KCLR 96fm has received the inaugural Independent Radio Award in recognition of its ongoing support for Irish music creators. The award was presented to John Purcell, CEO of KCLR 96fm at the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) Annual Conference which took place in Dublin recently.
The Independent Radio Award is presented by IMRO to the radio station that featured the largest number of IMRO member works in its programming output. During 2009, KCLR 96FM was the biggest supporter of Irish music among the country's national, regional and local stations.
Pictured receiving the award at the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland Annual Conference is (centre) John Purcell, CEO of KCLR 96fm and IBI board member flanked by Willie O’Reilly, Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (left) and Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO (right).
I have recorded a new album in my own house, in my own time, with my friends, and it shows.
My name is Dave couse and I am still the greatest.
If you cant believe me then who can we trust.
Niall Crumlish? (state.ie)
I’m conscious of the absurdity of comparing Dave Couse to Beethoven. I have just spent two weeks with Alonewalk and it is such a thrilling and mysterious and moving record that, for now, the comparison stands.
Nick Kelly? (irish independent)
Couse has returned, Phoenix-like, with — shout it from the rooftops — the finest album of his career. No, really.
Released on 1969 Records, Alonewalk is a total revelation — the songs are written in a more classical mode, with nuanced cello (courtesy of Rike Soller) and electric guitar (courtesy of A House alumnus Fergal Bunbury) embroidering Couse's evocative, soulful piano melodies.
Tony clayton-lea? (the irish times)
So much here is the work of a singular songwriter getting to grips (as is his wont) with nitty-gritty subjects in a reflective, almost sombre (but always compelling) manner?
Colm O’ Hare? (hotpress)
Dave Couse’s place in the pantheon of great Irish songwriters is assured. His first solo album in five years finds him in a mellow, introspective mood blending classical song structures with pop, post rock and even doo-wop.
The songs range from the poignant, elegiac beauty of ‘what will become of us’ and ‘don’t say a word’ to the melodically quirky ‘good Friday’ which features another singularly unique Irish voice in Cathal coughlan.
John Meagher? (independent)
A pair of songs, ‘Black and White’ and ‘Don’t say a word’ are as good as anything he’s written, but the Standout song is ‘Good Friday’ With just eight tracks, ‘alonewalk’ doesn’t outlast its welcome and it’s a collection to reward the patient listener.
Aidan O’Connor. (Today fm)
While all of this may sound far removed from the caustic rock delivered so confidently by A House, these songs are some of the finest from Couse's pen. The brilliant Dennis Wilson-esque 'All Tomorrows' and duet with Cathal Coughlan on 'Good Friday' would be personal selections, but this is an album awash with so many fabulous songs that every listener will have their favourites.
Cathy Davey´s new album The Nameless has gone straight in at No.1!!
In April this year, Little Red, set the tone for what was to come. The first release from Cathy Davey following her departure from EMI, the single still nestles at the top of the Irish Airplay Chart thanks to the support of the radio community and the critics who lauded it as the best thing she’s done in her career to date.
Now, The Nameless, her new album has entered the Album Chart at # 1! An achievement we believe needs to be both heralded and welcomed as it’s not often an independently-released, Irish artist sits atop this particular chart. But thanks again to an enormous swell of critical acclaim and the aforementioned radio support she has comfortably swatted the opposition – including the combined might of AC/DC and Iron Man!
#1 Irish Album Chart
#1 Independent Chart
#1 7Digital *
#1 Itunes
Reviews of The Nameless:
Irish Times ****
Irish Independent ****
Sunday Business Post *****
Sunday Tribune ‘Album Of The Week´ 4/5 Hot Press****
Maighréad hails from Kilmallock in County Limerick and has based herself in London these past 4 years.
Submerged in east London , she's become a feature on the underground music scene hosting a monthly live electronica night 'The Shebeen Sessions' at Shoreditch's 3 Blind Mice Bar for over 2 years. There Maighréad honed her latest electro material – a mix of synth, electronica and pop topped off with a killer big voice you cannot ignore. With new video to promote her track SEA she's ready to take the Summer by storm. The video was directed and edited by http://www.markvideo.tv/ who has worked with Yazoo and Kayne West amongst others.
Remixes of the track are in the pipeline with electro masterminds DISCO DAMAGE & trip hop specialist JON KENNEDY. Digital releases to follow, news of which will be posted on facebook & twitter. Watch out for appearances at warehouse parties and festivals over the sunshine months – this lady is about to sizzle.
Featuring Tracks By Oliver Cole, Dave Geraghty, Delorentos, The Corrs, Noise Control, Neosupervital, Trevelle, The Aftermath, & Juno Falls
Coordinated, engineered, mixed and compiled by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar
Available From Sound Training Records – Catalog Number PR003
Physical Release Date: 21/05/10 exclusively at Tower Records, Dublin
Digital Release Date: 28/05/2010 on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby
::: LIVE :::
May 20th – Launch Party Show – BUTTON FACTORY, Dublin – May 20th – 10 Euros (Featuring Noise Control, Juno Falls, The Aftermath, and History of Harry)
May 21st – Album Launch in TOWER RECORDS, 6-8 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 – Starts at 1pm – includes a performance by the Delorentos
CD Tracklisting:
• Neosupervital – Just Be
• The Aftermath – Need
• Juno Falls – Same old Song and Dance
• Delorentos – Hallucinations
• Oliver Cole – Spotlight
• The Corrs – Spancill Hill
• Noise Control – Addiction
• Travelle – Big Blue Sky
• Dave Geraghty – Watch her Win ( Weensteen Mix )
"Behind Closed Doors"; is a charity album in aid of the ISPCC; coordinated, engineered, mixed and compiled by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar. "Behind Closed Doors" is an acoustic compilation of mainly unpublished and exclusive works from Irish artists which are not available anywhere else. The album was recorded in Temple Lane Studios; Temple Bar.
Artists featured on the album include the Corrs, Dave Geraghty, Juno Falls, Delorentos, Oliver Cole, Noise Control, Neosupervital, Trevelle and The Aftermath. "Behind Closed Doors" continues from last years "Sparks and Mind" album; in aid of Aware; which featured artists such as Bell X1, Lisa Hannigan, Damian Dempsey, Cowboy X, Ham Sandwich and The Thrills amongst others. The album will be released on "Sound Training Records" which was set up and run by a group of second year students in the Sound Training Centre.
We have chosen to work with the ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) this year to assist in their efforts on behalf of under privileged children in Ireland. The ISPCC was founded in 1889 and is Ireland’s oldest and most well-known children’s charity. ISPCC has developed and delivered innovative child centred services meeting the needs of children and their families. The ISPCC has a network of local regional centres in Castlebar, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Monaghan, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. It's four key services include childline, Leanbh, Childfocus, Teenfocus and the Mentoring support Project. On Christmas day alone last year Childline received 770 calls from children in distress. The ISPCC is an independent charity and receives no funding from the Irish government. For more information see www.ispcc.ie
Behind Closed Doors will be launched digitally on the 28th of May (available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby etc). The CD launch party will take place in the Button Factory on the 20th of May at 8pm and will feature acts such as Noise Control, Juno Falls, The Aftermath and History of Harry. Admission is 10 euros on the night. Physical release will take place on the 21st and will include a live performance from the Delorentos in Tower Records at 1 pm. The album is available exclusively from Tower Records.
You can keep in touch with us on the following websites
Karen Coleman recently launched her debut album ‘No Secret’ at the renowned Sugar Club in Lesson Street, Dublin, to a packed house, who by the end of the show were left screaming for more, such was its success. Helped in no small part by the exceptional band that Karen has put together which includes many of Ireland's top musicians who were involved in the project.
Karen has been a session singer for many years, and has recorded and performed with many of Irelands most successful artists, including Mary Coughlin, Dolores Keane, Rob Strong, Andrew Strong and more recently, the touring band The Commitments.
Two years ago Karen began her own personal journey from background vocalist to singer-songwriter. Over her years of touring, Karen has made many friends in the industry who, when asked, were only too delighted to take part in the recording of the album.
Karen did the recording in two beautiful lake-side houses in the Irish countryside, where she was joined by some of Ireland’s and indeed Europe’s leading session musicians.
Since the recording of ‘No Secret’, Karen was invited to Nashville to showcase her music, where she and her music were received as “a fresh and exciting new sound, from a very promising new songwriter.”
When Karen was asked why she didn’t do all this ten years ago, she simply said “ I couldn’t have written these songs ten years ago – I had to live them first! “
‘No Secret’ has eleven tracks – each with its own character and sound. However, it is the soulful vocals of Karen Coleman, the skill of her writing, and the honesty of her lyrics that make this a collection of songs for the discerning music lover.
HOTPRESS Vol 34 Issue 09 May 19 2010
FINE DEBUT FROM RENOWNED SESSIONEER
Even music fans who are not on nodding terms with her name have probably heard Karen Coleman in any of the many bands she’s performed with, including the Commitments. On her debut solo album, No Secret, she sprinkles her confident blend of soul, jazz and pop over a suite of her own heartfelt songs, like the title track and the sparkling ‘Chardonnay’. There’s a beguiling poignancy about ‘Father’, while ‘Heaven Blessed’ is spiced with Indian tablas and other exotica. The stylish arrangements stretch beyond predictable pop-soul formulae too. Her sterling band of musicians gives full value for money, notably in the form of the evocative brass contributions to ‘Tapestry’ and the delicious piano-lead ‘Times Like These’. No Secret is long-overdue, but well worth the wait.
Madrid based Garrett Wall Band are hoping to help kick-start the summer with a new single in June on their Mondegreen Records label. Being released around the same time as the World Cup the somewhat fittingly titled 2 Hours Later will be released on iTunes and all digital download stores and will also be available as a 4-track CD which will feature songs from their previous two albums, the recent Hands & Imperfections and 2008's Sky Pointing. The single will go to radio in late May and will be available at the bands live shows and from their website www.garrettwallband.com
Having completed a week long promo tour of the country in February the band are due to return to Ireland, volcano permitting, for more live shows starting July 7th with a gig in Clonmel at Brazil's Café, July 8th at Crane Lane Theatre in Cork and band favourite the Tally Ho in Longford. The band will also be performing in Boyle's Pub in Slane in a post-World Cup final daze no doubt, and at the Glór Sessions on Monday July 12th in the International Bar, Dublin.
Along with radio appearances on East Coast, Country Mix and a possible TV appearance the lads will be fitting in as much as possible in this even-minier Irish jaunt. They will also be touring Spain throughout the Summer with some appearances in Fnac stores in Madrid, Marbella, Malaga and Seville.
On another note Wall recently co-wrote and sang an ad for Coca Cola which will be aired in 87 countries worldwide. Since moving to Spain he has been heavily involved in writing and singing for TV and cinema with over 150 national campaigns under his belt at this stage.
Our Little Secrets, the Dublin-based band whose debut album was released on 7th May, are the collective efforts of chief composer Rhob Cunningham and a merry band of like-minded cohorts.
Rhob Cunningham has spent the last few years playing songs and breaking E strings in every venue imaginable in Ireland, to anyone who'd listen. This incessant touring has led to supporting roles including Lisa Hannigan, Bell X1, Cathy Davey, Mundy, Mick Flannery and the late John Martyn, as well as backing vocal duties on Hannigan's debut album 'Sea Sew'.
Rhob, along with a selection of truly musical humans, ensconced themselves in to various studios, basements, attics and kitchens in Wicklow and Kildare, not leaving until the basis for a full length album was in the bag. So now, some moons later, it's all ready to go and time to set it loose on some fresh pairs of ears.
The album features the strumming, hitting and plucking of Cormac Curran (Villagers/Cathy Davey), Ross Turner (Jape/I Am The Cosmos), Shane Holly (Jennifer Evans & The Ripe Intent) as well as sporting the considerable talents of the likes of Lisa Hannigan, Cathy Davey and Jenny Lindfors and assorted family and friends. Produced by Gavin Glass and mixed by Keith Farrell (The Duckworth Lewis Method) and mastered in the late Liam Clancy's studio in Dungarvan.
Our Little Secrets will be supporting The Villagers on their tour in May, followed by their own national tour in June.
Our Little Secrets Tracklisting
1. Roses song (from Harm)
2. Daylight
3. Naturesway
4. Good or bad thing
5. Her cup & her arms
6. One of a kind
7. Fallin’ in line
8. Could get special
9. Our dilemma
10. Moment when
11. Salomon fell
12. Mornin’ call
Talented songsmith Hugh Doolan hails from Drogheda, Co. Louth. A veteran of the Irish music scene Hugh has performed and recorded solo, and with bands, all around Europe. Some highlights include support to Christy Moore in Berlin’s Quasimodo club and Pierre Bensusan in Cesena, Italy; swapping songs with Glen Hansard in a UCD squash court at 6 a.m for charity in 1986 and recording an album of self-written Italo-Irish folk songs with Piemontese band In the Kitchen
“Slopey”, his first digital release – available now on CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon – is an album of melodic and catchy songs showcasing a heart-worn, folk-soul voice, each track carefully hewn from granite-like dedication with trusty collaborator Jason Ellis; think edgy yet tonally rich vocal delivery akin to Ray Lamontagne or even Nick Drake, with Lou Reed provider of lyrical slant.
Operating in the alternative/folk/folk-rock genre Hugh has left plenty of room for a boot-stamp of originality, where styles have a pendulum effect from track to track whilst still retaining soulful identity. Examples of this are heard on the mali-esque playfulness of “See Africa”, the sheer classic byrdsy tone of “Cupidz tune” and the intense brooding on “Crime”
Hugh is busy mastering a new album “Clear as day as the night is long” which will be released mid June. Preview tracks are available on Myspace and Grooveshark
Most of the songs on this album were recorded at home in Rush, Co. Dublin where alongside a bevy of new songs the remainder were taken from his extensive back-catalogue; the recording approach favours an ear for intimacy with the listener, soon drawing you into a broader landscape as the album progresses. Hugh hopes to be performing songs from the new album later this summer in and around Dublin.
Hugh and wife Sara Jane are also currently writing/recording a separate batch of country and folk songs aimed at female singers. If that wasn’t enough Hugh is a collaborator of sorts on Irish-run DJ social networking site www.rocudo.com which explores streamed yet remixable electronic music with effects!
R.S.A.G. have just announced that the new album Be It Right Or Wrong will be released on 11 June through the label A Rare Production.
Be It Right Or Wrong is the follow-up to the Choice Music Prize nominated debut Organic Sampler.
The first single to be taken from the album will be ‘The Roamer’
R.S.A.G. aka Jeremy Hickey will be touring around the country in June and has just announced the following dates:
Wed 16 June – Cyprus Avenue, Cork
Thu 17 June – Dolan’s, Limerick
Fri 18 June – Roisin Dubh, Galway
Thu 24 June – The Academy, Dublin
Sat 26 June – Spirit Store, Dundalk
Album track-listing:
1 BE IT RIGHT OR WRONG 2 BEFORE THEY MAKE YOU RUN 3 THE MESS WERE IN 4 THE ROAMER 5 MOVEMENT 6 THE BITTER SWING 7 HOTWIRE THE HEART 8 MERCY PLEA 9 HANGING ON A LIE 10 MAKE 11 ROOTS 12 TIME ON TRIAL
