Author: Breffni Banks

Daniel Cohen is a talented new Irish pop artist. He started writing music in his teens, and was part of a semi successful Irish rock band WEB for many years.

They released an album and five singles, two of which reached the top forty and top thirty in the Irish Charts respectively. They also recorded an unreleased  second album but sadly never broke through.

After the demise of his band, Daniel worked tirelessly as an independent music producer for over a decade (USA, Sweden & Spain) helping other independent artists and bands achieve their dream of getting a recording contract. These acts included ‘The Kanyu Tree’ from Galway whose first two singles he produced with them. On the strength of this tracks they got a deal with Sony Music.

Although extremely private, in late 2021 Daniel recorded a Christmas song for his friends back home. For this endeavour he hooked up with ex band mate Seamus O’ Duigneain in Shanghai, and they did everything over WhatsApp in a few days. The song was very well received and gave him the confidence to try properly in 2022.

‘Will you ride with me tonight?’ is Daniel’s first single summer single. Written by Mr. Cohen  and Seamus Duignean in China again. The song was mixed by Daniel and Pascal Oorts from the famous Taplab studios in Antwerp, Belgium where much of the ‘New beats’ songs were recorded in the 1990’s.

Daniel’s music influences are firmly based in funk soul and Motown greats. Little Richard, Bruno Mars and George Michael would be among his favourite artists and The Spinners, The Isley Brothers and The Temptations would be among his favourite groups.

With a raw natural talent for melodies, lyrics, and a knowledge of how to produce great songs, with your help Daniel Cohen is an Irish artist that can go very far.

Don Mescall joined us today for the presentation of an IMRO Award in recognition of his album Lighthouse Keeper.

The IMRO Number 1 Award was introduced to acknowledge IMRO members who reach number 1 in the album charts here in Ireland.

As a songwriter, Don Mescall’s songs have featured on albums with sales of over 20 million worldwide and have received in excess of 18 million hits on You Tube. His songs have been recorded by artists including Rascal Flatts, Brett Eldridge, Lonestar, Neal McCoy, Backstreet Boys, Geri Halliwell, Sharon Corr, Ronan Keating, Celtic Thunder, American Idol’s Clay Aiken and American Idol Theo Thams (Phantom of the Opera star, Ramin Karimloo), Aslan, Frances Black, Brian Kennedy, Christy Dignan, French Canadian artist Garou, Shane Filan & Nicky Byrne (Westlife), Boyzone, triple platinum French artist Marina Kaye, the legendary Richie Havens (Woodstock), Cliff Richard, Lulu, Eleanor Shanley, Grant & Forsyth, The High Kings and many more.

Besides his songwriting and producing, performing live is a huge part of Don’s career. He regularly tours in Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.  He was awarded the prestigious “Songwriter of the Year Award” at the IPCMA’S in 2017, which was followed a Lifetime Achievement Award at the “Irish World Awards” in London, and most recently an “International Songwriter of the Year” accolade at the “Hot Country TV Awards”.

Don is published by Notting Hill Music Publishing, and splits his time between his own studio in Quivvy Church, Cavan and NHM In Nashville/LA.

Connect with Don Mescall

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San Rocco continue their 2022 campaign with the release of ‘Across The Night’s Ceiling’. The song came together over the course of several months in a small Dublin studio where San Rocco write and record their tracks. Taking inspiration from as far afield as Joy Division and Bowie to modern day legends Beck and Kevin Parker the song is fuelled by a punchy rhythm and cathartic vocals. ‘Across The Night’s Ceiling’ sees San Rocco touch on the post-punk sound but also bring their own unique take to it with a catchy chorus and upbeat synth melodies throughout.

Video Bio:

A Pinball Film, shot on Digital Bolex on location in Whittle Dene Northumberland, United Kingdom. Reflecting on the themes of isolation and alienation, San Rocco’s first music video will be released alongside the single. Directed by UK Film maker and former lead guitarist of shoe- gaze royalty Pale Saints and Leeds band The Edsel Auctioneer, AshleyHorner.

San Rocco first hit the Irish music scene with the release of ‘The End Is Never The End’ and ‘Run Doom’ in 2020. ‘The End Is Never The End’ featured on Goldenplec’s tracks of the week as well as receiving radio play on Dan Hegarty’s The Alternative on RTÉ 2FM.

Having spent the last two years working on new material, San Rocco returned with 90’s rock inspired single ‘Bread & Butter’ released on April 1st. Described as a “slick and swaggering display” by Indie Buddie the single was launched with a headline show at The Workman’s Club, Dublin. ‘Across the Night’s Ceiling’ will be released on all platforms on June 17th as the band hope to build momentum through 2022.

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Following on from the release of her critically acclaimed EP ‘Tírdhreacha Agus Fuaimdhreacha’ (Landscapes & Soundscapes) and smashing subsequent single ‘Awe na Mná’; sixth generation fiddler, bilingual singer & multi-instrumentalist Clare Sands announces her self-titled album and shares her new song, ‘Sail On’.

‘Sail On’ was written in the Connemara Gaeltacht, the West of Ireland, after Clare relocated there in March 2020. She describes the song as a sensual and passionate outpouring of the heart, that speaks one truth – ’ní neart go cur le chéile.’

Recorded between West Cork and West Galway, ‘Sail On’ features pulsating guitar and rousing strings arranged/performed by Sands, harmonies from sister Lainey Sands, Aisling Urwin’s melodious harp, and percussion that rolls in like the waves – all combining to create that unique driving ‘Folk Fiunniúil’ sound.

“I wanted to release ‘Sail On’ during Pride, to celebrate the love that people share for each other, and to celebrate the freedom that we should all strive towards in our society – that people should be allowed to be exactly who they want to be. ‘Ní neart go cur le chéile’ – No matter creed, culture, colour, if we don’t all work together there is no hope; ‘there is no strength without unity’.”

Taking inspiration from Tadhg Ó Ciardha’s painting – Mná Aránn (Aran Women) – which depicts two women in traditional Aran Island dress embracing, Clare Sands and long-time collaborator ​​Liadain Ní Bhraonáin invited four couples to join them in celebrating their love. Liadain recalls “Shooting across four sea-side locations, we asked the couples to remember their first embrace and all they have been through together since. These encounters are woven between underwater scenes of intertwined lovers and home video footage from Connemara recorded during the spring and summer of 2020/21.”

Clare’s upcoming self-titled album, due for release in late September, explores tradition, the sea, and the power of women through the dark and light, love and loss, and the rise and fall. Written & recorded over two years along the West coast from Mizen to Malin, Clare found a path where the Irish and English language, traditional, folk, and contemporary music meet. Clare’s distinctive melodies, pulsating rhythms and powerful voice are interwoven with spoken word guests Manchán Magan, Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, Fiachna Ó Braonáin & Tommy Sands, and musical guests Aisling Urwin, Steve Cooney & Susan O’Neill.

“This Fearless Folk album is for the young and the old, brave and the bold. Join me in this celebration of fearlessness, resilience, love and hope. Bígí liom.”

Stream / buy ‘Sail On’ by Clare Sands: https://presave.io/t/claresands

Sign up to Clare’s newsletter to be the first to hear about about her album journey: https://tinyurl.com/ClareSandsNewsletter

After electric live performances at Féile na Gealaí, Body & Soul and Galway Folk Festival Clare will continue her summer tour this week with “Live at the Hall” in Lisdoonvarna and Glastonbury Festival.

SUMMER TOUR DATES:

• June 23rd – w/ Brian Finnegan & The Fiddle Case, Co. Clare
• 24th June – Glastonbury Festival w/Hothouse Flowers
• 30th June – 3rd July – Germany Tour
• 30th July – The Stables Live w/Hothouse Flowers, Damien Dempsey, Moxie, Clare Sands and more…
• 31st July – All Together Now
• 18th-21st August – Milwaukee Irish Fest, USA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareSandsCeol

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

www.claresands.com

As part of the ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ media coalition campaign, Virgin Media Television will broadcast a brand-new documentary on Wednesday 29^th June that follows Irish band Aslan as they work with the Irish Red Cross to bring together members of the Ukrainian community in Ireland new and old to record a charity single to support the people and country in their time of need.

Aslan and the newly-formed choir will perform their take on the band’s 1986 hit ‘This Is’ with all money raised going to charities in Ireland and Ukraine, including The Red Cross, to support their ongoing work to assist those impacted by the unfolding Ukraine Crisis.

This one-hour documentary will also tell the stories of newly-arrived Ukrainian immigrants to Ireland.

Christy, Alan, Joe & Billy of Aslan and their manager Denise McCormack said: “This project began from our performance on The Late Late that was dedicated to the people from Ukraine. Following this, we felt we wanted to do more and with our song This Is, we made contact with the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal with the idea of forming a choir which would be made up of the refugees from Ukraine and recording THIS IS….for Ukraine with them.

 “The experience was so emotional in many different ways for us all. We have met so many amazingly brave people from the Ukraine and to hear their own personal experiences is heart-breaking and then to have the privilege of working with these amazing people and see them smile, dance and sing! It was so uplifting. We have to remember, their war still exists and is not over. We need to continue to support in every way we can.”

Charlie Lamson, Head of Fundraising with the Irish Red Cross said:  “This has been an incredible journey with Aslan as well as our friends in the Ukrainian community here in Ireland.  The song is absolutely beautiful – but is made stronger by the incredible contribution of the Ukraine choir that supported the group.  With so much suffering, it was so moving to see everyone come together in this moment of peace and hope.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Ireland added: “Aslan and the choir of people from Ukraine look set to capture the hearts of the nation. ‘The documentary detailing the making of ‘THIS IS…..for Ukraine’ promises to be an emotional television event which no doubt will in particular strike a chord with Irish communities welcoming people seeking shelter and safety. ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ is actively supporting refugees arriving into our country, money raised is being used to provide clothing, food and shelter as well as longer term supports such as access to education, training and work. On behalf of all our partners I want to thank Aslan for this huge act of generosity.” 

Ireland for Ukraine is a united response from Irish media organisations to harness the generosity of the Irish public and ensure it reaches those who need it most.  All donations will go into a fund managed by the Community Foundation for Ireland. 50% of the money is being divided among a range of Irish international aid agencies (Irish Red Cross, UNICEF Ireland, Concern Worldwide and Trócaire). The other 50% will be made available as grants to charities and agencies in Ireland who will be working to help people from Ukraine who have come to Ireland with a range of urgent and essential needs. Applications can be made through www.communityfoundation.ie. The closing date is 30th June 2022.

Watch ‘This ​Is for Ukraine’ on Wednesday 29^th June at 9pm on Virgin Media One. ‘THIS IS…For Ukraine’ goes on sale on iTunes on Wednesday 29^th June at 9am.

Lisa Keane is a Dublin based singer/songwriter. Lisa began songwriting around the age of 13 after learning about a music course for teens which focused on songwriting, recording and performance. This course sparked her interest in songwriting and Lisa has been writing her own songs since.

In 2019, she graduated from BIMM Dublin with a BA in Commercial Modern Music and Songwriting. Inspired by artists such as Taylor Swift and Griff, Lisa blends elements from different genres to create her own distinctive sound.

Previous support for Lisa has come from BBC Across the Line, FM104, RTE Entertainment, The Last Mixed Tape and Hot Press. Lisa was named ‘One to Watch’ by Spin 1038 following the release of her third single “Run” last year. Lisa’s second single of 2022, ‘this is how it feels’ will be released on the 24th of June.

This Is How It Feels Bio:

“this is how it feels” is a feel good contemporary pop song. The song was produced by Sam Stevenson. The track was mixed by Adam Shanahan and mastered by Richard Dowling.

“I wanted to create a fun up-beat summer song. One that you can imagine blaring through your car speakers as you’re driving around on a sunny day. The theme of the song explores the feelings you get when you’re happy and in love and I wanted the production to capture that.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

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‘We’ll get used to it’ is the debut single from Phoenix and Wolfe -A duo bringing a kaleidoscope of sensuality and vulnerability to the music scene fusing Brazilian and Irish sound.

‘We’ll get used to it’ serves as a powerful debut for the duo. The audience are captivated from the beginning by an evocative Brazilian chord melody, accompanied by haunting vocals, with atmospheric electric guitar serving as a soft bed in the climax of this vulnerable reverie into grief and rebirth.

‘We’ll get used to it’ calls on us to make room for joy and demonstrates through the group vocal how recovery from grief comes from community and togetherness.

The male and female sung chorus serve as a reminder to the complexity and need for balance in life. Despite the heaviness of grief as a topic this song is truly about hope for the dawn, and we hear this echoed in the beginning and ending of the track as we hear the call of birdsong symbolizing the gift of a new day. The song truly comes to open up the heart as Amanda puts her art into motion, her song in fact her creation of new life and expansion after the loss of her husband five years ago.

The song recorded in 432hertz also to tie in with nature rather than traditional 440hertz is an intentional move by the duo as they bring healing frequencies into play with their beautiful message of rebirth.

Bio:

Phoenix and Wolfe are a musical fusion of Irish and Brazilian mystique, wonder and sensuality.

Amanda Shannon a native of Ennis, Co Clare and Cairo Rocha who hails from Anapolis, Goias, in Brazil have been cultivating their unique style over the last year and released their debut single the 26th April this year.

They are influenced by many but highlight the likes of Sinead O Connor, Clannad, Mark Knopfler, Kiko Loreiro, Garry Moore and Nina Simone as their greatest musical hero’s.

Creating music that is both explorative and evocative. Seducing their listeners from the start as they lead you into another realm, marrying provocative lyrics with sophisticated melodies and arrangements.

Moving adeptly between acoustic and electric guitar, conquering both standard and DADGAD tuning to honor messages old and new born of each song. Their sound develops in such a way as to wrap itself around you weaving a spell that stays with you long after the record has ceased. A very up and coming duo, they are definitely ones to watch for 2022.

“A sensual mixture of Irish soul and Brazilian Heart. So beautiful and exotic. Amanda’s warm voice and Cairo’s distinctive guitar playing seduce the audience with every note. I was hooked from the minute I heard them” – Dora Gola

“Amanda and Cairo are two of the sweetest people and artists I’ve ever come across in all my time producing music. Vulnerable, kind-hearted and brave I’m glad they are making art and putting it into the world. We need more pure hearted music in this world and I am looking forward to all they have to give us” – Enda Gallery

“Phoenix and Wolfe are a mesmerising duo. With luscious and beautiful vocal tones, alongside gorgeous fingerstyle guitar. Melodies full of open hearted emotion. You can feel their connection from the very first note” SAL

Keith is a singer/songwriter originally from Limerick, Ireland but now living in Malvern, Worcestershire. He has been described by Hotpress magazine as “A singer-songwriter of incredible ability”.

He has just been selected as the BBC Introducing artist of the week and one of his tracks will be played everyday this week on the Kate Justice show followed by an interview on BBC Hereford & Worcester this Friday 24/06/22.

He writes songs for himself as an artist and also for other artists. His recent collaboration with German producer Stefan Aaron was used in episode 1 of Love Island UK 2022. 5 million people watched this episode and it has been streamed 6.9 million times so far!

He also had songs placed on shows on CBS, ITV and RTE and performed live in Ireland, England, Scotland, Canada and the USA.

His new folk tinged song ‘Summer Romance’ came out on 17/06/22.

www.keithforde.com