Author: Breffni Banks

‘World and its Sister’ is the first single from Powerful Creative Minds’ (PCM) Ciaran Reddington’s upcoming EP ‘The Spiritual Workout.’

Coming from shifting his mentality and attitude towards mindfulness and spirituality, ‘The World and Its Sister’ is about recognising how detrimental a trending world is and how it can effect your focus in everyday living! So, it’s time to close off your social “reality” and start focusing on the world inside.

Being the first track off the EP, Ciaran feels it sets the tone for the rest of the listening. It’s Ciaran’s first piece of work as a solo artist, and he feels this body of work represents the where, when and how he got to the point he’s at.

Personal growth and spiritual maturity are the two narratives that run through the EP. These themes are conveyed through old-school Hip-Hop, sticking to his roots within the genre.

Ciaran previously worked with his brother Ricks, and the now worldwide famous Jazzy, as part of a hip-hop group by the name Powerful Creative Minds, which he insists is not finished by any means, and you can expect to hear more from the group in 2024.

Hailing from Derry City, Ireland, Danny Wright is an exciting new artist ready to make his mark in the music industry.

Drawing his inspirations from artists like Lauv and Ed Sheeran, Danny Wright has crafted his own unique style of blending meaningful lyrics that everyone can relate to, along with catchy melodies that are sure to get you singing along.

Danny is no stranger to the music industry as he had been working as a behind-the-scenes force, helping some of Ireland’s finest artists. However, now it’s time for Danny to step into the spotlight and take centre stage, showcasing his exceptional talents and the unique blend of music he brings to the world…

His debut single ‘Famous’ pays tribute to the dreams and ambitions you had when you were a child, but lost as you got older. delivering a sound that effortlessly shows heartfelt lyricism that everyone can relate to, along with pop sensibilities. The catchy melodies, playful lyrics and hooks woven into ‘Famous’ will have audiences singing along from the very first note.

‘Famous’ marks the dawn of an exciting new chapter in Danny’s career, one that promises to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene.

Connect with Danny Wright

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

From his upcoming debut album ‘Pulling at the Briars’

Coming 09.02.2024

 + tour dates

Over the last twenty years, Dublin-born and Berlin-based artist David Hedderman has cultivated an impressive career as a visual artist with his vibrant style of portraits which often feature beautifully textured and captivating backdrops for his figures to exist within. Hedderman’s striking idiosyncratic style seamlessly translates in his songwriting, as demonstrated in his dynamic and deft debut album, Pulling At The Briars. These ten multi-faceted compositions are sensitively layered with sumptuous and sweeping instrumentation. Its tonal palette is enhanced by a rich palette of emotive guitar melodies, soft percussion, and wistful flourishes of pedal steel, piano and violin. These beautiful soundscapes are endlessly inviting, each return drawing audiences closer towards the many aspects of his artistry.

Following on from the release of the first single ‘Blue Jeans’ in September, Hedderman shares the second track ‘Permanent Blush’.

Official video >> https://youtu.be/hHqEgDIIuRA?feature=shared

Spotify >> https://open.spotify.com/album/6wnUBjh1DdRonl7rUpCStt?si=aTki_IT-SYuxAGfD7vSdMA

Speaking on the new song, Hedderman says “Same as my other songs, the story line here is composed from multiple unrelated episodes collected over the time- in the process of making the video, my partner instinctively picked VHS footage from my childhood. It resulted in suggesting a version of interpretation where today as an adult one can reflect the time when you were a child going through things- embracing the ever-continuing learnings from different stages of life and sending love to your different timeline self. However, the song is entirely open to interpret in individual ways. One thing I can say definitely is how happy I am to have my pal’s blushed cheeks taking over listener’s Spotify screens.”

Video credits:

directed and edited by Yuka Tanaka

performed by Peter Toomey,  David Hedderman & Terry the bus driver

special thanks to Carl Clancy, child camera man.

single artwork by Yuka Tanaka.

 ABOUT THE UPCOMING ALBUM “PULLING AT THE BRIARS”

Written over a 15-year period, Pulling At The Briars captures a transitional period for Hedderman during which he relocated to Berlin, Germany from Dublin, Ireland in the mid-2000s. The initial months and years were shaped by intensive periods creating art whilst cultivating a community of like-minded creatives in Berlin. With regards to the latter, Hedderman engaged in regular music sessions, eventually inviting musicians to his Kreuzberg studio to play together. This ritual not only served as an invigorating social outlet but through playing music, Hedderman was able to process several informative events that occurred throughout his twenties and thirties.

Recorded live over five-days with Brendan Jenkinson (Aoife Nessa Frances, John Francis Flynn, Villagers) in Sonic Studios, Dublin, Ireland, Pulling At The Briars was produced by Conor O’Brien (Villagers), Hedderman’s close childhood friend and former bandmate in The Immediate. The atmosphere conjured during the recording sessions was amplified by the potent cast of collaborators featuring Peter Broderick, David A. Tapley (Tandem Felix), Corey Blair, and Aidan Gorman, each of whom add rich flourishes to the expansive material.

 Hedderman explains the significance of the album’s title and how it reflects the overall narrative of this deeply personal and resonating work. “It came from a trip I made to the West coast of Ireland making portraits of people. I was also doing some work outdoors with my friend and we were told we had to pull briars out of some walls in the lashing rain. Afterwards, I remember it being a very heightened memory after that trip of it being very cathartic and symbolic. The act was quite literally doing something in the pursuit of clearing, unclogging. I’ve often seen that as how I’ve treated music in a cathartic way, as a form of therapy. Holding the guitar and singing is my way of getting things out. The album’s title is a lyric in one of the songs and I think it nicely umbrellas the whole album in how it addresses the ways that I try to untangle life.”

 LIVE DATES:

Foggy Notions present David Hedderman live at the Workman’s Cellar, Dublin, Saturday 16th December 2023.

Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster:
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/199998/5431436

Website: http://davidhedderman.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidHedderman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_hedderman/

Today sees the release of CYRM – the highly anticipated debut album from experimental doom folk band, ØXN, on Claddagh Records.

The record is available across digital streaming platforms, on vinyl and CD now.

ØXN comprising Radie Peat, Katie Kim, John ‘Spud’ Murphy and Eleanor Myler, will play two live dates at The Sugar Club, Dublin next week, on Tue 31st October and Wed 1st November. Presented by Enthusiastic Eunuch and Foggy Notions, support will be from Iona Zajac (31/10) and Poor Creature (1/11).

The band says of CYRM: “We had rehearsed so intensely for our live stream in the Martello tower that we figured it would be the best thing to book in studio time right away. So, during some phase of the pandemic, we went up to Hellfire Studios and got battered by gales and petted cows while putting down the bones of the album. Some of said gale can be heard on The Feast. The rest of it, mainly vocals, recorded by Katie and Spud back in Guerilla Studios.”

CYRM is a six-track album featuring traditional folk songs and covers. Just over 45 minutes in total length, it features ‘The Feast‘, written by Katie Kim; original arrangements of traditional folk songs: ‘The Trees They Do Grow High‘, ‘Love Henry‘ and ‘Cruel Mother‘ – the latter uses parts of an arrangement by Andy Fenstermaker (Andy The Doorbum); and two covers (‘The Wife of Michael Cleary‘ by Maija Sofia and ‘Farmer in the City‘ by Scott Walker).

‘Cruel Mother’ is a traditional song, possibly originating from the mid-18th century, intended at the time as a cautionary tale. Women were considered criminals if they had illegitimate children; were considered demonic rather than suffering from mental illness or distress. It’s a song of persecution, abuse, infantilism and guilt based on the version by Andy the Doorbum.

‘The Trees They Do Grow High’ follows on with the theme of oppression and social pressures. Sung from the woman’s perspective, the subject is an arranged marriage of a 24-year-old woman, by her father, to a boy who is much younger than she. There are numerous versions of both the tune and lyrics; in this version, the groom is fourteen when he marries, a father at fifteen and in his grave a year later.

CYRM’s first single, ‘Love Henry’, is another traditional song, based on the version by Judy Henske. The band says of the song: “It was a challenge to do musical justice to something so wrathful and dramatic. We tried to build the tension and drama with every verse until it sounded maniacal. ‘Henry Lee’ dates back to the Middle Ages and has its origins in the British Isles (as do all of the ballads collected by Francis James Child). It tells the story of a young man (a knight in some versions) who spurns a lady’s affections and is murdered by her in revenge.”

‘The Feast’ is a Katie Kim song, reworked for ØXN. It is inspired by Nick Cave’s 1989 novel And The Ass Saw The Angel which tells the story of Euchrid Eucrow: a mute boy born to an abusive drunken mother and a father obsessed with animal torture. Euchrid’s mental breakdown includes horrific angelic visions, and the story builds towards the boy exacting terrible vengeance on the people who have made him suffer. The original version of this song is featured on the 2012 Katie Kim album Cover & Flood.

‘The Wife of Michael Cleary’ is a cover of the song by Irish artist Maija Sofia from her 2019 album, Bath Time. ØXN say: “We’ve always been huge fans of Maija and her evocative songwriting. Katie and Radie provided backing vocals for her performance on the Guerilla Live streaming show during the pandemic. The story of Bridget Cleary is thematically a harrowing companion piece to the Cruel Mother: Bridget is blamed, punished and demonised for events out of her control.”

Album closer ‘Farmer in the City’ is a Scott Walker song with lyrics somewhat inspired by a translation of the Pier Paolo Pasolini poem ‘Una tanti dialoghi’. In the song, Walker laments the life and death of filmmaker Pasolini and also Pasolini’s great love and life companion, actor Ninetto Davoli. As a self-professed communist, Pasolini idealised the commune that worked the land.

Connect with ØXN

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok

HearOne are proud to announce the second single ‘Close To Me”’ from singer, songwriter and rapper Alicia Raye, from album project ‘Hear Us Roar’ .

Single released on October 27th, now includes official visuals and an interview available to stream on YouTube.

Hear Us Roar (or H|U|R ) – A musical collaboration like no other, is an extraordinary Album featuring six incredibly talented female artists from Ireland, ELKIN, Alicia Raye, Jackie Beverly, Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Dena Anuk$a, Lisa Gorry for release on March 29th 2024.

Alicia Raye who’s Known for her fierce rhymes and unapologetic swagger, takes a slight detour from her signature style as she opens herself up to vulnerability and experimentation in the single. Get ready to experience the evolution of an artist unafraid to push boundaries.

This unique, meaningful project, which began its creative journey mid Covid in 2021, with endless Zoom conversations brought to real life in Camden studios shortly after where the tracks were recorded. 2023 saw the artists come back to finish the project with performance videos being filmed in Newmarket studios (One Productions). The project highlights the immense talent of these artists while pushing the boundaries of their individual styles. The Album promises to deliver a fresh and exciting sound that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.

Under the visionary direction of Lia Lieghio, (artist manager, video director and producer) Hearone Music, the project emerged as a beacon of creativity during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inspired by the desire to foster connection and innovation, the project brought together six exceptional Irish artists for a unique musical venture that has since become a celebration of talent..

The musical director for the Album, Theodora Byrne (James Vincent McMorrow, Saint Sister, and Sorcha Richardson) skillfully reworked the already released tracks from the artists, rearranging and transforming them into new and compelling compositions. By encouraging the artists to explore uncharted musical territories and push beyond their comfort zones, Theodora ensured that each track takes on a fresh and distinctive sound. Theodora gathered other well known Irish musicians to play on the tracks (Violin – Maria Ryan, Cello –  Laura McCabe, Harp – Gemma Doherty)

The recording of the album took place at the renowned Camden Studios in Dublin, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional sound engineering by Elise Mollé (Sam Ryder, The Blizzards).

One Productions and HearOne Music, two influential names in the Irish music and video production scene, teamed up to create captivating visuals that will accompany the EP’s release through live performance videos, interviews and captivating content. To align with the first single a live performance video is available to watch on YouTube (link above)

This launches HearOne’s entrance into a new service that supplies authentic digital assets to support signed and unsigned music acts with goal orientated visuals.

Lia Lieghio expressed her excitement for the upcoming release, saying, “From the very beginning, the goal of this project was to showcase the immense talent and creativity of female artists in Ireland. We believe that by uniting their individual strengths and pushing boundaries, this EP will be a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the music industry. I’m excited to see where this release takes HearOne and its new service.”

The Album will feature the diverse styles and backgrounds of the participating artists. Listeners are in for a musical journey unlike any other.

Stay tuned for the first track from the Album on September 29th, 2023, available on all major music streaming platforms and YouTube. For further updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow HearOne Music on social media and visit www.hearone.com

At 21 years old, Sophie Doyle Ryder hails from Malahide, Dublin, Ireland and is a talented singer-songwriter. Following the success of her chart-topping hit single ‘Insecure’ and “Happier” released this year, she has just released a fresh and exciting single titled “Falling From Hell”. With various radio DJs around the world comparing her to music icons like Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Anne Marie, we expect “Insecure” to evoke a nostalgic feeling of the early P!nk and Avril Lavigne pop-punk days.

Sophie has been making strides in the Irish alt-pop scene since her debut EP “Beginner’s Luck” was released last May. Her talent has been recognized and lauded by RTÉ 2FM, and her music has been included in several Spotify editorial playlists. Sophie’s song “Sucker” earned a nomination for “Song of the Year”, she was nominated as the “Most Promising” and “Groundbreaking” artist by Hot Press Magazine. Sophie performed at Electric Picnic recently and has gained praise and acclaim throughout Ireland, the UK, and beyond.

Sophie’s previous releases have been successful with over 50 million Irish radio impacts and she continues to be “One To Watch”.

Her newest single, “Falling From Hell,” co-written with Lauryn Gaffney is about warning loved ones about the possibility of being difficult to love due to owning up to one’s flaws and baggage. Sophie and her band recorded this song in Windmill Lane recording studio, which was a dream come true for her. She also spent extra time with Sean Behan, who produced most of her songs, to perfect the vocals and backing vocals. “Falling from Hell” is important to Sophie as it represents moving on from insecurities and owning one’s imperfections.

Connect with Sophie Doyle Ryder

YouTube l Spotify l Instagram l X l Facebook l TikTok

Think Parliament meets Local Natives….

Blessings was written and recorded in Ireland and Malawi. Earlier this year Rain travelled to Malawi to finish the recording of this song, however his guitar did not survive the journey. The Malawi sessions could not happen without the guitar, but as is always the case, the Universe provides.

A Malawian man named Blessings who had hand built an acoustic guitar reached out to lend his creation so that the recording could go ahead. The session was saved, and the song was named in honour of the Malawian guitar builder!

This song is about synchronicity, and how things can slot into place when we’re living good. Promotion: Liberty PR.

Sound recordings mastered by Seán Mac Erlaine at Studio Saile (Jape etc.) / Website / Instagram

Debut album,  A house where the Light is master, release date – 10th of November 2023.

Press coverage for Rain Jamerson:

Radio play on DublinCityFM, ‘Craic agus ceol’, 2pm Sunday.

Radio play on BBC Radio 1, ‘Future Soul’.

Rain Jamerson

Funky, soulful, and authentic, Rain Jamerson is on a mission to spread peace, love, and positive vibes. Inspired by artists like Prince, George Clinton, and Betty Davis, Rain is a multi-instrumentalist who writes, performs, and records in Dublin, Ireland.

‘’Funk and soul is most interesting to me when the songwriting is focused on spirituality, what it means to be human. To me that all started when George Clinton said – Free your ass and your mind will follow. My aim is to continue in that tradition of funky cosmic sounds.’’ (Rain Jamerson).

Although his feet are firmly rooted in funk and soul music of the 60’s and 70’s, Rain Jamerson is not simply an exercise in nostalgia. By combining elements of hip-hop, electro, R&B, and pop with a deeply intimate lyrical style, Rain brings new cool to the old school.

Connect with Rain Jamerson

Website | Stream | Instagram

Kyla Belle ‘Need Me’ chosen as one of the 2FM TOTW on debut release

LIVE: Kyla Belle supports Bradley Marshall Nov 25th Academy Dublin

Kyla Belle is a singer/songwriter spending her time between Dublin & London. She has performed in some amazing venues including The Olympia Theatre, Bord Gais Energy theater and had support from the likes of BBC before even releasing her debut single. Kyla has built up an amazingly engaged and loyal fan base through her social media channels and by busking. She will support Bradley Marshall on November 25th in The Academy. This year has also seen the songstress work with the like of Billy Farrell (The Corrs, Gavin James, Hozier), Liam Geddes (Tiesto, Ryan Mack, Sigala), Roseanna Brown (Jason Derulo), George Gleeson (SEAL) so needless to say the future is looking very bright.

“Need Me” is a self love banger celebrating the confidence to love yourself. In a world of socialmedia it is so easy to draw comparisons from what others post on their socials. This is a selfdialogue admitting that your flaws are just another part of yourself that makes you, you.

Connect with Kylabelle

Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Elaphi is a Dublin based four-piece band founded in 2021 by songwriter and guitarist Sara Barberio, along with Jacopo Stofler (guitar), Federico Camici (bass), and Grim Nordahl (drums). Elaphi music incorporates moody folk with the subtle enchantment of hushed electronics. Inspired by artists such as Warpaint, Daughter, and Radiohead, Elaphi’s music blends ethereal yet punchy compositions, evoking a sense of introspection and intimacy. The band’s name, inspired by the Greek word “Elaphos,” meaning deer, symbolises both vulnerability and strength, qualities intrinsic to the majestic creature and seamlessly intertwined within the band’s artistic expression. Each member of Elaphi contributes with their unique vision and musical skills, which leads to the creation of their impactful compositions. The sonic elements crafted by Elaphi capture the imperfections and vulnerability that intricately shape the human journey.

Elaphi’s track “Diamond Walls” beautifully captures the overwhelming surge of thoughts and emotions that flood our minds and hearts when we are faced with a difficult predicament, specifically when it revolves around the profound sensations of love and loss. This musical work reflects the inner turmoil and rollercoaster of sentiments experienced during such trying times, evoking a deep sense of connection and resonance with listeners who have encountered similar circumstances in their own lives. Drawing inspiration from the soundscapes that define the works of Wolf Alice, New Dad, Daughter and Warpaint, this song creates a unique sonic experience that resonates deeply with fans of their music. Through its metaphoric lyrics, captivating melody, powerful dynamics and arpeggios, “Diamond Walls” takes us on a powered emotional journey, delving into the depths of our souls and exploring the intricate web of emotions.

Elaphi play their single launch show at Whelans ( Upstairs ) on Fri 17th Nov.

‘Ghost on the Waves – Clare Sands & Aisling Urwin’

The third release of four-part series ‘Gormacha’

Out now – Wednesday 25th October

OFFICIAL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/2W4KDwbdXC0

Streaming: https://claresands.ffm.to/ghostonthewaves

‘Ghost on the Waves’ is the new macaronic single from Cork-born, Belfast-based sixth generation fiddler and Contemporary Folk singer, Clare Sands. Clare, who recently performed at ‘El Cervantino,’ Latin America’s largest music & arts festival, has unveiled this haunting West Kerry inspired song.

After the release of her ‘bold and beautiful’ self-titled album (Top 5 Folk albums of 2022 – The Irish Times), Sands returns this year with four new songs, alongside four new collaborators. This four-part music and film project, ‘Gormacha’, treads a musical path between the four most extreme geographical points in Ireland – Mizen, Malin, Dunmore and Wicklow Head. Tracing the line between rugged land and stormy seas, Gormacha interweaves Irish folklore, language, and personal responses to our natural world.

Following on from releases ‘Dealán Dé’ with world-renowned Irish flute and whistle player Brian Finnegan (FLOOK) and ‘Teasgal’ with I Have A Tribe, the third collaboration, ‘Ghost on the Waves,’ features Co. Kerry’s  ethereal harpist and singer Aisling Urwin (Ajeet/Woven Kin).

Watch ‘Ghost on the Waves’ here: https://youtu.be/2W4KDwbdXC0

This collaboration sees two old friends’ harmonious voices & deep-rooted traditional melodies weaving seamlessly together. Inspired by ancient Irish tales and tunes (such as Port na bPúcaí, the Basket Island air, and The Pursuit of Gráinne and Diarmuid) ‘Ghost on the Waves’ was born out of a week spent together in the mystical yet ominous West Kerry landscape.

Clare on the song – ‘Our time ‘west of the west’ was truly magic. Aisling and I met while studying music in UCC in 2015 and this song was the coming together of two kindred spirits after many years apart. We come from the same place musically and the writing and recording of this song came together so easily – all over two days. There were many swims, mountain climbs, and late night tunes. The song was inspired by the old Irish story ‘Tóraíocht Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne’. I think it’s so important to pass these stories and songs on to the next generation, ensuring their survival, whilst giving them an open invitation to let their imaginations run wild!’ 

The chorus –  ‘Maireann an lá go ruaig, maireann an grá go huaigh’ – meaning ‘a day lasts until it’s chased away, but love lasts until the grave’ – brings a huge air of hope, resilience and light to the song, offering solace that the love for the people and traditions that we hold dear will live on.

The accompanying video was directed and shot by visual artists and twin sisters Liadain and Kasia Kaminska, who spent two days exploring Dunmore head and Chorcha Dhuibhne. They recall, ‘As we journeyed and filmed, without yet hearing the song, we were really drawn to the moving waters, shifting light and whispers of the land. We must have been drinking water from the same cup as Clare and Aisling, because the film and song met beautifully in the middle of this mystical yet deeply rooted world.’

‘Ghost on the Waves’ is the third in a series of four songs that are deeply personal and universal, sensual and spiritual, ancient and new. Navigating music, film, and photography, ‘Gormacha’ journeys into the darkness, but seeks to find solace and celebration ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea.’

>> VIDEO 1 ‘Teasgal’ – Clare Sands + I Have a Tribe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWcmunffDvU 

>> VIDEO 2 ‘Dealán Dé – Clare Sands + Brian Finnegan 

https://youtu.be/XFVNN5191UE

>> VIDEO 3 ‘Ghost on the Waves’ – Clare Sands + Aisling Urwin

https://youtu.be/2W4KDwbdXC0

Upcoming Tour Dates

Clare Sands      UK Headline Tour 2023

3rd November: LONDON • Green Note | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/sI125 

4th November: LEAMINGTON SPA • The Temperance | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/boHTV 

5th November: YORK • National Centre for Early Music | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/lmvC9 

6th November: SHEFFIELD • The Greystones  | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/jkJX3 

7th November: HULL • Wrecking Ball | Tickets: https://shorturl.at/klFR0 

9th November: EDINBURGH • The Caves* | Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/3c93cce6 

12th November: ABERDEEN • The Blue Lamp  | Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4fs9r2xt 

14th November: GLASGOW • The Hug & Pint  | Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/3pakkf2c 

*Support Project Smok

https://claresands.com

https://https://www.aislingurwin.com

https://claresands.bandcamp.com

‘Gormacha’ is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland