Author: Breffni Banks

Martin Stephenson’s live performances are an exuberant tour-de-force combining heart-in-your-mouth intimacy with playful humour and warm self-deprecation.

Inspired by early Cure and the Brighton scene, Martin Stephenson began his career as a busker aged 15. He then spent three years plying his trade as the guitar player in various bands in the Northeast of England. But Martin wanted more, he wanted to tell stories of his own and he was quickly developing ways of doing just that. He developed his song-writing technique by firstly learning a few licks from a Spanish guitar book and repeated the process with Jazz, Blues, Country, Skiffle, Reggae etc. Eventually, this glorious collision of styles would become the trademark which Martin has carried through his career of almost 40 years.

Martin Stephenson formed his band The Daintees, who became a busking sensation and were signed by Kitchenware at around the same time as Prefab Sprout and Hurrah! The band and indeed Martin have always been known for their incredible range of styles, each album covering a multitude of genres, tempos and moods. The hugely acclaimed 1986 debut Boat to Bolivia showcased Stephenson’s song writing, poetic romanticism and spiritual depth – so marking him out as a soulful cream of the leftfield crop during the self-obsessed 1980s.

Never pandering to a particular scene, Stephenson’s lightness of touch on a varied mix of musical styles was immediately apparent. His path was destined to be a lifelong journey through the music he loved: folk, ragtime, jazz, rockabilly, show tunes, punk-pop and country. The NME said of Martin’s song craft that he “builds bridges between love and hate, cradle and grave, folk and pop, past and present.” Stephenson’s restless troubadour spirit has amassed an extraordinary catalogue of some 40 albums, and he is a gifted, entertaining and much-loved performer.

John Perry is probably best known in Ireland for the blistering guitar solo that heralded the Dave Fanning show for several years from its start through the ‘80s. He is currently recording with Martin and will accompany him for much of the show.

www.daintees.co.uk

Martin Stephenson (The Daintees)

Accompanied by John Perry (The Only Ones)

Tuesday, May 14^th     Doors 8.00pm    Tickets €20

(Tickets available on Eventbrite or on the Door.)

The Wild Duck, 17/20 Sycamore St, Dublin 2

Phone: (01) 5356849  Email: hello@nullthewildduck.ie   www.thewildduck.ie

Critically acclaimed indie-pop artist Jack Dora is back with his fierce new single ‘Broken Glass Mind’ and announces the release date for his debut EP ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’ on July 15th. Having been featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK playlist, across English and Irish national radio and listed on Hotpress magazines Hot for 2022 list, the Sligo native has been called “one of the most compelling new forces in Irish music” (Hot Press Magazine).

‘Broken Glass Mind’ is fueled by the dark resonances of 80’s new wave sounds. The track blends a pounding percussive drumbeat, slick guitar hooks and 80’s inspired new wave textures with catchy yet dark songwriting on the screaming internal monologues of depression and anxiety. Self-produced and bedroom recorded, the track was written in response to both internal and external frustrations pushing him to the brink. 

In Jack’s own words “It’s about someone who’s been pushed right to the edge of their self-control and sanity. Someone who was already prone to anxiety and depression whose pain is exacerbated by the society around them. There’s a real desperation, aggression and dark humour to the character’s perspective. They’re struggling with keeping up an image of fierce masculinity, yet crying out for help while suffering what could be a complete nervous break.”

This is the final single from Dora’s upcoming 7 track debut EP ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’ which will be released on July 15th 2022. Jack wrote, recorded and produced the track in his bedroom in Dublin. It was mixed by Jack Roulston and mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Republic of Loose, Sinead O’ Connor). Jack recently played a sold out show in London’s The Victoria in Daston and is playing on June 17th at the Finsbury. He is also planning a gig in Dublin in the near future. 

Socials: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Tik Tok

Mary Black, one of Ireland’s favourite artists, is regarded as one of the most important Irish vocalists of her generation, with multi-platinum selling albums and a string of achievement awards to her name. Mary’s enduring success has proven that her depth of talent and love of singing transcend the generations.

Mary was delighted to be back on the road again – her first live performances in two years were last October and as she said herself “it was magical to be back”. She continued into 2022 with more live dates and also found time to film for ’The Heart of Saturday Night’ and ‘The Restaurant’, while also featuring in a documentary entitled ’The Flourishing’ (all to be aired over Christmas).

Mary will perform with her band, featuring Bill Stanley (guitar), Pat Crowley (piano and accordion), Nick Scott (double bass), Richie Buckley (saxophone), and Liam Bradley (drums & percussion) playing favourites from her back catalogue, including songs we know by heart from ‘No Frontiers’ to ‘Song for Ireland’, ‘Past The Point Of Rescue’, ‘Carolina Rua’, ‘Katie’, ‘A Woman’s Heart’ and many more. Her Cork Opera House show is part of the 43rd Cork Folk Festival, running from September 29 – October 2.

Cork Opera House

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Tickets €36

Micah is riding high on the success of her 2022 music video and single release of ‘Stranger’ with national and international radio play.  Alongside her national TV appearance on RTE’s ‘Last Singer Standing’, write-ups in icon magazines such as ‘Hot Press’, the Tipperary born singer-songwriter is on the rise. Her Spotify streams are over 35k times with airplay on national radio stations such as 2FM, SPIN 1038,  (one to watch), FM104,  Red FM and many more. Working with renowned composers such as Gavin Murphy, she is going from strength to strength.

Her previous releases such as ‘Take me away’ and ’Forever’ have achieved great success with over 47K streams, rave reviews and features on prestigious platforms such as RTE’s Entertainment site. Her previous releases with Leo Dynamic1 ‘Baby Baby’ and ‘Run and Hide’ have racked up over 250k views on YouTube so far. All tracks have received radio play in the U.S.A, Europe such as KISS FM, Australia and back home in Ireland (2FM track of the week).

‘Shatterproof’, was produced by Cruiser who has worked with Sony, Interscope, X Factor, BBC and works frequently with Sync Licensing/publishing companies. While the German based Christoph ‘Hadl’ Hassel has polished the track with his incredible ear for vocals and arrangement. Micah herself has carved out a sound that is linked to performers such as Tove Lo, Loreen, Hasley and The Weeknd. With artists, such as John Gibbons already supporting her efforts.

Micah trained at BIMM Dublin, an accomplished singer-songwriter, who is a seasoned live performer and recording artist. She has been compared to Sia, Robyn and Lady Gaga in terms of vocal ability and song writing that is fresh and authentic. However, ‘Shatterproof’ comes from a very personal place as it deals with personal struggles and the challenges they can bring forth within our mental state.

‘Shatterproof’ is the latest release by Irish singer Micah, further expanding on her new sound. It is inspired by depression, anxiety and breakups. The song is multi-layered, on one hand dealing with the breakdown of a relationship when things become only negative and toxic. It also deals with personal demons in the form of anxiety and self-doubt.

It is a powerful ballad with an anthemic/cinematic feel. It really is an empowering number about overcoming obstacles within life. Funds from the song will go to support Jigsaw which aims to help teens struggling with their mental health. Lyrics and melody are by Micah and produced by LA based Killian Cruiser and Mastered by Sony, Universal, Warner, EMI producer Christoph ‘Hadl’ Hassel.

PRE-SAVE: ‘Shatterproof’ Pre-Save Link

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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“Sleepers” is the second single from The Burma’s debut album “Sucker For Stars”, which is due for release later this year.

Following on from the release of their No.1 iTunes and Homegrown Top 20 hit “Don’t Believe Your Dreams” – “Sleepers” gives another taste of the bands upcoming debut.

The Burma’s busy live schedule includes some of Ireland’s finest festivals such as All Together Now, Wild Roots and Doolin Folk Festival.

The Burma are an Indie rock band based out of Cork City, made up of Tony O Donovan, Cian Doherty and Peter Piggott.

TOUR DATES

4th June – Wild Roots, Co. Sligo
11th June – Doolin Folk Fest, Co. Clare
20th June – The Royal Spa Hotel, Co. Clare
29th July – All Together Now, Co. Waterford
19th August – Seachurch Ballycotton, Co. Cork

Taylor D, a 16 year old singer songwriter and Musician from Dublin is about to release her 2nd track of 2022  ‘ Fall Apart ‘.

Taylor was the representing act for her local area at this years Irish Youth Music Awards and ‘Fall Apart’ was the original song she performed on the day.

Moving away from her previous pop tunes, Taylor has stripped this song right back to showcase her songwriting and Musician skills. She also wowed the crowd on the day with her version of Ed Shearan’s ‘Shape of You’, done in Ed’s own style by using a Loop Pedal.

‘Fall Apart ‘ is available now to pre-save on Spotify and will be available on all streaming platforms on June 10th.

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/taylord1/fall-apart

Charles Boulevard return today with a new song release “Steal My Fire”.

The band formed in 2020 with members from the Czech Republic and Ireland have been greatly encouraged to follow up on the success of their debut album “Rendez-Vous!” in 2021.

This new single is a taster from recent recording sessions for their forthcoming album to be released later this year.

“Steal My Fire” came about from the experience of life during lock down when people were obliged to go online for their work and education.

Lyricist Dermot Condron explains “There were some benefits mostly for adults who could work from home but for the kids this has had a negative effect. Children were not equipped to be taken from their social lives at school and presented with an online virtual environment. The result is that many are now addicted to social media and gaming at a young age. It affects adults too but children are less able to control it. This aspect of the pandemic is not really talked about so we felt we should write a song about it”. Indeed the song makes reference to the parable of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” as if suggesting that the lure of the virtual world is taking our children away from us.

Musically the song is driven by Pavel Holada’s impassioned lead vocal and his signature 12 string electric guitar sound. In combination with Berny P.B’s high pulse drumming, it gives the track an appealing 60’s influence but with a New wave energy.

“Steal My Fire” is now available on all digital platforms.

http://www.charlesboulevard.com

As EMMO (Emmet Crotty) goes from strength to strength the release of his second single ‘Lemon Sun’ really cements his position as one of Ireland’s most exciting upcoming artists. An upbeat, contagiously optimistic track that ironically charts the end of a long-term relationship.

Fresh off the stage from The Marquee in Cork, opening for The Coronas, Emmo’s live rendition of ‘Lemon Sun’ has been receiving rapturous applause! Lyrically relatable and musically impressive ‘Lemon Sun’ by Emmo has a similar energy to Paul Simon’s ‘Call Me Al’, with an infectiously modern pop rap hook.

Speaking about the track Emmo said “ I coined the term ‘Lemon Sun’ as the period of time you go through after a breakup. Its basically the complete opposite of the Honeymoon Period. What’s the opposite of honey – the bitterness of a lemon and the opposite of moon is Sun. Hence Lemon Sun! We’ve all been through a ‘Lemon Sun phase’ and this track is my tribute to that.”

‘Lemon Sun’ has all the trademarks of a summer hit with the traditional breakup message. It’s about what you’re missing most about that person, what you want more of, what you feel you can’t live without but mostly the small, tiny, parts of a relationship you miss the most.

BIOGRAPHY:

Fresh off the stage from supporting The Coronas and a series of sold out headline shows in Winthrop Avenue, Whelans, The Workmans Club and a German tour, EMMO and is at the cusp of an industry breakthrough.

Having just released his debut single ‘Still’ in April ’22, Emmo is receiving huge support across national and regional Irish radio (Today FM, 2FM, Red FM, BBC Ulster, KCLR, KFM, Ocean FM, Northern Sound and RTE recommends playlist) as well as across German, UK and Greek radio.

Invited by Ovation Guitars to perform at The German Songwriter Awards in Berlin. His song “Little Bird” received critical acclaim from a panel of industry judges including Universal Music & Sony Music making it through to the final stage.

A unique singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with comparisons from Nathanial Rateliff to Brian Deady to Ed Sheeran –  EMMO’s single songster stage presence combined with his impressive vocal range and energy are leading him to create excitement across the music industry.

https://www.facebook.com/EmmoMusicIreland/

https://twitter.com/emmo_music

https://instagram.com/emmomusic