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Author: Breffni Banks

Jack O’Rourke Set To Release His Debut Album ‘Dreamcatcher’ On September 23rd

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Jack O’Rourke is set to release his debut album ‘Dreamcatcher’ on September 23rd. ‘Dreamcatcher’ is the culmination of years of hard work from Jack – writing, gigging and perfecting his craft. Since the release of last year’s critically acclaimed EP, “The Other Side of Now”, Jack has won a myriad of awards for his finely crafted song writing. Produced by Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor), Jack’s piano based songs, with a nod to influences as varied as Tom Waits, David Byrne, Rufus Wainwright and Emmylou Harris convey a unique insightful musical voice, accompanied by a stellar cast of musicians. O’ Rourke’s warm baritone and ethereal falsetto, piano playing, melodic flair and insightful lyrics shine throughout this collection.

The album begins with ‘Nostalgia’, a ballad touching on youth, love and reminiscence, before the energetic ‘Naivety’ kicks off, showcasing another side of O’Rourke. The title track ‘Dreamcatcher’ is another vigorous song offering advice about life to the next generation, all the while accompanied by funky Motown beats and swirling strings.

The pace calms again for the award winning ballad ‘Silence’ which helped Jack make his mark on the Irish music scene having being adopted by Amnesty International for their campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote in the Marriage Referendum. Opening with the line,”the boy asked for kitchen toys from Santa Claus”, “Silence” is a deeply personal song with universal appeal. This haunting tone continues with the beautiful ‘I’ll Forget You In The Morning’, a finalist in The International Songwriting Competition’s Folk and Americana Category. ‘Iggy’ changes up the pace again with a refreshingly discordant song that’s almost Bowie-esque.

‘Shining For You’ is a bluesy torch standard filled with subtle brass, trip hop beats and a monster chorus that’s evocative of old film-noir detective stories. ‘On The Downlow’, a forthcoming single release, brings the pace of the album back to a galloping drumbeat and infectious melody, accompanied by lyrics reflecting a poisonous relationship. The pace calms again for ‘Corner Boy’, a dreamy ballad with glistening piano and Danny Elfman chorale and clarinets.

‘Bowled Over’ is a rock-song through and through, which begs comparison to David Bowie and Muse. The album finishes up with the gorgeous personal suite ‘Small Stuff’ featuring Jack’s layered vocals over piano, clarinet and cello, before the instrumental finale to the album ‘Settle for me’.

Fellow Cork man, Philip King praised the album’s poetic references to the winding streets, steps and steeples of Shandon and The Mardyke, yet despite the personal and local sense of place, “Dreamcatcher’s” sentiment, narrative and musicality has national and international appeal.

This year, Jack has realized a number of milestone achievements. Having played at Electric Picnic, he’s already graced the main stage at Indiependence, was featured on the new Frank & Walters album alongside Cillian Murphy, and his song Silence won the International Songwriting Competition Lyrics Category, with judges including Tom Waits and Bill Withers. Other highlights for Jack include performing his Amnesty International endorsed anthem ‘Silence’ on the Late Late Show and appearing as the special guest for the likes of Joan Armatrading, Sinead O’Connor, The Staves and Declan O’Rourke. Jack’s music videos have engaged many thousands of viewers/listeners on Youtube. His singles have been playlisted on national radio to date and Jack looks forward to releasing more unique songs from this honest and captivating debut, “Dreamcatcher”.

“Jack O’ Rourke’s music has a grace and a glory to it that will stop you in your tracks and make you forget where you were going! Beautiful honest songwriting delivered with a transporting musicality that will take you there… wherever you are going!’
Fiachna O’Braonáin, RTE Radio 1

“A gifted story-teller and skilled songwriter, he splices tear-stained balladry together with bruised blues and alt pop, all topped with his gnarled baritone.”
Hotpress, July 2015

” Cork singer with oodles of soul, blues and jazz, all wrapped up with a striking modern pop bow”
Jim Carroll, The Irish Times

“Wonderful songs, beautifully written, performed and presented by Jack O Rourke (a distant cousin perhaps)”
Declan O’Rourke

“Silence is a modern rebel song. The song is truly beautiful”,
Cerys Matthews, BBC4, The Great Irish Songbook, 2015

You can buy Jack’s album ‘Dreamcatcher’ through Golden Discs, Tower Records and his website

Live Dates

Oct 15th – Everyman Theatre Cork
Oct 21st – Newcastle – Tyne Musical Festival
Nov 3rd – Whelans Dublin
Nov 4th – Hotspot Music Club , Greystones , Wicklow.
Nov 11th – De Barras, Clonakilty
Nov 12th – Dolans Limerick
Nov 17th – Mike The Pies Listowel
Nov 18th – Duncairn Arts Center Belfast

You can follow Jack O’Rourke on Facebook, Twitter and his Website

Farah Elle’s Headline Show Live At Sin É, September 24th 2016

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Farah Elle is a songwriter with an alternative pop sound influenced by an eclectic taste of genres. From hip-hop to R&B, ska and heavy metal, her distinct sound also features Arabian echoes from her Libyan background.

Sin É Dublin is delighted to welcome the wonderful Farah Elle for her first headline show in Dublin. A headline show which has been well earned and is long overdue, after a wealth of stellar performances around venues and festivals throughout Ireland over the past year including, Body & Soul, Electric Picnic, Knockanstockan (where she received a standing ovation for her outstanding performance), The Button Factory and more.

Farah is currently based in Dublin, after having moved to Ireland with her family when she was 2. At present she is writing her debut album at home, using rhythmic lyrics, her piano driven songs and distinctive voice aim to reveal something of the beauty in the ephemeral everyday. For the meantime, her single “Silk” is available on Spotify, iTunes & Soundcloud.

“The ethereal Farah Elle, whose demure, pixie meet Audrey Hepburn persona, won the crowd over. Working her inner Freddie Mercury with plucky, Queen-like piano and ethnic music influences, the distinctive singer stood out as an act to watch out for”.
– Hot Press Magazine

“Farah Elle’s brand of alt-pop forgoes the use of much instrumentation; her ambling melodies are propped up solely by her distinctive half-sung-half-spoken vocals and the interesting ways in which she draws upon her Libyan heritage and Irish upbringing”.
– GoldenPlec.com

“Farah Elle opens the show, and quickly enchants the audience with her phenomenal voice. She commands the attention of all present perfectly”.
– Dublinconcerts.ie

You can follow Farah Elle on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud

Will de Burca Announces His New Single ‘Arturo Thunder Gatti’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Arturo Thunder Gatti is the second single from Will de Burca‘s second forthcoming album release. A combination of sporting samples throughout Arturo Thunder Gatti’s boxing career and electronic ambient dance throughout with heavy based beats.

Arturo Thunder Gatti was a Italian-born boxer fighting out of Canada. A former world boxing champion, his highly entertaining fights earned him Ring Magazine’s “Fight of the Year” on 4 seperate occassions. His life came to a premature end when Brazilian police initially suspected that Gatti had been murdered by his wife, authorities later ruled his death as suicide.

The single was digitally released on the 19th of September.

You can follow Will de Burca on Facebook, Twitter and Bandcamp 

 

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest 2016

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Entries are now open for the annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition 2016 which takes place in memory of one of Tralee’s most famous sons. Songwriters are invited to submit an audio link to their entry by email to membership@nullimro.ie before the deadline of Wednesday 21st September (NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL AUDIO FILE ATTACHMENTS).

Ten finalists will be selected to perform their song at the live final of the contest on Saturday 26th November in The Rose Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry, with the winning songwriter being presented with a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Credit Union. A runner up prize of €300 will also be presented on the night.

A Tralee native, Christie Hennessy began his music career at a young age when he moved to London, playing in clubs by night and working on building sites during the day. He started writing songs at the age of 23 and went on release numerous platinum selling albums.

Christie’s songs were later recorded by artists such as Christy Moore (“Don’t Forget Your Shovel”), Frances Black (“All The Lies That You Told Me”), Moya Brennan (“Oh Jealous Heart”) and Nizlopi, who reached Christmas Number 1 in UK and Ireland in 2005 with their hit “JCB Song”, sampling Christie’s lyrics from “Don’t Forget Your Shovel”.

IMRO are also delighted to announce John Spillane as the special guest performer at the live final. Two-time Meteor award winner, John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland today and has had songs covered by Christy Moore, Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon and Sharon Shannon to name but a few. John is renowned for his captivating performances in which he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent Cork humour.

Previous winners of the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest have included Paul McDonnell, Dave Molloy, Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly / Christine Deady and Míde Houlihan.

The deadline for entries is Wednesday 21st September and successful finalists will be notified by Friday 7th October.

CHRISTIE HENNESSY SONG COMPETITION 2016

RULES OF ENTRY
1. The lyrics and music must be the original work of the songwriter (s).
2. The competition is open to all types of song, in any style – ballad, country, pop, rock etc.
3. Songs may be entered in either the English or Irish language.
4. The competition is open to national and international songwriters.
5. Songwriters may only enter one song for consideration.
6. Entries will not be returned – all songwriters should retain a copy of their song submission.
7. Entries can be submitted via an online link to your song to membership@nullimro.ie (NOTE: Please do not email audio file attachments) or on a CD by post to the address below. All entries must be accompanied by a copy of the lyrics; typed or clearly written.
8. Finalists will be notified by Friday 7th October 2016.
9. The provisional adjudication will be on the basis of the tracks submitted, from which 10 finalists will be chosen.
10. Each of the 10 finalists will be invited to take part in a live concert in Tralee on Saturday 26th November 2016. Backing tracks are not permitted for this performance.
11. Each songwriter will be responsible for providing the singer and/or group for his/her entry in the final at his/her own expense.
12. A first prize of €1,000 will be presented to the winning songwriter on the night of the final. A runner-up prize of €300 will be presented to the second placed finalist.
13. Final adjudication will be on the night of the final. Decisions of the adjudication panel will be final.
14. Entry for the contest implies acceptance of all the rules.
15. Postal entries should be sent to:

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest 2016
C/o Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO)
Copyright House
Pembroke Row
Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2
D02 HW59
Ireland

Please include your name, address, phone number and email address with your entry.

Christie was the Patron to the Irish charity “Children in Crossfire”, with a special focus on schools literacy programmes after experiencing his own literacy difficulties at school. Following a trip to Kenya with the charity in 2006 and after spending time in the different villages with the children, Christie wrote a song “A Price For Love”. He thought it was important that the lyrics came from what the children would say to us all if they could. All royalties from this single are being donated to the charity in perpetuity. You can find out more about “Children in Crossfire” on http://www.childrenincrossfire.org/

The New 52 Share Their New Single & Galway Gig News Ahead of Workmans Album Launch

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Today THE NEW 52, fronted by Darragh Cullen, unveil a new single & video ‘SONG FOR SARA’.  The album ‘Let me sleep’ on Haven Records is released this Friday followed by a launch gig in Workmans Club this Sunday.  Described by Darragh as “the most sparse song on the new album, just 1 voice, 1 acoustic guitar and hints of pedal steel.  It’s simply a love song, and a very personal song to me. I think anyone who has ever been in love will relate. We all have a ‘Sara’ somewhere”.  The new single follows ‘Turning’ which has racked up support on national & local radio.  The New 52 have also confirmed they will be playing GALWAY’S ROISIN DUBH ON OCTOBER 6TH – free entry.

The New 52 is fronted by 21 year old Darragh Cullen (named ‘Male solo artist of the year 2010’ by Hot Press and described as “one of the country’s most promising young songwriters”). ‘LET ME SLEEP’ is produced by BOO HEWERDINE (Eddi Reader, The Bible) and is Darragh Cullen’s third album following ‘The Finish Line’ in 2010 (released when he was just 15) and ‘Whispers & Silent Screams’ in 2012.

ALBUM LAUNCH – Sun Sept 18th Workmans Club, Wellington Quay, Dublin 2. 8pm €5 at door

** NEW GIG – Thursday 6th October, Roisin Dubh, Galway, 9pm Free entry

Taking influence from The Beatles, lyricists Paul Simon & Guy Garvey to the full–on sonic assault of Foo Fighters and The White Stripes, ‘LET ME SLEEP’ showcases Darragh’s direct, incisive lyrics and ability to write kick-ass hooks. Practically all instruments on the album were played by Darragh who picked up his first guitar aged eight.  Darragh met BOO HEWERDINE when he attended a songwriting workshop in 2013 and since then have forged a strong creative connection leading to them co-writing 2 songs on the album.

“an artist in full stride, confident and assured” Musician.ie album review

“Channelling Guy Garvey like vocals to a power rock sound” RobMoro.ie

Sessions & airplay on 98fm, Radio Nova, KFM, WLRFM, 8Radio.com, Phoenix FM, KCLRFM…

You can follow The New 52 on Facebook and Twitter


Cathy Davey Releases Her New Single ‘Snitch’ From Her Album ‘New Forest’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Cathy Davey’s new single “Snitch” is the second release from her album ”New Forest” which is out now. “New Forest” debuted at the Hazel Wood Stage at this years Electric Picnic where she performed the album in sequence to a packed out magical area of the woods. She takes to the road this autumn on a nationwide tour:

October

6th Kilkenny, The Set Theatre
7th Dundalk, The Spirit Store
13th Listowel, Mike the Pies
14th Galway, Roisin Dubh
15th Limerick, Dolans
22nd, Dublin, Whelan’s
27th West Cork, De Barra’s
28th Cork City, Live at St Luke’s
30th Belfast, The Belfast Empire

November

3rd Newbridge, Riverbank Arts Centre
11th Birr, Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

‘New Forest is a collection of music that feels unshackled from expectation and sounds like an artist pursuing their craft wholeheartedly. There’s a fantastical feel to the album right from the title opener as if we are setting off into a wooded path unknown and takes in diversions through calypso, handclap pop and whimsical folk.’ – Nialler9

‘Cathy Davey weaves a real mix of mystery and magic..’ – RTÉ Ten

‘……the work of an artist with tonnes of talent, endless ideas and a refreshing disregard for the zeitgeist.’ – Irish Times

Media contact: Kathryn 087-2627977 km@nullkathrynmason.ie & Alexa 087-2273870 alexa@nullkathrynmason.ie

You can follow Cathy Davey on Facebook and Twitter

cathy davey tour

 

Frank Custy to be awarded at MÓRglór 2016

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

glór’s annual award to celebrate outstanding contribution to traditional music has this year been awarded to Frank Custy.

Born in Dysart in the Ruane parish of Co. Clare, as a teacher, Frank inspired many people to take up music, and Toonagh National School became renowned for its promotion of traditional Irish music and singing. Sean Conway and Mary Custy are just two of those who learned their craft at the school while Sharon and Gary Shannon also learned their trades during the classes organised outside school hours.

On Saturday 8 October, the people of Clare will express their thanks to Frank, in the most appropriate manner – with a concert featuring some of the most renowned traditional musicians and singers in the country and the county. Event information and booking details can be found here.

Liz Kelly, interim glór director, comments, ‘We are honoured that Frank Custy has accepted the MÓRglór award for 2016. Recognising the contribution that Frank Custy has made to Clare music over the years, through this award, we celebrate his legacy and his ongoing love affair with the music of County Clare. The concert on 8th October will bring together both his own family and the many musicians who have learned their craft with him. With Frank and his many family and friends, glór looks forward to producing a wonderful event for the venue itself and for Clare.’

MÓRglór is a glór acknowledgement of the wealth of professional & semi-professional artists, alongside the talented individuals, groups and communities within the county, all of whom provide a vital stimulus for the growth and development of this unique culture.

This prestigious annual award, named after Clare’s cultural ambassador and visionary, Muiris Ó Rocháin, is sponsored by glór and developed in partnership with Dr. Tim Collins who is an adviser to glór and coordinated the original concert in 2013.

Early booking advised.

MÓRglór 2016 is supported by IMRO.

Chris Haze Shares The Video For His New Song ‘I’ll Run’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Singer songwriter Chris Haze has made quite a name for himself in the music industry as an emerging artist over the past 4-5 years. With his melodic acoustic melodies and his almost Hip Hop/ Pop delivery of vocals makes him a worthy adversary of today’s music industry.

Having toured alongside the Original Rudeboys in 2013 playing sold out gigs in The Olympia Theatre and The Academy Dublin. Haze has also supported international acts such as American Hip Hop artist Coolio and and Australian sensation Sheppard. Chris has managed to gain national airplay on all Irelands major radio stations having been picked as artist of the week on RTE 2FM & Today FM where his debut single “Over And Over” received national recognition.

Set on making waves early in 2015 Haze released an EP called “Thoughts To Words” where the single “Don’t Wanna Fall Asleep” gained national & regional airplay across Ireland and in the UK.

His latest single “Let Us Be Heroes” was nominated for “Best Track” in the HotPress Magazine Readers Poll 2016. And most recently won the awards like “Artist Of The Week” & “Artist Of The Month” on Global Rockstar Magazine in Austria.

After recent success with his acclaimed single “Let Us Be Heroes” in December which gained him national airplay all over Ireland, and has gone on to give him his first major U.K
radio break trough on Radio X while also gaining his first national radio play in the Netherlands on KX Radio in Amsterdam. “Let Us Be Heroes” has since been picked up by BBC Introducing and played on a BBC Radio Lincolnshire for the first time which is Haze’s first appearance on BBC Radio’s radar.

He has now achieved the same success and more with his latest single “I’ll Run” which debuted in the Top 10 on the Irish Singer Songwriter chart on iTunes for over a week reaching the Top 3, knocking Ed Sheeran, Hozier & James Bay off their spots securing Haze with his first charted iTunes release. Following the success of the single release Haze also secured his first of official playlist position on Irish radio.

You can follow Chris Haze through his Website, Facebook and Twitter. 

Pure Magic Battle For the Lake Festival, Achill Island, Co. Mayo 30th Sept – 2nd Oct

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Pure Magic Battle for the Lake is the last festival of the summer and it will be headlined by Ham SandwicH. The festival is in association with Mayo.ie & Failte Ireland.

Following the success of the Battle for the Bay that brought more than 60,000 smiles together on Dublin’s Dollymount Strand in May, the Pure Magic gang & friends are back to bring us into the magical world of Watersports and Music – this time with a Wild West coast style on Achill Island! Fight for the last of the summer rays and join us at the Pure Magic Battle for the Lake. Set the Wild Atlantic Way ablaze from the 30th of September to the 2nd of October with a weekend of fire, wind, sea and music. Nestled in Keel Lake on Achill Island the last weekend of summer fun, spraoi, music and family fun awaits.

LINE UP: Hot Sprockets / Scoops / Beef Supreme / Backroad Smoker’s Club/ Ham SandwicH / Third Smoke / Graham Sweeney / Roisin El Cherif /Gerry Hodges / Katie Gallagher / Grainne Fahy / Saoirse Casey / elly d / Keith Plunkett /Davie Furey / Vagabonds and Thieves Maria Kelly / The Swiftie Experience / DJ Manu / DJ Onix & Friends

World-class kite surfing performances can be enjoyed for free in the picture perfect setting of Keel Lake situated in the centre of Achill Island county Mayo. Liberal amounts of cool Atlantic water will be required when the Battle for the Lake Kitesurfing Battle hots up. Dance on the flaming wind into the night with the musicians and entertainers performing across three stages to the backdrop of the burning Lake. When night falls watch a rainbow of colours reflected in the Burning Lake, while you hear the crackle and bang of the superb firework display. The party on Saturday night keeps going with the exclusive Wave Crest after party where DJs surge the decks until the small hours.

Relax and unwind in the all new Healing & Relaxation Tent with local holistic therapists providing a range of treatments to festival-goers.

The kiddies’ area will delight and astonish little ones with a line-up of activities and performances including bouncy castle, fun fair rides. On both Saturday and Sunday there will be a very special DJ Wil Softly Kids Disco session and the Keel Sheep Show is also happening next door! With special guests, kids’ activities, food stalls there will be something in this weekend of surprises for everyone. Weekend Night tickets are available from €40 for the entire festival or €25 per Night from www.eventbrite.ie

Free event during the day for all

We have partnered with top local campsite Achill Keel Caravan Park for €6 euro per person per night visit Achill Camping for more details.

Catch the tickets while they are hot!

For more information please contact Lindsey Holmes Publicity on info@nulllhpublicity.ie or 01-4970313

Planet Parade Are Set To Release Their New Album ‘Mercury’ in October 2016

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Planet Parade will release their debut album Mercury in October 2016, and the band have just been announced as special guests on the Booka Brass Band October tour. They’ll have dates in Galway, Dublin and Cork.

Planet Parade is the brainchild of Kildare duo Michael Hopkins & Andrew Lloyd. After releasing two EP’s and more recently new tracks “You’ll Be Sorry“, Cardiac” and then “Blue Sky” in August 2015, they revealed a new 6 piece live line-up. The time has now come for the twosome to come fully out of hiding and release their debut album. The new album contains 11 tracks and is entitled Mercury

Planet Parade are now back with “Face To Face” another in the series of singles with a video to follow and a release date for their debut album. The album was recorded and produced by Michael and Andrew at home in Co Kildare.

You can catch Planet Parade live with Booka Brass Band

Oct 8th – Roisin Dubh, Galway
Oct 14th – Vicar Street, Dublin
Oct 29th – Cork Opera House

You can follow Planet Parade through their Website, Facebook and Twitter.

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