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Author: Press Officer

European Parliament Calls for Action Against Coercive Contracts on VOD Platforms

The Culture and Employment Committees of the European Parliament have adopted a report with legislative recommendations on the various pressing issues on the working conditions of artists at EU level. The growing problem of buy-out contracts that prevents songwriters and composers’ fair remuneration and threatens their livelihood is rightly flagged as one of the main issues to be addressed at EU level. The report calls on the European Commission to propose the necessary measures to address such coercive and harmful practices of global players that try to bypass EU laws through choice of law and jurisdiction clauses.

This clear call for EU level action adds to the the previous Resolutions of the European Parliament over the last three years, the recent Open Method of Cooperation Report of the Member States, the French Presidency’s Report in 2022, Commission’s future media policy papers and Commissioner Breton’s personal commitment to address the issue of buy-out for creators, as he expressed several times publicly.

Véronique Desbrosses, the General Manager of GESAC said: “An important step has been reached today with this strong call for a European action against buy-outs from the two technical Committees of the European Parliament involved in the matter and we are thankful to them. The creators’ community relies on the European legislator to take the necessary measures to stop the unfairness in the market and ensure that global streamers comply with the EU rules and principles when they operate in Europe. Retention of copyright and authors right within Europe is essential for the future of European creativity and economy and we look forward to the confirmation of this strong position of the European Parliament in the Plenary vote”.

Background info on buy-out:
The buy-out contracts force creators to waive their copyright/authors’ rights in full or in part, and in perpetuity, effectively eliminating the possibility of receiving any future royalties from the use of their work. They are typically imposed directly by giant non-EU based VOD platforms or through their local producers and deprive composers of soundtracks of series, films or other audiovisual works of appropriate and proportionate remuneration, as well as the exercise of their moral rights, against the provisions of EU and national laws. They severely undermine creators’ ability to earn a living through their artistic work and authors even lose ownership of their work in the case of work-made-for-hire contracts. Refusing such buy-outs comes with a real risk of being blacklisted. The options for authors are either accepting the terms of a contract no matter how damaging they are, or losing the opportunity to ever work again with those most popular US-based VOD platforms.

Culture Crush 2023: Uniting Creativity and Technology – Tickets Now Available!

Culture Crush 2023, a groundbreaking event for the creative and cultural communities, is just around the corner! Tickets are now on sale, and you won’t want to miss this unique gathering of industry professionals and innovators.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, November 16th
  • Venue: The Complex, Dublin city centre

Culture Crush 2023 is a must-attend event for professionals working in a wide range of creative sectors, including film & TV, music, animation, games, immersive technologies, visual arts, performing arts, and more. This year, the event explores The Intersection of Creativity & Technology, a theme that resonates with every creative mind out there.

The event line-up features high-profile speakers and captivating performers who will inspire and enlighten you. Due to limited availability, we strongly recommend booking your tickets early to secure your spot.

🎫 Get Your Tickets: Culture Crush Tickets

Culture Crush 2023 is organised by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet (CCIS), a leading force in designing, developing, and delivering tailored, accessible, and affordable skills and talent development programs to meet the ever-evolving demands of the cultural and creative sectors. Learn more about CCIS at Creative Skillnet.

Stay connected with Culture Crush on Twitter, and be sure to like and share our posts to spread the word. When you post about the event on your own social media, don’t forget to use the hashtag

Supported by Skillnet Ireland, Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Bank of Ireland, and Furthr

New Single Alert: Mike Hanrahan – Stocktons Wing Presents “Craggy Hill”

“Craggy Hill,” is the captivating new single by Mike Hanrahan of Stocktons Wing. This track is the final instalment in his acclaimed “Songs from the Boxroom” series, and it’s a musical journey that carries the essence of Irish culture and history.

“Craggy Hill” is a song deeply inspired by Mike’s research into the Great Irish Cultural Revolution. At the heart of this song are the remarkable figures who shaped that era, particularly the poet, pacifist, and activist, Eva Gore Booth, and the women who played a pivotal role in the revolution. Mike’s song captures the spirit, resilience, and passion of these historical figures.

The “Songs from the Boxroom” series has been a profoundly creative period in Mike’s life, producing not only beautiful songs but also a few poems and even a short film in collaboration with Aldoc and artist Mick O Dea titled “The Ballad of The Crimson Warrior.”

Mike Hanrahan’s musical journey is all about collaborations, and “Craggy Hill” is no exception. He has joined forces with old and new friends to create this enchanting track. A special mention goes to his trusted collaborator, Gavin Glass, who handled the desk and production for the song and the talented Rachel Grace, whose exquisite vocals elevate the song to another level. The recording of the single took place at the heartwarming and inspiring Orphan Studios in Wexford.

Prepare to be swept away by the magic of “Craggy Hill,” as Mike Hanrahan continues to weave the rich tapestry of Irish culture and history through his music.

 

 

On the Air & On Top Ireland’s – Radio Elite Shine at IMRO Radio Awards!

The IMRO Radio Awards 2023 rolled out its red carpet to welcome the finest talents in Irish radio from across the island to the gala event at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny. This year’s event was hosted by comedian and broadcaster Oliver Callan, and with IMRO at the helm as the headline sponsor, the event was a great evening of recognition, reconnection and camaraderie.

Award winners at #IMRO23 include:

***Local Station of the Year***
‘Local Station of the Year’ showcases the best in local broadcasting. This year, the accolade goes to… CLARE FM. Their genuine connection with the local listeners and consistent content made them stand out.

***Music Station of the Year***
The ‘Music Station of the Year’ recognises a station that curates an engaging musical experience. The station that hit the right notes this year is…SPIN1038.

***National Station of the Year***
The ’National Station of the Year’ goes to… NEWSTALK. Their well-rounded programming and focus on listener engagement truly set them apart.

And let’s not forget a few more winners that have enriched the radio landscape this year:

**Breakfast Show of the Year: The Big Breakfast with Brendan and Rebecca, 98fm
**Documentary: Documentary on One: Blackrock Boys, RTÉ Radio 1
**Radio Moment of the Year: Losing my Boys to Suicide, LMFM
**News Broadcaster of the Year: Declan Harvey, BBC Radio Ulster

Having been inducted into the Hall of Fame in September this year, four inductees took to the stage at the Lyrath. John Bennett MBE (BBC Radio Ulster), Joe Finnegan (Shannonside/Northern Sound), Paddy Halpenny (formerly of Communicorp) and Mary Wilson (RTÉ Radio 1) were greeted with a standing ovation for their contributions to Irish Radio.

The Outstanding Achievement Award this year was won by Radiocentre Ireland and was accepted by Ciaran Cunningham, CEO of Radiocentre Ireland. Radiocentre is a body established by RTE and Independent Broadcasters of Ireland to promote audio as a marketing medium. All of Ireland’s radio operators have come together to promote the unbeatable reach and unique relationship enjoyed by Irish radio and its millions of listeners.

IMRO Radio Awards Committee Chairman Chris Doyle commented, “It is great to have the radio sector come together and celebrate the outstanding creativity and talent producing amazing radio in Ireland. Congratulations to all the winners.”

Chairperson of IMRO, Eleanor McEvoy, said, “The IMRO Radio Awards honour the dedicated professionals who have consistently pushed the boundaries of radio broadcasting, bringing innovation, inspiration and entertainment to their listeners. On behalf of IMRO, I would like to congratulate tonight’s winners. You have raised the bar, and your passion for radio continues to light up the lives of listeners throughout the entire country.”

Celene Craig, Broadcasting Commissioner, commented, “Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s new media regulator and development agency, would like to congratulate all nominees and winners this evening. An Coimisiún is delighted to celebrate the talent and innovation at work across the radio sector today and recognises that both winners and nominees tonight are an example of broadcasting expertise and experience that delivers quality programming day in and day out for listeners. We are delighted to sponsor the Awards and would like to extend our congratulations to all involved.”

As the evening wrapped up, there was a clear sense of optimism for the future of radio in Ireland. Here’s to another year of dynamic content and the talented individuals from both in front of and behind the mics who make it all happen.

For the full list of winners visit:  https://www.imroradioawards.ie/

Photo Credit: Andres Poveda

Calling All Young Composers: UCD Composition Ensemble Announces Exciting New Competition

UCD Composition Ensemble has announced an exciting opportunity for budding composers across the island of Ireland.  Students from Transition Year to Leaving Cert/A-Levels are invited to showcase their musical talents and originality.

How To Apply

This competition is free and open to students from Transition Year to Leaving Cert/A-Levels who are resident anywhere on the island of Ireland.

Compose for any combination of 1-4 instruments or voices (electronic parts are also possible).

The UCD Composition Ensemble ensemble line-up is highly flexible, so almost any combination of instruments can be accommodated. If in doubt, you can focus on the more commonly available instruments (e.g. voice, guitar, piano, bass, violin, viola, flute, clarinet, etc. etc., although many others are also possible). If you have any specific queries, please email composition@nullucd.ie.

You can write in any style – as what is being sought are original and creative voices! Submissions will be judged on the originality and coherence of the musical idea, how well the music is written for the chosen instruments, and how well-presented the score is.

Submit your original composition as a pdf, with an accompanying recording or MIDI realisation if possible. (You can create a MIDI file using notation software such as Sibelius or Musescore).

Include your name, contact details, and the name of your school.

The winning piece will be performed by the UCD Composition Ensemble in Ireland’s National Concert Hall on Friday 19th April 2024.

Email your entries to composition@nullucd.ie

Deadline for submissions: January 18th 2024

 

 

Drumlinia Music Week 12,13, 14 October 2023 Cavan Town

Singer-songwriter Don Mescall, in collaboration with Cavan Institute and Cavan Arts Office, is excited to announce the inaugural Drumlinia Music Week, happening on October 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2023, in Cavan town. This event, conceived by Don Mescall, who serves as the executive producer, is designed to inform, inspire, and facilitate connections for both up-and-coming musicians and those with established careers in the music and media industry.

Day 1 – ‘Industry Day’ – Thurs 12th October 2023 Venue Cavan Institute, Cathedral Road, Cavan

Louise O’Reilly will MC and each guest speaker will chat about a topic associated within their expertise.

Our panel of Industry Leaders include:

Willie Kavanagh – Chair of Irish Recorded Music Assoc. & co-founder of Taranis Music label, former MD of EMI Records.
Barbara Galavan  – Director at McGuinness Whelan Music, former CEO of Screen Producers Ireland
Dave Fanning  – Legendary DJ
Chris Kelly – Marketing Manager, SONY Music Ireland
Lottie Ryan – Podcaster, Irish TV & Radio Presenter (Former Winner of Dancing With The Stars)
John Masterson – Journalist, Broadcaster, Producer & PR Expert
Mick D’Arcy –Marketing & Membership Executive at IMRO
Alejandro Jara Weitzmann – CEO & Founder of Smart Republic
Mary Callery – Head of International / Executive Producer at Shinawil & Former Head of Drama at RTE


Day 2 – Music Industry Workshops – Fri 13th October 2023, Cavan Institute, Cathedral Road and Conaty Centre, Drumalee

Day two of the event will comprise of various workshops facilitated by renowned musicians who have paved a successful career in the music industry and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

Venue: Cavan Institute Campus

Vincent Macklin & Pat O’Sullivan – ‘Live Sound Set Up’
Don Mescall – Songwriting Workshop
James Shannon – Guitar ‘Chet Atkins’ Style
Michele Busdraghi – Film Score
Emanuele Contis – Saxophone
Emma King – Percussion
Paul Sherry – Guitar ‘Solo’
Daniele Russo – Drumming Workshop

Venue: The Conaty Centre

Bazil Meade – Vocal Choir Workshop
Celine Byrne – Masterclass in Vocal Technique *4 participants only – based on selection process


Day 2 – Classical at the Cathedral with Celine Byrne – Fri 13th October 2023 at 8pm , Venue Cathedral of St Patrick and St Felim

Classical at the Cathedral with Celine Byrne

The acclaimed Irish Soprano Celine Byrne and her string section will perform a select repertoire in the serene setting of the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Felim, Cavan in a special fundraising concert for the building restoration.   The show will be hosted by TV presenter/author Mary Kennedy , with special guests Cavan Cathedral Choir directed by Eileen Tackney and Cobhla Surlis winner 2019 SOLOLIST . 

Tickets for Classical at the Cathedral available from Multisound Cavan and online at www.townhallcavan.com.

 Day 3: ‘The Listening Rooms’ – Saturday 14th October 2023, A host of Cavan shops

A music trail in Cavan town where a selection of venues will host one singer / songwriter for a 20-minute slot. The performers will be chosen by an independent adjudication panel based on their application.   There will be a live recording on the day & a CD will be compiled of one song from each artist. Also one lucky artist will be given the opportunity to record a song at ‘Quivvy Church Studio’ under the guidance of Don Mescall!

Venues for Drumlinia Music Weekend: Cavan Institute, Conaty Centre and a host of local businesses in Cavan Town.

For more information please visit www.cavanarts.ie and follow @Drumliniamusic on Facebook & Instagram

Four Illustrious Names Join the IMRO Radio Awards Hall Of Fame 2023

The IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame, since its initiation, stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of Irish radio. Past inductees have been luminaries of the industry, with names such as Joe Duffy, Marian Finucane, Pat Kenny, Ian Dempsey, Aine Lawlor, and Gay Byrne gracing the honour roll.

This Wednesday, September 13, the annual Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at the IMRO office in Dublin. The IMRO Radio Awards Committee proudly announce the induction of four new members into its Hall of Fame. These inductees, chosen by an esteemed group of their contemporaries in the Irish radio community, span from national to local broadcasting. They have been selected not just for their longevity in the industry but for the unparalleled skill, unwavering passion, and deep love for radio they’ve showcased throughout their careers.

The 2023 inductees are:

  • John Bennett MBE from BBC Radio Ulster, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the broadcasting landscape.
  • Joe Finnegan from Shannonside Northern Sound is celebrated for his captivating voice and compelling storytelling.
  • Paddy Halpenny, formerly of Communicorp, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the direction of Irish radio.
  • And Mary Wilson from RTÉ Radio 1, renowned for her incisive journalism and unwavering dedication to truth in broadcasting.

The legacy these figures are creating is a testament to the power and influence of radio in Ireland. As the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame continues its tradition of honouring the best in the industry, the class of 2023 is a reminder of the enduring impact of these icons in the world of broadcasting.

John Bennett, MBE, is one of Northern Ireland’s best-loved and most versatile personalities. Since joining the BBC in 1956, he has presented music, entertainment, sports, and current affairs programmes with equal prowess. His distinctive voice, warmth and breadth of knowledge have forged special bonds with listeners worldwide for close to 7 decades, sharing in their highs and lows and always giving them a voice.

John launched BBC Radio Ulster, with Gloria Hunniford, on New Year’s Eve in 1973. He is the head of the Station’s family. He is also well-known as “The President” of The Sunday Club – a 2-hour programme of beautifully curated music, mystery voices, yarns and listener requests – closing our weekend out: one which he has presented for the last 44 years. Such is its popularity that in 2015 the Station introduced The Saturday Club to its schedules. Again, John’s charisma and deep understanding of the audience made this a run-away success.

His appreciation of pace and tone and his ability to put even the biggest star at ease make him a master of the long-form interview. His celebrity interview series “With Bennett” has taken him into scores of starry living rooms and hotel foyers – from Spike Milligan to Janet Street-Porter and Jasper Carrot – and his special Christmas morning programme, “Calling Home”, has connected families at home and abroad for several decades.

John presented BBC Radio Ulster’s morning show (9000-1030) for 10 years, from 1993 to 2003. Spanning current affairs, entertainment and music, his understanding of “good radio” made it a superb listen. His irrepressible passion for football also made him a go-to commentator for hundreds of live matches – not least at Wembley Arena.

In January this year, John was awarded an MBE by King Charles III in his inaugural New Year Honours list for services to Television and Radio Broadcasting. This was widely celebrated by listeners, colleagues and industry professionals, coming in his 80th birthday year.

In a news article about The Sunday Club, John recently spoke of his special bond with listeners:

“I get emails, texts and letters from quite literally all over the world. People tune in from Japan, Australia, and the States, and they’re not all ex-pats, just people who picked it up on the internet and like the music. It’s like a family, a communion with a small-c. They write and tell you their problems. It’s nice.

“I’ve had correspondence that has reduced me to tears. People ask me for details of the signature tune that we use because their mother, or their grandmother, wanted it played at their funeral. A fortnight ago someone asked for a dedication for a lady because she was very ill, and apparently, she heard the programme, was delighted to hear her name mentioned and died that night, just afterwards. They just got in touch to say thanks for playing it, to say she so enjoyed it, and that she was happy in the end.”


Joe Finnegan
 is a household name in Irish radio broadcasting, having worked for over 34 years as a highly successful current affairs presenter, journalist, director, and station manager at Shannonside Northern Sound. He started his career in radio in the mid-1980s, and in 1989, he was instrumental in the setup of the station that was Shannonside and was one of its shareholders. Joe was the first voice heard on Shannonside Radio, covering counties Longford, Roscommon, and South Leitrim. In 1995, Shannonside and Northern Sound’s licences were combined to create the first regional station in Ireland, which broadcasts to 5 counties in 3 provinces.

As station manager, he and his fellow directors developed and implemented a successful programme policy which not only made Shannonside Northern Sound the most listened-to station in the region but it also involved the recruitment and training of staff who went on to achieve great recognition within the two main National Broadcasters.

In The RTE Family, Damien O’Reilly, Sinead Hussey, Fran McNulty, Justin Treacy, and Declan Mc Bennett, among others, started out in the Shannonside Northern Sound School of Broadcasting, as did Paul Quinn, Mairead Cleary (Virgin Media) and Grainne McElwain (TG4/GAA GO)

The station consistently remains in the top 5 local radio stations in the country. He was a contributor to the formation of IRS and Learning Waves and would have been the point of contact for the IRTC and the BCI from 1989 until 2007.

The JF Show debuted in 1989 and quickly gained a reputation for its insightful and engaging coverage of local, national, and international news and current affairs. The show features a mix of interviews, debates, and analysis and has become a must-listen for anyone interested in politics, business, or social issues in the region. Joe’s interviewing style is one of the reasons why the JF Show is so popular. He will ask tough questions while still maintaining a respectful and engaging tone with his guests. His ability to put his guests at ease and encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions has made him a favourite among listeners and guests alike. Joe has interviewed everyone from local politicians and community leaders to national and international figures. The JF Show has won numerous awards for his broadcasting, including several PPI/IMRO National Radio Awards.

Following Radio Kerry’s acquisition of Shannonside Northern Sound in 2006, Joe oversaw the transition before stepping down from his role as Programme Controller in 2008. Joe continued to present the JF Show and work with the new management to help continue the success story that is Shannonside Northern Sound.

Joe’s achievements in broadcasting are a testament to his talent and dedication. He has played a pivotal role in the development of Shannonside Northern Sound and has helped to make it one of the most successful radio stations in the country. His work on the JF Show has helped to shape public opinion and has provided a platform for people to engage with important issues in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, Joe Finnegan is a highly accomplished broadcaster who has made an indelible mark on Irish radio for more than 34 years. He is a true icon of Irish broadcasting and a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, talent, and passion.

Patrick (Paddy) Halpenny, AKA ‘the General,’ was Chief Executive of Communicorp from 1997 to 2013. When he joined Communicorp, it consisted of 98FM in Dublin and Kiss in Prague. During the next fifteen years, Communicorp grew to a portfolio of 42 stations in 9 countries.

Communicorp owned and operated two Irish national stations, two local stations in Dublin and one regional youth station. It became an international radio operator with stations from Dublin to Tallinn, Budapest to Helsinki and Sofia to Kyiv.

Paddy Halpenny thought deeply about the Irish Radio Market and how it should develop into a strong and independent sector that could withstand any number of unforeseen challenges.

As important as the regulator, the shareholders, and the on-air talent are, Paddy believed most in the professional development of the executives who ultimately operate the radio stations on a day-to-day basis. He poured a huge amount of his time into mentoring his people. What Paddy liked to call the “reading and writing” what consultants call the “brilliant at the basics.”

Paddy was a stickler for accuracy in numbers and language, underpinned by his ability for thinking about what was not around the next corner but the fifth next corner!  Paddy steered Newstalk from a Dublin station to a successful National station. He valued creativity and risk, which resulted in the hiring of new talent who were to become our brightest and best.

With the collapse of INN in 2010, he oversaw the replacement of a cost-effective and accurate National hourly news service for local radio.

Paddy is a major contributor to the success of the Irish Radio Sector, and much of what he achieved went unnoticed by those outside the industry.

Deeply private and highly intelligent, Paddy kept a low profile, happy for others to stand in the limelight as he continued to drive the business to the highest standards.

Mary Wilson hails from Drangan in South Tipperary and joined RTÉ’s local radio service in Cork in 1989 after a career in provincial journalism and PR.

Mary later moved to the RTÉ Dublin Newsroom in 1990 to work as a reporter on Morning Ireland and later worked in all areas of radio and TV news as a correspondent, editor and presenter.

Mary was the station’s legal affairs correspondent and editor for ten years, 1996-2006, winning the National Journalist of the Year Award 2000 and multiple awards in the Justice Media Awards for her news and documentary coverage on radio TV and Primetime.

In 2006, Mary was asked to anchor the newly launched Drivetime radio show and stayed with the show for 14 years bringing listenership to a high of 265,000 listeners.

In 2020 she returned to Morning Ireland to join the presenting team on the most listened-to programme in the Irish radio Market.

 

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IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame inductees to date:

Micheál O’Muircheartaigh – RTÉ Radio 1
Jimmy Magee – RTÉ Radio1
Des Whelan – WLR FM
Marian Finucane – RTÉ Radio 1
Gay Byrne – RTÉ Radio1
Larry Gogan – RTÉ 2fm
Mario Rosenstock – Today FM
Gerry Ryan – 2fm
Ronan O’Rahilly – Radio Caroline
Candy Devine – Downtown
Seán Bán Breathnach – RTÉ Raidio Na Gaeltachta
Joe Duffy – RTÉ Radio 1
Bill Goulding – RTÉ
Liam O’Shea – clare fm
Tony Fenton RIP – Today FM
Paul Claffey – Midwest Radio
Áine Lawlor – RTÉ Radio 1
Walter Love – BBC Radio Ulster
Gerry Anderson – BBC Radio Ulster
Pat Balfe – Communicorp
Des Cahill – RTÉ Radio 1
Henry Owens RIP – Red FM
Seamus McKee – BBC Radio Ulster
Eamon Buttle – South East Radio
Trevor Campbell – Downtown Radio
Ian Dempsey – Today FM
Dave Fanning – RTÉ 2fm
Linda McAuley – BBC Radio Ulster
Séamus Mac Géidigh RIP – RTÉ Raidió Na Gaeltachta
Billy McCarthy RIP – WLR FM
Joe King – Broadcast Technical Services Limited
Pat Kenny – Newstalk
Margaret Nelson – FM104/Q102
Willie O’Reilly
Ian Wilson – RTÉ Radio 1 & 2fm
Sean Moncrieff – Newstalk
Ronan Collins – RTÉ Radio 1
Paul Byrne – Radio Kerry
Declan Meehan – East Coast FM
George Hamilton – RTÉ Lyric FM
Patricia Messinger – C103
Stephen Clements RIP – BBC Radio Ulster/Go Q Radio
Rachael English – RTÉ Radio 1
Keith Finnegan – Galway Bay FM
Albert Fitzgerald RIP – Midlands 103

Melodic Magic at City Hall: Tony Floyd Kenna and Downtown Detroit Jon

Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable musical journey as we step into the enchanting world of Culture Night 2023 in Dublin. On this magical evening, two extraordinary songwriters, Tony Floyd Kenna and the enigmatic Downtown Detroit Jon, will grace us with their soul-stirring melodies at the illustrious City Hall Dublin.

Get ready to be transported into a realm of musical wonder as Tony and Jon take the stage, promising to deliver a performance filled with their original compositions that have captured the hearts of audiences far and wide. Among the treasures they’ll be sharing with us are beloved classics like “This Alien Has Landed,” the evocative “July,” the introspective “I Dreamed I Was A Good Man,” and the emotionally charged “Give Me A Reason.”

What makes this evening truly exceptional is the majestic ambiance of City Hall itself. With its renowned acoustics, City Hall is a hallowed venue that will lend an ethereal quality to the already captivating tunes of Tony and Jon.

So, mark your calendars and set your alarms for 4:45 PM on Friday, September 22nd, as the first strum of their guitars.

GIPSY KINGS Turn to IMRO Member for New Single

The legendary Gipsy Kings have turned to IMRO Member, Brendan Graham, for lyrics to their new single ABANDONADO, released this Friday to promote the band’s 2023/2024 world tour. ABANDONADO is taken from the band’s Renaissance album.

The Mayo-based songwriter is best known as the lyricist of You Raise Me Up, and for writing/composing Ireland’s last two winning Eurovision songs, Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids (1994) and The Voice (1996).

Gipsy Kings founder, Tonino Baliardo announcing the news, said: ‘Our new single Abandonado will be out on September 8th. The lyrics will be in English and have been written by Brendan Graham, who wrote the worldwide hit You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. We are very excited about this release’.

Abandonado (Abandoned) is a typical Gipsy Kings, guitar driven melody, with the passionate emotion of loss and abandonment captured by Baliardo’s extraordinary vocal expression of Graham’s lyric.

‘It was an honour to be asked’ Graham said…’as well as a challenge, to write an English lyric for this legendary band and the unique voice of Tonino Baliardo. It’s one of the joys of being a songwriter when the song works, and it gets embraced by artistes of such stature as the Gipsy Kings’.

Songwriter by Default

Graham, who became a full-time ‘songwriter by default’, in his late 40’s, has had songs recorded and performed by artistes across a wide spectrum of music: Josh Groban w Aretha Franklin, Westlife, The Chieftains w Liam Neeson, Johnny Mathis, opera’s Sumi Jo, Trad & Folk artistes, Dervish, Karen Matheson, Seán & Dolores Keane, etc. Three of the 78-year old’s songs feature on Breath Upon the Flame, the current album from the Dublin Brass Ensemble, featuring Eimear Quinn.

In the Pipeline

Meanwhile, Cathy Jordan, pianist Feargal Murray and guests, have completed STORYBOOK – The Songs of Brendan Graham, set for release in the coming months.

The songwriter will host a gala concert of his songs with the National Symphony Orchestra and a wide range of artistes at the NCH in January 2024.

The Gipsy Kings play Dublin’s Olympia Theatre in March, 2024.

Breaking the Dial: Record entries for IMRO Radio Awards 2023

The biggest moment in the world of Irish radio has arrived! The IMRO Radio Awards proudly presents the shortlist for 2023. Showcasing the best of radio from across the whole island, this year’s awards promise to be an unforgettable celebration. #IMRO23 Gala Awards night will be held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel on Friday 6th October 2023.

This year, the airwaves echoed with an unmatched number of entries, setting a new benchmark for the competition. Regional, Local and national stations from every corner of Ireland brought their A-game, resulting in a challenging yet rewarding judging process.

Over 110 judges dedicated their time and expertise to choose a list that represents the pinnacle of Irish broadcasting. The nominations highlight a diverse range of talent, proving that Irish radio continues to thrive and inspire.

The IMRO Radio Awards committee and headline Sponsors IMRO extends its heartiest congratulations to all the nominees. Their dedication, innovation, and flair truly define the spirit of outstanding broadcasting. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the awards ceremony, where the best will be honoured.

Celene Craig, Broadcasting Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, one of the Awards sponsors, commented: “Continuing the support of its predecessor, the BAI, Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to sponsor the IMRO Awards this year. Radio remains a key source of information for people and brings high-quality and diverse programming to listeners across the country. The IMRO Awards showcases the creativity, talent and dedication of those working in radio to deliver such content. I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and wish them luck on the Awards night.”

See www.imroradioawards.ie for the full list of nominations.

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