Author: Zoé Piater

JUNE 12 & 13

Cork Opera House celebrates the thrilling world of Irish pop and rock music down through the decades, as part of The Cork Proms and the Cork Midsummer Festival. Heyday (named after the renowned Mic Christopher song) will present new arrangements of cherished songs by artists and bands such as Sinéad O’Connor, The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy, Enya, U2, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Hozier, Snow Patrol and many more in a night of musical celebration.

The Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, conducted by John O’Brien, will perform newly commissioned arrangements of some of the greatest pieces from the catalogue of Irish popular music, providing new and inspired interpretations of beloved classics and worldwide hits. They will be joined by a selection of contemporary Irish soloists including Jack O’Rourke, May Kay, Niall McCabe and Lucia Evans, with more to be announced, for two nights of unique and exciting collaborations.

Heyday is one of three superb shows as part of The Cork Proms 2024, which also features New World Symphony & Rhapsody in Blue – Dvořák, Gershwin and music inspired by America (June 16) and a night of some of the most world-renowned musical theatre, titled There’s No Place Like Home (June 19 &20).

A once-off special ticket will allow patrons to attend the three concerts for only €75.

See the Cork Opera House website (www.corkoperahouse.ie) or contact its Box Office on (021) 4270022 for more information.

“They’ve got the precision of Vulfpeck, the coolness of Parliament  and the energy of James Brown” – HotPress Magazine

Grooveline: one of Ireland’s most dynamic and exciting upcoming bands. The 6 piece style bending band rooted in funk blend (High energy Funk, Groove, hip-hop, Rock ,Jazz and trad) to make a completely refreshing sound that is “unlike anything in the Irish music scene“ (Rua media)

This captivating sound comes together with their raw and explosive energy to create an “exhilarating live show” (HotPress) and with the ability to “encapsulate the crowd into an immersive bubble of ultimate fun” (TradFest).

Grooveline are quickly becoming one Dublin’s most electric and sought after acts. Since December 2022 they have sold out headline shows in Whelans, the Workman’s club and the Róisín dubh, Created one of Dublin most spectacular and ambitious events “The Grooveline Experience” which got a radiant review in the Hotpress magazine. Supported Kíla in the National Stadium. Won Dublin intercollege battle of the bands, headlined Friday night at Whelans’ Ones to watch, played 3 years consecutively at the St Patrick’s day Festival Dublin (this year being on the main stage) , went on a festival tour around Ireland and headlined Dublin culture night in temple bar. Grooveline are currently working alongside MCD with an upcoming show in the academy on April 11th. Grooveline live are simply undeniable.

O Deer announces his debut album ‘OS’, due for release on CD and digital 20^th May.

O Deer is the musical project of Oisín Walsh-Peelo. Inspired by folk idioms, Oisín’s music is mellow and delicate, and draws from his diverse musical language.

Originally from Co. Wicklow, now based in West-Cork, Oisín has travelled extensively with his music. As a session musician (piano, guitars, harp, low-whistles and vocalist) he has played throughout the USA, Europe, Ireland, and the UK. He has toured worldwide with a wide range of artists and bands including Hudson Taylor, Gabrielle Aplin, Hannah-Grace, Villagers, Sun Collective, and I Have a Tribe. Since the release of his first EP ‘O Deer’, Oisín has played support for Hozier in the USA, Joseph (US), Departure Lounge (UK), among others.

As touring and live music came to a stop in 2020, Oisín used this slower pace to record his debut album, speaking of the process, he says:

“The bulk of this album was recorded between April – June 2020, a span of time that will go down in history, the world was in disarray and everything felt strange and unknown. Despite the chaos, however, I found a beautiful sanctuary in the making of this album. For the first time in my life I paused. I had time to listen in earnest to the sounds around me – the clacks of the sparrow on my roof, the purr of the wood pigeon, the slow drip-drops of spring-rain on the studio, the cautious, slow approach of wind through the forest, the resonance of an open-strung guitar.

My illustrious and endlessly talented brother Ferdia helped me capture some of these moments within this selection of my songs and I present them here for you in album form. I hope that it grants you some of the joy, quietude, and solace it brought us in making it.”

O Deer has released 3 singles to date, ‘Jet Leg’, ‘Waterside’ and ‘Staying at Home’ which are available to enjoy on streaming services. His new single ‘Syros’ will be out 8^th May, and the full album ‘OS’ will be out on CD and digital 20^th May 2024.

Jet Leg (Live Version) https://youtu.be/IiR3FUvm9Cg
Waterside (Live Version – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBljfys1bgQ
Staying at Home (Live Version)  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLePUONcQ-o

Pre-Order ‘OS’ on Bandcamp (CD and Digital)
(pre-order includes an exclusive-to-bandcamp track ‘Swedish Train’ upon purchase.
Pre-Save ‘OS’ on Spotify

Follow O Deer on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odeermusic/

Introducing “Callas” a new post rock/metal and experimental band from Cork. Their explosive second single, “Days” is set for release on April 25th, 2024.

Slabs of shimmering guitars give way to otherworldly vistas drenched with defiant vocals. “Days” is an intense and alluring listen from start to finish that sets the bar for the bands progressive and experimental sound and will form the title track for their much anticipated EP due in the first half of 2024.

Featuring Dom Murphy (vocals, guitars), Cormac Shanley (Bass) of postrock band “Ealadha” and electronic producer Ruairi Lynch (aka Bantum) on guitar and production duties. The band draws inspiration from the raw energy of metal and ethereal textures of shoegaze to create their dreamlike and experimental sounds.

Speaking about their upcoming release, Dom commented, “Days is a panoramic snapshot of where the band is right now and easily deserves to act as the backbone for our upcoming EP. It’s a sprawling and explosive song that blends a potent mix of drama and melancholy wrapped up under a dreamy soundscape. It has a radiance and energy to it that we are really happy to have captured during the recording process. Play it loud!”

Ruairi comments “It’s been an exciting new challenge for me from a production perspective and I feel with Dom’s songwriting and Cormacs bass sound we’re creating something that pushes things while feeling authentic to our roots.“

About Callas:

Callas is a new Cork based postrock/metal, shoegaze, and experiemntal band. “Days” is the explosive single and title track for their much anticipated EP to be released later this year. Their debut EP ‘Limit of our Sight” received much praise from press and garnered significant national airplay from both Ireland’s 2FM and the BBC. Merging the band members diverse musical backgrounds, Callas creates an otherworldly and progressive sound incorporating elements of metal, shoegaze, and rock. “Days,” is set for release on April 25th 2024.

Callas are:

Dom Murphy – Vocals, Guitars, Keys
Ruairi Lynch – Guitars, Production
Cormac Shanley – Bass
Evan Prendergast – Drummer

Genre: Post Rock/Metal, Metal, Shoegaze, Alternative
For fans of: A Perfect Circle, Anathema, My Bloody Valentine, Pelican, Deftones, YOB, Mogwai

“Callas (Ealadha) capture the stark Atlantic exposure of the West coast” – Kerrang

“Their music is at once cathartic, euphoric, and, frankly, beautiful.” – Overblown UK

“They work very well together, creating blurred tapestries of gorgeous textures and clearer moments that climax splendidly. “- The Prog Mind

“Dreamy colours of post rock – Callas (Ealadha) use their palette in swooning EP” – Metal Ireland

The song “Dive” possesses the majesty, power and grace of a blue whale cruising through its underwater kingdom, weightless and crushingly real” – Evening Echo Cork

Follow Callas on social media:
Instagram: @callasband
Facebook: facebook.com/callasband
Twitter: @callasband

When: Wednesday, April 17th 8pm

Where: Whelans (Upstairs)

Celebrating the imminent arrival of a brand new album, legendary tunesmith Duncan Maitland makes his solo Whelans debut on Wednesday April 17th. With his merry band of musical psychonauts, he will be offering up fresh slices from his upcoming brand new musical platter in the cosy surroundings of the upstairs venue.

“….meticulously crafted pop is rare, but it overflows here….” – TONY CLAYTON-LEA, The Irish Times

Since his days of touring the world and writing hits with beloved Irish band Picturehouse, he has run a three lane career as singer-songwriter, producer and session player, navigating through fruitful collaborations with Pugwash, XTC, Slumberjet, Joss Cope and Jack Lukeman to name but a few…

“…songs are delicious slices of 60’s infused psych-pop delivered with wit & panache. Highly recommended”
THE GOO, Gig Previews, April 2024

He has now finally returned to the lane he loves best – that of his own musical world. This will be a special night of magical songs, psychedelic incantations and sonic explorations…..

“….surely he is the new Duke of Stratosphere…” – ALAN CORR, The RTE Guide

Tickets are out now & available here:
https://www.whelanslive.com/event/duncan-maitland/

Promo Video:
https://youtu.be/WAC15Sasccw

After enjoying a hugely successful career in LA as a songwriter for Disney, Warner Chappell and numerous TV shows, Dubliner Annmarie Cullen is returning to the stage with a new single and a one-woman, multi-media musical set to debut at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival from May 13-May 18 at The Outhouse on Capel Street.

To celebrate the musical’s debut, A nnmarie’s new single  “Your Ex”,  co-written with and featuring Mundy, is a searingly powerful ballad that beautifully balances emotive vocals with a melancholy production that builds and climbs to an anthem-like, full-band crescendo. The song will be released on April 5th and is accompanied by a moving,  ballet-themed music video.

TV: Annmarie and Mundy will perform the single on the 6 O Clock Show on Virgin Media One on Monday April 15.

Radio: Thanks to the following stations for playing the single in the first few days of the release. Beat 102-103, Galway Bay FM, Ocean FM, RTE 2XM, Radio Shannonside, Northern Sound, LMFM). 

Ryan Tubridy:  Ryan Tubridy gave the single release a shout out on his Virgin Media Show on Thursday April 4th.

Of her friendship with Mundy, Annmarie explains:

“I first heard Mundy’s music when he was about 19 years old and we were both regulars at the songwriters’ open mic at the International Bar in Dublin. His voice and stage presence were so unique and captivating, even at that young age.

I moved to LA shortly thereafter and formed a band (Saucy Monky ), but we kept in touch over the years and reconnected in Dublin over the pandemic and wrote “Your Ex” together.  In the play, I perform the song solo, but it was so enjoyable to do a full band version and duet with Mundy for the single release”.

The recording features a mix of Annmarie’s new and longtime collaborators such as drummer Adam Marcello (Katy Perry), guitarist Meg Toohey (Sara Bareilles ), bassist Aongus Ralston (The Waterboys ), Pianist Max Greenwood and TV and film composer Gabriel Mann (Modern Famil y).

Annmarie’s Saucy Monky bandmate, Cynthia Catania contributed lead electric guitar to the single. Mundy played all the acoustic guitars on the release.

“Your Ex” is the follow-up to Annmarie’s 2021 singles “Harratt Street”, “Circus” and “What I Once Meant To You” which collectively enjoyed accolades such as a number one on the iTunes singles chart, several weeks on the “RTE Recommends” list and radio interviews with Ryan Tubridy and Dave Fanning.

About Annmarie Cullen:

Dublin native, Annmarie “Montade” Cullen has been in bands since she was 14 years old.

Her songs have been placed over 60 times in various TV and Film shows from iCarly on Nickelodeon to Blue Bloods on CBS.

Her California band Saucy Monky were early millennium indie darlings and appeared on iconic shows such as “The Late Late Show” in Ireland, Pet Sounds (with Tom Dunne) and popular festivals such as Oxegen and O2 In The Park with Westlife.

She currently divides her time between Dublin and Los Angeles.

“Remember That Time? A Musical” is her first play.

Over the past few years, Moon Looks On has been carving out a name for himself on the Irish and international music scene, with appearances at music festivals and venues such as Glastonbury, Electric Picnic, All Together Now, 2000 Trees Festival and The Ruby Sessions to name but a few, along with performances on the renowned TV show ‘Other Voices’ on Ireland’s premier broadcasting channel RTÉ.

Moon Looks On has also had tracks from his album ‘Razor Wire Skies’ added to the much sought-after ‘New Music Friday’ Spotify playlist whilst amassing over a quarter of a million streams on Spotify. His music videos and tracks have also premiered in Hot-press magazine, Irish Independent &  Golden-Plec and on both Irish and UK Radio stations such as 2FM, Today FM, RTE 1, 2XM, & Radio X  in Manchester. 

‘Way Out West’ is the eagerly anticipated new album, which was recorded and produced by acclaimed producer Bill Shanley and is due for release on April 19th via Cauldron Records. 

Hungry The Rock (Focus Track)

Hungry The Rock was inspired by the Hungry Rock road in the Ox Mountains, which is near Stephen’s home in Coolaney, Co Sligo. He wrote the song after reading an article about the road. According to historians, many poor souls died on this road during the famine and it’s a tradition now to throw a stone or pebble against the rock when walking past in respect of those who passed during this time as this will always keep you from going hungry. 

“That was the starting point of this tune and it morphed into a song about understanding the frailty of our own existence and questioning one’s own state of being whilst fighting to stay focused on the road or the way ahead” – Stephen Gormley (singer/songwriter of Moon Looks On)

Way Out West

Way Out West is a testament to Stephen Gormley’s profound connection to his roots, where the solitude of the land and the untamed spirit of the ocean fuel his creativity. The album is a culmination of introspective journeys and musical collaborations, showcasing Gormley’s artistry and his deep-seated belief in the richness found in life’s simple pleasures. Surrounded by exceptional musicians, ‘Way Out West’ is presented as more than an album, it’s a heartfelt invitation to explore the depths of human experience and connection.

A special album launch in Whelan’s Dublin on Saturday 20th of April and promises to be a thrilling night.

Upcoming dates:

Whelan’s, Dublin  – April 20TH

Creggan Fringe Festival, Galway – September 13TH

On today’s episode of the #IMROPodcast we’re delighted to bring you an in-depth interview with Moonchild Sanelly!

For the uninitiated, Moonchild is a South African singer, songwriter and designer, one of the biggest in fact – she’s collaborated with everyone from Beyoncé to Gorillaz, developing a sound she’s dubbed ‘Future Ghetto Funk’.

Originally from Port Elizabeth, Moonchild grew up in a musical family – her parents loving jazz, her brother a hip-hop producer, and her cousins were kwaito dancers

She moved to Durban, where she studied fashion, becoming known as a designer and spoken word artist performing in the cities poetry scene, before later moving to Johannesburg, and establishing herself as one of the most popular voices in South African music.

She’s released two albums to date, with work on her third album nearly complete and in a wide-ranging conversation with Danny Carroll, she spoke about the craft of commercially successful songwriting, collaborations new and old, finding her way in the music industry, plans for the future and much more beyond all that.

1:33 Most recent feature work
4:10 Recording her new album abroad with Johan Hugo (Self Esteem, Mumford & Sons, M.I.A)
7:50 Key themes of her new album
09:10 Collaborating with Self Esteem
10:00 Moonchild’s passion for collaboration, participating in songwriting camps
16:10 Moonchild’s early experience in poetry scenes and studying fashion and finding her sound
21:45 Family influence
25:00 What’s inspiring Moonchild now?
25:30 Moonchild on Damon Albarn
26:20 Learning from Beyonce and being an independent musician
27:30 Establishing an identity, moving to Johannesburg and protecting her look
28:30 Rejecting defeatist mentality
31:30 Anxiety that comes with success
35:00 How to disappear in a crowd
36:20 Importance of Moonchild’s sewing machine and manifesting
39:30 Female empowerment and women in South African society
40:50 Lineage of defiant South Afrian singers making an impact
42:20 Writing for sync and collaboration
43:30 Signature vocal
44:40 Being conscious of her audience and writing hooks
47:05 Influence and impact of her music and representation
49:15 How to sonnetise your emotion – distilling emotion into hooks. Not fearing being commercial
54:30 Writing about relationships
56:50 Reflecting on past experiences in songs
61:50 Plans to make the moon shine bigger

Featured songs: Demon, Red Eye

Follow Moonchild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonchildsanelly
Stream and purchase her music here: https://moonchildsanelly.ochre.store/

Listen to the full episode here: IMRO Podcast | Moonchild

Acclaimed Irish songwriter Oisin Leech who has just released his much acclaimed debut solo album embarks on his first Irish tour beginning with a sold out Dublin gig at the Sugar Club. Then the tour continues to Galway at An Taidhbhairc, and Letterkenny’s Regional Cultural Centre.

With Oisin’s Lexington gig sold out Vashti Bunyan had invited the songwriter to be special guest at her Camden Roundhouse gig April 20th. Full list of shows are below.

Upcoming Tour Dates 2024  

April 4 – Dublin, IE – Sugar Club* (SOLD OUT)

April 5 – Galway, IE – An Taibhdhearc Theatre*

April 6 – Letterkenny, IE – Regional Cultural Centre*

April 12- Kilkenny, IE – Cleere’s

April 13 – Waterford, IE – Phil Grimes (SOLD OUT)

April 14 – Cork, IE – Coughlans (SOLD OUT)

April 18 – Limerick, IE – Dolans

April 19 – Ballydehob, IE – Levis’

April 20 – London, UK – The Roundhouse**

April 26 – Manorhamilton, IE – The Glens

April 30 – London, UK – The Lexington (SOLD OUT)

May 3 – Paris, FR – L’Archipel Theatre

May 7 – Belfast N’IRL – The Deer’s Head (Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival )

August 24th – Another Love Story- Meath, IE

* = Joined onstage by Steve Gunn and Róisín McGrory

** = As Special Guest for Vashti Bunyan

Mark Daly is proud to unveil “Pieces,” a captivating duet elevated by the vocals of Emily Armstrong, frontwoman of the band Dead Sara. The track features soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics, and is the latest glimpse into his forthcoming album Devil’s Arms, slated for release this spring by One Opportunity Records. In addition to the song being released on all streaming platforms, the official music video was also released.

Mark Daly comments on the single, “‘Pieces’ explores the journey of two lost souls who find each other when they thought all hope was lost. The track features my friend Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara. I love how her raspy vocals blend with my smoky ones. I pulled in some Led Zeppelin and grunge influences. The song feels big and alive. I wanted to convey the sadness of longing for someone and then the hope you feel when you find that person you’ve been searching for.”

Emily Armstrong adds, “When I heard Mark wanted me to appear on his new record I was flattered, and when the time came to get into the studio to record, things just flowed so naturally. The whole process just worked out so well.”

STREAM “PIECES”

https://hypeddit.com/markdaly/pieces

WATCH Mark Daly “Pieces” feat. Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara (Official Music Video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkcgl-cwIIs

Devil’s Arms CD’s are now available for pre-order in the merch shop online: https://markdalyofficial.com/shop/

“Pieces” follows lead single “I Wanna Be More” and is the second track to be released from Devil’s Arms. Additional singles will be released in the coming months in anticipation of the full length release.

Mark Daly launched a three-week U.S. tour in January as direct support for Mr. Big. The Irish rocker supported the band throughout the Midwest and Northeast, while also headlining his own shows, including a marquee performance at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Hailing from Cork, Ireland, Daly is no newcomer to American soil, having completed numerous domestic tours with heavyweights including Candlebox, Queensrÿche, and Queensrÿche’s former frontman, Geoff Tate.

“I absolutely love everything about being on the road – meeting so many incredible people each night, getting lost in the music on stage. It’s pure magic,” says Daly.

Mark was first discovered while performing in his band The Voodoos in Spain. During one of their shows, music manager Brian Message (Radiohead, Nick Cave) was in the crowd and requested that Mark play some original songs. Brian decided to bring the band to London to record their first EP. It was in this defining moment that Mark decided to become a full-time musician and never looked back.

One early highlight in Mark’s career was performing at the MTV EMA Awards with The Voodoos after beating out 10,000+ bands from Europe for the slot. From there, Mark and the band began to tour throughout Europe and the USA. Mark’s first venture as a solo artist hit N0. 1 on the Scottish New Music Charts. Inspired by his son, Noah, the track “Your World” was written for an autism awareness charity.

For More Information Please Visit:

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One Opportunity Records