Author: Zoé Piater

The Bunker have just put out Episode 5 S2 of their online showcase series, featuring the second band of the second series, Dublin based Empathy.

The band give us one-on-one live performances of an upcoming single, a full band Q&A interview, plus a cover of The Frames’ ‘The Stars Are Underground’ – a perfect song for the series, which supports and promotes artists from the underground scene in Ireland.

The independent showcase series has now gained a viewership of over 180,000 and will feature 3 more artists to bring the total to 8 episodes this season.

Catch up all on 11 episodes from Series 1&2 at: www.thebunker.ie/atthebunker

#atTheBunker

‘‘She writes songs that are bright, fun and epically infectious, some of which feature on her forthcoming EP.’ Popwrapped

‘Rapidly established herself as one of the most hotly tipped pop artists in the country.’ Hot Press

”The singer comfortably sits in between the likes of Anne Marie and Dua Lipa with her infectious dance-pop energy and charismatic attitude’’ Wonderland

Sophie Doyle Ryder is a 21 year old singer/songwriter from Malahide, Dublin, Ireland. After the chart-topping success of her latest singles ‘Insecure’ and ‘Falling From Hell’ released last year, this year she is back with a bang with her fresh, new single ‘Steal Your Lover’. Having drawn comparisons to Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo from various radio DJs worldwide we are convinced people will be brought back to the early days of P!nk and Avril Lavigne with this new pop-punk sound. Steal Your Lover was written by Sophie Doyle Ryder and Lauryn Gaffney. They were inspired to write a pop punk song that embodied the sound of the 2000s. It tells the story of a man who initially appears to be interested in stealing someone’s girlfriend, but ultimately realizes he is more interested in stealing the boyfriend he envied.

Sophie continued her surge towards the heights of Irish alt-pop with the release of her debut EP, Beginner’s Luck in May 2022. She has been recognised as one of Ireland’s fastest rising talents by RTÉ 2FM and is included on several editorial Spotify playlists. Last year, Sophie was nominated as ‘Most Promising’, ‘Groundbreaking Artist’, and her single ‘Sucker’ was nominated as ‘Song Of The Year’ by Hot Press Magazine. Her songs to date have won her accolades and rave reviews throughout Ireland and are rippling across to Britain and beyond. Sophie is signed with Paradigm Agency. (Billie Eilish, Take That) and has played headline gigs in London, Dublin and festivals such as Forbidden Fruit, Electric Picnic, Body and Soul, Indiependence and more. Sophie’s previous releases have earned over 45 million Irish radio impacts. She remains as ‘One To Watch’ by many. In addition to International Spotify playlist placements, she has received airplay in the UK, USA and Australia.

Sophie describes the song as a fun and imaginative story they created, with no truth behind it besides capturing a playful narrative. After just an hour of writing, they enlisted the help of their producer, Sean Behan, to bring the track to life. Sophie travelled to Galway to record the vocals, infusing the song with her unique energy and style.

‘Steal Your Lover’ is the perfect anthem for blasting in the car and letting go of your worries, fitting right in with the rest of Sophie’s upbeat and spirited music. It’s a testament to her creativity and passion for creating music that resonates with listeners and brings a sense of joy and escape.

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“Welcome To The Sound of The Future.”

Today, Monday, 13th May 2024, BIMM University launches the first episode of their brand new podcast BIMM Tastemakers FM. The show will be a radio and podcast hybrid dedicated to celebrating the music, ingenuity, talent and industry leaders from across the BIMM Campuses.

Produced by BBC Radio’s Phil Taggart (Slack Panda) and Ann Marie Shields (BIMM Creative Futures), episodes will be released monthly and will be presented exclusively by BIMM’s students. Each episode will highlight a selection of undeniable talent from all BIMM campuses across UK, Ireland and Europe. Episodes will also include regular industry-led insights and live sessions, as well as gig guides, interviews and top tips features.

The first episode is presented by BIMM Dublin student Emma Williams and includes the latest releases from graduate Kynsy, students DREAM BOY, Skull The Pierre, Bluntwavez and Emma Fowler plus the latest release from lecturer Dave Hingerty’s Side 4 Collective. This month’s top tips come from graduate Keith Buggy (Marketing Manager at The Canadian Music Association) and we have an interview with MA graduate Zoe Piater (IMRO/Music & Mental Health Festival).

Talking about the podcast, BIMM Dublin’s Careers Manager Ann Marie Shields says, “There is an extraordinary range of incredible talent across the BIMM Group with exceptional music being created by students, graduates and lecturers. BIMM is where the future of music thrives and this show provides a way to showcase this.”

BIMM University provides an extensive range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking, and creative technology to over 8,000 students across 14 schools in the UK, Ireland, and Germany. BIMM alumni include the likes of Fontaines D.C., Mimi Webb, George Ezra, Izzy Bizu, Black Honey, IDLES, James Bay and Lime Garden to name a few.

BIMM Tastemakers FM launches on Monday, 13th May 2024 across all streaming platforms.

About the producers:

Phil Taggart has fifteen years experience in the music industry with ten of those years spent hosting new music shows on BBC Radio 1. Phil now makes daily music programmes for Sirius XM, the biggest station in the US, as well as his own ChillDaBeats shows on Spotify. Phil has run the record label Hometown Records since 2014 and has released the likes of Rejjie Snow, Rat Boy, Rhodes and many more.

Ann Marie Shields has worked closely with artists my bloody valentine, Dinosaur Jr, Rumer, Rob Ells (PJ Harvey), Charlotte Hatherley (ASH/Bat for Lashes), Mercury Rev, Marianne Faithful, Rollerskate Skinny, The Bug, MAD LION, and Martina Topleybird. She spent six years as A&R manager at Reprise Records in London where she launched label imprint Morpheus Records. She has worked as a music supervisor on several feature films including Joe Meek biopic Telstar; has her own AMS Records label; and is a director of 24/7 well-being support service Minding Creative Minds.

Connect via BIMM University’s Instagram.

Listen to the first episode here:

Summer In Dublin is an iconic song evoking warm memories of the capital city. An anthem for many who spent their youth in Dublin.

This live version is performed by guitarist Jack Maher, singer Aoife Doyle and pianist Tim Doyle. Performed in an acoustic folk style it, this trio has captured a warm nostalgia which lends itself beautifully to the emotion of the song. Summer In Dublin was composed by Liam Reilly and originally performed by Bagatelle.

This version was recorded for The Dublin Song documentary which was produced by Artscope and is available to watch on YouTube. The documentary is a journey through Dublin songs along with stories about the songs and the city.

Aoife Doyle is a singer and songwriter from Wicklow. Her recent album Infinitely Clear garnered much praise and radio play and was awarded a 5 star review from The Irish Times. She grew up in a house steeped in traditional and folk music. She cites a wide and varied range of musical influences including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Alison Krauss, Eva Cassidy, Ger Wolfe and Bjork.

Tim Doyle is a multi-instrumentalist and has won many awards for his musical talents. Growing up he played a wide range of traditional and classical music. He is an in demand musician for many artists and most recently toured with Lisa Lambe.

Jack Maher has had a long career as a highly sought after guitarist. He has been touring with Sharon Shannon for many years and has collaborated as both guitarist and vocalist with many of Irelands leading artists.

Aoife was a finalist in October 2021 Irish Music Month ‘Local Hero Song Competition’ in association with Hotpress, BAI, Ruby Works, IMRO and RAAP.

Aoife’s singles Strength To Be Strong, Clare Sky and They Say were all track of the day on HOTPRESS MAGAZINE. Strength To Be Strong was Song Of The Week on The ACOUSTIC YARD
RADIO SHOW. Infinitely Clear was Album Of The Month on The ACOUSTIC YARD RADIO SHOW.

Aoife’s music has received extensive airplay on RTE Radio, Dublin City FM, BBC Radio, LCCR, Eastcoast FM, Shannonside FM, KCLR and many more.

‘READY TO DIE’ is about radical love. It’s about fighting for your own joy. Like a lot of others, I have grown up surrounded by addiction. It buries the spark in the people we love. This song is about cutting the ties of self sabotage and rising to meet yourself in your own authenticity. Ready To Die was recorded and produced with Luk Star in Broken Bell Studios, Berlin.

Luk Star (born August 25th, 1982), also known as LuKKas or Luk, is a Music producer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist and vocalist based in Berlin, Germany.

He has written, produced and performed music as a solo artist, as well as in collaboration with various artists such as FROZEN OCEAN WAVE, DOPE JOCKXX, NDNA, Holy Cats, Terry Balfour, Sir Jay, Nansea, Ki Jeal and recently prominently ROO ELIZABETH.

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE: Roo Elizabeth – Ready To Die (Official Video) – YouTube

MAKING THE MUSIC VIDEO

The music video for ready to die was directed and edited by Roo Elizabeth, filmed and co-directed by Rachael Victoria, and color graded by Marcus Gideon Brooker.

‘I knew this music video had to be made. Releasing the song itself was such an important personal milestone for me, and I wanted to see my vision for it extended into something visually beautiful. I had to do it on a budget of basically nothing. I was blessed to have Rachael and Marcus on board, they made it possible for me to create this video. 

I wanted to tell a story. Ready to die was born in struggle. It’s about social chains and painful relationships, about the battles we face trying to find where we belong. Each seed we plant blooms later to give us air. There is precious importance in the minute moments we choose to plant our own seeds. Eventually, we find light and space and voice.

I hope that what was created here connects people to something greater. That’s all I want. 

We shot this video with props and creative will. We had forestry on our doorstep and some basic equipment. I had never edited a music video before, but the beauty of having creative control meant my vision really came to life. I tried to bring it somewhere between the styles of a cinematic, indie film and a more modern commercial music video. I wanted it to feel ethereal and a little dreamy.’

WHO IS ROO ELIZABETH?

Roo Elizabeth is an Irish artist, songwriter and budding producer. Her music is an exploration of melodic hooks and emotive expression. Expect a variety of genre influences in her music tied together with her voice. There is no genre uninteresting to her and this shows in her repertoire of songs; pulling influence from artists like Lana Del Rey, Mazzy Star & FKA Twigs all the way to Sharon Van Etten, Bon Iver, Arlo Parks & Aurora.

She has performed opening shows for Wyvern Lingo & Mary Coughlan, and played shows around some of Ireland’s favorite music venues such as Whelans, Ruby Sessions & The Workman’s Club. 2022 has seen her perform at Electric Picnic, Forest Fest and various other shows and festivals around the country.

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ITUNES
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Dublin band Sack return with a brand new single Wake Up People on Friday, May 10th and is the follow up to the 2021 single What A Way To Live. Produced by John (Spud) Murphy (Birds Of Olympus) and Sack, it was engineered by Ber Quinn (John Grant, The Divine Comedy, Villagers) and mixed by Dave Eringa ( Manic Street Preachers, The Who, Kylie, Ocean Colour Scene) it is the first single to be taken from their new upcoming album also entitled ‘Wake Up People’ which is set for release on October 18th.

The new album is their first album of new material since 2001’s Adventura Majestica which will be released on the band’s own reactivated Jetset Junta label.

Recorded at Dublin’s Sonic Studio with John Murphy and Ber Quinn, it is the first album to feature new members Gavin Fox (Idlewild, Turn) and Tony Barrett (The Brilliant Trees) alongside original members Martin McCann, John and Tony Brereton.

“Wake Up People is a song urging everyone to be aware, be active, be kind, be fair and to use our most precious democratic provision; the right to vote, in a lawful, peaceful way” John Brereton

Wake Up People is available to stream and download on all the usual platforms from Friday, May 10th.

Sack will take to the road in support of the new album with a short tour of Ireland and the UK throughout October and November, kicking off at Dundalk’s Spirit Store and will see the band take in shows at The Button Factory, Dublin, Voodoo in Belfast, The Treehouse in Frome, a slot at the Shiiine On Festival, Minehead and London’s 229, before finishing up at Kilkennys legendary Cleere’s. The band are also playing a special one-off acoustic show at the United Arts Club in Dublin on Friday, May 23rd where they will debut the new songs from their album in an acoustic setting. As well as a double headline show with Colm Lynch at The Purty Kitchen as part of the Dun Laoghaire Summer Fest on Friday, July 5th.

Tickets for all shows except The Button Factory on sale now, Button Factory tickets go on sale on Friday May 3rd.

Tour Dates
Fri May 24th – The United Arts Club, Dublin (Acoustic show)
Fri July 5th – The Purty Kitchen, DL Summer Fest double headliner with Colm Lynch
Sat Oct 26th – Spirit Store, Dundalk
Fri Nov 1st – 229 Club, London, UK
Thurs Nov 14th – Treehouse, Frome, Somerset, UK
Fri Nov 15th – Shiiine On Festival, Minehead, UK
Sat Nov 23rd – Button Factory, Dublin
Fri Nov 29th – Voodoo, Belfast
Sat Nov 30th – Cleeres, Kilkenny.

Frank Edwards’ will be released on all streaming platforms on Friday 17th May

Tadhg Williams plays a headline show at The Cobblestone, Smithfield, on Sunday 9th June 

“Tadhg is a poet who conjures songs both humorous and moving, rich in humanity.” – Junior Brother

“Catchy and relatable.” – Claire Beck, Today FM on ‘Nixer’

“A man with many artistic pots on the boil. He is a man on the path, walk on brother.” – David Keenan

Following the success of his latest single, ‘Nixer’, and with a headline show in the Cobblestone coming up on Sunday 9th June, Tadhg Williams has announced a new single ‘Frank Edwards’ which arrives to all streaming platforms on Friday 17th May. An anti-fascist folk song, ‘Frank Edwards’ displays Williams’ flair for storytelling in his songwriting, soaring vocals, and marching instrumentation.

“This song is inspired by eleven men, who left the docks in Waterford to fight fascism in the Spanish Civil War. One man in particular fascinated me, and I wondered, apart from his obvious political convictions, what influenced him to go. The song explores his reasons and his experiences in Spain. 

“I want to dedicate the song to the memories of those eleven Waterford men who fought fascism in Spain. I hope that while the growth of the far-right continues in Ireland, this song serves as a reminder that Ireland has always been a loving country on the side of free people.”

Recently described as “a luminary in the contemporary folk music landscape, poised to leave an indelible mark on Dublin’s vibrant cultural tapestry” by Pure M Magazine, ‘Frank Edwards’ is Williams’ second release following his return to releasing music last month. ‘Nixer’ attracted widespread media attention (including plays on RTÉ Radio 1, Today FM, FM104, Beat 102 103 and iRadio, and articles in RTÉ, Hot Press and Pure M Zine).

Since Williams released ‘The Summer Song’ in 2021, he has worked to develop his stage craft, supporting a variety of acts from Mary Black and The Stunning to Kingfishr and Niamh Regan, and has completed an undergraduate degree in history – a huge source of inspiration for his songwriting. In 2023, a small Irish tour road-tested new songs alongside a band, before going into the studio with producer, Geoff Warner-Clayton (Gavin James, Kingfishr, Driven Snow), to further develop and record some of these tracks. They have been mastered by iconic producer John Reynolds (Sinéad O’Connor, Damien Dempsey).

Tadhg plays his first headline gig since last year’s mini-tour on Sunday 9th June in the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin 7. Tickets are currently on sale from singularartists.ie. Tickets €15 inclusive of booking fee.

The cover art depicts two unknown men standing on the North Wharf in Waterford city in the 1950s, taken by Edward O’Farrell and kindly permitted for use by his son Paul.

8pm | Thursday 9 May | Live & Online

Livestreamed via othervoices.ie & YouTube

This Thursday night, Other Voices and the Office of Public Works will premiere the first episode in the new series of ‘Anam – Songs for Hearts & Minds’.

Following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural series, the new four-part series kicks off with Carrick-on-Suir’s magnificent Ormond Castle providing a breathtaking backdrop for three extraordinary Other Voices performances.

Presented by MayKay, episode one welcomes a diverse line-up including musical prodigy Muireann Bradley who brings her captivating roots, country, and blues soundscapes to Ormond Castle for an intimate live set.

Also on the series premiere, Dublin’s creative polymath Uly will showcase his unique blend of genres in Ormond Castle’s magnificent Long Hall, with a spine tingling performance that pushes musical boundaries.

Following the release of her latest solo LP ‘Bright Future’ masterful songwriter and Grammy-nominated Big Thief bandleader Adrianne Lenker makes her way to Tipperary for a highly anticipated Other Voices debut, playing a stripped-back acoustic set of tracks from her extensive and impressive groundbreaking back catalogue.

Anam will continue its musical journey across Ireland throughout May with performances taking place in prestigious heritage sites across Ireland by chart-topping drill duo TraviS & Elzzz, rising star Moncrieff, alt-folk duo Lemoncello, viral sensation Sarah Crean, legendary fiddle player Martin Hayes and more.

In the words of Philip King from Other Voices, “We are so delighted these magnificent buildings 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 othervoices.ie each Thursday at 8pm. Music fans can set a reminder now for all the livestreams.

In the first of a series of interviews focused on Irish record labels, Zara Hedderman brings us an in-depth chat with Willie Stewart of Nyahh Records.

Based in County Leitrim, Willie Stewart started Nyahh Records in 2021 and it’s described as a “home for sound collectors, noise makers and music builders”. A musician and member of Woven Skull, a filmmaker and no stranger to working within the realm of record labels having operated the Hypnagogic Tapes label, Stewart has been connected to and steeped in Ireland’s underground scene for several years and has become an leading figure in illuminating and spreading the tremendous music being made by artists working within this immersive world via Nyahh.

Wille spoke to Zara about what led to the label’s inception and explored some of the fascinating releases that have come out such as Ian Lynch’s debut solo album as One Leg One Eye, which is a truly captivating body of work that completely transports you right from the moment you step into it. And that transportative quality is omnipresent across the various releases and is something that connects them. Whether it’s the compilations covering Sean Nos singing or experimental music in Ireland between the ‘60s and ‘90s taking audiences to different eras or the wonderful collaborations between Natalia Beylis & Eimear Reidy inviting you to wander through vast and intricately detailed sonic settings, Nyahh’s releases are not only enjoyable to listen to, but they feel essential in what they open the audience to.

In this episode, we hear about the continued interest in Ireland’s underground artists – past, present and future, and consider the elements that have ignited a curiosity amongst audiences. Willie speaks about the passion and process involved in creating the brilliant compilations that the label have put out and  the debut album from Mohammad Syfkhan called I Am Kurdish, which has been critically acclaimed both in Ireland and in international music press and a lot more in between. ”

The IMRO Podcast is available on all major streaming platforms.

Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1670842/15032353

Beat 102 103 have launched a new initiative ‘21 Beats‘, showcasing young and upcoming artists from the South East of Ireland.

As part of Beat’s 21^st Birthday celebrations, Beat are introducing 21 rising stars of the Irish music scene. Every Sunday since February 4th, Ava Somers from IrishBeats chats with some of the hottest new talent, discovering their music and uncovering their stories.

One of the performers will get to perform on a Beat stage at a large street summer festival in Waterford in July, marking Beat’s 21^st birthday.

“In 2018, IMRO presented Beat 102-103 with a special award honouring the station’s ongoing support for Irish Music creators. With this latest initiative, supported by Comisiún na Meán through the Sound and Vision scheme, we’re delighted to give aspiring young artists across the South East this unique opportunity to perform LIVE in studio with us, talk about their journey to date in a more detailed way than usual.  In addition, all 21 artists will be in with a chance of performing at Beat 21^st birthday street concert in Waterford in July. At Beat, we are proud to support homegrown music and it’s been such a pleasure meeting all these new emerging artists. We’re looking forward to introducing more diverse performers to our 850,000 plus followers on air and online over the next two months.” – Gabrielle Cummins, CEO and Programme Director Beat 102-103

Acts that have been featured on 21 Beats so far include rising Limerick three-piece Kingfishr, Waterford rockers Under Starling, Wexford folk prodigy Rachel Grace and Cormac Looby, heartfelt songwriter from Tipperary.

For a chance to be part of 21 Beats, apply here: 21 Beats application (google.com)

Beat 102 103 is Ireland’s first regional radio station, broadcasting from state of the art purpose-built studios on the outskirts of Waterford city. It is the only station licensed to target 15-34-year-olds in the South East of Ireland incorporating counties Wexford; Waterford; Carlow; Kilkenny and South Tipperary.

Soon after its launch on July 1st 2003, it established itself as market leader among young adults across the region. Beat also consistently outperforms its national rivals Todayfm and 2fm in both the All Adult and Under 35 market in the South East.

More info on Beat 102 103 and 21 Beats here: 21 Beats | Beat102103.com