through to Drexciya and Projekt PM but had one foot firmly in the 21st century beaming in like some futuristic cyberballad. On the flip side Hussle Free had that mix of house and boogie sensibilities with dark and dusty synths and vocoder that would become a signature. This was followed by acclaimed releases on Hivern, Permanent Vacation, Major Problems, Apartment and most recently Cin Cin.

His debut album set for release on All City in May was recorded in Kitt’s bedroom studio overlooking Dublin bay, its nocturnal hues very much a product of the nightshift often working on headphones with the rest of his housemates fast asleep. It takes full advantage of the scope of the LP format, ebbing and flowing between deep house club ready gems and more restrained and meditative beatless moments for the morning after. The recording process yielded many eureka moments with Kitt finally nailing sounds that had hitherto proved elusive. A key moment was getting a bank loan to buy an SP 1200 sampler – “It’s a sound I’ve tried to get close to for almost half my life now and the only way to really nail it was to get the machine itself. It’s featured on so many of my favourite records by the likes of Premier, RZA, MF Doom, Daft Punk, Moodyman and Theo” Indeed the presence of a sampler used heavily in hip-hop is no coincidence, for Kitt this record owes as much to beats and rhymes as it does to head-down club house. “My first love when it comes to samplers and drum machines is hip-hop and I’ve often wondered what kind of house Pete Rock or J Dilla would make. I like to think the record reflects that a bit.”

“From Night to Night” is one end of the result of his artistic persistence. Machine love alongside crafted songsmanship is evident from start to finish – the beautifully structured pop tones of Put the Love In It and the deep vocoder boogie of Found the One sit next to the machine funk of SP2 and the atmospheric ambience of Cadaquez. There’s a beautiful re-imagination of DJ Shadow in the ten minutes of the deep funk of After Midnight in A Perfect World with the LP closing out, appropriately enough, with a reworking of one of his breakthrough tracks – the epic piano house vibes of Of A Thousand Leaves. Part Larry Heard, part Pete Rock, part Arthur Russell, a deftly constructed LP of musical subtleties from a considered artist mining the creative result of a lifetime’s listening and making.

https://www.facebook.com/NewJacksonMusic/