Author: Zoé Piater

Following on from their debut EP release in October 2023, Dunshaughlin Co. Meath folk duo We’re Not Together are set to release their first music of 2024 with the single ‘Miles Away’ on Friday 10th May 2024.

Rich in expressive vocals and tender piano, the song’s reclined pace offers the listener a full-bodied warmth and opportunity to focus in on each element of its musical construction. ‘Miles Away’ was recorded live with Chris Barry at Ailfionn Studios (Ye Vagabonds, Junior Brother, The Mary Wallopers) and features:

● Joshua Murtagh on piano
● Dónal Bowens on drums
● Chris Barry on bass

The release of ‘Miles Away’ will be celebrated with a performance launch night in Workman’s Cellar on the 18th May 2024 with a full band featuring:

● Dylan Lynch (Soda Blonde) on drums
● Chris Barry (Myles Manley) on bass
● Lily Sheehan (Mules and Men) on guitar
● Josh Murtagh on piano
● Ben Strong (Ruskavellas) on fiddle

“A six-track EP that showcases their love of a catchy melody over a few different genres”
The GOO

We’re Not Together released their eponymous debut recording in October 2023 after a hugely successful Kickstarter, backed by just under 100 people. With contributions on the EP from Phil Christie on keyboards, Chris Barry on bass, Donal Bowens on Drums and Aoife Kelly on fiddle, the 6-track EP has a diverse and wide-ranging dynamic within the folk and soft rock genres.

Following on from a sold-out EP launch in the Bello Bar Dublin, January 2024 saw the duo with another full-band performance at Whelan’s ‘Ones to Watch 2024’ and a stripped-back
performance at the iconic Dublin folk showcase Ruby Sessions in March 2024. ‘Miles Away’, the duo’s next single is set for release on 10th May 2024 with a performance launch night in Workman’s Cellar on the 18th May 2024 with a full band featuring Dylan Lynch, Chris Barry, Lily Sheehan and Ben Strong.

We’re Not Together’s fortunes collided in Room 4, the music room of Dunshaughlin Community College where both Aoife Moore and Kevin Burke went to secondary school. They quickly
began performing songs together in their senior secondary school years, and even went to the Debs with each other! Aww! The duo left their teens, and frequently made time to write songs together during camping trips to the West of Ireland and day excursions in their respective mammies’ cars.

Finding mutual inspiration in Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, the Woman’s Heart album, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, the duo became immersed in song, collaboration and performance. Aoife’s passion for the Irish language adds to the diversity of the partnership, as evidenced with the Irish language version of one of their original songs on the EP. With this collection and intermingling of genre and language, Aoife and Kev collated a multifaceted set of songs that have been performed to thrilled audiences around Ireland….and Ethiopia.

In 2023, We’re Not Together performed at festivals all over Ireland and travelled as far as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, having been selected to play for the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs’ St Patrick’s Day event. The duo can be caught at their monthly residency at the Farmleigh House farmers market and at music sessions all over Dublin on a regular basis.

The disruption caused by Storm Kathleen last weekend was not enough to stop local group the Blackwater Céilí Band, as they returned to London to perform for the first time since 2019. The award-winning band from Co. Tyrone were invited to provide entertainment and headline the prestigious ‘Fiddler of London’ festival and competition held in the London Irish Centre in Camden.

Now in its fourth year, The Fiddler of London has grown into a global inclusive event with entries from all age groups and interest from all over the world. It has evolved into a remarkable festival that proudly embodies the essence of Irish music and talent, and a previous recipient in 2022 was local talent Úna McGlinchey from Omagh. This year attracted competitors from all over Ireland, the UK and USA, and the deserving winner was young fiddler River McGann from Co. Clare.

Following the live competition on the night, attended by Irish Ambassador Mr. Martin Fraser, the Blackwater provided the music for the closing céilí event, performing to a packed Irish Centre. The band’s button accordion player from Fivemiletown, Michael Curran, said afterwards:

“We were thrilled to get the opportunity to perform in London again, the Irish Centre in Camden is a hub of cultural activity and has been a focal point for the Irish diaspora in London for almost seventy years. The audience included a mix of visitors and settled emigrants and it was great to showcase our brand of music to everyone in attendance.”

The adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Kathleen disrupted some of the band members travel arrangements, with flights on the Saturday morning delayed and rescheduled. However, following everyone’s safe arrival in the afternoon, the Blackwater travelled across the city to one of London’s most famous landmarks, the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to record a short promotional video for their social media pages.

The Blackwater Céilí Band are well-known across Ireland and beyond for their dynamic and energetic performances, captivating audiences and dancers alike. The band rose to national prominence in 2018 when they were crowned All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Champions and have since recorded extensively and featured on national media including RTÉ, BBC and TG4.

The Co. Tyrone members of the band include Michael Curran (Fivemiletown, button accordion), Ryan Hackett (Eskra, piano accordion), James McCaffrey (Dromore, flute), Michael Coney (Coalisland, flute), Mark McCrystall (Omagh, piano) and Eugene McKenna (Augher, fiddle). Further details of upcoming Blackwater events can be found on their social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, and their website www.blackwaterceiliband.com.

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. 

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).

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 (Whelans) and The Ruby Sessions. 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 ‘Someone Who Won’t’ is the rousing first single.

An expansive array of musical influences and Ger’s vast experience (10+ years) as a professional actor give him a unique viewpoint as a songwriter which is guaranteed to engage audiences. Ger’s celestial voice and storytelling ability add a timeless depth to his work which transcends fads.

‘Someone Who Won’t’ was recorded and produced by the renowned Christian Best (Mick Flannery, Susan O’Neill) at Monique Recording Studios.

The song illustrates a fork-in-the-road moment in the narrator’s life and the consequences of a major decision. There’s deliberately no mention of an individual in the recurring refrain “For every someone who lets you down there’s someone who won’t” to suggest that while we can have a “saviour”, we can also save ourselves. It’s a call to show up for yourself first in order to be in a position to show up for others in your life.

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A very special Benefit Concert to Launch Musician Treatment Foundation In Ireland

Tickets Go On Sale This Thursday 18 April at 10am

Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal have announced a very special Gala Concert at the National Concert Hall on Thursday 13 June 2024, the very special concert will benefit the launch of the Musician Treatment Foundation in Ireland.

• Tickets from €49.50 go on sale this Thursday 18 April at 10am from www.nch.ie.

An amazing night of music by three Grammy-award winning musicians; legendary singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash, acclaimed guitarist/producer John Leventhal, and beloved Irish-American folk artist Aoife O’Donovan. They will be joined by a treasured Irish artist for a special appearance for this gala concert to benefit and launch the Musician Treatment Foundation (MTF) in Ireland, which assists musicians who need specialized orthopedic care for their shoulders, elbows, and hands. Join the celebration as MTF helps keep the music playing around the world!

Founded as a nonprofit in the US in July 2017 by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alton Barron, the Musician Treatment Foundation helps provide free upper limb orthopedic care to eligible professional musicians through MTF’s special Physicians for Musicians network. Through this network MTF has assisted hundreds of injured musicians both at home and on tour with care valued at over $2.7 million. Overseen by a 16-member board of directors, including Elvis Costello and Diana Krall, that contributes experience and expertise to support MTF’s work to keep the music playing. For more visit: https://mtfusa.org/about/

Speaking about the launch of the Musician Treatment Foundation in Ireland, Dr. Barron said:

“MTF is fortunate to be able to help many injured musicians in their hometowns and while they are on tour across the United States.  Now we look forward to helping musicians who live or are on tour in Ireland. We are grateful for this benefit concert in the magical city of Dublin thanks to Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, two of the most talented and generous musicians you will ever meet. Musicians are sacred treasures for all cultures and peoples. This international collaboration of American, Irish-American, and Irish musicians reflects and reinforces the beauty, richness, and hope of our countries and cultures.”

Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal shared why they are supporting MTF with this benefit concert:  “Musicians are uniquely vulnerable to hand and arm injuries, impairments, pain, and chronic conditions: problems in the very parts of the body we need most to perform and create music. Dr. Alton Barron and other experienced orthopedic surgeons provide invaluable career- and soul-saving care that makes it possible to play, and to live our potential as musicians. We owe them, and the Musicians Treatment Foundation, an enormous debt.”

Don’t miss Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal with Aoife O’Donovan and Special Guest live for this very special gala concert at the National Concert Hall, Dublin on Thursday 13 June 2024.

Social Media

Musician Treatment Foundation
https://www.instagram.com/mtfusa/
https://www.facebook.com/mtfusa
https://twitter.com/mtfusa
https://mtfusa.org/

Rosanne Cash
https://www.instagram.com/rosannecash/
https://www.facebook.com/RosanneCash
https://twitter.com/rosannecash
https://www.rosannecash.com

John Leventhal
https://www.instagram.com/johnleventhal/
https://www.instagram.com/rumblestriprecords/

Aoife O’Donovan
https://www.instagram.com/aoifemaria/
https://www.facebook.com/aoifeodonovanofficial
https://www.aoifeodonovan.com

National Concert Hall
https://www.instagram.com/nationalconcerthall/
https://twitter.com/NCH_music
https://www.facebook.com/nationalconcerthall
www.nch.ie

The Bunker Studio have just reached the halfway point of season 2 of their series ‘…at The Bunker’, with Episode 4, Part 1 featuring Pastiche out now.

Dublin born London based Pastiche burst onto the Irish scene at the end of 2020, bringing with her a fresh delivery of pop music.

Ireland’s answer to Dua Lipa meets Lady Gaga, Pastiche’s sound combines classic electronic dark pop with her majorly theatrical influences, which more than suits the many stages she has conquered, including The 3Olympia, Collins Barracks, Iceland Airwaves and Primavera Pro.

Fresh off the release of her new single ‘Forfeit Control’, in Part 1 Pastiche performs a *Fun* version of a CMAT song, and takes part in a Q&A style interview:

Pastiche …at The Bunker | Series 2, Episode 4 Part 1 (youtube.com)

Part 2 coming 18.4.24.
Watch all 10 artists from Series 1&2 of #atTheBunker here: www.thebunker.ie/atthebunker

“One of the most compelling new singer-songwriters on these shores… Almost more akin to poetry than song-writing.” – Hot Press Magazine, Ireland

“There is something singularly compelling about Fox’s voice when he relays his message, an authority born of experience.” – Latin Post, USA

“Awakened is the kind of work that deserves to be heard and appreciated countless times, so that we can feel the fullness of its sensational energy.” – Roadie Music Magazine, Brazil

Gavin Fox is a singer-songwriter from Dublin, Ireland.

His sound is a fusion of alternative folk, Americana and rock, creating a sonic landscape that is both timeless and contemporary. His songs, steeped in authenticity and vulnerability, serve as a mirror to the human experience, exploring themes of light, inspiration, and personal growth.

With his debut album “Awakened” (2022), Gavin Fox emerged as a dynamic singer-songwriter whose music resonates with raw emotion and profound introspection. Released to critical acclaim, the album invited listeners on a journey of self-discovery and revelation.

Receiving strong support at radio and blogs in Ireland and abroad including being added to the RTE Radio 1 Recommends List with his debut single, Hot Press, RTE Entertainment, Classic Hits, KFM, Shannonside and more supported Gavin’s early journey.

Gavin Fox is a storyteller. Some of his songs tell a personal story. Some are inspired by the stories of others. From the moment he strums his first chord or sings his first note, Gavin captivates audiences with his soulful melodies and poignant lyricism.

With his passion for storytelling and his gift for melody, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene, inspiring listeners to awaken to the beauty and complexity of life through his music. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Gavin Fox remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his craft and sharing his authentic voice with the world.

About Dreamers and Believers

Throughout history there have been people who have done just that. People like Albert Einstein and Martin Luther King. Leonardo Da Vinci. Galileo. Mahatma Gandhi. Marie Curie. Nelson Mandela. People we are now indebted to because without them, our world would be very different. What they had to say wasn’t always popular, but it was right. They were ridiculed and persecuted for their courageous convictions. It would have been far easier for them to swim with the tide but doing so would not have changed the world.

And these were not remarkable people. They were ordinary people doing remarkable things. Nobody gave them permission to do what they did, but somebody needed to show leadership and they stood up.

The world needs dreamers and believers. Life is short. It is up to each of us to make our contribution. And you don’t need permission. But, if you do, here it is.

Dublin indie songwriter Tommy Cullen presents ‘B Movie’, the new single from his debut album Enjoy the Glow. An exploration of duality and communication with a deep, hip-hop infused groove, ‘B Movie’ features guest vocals from London-based singer-songwriter Yazmyn Hendrix and production by Marcus Jay.

From the moment he picked up an acoustic guitar, Tommy wanted to make music and little else. He grew up in a world of art, the son of creative parents – his father is the celebrated painter Stephen Cullen – and his songs found their first outlet with alternative rock band The False and the Fair, who eventually broke up after a six-year run on Dublin’s underground scene. Starting over again as a solo artist, Tommy threw himself into home recording and created an eclectic series of indie singles, which took flight on a seven-date tour of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a live acoustic EP, hometown shows, numerous live streams and an informal residency busking in the picturesque surroundings of Dun Laoghaire.

Something bigger started to take shape, and soon a debut album was born. Enjoy the Glow represents the culmination of Cullen’s creative life to date, exploring the past few years through tales of everyday drudgery, true love, UFO sightings and trips to Ikea. The album was mixed by Marcus Jay, and mastered by Ivan Jackman at Hellfire Studios.

Enjoy the Glow will be available to stream everywhere from 19^th April. Tommy is set to support Aslan for their Galway show in Monroe’s on the 20^th, before returning to Dublin for his biggest-ever headline show in the Sound House on the 26^th – backed by the TC AllStar Band, with special guest Siobhán Franks. Tickets are now available at thesoundhouse.ie

“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

WEBSITE – INSTAGRAM – FACEBOOK – SPOTIFY

Get ready for a song that will warm your heart and lift your spirits as Mairéad Carroll introduces her second single ‘HAPPIER’, already highly anticipated as the happy anthem of Summer 2024. With hints of Christy Hennessy’s storytelling and The Corrs soothing melodies, Mairéad Carroll delivers a musical journey that is sure to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Inspired by a moment of clarity in Dublin’s bustling streets, ‘HAPPIER’ shares Mairéad’s journey of finding beauty, joy and self-acceptance. Lost in an unfamiliar part of the city, she discovered the beauty in life’s simple pleasures and the importance of loving oneself.

‘HAPPIER’ is beautifully produced by Billy Farrell, with Billy (keys), David Doyle (Cello), Ken Rice (Viola and Violin)  complimenting Mairéad’s vocals and fiddle playing.

Following on from her success of her debut single ‘Can I Say I Love You One More Time’, Mairéad Carroll headlined her show “If The Stars Could See You Now” at The Moat Theatre in Naas.

Mairéad has supported acts such as Brian Kennedy and up and coming Dublin artist Ciarán Moran. Mairéad is an established traditional Irish fiddle player and session musician for artists of different genres, recently playing in Ciarán Moran’s band for his sell out headline show in Whelan’s and recording strings and vocals on his recent single ‘It’s OK’.

Mairéad loves sharing her music, poetry and the stories behind the songs with listeners and audiences.

To celebrate their 20^th anniversary, The Irish Composers’ Collective has formed duos that will write and perform their own music.

This year, the Irish Composers’ Collective is celebrating its 20^th anniversary with a series of concerts taking place throughout Ireland. To kick off the series, the ICC will be traveling to Limerick City on the 25^th of May to premiere several new pieces of music written specifically for a variety of eclectic duos.

Twelve of Ireland’s top emerging composers have been paired off and tasked with writing ten minutes of music which can take any form. This could either be one long expansive piece or several vignettes that are linked by common themes, or anything and everything in between! The duos are comprised of composers from diverse backgrounds and creative practices, ensuring a varied programme of music that will be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates both traditional and unconventional approaches to music making.

“The ICC is a ready-made community of creators, performers, and listeners, and they are blazing a trail for 21st-century music in Ireland.”

— TOM SERVICE, THE GUARDIAN, OCTOBER 11, 2008

“…the Irish Composers’ Collective (ICC) has staked its ground on the concert scene in Ireland… a unitary ambition: to progress themselves as composers and the community of music in their country.”

— LIAM CAGNEY, THE JOURNAL OF MUSIC, 1ST FEBRUARY, 2010

Buy tickets for ‘ICC20: Duos’ from the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/icc20-duos-tickets-881041457717

ICC20: ICC Duos is being sponsored by IMRO.

About The Irish Composers’ Collective:

The Irish Composers’ Collective was founded circa 2003/2004, with two expressed aims: to give young and emerging composers the opportunity to develop their professional and creative practice and to bring their music to new and wider audiences. Having started in the nation’s capital, the organisation now aspires to bring these opportunities to as many musical communities as possible throughout the country.