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Author: Breffni Banks

Alan Kavanagh Wins 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

AlanKavanaghPicSinger/songwriter Alan Kavanagh from Ashbourne, Co. Meath was crowned winner of the prestigious IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest 2013 on Saturday night in Tralee, Co Kerry with his winning song “Bitter Man”.

25 year old Alan released his first single while studying for a music degree in Dundalk Institute of Technology and has since gone on to support artists such as Luan Parle, The Coronas and has performed with Christy Dignam.

The live final of the third annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest took place on Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists, selected from over 200 entries from across Ireland and beyond, performed their songs in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges. The winning songwriter was presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and Tralee Chamber Alliance by Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who attended the event.

Special guest performances on the night came from Christie’s daughter and son, Hermione Hennessy and Tim Ross, and RTÉ star, Aonghus McAnally, who performed some of Christie’s most well-known songs.

Speaking of his win, Alan said:

“It was such an honour to have my name next to some of the country’s finest songwriters and to win was just such a surprise. The feedback and support that ‘Bitter Man’ has received since has been unbelievable.

A great weekend all together and I am just so happy to have been part of the event which supports home grown talent.”

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place as a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons. Christie grew up in a house full of music in Tralee and went on to become one of Ireland’s best known singer-songwriters. Among his songs which went on to be recorded by other artists were “All The Lies That You Told Me” performed by Frances Black, “Don’t Forget Your Shovel” performed by Christy Moore and “Oh Jealous Heart” performed by Moya Brennan.

Alan’s winning song, “Bitter Man”, is now available for download on iTunes .

www.alankavanagh.com

 

New Single from The Shoos | Hook, Line & Sinker

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The ShoosThe Shoos are launching their new single “Hook Line & Sinker” in Buck Whaleys on Saturday 19th October. This is the first single from the band’s third studio album, which is due for release next year.

In 2009, The Shoos caught the attention of Universal Records Ireland and their debut album, “Rescue Room”, got to Number 1 in the Irish album charts, earning them a tour support slot with “One Republic” and various support dates with “Maroon 5”, “Lifehouse” and “Taylor Hawkins” of Foo Fighters fame.

In 2012, the band released their second album, “Panic Slowly”, independently to widespread acclaim in Ireland. It documented some of the band’s time in the US.

http://www.theshoos.com/

Dublin Singer/Songwriter, Ivan Nicolas, at Canada’s Indie Week

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Dublin singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist, Ivan Nicolas, has been selected to perform at Indie Week in Canada this week. Ivan joins a host of upcoming artists from Canada, the USA, the UK and further afield for a series of showcases throughout the week at the Toronto-based festival.

Ivan Nicholas

Ivan released his debut ‘Dead Indian EP’ in February last. He gained some recognition with his song ‘For The Weekend’ featuring in the Irish RTÉ television series ‘RAW’ and although unsigned, his EP went straight to No.2 in the i-tunes charts. This is only the beginning for this young troubadour, with plans already in motion to release his debut album later this year.

http://ivannicolas.com/

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Aidan O’Brien & Doug Sheridan

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Aidan O’Brien and Doug Sheridan….

Aidan O’Brien

Song: “Maid of the Isle”

AidanOBrienPicAidan And The Astronauts were formed in 2013. The band consists of an ever changing line up of musicians. Their style is eclectic, encompassing everything from folk to blues to rock and roll.

‘Young But Growing’, the bands first original studio release is set for release in late 2013.

www.facebook.com/aidanandtheastronauts

www.aidanandtheastronauts.com

 

Doug Sheridan

Song: “Speed Dating”

Doug Sheridan is a singer/songwriter based in Dublin. He spent his formative years as a drummer, writing songs for his band at the time, never aspiring to come out from behind the drum kit. His first solo performance happened by chance when he was working as a restaurant kitchen porter – the house singer fell ill midway through the set & Doug offered to fill in – the hugely positive response gave Doug the confidence to finally be the singer for his own songs.

DougSheridanPic

In April 11 Doug Sheridan released his debut album ‘Songs From Just Outside The House’, loosely based on a few people in a small town. Accompanied by an 11-piece band, Doug has played two packed out shows at The Sugar Club in Dublin to celebrate the launch of the album. These shows were followed by a nationwide tour of Ireland in 2011. He is currently working on his next album entitled ‘The Bed’ which will be released late 2013.

https://soundcloud.com/dougsheridan

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

 

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Liam McDermott & Paddy Nash

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Liam McDermott aka Funzo and Paddy Nash….

Liam McDermott (Funzo)

Song:  “Amour Fou”

LiamMcDermottFunzoPicFunzo, founded by singer and songwriter Liam McDermott, have performed over 250 gigs in Ireland since 2009, most notably, Ireland’s premiere music festivals – Oxegen, Electric Picnic and Hard Working Class Heroes. In 2009, Funzo won their third national songwriting contest; Christmas FM’s ‘Search For A New Christmas Classic’, which resulted in mass national radio play and a live performance on TV3’s ‘Ireland AM’, the nation’s #1 morning TV programme.

In 2012, Funzo featured on and co-wrote hip-hop artist Nucent’s song ‘Do You Really Love Me?’, which received generous airtime on FM104, 98FM, and remained in Spin FM’s Top 30 Most Requested for three months running. Funzo have also received widespread airplay and live airtime in Ireland, on RTÉ 2FM, Today FM, Spin FM, Newstalk, FM 104 and Ireland’s most listened to radio station, RTÉ Radio 1. Funzo have caught the attention of the national print media too, resulting in a full-page feature in Ireland’s most popular music magazine, HotPress, as well as being deemed one of the ‘Picks Of Electric Picnic’ in The Irish Times in 2009.

https://www.facebook.com/funzoband

Paddy Nash

Song:  “The Old Country”

PaddyNashPicSince the release of their critically acclaimed debut album in 2010, Paddy and his Happy Enchiladas have played the clubs of Ireland North and South as well as an extensive tour of England playing the legendary Hope & Anchor among others. Their unique blend of Folk-Pop-Punk has left audiences revelling in the rich lyrics and big melodies.

Accompanying Paddy, is 16 year old singer-songwriter Gemma Bradley. Hailing from Draperstown, Gemma is just starting out on her musical journey.

Their song ‘The Old Country’ was the result of a challenge laid down by Glasgowbury and Resonate to get local artists who were playing the festival to collaborate.  It’s a Father/Daughter story about modern day emigration in Ireland North and South.

www.paddynash.co.uk

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Roberta Howett & Alan Kavanagh

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Roberta Howett and Alan Kavanagh….

Roberta Howett

Song: “Eclipse”

RobertaHowettPicDublin born singer / songwriter Roberta Howett has a musical background grounded in classical training with The Royal Academy of Music. Roberta first graced our screens in 2004, when she reached the live finals of the X-Factor. After XFactor, she took time out to write her own music, which she released in Ireland independently. Roberta is a featured singer with Momo, www.tonicastells.com, and her vocals can be heard on Bressie’s debut solo album Colourblind Stereo, which was released in 2011 and went to number 1 in Ireland.

Having spent the past two years in London, she was one of four girls who made up FanFair. The group first began performing at major Rugby Union games, including a performance at Twickenham stadium, and went on to tour the UK and Ireland with The Wanted. FanFair released a single called ‘Mission’ last October which was featured on Collection’s TV advert, in which the girls starred.

www.robertahowett.com

Alan Kavanagh

Song: “Bitter Man”

AlanKavanaghPicAlan Kavanagh is a 24 year old singer/songwriter from Ashbourne , Co. Meath. While studying for a music degree in DKIT, Alan released his first single which went straight to number two in the Download.ie charts. After the release he went gigging throughout Ireland and abroad and has had the privilege of touring with Meteor Award winner, Luan Parle, supporting The Coronas and playing with Christy Dignam. His last single ‘Christmas Far From Home’ had 22,000 hits on YouTube in just two weeks and received a great amount of airplay on Christmas FM, Sunshine 106.8, LMFM and Dublin City FM last year.

Alan plays ukulele, guitar, piano, and bass and has a music degree from Dundalk IT. He has also composed a piece recorded by the national chamber choir. He has spent the last two years gigging with Celebrity and Holland America where he has visited over 20 countries.

www.alankavanagh.com

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Joe Casey & Paul Casey

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Joe Casey and Paul Casey….

Joe Casey

Song: “May the Road Rise”

JoeCaseyPic_Small

Growing up in a family of musicians, Joe was immersed in music from an early age.  He has been playing guitar, piano and singing since he was a child and has been writing songs and poetry for nearly as long.

Over the last 15 years you may have heard him solo, accompanied only by his guitar or with a troupe of traditional musicians from Ballyvaughen to Bangkok or from New York to Newbridge.  He played support with some of Ireland’s great songwriters including Mick Hanly and Luka Bloom.  In 2012 Joe decided to focus his energy solely on music and began recording some of his compositions.

“This Road” is Joe Casey’s debut album.  It is due for release in mid-November 2013.  The album contains ten original songs and while having a distinctive Irish accent, the music also tips its hat across the Atlantic to its Bluegrass, Cajun and Jazz cousins.

https://www.facebook.com/joecaseymusic

Paul Casey

Song: “Every Time It Rains”

PaulCaseyPic_small

Irish songwriter, guitarist and singer Paul Casey is being talked of among Ireland’s new music followers as “the new cool.” He’s constantly in demand in his home country, performing for enthusiastic fans with a challenging near-daily schedule.  With his latest album, Scrapbook, the Derry, musician has raised the bar yet again with a collection of stunning new tracks showcasing masterful production and songwriting.

In 2010, Casey made major waves in the UK after playing to a total of 55,000 fans on an epic 23-date tour of the UK and Ireland supporting legendary guitarist and 30-million album-selling Chris Rea. The tour took in venues such as the Symphony Hall in Birmingham and the Hammersmith Apollo in London.

The young songwriter has a string of critically acclaimed albums under his belt, along the way receiving a 9/10 rating in Ireland’s Hot Press magazine in a review by Jackie Hayden. Along with a handful of other songs, “Big World” marks a a stylistic departure from his previous material.  While still maintaining his acoustic-driven pop undertones, his new songs reflect his love of orchestral and cinematic elements.

http://www.paulcaseymusic.com

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest Finalists: Andrew Basquille & Jezzebelle

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

The live final of the 2013 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest takes place this Saturday, 19th October at The Carlton Hotel, Tralee. Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries will compete for this prestigious prize and a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO and Tralee Chamber Alliance.

To celebrate the final, IMRO will be featuring two finalists in our Member News section each day this week. Today we feature Andrew Basquille and Jezzebelle….

Andrew Basquille

Song: “What Needs Fixin’ First”

AndrewBasquillePic

Andrew Basquille is from Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin. His mother is from Killorglin Co Kerry, so he is particularly pleased to be in the final. He formed his first band Factor One in 1979. His songs have been recorded by Jane McNamee and Carmel Sheerin.

He was a finalist in RTÉ’s “The Hit” earlier this year. He sings regularly in The Punch Bowl Booterstown and Uncle Tom’s Cabin in Dundrum. He is married with two children.

Katie Carpenter & Gary Burke (Jezzebelle)

Song: “Never Ends”

Katie&GaryPicJezzebelle is Katie Carpenter & Gary Burke. Their recent success on RTÉ’s “The Hit” saw award winning artist Julie Feeney select their new song ‘Dimension Me’ for possible release.

An acoustic rhythm n’ roots duo from Dublin Ireland, Jezzebelle are undoubtedly products of the live music scene, spending most of their time on tour in Ireland, Europe & North America. They signed a publishing deal with Notting Hill Music in late 2012 and teamed up with producer Chrissy Tignor for remix of their track ‘All the Stars’ due for release in late 2013.

Releases to date include 2010’s studio album ‘Roll a Double’, 2011’s self-produced EP ‘Ruff’, 2012’s EP ‘Back to the Start’ (produced by Sharon Kearney and mastered by Mark Chalecki) and a string of singles in 2013, the latest of which; ‘Look Around’ was mastered at Abbey Road in London.

http://www.jezzebellemusic.com/

 

Entry to the live final is free of charge, but due to limited capacity, booking is advised. To reserve a place in the audience, email IMRO at membership@nullimro.ie or phone 01 661 4844. Show starts at 8:30pm.

The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is supported by Tralee Chamber Alliance, The Troubadour Club, Radio Kerry, Kerry’s Eye, Tralee Advertiser  & The Carlton Hotel.

Letterkenny Duo Constant Supply Release Debut Album

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in News.

Constant Supply‘The Coast Ain’t Clear’ is the shimmering debut album from alternative Letterkenny duo Constant Supply. Recorded with Villagers man Tommy McLaughlin in his Attica Studio, this dark and delicious debut is awash with texture, catchy choruses and layer upon layer of guitar and vocal, anchored by a solid organic bass and metronomic drum machine. The album is now available as a free download from www.constantsupply.bandcamp.com.

Consisting of James Gillen on guitars and vocals and Conal Sweeney on bass, Constant Supply create melodic, atmospheric compositions, driven along through light and dark alleyways by a pulsing beat. Evoking the ghosts of Pavement, Slint, Radiohead, Nirvana and Elliott Smith, the northwest pair have developed an original and enthralling sound that marks them out as true mavericks on the Irish music scene. By marrying skittery rhythms, fuzzy riffs and a hypnotic bassline new single ‘3rd in Line’ is a perversely upbeat and unsettling affair that seeps into your consciousness and refuses to budge.

Constant Supply released their debut ‘Alleviate EP’ in 2011 through UK label Take Aim Fire leading to gigs around the country and lots of radio coverage including a session at 2FM’s renowned Studio 8. The Donegal duo’s new single and debut album are both available as a free download with bonus track ‘Medicine Ball’ from www.constantsupply.bandcamp.com from October 7th 2013.

Call for Entries for Allingham Arts Festival Songwriting Competition 2013

Written by Breffni Banks on . Posted in Industry News.

Allingham Arts Festival PicApplications are invited for the Allingham Arts Festival Songwriting Competition 2013, the final of which is due to be held on Friday 8th November.

The competition is being held in conjunction with the Allingham Arts Festival, taking place for the third year running this November, with the winning songwriter set to receive the first prize of €1,000. Singer, songwriter and poet, John Spillane, will lead the judging panel on the night.

Closing date for applications is Thursday 17th October. For further details, rules of entry and to download a copy of the application form, see http://allinghamartsassociation.com/allingham-festival-song-contest-launch/

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