My Friend Marx’ is the debut album from Irish alt-roots artist Marc O’Reilly. Its release has been greeted with much acclaim in his native Ireland and received extensive national media, radio and TV exposure with Marc been strongly tipped to follow artists like James Vincent McMorrow and Villagers as Irelands international breakthrough artist of 2012.
Marc’s album ranges from US and UK inspired folk ‘n’ blues to African percussive rhythms. His roots may lie in Ireland and France, but Marc’s sound rests somewhere between old American folk-blues and The Black Keys – Andy McKee and Tom Waits. Marc is gaining a reputation as a spellbinding live performer with his husky vocals complimented by scintillating guitar playing.
2012 kicked of with UK dates in February followed by a trip to Toronto in March for Canadian Music Week where Marc was acclaimed by critics as one of the buzz artists of the festival. Summer will see Festival appearances around Europe following which the album will receive a UK/Germany/Austria/Switzerland release in August accompanied by a full tour.
“Sensational, Irish roots music has a new star” Roots & Fusion
Legendary American country/folk singer and songwriter, John Prine, will make a special guest appearance at The RISE Foundation’s benefit concert in Vicar Street on Sunday 20th May. The concert, organised by RISE Foundation founder, Frances Black, is part of the foundation’s awareness building and fundraising activities for ‘RISE Week 2012’. All the money raised through the RISE Benefit Concert will go directly towards supporting families with loved ones in addiction.
John will be joined on the night by an esteemed group of artists including Frances Black, Brian Kennedy, Altan, Paddy Casey, Fiona Prine, Aoife Scott and Roisin O.
The RISE Foundation is a registered charity founded in 2009 by Frances, who was inspired after going back to college and becoming an addiction therapist. Frances wanted to set up an organisation that focused on the families of those in addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, food or sex addiction etc.) The overall aim of the organisation is for cultural change around addiction in Ireland.
The RISE Foundation currently runs both 10-week non-residential and 5-day residential Family Programmes with a team of experienced addiction counsellors. These services are available to people from all communities throughout the island of Ireland.
For further information please visit www.therisefoundation.ie or visit the Facebook page.
The RISE Foundation Benefit Concert
Sunday 20th May – Vicar Street, Dublin
Doors @ 7pm / Concert Starts 8pm / Tickets €25 (www.ticketmaster.com)
Dublin based composer/songwriter, Dean Valentine, has scored the US trailer for Ridley Scott’s eagerly awaited sci-fi horror, “Prometheus”. The trailer has already notched up over 5 million YouTube views to date. Not many Irish composers have broken into Hollywood this way so naturally there is a lot of interest at home and abroad. Dean has had a steady stream of compositions picked up for film and TV in recent years including music which has featured in the trailer for “Ringer”, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the new Disney series, “Tales of Friendship with Winnie the Pooh” which will premiere on Disney Junior UK and be broadcast in twenty-two countries worldwide.
Taking time out from recording for Disney, Dean kindly offered to answer some questions from aspiring film and TV composers which were posted on the IMRO Facebook page last week – as well as a few questions from ourselves.
· Is there much work for film composers in Ireland or is it all happening overseas?
Both – most projects are co-productions between Irish and overseas producers so there is work here if you make your mark and work very hard for it. In the past, most of the work (in my experience) seemed to be pre-school animation series and short films but recently a lot of big producers, like Disney, are looking to Ireland as we have an amazing pool of talent here. There’s also tax incentives involved in producing projects here which means a certain amount of the people involved must be Irish and based here, and this usually includes the music. However it’s very difficult to land one of these huge co-production gigs as the (overseas) investors/producers usually want to work with a composer they know or a named composer. Even with an agent in your corner you have to fight tooth and claw for those gigs! There are absolutely no short cuts – you have to earn your stripes the hard way.
· What are the first steps composers should take when trying to pitch music for TV or film?
In my opinion the music should be the most important thing to get right first – always strive to be the best composer, musician, producer, mixer you can possibly be, stick to what you’re best at and find your own voice. One nugget of wisdom from an AAA game producer that has stayed with me is ‘don’t try to cover all musical styles or potential clients won’t know where your strengths lie’.
*Compose the best tracks you can (composition and production wise).
*Try to get work on student projects/game mods build up some credits.
*Get your composer website together and put your best music up. Potential clients prefer links to tracks or a website with tracks at first.
*Google for info/network/go to music seminars/game seminars. Find out who the seminar speakers are and contact them by email – there’s nothing to lose. Try to get a response or some interest before you send any music or it will most likely be ignored.
*Check producers’ websites for projects in pre-production, such as IFTN (http://www.iftn.ie/post-production/) and tailor or compose bespoke tracks for that project – it’s also great practice!
*If you get beyond the intro email stage, have a folder of WAVS/MP3s of your best tracks ready and only send 2-5 tracks that are appropriate to the client or project.
· What is the best route into the industry?
That’s a tough one – my route into the industry was like this: I’m a self-taught musician, played keyboards in various bands, always loved film and in particular film scores. I started out workwise as an animator while playing, writing and experimenting with music at home and in bands. A friend who I worked with in animation went on to be a script writer and when a project he was working on required two composers, he suggested my name. This was a 26 x 1/2 hour series! – hadn’t got a clue,…in at the deep end! So I lied my ass off to get the gig, borrowed money for some pro music equipment and pretty much blagged my way through the whole thing somehow. The other composer, who was already attached was a very well known and established German composer who eventually didn’t make the grade and got the boot. To my amazement I got the gig with another Irish composer who is still having great success today. Thankfully one gig led to another, but I also had a year or so where I couldn’t get arrested. I strongly believe that success is what happens when all your hard work and talent meets an opportunity – like making your own luck.
· Are there resources for composers to find contacts in the industry?
I think there’s a new Irish game composers’ database being put together. There’s also IFTN and IMRO of course! I’ve never really networked because I was absolutely rubbish at selling myself – thankfully one thing led to another.
· How did the trailer music deal for Prometheus come about?
It all started with IMRO,..my friend Mark and I had joined forces about two years ago. He would represent me and he’s also a song writer (we recently co-wrote a song for Disney). Anyway Mark contacted one of the guest speakers at an IMRO music seminar (a UK/LA agent), to see if he had any advice or interest. Long story short, he signed me up purely based on the music he heard and not my credits, which really surprised me! (In a way not networking and composing music instead really paid off!).
He immediately put me together with a film trailer company in LA and I began composing music for trailers. Little did I know that trailers have a very exact structure/formula. I pitched on a bunch of trailers and nothing landed for a good while, but eventually it all clicked and the music started to resonate with a lot of clients. I had submitted a number of trailer style tracks by this stage and one of those tracks was being considered by a client for “Prometheus”. I heard nothing back and assumed it was dead in the water and then suddenly it landed! The fact that it is “Prometheus” is incredible. (What has happened since is even more so but I can’t mention anything yet.)
· What have you found to be the most rewarding networking avenue?
It’s not really the same thing, but recognising my main weakness, (networking!) and working with other people who could really help like Mark and my agent. Co-ops are great – there’s strength in numbers,..is that also networking? For me the most important thing was my decision to shift all the focus onto the orchestral/electronic music that I was composing which was more suited to live action projects than pre-school animation. I also changed the website to reflect this music and suddenly everything started to click – landed an agent, landed Disney series (and song with Mark) then “Prometheus” and more.
· Are there any pitfalls you could advise aspiring composers about?
Just because you love composing doesn’t mean you should do it all the time. The pressure is always on composers, as one of the last links in the production chain everything is wanted yesterday. When you work for yourself, clients will assume that you work 24/7. Try to set boundaries, (if you can) and have a life too.
Don’t get lost in the gear and gadgets – it’s about the music.
Don’t emulate your favorite composer – they’ll always do it better than you.
Don’t ignore your instincts – every time I’ve followed a creative brief and ignored my instincts, I’ve never landed the gig.)
Beware freebies! They’re only good for credits and practice. I have NEVER got another gig from a client after doing a freebie for them. “We have no budget but we’ll give you a credit and a copy of the finished film” – (you’re going to hear that sentence a lot!). It’s a load of bull – a credit is standard anyway.
If you’re going to work for free, first draft up a simple contract, keeping the rights to your music, if the project is a success then the client can buy the rights afterwards. If the client refuses the deal, don’t do the gig.
“Prometheus” gets its Irish release in cinemas on 1st June. You can check out Dean’s website and listen to some of his music here: http://www.deanvalentine.com/ .
IMRO will be running various seminars for composers and songwriters this summer.
The launch of the 2012 Allingham Festival Song Contest will take place in Dicey Reilly’s, Ballyshannon tomorrow evening, Thursday 17th May.
Performing at the launch of the prestigious competition will be the highly acclaimed international performers / songwriters Marian Bradfield and Ian Smith. Marian Bradfield has appeared on several Celtic Women and Celtic Tales compilation CDs alongside artists such as Loreena McKennitt, Maire Brennan (Clannad), Hazel O’Connor, Frances Black and Mairead Ni Dhomhnaill. Marian’s current CD “Secret Life of a Woman” has again gathered outstanding reviews and again been added to an ever increasing list of music critics’ favourite albums both in Ireland and the U.S. She has also shared stages at home and abroad with the likes of Altan, The Fureys, Donal Lunny, Liam O’Flynn, Paddy Glacken, Andy Irvine, Jimmy Mc Carthy, Mary Black, Aslan, Keith Donald (Moving Hearts), Kieran Goss and The Chieftains.
Scottish born singer and songwriter Ian Smith has been involved in performing and songwriting both nationally and internationally. He started singing and performing in the folk clubs around Ayrshire and Glasgow alongside talented singers and players such as John Martyn, Gerry Rafferty, Billy Connelly, Gallagher and Lyle, Barbara Dickson, Eddi Reader and other artists of that calibre who were also performing and influenced his style and approach to playing. Since being in Ireland he has played in concert with many well known artists including Paul Brady, Mary Black, Dolores Keane, Maire Brennan and Altan to name a few.
The live final of the song contest will take place on Thursday 8th November, where the winning entry will be selected by a professional judging panel and award the first prize of €1,000.
Full details of the competition will be launched on the night, along with all terms and conditions. Closing date for all applications & submissions is set for August 31st 2012. After the launch full details will be made available here at www.allinghamartsfestival.com.
Tickets to the launch at €10 are now on sale from Dicey Reilly’s, Ballyshannon.
Belfast based rockers ‘Window Seats’ hit the road for an Irish Tour.
Window Seats play rock music. Whether the message is love, anger or both at once the songs remain intense and direct.
You can catch the guys on the following dates:
1 June – Purple Rooms, DROGHEDA
2 June – The Piper Inn, CLONMEL
3 June – Happy Valley Festival, THOMASTOWN
4 June – Crane Lane Theatre, CORK
7 June – GiftedLive, The Empire, BELFAST (acoustic) <supporting Duke Special>
8 June – Bogan’s Bar, OMAGH
9 June – Ruck ‘n’ Roll festival, ENNISKILLEN
16 June – Jagger’s Common Rooms, DUNGANNON
RADIO ROOM are a collective of four incredibly handsome hand models from Middle Earth who love hanging out at oxygen bars and betting on snail races.
All of this, is a lie! A really terrible one at that.
Radio Room are four young Dublin lads who make lovely summertime Indie music.
Dancey riffs, thoughtful rhythm, lead bass, and hyperactive drums are the descriptions used to describe Radio Room’s current back catalogue.
When they aren’t busy writing and recording in the studio, you can usually find them on the road playing shows.
The guys are set to release their new EP ‘When You’ve Made It’ this summer, which has already gained recognition through their new single ‘Functions’, notching up 1,000 plays in 3 days.
Starting to make a name for themselves internationally with music lovers, they have already booked more recording time and are working hard on new material.
2012 is all mapped out and looking like Radio Room’s year.
Following the triumphant release of their debut single ‘Copy & Paste’, She’s a Beauty are set to release their highly anticipated follow-up, ‘Too Much Confusion’ on Saturday the 19th of May in Whelans, Wexford St.
Too Much Confusion will be the second installment in She’s a Beauty’s current series of 2012 releases, all which are to be issued via USB stick.
She’s a Beauty’s fans are therefore being invited to attend the ‘Too Much Confusion’ single launch along with their original, ‘Copy & Paste’ USB sticks.
Those returning fans will receive gate concessions and the opportunity to update their USB sticks with the most current releases from She’s a Beauty, including their brand new single ‘Too Much Confusion’ with additional bonus material.
Upstairs, Whelans,Wexford St., Dublin Sat 19/05/2012
Entry:
€10 ( w/free USB stick containing Too Much Confusion & more.
€5 concession for those returning with their ‘Copy & Paste’ single launch USB sticks.
In the unpredictable, often shallow world we live in, it takes courage to follow your heart, and even greater strength to follow what some philosophers describe as your “bliss.”
Irish musician and songwriter Daithí Ó hÉiġnigh, however, has done just that. After years of finding himself in situations which felt fundamentally wrong, he woke up one day to find his entire world had fallen apart. So he stopped everything, set about expressing his feelings and unwittingly laid the foundations for what would prove to be a happy and fulfilling life… or so the story goes.
The result of this creative about-face is the forthcoming debut, These Things Between… Recorded under the band title of Sfumato (a painting technique used by Leonardo Da Vinci, meaning the softening of sharp outlines by subtle, gradual blending of one tone into another), the album is a balm for the sick and indignant as it relates via a searingly honest song cycle a troubled journey from darkness to light.
A clear vision and a truthful voice (complete with simple, heartfelt words delivered in an egoless manner) have been uncovered. From desolation to euphoria, from imprisonment to escape, from being beaten up by dogmatism to engaging with ambiguity… and ultimately allowing back into his life the grey areas found between black and white.
Daithí has fashioned something of a gem with These Things Between… From start (Fly To Me) to finish (I Was Hoping You Might…) it rings clear with frank and straightforward intent. The music zings with anti-authoritarianism. Daithí also produces the videos which accompany the music on similar staunchly independent lines.
The album, “These thing between…”, will be released on the 11th of May on CD and digital download by Learn To Love Records. 4 singles will follow throughout 2012 accompanied by Hi-Definition videos and remixes from the likes of Ian Williams (Battles), Sunken Foal, Somadrone, The Last Sound, Tim Green (The F*cking Champs), Sebastian Thomson (Trans Am), AKA JK (Producer – The Rapture) and Deasey Mooneye. These will be available as digital ‘bundles’ through iTunes. The singles will be “Fly to me”, “These things between…”, “Let me leave you” & “Song to myself”.
Daithí sings and plays drums, guitars, keyboards, bass and percussion on “These things between…” and is accompanied by Miriam Ingram (backing vocals), Rebecca Collins (guest vocals), Eoin Dillon (Kíla, uileann pipes), Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (Danú, guest vocals), Mischa Langemeijer (saxophone), Esosa Ighodaro, Nono Madolo, Alice Burke & Christine Nalubega (The Discovery Gospel Choir, soul choir), Abigail Smith (viola) and Lioba Petrie (cello).
Irish artist Alan Clarke was commissioned to produce the artwork for the album.
Sive is the moniker of songwriter/musician Sadhbh O’Sullivan. She and her band are currently gearing up for the release of their debut album, We Are Moving, which will be launched in The Grand Social in Dublin on the 19th of April.
Having spent a number of years gigging extensively in Ireland and beyond with a variety of musicians, Sadhbh formed the band in its current lineup which consists of bassist Eoin Hartwieg, drummer Patrick Hopkins and guitarist Mark Dudley. They have been performing together since the beginning of 2010 and their music fuses alternative rock with a variety of genres, drawing influence from jazz, folk and progressive music.
The latest single from the album, Sunkissed,was released on the 1st of April and can be downloaded for free from www.sivemusic.com
We Are Moving Album launch @ The Grand Social, Dublin April 19th
My Friend Marx’ is the debut album from Irish alt-roots artist Marc O’Reilly. Its release has been greeted with much acclaim in his native Ireland and received extensive national media, radio and TV exposure with Marc been strongly tipped to follow artists like James Vincent McMorrow and Villagers as Irelands international breakthrough artist of 2012.
