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Kasey Makes It 8,000

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

Kasey Makes It 8,000

IMRO Welcomes our 8,000th Member

As well as celebrating live music venues throughout Ireland here at IMRO HQ on Tuesday evening last, we also celebrated an important milestone in our membership number.

Kasey Smith, a young singer-songwriter from Dublin, was officially welcomed to the organisation as our 8,000th member on the night. Rising star Kasey has already cut her teeth in music being part of girl group, Wonderland, formed by Louis Walsh and Kian Egan.

Now Kasey is creating a new path for herself in her solo career, and has recently returned from a two-month songwriting stint in Nashville, where she collaborated and recorded with top writers who have had credits with artists such as Lady Antebellum and Kenny Chesney. Kasey is currently writing and recording between Dublin and London and hopes to start performing live later this year.

Copyright S.I. Signed and Consultation Process Launched on Copyright and Innovation – Minister Sherlock

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, has announced the signing into law of the European Union (Copyright and Related Rights) Regulations 2012 and urged all interested parties to focus now on making Ireland a model of international best practice for innovation, and ensuring that our copyright laws facilitate the achievement of this goal. Minister Sherlock also launched the next stage of the Copyright Review Committee review of Ireland’s copyright legislation, aimed at removing barriers to innovation.

Commenting on the Statutory Instrument, the Minister acknowledged the desire of some interested parties that it be more detailed and more prescriptive. However he re-stated that the High Court now has significant guidance from the European Court of Justice on the implementation of the measure, and will have to ensure any remedy provided will uphold the following principles:

Freedom to conduct a business enjoyed by operators such as ISPs;

The absolute requirement that an ISP cannot be required to carry out general monitoring on the information it carries on its network;

Any measures must be fair and proportionate and not be unnecessarily complicated or costly;

The fundamental rights of an ISPs’ customers must be respected, namely their right to protection of their personal data and their freedom to receive or impart information.
 

Making the announcement, the Minister said: “I believe that in Ireland we must build on our very substantial achievements in the creative and digital media industry, and become a model of international best practice for innovation in this area. Ireland is home to some of the world’s most innovative Internet companies, and we are determined to grow our reputation as a location where smart people and smart companies can innovate in this fast-moving arena.

“On many previous occasions I have outlined the reasons why it is necessary for us to proceed to sign this Statutory Instrument in order to ensure compliance with our obligations under EU law. As there are clearly many diverse interests, it is important that interested parties come together and work in a constructive way to map the path forward. For this reason I am particularly anxious that the consultation paper launched today is studied and comprehensively responded to by all interested parties.”

“The challenge now is to examine what measures we can take to develop Ireland’s laws in this area in such a way as to provide the greatest possible encouragement for innovation in the creative and digital industries to take place here.”

“This is a very complex area of law, which affects industries that are developing at lightning pace, and where the interests of many diverse and changing parties interact with each other. My ambition to make Ireland a model of international best practice in this area will not be easily achieved, and as this debate develops I urge all interested parties on all sides to come together and work in a constructive and realistic way to the benefit of all.”

“In that context, I am happy to launch the consultation paper of the Copyright Review Committee. I am committed to reviewing and updating the Copyright legislation currently in place in order to strike the correct balance between encouraging innovation and protecting creativity. This paper has been prepared by the Copyright Review Committee in response to submissions received and public engagement. I urge all interested parties, including information providers and ISPs, innovators, rights holders, consumers and end-users, to study it carefully and engage in a constructive debate on all the issues”.

“This is a valuable opportunity for all interested parties to express their views and to make a meaningful contribution towards shaping the future development of Irish copyright law. I am confident that the work being carried out by the Copyright Review Committee, with the interaction and input of the interested parties, will result in establishing Irish copyright law on a firm footing to encourage innovation, foster creativity and meet the challenges of the future with confidence”.

Dominic Paul – ‘Sail’

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Artist Spotlight.

Dominic Paul-'Sail'

Since the release in October 2011 of debut album “SAIL” Dominic Paul has been busy  gigging at venues around Kerry, and Dublin, also for delegates of the “Make A Wish Foundation”.

Dominic Paul was “Spotlight Artist” of the week on the Andrew Morrissey afternoon show on Radio Kerry,Andrew described the tracks from the album “SAIL” , “It’s So Sad” and “Kick Out Of You” as sounding “Kinda like Jack Johnston” together with listeners of the show,with both tracks being well received on the airwaves.
Also Dominic has received airplay on the Sean McCarthy show on Radio Irish “America’s only Irish radio station”,and the Henry O’Donovan show on Bondi Tunes Sydney

Jackie Hayden reviewed “SAIL” in his column in the Hot Press magazine of February 23rd 2012 he wrote.
“Dominic Paul is a singer-songwriter from Kerry whose debut album SAIL has arrived in port.He has a pleasantly musical voice.With its soft folk rock backing “It’s So Sad” becomes a jaunty offering that will give much pleasure and does little harm.”Kick Out Of You” has more bite,and comes at you with appealing chiming guitar and Hammond-ish keyboards.”What’s On Your Mind”,to which Tony O’Flaherty adds his tasty sax,is in the same vain.There’s nothing wrong with anything Dominic does.”
 
The album “SAIL” can be purchased from Dominic’s website,or download @ itunes or Amazon
Dominic Paul is available for bookings as a solo artist or with a band. He can be contacted @
 

The Cold 100’s-‘Into The Parlour’

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Artist Spotlight.

The Cold 100's-'Into The Parlour'

The Cold 100’s debut EP, ‘Into The Parlour’ will be available to buy from Friday 2nd March on CD and download. The lead single from this record is a tune called ‘Mr. Westcoast Man’. The Extended Player was recorded over the summer of 2011, and is released off the back of the success of previous single ‘New Stories’, which garnered a fine amount of radio airplay, particularly from 2FM and Radio Nova. The Cold 100 have the following in-store performances and live show lined up, to herald the release of ‘Into The Parlour’ , before more gigs around the country in April: 

In-store:
– Fri 2nd March- In-store performance in Tower Records, Wicklow St., at 6pm.
– Sat 3rd March- In-store performance in Freebird Records, Wicklow St., at 1pm. 

Live Show:
– Sat 3rd March – Electric Lounge (formerly Shebeen Chic’s downstairs venue), Dame Lane. €5 admission on the door from 9pm, with support from Sal Vitro. 

The Cold 100 will then be spinning their favorite tunes afterwards on the decks, so expect to hear plenty of Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Little Richard. The Cold 100 are spearheading the rock ‘n roll/blues revival from the Dublin delta. The time for fuzzy guitar tones, backwards guitar melodies, and groovy baselines is
returning. The electric guitar is not dead!

For press enquires, promotional photos, etc., contact via the following: 

thecold100@nullgmail.com
www.thecold100.com

IMRO LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Industry News.

IMRO LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARDS
MUSIC TO THEIR EARS!
THE OPERA HOUSE CORK SCOOP
THE IMRO NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARD 2011

 The headquarters of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) was packed to capacity last night (Tuesday 28th February) for the IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards 2011. Cork Opera House CEO Mary Hickson was on hand to accept the premier accolade of IMRO National Live Music Venue of the Year, which was presented by IMRO Chairman and legendary Moving Hearts man Keith Donald and IMRO CEO Victor Finn. Electric Picnic took home the Irish Festival of the Year Award.

RTÉ’s Jenny Huston hosted the evening, which celebrates the live music community in Ireland, the behind the scenes people in venues up and down the country, from owners to bookers, front of house staff to sound and lighting engineers. IMRO Regional Venue of the Year Awards were presented with The Grand Social in Dublin winning the Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year Award; the Connacht Award went to the Róisín Dubh in Galway; Cork’s Cyprus Avenue won the Munster Live Music Venue of the Year Award; the Mermaid Arts Centre in Wicklow was awarded the Leinster (excluding Dublin) Award, while Voodoo in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal took home the Ulster Live Music Venue of the Year Award.

In addition, Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes presented Hot Press Readers Awards to the O2, Dublin, The Academy, Dublin and the Róisín Dubh, Galway.

Of the awards, Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO said: “The contribution that live music venues and festivals make to local economies is often not recognised and their value in a social and cultural sense within communities is priceless. We are delighted to recognise the contribution that these first class facilities make and to celebrate their achievements”.

IMRO Live Music Venue Awards 2011

IMRO National Live Music Venue of the Year 2011
The Cork Opera House
 

Winner selected from all shortlisted venues below

IMRO Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year 2011
The Academy 
The Button Factory 
The Grand Social – Winner 
Vicar Street 
The Olympia 
  
IMRO Rest of Leinster Live Music Venue of the Year  2011
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly
The Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow – Winner
The Watergate Theatre, Co. Kilkenny
Wexford Opera House, Co. Wexford
  
IMRO Connacht Live Music Venue of the Year 2011
The Dock Arts Centre, Co. Leitrim
Town Hall Theatre, Co. Galway
Roisin Dubh, Co. Galway – Winner
Hawk’s Well Theatre, Co. Sligo
Roscommon Arts Centre, Co. Roscommon
  
IMRO Munster Live Music Venue of the Year 2011
Cyprus Avenue, Co. Cork – Winner
Crane Lane, Co. Cork
Cork Opera House, Co. Cork
Theatre Royal, Co. Waterford
University Concert Hall, Co. Limerick
  
IMRO Ulster Live Music Venue of the Year 2011
Allingham Arms Hotel, Bundoran, Co Donegal
McGrorys, Culdaff, Co. Donegal
The Abbey Hotel, Donegal, Co. Donegal
Voodoo, Letterkenny, Co Donegal – Winner
Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co. Cavan
  
IMRO Music Festival of the Year 2011
Castlepalooza  
Electric Picnic – Winner 
Live @ The Marquee Cork   
Sea Sessions 
Oxegen
Vantastival 
Templebar Trad Festival
Indiependence 
Temple House Festival
Galway Arts Festival

Storyfold – ‘The Sweetest Silence’

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Artist Spotlight.

Storyfold-'The Sweetest Silence'

Storyfold release their brand new single ‘The Sweetest Silence’ on Friday, March 23rd – with pianist Lindsey Hogan taking lead vocals for the first time. The band also embarks on a mini Irish tour that includes headlining Whelan’s, Wexford Street the same date. It will see the 5-piece return to the venue following their sold out show there last May.

The Sweetest Silence is the 4th single to be taken from their debut album ‘Rocket Science’ and is already a fan favourite. The song was included in music blogger’s 2UIBestow’s ‘Best 10 Songs of 2011’. He said:
From the first few seconds of this track you know this is a special tune. Lindsey’s lead vocals are delightful and work so well with Paddy’s backing vocals. This is a fantastic uplifting song that deserves to played loud!

2011was a special year for the band. They released their Top 10 debut album ‘Rocket Science’, were invited by the GAA to play to 40,000 people in Croke Park at an All Ireland Quarter-final and they continued to establish their reputation for cracking live shows at Sea Sessions, Arthur’s Day, Indiependence and several other venues and events. The band also enjoyed extensive radio airplay for singles The Battle (two IMTV Award nominations), Delphine Wakes and Another Year.

Storyfold Tour Dates
• Feb 29th – UL Charity Week, Limerick
• March 23rd – Whelan’s, Dublin (€10  – tickets on sale Ticketmaster & WAV)
• March 30th – Danny Byrne’s, Mullingar
• April 26th – The Purples Sessions, Boyle’s of Slane
• May 19th – Hype Music Festival, Longford
• May 26th – Swan Lane, Navan
 
For further information on Storyfold:
www.storyfold.net ● www.facebook.com/storyfold ● Follow them on Twitter: @storyfold

IMRO Songwriter Retreat Inspires Album Title Track for Cathy Jordan

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in Artist Spotlight.

IMRO Songwriter Retreat Inspires Album Title Track for Cathy Jordan

Musician and vocalist, Cathy Jordan, long time member of multi-award winning traditional Irish band Dervish, has just released her highly anticipated debut solo album All The Way Home, featuring a title track composed at the most recent IMRO Songwriter Retreat. The album, which has been some twenty years in the making, features many of the most notable names in the folk world, both at home in Ireland and abroad.

In November 2010, Cathy joined forty other songwriters for a week of songwriting and performances at the Brook Lodge Wells and Spa, Wicklow as part of the IMRO Songwriter Retreat. Being Cathy’s first experience of an IMRO Songwriter Retreat, she recalls how she was a little anxious beforehand. “I didn’t quite know what to expect, I found myself quite nervous as I drove to it, what if I’m not creative, what if I can’t write under time pressure, what if I can’t write with others, maybe I’m not a real songwriter at all. All these things went through my head en route; I nearly turned the car around.”
 
However, the musical journey into the unknown paid off for Cathy – “it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and creative weeks of my life, not only did I get to meet and write with amazing songwriters I also managed to get the title track for my first solo album.”  While Cathy had the idea for song All the Way Home in mind for some time, the IMRO Songwriter Retreat setting created the opportunity to bring it to life through her collaboration with new co-writers, Enda Cullen and Ian Smith, both seasoned songwriters and regular attendees at the IMRO songwriter events. “I found the co-writing process exciting, challenging at times, but thoroughly enjoyable. It’s also a great way to turn ones ideas into fully fledged songs in an afternoon.”
 
Among the twelve tracks on the album All the Way Home, produced in Sweden by acclaimed producer, multi-instrumentalist and long time collaborator Roger Tallroth, are traditional ballads Cathy would have heard sung in the family home from an early age. Performing these songs with family and friends was a fundamental part of family life and became embedded in Cathy’s musical psyche. These are songs that now represent the tradition of her childhood, a tradition that has experienced a renaissance of interest in recent times. For this reason Cathy wanted to reintroduce these songs to a new generation with a vibrant and contemporary energy, whilst retaining some of the traditional methods of how they were intended to be performed. To achieve this Cathy worked with acclaimed musicians such as Roger Tallroth (guitars), Gustaf Ljunggren (lap steel/banjo/piano) and Lars Andreas Haug (tuba) of Sweden, Ireland’s Andy Irvine and the distinctive sounds of singer song-writer Eddi Reader with whom she duets on Eileen McMahon.  Also featured are Michael McGoldrick on uilleann pipes, Rick Epping on concertina and harmonica, Seamie O’Dowd on fiddle and Liam Kelly on flute.
 
Cathy’s four original tracks on the album also include a co-write with Brendan Graham (who previously co-wrote the phenomenally successful hit song You Raise Me Up).  The track The Road I Go tells the story of the restlessness of youth, of a young person bored with the familiar surroundings and experiences of home and longing to see the world and what it has to offer, yet well prepared by a strong sense of place and family.
 
A UK launch and performance of All The Way Home took place on January 20th 2012 at Tron Glasgow as part of the Celtic Connections Festival 2012.  Irish performances have included January 26th at the Button Factory as part of the Temple Bar TradFest and January 25th and 27th in Strokestown Park House and The Model, Sligo respectively. Cathy will soon be announcing new tour dates in Ireland to showcase her long awaited solo project.
 
For further information on All The Way Home and upcoming performances visit www.cathyjordan.com.

CMC Host Student New Music Marathon

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

CMC Host Student New Music Marathon

Composition and performance students at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama will be taking part in the annual marathon of new music presented by Contemporary Music Centre on Friday 9th March. The eight-hour marathon takes place in The Theatre in the Conservatory of Music and Drama, Rathmines from 10:30am and will be followed by a reception hosted at CMC.

Numerous concerts of new music take place throughout the day, programmed by Glen Austin, composer and PhD candidate at DIT and Dr Kerry Houston, Head of Department of Academic Studies, DIT. A panel discussion on developing relationships between composers and performers, featuring members of the Conservatory teaching faculty and chaired by Jonathan Grimes, Information and Digital Services Manager, the Contemporary Music Centre, will take place at 2pm.

Composition and performance students from all around Ireland including the University of Ulster, Magee (Derry); Trinity College Dublin (TCD); NUI Maynooth; University of Limerick (UL), and the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama itself are all participating in the event, which has been organized each year since 2006 by CMC.

The concert programmes for the day will be an eclectic mix of new instrumental, electroacoustic/acousmatic, mixed-media and live electronic pieces. The Contemporary Music Centre will document the marathon throughout the day with video coverage and a special video podcast will be on the Centre’s web site www.cmc.ie after the event.

The Contemporary Music Centre would like to acknowledge the support of the Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama for hosting this year’s marathon. Admission to all concerts during the day is free.

For further details see www.cmc.ie and www.dit.ie/conservatory

The Contemporary Music Centre’s annual Student New Music Marathon
Dublin Institute of Technology Conservatory of Music and Drama
Rathmines Road
Dublin 6

9 March 2012          Open to the Public        FREE ADMISSION
 
1030am – 11am         Registration and Coffee/Tea
11pm – 1pm              Concert Programmes
1pm – 2pm                Lunch
2pm – 3pm                Panel discussion
3pm – 530pm            Concert Programmes with coffee break
530pm – 630pm        Concluding remarks and wine reception

The Coronas-‘Mark My Words’

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

After another sell out tour in December, which included SIX nights in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, and The Coronas-'Mark My Words'following on from the success of the their massive hit single “Addicted To Progress”, The Coronas are back with their 2nd single from their 3rd album “Closer to You”. Just over 2 months since it’s release on Nov11th, “Closer To You” is the band’s fastest selling album to date and has already gone platinum in Ireland.
 
“Mark My Words”
Out NOW on iTunes / 3ú Records
The 2nd Single From the Platinum Album “Closer to You”
www.thecoronas.net
 

A Great Song Is Still The Answer

Written by Press Officer on . Posted in News.

A Great Song Is Still The Answer

The Music Show – RDS, Dublin – Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th February. Presented by Hot Press, in association with RTÉ 2fm.
 

Songwriting Panel

Sunday 26th – 4.30pm – A Great Song Is Still The Answer

The panel on songwriting will begin with ”Effin’ Songs”,  Brendan Graham’s attempt to answer the question –  ‘How did you write the effin’ song?’- along with special guests Brian Kennedy and Eimear Quinn.

It will go on to discuss what it is that makes a song that becomes part of the canon, the extraordinary reach of a brilliantly crafted song, and how it can take on a life of its own. Plus – where does the money go – and how can the artist ensure that he or she gets the deserved reward?

Brendan Graham (Novelist/Songwriter) + Brian Kennedy and Eimear Quinn

Eddi Reader (Singer/Songwriter)

Thomas Walsh (Pugwash)

Ken McHugh (Autamata)

Moderator: Colm O’Hare

As an IMRO member, you get an Access All Areas pass for this special rate:
 

One-day €10
Weekend €13

Enter the password: IMROAAAPASS
when you visit www.ticketmaster.ie/promo/h0xtfg?camefrom=CFC_IE_AFF_HP_TMS_IMRO%20brand=ie_musicshow

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