Author: Zoé Piater

of all living things are a four piece Dublin based band. Initially inspired by their own childhood and art forms that emit themes of nostalgia, their music manifests that sentimental and introspective nature. of all living things are releasing a new track If I’m Honest on April 26. It is the first single from their beautifully introspective second EP Cold Plunge which sees a digital and vinyl release on May 31.

Cold Plunge was largely written over a winter in a dark rehearsal room after endless days of work. The mood was often low, driving a growing penchant towards writing slower and softer music.

The band’s first EP, On Familiar Ground, was written in the dregs of Covid while still in college. Having become acquainted with the unforgiving nature of the working world, the themes of the new EP, as well as the title itself, refer to the environmental changes the band have gone through over the past couple of years.

of all living things on Instagram

Rising Irish indie-folk band Kingfishr have released their beautifully melodic new single ‘Afterglow’.

The latest track is a stunningly wrought composition over which Eddie sings in an affecting falsetto “I love the ethereal nature of falsetto vocals,” he explains. “I grew up with Bon Iver, he definitely did play a huge role in developing my ear.”

‘Afterglow’ is decidedly different in tone from previous releases, and is, perhaps, the song that best captures the enigmatic quality of Kingfishr’s sound. “I find music is one of those last places where there’s a bit of magic,” Eddie says. “Where things aren’t explained away. And I love the idea of not knowing how the magic trick is done.”

The trio quickly recorded ‘Afterglow’ after it was written and ended up keeping the demo as the final version. “The song is a culmination of subconscious recording, No real thought went into what was being played or recorded, it was all instinctual,” they said, “The purity of that is quite beautiful to us.”

Speaking on the concept behind the track, the band said: “So much of your time growing up can be wasted in pursuit of people who you think you love but they don’t feel the same way. You give them everything and lay your heart on the floor for them, but they don’t reciprocate that feeling and can unintentionally hurt you because of this. It’s easy in hindsight to say you should have known better, but in the moment you’re blinded and you don’t notice all that time you’re wasting.”

The band were also announced to play at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival this week saying that they feel “Lost for words and eternally grateful” for the opportunity. “We’d need a week to sum up everything we’re feeling. Having spent the last two years playing on a farm in Tipperary, it’s an enormous privilege and an honour to be asked to play at a slightly less prestigious farm across the sea.”

Formed while members Eddie (vocals, guitar), McGoo (banjo), and Fitz (bass) were studying engineering at university in Limerick, the Irish trio lean into their heritage with traditional instruments and poetic songwriting. Kingfishr’s music is hugely cinematic, they pride themselves on deep textures and a grand sonic atmospheric nature, with influences ranging from Hanz Zimmer to Ben Howard. They have racked up over 20 million streams on Spotify to date, with three of their previous releases being performed on The Independent’s live music session Music Box. Watch here.

Kingfishr spent the summer of 2023 supporting established musicians including world-famous rock legend Bruce Springsteen at BST. They have also had support slots for George Ezra’s UK/ Ireland tour as well as Dermot Kennedy’s Limerick shows at Thomond Park & in Dublin at Marlay Park. Alongside this were a run of festival dates that included Electric Picnic (main stage), Neighbourhood Weekender, Live At Leeds, Latitude, All Points East, Sea Sessions & Indiependence. They have also appeared on BBC Introducing Belfast and performed on Irish TV Series Other Voices.

The trio have started the year strongly, a festival performance at Eurosonic was quickly followed by eight sold out headline shows across the UK and Ireland. The tour concluded with two shows at The Olympia Theatre in Ireland, a live recording of which will be available on the 7th June. Kingfishr have been announced as the support act for Tom Walker’s upcoming 14 date tour as well as for Snow Patrol’s show at Thomond Park Stadium, in July. That same weekend will see them make their debut appearance at TRNSMT Festival in Scotland. As well as Glastonbury, Kingfishr will also be making their debut performance at Isle of Wight and Reading & Leeds festivals this summer.

Following their sold out UK and Ireland tour earlier this year, rising Irish indie-folk band Kingfishr have today announced their biggest run of shows to date.

The tour kicks off this October and runs through November with dates at TF Royal Theatre. Castlebar (25 October), Gleneagle INEC Arena, Killarney (26 October), The Set Theatre, Kilkenny (1 November), Wexford Spiegeltent (2 November), TLT Drogheda (3 November), City Hall, Cork (6 November), Leisureland, Galway (8 November) with Northern Ireland and UK tour dates in Belfast, Bristol, Manchester, London, Liverpool, Sheffield, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham.  Tickets go on sale this Friday 26th at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie.

April 2024 (Tom Walker Support)

Thursday 18th – THE GREAT HALL, Cardiff
Friday 19th – O2 ACADEMY, Bristol
Saturday 20th – OCTAGON CENTRE, Sheffield Tuesday 23rd – ULSTER HALL, Belfast
Thursday 25th – O2 ACADEMY, Birmingham
Friday 26th – MANCHESTER ACADEMY, Manchester Saturday 27th – MANCHESTER ACADEMY, Manchester Monday 29th – O2 ACADEMY, Leeds

Tuesday 30th – O2 ACADEMY, Glasgow

May 2024 (Tom Walker Support)

Wednesday 1st – O2 ACADEMY, Glasgow Friday 3rd – CITY HALL, Newcastle Sunday 5th – UEA LCR, Norwich
Monday 6th – ROCK CITY, Nottingham Tuesday 7th – EVENTIM APOLLO, London

June 2024
Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd – ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL Wednesday 26th – Sunday 30th – GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

July 2024

Friday 12th – THOMOND PARK STADIUM, Limerick City (Snow Patrol Support) Sunday 14th – TRNSMT FESTIVAL, Glasgow

August 2024

Friday 23rd – LEEDS Festival, Leeds Sunday 25th – READING Festival, Reading

Ballydehob Jazz Festival is a community and volunteer run Music & Art Festival which takes place May Bank holiday weekend, 3^rd – 6^th May, in Ballydehob Village, West Cork attracting musicians from all over the world and thousands of visitors.

The 2024 Festival has rolled out another outstanding programme featuring musicians, spoken word artists, street performers, and dancers, from across the globe.

The village will host a FREE Live Music featuring over 30 performances from Irish and International acts – The Bonk, Donal Dineen, The Lava Birds, Tacla, Becca Ruane, Boolaboom. There will Jazz, New Orleans Punk & Funk, Piano prodigies, Swing, Beats & more.

Last year BJF, which has been running since 2007, welcomed thousands of visitors to the streets, and village venues. Over 80% of the festival events, art exhibitions, music trail, street performances, poetry slam, food & craft market, parade all have FREE entry.

In the Main Festival Hall (The Ballydehob Community Hall) the festival will host a concert with New Orleans Jazz Punk Pianist Stephanie Nilles, on the Saturday The Canibal Dandies, Djs & Dancers take over for the Bootleggers Ball. Professional Dancers from Argentina and Ireland will run swing works shops throughout the weekend and will lead the audiences at The Bootleggers Ball.  Tickets for the headline events over the 3 nights are available online at https://ballydehobjazzfestival.org/

Making its debut this year is PIRATE TAXI, an Outdoor Circus Show suitable for all ages. An extraordinary aerial show, original live music, humour, a mechanically ingenious set built on an old school London Taxi, all taking place in the Ballydehob Playground on Saturday and Sunday (free entry).

Other family friendly events include the Sunday Jazz Festival Food & Craft Market, complete with children’s circus school (free) out front, and pop-up day time live music and poetry gigs.

The village’s vibrant community pulls together to channel Ballydehob’s energy though the legendary New Orleans-style Sunday funeral parade, which is themed the “Carnival Of Creatures” and led by Modh Coinníollach (the Good Mood) muppet, a physical manifestation of the village’s sunny predisposition. Joining the Ballydehob Puppet Family this year are The Three Jazz Kitties! These playful creatures are inspired by a local story… when a man at the bar heard rolling his eyes and saying “fecckksss if a cat had kittens in Ballydehob, that village would have a Festival.”

The Ballydehob Jazz Festival, which is supported by Cork County Council, The Arts Council of Ireland, and local business, runs free community and school workshops all through April in Levis’ Corner House, offering skills in puppet/ mask/prop making, and putting together performance pieces such as dance and drumming. Lead Artist is Elaine McClague (Loosy Smokes), working with Robert Rowe (Ballydehob Puppet Making Company), and Artist & Workshop Volunteer Co-Ordinator Kathy Crockett, as well as Visual Artist Millie Egan leading the School Workshops. Creative Director of the Ballydehob Jazz Festival is Joseph O’Leary (Fred, Levis Corner House). Participating schools are Scoil Bhride NS, St Matthias & Lisheen NS.

“It’s a really unique festival we have created together, full of heart, fun and community, music and art. It’s a celebration of Ballydehob. And could happen no where else because there’s no where like this village” says Creative Director Joseph O’Leary.

For full programme information, and to book tickets for headline shows, visit https://ballydehobjazzfestival.org/

Wednesday, May 1st in the Grand Social Dublin There will be a fundraiser for Triona Logan.

Triona has a Grade 4, non-resectable Astrocytoma with a typical prognosis of 12-18 months. She is currently undergoing radiation therapy. We are placing our hopes in oncovirus therapies being trialled currently in the United States and Canada.

Triona is currently receiving excellent care here in Ireland, but treatment in Ireland is very limited for her type of cancer. We are currently on to specialists in America trying to give Triona the best chance possible and trying to get her the most amount of time possible with her family and friends. Unfortunately, this kind of treatment comes at a very large cost.

Any funds not used for treatment for Triona will be donated to The Irish Cancer Society

Wednesday, May 1st in the Grand Social Dublin There will be a fundraiser for Triona Logan. The below acts will be performing

Old Hannah, Jawbone Folk & Blues Commune, Zoe Basha + Special Guests.

Old Hannah are a group of family and friends who, after years of informal collaboration, started writing and performing together in 2013. Since then they’ve released two EPs, toured extensively in Ireland, France, the UK and the US, and have supported the likes of Lisa Hannigan and Sheryl Crow, amongst others.

Jawbone; a folk/blues collective who stray into honky-tonk, swing and delta for good measure. More a showcase than a straight set, the members pay tribute to many a forgotten luminary bringing their soulful, occasionally brash, but always beautiful tunes to modern ears.

Zoé Basha is a Leitrim-based musician, composer and carpenter, of French-American origins. Drawing from her background as a traditional singer influenced and inspired by the multiple cultures embedded in her sound, Zoé Basha blends traditional Appalachian, Occitan and Irish singing with Piedmont blues and jazz.

Tickets: https://secure.tickets.ie/Listing/EventInformation/45614/tunes-for-triona-caitriona-logan-treatment-fundraiser-the-grand-social-1-May-2024

Dublin Songwriting Circle are to host their 4th songwriting feedback and networking event on April 25th in The Black Sheep on Dublin’s Capel Street. The event, inspired by the successful Camden Songwriting Circle in London, looks to create a safe space for Dublin songwriters to present their works in progress and receive supportive and constructive feedback from the audience. Attendees will then be given the opportunity to network with other songwriters and creatives, where they can share advice and discuss whatever they may be struggling with when it comes to their songwriting. Collaboration conversations are also very encouraged.

Talking about the 4th event, Dublin Songwriting Circle’s Creative Director and Singer-Songwriter, Luke Clerkin said ‘Each event that we’ve done has been incredible and they’re getting better every time. The songs on display, the performer and audience feedback exchange, and the general vibe have been more than special. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and I can’t wait to see what we can do going forward.’

Adding to that, Dublin Songwriting Circle host and singer-songwriter Navya said ‘”It’s amazing to see all these artists bring their ideas in very early stages of their conception and be vulnerable on stage. We have so many new things planned; I can’t wait to see how this develops.”

Dublin Songwriting Circle’s 4th songwriting feedback and networking event will take place at 8 pm on April 25th downstairs in The Black Sheep on Capel Street.

Sign up for the event is at 7.30 pm, with 15 places only, first come, first served.

You can find more information on Instagram here.

Dublin Songwriting Circle is a community of songwriters founded by Dublin based songwriter’s Luke Clerkin, All Things Eve and Navya. Their aim is to provide a safe space for songwriters to share their songs and connect with other like minded souls.

“Gentle, soaring and full of nostalgic comfort, Peter Richardson’s new single ‘The Coast’ will transport you.” — Hot Press

“Offering a magnitude of promise from an artist that deeply excites us” — Second Wave

“Brimming with tight instrumentation and clean production, ‘Please Don’t Believe Me’ is a refined display of contemporary pop marking Peter Richardson an artist to keep an eye on.” – Indie Buddie

Peter Richardson is a singer-songwriter from Dublin. An avid songwriter all his life, Peter grew up surrounded by music. After testing the waters with his original songs at a college open mic, Peter began properly recording his music at home in the summer of 2020. A few months later in October he released his debut single, “The End of The World”, an indie folk ballad filled with choral vocals and stirring, apocalyptic lyrics and instrumentation.

Following his debut, Peter continued with a string of releases, leading with “Please Don’t Believe Me” which premiered on RTÉ Radio 1 upon release, and later his debut EP “Then & Now”produced with Cian Sweeney (1000 Beasts).

Peter and his band made their live debut that summer, selling out the upstairs in Whelan’s weeks in advance, and moving to headline the venue’s main room due to overwhelming demand for their first ever show. Since this, they have continued to grow with headline shows in the Soundhouse, a festival debut at Kaleidoscope, and most recently a sold-out headliner in Bello Bar in November 2023.

As the success of their live shows has been growing, Peter has spent the past year working with prolific Drogheda producer Daniel DeBurca on a new body of music to bring himself and his band into the next chapter of their career. The first of these brand new songs, ‘Better Alone’ is set to release on the 19th of April, and will be followed by Peter’s next headliner in the Grand Social on May 10th.

“Better Alone” is the latest single from Peter Richardson. Written by Peter and recorded in Jejune Studios in Drogheda, the track is the latest in a series of new music that Peter has been working on with prolific producer Daniel DeBurca (Ailbhe Reddy, POST PARTY, Eleanor McAvoy, TOYGIRL) . Peter has spent the past year recording in Jejune Studios, working collaboratively with Daniel and his band to master their new sound.

‘Better Alone’ is the first step into that new sound, a bold, folk-rock ballad bursting with the extra grit the group has found playing together over the past two years. Despite it’s melancholic title the song is a hopeful one, hoping that from something broken something new can grow, new love can be found, and wondering if maybe indeed we will be “Better Alone”.

Releasing on Friday April 19^th, the track is a bold statement from the emerging songwriter, and the first of taste of what is yet to come.

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

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

‘Nixer’ is the first release from Waterford songwriter Tadhg Williams in almost three years. The fast-paced folk track, with its unifying hook and dynamic production, is, at its core, a protest song, noting the common experience of Ireland’s youth through this cost of living crisis.

“Nixer is a protest song. It was written from a place of confusion, anxiety and anger. More and more young people are moving abroad. Our generation is being priced out of Ireland. Our friends are moving away and our communities are growing stale as a result. The spaces in which we could create and enjoy ourselves, are being torn down in place of hotels and office blocks. This song is a call to let us live, work and play in the communities we love. I wrote this for every young person in Ireland.”

Once dubbed “one of Ireland’s most thrilling emerging songwriters” by Hot Press magazine, and 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, it has been almost three years since Tadhg has released any music. In that time, 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 June 9th, in the Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin 7. Tickets are currently on sale from singularartists.ie. Tickets €15 inclusive of booking fee.

The artwork for ‘Nixer’ is a photograph taken by Edward O’Farrell, of Chipperfield’s Circus arriving into Waterford over Redmond Bridge in 1956, very kindly permitted for use by his son Paul O’Farrell.

‘Nixer’ marks the first of a number of acoustic releases planned in 2024.

NOTE: The term ‘Nixer’ refers to extra or additional work, often undeclared to avoid taxation.

Credits:
Vocals, Guitar & Bouzouki: Tadhg Williams
Cello: Claire Kinsella
Production: Geoff Warner-Clayton
Mastering: John Reynolds

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CORK MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION: JOY IN THE PARK RETURNS!

Fitzgerald’s Park, Cork

Sunday July 21, 2024 – 12noon – 6pm

Joy In The Park is back this summer and returns to Fitzgerald’s Park in Cork for its third year on Sunday July 21^st, promising another jam-packed programme of music, entertainment, well-being and Joy, as it announces its first line-up reveal for 2024.

Headlining this year’s festival are the legendary Dublin band ASLAN who welcome Lee Tomkins on vocals. The lineup will also be joined by Cork’s own ska sensations, THE SERVICE, indie rockers, THE DAGENHAM YANKS and some of the city’s most celebrated independent artists including Ger Wolfe, Fiona Kennedy, Myles Gaffney, Polly Barrett and Stuart Wilde. Plus more names are yet to be announced!

Joy In The Park offers an eclectic mix of live performances, spoken word, and family entertainment. Returning this year are the spectacular shows from Cork Circus Factory, spellbinding storytelling from Galway’s Moth & Butterfly, Comedy-Music-Intro-Game-Not-Quiz Ringo: Music Bingo and meet-and-greets with the Eccentric Hatter’s Crew. Additionally, there will be movement classes for the kids with Kinderama and meditation for all ages with Cork Yoga Centre.

This celebration of life is brought to you in partnership with the Cork Mental Health Foundation offering a whole host of activities from arts and crafts to wellness workshops. These workshops are provided by the HSE Cork & Kerry Community Health Action Zone and a number of organisations and community groups including SHINE, MyMind, GROW, Cork Counselling Services, Jigsaw and Comhairle na nÓg. They will be joined by PIETA, Samaritans, Shine A Light, AWARE, The National Learning Network and Mental Health Ireland, who will be at the event as part of the support hub, where attendees can meet in person and be introduced to the many support services out there.

Joy In The Park is a free event for everyone, made possible thanks to the generous support of a number of institutions and organisations. Confirmed funding to date includes HSE Cork Connecting For Life Programme, Cork City Council Arts Office, Cork City Council Community Funding, Minding Creative Minds and Cork Mental Health Foundation.

This Friday, April 19^th at 19:00, “The Beating Heart of Dublin”, a very innovative show, celebrating the Liberties and the Iveagh Markets, will be held at BIMM Institute’s Live Room on Francis Street. Original music, video, and soundscapes will be featured, offering a perceptive glimpse into one of Dublin’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods.

The location of the show was carefully chosen; the historic Iveagh Markets, which have been abandoned for many years and are now in a state of crumbling ruin, are also located on Francis Street. The show aims to explore the link between our practice and environment, highlighting the importance of preserving Dublin’s rich cultural heritage.

Attendees of the event can expect to learn about and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Liberties and witness a unique fusion of art forms that capture the essence of this iconic area. The show will feature three original songs written and performed by the organisers, highlighting the diversity of perspectives offered in this very eclectic mix of works. ‘Barbed Wire, Locks and Chains’ the protest song already referred as well as ‘At The Edge of the World’ by Anca Scheul and “The Lady” by Jamie Roy, which offer unique perspectives on the essence of the community.

Additionally, the multimedia event will host a panel discussion featuring local sculptor Anthony Freeman O’Brien and James Madigan of the Friends of the Iveagh Markets, who will discuss the past, present, and future of the historic place. The event also aims to explore the general public’s opinion on the topic through vox pops, filmed at the markets on Meath Street and the surrounding area, with the footage presented on the night. The evening promises to be a unique and engaging experience, blending art, history, and community involvement in a meaningful way.

Free tickets can be secured here with refreshments available on the night, free of charge!

The Irish Pub Awards 2024 were launched on Tuesday 16^th April 2024, at The Merrion Inn, Merrion Road Dublin 4.  The Irish Pubs Awards are jointly presented by Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI).

Pubs are now free to enter up to ten categories with judging set to take place over the summer. The Irish Pub Awards Gala night, where the overall National Pub of the Year will be revealed, along with all category awards, will take place in Dublin on Wednesday, 13^th November 2024.

This is the sixth year of the Irish Pub Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across various categories in the pub sector.  Previous ‘Pub of the Year’ winners include Aunty Lena’s, Adare, Co. Limerick, Gleeson’s of Booterstown, Co. Dublin, Paris Texas, Kilkenny City, The Gylde Inn, Annagassan, Louth and The Porter House, Castlebridge, Wexford, while the individual category winners reflect the extraordinarily high standard of pubs around the country.

The Irish Pub Awards 2024 are open to all members of the VFI and LVA.  Entry to the awards is free – anyone interested in entering can do so via the dedicated website: www.irishpubawards.ie.

The closing date for entries is Friday, 31^st May 2024.

The ten categories are: Best Food Pub; Best Tourist Pub; Innovative Pub of the Year; Best Local Pub; Best Outstanding Customer Service; Best Music Pub; Best Late-Night Bar; Best Outdoor Space; Best Digital Innovator and Best Match Day Pub

The 70 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their region and will receive a prize package to the value of €20,000, comprising management training and media coverage to help them develop their business.  The media coverage will include a profile piece in an Irish Independent awards supplement on the day of the awards presentation on 13th November.

Addressing the launch of the Irish Pub Awards 2024, VFI President John Clendennen said:

“This year, we aim to not only honour the tradition and hospitality that our pubs are renowned for worldwide but also to spotlight the innovation and resilience they have demonstrated in recent times. The Irish Pub Awards 2024 serve as a testament to the unwavering spirit of pub owners and staff in every county, whose dedication ensures that the Irish pub remains a cornerstone of community life.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to our sponsors, whose support is instrumental in making these awards feasible. The calibre of our sponsors and their brands reflects the prestige of these awards and underscores a collective dedication to nurturing and advancing the pub sector in Ireland.

“I wish all entrants the very best in this year’s competition and look forward to celebrating the outstanding contributions that pubs continue to make to our culture and communities.”

Chair of LVA, Laura Moriarty, Bracken Court, Balbriggan, announced: “While we are aware of the importance of the Irish pub around Ireland, they also play a very important part in Irish social culture, at the heart of our communities and a central part of our hospitality and tourism sectors.  Also, an Awards programme is fitting to reward the efforts of those contributing to one of the biggest employment sectors in Ireland”.

“Now the definitive national industry standard, the Irish Pubs Awards are quickly gaining recognition throughout the trade as a programme that provides a credible and comprehensive assessment of the best in Irish Pubs.  It offers pubs in Dublin and around the different regions an opportunity to raise the profile of their business through national and regional media coverage. That, together with the technical and management training afforded to all regional finalists makes it an initiative the LVA are delighted to support”, she added.