Author: Zoé Piater

Following his packed-out album launch in the Sound House, Dublin indie songwriter Tommy Cullen is back with ‘Flatpack’, the latest rollercoaster of a single from his acclaimed debut LP Enjoy the Glow .

Inspired by a fateful trip to IKEA, ‘Flatpack’ was co-written with former bandmate Cormac Feeley, fusing surreal imagery with sampled voices, summery guitars and a towering Spaghetti Western-inspired crescendo. In the words of Hot Press: “A new indie anthem for fans of R.E.M., Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens, ‘Flatpack’ is yet another example of Cullen’s expansive musical talents.”

Tommy’s new album Enjoy the Glow is available to stream and download on all platforms, or to purchase on CD/Vinyl from tommycullenmusic.com

“With a string of releases… Tommy Cullen has quietly carved out a presence as one of the most promising singer-songwriters in the country.” Hot Press

“Cullen’s ability to express a range of emotion through minimalist arrangements is mesmerising.” IndieBuddie

“It’s clear that Cullen has an immense passion for writing music. Each of his songs drips with emotion, courage, and empathy.” Paul Downey, DeMars Magazine

“Tommy’s vocals penetrate your chest and pull at your heart strings.” Dave McMahon, Bayview Sounds

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When Next We Meet prepares to open the gates of Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, this Saturday June 1^st and Sunday June 2^nd. Now in its third year, the two-day alternative music festival has quickly established itself as a must-attend event, boasting a line-up that rivals festivals with much longer histories.

What started as a modest event in 2022 has become an eagerly anticipated annual gather for artists and audiences alike. This year’s festival is headlined by Ye Vagabonds of Saturday night and Bell X1 on Sunday night, with additional nationally celebrated acts completing an impeccably curated line-up.

Saturday Line-Up: June 1st

• Hidden Gems Stage:
  • 5:00 PM – MDR
  • 5:45 PM – The Cedartowns
  • 6:30 PM – Briars
• Main Stage:
  • 7:15 PM – Cormac Looby
  • 8:15 PM – Susan O’Neill
  • 9:45 PM – Ye Vagabonds
  • Last Entry: 9:30 PM
  • After Party: Hosted by Press Play Repeat and Clonmel Vinyl, 11:00 PM – Late

Sunday Line-Up: June 2nd

• Hidden Gems Stage:
  • 4:00 PM – Ruairí de Leastar
  • 4:45 PM – Eve Whelan
  • 5:30 PM – The Wood of O
• Main Stage:
  • 6:15 PM – Seánie Bermingham
  • 7:00 PM – The Line
  • 8:00 PM – Rachael Lavelle
  • 9:15 PM – Bell X1
  • Last Entry: 9:30 PM
  • After Party: Hosted by Press Play Repeat and Clonmel Vinyl, 11:00 PM – Late

With a desire to treat audiences and artists like old friends, the organisers have planned out a weekend of music, art, food and drink that will cater to many. Two bars, operated by Raheen House and sponsored by Heineken, will offer a selection of beverages with both cash and card payments accepted. Food vendors include The Oven (Vegan & vegetarian flatbreads), MyStreet Food (Irish-Mexican-Asian inspired street food) and Raheen House (BBQ spread). Gems Coffees will cater to the tea and coffee consumers amongst the crowds.

With the weather looking to be on-side for the June bank holiday weekend, organisers are reminding people to dress for the weather. Underfoot will be well watered lawns, thanks to the unusually excessive rainfall in recent months. Seating options include picnic tables, straw bales, pallet seating & benches. Festival goers are encouraged to bring picnic blankets but should leave seating and camping chairs at home. Standard portaloos will be available, replacing the previously used ‘Posh Loos’ to better accommodate the audience size.

Attendees should bring essentials such as raincoats, hand sanitiser, suncream and appropriate footwear. Give the year’s wet weather to date, expect damp grounds underfoor. Parking is not permitted on-site; however, nearby public car parks are available. A map can be found on the festival website.

For more information & for final tickets, visit www.whennextwemeet.ie

When Next We Meet is funded by Tipperary County Council and supported by Camida, Clonmel Credit Union, Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, Beat 102103 and Heineken

Photo credit: Jana Talirova

Liminality is the 7th album from Irish composer and producer Seamus O’Muineachain, set to be released on July 7th 2024. Recorded over a 2-year period in Georgia, Thailand, and Ireland, Liminality draws on the nomadic O’Muineachain’s experiences of liminal places; airport terminals, impersonal accommodations, unfamiliar cities and towns. A state of flux is alluded to through brief compositions that search for moments of intimacy and comfort.

Seamus O’Muineachain is a multi-instrumentalist ambient/minimal composer and producer from Belmullet, Ireland. Using piano, synthesizers, and guitars, he aims to create otherworldly atmospheres with simple melodies and textures. His music has been broadcast by RTE (Ireland), ABC (Australia), NHK (Japan), KEXP (USA), and BBC6 (UK). Hot Press Magazine has compared his music to Brian Eno, while the Irish Times has noted a similarity to Harold Budd and Dustin O’Halloran. His main source of inspiration is rural Ireland.

The album is now available for pre-order here: https://seamusomuineachain.bandcamp.com/album/liminality

Photo credit: iamacosmonaut

“Oh my gosh!!! You are all so rad!!! You sound great!!!” – Sharon Van Etten

Formed with a mission to highlight the need for more women in music, exciting five piece The Kates, from West Cork, are due to release their debut single ‘All That Talk’ on June 21. Ahead of their upcoming debut EP later this year they will have a single launch in DeBarra’s Folk Club, Clonakilty on June 21, 2024.

The Kates comprises of Eve Clague, Liz Clark, Mary Beth O’Mahony, Míde Houlihan and Paula K O’Brien. All five members have played, sang and written their own music for years, each releasing albums of original work. The five piece have now written a collection of original songs and the resulting Pictures Here Of Dreams EP is set for release in September 2024. Debut single ‘All That Talk’, set for release June 21, is written by Míde Houlihan and commenting on the song, she said “The song is about standing in your own way and feeling bad about it but also not being sure how to improve or address it. it’s about feeling a little frustrated with yourself in not being able to keep up with the world and how it moves.” 

Five years ago, Paula K O’Brien had the original idea to set up the all women rock band, specifically for a fundraiser for ovarian cancer charity OvaCare. Paula explains, “The fundraiser was in memory of my mother Catherine who passed away from ovarian cancer, and she inspired the name. She was a feminist who loved to lift other women up. The Kates have been going ever since!” The premise behind forming The Kates back in 2017 was to showcase the depth and variety of songs by women in a time where it became obvious that radio play and festival slots featuring women were minimal. Liz adds, “Five years ago, there were very few female led bands, and certainly very few women artists being played on radio and performing at festivals. The Kates were borne from this, to shine a light on the major contribution women have made to the music industry”. 

The Why Not Her data report highlighted stats on gender disparity in radio and festival lineups so The Kates wanted to do their bit for women in music. They focused on performing songs written or performed by women, covers by artists like Sharon Van Etten, Orla Gartland, Angel Olsen, Lucy Dacus, Patty Smith, The Staves, Haim, Joseph…to shine a light on these incredible writers and performers. The stats are still far from equal. However, The Kates soon started gaining interest locally, selling out shows in DeBarra’s Clonakilty, St Matthew’s Baltimore and Levis’ Ballydehob. Since forming, The Kates have come to the attention of Irish festivals and are currently booked for Night and Day Festival in Roscommon and Clonmel Busking Festival this Summer. Eve says “selling out local shows is something we absolutely feel so proud of and we feel so appreciative of the support we get”.

Speaking on the band Paula K adds, “It’s also a wonderful vehicle to express ourselves in an environment that feels true to us as we are all individually songwriters and singers. We support each other. We love that in The Kates band, we are women in our 20s, 30s & 40s, allowing for the sharing of experiences and learning from each other.  The support and encouragement from our local communities has been integral to keep playing and to start writing together as a band. From our first gig in 2017 for the charity OvaCare to our single launch in DeBarras in 2024, we are so proud of how far we’ve come and we hope to keep on going.”

The Kates have just completed a five track EP of original songs, recorded in Wavefield Recording Studio Clonakilty. Commenting on their experience at the local studio, Mary Beth added, “Brian and Sarah from Wavefield worked so well with us, getting the very best out of us as musicians and singers, and also showing great understanding of the songs”. The Pictures Here Of Dreams EP features a track written by each member of The Kates and is due for release in September 2024.

The Kates ‘All That Talk’ single launch in DeBarra’s Folk Club is on June 21. Tickets available through www.debarra.ie

Follow The Kates on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok

Connect with Eve Clague/ Mide Houlihan/ Paula K O’Brien/ Liz Clark/ Mary Beth O’Mahony

The Kates are:

Eve Clague – lead guitar and vocals
Liz Clark – rhythm guitar and vocals
Mary Beth O Mahony – keyboards and vocals
Míde Houlihan – drums and vocals
Paula K O Brien – bass and vocals

Upcoming gigs
June 1 – Ardfield Summer Festival
June 21 – DeBarra’s, Clonakilty (‘All That Talk’  Single launch)
June 29 – Day & Night Festival, Roscommon
July 13 – Crane Lane Theatre, Cork
August 9 – Clonmel Busking Festival, Tipperary
August 17 – Shanleys, Clonakilty

Frowning Hours is a new Indie Folk project created by Ger Kelly, who studied acting at Trinity College, Dublin and has worked in theatre for the past 15 years. Ger has performed on stages such as The Abbey, The Gate, and The Olympia, appearing in plays by O’Casey, Shakespeare, and more.

He lent his haunting voice to numerous productions, including original scores by composer Tom Lane and classic musicals by Sondheim. It was during this time that he realized his talent for songwriting and attempted to study at BIMM. However, he had to exit the course early due to a theatre job. Ger has amassed a devoted following of fans who are eagerly anticipating the release of his own music. While he has been busy balancing his acting career with his newfound passion for music-making, he has taken the time to craft a message that is both meaningful and impactful. Now, he is ready to share his music with the world and showcase his unique voice and style.

Ger is a multi-talented musician who has spent the last decade perfecting his debut EP. He has performed on some of the biggest stages in Ireland, including Whelan’s, Electric Picnic, and All Together Now, and has even opened for well-known artists such as Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Ger used the time to take a breather and curate his music, resulting in an EP that is sure to impress.

Ger will soon be seen in the upcoming Netflix series ‘Bodkin’ as Teddy, a burly blacksmith with an incredible singing voice.

Frowning Hour’s debut single ‘Someone Who Won’t’ which released at the start of May can be found on all streaming platforms. The song garnered some brilliant support from Hot Press, RTÉ Entertainment, IMRO, The Beat, RTÉ 2XM, KCLR 96FM, LMFM & many more!

Frowning Hours can be next seen playing live in Whelan’s on the 20th of June.

ABOUT THE TRACK
Ger Kelly under the pseudonym ‘Frowning Hours’ is set to make a splash with his long-awaited debut EP ‘A Single Window’ (named after the F Scott Fitzgerald quote whose material Ger was working on during his writing process).

His second single ‘God Damn’ was recorded and produced by the renowned Christian Best (Mick Flannery, Susan O’Neill) at Monique Recording Studios.

“The defiant refrain of ‘God Damn’ is a call to take action. It’s from the perspective of a protagonist stuck in their life having the infuriating realisation that only they can get themselves out of the rut. It’s also a comment on how the external can often be a reflection of the state of one’s internal world. Every dreamer must one day wake up and activate those dreams or they can turn into a never-ending nightmare”. 
Ger Kelly (Frowning Hours) 

Ger made a name for himself on the singer/songwriter/open mic scene in Dublin playing headline shows in the likes of The Song Cycle (Whelan’s) and The Ruby Sessions (Doyle’s).

He’s since gone on to open for Mick Flannery in Cork Opera House and De Barra’s (West Cork) and played Whelan’s Ones To Watch and Electric Picnic (2023). This EP (A Single Window) will be his professional debut and ‘God Damn’ is the rousing second single.

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Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, BEX was born from a captivating fusion of diverse backgrounds and influences, becoming a familiar presence at renowned festivals (including the esteemed Guinness Cork Jazz Festival) and private events.

The band was formed in Barcelona when the members crossed paths at local jam nights and connected through social media. Rebecca and Lorenzo initially teamed up as a duo, quickly realising the potential to expand their sound.  They welcomed Hernan into the mix, transforming the duo into a trio. As a trio they began to focus on original music and gigging at various venues in Barcelona. Once their original songs were polished and ready for the stage, Bryan joined the band as their drummer solidifying their sound.

BEX takes you on an immersive journey, seamlessly navigating through Funk, Neo-soul, and modern rock, reflecting the varied cultural tapestry of its members.

Infused with emotive vocals, intricate guitar work, pulsating bass-lines, and dynamic drumming, the band crafts a unique and engaging experience. From soulful ballads to high-energy anthems, BEX fearlessly transcends musical boundaries, creating an eclectic and memorable musical narrative.

The band are known for their engaging and vibrant content on their Instagram which helped them achieve over 10k streams organically on Spotify for their latest release ‘Light Stays On’.

The band consists of frontwoman Rebecca Houlihan who originates from Cork, Ireland. She is known for her master storytelling soulful voice and charismatic presence on stage.Fellow Cork man Bryan Curtis is the pulse-driving rhythmic dynamo of Bex Bryan contributes an enticing and tight groove to the foundation of BEX’s rhythmic section.

Hernan Fridman, the rhythmic force behind BEX, hails from the vibrant capital of Argentina. With two decades of mastery in bass, Hernan’s musical journey blends classical roots with a rich urban tapestry spanning jazz, rock, blues, funk, classical, and tango.

Lorenzo Spinozzi, the guitar virtuoso of BEX, hails from the enchanting town of Sanremo, Italy. With two decades of guitar mastery, Lorenzo brings a rich musical background influenced by rock, Funk and Jazz fusion. He elevates the sonic landscape of BEX to new heights.

When it comes to what inspires the band to create the music they make, it ranges from each member’s cultural background, individual tastes and the fact they have a really good human connection amongst each other and spend great quality and creative time together. They also thrive off their live audiences reactions too as they always go down well.

Through each member, the vibrancy of BEX comes to life to create stand-out tracks with a unique listening experience and stellar live performances. The band have played gigs around their local scene in Barcelona with the aim to now showcase themselves on Irish soil where half the band originates and to also bring themselves to UK turf and around the world with an EP release on the way later this summer, the band hope to play festivals and gigs in new territories to really take their career to the next level.

The excitement is palpable as BEX is gearing up to release their debut EP this year. They are also in the process of writing their first album, which is set to be released next year. The big focus for now, however, is on the upcoming EP release.

Their brand new upcoming single ‘Freedom’ will be released June 6th and is the start of the band’s new journey to the top! Rebecca, Lorenzo and Hernan remain the core members of BEX, responsible for writing and creating the band’s distinctive songs.

In their latest single, “Freedom,” BEX  delivers a powerful anthem of resilience and hope. Crafted by frontwoman Rebecca’s heartfelt lyrics and mesmerizing melody, accompanied by the masterful and vibrant instrumental arrangement and production of Captains Brotherhood –  Lorenzo Spinozzi, Hernan Fridman, this captivating track delves into the universal yearning for liberation in the face of adversity.

Between haunting melodies and soulful vocals, “Freedom” transcends individual experiences to capture the essence of the human spirit’s quest for freedom. Rebecca’s poignant storytelling weaves a narrative of struggle and hope, while Lorenzo Spinozzi’s guitar, Hernan Fridman’s  bass, and Bryan Curtis’s drums provide a rich and dynamic musical backdrop, creating a powerful synergy that resonates with audiences worldwide.

With each verse, Rebecca unleashes a soul-stirring performance, channeling the raw emotion and resilience embodied in her lyricism. From the pain that grows harder, deeper, and stronger to the unwavering resolve to hold on, “Freedom” serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart.

In the chorus, the cry for freedom echoes as a universal anthem, a rallying cry for all those who dare to dream of a better tomorrow. As Rebecca leads BEX with her empowering voice and emotive carriage, Lorenzo Spinozzi’s guitar solos, and the rhythmic foundation laid by Hernan Fridman’s 78 bass and Bryan Curtis’s drums, “Freedom” becomes more than just a song—it’s a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of music.

Prepare to be moved and inspired as you embark on a musical journey of self-discovery with “Freedom” by BEX. This is more than just a song—it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of creativity and the ability of music to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of listeners around the world

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The Brady’s Sessions take place on Monday 10th June from 8.30pm in Brady’s Bar, Terenure, Dublin 6w. Playing on the night are Dogpond, Caithríona Madden, John Keogh, Pink Rabbits. Donations on the night are welcome.

The next Brady’s Sessions are set to take place on Monday 8th July from 8.30pm in Brady’s Bar, Terenure, Dublin 6w. Playing on the night are Annette Joy, Chris Short, James Daly, Grace Day, Keith McLoughlin. Donations on the night are welcome.

More info here:
www.facebook.com/TheBradysSessions

Now very happily based in Ireland, Adrian O’Connell lets fly Can’t Forget You, featuring his brother Bryan on drums and friend Dean on bass. A short tune, Can’t Forget You gives a glimpse of a mind trapped in a circular line of thinking, and puts those thoughts to snappy, distorted guitars, pounding bass and drums. Recorded by Richard Bourke (from Out On A Limb Records), mixed by Stephen Shannon at Experimental Audio in Dublin, and mastered online using digital trickery by Mr. Creosote. The song appeared whilst lounging about on Richard’s sofa, probably in that twilight mid-afternoon time between peak-hangover and “let’s get a Donkey Forde’s” (a legendary Limerick fast-food spot). The charming cover photo hints at well intentioned plans ultimately left fall to dust. Still, we got a nice tune out of it!

Upcoming concerts:

May 31^st, Pembroke Club D’Art Carlow, doors 8pm (supporting Fans of Adventure)

June 9^th, Carlow Arts Festival, Live & Local stage, 6.15pm

Photo credit: Molly Keane

8pm | Thursday 30 May | Live & Online
Livestreamed via othervoices.ie, RTÉ,ie & YouTube

This Thursday night, Other Voices and the Office of Public Works will bring audiences the series finale of this year’s digital edition of  ‘Anam – Songs for Hearts & Minds’.

The spellbinding four-part series draws to a close this week with a trio of captivating musical performances set against the backdrop of the magnificent 17th Century  Parke’s Castle in Co. Leitrim.

Presented by MayKay, the closing episode of the series welcomes a diverse line up of artists from the folk world.  Fresh off the release of their highly anticipated debut album, Dublin-based alt-folk duo Lemoncello will bring viewers into their enigmatic world of intimate observations and ethereal harmonies to the picturesque shores of Lough Gill.

Also in this week’s show, Syrian-born multi-instrumentalist Mohammad Syfkhan his thrilling mix of electrified Kurdish, Arabic and Turkish sounds with breathtaking musicianship.

And finally, in a very special collaborative performance, legendary fiddle player Martin Hayes join forces with Crash Ensemble’s Artistic Director Kate Ellis for a set that promises to be a mesmerising demonstration of their combined talents, spanning the traditional and contemporary.

In the words of Philip King from Other Voices, “We are so delighted these magnificent buildings [like Parke’s Castle] will play host to some of the world’s great musicians and singers and that we can stream these performances the world over.”

While Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, Kieran O’Donnell T.D. stated: “Following on from the success of last year’s Other Voices music series as Minister for the OPW, I am very pleased that we are partnering once more with Other Voices and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This exciting project will celebrate the links between the arts, culture, history and heritage sites across the country. I look forward to musical performances from some of Ireland’s most talented artists – made all the more meaningful by the surrounds of these stunning historical buildings and locations.”

Performances will be streamed to the world via the Other Voices YouTube and on RTÉ.ie this Thursday at 8pm. Music fans can catch up on all previous Anam performances now on YouTube.