ICE and Triller agree a multi-territory licensing deal for the musical works represented by the ICE Core.
The deal covers Triller from its launch and will support the growing service by licensing it into 160+ territories for rights represented by ICE’s society and publisher rights holders (PRS for Music, GEMA, STIM, IMRO, Concord, Downtown and Peer). The deal reflects the essential value that songwriters bring to these types of services and includes a partnership on developing data reporting to ensure accurate and timely distribution of royalties to rights owners.
Both sides have worked constructively to deliver a deal that supports the innovative utilisation of music in a way that is sustainable for creators.
Mike Lu, CEO at Triller“We found this to be a really smooth process, reflecting both ICE’s experience in licensing a wide range of digital services and our own approach in seeking fair deals with rightsholders. Together the shared knowledge proved invaluable in both addressing a range of challenges, agreeing the present and mapping out how this could develop in the future. We look forward to offering our users an unparallel experience on the Triller app.”
Ben McEwen, VP Commercial at ICE “This deal is a good example of forward thinking. In addition to agreeing commercial terms, we’ve been able to explore collaboration in areas of dataflows and reporting. Working together, this reflects a digital service pioneering new ways of utilising music, and doing so on a basis that recognises the vital contribution songwriters make to their service. Triller has displayed a positive approach to our dealings to date, and there’s a strong foundation for future development.”
Launched in 2016, the ICE core licence brings together the work of members and songwriters from GEMA, STIM, PRS for Music, Concord, Downtown/Songtrust, Peer music and IMRO. ICE has a nine-strong licensing team, including dedicated resource focussing on data analysis and insight to ensure we are delivering ‘best in class’ commercial outcomes and market data for our growing customer base. Licensed to more than 50 services, across a scope of more than 130 territories, the ICE Core has delivered distributions of more than €500m to its rightsholder customers to date and is a key component for today’s DSPs.
Tonight, on a Livestream replacing the annual Gala Dinner, the 2020 winners of the IMRO Radio Awards were announced with Newstalk taking home Station of the Year, Cork’s RedFM winning Music Station of the Year and WLR being crowned Local Station of the Year.
The usual gala dinner was transported into the virtual world with a Livestream ceremony hosted by Dermot Whelan. Hundreds of radio people from all over the island of Ireland tuned in from the comfort and safety of their homes to watch the winners be revealed. While the annual get together could not take place this year, the evening was a resounding success with special performances from some of Ireland top music artists along with video messages from famous Irish faces wishing everyone in radio the very best.
2020 has been the year where radio shone at its brightest. Amidst the Pandemic, radio has kept us company, informed and educated us. Those familiar voices have kept many working from home or doing long shifts at the front line entertained and up to date.
The Livestream started on a poignant note with memories of the radio family that left us in the last year. A video played with faces from local radio and those behind the scenes along with the well-known greats who were IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame recipients of the past; Gay Byrne, Marian Finucane and Larry Gogan.
Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards, Chris Doyle, said “This year has been a challenge in lots of ways, the committee was faced with the decision to abandon the awards for 2020 or to host this virtual ceremony and I am delighted we decided to go ahead. The radio industry has delivered excellent broadcasting this year providing trusted news and information as well as entertainment and company to listeners. While many rightly stayed at home to flatten the curve, the essential service of radio went above and beyond going the extra mile which is testament to the commitment of all those involved in the industry”.
Eleanor McEvoy, Chair of main sponsors IMRO said “For one night every year, the IMRO Radio Awards break down our geographical barriers and unite all Irish radio stations and bring them together. IMRO would like to congratulate each and every one of this year’s winners. The quality, distinction, passion, care and attention that they have put into their work has made them stand out from the rest and ensure that the highest calibre of radio is broadcast into our lives everyday”.
Michael O’Keefe, Chief Executive of sponsors Broadcasting Authority of Ireland gave this message “The BAI is proud to continue its support of the annual IMRO Radio Awards and I would very much like to congratulate the winners and nominees in each category tonight. All are reflective of the array of talent working in the radio sector today. In a year which has proven particularly challenging for the industry due to the COVID pandemic, paying tribute to the continued delivery of high quality and diverse programming for listeners is more important than ever. The ongoing commitment of IMRO to deliver the awards night, albeit in a new format, and celebrate the creativity and innovation across the sector is commendable. The BAI would like to extend its congratulations to all involved”.
The Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund, in partnership with Business to Arts is open for applications. The Fund will distribute a total of €1 million between 2020 and 2022 and is designed to support artists and arts projects across the island of Ireland. This announcement brings the Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together community investment to €3 million.
The Arts Fund will support or commission artists and arts organisations to develop arts projects, enhancing the wellbeing of the participants, audiences and communities involved. All art forms are eligible and the aim is for the projects to benefit a range of audiences. The Fund will also support arts projects that have been adapted due to COVID-19, or are inspired by / respond to COVID-19
Francesca McDonagh, Group Chief Executive, Bank of Ireland said, “Our wellbeing as a country depends on our rich culture and heritage continuing to thrive. Through this Fund we are building on Bank of Ireland’s long history of supporting the arts. There is no better time than when artists, like communities across the island, are struggling in the face of the pandemic. This programme is part of our wider contribution to helping the recovery of communities and businesses across Ireland.”
Catherine Martin, TD, Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht said, “The arts sector has been severely impacted by COVID-19 and the Government has been working to support artists over the past six months. The Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund, in the great tradition of business supporting creative communities, is a very welcome programme that will be embraced by artists and their local communities.”
Andrew Hetherington, CEO, Business to Arts said, “We are acutely aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on the revenue sources for the arts sector. The establishment of this fund with Bank of Ireland sets a new way for businesses to support arts projects in their local communities. We look forward to partnering with Bank of Ireland and seeing the arts projects that have been supported by the fund realised throughout 2021.”
The Begin Together Arts Fund is a new strand of the Bank of Ireland Begin Together programme and brings the Bank’s community investment to €3 million. Launched in February 2020, the Begin Together programme originally had three strands – the Begin Together Fund, the Begin Together Awards and Begin Together Colleagues, all contributing to community initiatives across the Island. In April, Bank of Ireland also donated a further €1 million in emergency funding to communities with urgent needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
About the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund:
The Fund will provide fees to artists or groups of artists to create new work and help maximise the budgets of partner organisations (e.g. arts organisations, community/voluntary organisations, etc.) for their programme of activity.
Artists or groups of artists applying must work with a partner organisation (e.g. a venue or event, arts organisation, community/voluntary organisation or another funding agency/organisation). Applicants can request funds between €3,000 – €10,000 / c. GBP£2,500 – £8,400, and average grants will be €5,000 / GBP£4,200, with maximum grants of €10,000 / GBP£8,400. Arts projects with larger budgets that have secured funds elsewhere are encouraged to apply. With each grant round, the Fund aims to provide funding to an arts project in each county on the island of Ireland.
Closing date for the first round of applications is Wednesday, 4 November at 5pm. The second round will open in April 2021. Go to www.businesstoarts.ie/artsfund/bank-of-ireland for information on the application process and to complete the online application form.
Minding Creative Minds (MCM), Ireland’s first 24/7 wellbeing support programme for the Irish Music community was launched in June for artists, songwriters, music managers and event sector personnel. MCM are now in a position to open upthis crucial serviceto the entire music sector with immediate effect. Whatever your role within the music sector, MCM are there for you. Are you a musician, artist, songwriter, artist manager, event production crew, work in music PR, marketing, event management, music admin or live venue staff? If you or someone you know in this sector is in need of emotional support or someone to talk with about financial, career or legal matters please log onto www.mindingcreativeminds.ie
Minding Creative Minds (MCM) is a 32 county and Irish overseas well-being support programme. MCM had hoped to open its programme to the full music sector by its first anniversary in June 2021. Being able to expand to the entire sector some nine months ahead of its original schedule is well beyond initial expectations for the initiative which can now offer more assistance to those in need especially at this time as our industry’s personnel are also trying to deal with additional issues directly related to Covid-19. Fast forwarding this expansion is made possible due to the continued support of industry funding partners and as a result of the service been chosen as a beneficiary of EPIC Working Group’s (www.epicwg.com) fundraising initiative, Songs From An Empty Room held in July and ongoing We Are The Support Act fundraising initiatives https://wearethesupportact.com
Of this expansion founder Dave Reid said, “We are delighted to announce the expansion of Minding Creative Minds which will give musicians and people involved in all sectors of the Irish Music Sector the opportunity to mind their mental wellbeing and be able to contact qualified counsellors and experts in different fields such as financial planning, legal and career matters enabling expert advice and helping to manage personal issues they might be facing. Working in collaboration with our partner organisations we can now provide a credible support structure for the entire sector.
Musician and mental health advocate Niall Breslin (Bressie) says, “Music has always been the world’s greatest therapist, but sometimes those that provide such therapeutic comfort to others with their music, need some help of their own, and that’s why minding creative minds is so crucial “
Successful and respected singer, songwriter Gavin James says, “I am delighted to hear Minding Creative Minds (MCM) is now able to expand its services to all musicians and all people working in the full Irish Music Sector. Minding Creative Minds (MCM) is a first of its kind for Ireland, it’s a free 24/7 wellness, counselling, financial and legal advice service. Please make contact if you work in the music and live event sectors and need either emotional support or practical advice. Minding Creative Minds is here for you and contacting them is easy, just log onto www.mindingcreativeminds.ie for all the details.”
The Minding Creative Minds funding partners are First Fortnight (Lead Partner), IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation), IRMA (Irish Recorded Music Association), MCD Productions, RAAP (Recorded Artists, Actors & Performers), Universal Music Ireland and the BAI (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland)
There has been a substantial uptake of users during the first three months of the Minding Creative Minds programme and of those who contacted the service 40% did so seeking mental health consultation with over 26% actually having either video or telephone counselling and over 37% wanted practical advice (career guidance, financial assistance, legal assistance and life coaching). During the first three months since its launch 55% of those who have contacted the MCM are women. 47% of MCM’s users are based in Dublin, over 10% in Munster, 12%+ from Connacht, close on 5% from Ulster and there have been people contacting the service from London also.
“During these very challenging times for the Live events industry with no clear roadmap for recovery, the services offered by Minding Creative Minds will be essential to so many. We will continue to do everything we can to support this great initiative and to spread the word so that all live events personnel know they are not alone and that this free 24/7 wellness, counselling, financial and legal advice service is available to help them and give much needed support in the weeks and months ahead. At a time when we are most disconnected we want to support those who help connect us the most.”Kim O Callaghan MCD Project Manager & Deputy Event Controller
Minding Creative Minds (MCM) is a free 24/7 wellbeing support programme for the Irish Music Sector, delivered by Spectrum Life.
First dedicated wellbeing support programme for the Irish Music Sector
Assisting the creative community through COVID-19 challenges and beyond
MCM includes access to the following Wellbeing services:
24/7 Dedicated Phone Line (Phone 1800 814 244) (Calling from NI – 0800 0903677)
Counselling Service (Short term intervention / Up to 6 Sessions)
Telephone Counselling
Secure Video Counselling
Extensive Web Portal and App enabling live chat function with a counsellor
In addition to the mental health support system offered, Minding Creative Minds looks at the whole individual resulting in the programme also offering access to a number of additional services structured to help users with various issues they may face such as:
Advice on practical, day-to-day issues that cause anxiety and stress
Legal Assistance for a range of issues
Financial Assistance and Consumer Advice
Career Guidance and Life Coaching
Support for Non-Irish Nationals and their families
Mediation for conflict resolution
“As musicians and writers, we have always been susceptible to the stresses and strains that are part and parcel of the challenging environment that we call the music industry, but never before have we faced the level of uncertainty that is now before us. Creative people, by our nature, have a particular set of pressures that are specific to our work and our nature. This comprehensive programme is specifically designed to cater for these issues. I have no doubt that this initiative will save lives.” – Eleanor McEvoy, IMRO Chairperson.
“If ever there was a right time to offer support to people affected by the Covid 19 Pandemic that time is now. We at the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) are helping to fund this great Mental Health initiative ‘Minding Creative Minds’ and we hope it will assist people in the music Industry to deal with the issues of mental wellbeing.”Willie Kavanagh, Chairman of IRMA
“Musicians and members of the creative sector, with their particular professional pressures and community standing, are likely to be experiencing both good and bad days – there may be moments of clarity alongside moments when it all feels too much. ‘Minding Creative Minds’ is here to provide you with the support you need at the time you need it. Launching on June 1st, ‘Minding Creative Minds’ is an independent, confidential, complimentary mental health support that is accessible to members of the music sector and their dependants across Ireland, at any time of the day or night. We hope that knowing this support is here for you gives you some solace on both the good and bad days which may lie ahead”Emelina Ellis, Clinical Lead Spectrum Life
Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht has announced the membership of the Arts and Culture Recovery Task Force.
Clare Duignan will chair the Task Force and the other members will be:
Arts Council
Business to Arts
Council of the National Cultural Institutions
County and City Management Association (CCMA)
Department of Health
Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht
Department of Social Protection
Ealaín na Gaeltachta
Events Industry Alliance
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
National Campaign for the Arts
Irish Music Rights Organisation
Irish Theatre Institute
Screen Ireland
Screen Producers Ireland
Denise Chaila
Martin Hayes
The Terms of Reference are as follows:
The Taskforce will prepare a report for the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht including a set of recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector can adapt and recover from the unprecedented damage arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector includes culture, the arts, the audiovisual industry and the live entertainment industry. Taking as its starting point, the research and evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the sector compiled by the Department, the Arts Council and other stakeholders, the Taskforce will:-
adopt a solution-focused approach;
seek sector-specific expert input and consult with stakeholders;
invite additional individuals or expertise to attend meetings on an ad hoc basis, as it deems necessary;
focus on providing intelligence and recommendations for an expected on-going and varying impact of COVID-19 restrictions;
identify immediate and medium term goals for recovery and sustainability in the sector;
identify possible policy initiatives or impediments to a robust sustainable recovery in the sector;
recommend whole of Government policy initiatives and actions to support the sector;
report to the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht by the 31 October 2020 in order to provide the Government with an action-plan for the sector.
The taskforce can be contacted at taskforce@nullchg.gov.ie and all correspondence will be published in due course.
Speaking today, Minister Martin said:“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the arts and culture sectors. Live performances, theatre, music and events have all but disappeared from society. Identifying ways of preserving and re-establishing this once-vibrant, heart-warming and magical sector will be a mammoth task. The membership of the Task Force that I am appointing holds a wealth of experience and talent and I have no doubt that collectively they will rise to the challenge. I look forward to receiving the Report in due course.”
This week (14th – 20th September) is National Awareness Week for the Live Entertainment & Event Industry in Ireland.
Today, EPIC have released an open letter from the Live Events and Entertainment Sector with over 600 signatures from across the industry. The letter is accompanied by the video voiced by Stephen James Smith.
The letter is part of National Awareness Week for the Live Entertainment & Event Industry in Ireland and follows EPIC’s (Event Production Industry Covid19 Working Group) Pre-Budget Submission ( https://www.epicwg.com/ ) presented last Wednesday 16 September.
All week venues across the country have been lighting up red in support of National Awareness Week and EPIC’s Pre-Budget submission. Some of the venues taking part include 3Arena, RDS, Aviva Stadium, Croke Park, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Gaiety Theatre, Olympia Theatre, Dolans, Roisin Dubh, INEC, Town Hall Theatre Galway amongst others around the country.
It is now 190 days since the Live Entertainment and Events Industry has been forced to close. The Non-Funded Event Industry supports over 35,000 jobs, contributes over €3.5 billion Euro to the economy and in excess of 3 million annual bed nights to the wider tourism sector. For the first time in the Event Industry history, employers, workers and freelancers from viable operations are unable to trade and to work. The commercial non-funded sector has never asked for support before but these are unprecedented times.
An Open Letter from the Live Events and Entertainment Sector
The unprecedented and ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic has been as great a disaster for Ireland’s entertainment and hospitality sectors as the 2007/2008 banking crisis was to its construction and financial services industries.
Across literally hundreds of theatres, venues, clubs, festivals and small/large-scale events, the domestic live events and entertainment industry employs in excess of 35,000 full and part-time workers. The vast majority of these highly skilled people haven’t had any employment since March 12th, 2020. Never in the long history of staging live performances and events on this island has there been such a sudden and total cessation of all work and activity.
We were the first industry to shut, and we will most likely be the last one to fully reopen. The non-funded Events Sector accounts for 90% of the five million tickets sold in Ireland each year, and directly contributes over €3.5billion to the national economy. It is estimated that for every euro spent on a ticket, an additional €6 is spent in the wider tourist economy (including more than three million hotel bed nights per annum).
We are unique in that we are the only sector completely closed under government mandate; as a result, through absolutely no fault of their own, live entertainment workers currently have little or no employment opportunities.
Up until now, we have been totally ignored and received virtually no government aid. As an impossibly bleak winter approaches, we and our dependents desperately require serious government support to survive. The workers at all levels of this vital sector have no prospects of earning a living in the foreseeable future, so the supports need to be appropriate and unprecedented in order to address the dire financial situation facing almost every single person and business. If government support doesn’t come then the curtains will close, joy will be lost, the music will fade, the parades will stop, the children’s giddy laughter at the panto will be no more, and the cherished memories created in muddy festival fields will be a thing of the distant past. The non-funded Live Events Sector faces decimation and at least a decade of recovery if not supported immediately with the following asks:
1 – Immediate reinstatement of the EWSS and PUP payment at €350 per week for the highly skilled staff and businesses of the sector until the sector (which is fully closed by government under public health advice) is allowed to return to work.
2 – Grant funding proportionate to what has been allocated to the Arts Council in 2020. The Live Events Sector accounts for 90% of all tickets sold in Ireland, and as such is a far greater employer and contributor to the national economy. We have received little or no grant funding before, but in these exceptional circumstances it is imperative that a scaffolding fund be made available to support the viable businesses of the sector until we can return to work.
3 – While this Task Force was announced by Minister Catherine Martin on the 10th of September, it is essential that the formation of the members gives due consideration to the Commercial Live Events Sector. This is the sector that manages the largest events in the country, has managed the Papal Visit, The Visit of Barack Obama and The Queen of The United Kingdom. The Commercial Live Events Sector are the experts, the best in class and should receive parity of voice with the state funded sector on the task force.
We are highly skilled professionals, we are essential businesses and services, we are musicians and artists, carpenters and creators, we are stagehands, technicians and experts, we are sounds, lights and visuals, we are tears, laughter and gasps of excitement. We are the Christmas panto, we are concerts, we are festivals, we are food fairs, we are parades, we are conferences, we are exhibitions, we are theatres, we are dance, we are national celebrations & state visits. We are the best nights of your lives.
We are the creative lifeblood of this country – and a vital part of its economy. We are the dynamic problem solvers who bring the magic to the most difficult of circumstances. Most importantly, we are contributors; we have always given back. In this unprecedented crisis, reluctantly for the first time we must ask: We need government support for our industry and we need it immediately.
Supported by:
A. Smyth, Aidan Greene, Ailbhe Reddy, Aimée, Áine Cahill, Alison Spittle, Andrea Corr, Andy Irvine, Aoife Dooley, Aoife Scott, Aslan, Barry Murphy, Bell X1, Billy Scurry, Bleeding Heart Pigeons, Booka Brass Band, Bronagh Gallagher, Chasing Abbey, Christy Moore, Clannad, Colin Murphy, Corrina Lynch, Cry Monster Cry, Daniel O’Donnell, Dara O Briain, Dave Kearney, David Keenan, Davina Devine, Declan O’Rourke, Delorentos, Des Bishop, Diffusion Lab, DJ Karen, Dublin Gospel Choir, EDEN, Elaine Mai , Emma Langford, Eric Lalor, Erica Cody, Eve Belle, Fia Moon, Fiachna O Braonain, Fontaines D.C., Frances Black, Fred Cooke, Gavin James, Gearóid Farrelly, Gemma Doherty, George Feely, Ghostboy, Happyalone, Hozier, Hudson Taylor, Jafaris, Jenny Greene, Jerry Fish, Joanne McNally, Joe Wall, John Gibbons, John Hughes, Just Mustard, JyellowL, Kelly-Anne Byrne, Kevin McGahern, Kodaline, Kojaque, Laoise, Lar Kaye, Leo Moran, Lisa Hannigan, Little Hours, Luka Bloom, Lyra, Malaki, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Mark McCabe, Mary Black, Mary Coughlan, Melodic Dublin, Mike Denver, Mike Scott (of The Waterboys), Mother DJs, Moya Brennan, Neil Delamere, Niamh Farrell, Noel Hogan (The Cranberries), Patrick Scahill, Patrick Sheehy, Paul Brady, Paul Ryder, Phil Bass, Picture This, PowPig, Róisín O, Rory O’Neill (Panti Bliss), RuthAnne, Sinéad O’Connor, Somebody’s Child, Sorcha Richardson, Soulé, Stephanie Rainey, Steve Wall, The Academic, The Blizzards, The Coronas, The Murder Capital, The Riptide Movement, Tommy Fleming, Tommy Tiernan, True Tides, U2, Wyvern Lingo, Ye Vagabonds
1000 Beasts (Cian Sweeney), Aeron, Aidan Thompson, Alex Gough, Allen Anderson, Annie Love, Aoise Butt, ASH / SNKY SESSIONS, Aviary Talent, Bill Mango, Brian Blackwell, Brian Crosby, Brian Masterson, Brian McCarthy, Bríd Lyons, Cailín, Cash X Mack, Cat Irvine, CdotM, Cerillo, Cheylene Murphy from “Beauty Sleep”, Chósta, Chris Coogan, Chris Kent, Christopher Hockey, Cian Fennelly, CMS, Colin Lyons, Colin Morley, COLLIE, Colm Doyle, Conor Brennan, Conor C, D. Cullen, Daisy Mckenzie, Dale Jameson, Dale Nolan, Daniel Healy, Daniel O’Brien, Danny Bichard, Danny Farrell, Darce (Ciarán Darcy), Dark Hallow 94, David O Neill, David P, Davina Devine, Decksta, Declan Mc Clafferty, Deirdre Molloy, Deirdre Young, Dick Fossilman, Dino Cafolla, Dj Dr.Flamer (Elementum V- Eclectrika ), DJ KONNECT, Donal Lucey, Eamonn Conway, Eddie Kay, Eden Isle, ELKIN, Ella Englishby, Elliot, Elliott Mo, Emily 7, Emma Doran, Emmo, Eoin Bailey, Erica Murphy, Faye O’Rourke, Faye Shortt, Fergal Henry, FÍACHRA, Fiachra O Mahony, Fintan McKahey, Fio Fa, Fionn Curran, FRUITZ, Full Funktion, FYNCH, Galactic Beat Club, Gareth Quinn Redmond, Garrett Yeates, Gav K, Gavin Fox, Gavin R. Gallagher, Gerald Ahern, GES, Ghostking is Dead, Glen, Glimmerman, Greyface, Havana Gudtime, Hayley Goldrick, Holly, House Hatcher, IainMoyles, Jack Cleary Fuinneamh, Jack Murphy, Jake Curran, Jake O’Driscoll “God Alone”, James Barber, James Casey, Jamie Carroll, Jamie Cooney, Jamie keane, JaXson, Jay Oglesby, Jenn Hession, Jessie O’Connell, John Fitzgerald, Jonathan Byrne, Jonathan Martin Smyth , Jordan Hearns, Josh Gray, Karl Guest, KAYCEE, Kevin Murtagh, Klye, Laura McCabe, Lee Currid, Lee Moore, Letterbox Kid, LPM, Luis Angel, Luke Reddy, Lydia Ford, M_Con, Marc McLaughlin, Marc-V, Marcus Woods, Mark Colbert, Mark O’Gorman Daly, Martin Angolo, Mary Tiernan, MATHESON, Matt Dundon, Melina Malone, Michael Chang, Michael O D, Mike Hanrahan, Mimi Lane, Mizza, Mode_1, MuRli, MYTH, NANCY Live, Nathan O’Brien, Nialler9, Niamh Brady, Nicholas Clarke, NIMF, Nnic, Noel Sutton, Oisín Egan, Orwells ‘84, Oscar, Owen, Owen Fogarty Pagan, Patterns, Paul Byrne, Paul Darcy, Paul G. Smyth, Paul Jarvis, Paul Ryder, Pauric O’ Meara, Peter, Peter Sweeney, Pierluigi Guarracino, Podge Collins, Pretty Happy, Ray Blackwell, Rebecca Cappuccini, Red Sun Alert, Reece Arrigan, Remedy, Rhythms Of Prescott, Rob de Boer, Rocco Music, Rónán Connolly, Rookie, Rory, Rory De Nógla, Rory McCranor, Royce Laroca, Ruth – Mother, Ryan Roe, Sam Greenwood, Samuel Powell, Saoirse Duane, Sarah Jane Goff, Sarah Lynch, Sarah-Beth O’Mullane, Seamus McDonnell, Sean McKeon, Shampain, Shane Clifford, Shane Daniel Byrne, Shannen Blessing, Shauna McMahon, Shay Whelan, Shiv, Sinéad Wylde, RTÉ lyric fm, SLKTA, Sonny Condell, Sons Of Charlie, SPRINTS, Stephen Dowling, Stephen Lawless, Stephen Mullan, Steve Bennett, Stuart Cremin, The Flavours, Theodora Byrne, Tom Collins, Tony Cantwell, TOYGIRL TV People, Two Many Spoons, Veda Lady, Vibez Emotion, Viv Quinn, Why-Axis, Will Boyle, Yasmin Gardezi, Yurtis Mayfield, Zach Ahern.
115 Cafe & Live Acoustic Venue, 3Arena Dublin, Aiken Promotions, Bedlam Events, Best In Fest, Bingo Loco, Brian Spollen, Caroline Downey, Cyprus Avenue, Declan Forde – Selective Memory, Denis Desmond, Dolans presents, Electric Picnic, Festival Republic, Forever Young, Indiependence, Labyrinth Events, Lantern Presents, Life Festival, MCD Productions, Melvin Benn, Old Oak, Resolution, Sea Sessions, Singular Artists, The Gaiety Theatre, The Grand Social, The Olympia Theatre, Tony Brereton, Una Molloy, Vicar St., Will Rolfe POD Concerts, Winthrop Avenue.
Kim O’Callaghan, Liam Fitzgerald, Michael Young, Murt Whelan, Pearse Doherty, Shane Dunne, Sophie Ridley, Tony Killeen, Association of Irish Festivals & Events (AOIFE), Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST), Entertainers Ireland Stand Together (Éist), Event Industry Alliance (EIA), Event Industry Association of Ireland (EIAI), Event Industry Ireland (EII), Event Production, Industry Covid Working Group (EPIC), Irish Inflatables Hirers Federation, Irish Showmans Guild (ISG), Music & Entertainers Association of Ireland (MEAI), Universal Music Ireland, Victor Finn IMRO, Keith Johnson (Irish Music Rights Organisation, IMRO), Pat Creed Warner Music Ireland, Wide Awake Communications.
360 Events, Aaron Kennedy, Acoustik Productions, Adrian Leake, Aidan Keyes, Alan McEvoy, Alan Thornton CAVS, Amir Carmel, Andrea Keogh, Andrew Farrell Freelance A/V Engineer, Andrew Leonard, Andy Smyth, Ange Goliger, Anna Brizay, Anne Kyle, Anne Marie Bowden, Anthony Ferris, Approved Productions, Ashlee Dickinson Ten Feet Tall, Atlantic Audio Ltd, AV Star Systems Ltd., Ballet Ireland, Barry O’Donoghue, Barry Walshe, Beechpark Studios, Bernie Cahill The Sound&Lighting Company, Blackdog music, Blue Moose, Brendan Galvin, Brendan McLoughlin, Brian Barnes, Brian Kelly, Brian Sinnott, Brian Treacy, Buzz O’Neill Maxwell, Caiar Loughney, Caroline Duke, Cathy O’Carroll, Cian McCormack, Ciara Nolan, Ciaran Conroy – Paragon Records, Ciaran Tallon, CIRCUS VEGAS, Clara Sound, Clive Welsh, COH Productions, Colin Hoye, Colm McCabe Promotions & Events, Conor Adams, CS Promotions, CWB, Dan Oggly – Friction PR, Dani Morris, Darren Clarke, Darren Holden, Dave O’Beirne, David Bolger, David Cassidy, David Curley, David ‘Spud’ Murphy, Davin Browne, Deirdra Carroll, Dermot Magennis, Des Mahon Sound, Dickon Whitehead, DMcD, Donna Leonard, Duchess Iredale, Eamonn Fox, Éanna Whelan, Ed Kenehan, Eddie McCourt, Elaine O’Donoghue, Emma Hartfiel, Emma Nicole, Emma Synnott, Eoin Kilkenny, Eoin McCartan, Eric McCarthy Catered Ltd, Event lighting Solutions, Event power, Event Power Ltd., Eventi Management, Fearga O Doherty Stage & Production Manager, Fin O’Leary, Finbar Wright, Finnolan Events, Fiona Brazil, Florin Florea, Fran Hogan Catapult, Garry Gold, Gemma Murray, Gerard Kilkenny, Gerry Brady, gr8 Events Online Ticketing, Grzegorz Rzucidlo, Gwen Bolger, Harley Cummins, Heather Troy-Whelan, Ian Jaco bs, Ian O’Donoghue, Idle hands, Impact Promotions Ireland, Irene Gaia Turina, Irish Rigging Services, J C Campbell, Jack Cleary Fuinneamh, Jack Price, Jack Restan Displays, Jake Ryan, James Jim Fox, Jennifer Quinn, Joe Dougan, Joe Furlong, John Ryan, John Johnston, Jonie Conaty, Karl Casey, Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue, Portlaoise, Kedelec exhibition services ltd , Keith Doyle K9 Detection Services Ireland, Keith Killen, Ken Bolger, Kieran Somers, Kirstin Cunningham KMS Audio & Communications Ltd., Laura Murphy, Lee Moore, Leo McKenna, Leslie McDonogh, Liam FitzGerald, Liane McCarthy Nolan, Lisa Casey, Louise Loughney, Luke Murphy, Madeleine Nesbitt, Madeleine Seiler – The Headline Agency, Margaret O’Regan Event Plan, Marie-Therese Byrne, Mark Galione – Lighting Designer, High Res, Mary Bolger Hinds, Mary Cullen – Irish Rigging Services, Mary Kilduff, Mary Sexton, Masonry PR, Matthew Fox, McDonald AV Ltd, Michael Chang, Michael Wall, Mike McGrath, Mission PR, Morgan Cooke, Muirne Bloomer, Murt Whelan Sound Ltd., Neil Dolan, Niall Mullan, Niall O’Riordan, Niamh Lunny, Noel McHale, Noel Whelan, Noelle Fox – The Olympia Theatre, Nolan Sound & Lighting, Nomadic Productions Ltd., Paddy Freeney, Padraic Boran, Pascal Fischer – Avcom, Pascale Miller, Patrick Trautt, Paul ‘Flex’ Browne, Paul Byrne, Paul Soul Entertainment, Paul Watchorn, Pedro Martins, PERFORM, Peter Jordan, Slua Event Safety, Peter O’Sullivan – Word of Mouth Agency, Philip Alexander, Philip Lawlor, Pip Walsh, Pitched Perfect, Profile Events Ltd., PSI – Production Services Ireland, RayRazor O’Donoghue, RedHouse Productions, RedKen Sound, Remedy, Rhythms Of Prescott, Richard “Lippy” Collins, Richard Tierney, Ríonagh McNamara, Rob Mather Brooklawn Audio, Robert Butler, Robert Smith Events, Ronan Coleman, Ronan Conroy, Roz Long, Ryan Roe, Safents Consulting Ltd, Sandra Murphy, Sarah Jane Shiels Lighting Designer, Sean Harrold, Sequence Events, Session Music Dublin, Shane Murphy, Sheevawn Musical Youth Theatre, Sheil Entertainment Agency, ShowScope Ltd., Simon O’Gorman, Sound to Light Ltd., SoundSound, Stage Lighting Centre, Stephen Curran, Steven Douglas, Streetwise Wedding Band Galway, Stuart Anderson, Stuart Mc Keown, TF Productions Ltd., The Art Room, Therese Maher, Tom O’Connot, Tomás FitzGerald, Tony Burford, Tony Murphy – Avcom, TrenchTown EP, Val Sherlock, WeArePlatinum, Will Boyle, William Ryan, William Softly
Like so many events over the last few months the 2020 Claremorris Folk Festival fell victim to the Corona Virus pandemic. Mindful of the devastating affect the virus has had on the whole arts sector the people behind the festival were determined to return to hosting live music as soon as it was possible to do so. They have just announced that four of Ireland’s finest songwriters will perform in the town over the October bank holiday weekend.
Joshua Burnside and Aoife Nessa Frances will take to the stage in the Dalton Inn on Friday the 23rd of October with Cormac O’Caoimh and Ultan Conlon providing the tunes on Saturday the 24th.
To comply with government health guidelines there will only be 40 tickets available each night and a range of additional COVID measures will also be in place.
EPIC (Event Production Industry Covid19 Working Group) launch their Pre-Budget Submission today.
September 16th 2020 marks 188 days since the Live Entertainment and Events Industry has been closed. For the first time in the Event Industry history, employers, workers and freelancers from viable operations are unable to trade. It is the only sector with such a strict lockdown for such a long period of time.
The Live Entertainment and Events Industry was successful before Covid and will be again but while the sector is closed and prevented from trading, EPIC are asking the Government for immediate and concrete support to scaffold this viable industry until it is able to safely return to capacity in all its glory. The commercial non-funded sector has never asked for support before but these are unprecedented times.
This is a vibrant and viable industry, an industry of creators and innovators, an industry of business people with skin in the game, an industry with a highly skilled indigenous workforce that is a world leader in its field.
The country misses gigs, concerts, theatres, dances, choirs, orchestras, festivals, food festivals – the country misses our commemorations, our parades, our favourite bands and entertainers. But right now, for most in the Live Entertainment & Events Sector, they miss the opportunity to earn a living, to pay their bills, to survive. This is not possible due to the devastation of the sector by the ongoing Covid19 Pandemic and the mandated closure of the entire sector.
The Non-Funded Event Industry supports over 35,000 jobs, contributes over €3.5 billion Euro to the economy and in excess of 3 million annual bed nights to the wider tourism sector.
EPIC calls upon the Government to provide:
Reinstatement of the support payment of €410 (being the previous level of the TWSS) and €350 (being the previous level of the PUP) which is vital for the skilled workforce of the sector until it fully recovers. The sector is unique in that it is almost entirely closed under government mandate with no opportunity to trade.
Implementation of a “scaffolding support fund” equivalent to the level allocated to the state funded sector, to help protect and hold the sector upright and together, allowing it to survive, until such time as organised and ticketed live entertainment events can return to full capacity safely.
An extension of business rates waiver for a period of thirty-six months to allow SMEs, Venues and the other businesses of the sector to recover.
Reduction in the rate of VAT on ticket sales to 5% to aid with the staged re-opening of the sector at likely greatly reduced capacity.
A VAT Tax Credit for the personnel and SMEs of the sector to inspire trade at reduced capacity and enhance the opportunity for businesses to return to work.
Implement a taskforce on insurance to review cancellation insurance for events.
Extension of the credit guarantee scheme to ensure SMEs can borrow 100% loan requirements due to extreme difficulty with securing the remaining 20% from Irish banks.
Stimulus packages to support the sole owner businesses and small businesses & venues:
Schools and Colleges: €2 million fund, to provide seat loss compensation grant up to €2,500 in each case.
Musical Societies, Drama Societies, Stage Schools and Dance Schools: A €1 Million Euro fund accessible to theatres and arts centres to be distributed by the Department of Culture. The fund would allow the theatre or arts centre to apply for €400 per night of performance and pass the saving on to the society in reduced rent.
c. Small Venue Supports: A €3m euro fund allowing for grants of €1,000 per performance in small music venues to compensate for reduced capacity and to encourage venues to open with less capacity. 9. Confirmation that the recently announced Cross Departmental Taskforce for the Arts, Culture & Live Events Sector will be a long standing body with representation on the taskforce for the commercial live events sector relative to the size of the commercial sector versus the state funded sector.
The Event Production Industry Covid19 Working Group (EPIC) was established in May 2020 in response to the devastating impact of the pandemic on the industry. EPIC is an independently elected group of representatives from all aspects of the Live Entertainment and Events Industry and is a member of the Events Industry Alliance (EIA).
EPIC is a volunteer-led movement that seeks to give a voice to the 35,000 staff of the wider events industry, those that have spent years in the shadows creating some of the best memories of the citizens of Ireland. We work to ensure that their voices are heard at both local and national level and that the commercial Live Entertainment & Events Sector is recognised as a vital part of both the economy and contemporary Irish society.
The entertainment industry has been decimated by the Covid19 Pandemic. The industry is unique in that it is almost fully shut under government mandate. On September 16th, EPIC launch their Pre-Budget Submission requesting a number of supports for the staff and businesses of the sector. One of the key things you can do to help amplify this message is to mail your TD. All you need to do is click on the link below, select your constituency, fill in your details and hit send.
In 1977 the Downtown Kampus was setup by UCC Entertainments Officer Elvera Butler in order to bring rock bands to play in Cork’s in Arcadia Ballroom (colloquially known as The Arc). For some four years touring national and international bands played at The Arc, which in turn inspired local gig-goers to form their own bands who were then given the opportunity to share the stage with touring acts.
On Saturday August 30th 1980 local bands Mean Features, Microdisney, Nun Attax, and Urban Blitz played a gig which was recorded live and released as the Kaught at the Kampus. There is currently a giant mural currently celebrating the Kampus EP on Grand Parade.
On Friday September 18th — as part of Culture Night — both Conjun Box and Cork Zine Archive present the Kampus turns 40 in the Grand Parade Library. The event will feature testimonials from the Kampus musicians, gig-goers and organisers, along with photographs capturing the gig by Ciarán O Tuama and Pat Galvin.
A new version of the EP which includes previously unreleased material will get it first public airing on the night.
Ricky Dinnen (Nun Attax and Five Go Down to the Sea), is pictured above at the Kampus Turns 40 artwork outside Grand Parade Library. With the original 1980 Kaught at the Kampus album, which will be celebrated in Grand Parade library on Culture Night.
Contemporary folk band Strings & Things have released an energetic new single, “ Jigtime .” The single is the first release from their upcoming album The Unsolicited Dance.
The song features a fast, energetic beat complete with strumming guitars, intricate fiddles, and layered string sounds, with singer James O’Meara’s vocals sailing overtop. “Jigtime” started as a poem by Ethel Mongey, mother of band member Sean, who approached the band and asked them to put music to the poem. The poem is about the unconditional love of a mother for her children, and a mother’s realisation that her kids are growing up and don’t need their parents as much. The thoughtful lyrics are complemented by the upbeat, hopeful instrumentation, and the song quickly became a regular in Strings & Things’ live set.
The single as well as upcoming album were recorded while the band was on a nine month residency as a house band at Raglan Road, an Irish entertainment bar in Disney World Orlando, Florida. The band would spend their days arranging and recording their original music in their home studio, and their nights gigging. The music was recorded by bass player Eoin Salmon, who is also a sound engineer. It was mastered by Aidan Cunningham (The Scratch, Overhead the Albatross).
Strings & Things are a four-piece neo-trad band based in Tipperary who meld genres of rock, folk, pop, and trad to create their unique sound. For the last eight years they have been entertaining audiences around Ireland, the UK, and the US with energetic live performances, a huge repertoire of traditional music, and thoughtful, innovative original music. They released their first album Turbulence and EP “Anorak Jack” in 2017, and an Irish cover album Four Thousand Miles in 2018. The band employs a collaborative writing process, with collective input on music, lyrics, and arrangement.
The band consists of James O’Meara Ryan (guitar & vocals), Eoin Shelly (percussion & vocals), Sean Mongey (banjo, mandolin, whistle & backing vocals), and Eoin Salmon (bass). The group is currently managed by Impact Promotions Ireland.
