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Meath singer/songwriter Martin Moran has released what he calls a “Double Bill” of new singles.

Two new songs released one week apart. The first, ‘And I Need Ya‘ on June 27th and the second, ‘Supergirl‘ on 6th July 2025.

Explaining the concept Moran says,

“I have a bit of a backlog of songs to be released at the moment. I’m currently writing faster than I can actually record or release them. So this was a way of getting a couple of them out there quickly and I just wanted to try something a bit different than an E.P. or double A-side release.”

‘And I Need Ya‘ is a fast paced heavy rock song with lots of shredding guitar solos. Focusing on the anger and confusion of complicated relationships. All that frustration and emotion is put into the guitar breaks.

Where words fail, music speaks. Especially the main rip-roaring solo where that anger and passion can really be heard and felt. The lyrics are composed mainly of the types of questions one is usually left with after a breakdown in communication.

“Should I turn around and kiss it all away and let you go

When I need ya?

Should I apologize for my passion?

Well, that’s just not me.”

‘Supergirl’ is the second single from the “double bill” to be released. A throwback sounding song with heavy delay effect on the main guitar riff that emulates the 1980’s sounds of guitarists such as The Edge, the song builds as it progresses through bridges and choruses ending with a very grand sound featuring piano, synth and vocal harmonies.

Moran explains the writing and recording process;

“Recording and producing my own work means I can play around in the studio with effects and sounds as much as I like. So I was playing with this delay effect and came up with the riff which sounded nice so I used it for this song that I was writing.”

As with all his songs, Moran plays all instruments and produces on the track. The title of ‘Supergirl‘ was borrowed from the year 2000 song of the same name by German band Reamonn (fronted by Irishman Rea Garvey).

‘And I Need Ya‘ and ‘Supergirl‘ are currently available on all streaming and download platforms.

Follow Martin Moran on social media at @soy.martino for further information and updates on more single release dates.

The Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition is now open for entries, inviting talented songwriters and performers to showcase their skills in the heart of Co. Kerry.

The 30th annual Sean McCarthy Memorial weekend will take place in the village of Finuge from August 1st -4th. Feature of the festival will be the Ballad Competition which is sponsored by IMRO & Mike Nillson from Palm Springs, USA. Over the years some of the better known song writers from all parts of Ireland and beyond have submitted original ballads for the competition.  The top 10 are then chosen by an expert panel of judges and are invited to perform in the final held in Teach Siamsa, Finuge.

Applications are now available to download here

To participate in the competition, interested individuals are requested to take into account the following rules before submitting their application:

1. Entries to be received by no later than Sunday 20th July at 5pm 2025.
2. Entries to be submitted on CD with 3 typed copies (or in very clear handwriting). Also include your email address.
3. Entries to be accompanied by cheque/postal order for €25.00. Cheque Or Postal Order made out to the Sean McCarthy Weekend.
4. No entries will be returned.
5. Name, address and telephone number to be clearly written on CD cover and back of each copy of lyrics.
6. Finalists will perform their entry in Teach Siamsa Finuge.
7. The overall winner and runner-up will be decided then.
8. Entries may be in English or Irish. One or two musicians only to accompany the performer.
9. Entries must be original and not previously performed or published.
10. No in-house music supplied by committee.
11. No pre-recorded backing music allowed.
12. Adjudicators’ decision is final. (3 Judges)
13. Performances on the night of the final may be recorded and /or videoed at the Committees discretion. Such recordings may be played /transmitted on the sound and visual media, e.g. radio, television, Internet; entrants are deemed to have given their permission for it unless otherwise indicated by them to the Committee.

Applicants are strongly advised to review the rules, especially Rule No. 9, before submitting their entries.

All entries should be sent to: Bridget O Connor, Finuge, Lixnaw, Co. Kerry.

For any inquiries regarding the Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition, please contact Bridget O’Connor at 087-6250516 or via email at info@finugeweekend.com

Ronan Nolan / Dara Quilty

Today, Irish band Apella release ‘Glorious‘, a brand new single that marks their long-awaited return.

As fate would have it, the song lands on the hottest day of the year. You couldn’t plan it any better if you tried, unless Apella control the weather? That would be a first for the music industry.

Formed by songwriter and frontman Dara Quilty and drummer Ronan Nolan, Apella have always worn their hearts on their sleeves. With ‘Glorious‘, they deliver their most emotionally charged and ambitious song to date. It’s big, bright, and unapologetically alive.

From the opening chords to the massive chorus, the track builds with real intention and doesn’t let go.

This is the band’s first release since their debut album, ‘1963‘, which topped the charts in 2021.

“I cannot confirm nor deny the rumors in regard to our ability to control the weather, however… I can confirm this song could be our best work! I am thrilled to finally share it with the world!” – Dara Quilty

After a number of years working with independent artists and living in New York City and Los Angeles, Quilty once again teamed up with producer Joe Egan out of Clara, Co. Offaly, drummer Nolan, composer John Byrne, and mixing engineer Aidan Cunningham.

With ‘Glorious,’ it is abundantly clear that Quilty was able to blend his international experience with Apella’s Irish roots to elevate the band’s offering. The result is something that feels immediate and honest, but also timeless, a reminder of why Apella first captured people’s attention.

For fans of punchy guitar riffs, explosive drums, catchy melodies, soaring harmonies, and music with a story to tell, this is the moment to tune back in. There’s a sense of perspective in the lyrics, and there’s a clarity in the sound that brings a fresh, unexpected energy to the Irish music scene.

“It’s worth every single $0.0004c per stream let me tell ya!”- Ronan Nolan

After everything, Apella are still here. Still writing. Still playing. Still pouring everything into their music. And ‘Glorious‘ is exactly what that sounds like.

Apella Online

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“The song is about bigging up women the way they deserve, but it’s also real about the chase; not everything comes easy, even when the connection feels strong. The beat flips like the story does, from dark to vibrant. It’s me showing love, but still keeping it raw….” (Kiing Sequence)

Kiing Sequence is a boundary-pushing artist blending raw storytelling with futuristic sounds and sharp visual direction. Hailing from Belfast with Nigerian roots, his music reflects a global mindset, anchored in personal experience but crafted to resonate far beyond his city.

Known for his deep tone, distinct phrasing, and grounded presence, Kiing Sequence channels life’s pressure into purpose. Every bar, every visual, every beat is intentional. Whether experimenting with new sounds or staying true to his foundation, his creative discipline and self-awareness set him apart.

New single ‘Go Shawty’ opens with a dark, gritty tone before exploding into a vibrant 2-step rhythm layered with electronic and Afro-influenced sounds.

The track tells a confident yet honest story of desire and admiration, spotlighting a woman’s beauty while acknowledging the challenges in reaching her. Packed with bold energy and an empowering spirit, it’s a celebration of women and persistence wrapped in a bounce-heavy anthem.

As an artist, director, and visionary, Kiing Sequence moves with clarity, balancing hunger with patience and confidence with growth. Recent project ‘Melodies On Drill‘ showed just one side of his range, hinting at the versatility still to come.

Kiing Sequence isn’t chasing trends. He’s carving out a legacy. Greatness doesn’t rush, and neither does he. But when he lands, it’s felt worldwide.

CONNECT WITH KIING SEQUENCE

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Following a sold-out show at Cork Midsummer Festival under the Helios installation in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Irish composer and pianist Cian Sweeney returns with the second single from his semi-improvised piano project ‘As If I Always Knew.’

Titled ‘The Number 4‘, the piece was recorded and filmed live in a single take at his Birds of Paradise studio in Cork.

Rooted in stillness, presence, and imperfection, the track is built using a pentatonic scale consisting of only the black keys of the piano.

A meditative, pentatonic flow that resembles Debussy or other impressionistic music, the piece crescendos and diminuendos before breaking the ambiguity and resolving into soft B major chord before the final theme returns.

A sonic snapshot of a moment that can never be replicated.

Official Video (by Zé Bateria)

“This was the fourth piece we tracked when recording Improvisations 1, hence the name,” explains Cian.

“I had the idea to improvise something using just the black keys, keeping it within a simple pentatonic palette. In the weeks leading up to the recording, I’d been learning Debussy’s Pagodes from his Estampes, a piece he wrote after hearing a gamelan at the World Fair in Paris in the early 1900s. That pentatonic, almost Oriental sound clearly influenced him, and through Pagodes, I think it found its way into this improvisation too.”

This release continues the buildup to the project’s debut album ‘Improvisations 1‘, due out on 10th September 2025. A collection of solo piano works recorded live in a single afternoon at Birds of Paradise Studio, each piece was captured in one take, without edits, and built entirely from spontaneous composition.

The album release coincides with a five-night run at Dublin Fringe Festival.

With influences including Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Einaudi, and Debussy, the project sits at the intersection of contemporary classical, ambient, and improvisational music.

With ‘As If I Always Knew‘, Cian seeks to reconnect with his audience on a more intimate level. While his successful work as a producer has garnered over 130 million streams, this project shifts focus back to his roots as a pianist and artist in his own right.

Fans will have exclusive access to new music through the project’s YouTube channel and Bandcamp, as well as early announcements for upcoming live performances throughout 2025, for which subscribers to the project’s mailing list will receive priority access.

FFO: Angel Olsen, Orville Peck, Roy Orbison, Kings Of Leon, Father John Misty

PREV SUPPORT: Today FM, 98FM, Hot Press, RTE Entertainment, Pure Mzine, RTE 2XM, LMFM, Galway Bay FM, Prospect Radio, Otherside Reviews, Jace Media Music, Merryn Music

“From the outset, it sounds as if ‘Between Two Fools’ was meant to be played over classic diner stereos, the result of a coin slipped into teal jukeboxes on laminate countertops” – Hot Press

“Consider Archie Andrews, surrounded by Kings Of Leon, Elvis doing his thing in the background and Father John Misty chilling in the corner, this is Papa Boyle” – Otherside Reviews

“Boyle’s retro sound promises a refreshing twist on familiar melodies”– Pure Mzine

Papa Boyle is a Retro Indie artist based out of Dublin, Ireland. From an early age, he was given exposure to a wide range of music that spanned multiple decades and genres which fuelled the fire to become a songwriter and performer.

Taking inspiration from the retro sounds of the ’50s and 60’s Rock n Roll era (ie Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers) with a tinge of modern Indie (ie Father John Misty, Angel Olsen, Kings Of Leon, Orville Peck) Papa Boyle croons over an ambient landscape filled with rousing melodies and pondering punchlines.

The resulting hooks transport the listener to diners of old, bars of new, and crossroads that feel familiar yet unknown at the same time.

With aspirations of 2024 being a breakout year with releases and gigs across Ireland, Papa Boyle has already seen himself land some great success with his debut release ‘Between Two Fools’ which was released in April 2024 and the follow up single ‘Last Chance Saloon‘.

He ended 2024 with his mesmerising single ‘Tranquillo‘ and kicked off 2025 with his stunning single ‘Falling For A Daydream‘ which received over 10,000 streams on Spotify and most recently ‘Chasing The Smile‘ . He has also played venues such as Workmans Cellar and Sofar Sounds Amsterdam.

He has been picked up in various stations and magazines such as Hot Press, RTE Entertainment, Pure Mzine, The Beat, Shannonside FM, Galway Bay FM, RTE 2XM, Prospect Radio, Otherside Reviews, Jace Media Music, Today FM, 98FM and many more as well as supporting Elaphi in the workmans cellar with Singular Artists.

Now he’s back with aspirations to build on his momentum and make 2025 an even bigger year with his brand new upcoming single ‘Wave To Me‘ set for release this summer which features exciting emerging artists Miranda Faul and Still Searching.

His sound brings something fresh and unique to the music scene, watch this space!

WAVE TO ME

‘Wave to Me(Like It’s The First Time)’ is the brand-new collaborative single by emerging Irish artists Papa Boyle, Still Searching, and Miranda Faul.

The trio first crossed paths earlier this year at the Softgut in association with IMRO songwriting camp in Northern Ireland. ‘Wave to Me’ is the result of one day of writing and recording at the camp.

The trio will be celebrating the release of the new single with shows in Whelans (Dublin) & Sunflower (Belfast). Each artist will take to the stage with their own band for a set of their own original music, before sharing the stage for a live performance of ‘Wave to Me’. Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

Belfast Sunflower July 23rd

Dublin Whelans July 24th 

Some info on the collaborative artists:

Miranda Faul is an Irish singer-songwriter who blends folk, pop, R&B, and soul into a distinctive, captivating sound. Covering a range of themes from heartbreak to generational trauma to mental health, her songs are raw, vulnerable, and refreshingly honest.

Raised in musical households in Sligo and Kildare, she began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age, drawing inspiration from artists like Adele and Jorja Smith. Since debuting in Dublin in 2022, Miranda has performed at top venues in Ireland and abroad. Her debut EP, ‘Rise & Run’, was released on January 17th 2025 to much critical acclaim.

Still Searching is the creative project of Sam Stevenson, a Dublin native now based in Belfast known for his skillful integration of guitar, vocals, bass guitar, synths, drums, and production. Known for his raw, relatable lyrics and his ability to reflect the struggles and victories of the human experience, Still Searching crafts music that resonates deeply.

Drawing from his personal journey and observations of the digital age’s impact on humanity, Stevenson’s work reflects his surroundings and experiences, from Belfast to beyond.

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“Perfect for those hazy, alternative playlists and spins on Future Pop at Radio 1 and 6 Music…” Record Of The Day

“A knack for introspective lyrics that are drenched in vulnerability….” 1883 Magazine

“Promises to enchant with its relatability and, let’s face it, irresistible tone….” Wonderland Magazine

Having released a string of singles and one EP over the past few years, Irish alt RnB artist Daire Patel continues to offer a glimpse of his future with the second single from forthcoming debut album –

‘What Means The World To You?‘ Influenced by Mac Miller and Frank Ocean, Patel’s early days saw him combine a hip-hop feel with a lo-fi bedroom pop sound.

He made an immediate impact with his early tracks – including sleeper hit ‘Hold Me Down‘ and the exquisite ‘Sirens‘, which appeared on a selection of influential playlists and enjoyed radio play on RTE and BBC, as well as being placed on the acclaimed Irish drama shows ‘Kin’ and ‘Smother‘.

Collaborating recently with producers such as Posner and OLIVE HATAKE on more dance influenced tracks, ‘Halo‘ sees him return to his musical roots – albeit with new elements added to the sound and a fresh lyrical insight.

The track captures many of the album’s themes, especially the pressures facing those moving from their early twenties into another stage of their life.

Patel’s lyricism stands out for its emotional honesty, exploring those uncertainties of young adulthood and the search for identity. The paradox of feeling old at such an early stage is beautifully realised, the maturity of the words balanced by the effervescence of the musical backing.

“‘Halo’ is about the internal fight you have with yourself as you get older. The feeling that life has passed you by and you didn’t realise until it was too late. It’s about knowing that you need to change to get what you want from life but being too afraid to make any…..”

“The song is named after the lyric “you wear your chains around your neck like it’s a halo”. To me this line represents the idea that we use material possessions to cover up the insecurities of our lives. In this example the chain is a halo because jewellery is an indicator of wealth and success, but I am nowhere near where I want to be in my life…” – Daire Patel

BBC Introducing
“An incredible band”

Odyssey Magazine
“Their music doesn’t feel retro – it feels timeless”

Indie Dock Music
“A track that manages to feel both intimately personal and gloriously anthemic”

Wolfman Radio
“Record of the week”

Rising indie-rock band Linkwells have just released their brand new 5-track EP, ‘Bring On The Summer‘. Drawing from the golden age of Britpop while injecting a fresh, modern edge, the EP channels the spirit of bands like The Stone Roses, The Verve, and Oasis, but with a sound unmistakably their own.

Hailing from the scenic town of Malvern, Linkwells are a four-piece band known for crafting emotionally resonant music that hits hard both in the studio and on stage. Their live shows are packed with raw power and heart, winning over crowds across the UK and beyond.

Already enjoying airplay in the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, Indonesia, Canada, and the US, the band’s global reach continues to grow, a testament to their broad appeal and the quality of their songwriting.

Connect with Linkwells

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Photo Credit: Henry Pearce 

A smash hit #1 single with the 4 x Platinum ‘Killeagh’, two headline shows at Dublin’s 3Arena, and 100 million+ streams – and yet Irish trio Kingfishr are just getting started.

Having achieved all of that already, their ascendency is set to be amplified with the news that they will release their long-awaited debut album ‘Halcyon’ on August 22nd.

They today drive anticipation for the album by sharing the new single ‘Diamonds & Roses’, and also announce details of the UK and European headline tour that culminates with a London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

‘Halcyon’ is an album that feels like an instant ‘best of’. It charts Kingfishr’s journey so far, from early breakthrough favourites ‘Flowers-Fire’ and ‘Eyes Don’t Lie’ right through to new highlights such as ‘Killeagh’, ‘Gloria’ and ‘Man On The Moon’.

But there’s also a wealth of brand new material ripe for discovery with tracks including ‘21’, ‘Next To Me’, ‘Someday’ and ‘Schooldays’.

The album’s CD and digital formats also add two extra tracks in the shape of ‘Ways To Change’ and ‘Shadow’. It’s a striking statement of intent from a band who find the commonality between the dynamics of contemporary indie-rock and the soul of their traditional Irish roots.

The band commented, “‘Halcyon’ is the culmination of three years’ work, though most of the time it hasn’t felt like it.”

“We grew up in different parts of rural Ireland though the band itself was born on a dairy farm in Tipperary.”

“The songs were written in a small kitchen where generations of farmers became singers and storytellers when the work was done. The name ‘Halcyon’ is a nod to the landscape and heritage that has moulded our music, even though the songs don’t all come from a happy or peaceful place.”

“We’re so proud of all of this. Thank you for being a part of it. On and up!”

Kingfishr excel at writing music which blends personal experiences in the context of universal emotions. Those feelings are stirred up in heart-rending style in the new single ‘Diamonds & Roses’.

Eddie Keogh’s imposing, full-blooded baritone and evocative instrumentation from his bandmates Eoghan ‘McGoo’ McGrath and Eoin ‘Fitz’ Fitzgibbon combine to conjure an atmosphere in which nostalgia, change and romance are all interlinked.

It was written by Kingfishr, Jim Eliot and Billy Joel, and was produced by David Anthony Curley.

Eddie adds, “‘Diamonds & Roses’ is about how much things change. It’s about the death of the status quo and the price we all pay for that. It’s about the terror of existence, but in spite of that it’s about the good that shines through.”

‘Halcyon’ is now available to pre-order / pre-save HERE. In addition to the album’s standard CD, vinyl and digital formats, the band’s official store offers an exclusive colour vinyl and a signed postcard, while another vinyl format is available via hmv and select independent stores.

Kingfishr’s newly announced UK and European headline tour dates are listed below. Please see HERE for ticket details.

JULY

10th – Madrid, Mad Cool Festival

16th – Cork, The Marquee (SOLD OUT)

19th – Nottingham, Splendour Festival

20th – Galway, Heineken Big Top (SOLD OUT)

24th – Cork, The Marquee (SOLD OUT)

24th-27th – Oxfordshire, Truck Festival

26th – Southwold, Latitude Festival

AUGUST

7th – Belfast, Custom House SQ (SOLD OUT)

11th – Budapest, Sziget

13th – St. Polten, Frequency

15th – Bidinghuizen, Lowlands

16th – Hamburg, MS Dockville

17th – Hasselt, Pukkelpop

22nd – Limerick, Live At The Docks (SOLD OUT)

NOVEMBER

4th – Brussels, La Madeleine

5^th – Paris, Petit Bain

7th – Barcelona, Sala Wolf

8th – Madrid, Sala Villanos

10th – Milan, Magnolia

11th – Zurich, Bogen F

13th – Munich, Backstage

14th – Berlin, Gretchen

15th – Groningen, Oosterpoort

17th – Amsterdam, Paradiso

18th – Tilburg, 013

19th – Cologne, Gloria

24th – Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom

25th – Newcastle, University

26th – Manchester, Albert Hall

28th – Nottingham, Rock City

29th – Leeds, Beckett Students’ Union

30th – Birmingham, O2 Institute

DECEMBER

2nd – Bristol, O2 Academy

3rd – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town

18th – Dublin, 3Arena (ADDED DATE)

19th – Dublin, 3Arena (SOLD OUT)

‘Halcyon’ tracklist:

1. ‘Man On The Moon’

2. ‘21’

3. ‘Gloria’

4. ‘I Cried, I Wept’

5. ‘Next To Me’

6. ‘Diamonds & Roses’

7. ‘Flowers-Fire’

8. ‘Caroline’ (rework)

9. ‘Killeagh’

10. ‘Ways To Change’ (digital/CD only)

11. ‘Shadow’ (digital/CD only)

12. ‘Blue Skies’

13. ‘Shot In The Dark’

14. ‘Eyes Don’t Lie’

15. ‘Someday’

16. ‘Schooldays’

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Photo Credit: Kate Lawlor @daisychainphotos

“‘Strange Hill‘ is a song about being stubborn – knowing something is wrong but but being willing to die on that hill for no apparent reason.”

FFO: Inhaler, The Academic, Blossoms, Circa Waves

STRAND play The Workmans Club in Dublin on Sat July 19th promoted by MCD – Ticket Link

STRAND are a five-piece indie rock outfit from Finglas, Dublin. Formed as schoolboys in 2018 as Soundstrand, the band have rebranded & moved away from a raw punk sound and towards a sleeker, poppier indie sound with their new releases. 2024 saw the band find their sound and release some music.

‘American Radio‘ was the first, serving as a homage to their earlier sound, soon followed by ‘Progress‘ and ‘Upside Inside‘ – poppier cuts that saw coverage from RTÉ, Hot Press, The Beat and more.

The success of these tracks saw the band sell out an MCD-backed headline show in Whelan’s in November, as well as earning a main stage slot at Whelan’s Ones to Watch in January 2025.

May 2025 brought the release of STRAND’s debut EP, a five track project titled ‘Can You Blame Us?‘ which features the aforementioned ‘Upside Inside‘ and ‘Progress‘ as well as ‘Love Nor Money‘, ‘My Friends‘ and ‘The Til‘. The EP was similarly revered, with ‘Upside Inside‘ earning playlisting and wide coverage on RTÉ 2FM.

Following November’s headline show’s success, the band were invited by MCD to headline The Workman’s Cellar – a show that was soon upgraded to the main room due to demand – on July 19.

STRAND follow up their EP with ‘Strange Hill‘, slated for release on July 11. Far from a departure, the track picks up right where they left off in March – catchy hooks, poppy rhythms and soaring choruses. ‘Strange Hill’ hardly reinvents the wheel, yet it undeniably represents STRAND – guitar-pop in its most refined form.

“‘Strange Hill‘ is a song about being stubborn – knowing something is wrong but but being willing to die on that hill for no apparent reason. It’s nearly a human universal, that individual experience of intransigence that everyone goes through, in one way or another.”

“We wrote the song on a bit of a whim – we had just released our debut EP which picked up some attention from RTÉ, BBC and the likes, and knew we had to follow it up quick. It clicked really quickly, it probably took less than half an hour to come together, and lyrics came quickly after that. We all seemed to be on the same wavelength when we tried it out, which was a new experience but one we’re glad for.”

“The opening riff came first, and the song formed around that. It’s far from complex, but the bells and whistles we added in the studio with our producer Keelan really made the song shine. We were nearly overcome with joy hearing the final mix, it felt like a real accomplishment, mixed with some relief that we had something to follow our EP with so soon.”

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About

1000 Beasts returns with ‘No Tears‘, his most emotionally resonant release to date. A stunning collaboration with acclaimed Belfast singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery. Released on July 9th, this marks the third single of 2025 from the Cork-based collaborative artist and represents both a natural progression of his signature sound and a bold artistic departure into deeper emotional territory.

‘No Tears‘ explores themes of mortality, gratitude, and the precious nature of human existence through a sonic landscape that marries electronic sensibilities with raw, vulnerable songwriting.

The track centers around a melancholic, reflective piano line that drives the entire composition, while Lavery’s haunting vocals carry the same weathered emotional weight as Johnny Cash’s legendary delivery in the song ‘Hurt’, creating a contemporary electronic meditation on life’s fleeting beauty.

The collaboration emerged organically from the pair’s connection at the Soft Gut writing camp in Analogue Catalogue, Co. Down, founded by Lavery & where 1000 Beasts attended as producer. What began as an instrumental draft evolved into something far more profound when Lavery responded with a vocal topline that perfectly captured the track’s contemplative essence.

This partnership brings together two artists at pivotal moments in their careers — 1000 Beasts with over 100k monthly Spotify listeners and 13+ million streams to date, and Ciaran Lavery with 100k+ monthly listeners and combined streams exceeding 100 million. Both artists have garnered support from major playlists including New Music Friday and Fresh Finds.

1000 Beasts Bio

Arguably one of the most prolific producers to come out of Cork in years, 1000 Beasts released his debut album ‘Naruda‘ in April 2022. Featuring collaborations and co-writes from an eclectic mix of artists such as FeliSpeaks, Célia Tiab, LENII, Arthur Valentine, April and Orla Gartland, and with well over 14+ million streams amassed on the project already, 1000 Beasts has established himself as an artistic force that straddles the line between indie, alt, soul & electronic music.

The concept behind 1000 Beasts is simple. One producer who writes & collaborates with different artists (the “beasts”) on each track to create music greater than the sum of its parts.

Ciaran Lavery Bio

NI Music Prize winning, multi-nominated singer/songwriter with 170m streams to date. Support from the Telegraph, Independent, BBC Radio 1, Billboard. Founded Ireland’s premier songwriting camp ‘Soft Gut’ in collaboration with IMRO.

Quotes

“I had this instrumental sitting around for months, and honestly, I wasn’t sure I’d ever find the right vocalist for it. It felt like such a deep, powerful track that I thought it would be incredibly difficult to write to. When Ciaran sent back his first version and I heard that unusual phrasing he brought to the verses, I immediately knew we had something special.”

“Even though it’s quite different from previous 1000 Beasts releases, working on this track has been one of the most exciting creative experiences I’ve had. I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve created together.” — 1000 Beasts

“The world is becoming an increasingly unpredictable and uncertain place. In times like these I like to consider the incredible and simple aspects of life that make me feel lucky to even take part in it. This song is a celebration of that & a gentle defiance in the face of adversity.” — Ciaran Lavery

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“A beautiful collection of Irish language songs…..this album is a triumph full of joy and reflection…”  – Tim Dennehy

“…so confident, perfect and solid. The music and production is fantastic…” – Niamh Parsons

“Fiona sings with such incredible ease…how nice for my ear to be caught with happy listening your song choices are superb” – Karan Casey, 2023

 “…voice whispers of a rare and welcome childlike innocence and naivete” – Siobhan Long, The Irish Times

Irish traditional artist Fiona Tyndall has released her delicate new single, ‘Óró Mó Bhaidín‘ on July 3rd, taken from her forthcoming full Irish-language album, ‘Éinin an Cheóil‘.

A stunning children’s lullaby with lyrics credited to Padraig Pearse, Colm O’Lochlainn and Tomas Ó Colmáin during the time of the Gaelic Revival, ‘Oró Mó Bhaidín‘, is an ardent expression of joy and pleasure from a man out on the water in his currach (a traditional small fishing boat of the West coast of Ireland).

Translating to ‘My Little Boat‘, the single features breathtaking vocals and harmonies from Tyndall, who is warmly accompanied by Brendan Hayes on piano, bass and backing vocals: A mesmerising arrangement by the two long-time collaborators.

Hailing from County Clare, Fiona Tyndall has been immersed in Irish and Celtic music traditions since childhood. Moving to the USA in later life, spending time in both Boston, Massachusetts and Princeton, New Jersey, she now splits her time between both countries, deepening Irish-American cultural connections and carrying on the tradition passed onto her by her father.

An enduring figure in the Irish traditional genre, her debut album, ‘Deirin De‘, blended traditional Irish language lyrics with innovative musical and vocal arrangements, receiving high praise from Siobhán Long (The Irish Times) and Karan Casey.

Her discography spanning English-language, Irish-language and both original and traditional works, her passion for preserving the Irish language and culture through song has led to incredible collaborations with esteemed musicians, songwriters and arrangers such as Fergal Scahill (We Banjo 3), Kieran Munnelly (The David Munnelly Band), Gabriel Donoghue and Tim Edey (BBC ALBA/Scotland Best Traditional Musician 2020, BBC Radio Two Musician of the Year 2012).

About ‘Éinín an Cheoil‘

‘Éinín an Cheóil‘, meaning ‘Birdsong‘, is Fiona Tyndall’s upcoming album due for release on Wednesday, September 17th. Recorded in Oakley Studios in Blackrock, Dublin and Shorefire Studios in Longbranch, New Jersey, the album was fully produced by Brendan Hayes and mixed/mastered in BAZ Studios, Portumna, Co. Galway.

A highly personal and passionate collection, the album was inspired by Tyndall’s father, Buadhach Tóibín, a traditional singer and collector of Irish music. Meticulously hand-writing the lyrics of over 200 songs in the old Irish script in a bound ledger, he had the foresight to accompany some of the songs with tonic solfa (a musical system in which a series of syllables represents the seven notes of a scale), so that his children would have the melodies to sing.

Tyndall came into possession of this wonderful manuscripted collection following her father’s passing, upon which she decided to record a selection of the preserved songs. As a child, she had learned many directly from her father, as he also taught students from all over Ireland each summer at Coláiste Eoghain Uí Comhraidhe in Carrigaholt, Co. Clare (a residential Irish college).

A carefully archived digital copy of her father’s manuscript of songs will be available at the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) in Dublin, Ireland upon ‘Éinin an Cheóil’s‘ release on September 17th.

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