Author: Zoé Piater

“She is one of the best female singers I’ve ever heard. She is incredible.”
Nathan Carter, Sunday World.

“If there are more technically accomplished voices on this island, then you can probably count them on one hand and any list that doesn’t include the Galway woman will have a massive hole in it , simple as that.”
On The Right Traxx

Rachel Goode is an award-winning singer from Ballinasloe in Co Galway.

Technically accomplished, Rachel is a Classically trained Soprano and while still dipping her toe in classical music she also has a strong love for Folk music as she grew up immersed in singing and listening to the genre.

She has a bachelor’s of Music degree from DIT, a Master of Arts in Performance from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Limerick.

Rachel has had a lot of TV success and in 2009 represented the West of Ireland on the first series of  The All Ireland Talent Show.

She was also a finalist in the 2022 Eurosong competition on The Late Late Show on RTE, and a finalist in the 2022 series of Glor Tire on TG4.

The Galway lady is no stranger to the stage and has performed in all the major venues throughout Ireland including The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, The National Opera House, and The Helix just to name a few.

Inspired by singers such as Maura O’Connell and Eva Cassidy, her style is Folk with a touch of blues and Americana as can be heard in her strong vocals.

Now with her second single from her upcoming debut folk album on the horizon, Rachel hopes to make her mark on Ireland’s music scene.

The song Keg of Brandy written by Robbie O’Connell is a traditional Irish ballad that tells the story of a man who is a heavy drinker, wanderer, and in love with a lady called Molly from County Clare.

The song is timeless, with its themes of love, loss, and the pleasures and pitfalls of alcohol consumption. Rachel and the band recorded all the songs on this album fully live in the studio, as they really wanted to get an authentic sound and the feeling of real true emotion.

The song was recorded in Jealoustown studios with Stuart Grey, the band includes stellar musicians including Bill Shanley and Enda Dempsey on Guitar, James Blennerhassett on double bass, Robbie Casserly on percussion, and Stephen Doherty on box.

The track was mastered by Billy Farrell.

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Greg Clifford is an independent musician and interdisciplinary artist currently residing in Berlin. His latest hard hitting number is accompanied with a dada-esque video that alludes to the absurd nature of the world. The visuals are presented as if someone is mindlessly flicking through TV channels.

According to Clifford, ‘the collective psyche is undermined and under attack in a tumultuous fabricated world rife with superficiality, herd mentality, mindless consumerism and hyper capitalism. The compulsion to create this video was fuelled by the fact not only are we inundated with imagery, we are also subjected to inhumanity and evil on a daily basis’.

The video was produced by Greg Clifford and Sinéad Frew, while the track features Greg on vocals, guitars, bass and keys with Jay Bagnall (of Paranoid Visions and the Steve Ignorant Band) on drums. Bad News was engineered by Lucrezia Gnagni in Sun Studios Dublin and mixed and mastered by Ian ‘Werkhouse’ Flynn.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShhMf8ffgJE

https://www.gregcliffordmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gregcliffordmusic/

Rufous Nightjar is a three-part harmony trio consisting of Branwen Kavanagh, Anna Bishop and Zoé Basha.

Branwen Kavanagh, Anna Bishop and Zoé Basha met in a golden wave of underground traditional and folk music in Dublin. Having spent many years orbiting and occasionally participating in one anothers musical projects, in 2018 they travelled across Eastern Europe learning folk songs, and developed a beautiful harmonious dynamic.  They came together as a trio for a one off musical collaboration called Rufous Nightjar in 2020. During the lockdown Branwen composed a number of a cappella songs around the themes of mythology, folklore, landscape, loss and the otherworld. Branwen invited Anna and Zoé to collaborate on arranging the songs with the intention of making an album, and, three beautiful residencies, a brass ensemble and a whole lot of recording later, “Songs for Three Voices” was created. There is an invitation to learn and share these songs, which came alive out of a shared love for folk music and acapella singing traditions.

The trio hope to make a contribution to folk music with these songs and hope that their listeners will sing them in kitchens, pubs and around fires together.
Rufous Nightjar had a wonderful journey in their brief collaboration, having performed on Other Voices and in the National Concert Hall, they had 2 sold out Irish Tours, were featured on Donal Dineen’s “Make me an Island” Podcast, RTE Radio 1’s Arena, and Myles O Reilly made a video for them in Kilruddery house. There will be a limited run of 100 vinyl records of “Songs for Three Voices” produced by the band for sale on Bandcamp.

Rufous nightjar Website: https://www.rufousnightjar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rufousnightjarband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rufousnightjarband/?hl=en
Bandcamp: https://rufousnightjarband.bandcamp.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTCGbD9wAhI

When Next We Meet line-up announcement

Ye Vagabonds, Susan O’Neill, Cormac Looby – Saturday 1^st June 2024

Bell X1, Rachael Lavelle, The Line – Sunday 2^nd June 2024

Raheen House, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Weekend tickets €70 are on sale now:
www.whennextwemeet.ie/tickets

When Next We Meet returns to the stunning grounds of Raheen House in Clonmel, County Tipperary, for June bank holiday weekend festivities, Saturday 1^st and Sunday 2^nd June.

Now in its third year, this small-scale-big-heart concert series has steadily carved out a niche as a standout event on the Irish music festival calendar.

When Next We Meet recently announced its headliners and is back with more enticing news. A list of exciting Irish artists will join the incredible headline acts Ye Vagabonds and Bell X1 for two nights of music and celebration on the idyllic grounds of Raheen House in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Susan O’Neill and Cormac Looby play on Saturday June 1^st, rounding up a beautiful line up for the opening night of this uniquely intimate festival. O’Neill had been Ireland’s best kept secret, however with the release of In The Game her collaboration album with Mick Flannery that has all changed. Susan received nominations for the Choice Music prize and the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards for ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Female Folk Artist’ of the Year, and took home the Best Original Folk Track award for the collaborative song ‘Chain Reaction’.

Cormac Looby is a singer-songwriter from Cahir, Co. Tipperary. He draws inspiration from a range of artists including Mick Flannery, Bell X1, Phoebe Bridgers and Sam Fender. 2024 will see the release of his debut album; A Perpetual State of Irony. Consisting of ten brand new tracks, Cormac and his live band have teamed up once more with the Black Gate Studio in his most ambitious and exciting project to date.

Sunday June 2^nd see Bell X1 joined by Rachael Lavelle and The Line.

Lavelle is one of Irelands most exciting artists, having just been in the running for the Choice Music Prize Album of the Year for her stunning debut Big Dreams. The Dublin born singer and composer merges classical and contemporary influences, while her hypnotic live performances blend electronic soundscapes with spoken word and acrobatic vocals.

The Line is the pseudonym of Brian Dillion, musician and sound artist originally form Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Dillon is a member of Meltybrains? and has worked with a range of Irish artists over the last 10 years, including Talos, Loah, Brídín and Lilla Vargen among others. In late 2023 he released a 13 track collaborative album Red Blood Cells & Righteousness featuring Irish artists Murli, God Knows, Sorcha Richardson and more.

Speaking about the announcement, co-organiser Kate Twohig says “The artists announced today complete the main stage line-up, and complement the headliners, so well. We’ve been really lucky with how things have fallen into place for our third outing, and are just so excited for the audience to share in our love for these artists, in such a beautiful and intimate space.”

Beyond the music, When Next We Meet offers a weekend of community, art, food, and live entertainment, making it a must-attend event for friends, families, artists, and audiences alike.
Weekend tickets are now on sale, priced at €70 plus booking fees, with very limited availability. Head to www.whennextwemeet.ie/tickets

Follow When Next We Meet on Instagram, Facebook, and X/Twitter. Day tickets will be released closer to the festival, with priority sales currently open to weekend revellers.

Supported by Camida, funded by Tipperary County Council and Creative Ireland.

Indie pop’s Aimee Cuffe is set to captivate audiences with her music starting with the release of her Debut single Before We Were Us. Inspired by the raw emotion and storytelling prowess of Holly Humberstone, Lizzy McAlpine, and Maggie Rogers, Aimee infuses her signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies into this captivating new track.

With haunting vocals and lush instrumentation, Aimee paints a vivid portrait of the bittersweet beauty of following ones heart and tells the story of trying to find oneself again feeling lost for so long. From its introspective lyrics to its irresistible hooks, this single is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

About Aimee Cuffe:
Introducing Aimee Cuffe, the captivating new indie pop artist. With a voice that drips with emotion and melodies that linger long after the music fades Aimee draws inspiration from the likes of Holly Humberstone, Lizzy McAlpine, and Maggie Rogers, and infuses her songs with a raw honesty and vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners.

Hailing from a small town in the west of Ireland, Aimee has previously written and recorded music as part of the duo The Best Part and after deciding to pursue a solo career has spent the last year in her bedroom writing and recording her new music.

2024 is set to be an exciting year of releases for Aimee with her Debut Single Before We Were Us only touching the surface of what is to come from the exciting new artist. Her upcoming music releases are steeped in personal experience and tell the story of self growth and discovery. From the tender moments of love and heartbreak to the complexities of growing up and finding one’s place in the world, her music serves as a poignant reflection of the human experience and finding ones self.

Instagram: @aimeecuffemusic
TikTok: @aimeecuffemusic

World-renowned singer-songwriter Hozier has released an absolute treat for fans in the shape of Unheard EP.

After sharing the news on social media last week, alongside a video of a sketchbook, it was revealed that the EP will contain four unreleased songs, originally recorded during the sessions for latest chart-topping album Unreal Unearth. These include ‘Too Sweet’, ‘Empire Now’, ‘Fare Well’, and ‘Wildflower and Barley’ featuring Canadian Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and activist, Allison Russell.

Hozier says; “It’s my pleasure to announce the release of more work from the album sessions which could not make the original release. These are songs that might’ve made it to the circles of gluttony, limbo, violence and the outward ‘ascent’ respectively but could not for different reasons. I’m very glad I’ll get to share them with you.”

In August last year Hozier scored his third consecutive Irish #1 and his first ever UK number 1 with that very third studio album Unreal Unearth. The Irish superstar has cemented himself as one of the greatest songwriters in his field with a record that spawned world class tracks in “Eat Your Young,” “All Things End,” “Francesca” & “De Selby (Part 2)”. He outsold the entire UK Top 5 combined in release week and also scored his first ever number 1 album in the Netherlands and top 5 spots in the USA and Germany.

This summer will see Hozier perform outdoor shows, including a headline show at Dublin’s Marlay Park on July 5^th plus a sold out date at London’s 45,000 capacity Finsbury Park on July 7th – which will be his biggest UK headline show to date. This follows what was an incredible 2023 on the live circuit which included a triumphant surprise set at Glastonbury, an acclaimed sold-out show at Dublin’s Malahide Castle, and over a million tickets sold worldwide for his sold-out headline tour, which saw him conquer arenas including x3 sold out shows at Dublin’s 3Arena.

Visit https://hozier.com/ for tickets and full worldwide dates.

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Dublin, IE – Every Thing The Light Touches, a new band project by Irish singer-songwriter and composer Danny Forde to release debut single Animal to all platforms on April 12th 2024.

Animal is a song about self-expression and the love between a parent and a child.

“Written overlooking the sea one evening on a writing retreat in the west of Sweden, the singers in Animal offer encouragement and inspiration to their beloved son, that the most valuable thing he can do is to be himself in front of the world” 

Animal features the voices of Swedish jazz singer-songwriter Linnéa Lundgren, New York-based guitar virtuoso and singer Lau Noah, and the drumming of Dylan Lynch (Soda Blonde, Little Green Cars), and was mixed by Mike Cave (James Vincent McMorrow, Lewis Capaldi).

Self-described as Art Folk, Every Thing The Lights Touches’ music sits at the crossroads of Elbow, Bon Iver, Crosby Stills & Nash, Damien Rice and Nick Drake, lushly instrumented with fingerpicking guitar, vocal harmony, piano, string quartet, singing bowls and carefully placed drums. Every Thing The Light Touches’ greatest inspiration comes from the power of music to bring people together, to heal and uplift spirits in a way that transcends social structures.

Danny Forde’s extensive previous work as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, music director and arranger has appeared in concert halls, theatres, and TV shows worldwide, and he has collaborated with a wealth of other artists including Loah, Denise Chaila, BiIl Whelan, Hozier, Anaïs Mitchell, and FELISPEAKS. His songs with Irish-Scandinavian trio Karmacloud have clocked up almost 1 million streams on Spotify, and as a live performer has toured in festivals, venues and theatres throughout Ireland, Europe and the US. Reflecting about Every Thing The Light Touches, he says-

“I wanted to try to capture that magnificent energy that comes from artists who embody their art: the singer becomes the song. It has taken me on amazing adventures to meet incredible artists and I’m so lucky to have created music together.”

Praise for Danny’s work:

“Plaintive folk harmony pop” – The Irish Times

“Heavenly arias” – Irish Theatre Magazine

“Exquisite” – Damien Dempsey

“A gifted and intuitive artist” – Anaïs Mitchell

 “Staggeringly accomplished” – lecool magazine

Following two powerhouse performances last week, at the prestigious MUSEXPO event in LA, Shobsy announces new single, THE WAY WE ARE, for release on Friday April 5th.

Following two powerhouse performances last week, at the prestigious MUSEXPO event in LA and with numerous recent TV appearances and sold out shows here at home already under his belt, this track demonstrates even further, the huge versatility Shobsy possesses in crossing the boundaries of pop / synth pop and R&B.

Anyone lucky enough to have witnessed a Shobsy LIVE, will attest to the remarkable live performer he is.  Together with his own sold out shows; Shobsy has been a frequent guest vocalist with the RTE Concert Orchestra, also in recent years.  Shobsy’s collaborations with RTE Concert Orchestra and Dublin Bowie Festival have brought a stream of new fans to this richly talented vocalist & writer’s music.   One word keeps presenting; Perfection! Shobsy’s next Dublin show is at The Workman’s Club on April 20^th.  Not many tickets remain, but those that are can be bought from Ticketmaster Ireland here.

Ed Smith, Today FM  – “Sensational, What a voice”
Hot Press – “Powerhouse vocals that rival the enchanting beauty of Freddie Mercury & George Michael”
EARMILK – “Multicoloured pop banger, dripping in riveting falsetto and exotic stylings
Pop Matters – “Ireland’s Shobsy possesses a genuinely extraordinary voice, wholly unique and with a mind-blowing range”

SHOBSY LIVE IN DUBLIN this April

Buy tickets for Shobsy’s show at The Workman’s Club on April 20th from Ticketmaster Ireland here.

Photo Credit – Ray Keogh

Karl McConnon, the indie rocker hailing from Dublin, is back once again with his latest single release, “Heaven Has Gained Another Angel,” releasing  on March 29th.

With a musical journey spanning over 15 years, Karl McConnon has done the hard yards. His clear craftmanship towards his art has created distinctive blend of soulful narratives and nostalgic rock melodies. Drawing inspiration from his Dublin roots and infusing eclectic influences from his life’s adventures, Karl’s music goes beyond the typical ‘Irish’ sound and resonates deeply with listeners worldwide.

Renowned for his songs such as “Same Auld Road,” “Stand Up and Clap Your Hands,” and “Count On You,” Karl McConnon has solidified his position in the rock scene. His collaborations with notable artists and co-founding of the acoustic duo Temple Ba®stards.

“Heaven Has Gained Another Angel,” Karl McConnon’s forthcoming single, offers a poignant exploration of universal themes of loss and resilience. With clever lyricism, the song serves as comfort and for times of grief, while also delivering a message of hope and solace.

Speaking about the single, Karl McConnon remarked, ” ‘Heaven Has Gained Another Angel’ is a reflection of the shared human experience of navigating grief amidst conflict. Through this evocative piece, I aim to offer listeners a powerful and emotive journey, blending deep, emotional narratives with the soulful essence of indie rock.”

As anticipation builds for the release of “Heaven Has Gained Another Angel” on March 29th, Karl McConnon reaffirms his commitment to evolving his sound and reshaping his musical landscape.

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Stream/download Lucy’s debut EP ‘Third Second Chance’
https://found.ee/Third-Second-Chance-EP

Tour Dates:

Wednesday 27th March @ Servants Jazz Quarters, London (sold out)
Thursday 28th March @ The Grand Social, Dublin

“‘A voice as rich as velvet and killer musical instincts” – Clash

Following a string of widely praised singles in recent months, including “Plastic”, “Old Ways” and “Follow Me”, emerging Irish alt-pop singer and songwriter Lucy McWilliams shares her eagerly awaited debut EP ‘Third Second Chance’, and celebrates the release with a live show at The Grand Social, Dublin, this Thursday 28^th March.

Cementing her vibrant aesthetic these last few years, ‘Third Second Chance’ looks to broaden the progressive and emotive journey she has been on lately. Teaming up with the renowned Zach Dawes for the release, best known for his work with the likes of Lana Del Rey and The Last Shadow Puppets, this new collection highlights the warm and majestic energy she has been cultivating since her earliest beginnings.

Ireland has a rich history when it comes to storytelling. And so, it’s perhaps no surprise that Dublin-born singer-songwriter Lucy McWilliams makes music steeped in candour, her sweet vocal lithe and mellifluous as she sings about the joys and pains of letting yourself be open to love. Her songs – which, at the time of writing, have over 16 million streams on Spotify alone – do not sit neatly under one genre; expansive indie, slinky R&B, swaying acoustic pop, ‘90s-rom-com-style rock, all find a home in her sound.

Collaborating with her producer friend Charlie Hugall on a slew of singles that have garnered plenty of buzz with their soft intimacy, she shares her EP, Third Second Chance, featuring work from Zach Dawes. Travelling to LA to work with Dawes, their collaboration has allowed McWilliams to explore her sharper edges.

The result is a record that sounds bigger and more assured than anything Lucy McWilliams has ever done before. On buoyant, soaring lead single ‘Plastic’, she interrogates her past amenability in relationships, airing her frustrations with her own willingness to lose sight of her real self and her true desires in the pursuit of being loved. The rest of the EP, on tracks like ‘Mr Useless’, ‘Old Ways’, ‘Follow Me’ and ‘I’m OK’, find her similarly exploring themes of anger, boundaries and loving, recognising that as she gets older her openness to love also has to include love and respect for herself. These are anthemic tracks about womanhood in your 20s.

This is the sound of an artist stepping into a new era, still open and tender but with a sense of assured self-respect running through it. Having already supported the likes of Arlo Parks and Jake Isaac, as well as playing festival dates and gigs across Ireland, London, and Paris, this is just the beginning of Lucy McWilliams’ journey.

Lucy McWilliams celebrates her EP launch at The Grand Social, Dublin, Thursday 28^th March.

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