Dunluvly is set to release his fourth single of 2022 after a busy year working as a touring artist.
Most recently based out of Galway City, Dunluvly has been making his mark in the wave of live-music that has blessed post-pandemic Ireland. This most recent track Thorns & Bristles has been his most anticipated piece of music to date, after he played it live on Transmission TV early in July 2021. Here’s what Dunluvly had to say about the piece;
‘In the last year I’ve been playing this track in my live-set and often following it with the promise that it will be released in about a month. Throughout those 12 months, it was played live by Mark Duggan & Arjun Desai (Guitar), Aidan Gray & Ryan Fahey (Bass), Mark Garvey (Saxophone), and John O’Connell, Eddy Blake and Christian Conefery (Drums), each of them contributing something new to its final form. As it evolved with each live performance, It quickly became the main song people asked me about at the end of gigs. After many re-records, I’m proud of what this song has become and owe it to the people that showed me new shades of it on its journey through Ireland’s live gig-circuit.’
LIVE
WHELAN’S – DUBLIN – 30th of September
RHYTHM & BOOZE – LAOIS – 1st of October
MICK DOYLES – GRAIGUENAMANAGH – 2nd of October
THE BROOK HOUSE – ARKLOW – 9th of October
THE HARBOR BAR – ARKLOW – 15th of October
AN CRUISCÍN LÁN – WATERFORD – 30th of October
The single release will be coupled with a launch-party at Dunluvly’s first headline show at the esteemed Dublin venue Whelan’s. With support from Jen Ella and more to be announced, the 30th of September is setting up to be an impressive showcase of Irish music.
IMRO Creative Rooms is an online content series that invites artists to share an intimate insight into their creative process, by showing the spaces they create in.
It’s no secret that those in the arts wear many hats, and after years of working as a session musician, guitar teacher, band member and sound engineer, Dublin based songwriter and producer Richey McCourt found his lane through a chance encounter with the Swedes.
“I knew that writing, and later, composing/producing, was where I wanted to build my career. After almost 20 years navigating an ever changing industry, it was where I felt my strength really lay. But to connect with writers and producers- at the time where I wanted to make that change, almost a decade ago- was really difficult. I completely chanced my arm and sent a LinkedIn request, of all things, to a Swedish writer I had been following named Nick Jarl. Miraculously he replied, and honestly things instantly changed from that moment.”
Beginning his career in guitar bands from the age of 15, Richey went on to grace the stage with artists such as Shane Filan, Nik Kershaw, Olly Murs and more as a guitarist. All the while his passion for writing and creating within the studio setting grew as his live work continued.
It was the connection and instant kinship with Stockholm based writer Nick Jarl which drew Richey away from the stage and permanently into the studio. Jarl’s extensive career had seen him work with Westlife, Robyn, Max Martin and many more. And it was this writing partnership which allowed Richey to embrace his love of melody – and pop. And get back to focusing on creating music.
“Ireland hasn’t been a country which has invested in or harnessed a pop scene. And it’s really only in the last few years that we’re seeing genre diversification, and we have a long way to go. I found solace in the Swedish approach to writing and collaboration, and learned so much from being in those sessions.”
The first song Nick and Richey wrote together was a ballad, ‘I Don’t Need A Lover’ which landed on Will Young’s UK Number 1 album ‘85% Proof’. The song received acclaim from UK publications such as The Guardian and Clash, and caught the ear of A&Rs in labels such as Island Records, RCA, SYCO, Disney, Hollywood Records and Universal. This allowed Richey to work with more artists such as Pixie Lott, Rebecca Ferguson, Rita Ora and more. But with such a heavily UK focused client list, he began to look closer to home for emerging and developing talent.
“I was back and forth to London & Stockholm a lot at that point, writing with and for other artists. Simultaneously my passion for creating a soundscape from scratch was growing and I really wanted to be the guy in the chair creating composing and producing, producing and composing – they really go hand in hand for me, as my approach to music production is very artistic in it’s nature and process. I was excited about what was emerging at a local level in Ireland so decided to put some time and resource into exploring the Irish scene. Artists such as Lyra were beginning to make some noise, Jafaris had come on the scene. I had such hope for what was next for the Irish music scene and wanted in!”
Richey set up a fully equipped home studio and began writing and working with a number of homegrown musical acts culminating in a number of releases, including ‘Again’ with electro-pop artist LAOISE. The song went on to gain a Choice Music Prize Song of the Year nomination and has amassed over 3million streams. He has also co-written and produced material for Ireland’s latest pop breakthrough artist Aimée, Irish favourite Erica-Cody, rising star Megan O’Neill and up & comers such as ROOUE, Finn O Hara and Chubby Cat. Focusing on the Irish music scene has also given Richey the opportunity to flex his production skills through remixing for artists such as The Coronas, Cry Monster Cry and Thanks Brother.
When the Covid 19 crisis taking a massive toll on the arts sector, Richey adapted his recording set up to work remotely and Covid compliantly. But acknowledges the long term uncertainty for himself and the artists he worked with through that time.
“We, as creatives, are very used to working with risk. But the impact Covid had could be felt at all levels – especially the independent music industry. I was really encouraged by the support shown at a government level, and just wanted to see my friends and colleagues getting back to work safely. It’s been such an overall change getting back to creating in normal settings this year – and has positively impacted my output for sure”
In addition to his work as a songwriter/producer, Richey has also curated an online course for Dublin’s Sound Training Centre, and offers masterclasses via the Minding Creative Minds mentorship programme. Having spent many years working as a guitar teacher, he’s applied these educational skills to helping others who are getting started.
“I suppose I’m still wearing more than one hat, that’s true. And I think that’s the case for so many of us who work in this industry. But I’m very lucky to have the studio set up I have, which enables me to be a full time artist – and to be a part of a network here in my home country, and to get up every day and make music.”
Richey’s latest release ‘Love Like This, which he co-wrote with Erica-Cody is out now.
How important is it for you to have a dedicated creative space?
I literally could not work full time as a creative without having this space – my home studio – available to me. I’ve had times in my life where I have not enjoyed access to a dedicated creative space – and it not only affected me as an artist, and my output- but really affected my well being. You need to feel like you’re in the right environment to create – and I’ve built this space over years for exactly that purpose.
What makes this space work for you?
I’ve worked in so many beautiful studios and rooms in Dublin, London, and Stockholm. And lots of magic has happened in them – but they have not been spaces that have been available to me 24/7. If I’m feeling inspired on a random Sunday afternoon and want to start to write & build a soundscape- I don’t need to book in anywhere, I have my favourite place to create available to me.
It works for me in a lot of practical ways too. I get to predominantly work as an artist, from home, and be around my kids as they grow up- without too much time commuting. Myself and my wife can share the childcare & running of the house, so that both our careers can function- which is so important to us, and our work/life balance. I think that’s a pretty good example to show two kids, as they start to figure out their own path in life. And they are surrounded by creative, artistic people on a day-to-day basis – and occasionally brought in for backing vocals!
In what way(s) does this space influence your output?
I think I take bigger risks when I create in this space – and really that’s because it’s a safe space. When I collaborate with others in this space, we always put having a positive and open environment first – and my home studio has witnessed so many incredible memories and creative moments coming to life. When I’m commissioned to deliver a work, I need to know that there is no time limit on the hours I can spend in the studio to meet a deadline. I have spent years building up my synths, instruments and investing in the best – and I love that the gear I have sparks off so many creative ideas. I think it’s a real privilege to be able to have a composition, or a work, just come to life from my imagination – all because of the marriage of the right creative space, and the right creative equipment.
What’s your favourite instrument/piece of kit? And why?
Definitely the ASM Hydrasynth – This synth has been on pretty much everything I’ve produced since I got it. It’s hands down one of the most versatile, expressive synths I own. I can’t imagine not having it in my arsenal!
What would make this space better for you?
Honestly all that’s needed for this space, is a little bit more space! I love working with live drums, for example – but that requires booking into a bigger space. My goal is to extend the capacity I have whilst retaining the ability to create from a home space. I think it’s a goal I would have reached earlier, but the pandemic affected our sector so devastatingly, so it’s definitely caused a delay. But I’m a big believer in the power of manifesting! And I truly believe that if you focus on your creative output being as excellent as is possible, the rest will follow. There’s not that many of us who take the risk to be a full time artist in a creative industry – but I think the rewards it offers are second to none: we get to be a part of the culture around us, and help shape it. Which is really what it’s all about.
Tonight, 15 September, Other Voices will come together with the U.S.EmbassyDublin for ‘Other Voices: Dignity – Towards a More Equitable Future’ – a special evening of songs and stories live streamed from the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence.
Building on the success of last year’s ‘Other Voices: Dignity – A Celebration of Bob Dylan’, this year’s edition will showcase the very best of American and Irish talent with a diverse programme which aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and equality.
Hosted by Conversations With Friends star Loah, ‘Other Voices: Dignity’ will feature an exclusive performance from Grammy-Winning folk duo FrancescoTurrisi and RhiannonGiddens.
As one of the world’s most critically acclaimed and well respected musicians, North Carolina born Rhiannon Giddens was recently named as the new Artistic Director of YoYo Ma’s celebrated Silkroad project and together with her musical partner Francesco Turrisi will provide a musical bridge and cultural link between Ireland and the United States on the night.
Martin Hayes, who is regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music will also take to the stage for a very special performance.
The line up will also feature some of Ireland’s must beloved artists including Mick Flannery, Róisín O, Soda Blonde’s Faye O’Rourke as well acclaimed American singer-songwriter Jeffrey Martin who will all raise their voices in honour of the U.S Embassy’s new ambassador to Ireland, ClaireCronin.
“The Biden Administration is committed to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). With this event we aim to highlight and celebrate the work that the Embassy, the Irish Government and our partners are doing to advance DEIA throughout Irish society. These ideals have long underpinned the strong relationship between both countries.“Ambassador Claire Cronin
Inspired by the shared cultural identity and history which bonds to the two places, these live performances will bookend a full day of events hosted by the U.S. Embassy and curated by Rethink Ireland celebrating DEIA in the civil society and business sectors. The event will bring together key stakeholders, leaders and social justice advocates with the aim of strengthening the equality landscape in Ireland, whilst also recognising ongoing inequalities in our society, current barriers to inclusion, and steps towards a more equitable Ireland.
Other Voices: Dignity will be streamed to the world from the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, at 7.30pm on Thursday 15th September. Audiences can watch the performances for free from anywhere in the world on Other Voices’ YouTube and other social platforms.
“We are delighted to accept Ambassador Cronin’s invitation to bring Other Voices back to Deerfield and to partner with Rethink Ireland for this event. It’s all the more exciting as we will now have a live audience enjoying great music and conversation in this beautiful house while also streaming the whole evening live as it happens to audiences across the world.” Philip King, Other Voices Founder.
Other Voices, Dignity: Towards a More Equitable Future is supported the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Tourism Ireland, PwC, Coca Cola and Ardagh Group.
Further details and streaming information are available here.
Maria Kelly shares the final installment of her alternative album tracks today, 15 September, 2022, and teams up with chart-topping musician James Vincent McMorrow for an electronica-infused remix of ‘eight hours,’ out now via VETA Music.
Taking the delicate finger-picked soundscapes from the original track, and pairing it with layered vocals, deep synths, and roaring drum machines, James Vincent McMorrow brings ‘eight hours’ into a whole new universe.
“When thinking about these alternative versions, I really wanted to explore a remix. I think James’ work is incredible, and I’ve admired his writing/production for a long time so I am pinching myself that he has actually agreed to do this! Hearing ‘eight hours’ in this disco-house universe he’s created is a lot of fun (well, a dancing-while-crying kind of fun) and I can’t wait for people to hear it,” Maria says of the single.
‘eight hours (James Vincent McMorrow remix)’ is the final installment of ‘Postcards In-between,’ an EP involving artists such as Paul Noonan, Sammy Copley, and Ciaran Lavery. After a sold-out Irish support tour with Orla Gartland, and a slot at Ireland’s All Together Now festival, Maria is now beginning the recording of her sophomore album, due for release in 2023.
Maria’s startling talent has garnered attention both at home and abroad. NOTION praised her “so-soft-they-could-melt vocals,” and Clash described her debut record the sum of the in-between as “graceful and transportive, welcoming the listener still further into Kelly’s world.” Other supporters include Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit, Nialler9, Hot Press, Paste Magazine, and Radio X.
22-year-old artist-songwriter, Bradley Marshall is set to release his brand-new single “Hurts The Most” on Thursday, 15 September across all digital platforms.
Bradley Marshall co-wrote “Hurts The Most” with TikTok music stars and highly talented artists in their own right, Ryan Mack and Rob Grace. The duo also produced the song along with Jimmy Rainsford of Picture This.
Speaking about the song Bradley Marshall said:
“‘Hurts The Most’ tells a story about how everything can feel and seem so good with someone but you are still not convinced that you are good enough for them”
“Hurts The Most” the brand-new single from Bradley Marshall is set for release across all digital platforms on 15 September.
Gilla Band are sharing a new track and video, “Post Ryan” today off their upcoming album Most Normal, out October 7, 2022 on Rough Trade Records. “Post Ryan” was directed by Michael Speed and follows earlier singles “Backwash” and “Eight Fivers”, which were accompanied by videos directed and animated by Mortis Studios. This single comes alongside the news of cancelling their upcoming show at London’s O2 Forum due to production issues, they have however organised a residency of exciting small shows around London across Sept/Oct/Nov 2022, the first at The Windmill this Friday sold out in the first minute of going on sale. Details below.
“Post Ryan” is the album’s electrifying closer, in which the beat has been taken from ‘I Ran’ by Flock of Seagulls, the band quote saying ‘We thought, that’s a really great, immediate pop-sounding beat, let’s start there and go somewhere else’ – to have that immediacy, and then abstract out from there.” That’s exactly what happens, that pulsing beat swallowed by amps humming like wasps and itchy, uncomfortable clangs of guitar, the perfect backdrop for singer Dara Kiely’s deadpan, confessional soliloquy.
Dara quotes on the single “Our friend Ryan turned 30 during lockdown and we were asked by his mates to make a track for his birthday, singer Dara Kiely explains, “We wrote and recorded ‘Happy Birthday Ryan‘ (a hair metal attempt penned by our secret Hard Rock alias, The Whisky Guns). Right after that we came up with the bones of what is now known as PostRyan. This probably took the longest time out of all the tracks. The words of the track were originally really silly. There’s was a line about wearing Christmas socks all year round. Stupid stuff. It didn’t really fit the tone. After messing around with the Electro Lobotomy and getting the second half of it figured out, I improvised a melody over it. The lads wanted me to get out of my comfort zone and write something really direct. This was the exact opposite of the approach we had for The Talkies. Felt very naked. I had to leave the room when I showed them my demo of the new vocals.”
For their first album as Gilla Band, the foursome have redrawn their own paradigm. Most Normal is like little you’ve heard before, a kaleidoscopic spectrum of noise put in service of broken pop songs, FX-strafed Avant-punk rollercoaster rides and passages of futurist dancefloor nihilism.
The group also fell under the spell of modern hip-hop, “where there’s really heavy-handed production and they’re messing with the track the whole time,” says bassist Daniel Fox. “There was a conscious effort to be more direct this time, whether it was with the lyrics or the music and with the production – for everything to be a lot more ‘here’ and to feel more poppy, and then really try to mess with it and subvert it”.
The common thread holding Most Normal’s ambitious avant-pop shapes together is frontman Dara Kiely. Throughout, he’s an antic, antagonistic presence, barking wild, hilarious, unsettling spiels, babbling about smearing fish with lubricant or dressing up in bin-liners or having to wear hand-me-down boot-cut jeans.
Most Normal is Gilla Band’s third album; it was self-produced, and recorded and mixed by bassist Daniel Fox at Sonic Studios and their rehearsal place. The album will be available on limited-edition blue vinyl and a limited edition alternate cover with white vinyl.
Following on from their first single, ‘I Wouldn’t Be’ taken from their recent album release ‘Songs from Here’, Ardú, Ireland’s premier acapella vocal ensemble, are proud to announce the follow up single ‘I Won’t Turn My Back On You’.
Co-written by Carl Corcoran and NY based songwriter James Kelly, the song articulates the power of, and the need to ‘lend a shoulder’, extend ‘a helping hand’ and to ‘offer comfort’ to those in need. Global crises have displaced millions and, more than ever we must ‘answer the call’ and respond.
Commenting on the writing of the song, Carl says
‘The song was written some years back in response to various crises that were confronting humankind. Climate change has brought famine, fire and drought to many places; war, persecution and occupation have displaced millions who need assistance and comforting’.
Ciarán Kelly, Artistic Director/arranger says
‘We feel this song captures the sentiment that fellowship and support for our fellow humans is needed now more than ever. Our National ambition to offer help and assistance to migrants and those displaced by war, famine and other conditions, resonates in this beautiful lyric’
Ciarán’s masterful arrangement has placed the song clearly in a Gospel-tinged genre – with an uplifting climax achieved through his beautiful voicings and the incredible vocal and performance talents of Ardú. It is the third Corcoran composition recorded by Ardú – ‘To Feel The Power of Love’ is also on the album. Last year the ensemble recorded ‘The Phoenix – A 9/11 Tribute’ (Corcoran/McGann)
‘Ready’ is the new track and collaboration by two of Ireland’s most exciting artists, Elaine Mai and MuRli: a soaring, empowering electronic banger that reaches for the stars from its dancefloor roots. Elaine Mai and MuRli were brought together as part of Jameson Connects, challenging the two artists to create a new song to be performed live for the very first time at All Together Now, one of the highlights of Ireland’s festival calendar. The outcome is the upbeat and inspiring song ‘Ready’, with MuRli’s stunning vocals and Mai’s incredible production, resulting in something truly special.
The track was created from a guitar sample by MuRli that Mai expanded on to produce the rest of the music. Once MuRli added the lyrics and vocals, the track was ready to be performed exclusively to the crowds at All Together Now on the final night of the festival.
‘Ready’ draws on a number of influences as well as the unique artistic styles of Elaine Mai and MuRli. This dancefloor filler is propelled forward by Mai’s catchy synth lines and MuRli’s unmistakable vocals and lyrics: an uplifting and empowering synthpop banger that compels the listener.
Thematically, the track draws on the reality of aspiring for greater things in spite of the cards one’s been dealt. At times you can only work with what’s in front of you, the rest is out of your control so there’s no better time than the now! When you can think about it, you are ready. ‘Ready’ is your new antidote to procrastination.
Unspoken bonds or ‘sparks’ happen when kindred spirits connect. Jameson Connects is a platform created to encourage people to celebrate that spark. This year, Jameson is aiming to widen the circle and bring some new voices to the centre to share their spirit. Follow the campaign at #WidenTheCircle where you’ll see how Jameson connects and collaborates with the People, Places and Pulse of communities around the world.
Multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning Irish songwriter Susan O’Neill releases her first EP ‘Now You See It’ today.
Recorded between Los Angeles, Maine, Co. Clare and Wexford Ireland during the spring of this year, the EP see’s Susan working once again with Tony Buchen (the producer of ‘In The Game’ the 2021 collaboration record with Mick Flannery), Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter, Lake Street Dive) and her fellow bandmates, brothers Cillian and Lorcan Byrne.
‘Now You See It’, a startlingly beautiful collection of songs that showcase Susan’s inimitable vocals, intuitive musicianship and ever-expanding songwriting. Previously released tracks including the EP’s namesake, ‘Now You See it’ and ‘Truth Can Be Kind’ which see Susan reunite with Mick Flannery, both currently sit on the Radio 1 airplay charts at No. 1 and No. 3 and have received generous playlisting across all platforms.
‘In The Game’, the 2021 duet album with Mick Flannery, saw Susan receive nominations for the Choice Music Prize and the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards’ Album of the Year, Female Folk Artist of the Year, and take home the Best Original Folk Track award for the collaborative song ‘Chain Reaction’. Susan was also shortlisted for the ‘Vanda and Young’ Award for her song ‘These Are the Days’. The collaboration album ended up being the biggest selling Irish independent record of 2021.
Susan’s recently finished a two-month tour, which saw her performing on the mainstages of beautiful Canadian festivals, debut shows in Los Angeles, headline shows in New York City, opening for Valerie June in the UK and Phoebe Bridgers in Scotland, before closing down August on the mainstage of Tønder Festival in Denmark.
In support of the new EP, Susan will embark on her biggest Irish Headline tour to date, full details below.
Upcoming Live Shows:
Sept 15 – Cleeres, Kilkenny – SOLD OUT
Sept 16 – Duncairn, Belfast
Sept 17 – Vantastival, Drogheda
Sep 29 – Other Voices ‘Bringing It All Back Home’, Cork City
Sep 30 – Spirit Store, Dundalk
Oct 1 – The Milk Market, Limerick **
Oct 6 – Whelans, Dublin
Oct 7 – INEC, Killarney
Oct 8 – Glor, Ennis
Oct 12 – Coughlans, Cork – SOLD OUT
Oct 13 – Coughlans, Cork – SOLD OUT
Oct 14 – Roisin Dubh, Galway
Oct 23 – Sligo Live Festival, Sligo
Oct 27 – Imagine Arts Festival, Waterford
Oct 28 – Connollys of Leap, Leap, West Cork
**Singing songs from ‘In The Game’ w/ Mick Flannery
Gary Ó Nualláin is a songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. He is a writer with a strong emphasis on narrative, be it the universal truth, or political influence from the working class grassroots of Ireland.
He first came to national attention in Ireland, when an encounter with a dodgy pay-to-play promoter went viral. This led to him forming the Unsigned Irish Collective, a collective where grassroots musicians could get advice without being taken advantage of. Off the back of this, he was approached to correspond with government ministers on behalf of music rights groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ó Nualláin is a 100% independent musician, releasing under his own label Dalkin Records. He’s as comfortable performing solo as he is with his full 6-piece band The Wildflowers.
He is currently touring his debut release Divide & Conquer, due for release on January 20th 2023.
His latest single ‘Children of Ireland’ is an anti-racism anthem that features residents from the Clondalkin Direct Provision Centre in the video. Through a collaboration with the 4 main League of Ireland clubs in Dublin, he ended up getting 6 laptops for college coursework, and kitting out 11 residents with full kit, boots, footballs, bibs etc. to play themselves. The organiser is now a schoolboy referee, and 2 underage lads that played have since been set up to play permanently with a local team here in Clondalkin.
The single launch gig will take place in The Cobblestone, Smithfield on Saturday September 24th at 8pm. Tickets are available now from Eventbrite
