Skip to main content

Author: Breffni Banks

New Valley Wolves Release Their New Single ‘Trouble’

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Uncategorised.

 New Valley Wolves have announced they will be touring around Ireland on the back of their very successful 2015 album ‘Refusal Is Our Weapon’.

The Dublin based rock band have already received excellent reviews, and have even been named Dublin Concerts – Irish Band Of The Week for this week.

NVW have already played all the major Irish festivals and it’s definitely worth catching them while they are on the road!

New Valley Wolves are Jonny Lucey and Baz Joyce.

New Valley Wolves are here to rescue you from the bombardment of soft rock/indie idiocy that floods your airwaves. They’ve built their reputation as the fiercest live act in Ireland through relentless gigging at home and abroad. With a sound bigger than an A-Bomb and energy that borders on psychotic, New Valley Wolves play dirty, blues rock riffs with a sinister edge.

June 24 – Sea Sessions, Donegal

October 12 – Roisin Dubh, Galway

You can follow New Valley Wolves on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Uncategorised.

This week Stephen Dunwoody releases his single ‘Miami’, a tribute to his uncle Brian McCoy who tragically lost his life in the 1975 Miami Showband Massacre.

While on his way to the band’s fateful gig in Banbridge, Brian posted a birthday card to his nephew Stephen. He received it with the dreadful news the following day.

Written almost 40 years later, the song is dedicated to Brian and the other members of the Miami Showband who lost their lives; Fran O’Toole and Tony Geraghty .

An accompanying video which includes never before seen footage of the band is also released ahead of Stephen’s launch of his single ‘Miami’ on Belfast Culture Night in Rosemary Street Church in Belfast.

Continue reading

IMRO calls for political focus on the role of music to Ireland’s economy and society

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

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has today called on political parties and candidates campaigning in General Election 2016 to focus on the future of Irish music as they shape their policies and engage with the electorate. This follows the publication by IMRO, of a report last year entitled The Socio-Economic Contribution of Music to the Irish Economy and Society which demonstrates that the music sector in Ireland supports 11,500 jobs and contributes almost half a billion euro to the economy annually.

Victor Finn, Chief Executive Officer, IMRO said, “If Ireland’s music sector is to be protected, sustained and developed, the right policy environment must be created – a focus on training, education, copyright, access to export markets and finance is required to help ensure a viable music industry into the future.

We have seen very little focus on the future of Irish music by parties and candidates in the General Election campaign to date. This is despite music being a sector that supports thousands of jobs, delivers hundreds of millions of euro to the economy and attracts thousands of tourists to Ireland annually. It is a crucial part of our national identity and must be prioritised.

Being a musician is a real career and musicians are entrepreneurs who require support just like any other SMEs.  By supporting these entrepreneurs, there’s a huge opportunity not just for Ireland’s economy, but also socially, helping to create and maintain jobs nationwide and ensure that our towns and villages can be revived as vibrant cultural hubs.”

He continued, “At IMRO, we acknowledge that there has been some focus by Government to date on the future of music through Culture 2025 and programmes such as Music Generation.

However, a piecemeal approach will not work. What is now needed is one clear, consolidated, cross- Departmental music strategy that is coordinated, focused, measurable and cost-efficient. We have seen with the Oscars and Baftas recently, how successful Irish film has been and this is as a result of real support and development.

There is a similar opportunity for Irish music, and all that’s required is real political will and coordinated action.”

IMRO is calling for a number of simple measures, which, if implemented, could finally see the music sector in Ireland develop to its full potential:

  • The establishment of a Music Industry Taskforce, with representatives from Government, the business community and industry to help reinvigorate the sector and encourage collaboration;
  • Appointing an IP ‘Tsar’ to consider the impact of IP and copyright legislation and enforcement in both the music and technology industries;
  • The development of advanced training courses for music professionals to focus on ‘business of music’ education, particularly for early career musicians;
  • Establishing a Music Office – Music Ireland – to act as a focal point for the music industry, similar to the Irish Film Board. This office would provide assistance to individuals in the music sector and those looking to enter new overseas markets;
  • Greater support for musicians, many of whom are self-employed, in accessing finance and ensuring that fiscal supports are effective and appropriately structured.

The Irish Music Rights Organisation represents over 10,500 songwriters, composers and music publishers in Ireland and throughout the world.

‘Whistle This’ Promotions anounce showcase details

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Whistle This Promotions
presents a number of acts performing at Bowes of Thurles this Friday February 12th. Performances are by:

  • John Conneely & Mark Sullivan
  • Tom Shorley
  • Paudie Ryan & Friends
  • Eddie Mc Cormack
  • Daniel Mathews & Daniel Butler

Plus special guests on the night.

Whistle This is a monthly showcase session providing a platform for singer/songwriters, musicians, poets and performers. The event takes place in Bowes, Thurles and is hosted by Tom Lyons. It features a mix of experienced songwriters/performers and those seeking to gain experience in live music.

Acts that have performed in the past include Eoin Ryan, Dietrich, James McGrath, Mick Hanly with Eoghan O’Neill, Adela Meally, Clem O’Brien Band, Tom Shorley, Pat Wright, Jester, Fran Garry, Half Ten, Larry O’Sullivan, Shane Lyons, Seskin Lane, Tom Lyons, Avi McGurty and Kelsey Creek.

Check www.facebook.com/Whistle-This-Promotions for further details

Inflyte Promo App offers new features

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

IMRO memberscan now experience the exciting new features that Inflyte have just rolled out for their label clients, DJs and tastemakers.

Inflyte is a mobile-first promo platform for record labels to securely push watermarked digital promos to industry Inflyte tastemakers mobile devices. Inflyte combines push-notification technology and Dropbox integration to provide an unrivalled user-experience for both labels and tastemakers, designed to increase engagement and deliver superior campaign performance.

Label managers access rich analytics and data through an online dashboard that create efficiencies at every step of the promo process while reducing administrative overhead. Launched in October 2014, Inflyte’s streamlined approach to digital promo delivery has seen the company quickly establish itself as the main service provider for hundreds of leading UK and European labels including Defected, Cocoon, Get Physical.

The updated app (which is now live in the App Store) if just one of the new additions along with the rolling-out of a brand new website and their new Pay As You Go rates for labels and PR agencies, which offer even better value for money.

Inflyte have also added a powerful new email alias tool to ensure labels are always delivering promos to the most up-to-date address for their recipients. DJs and tastemakers can now add all their old email addresses to their Inflyte account and the service will filter all communications through to the correct address for them.

The new features include:

• Beautiful New Visual Design
• In-App Dropbox Integration
• Endless Promo Paging
• In-App Format Preferences
• Promo Search
• Track Waveform Displays
• Sort by Sender

If you want more information regarding the service you can click on the link to the Info Pack.

As an exclusive offer run in partnership with IMRO, Inflyte are offering record labels 25% off their monthly subscriptions for the first 3 months.

Connect via www.inflyteapp.com and quote IMRO15 to secure your discount!

Guest List Offer | IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards

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

IMRO Music Festival of the Year Award 2015
IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music 2015
Best Venue / Festival Technical Crew 2015

We have a limited number of guest list places available for this event.

Simply email: events@nullimro.ie with your name(s).

Date: Tuesday 16th February
Venue: IMRO – Copyright House, Pembroke Row, Dublin 2
Time: 6.30pm – 9:30pm
MC: Paddy McKenna – Editor Joe.ie

Featuring live performances on the night by The Academic, ROCSTRONG and Saint Sister.
The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) is delighted to announce that the eighth IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards will take place onTuesday 16th February 2016 at IMRO HQ in Dublin.

This year, two new awards have been added to the proceedings – IMRO Outstanding Contribution to Live Music 2015 and Best Venue / Technical Crew 2015.

The annual awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, providing the public with an exceptional live music experience on a weekly basis.

More than 11,000 IMRO members considered hundreds of venues across the country for the shortlist. Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue. IMRO members also voted on Ireland’s music festivals, delivering a shortlist of their top ten festivals.

Live music venues and festivals play a vital role in the music industry in Ireland, giving international and homegrown artists a platform to engage with fans and build new audiences. They also play a central role in urban and rural communities across the country, providing a social gathering space for varied audiences, and contributing hugely to the domestic economy.

Live music fans should simply log on tohttps://www.surveymonkey.com/s/imrovenueawards choose their favourite from the shortlist provided, by February 15th.  One lucky voter will win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3.

IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year 2015 Shortlist

IMRO Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 2
Vicar Street, Thomas Street, Dublin 8
The Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin 2
The Grand Social, Dublin 1
3Arena, Dublin 1

IMRO Rest of Leinster Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
The Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Sky and the Ground, Wexford
Cleeres, Kilkenny
The Set Theatre, Kilkenny
Wexford Arts Centre, Cornmarket, Wexford

IMRO Connacht Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
Roisin Dubh, Lower Dominick Street, Galway
Monroes, Dominick Street Upper, Galway
Matt Molloys, Westport, Co. Mayo
The Dock Theatre, Leitrim
Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo

IMRO Munster Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
The Greyhound, Killkee, Co. Clare
Crane Lane Theatre, Cork
Levis, Ballydehob, Co. Cork
Dolans, Dock Road, Limerick
Coughlans, Cork

IMRO Ulster Live Music Venue of the Year 2015
Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney Co. Monaghan
An Poc Fada, Monaghan
Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co. Cavan
Allingham Arms Hotel, Bundoran, Co. Donegal
Hotel Kilmore, Cavan

IMRO Music Festival of the Year 2015
Body & Soul
Electric Picnic
Dublin Fringe Festival
Longitude
NYE StreetFest
Forbidden Fruit
Galway Arts Festival
Other Voices
Temple Bar Tradfest
Fleadh Ceoil

Alt-Pop Artist Stevie Cliff Releases Debut Single “Burn Baby Burn”

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Stevie Cliff’s debut single “Burn Baby Burn” will be available on iTunes and Spotify Monday February 8th. The track was produced and mixed by Ciaran O’Shea (Frank & the Walters, Toy Soldier) and mastered by Fergal Davis.

No stranger to the Irish Music circuit Stevie has spent the last few years honing his craft as a singer songwriter opening for acts such as Mick Flannery, Paddy Casey & Declan O’Rourke. In the midst of this musical apprenticeship was a year spent living in New York. The change in urban environment caused a shift in the focus of his sound. Slowly acoustic instruments were traded in for drum machines and synthesisers. This allowed influences such as LCD Soundsystem & Chromeo come to the fore to be mashed with his love of intelligent lyrics.

The end result is the debut single “Burn Baby Burn”. The track combines slick 80’s synths with staccato guitars and solid pop hooks to devastating effect. Lyrically the song explores the postmodern state of romance that today’s millennials must navigate on a daily basis.

Listen on SoundCloud

The track is a statement of intent for the twenty-something Dubliner as he gears up to release a debut EP later on in the year.

Accompanying the release is the official music video Directed by Darren Lee of Belfast based Maverick Productions.

www.steviecliff.com

The 1st Peter Rosser Composition Award 2016

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble, in conjunction with the Peter Rosser Foundation, announce the first ever Peter Rosser Composition Award, in memory of their esteemed colleague and friend.

The award is open to composers born or domicile in N. Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, regardless of age  Submissions from emerging composers are particularly welcome.

Composers are invited to write a piece for Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble of 5-8 minutes duration.
All shortlisted works will be workshopped, performed and recorded (as well as video streamed) by HRSE at a special event in Red Box Recording Studio, Belfast on Friday 27th May 2016.

DEADLINE: 4pm Friday 29th April 2016

1st Prize: £1000
2nd Prize: £500
3rd Prize: £250

For full competition rules and submission guidelines, please click here

Apply for the Gotland International Songwriters’ Retreat

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Taking place between May 8th – 15th 2016 in Gotland, Holmhällar in Sweden.

After a number of successful years with satisfied participants and many new collaborations, tours and recordings this year’s week-long retreat will bring together about 20 professional songwriters from Europe and the USA and stay focused on the inspiration, co-writing and development of your musical artistry.

This year the Invited Writer is Nels Andrews, an established singer-songwriter from California, USA. The Invited Writer participates in all the Retreat activities.

Participants from previous events through the contacts they made in co-writing-retreat, recorded albums and toured the U.S. and other countries, and many of the co-written songs that was created has ended up on the released records.
The cost for participants is 8500 SEK (roughly €915). The price includes a shared room with shower, plus a small, simple kitchen, breakfast buffet, lunch and a three-course dinner every day of boarding Holmhällar on southern Gotland. (Accommodation in single rooms is also possible for an additional charge, and the ability to choose a cheaper accommodation, with shared rooms 2-4 people and a shared shower).
“Early bird” : In applying before February 1st there is a 500SEK (roughly €54) discount. The Retreat can also make a payment plan if that’s what’s needed to make your attendance possible.

The workshop includes the following activities:

Songcircles:
Participant gather in a circle and play songs for each other, previously written or co-writes during the course.

Assigned co-writes:
With the help of the participants’ preferences the leaders pairs the songwriters into songwriting pairs, and most of the day is devoted to writing together. The material is played in songcircles.

Body and Voice warmup:
We start the day with a body&voice warm up.

Morning Circle:
Annika Fehling leads a daily welcome circle.

One to one Consultations:
Annika Fehling and Eva Hillered will this week also offer participants private consultations in career and songwriting, singing, performing, touring and coaching.

Listening Room Concerts:
An official concert will take place at the end of the week.

In order to secure a place you can email annika@nullannikafehling.com)

A new opportunity has also arisen at the Crete International Songwriting Retreat, in the little fishing town of Lendas from the 8th – 15th September 2016! For more info, contact Annika on the email address above.

New Music: Exploding Eyes – We Need Love

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Exploding Eyesare a garage psych rock trio from Dublin, Ireland. Channelling the explosive dynamics of the classic power trio, the band draw influence from such heavyweights as Mountain, Blue Cheer and Andromeda.

With the addition of live theremin, experimental sound scape guitar and a taste for raw punk’d up space rock the bands other influences of Thee Oh Sees, Hawkwind and Pink Fairies begin to seep through. With a debut LP recently back from the workshop of producer Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Dirtbombs, The Sonics) the Eyes are looking to the future to melt the minds of the most hardened rock listener.

‘We Need Love’ the new single from Exploding Eyes – which was released on Friday 22nd January. The first single taken from their debut s/t LP due out Summer 2016 on Big Neck Records. Video directed by Chris Carroll. Available as a pay-what-you-want download from the Exploding Eyes Bandcamp or a limited run of CDs.

You can follow Exploding Eyes on Facebook and Twitter.

About IMRO

Music Creators

Music Users

Supporting Music

Keep up to date with IMRO news and events

Modus | Ireland best web agency Dublin, Ireland.

Please select login