Author: Zoé Piater

Photo credit: Joel Stagg

Multi-platinum Irish singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy releases a brand new 4- track EP “I’ve told the trees everything,” out today on Island Records/Interscope. The full EP is available to stream/download and is also available to pre-order on vinyl here.

“I’ve told the trees everything” places Dermot’s soaring, emotive voice to the fore with a return to the sparse, stripped-back production of his earliest releases that won him so many fans worldwide. With production credits including Kenny Beats, Carey WiIlets, Rodaidh McDonald and Marcus Lomax, the EP features the singles ‘Sunday’, ‘Two Hearts’ and ‘Lucky’, as well as brand new track –“Lessons”  premiering today. The EP’s cover and vinyl inserts feature artwork by lauded illustrator and designer Nicholas Moegly, overlaid with Dermot’s own distinct chirography.

Dermot spoke directly to fans about the new EP saying, “It means so much to me to share this EP with you. It feels like such a beautiful direction I’m heading in, and I’m very excited to go there with you. Thank you for sticking with me and getting me here, and for giving me space. A certain group of trees have watched over me my whole life, good and bad. There’s magic to that, and I know they know me. I hope this music means something to you and takes you on a journey.”

Dermot Kennedy has amassed 4 billion streams across platforms, having the best-selling debut album in Ireland of this millennium with debut ‘Without Fear’. A platinum-selling artist in over 12 countries, he released his acclaimed sophomore album Sonder in the autumn of 2022 featuring  “One Life”, the pop-infused “Kiss Me,” and  “Something to Someone”.  Fresh off his performance at All Points East Festival in London, Dermot’s extensive 2023 “Sonder Tour” saw him headlining iconic venues including New York City’s Madison Square Garden and London’s O2 Arena among others.

Dermot has also recently been sharing the stage with some of his finest contemporaries, last month joining both Niall Horan and Noah Kahan on stage during shows in Dublin, singing Kahan’s ‘Northern Attitude’ following his support on the UK leg of the Sonder tour last spring. In December, Dermot joined Zach Bryan in Melbourne to perform a cover of Bon Iver’s “Boys Of Faith.”

Dermot’s incredible journey has taken him from busking on the streets of Ireland to playing stadiums around the world. His poetic and authentic artistry has forged a deep, emotional connection with audiences, including the likes of Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes who have sung his praises.

Keep Up with Dermot Kennedy:
Official Site
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

‘One of Irish music’s most captivating lyrical and sonic forces, carving out a wholly unique space within the country’s thriving folk community.’ Hot Press

‘A vital voice in the country’s thriving alternative folk scene’ The Thin Air

‘Lemoncello are a force to be reckoned with’ Earmilk   

New Claddagh Records signing Lemoncello today announce that their eponymous debut album Lemoncello will be released on Friday 3rd May 2024.  The album announcement comes as Laura Quirke and Claire Kinsella share their new single ‘Old Friend’ today,  Friday 15th March, alongside a music video directed by Quirke.

Lyrically, ‘Old Friend’ asks what kind of conversations we would have with those closest to us if we talked to them as if we’d never met them before. If we acted as if it was the first time we were ever talking, what would we ask them?  The song acknowledges that weird thing that happens when the people we hold closest and dearest become the people we are coldest around and plainly challenges the contempt that can be bred by familiarity. ‘My mother helped me up / And I barely even noticed … But a stranger helps me up / And I send her flowers.’ 

The video for ‘Old Friend’ was inspired by the colours in the album artwork. Director Laura Quirke says: “We wanted to create a simple and striking visual to represent the feeling of the song in a genuine way, without being overly sentimental. We ditched dancing and opted for a five-minute long hug instead – a subtle yet straight-forward reflection of the song’s meaning. The video was also in its own way a contemporary art experiment as we had to stand in a hug for 9 hours of the day to film it – with breaks only to check the smell of our armpits. The video starts abstractly, the close-ups on bodies and light both intimate and mysterious, creating an abstract, warm, human kaleidoscope, only revealing two bodies embracing at the end.”

The upcoming self-titled album captures the essence of Lemoncello’s musical evolution and explores themes of growth into adulthood, resilience and the sacrifices made for love.

Spanning nine tracks, the record chronicles the journey of learning how to hold your own – a process of learning to be the driver of your own life and to trust the instincts that were previously reigned in, after younger years spent seeking approval, permission and validation from others. Through intimate observations and uncomfortable questions with a healthy dose of playfulness, irony and humour, Lemoncello’s irresistible charisma is present throughout the record.

This chemistry and dynamic is captured and amplified by the record’s production at Analogue Catalogue Studios where the band both recorded and mixed the album to 2 inch tape with producer Julie McLarnon at the helm. McLarnon, who has  brought her analogue recording philosophy and approach to records by artists such as The Vaselines, Brigid Mae Power, Yorkston Thorne Khan, Lankum &  Junior Brother left a distinctively raw, unvarnished and old school stamp on the record. 

The band says on the recording experience: “Recording the album on tape felt like the right way to capture the energy between us as a band. You don’t record to tape to make a really clean product – and that’s not what this album is – it’s an unfiltered document of a place and time. It was such a joy working with Julie.  We didn’t look at a computer screen the whole time making the record. The best part of recording to tape is the limitations that it brings. – so in this way we benefited from having to make choices quickly and trust instinct and feeling more than technical ‘correctness’. The magic comes when you put your trust in it.’

The inimitable alchemy that occurs when Quirke and Kinsella sing together is a prominent force on the record – the vocals forward and defiant cutting through a minimal yet dramatic soundscape of cyclical, finger-picked guitar and earthy, gritty cello playing. These main four elements are lifted and pushed by strong dynamic string sections, poignant piano, dominant double bass progressions and compelling percussion – a singular sound embedded in Irish folk roots,  led by the attitude of off-kilter-indie pop.

Previously nominated for Best Folk Song and Best Emerging Folk Act at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, the duo’s enrapturing performances have also led them to play in Dublin’s legendary Vicar Street, The Irish Arts Centre NYC, London’s Bush Hall, and to open for esteemed artists such as Lisa O’Neill, Sam Amidon, Glen Hansard and Cormac Begley.

Lemoncello have recently announced an extensive Ireland and UK tour, with tickets on sale now via lemoncelloireland.com

14 March, Dublin — Ticketmaster has introduced Ticketmaster Local in Ireland, a platform designed to inspire people to discover and support their nearby venues and events.

With features including an interactive location-based map, a comprehensive local venue directory, and a dedicated focus on Irish performers, Ticketmaster streamlines event discovery for fans in local communities.

Keith English, MD of Ticketmaster Ireland, said: “Our grassroots venues are the heart of the Irish entertainment industry, and with Ticketmaster Local, we want to make sure we keep those sacred spaces pumping. By boosting the visibility of events put on by independent event organisers, we’re helping them reach a broader fanbase, supporting our homegrown businesses well into the future.”

Event organisers and artists who list events on both Ticketmaster and Ticketmaster’s self-service platform Universe will benefit from the new platform as events are automatically published through to the map, greatly expanding their reach. Universe allows event organisers to fully manage their own events from initial setup and sales, to admitting fans at the gates.

The launch comes off the back of Ticketmaster joining the AIM Ireland Friend of Programme – who serve as the collective voice of the independent music industry in Ireland.

Gill Dooley, CEO, AIM Ireland, said: “Partnering with Ticketmaster as they kick off their Ticketmaster Local campaign aligns seamlessly with AIM Ireland’s mission. As the Irish Association of Independent Music, we are dedicated to fostering growth, awareness, and opportunities for the independent music industry in Ireland. This collaboration not only enhances our advocacy efforts but also amplifies our commitment to building a vibrant, interconnected community.

“We warmly welcome the Ticketmaster team as valued partners in our Friend of Programme, and together, we look forward to championing the independent music scene in Ireland through advocacy, education, and community-building.”

Photo credit: Nicholas O’Donnell

“Made for arenas!” – Clara Amfo [on I Need Ya]

“It’s a brillant, brilliant record” – Jack Saunders [on Somebody’s Child]

“The self-titled album is truly something special” – CLASH [on Somebody’s Child]

“This is a wonderfully accomplished first offering” – Hot Press [on Somebody’s Child]

Ireland’s Somebody’s Child are due to release a brand new single entitled “Oh Emily” on Friday 15th March. The song is set to be a one-off release between albums, and was first aired to fans on the band’s sold out UK tour in October 2023. Produced by SC guitarist Shea Tohill at Black Mountain Studios in Co. Louth, Ireland and mixed by Peter Katis (The National, Death Cab For Cutie, Gang of Youths) at Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, Connecticut, “Oh Emily” has all the ingredients of an indie rock classic – tightly wound guitars, yearning lyrics and a nagging chorus.

On its genesis, frontman Cian Godfrey explains: “Oh Emily came about when we were at a very early stage of the second album writing. We didn’t quite know where it wanted to live yet, and in retrospect this song belongs in its own place. It’s interesting to see the development sonically, with where we are now. But at the time it’s what started everything off.”

2023 saw Somebody’s Child release its self-titled debut album and play 54 shows in 12 countries to promote it – including notable festival appearances at SXSW, Reading & Leeds (BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage), Truck (Main Stage), Boardmasters (Main Stage), Best Kept Secret and Kendal Calling.

Previous singles “Broken Record”, “We Could Start a War” and “I Need Ya” were championed by Jack Saunders and Clara Amfo on BBC Radio 1, leading to a BBC Maida Vale session for the former around the time of the album release. International support came from the likes of NPO 3FM and KINK in the Netherlands and Alt Nation (Sirius XM) in the USA. The album has since found a worldwide audience, accruing 4.3M streams and counting on Spotify alone.

Somebody’s Child are set to play four special headline shows in April 2024, effectively to sign off on LP1 and close this first chapter of their career, in cities which sold out the fastest in 2023. Kicking off in Berlin on Friday 5th April, the tour heads to Amsterdam, London and then Dublin for a massive homecoming show at the city’s 3Olympia Theatre on Friday 12th April.

2024 tour dates

5th Apr – Berlin, DE @ Hole44
7th Apr – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso Noord [SOLD OUT]
10th Apr – London, UK @ Heaven
12th Apr – Dublin, IE @ 3Olympia Theatre
25th May – Leeds, UK @ Live At Leeds
14th Jul – Glasgow, UK @ TRNSMT

Buy tickets here.

Follow Somebody’s Child

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY

Highlighting the court cases faced by pro-Palestine activists, with proceeds going towards legal fees.

Siren Spring | Single on Bandcamp

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin has been making waves in folk music this year. In recent weeks he has performed on The Tommy Tiernan Show, played with Christy Moore in Vicar Street, and won Best Folk Singer and Best Original Folk Track for 2023 at the RTÉ Folk Awards. When he isn’t playing music, he is busy as a political activist and has been heavily involved in the Palestine solidarity movement in recent months.

Today he releases a new single, Siren Spring, which he is using to highlight the court cases faced by pro-Palestine activists and to raise money for legal fees.

Speaking of the song, Eoghan says:

“Musically, Siren Spring is probably the most pop-like thing I’ve ever written – although that might not be saying much! It’s quite a playful song even though some of its content is quite serious. We recorded it at Hellfire Studios with Alex Borwick, who is a bit of a wizard of a sound engineer and producer. Anna Mullarkey, Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz, Ian Kinsella and Conor Lyons all came out to the studio on Wednesday and we arranged it together. Once the bones of the music were there, I recorded the vocals – they all came out in one take, which has never happened to me before.

In terms of its subject matter, the song is an attempt to put some of the feelings a lot of us have had in recent months into song. So many people I know have been struggling with soaring rents or facing eviction. Many of the same people have also been out protesting against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the Irish Government’s inaction in the face of it. And this week, Leo Varadkar is over in the US to hand a bowl of shamrock over to Joe Biden, Israel’s primary backer.

To me, all of these things – our housing crisis here at home, the genocide in Gaza, and our politicians heading over to Washington – are intimately connected. So much of our housing crisis stems from the red carpet being rolled out to big investment funds that have bulk-bought property and jacked up rents. Now Varadkar will engage in a week of Paddy-Washing around St Patrick’s Day to make it clear that, even after 30,000 Palestinians have been murdered largely with American weapons, Ireland is still open for business.”

Eoghan is one of several activists now facing charges for protests and direct actions in solidarity with Palestine.

Eoghan said, “In recent months Gardaí have been cracking down on Palestine solidarity activists who have engaged in protests and direct actions against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

“Two of us were arrested at a peaceful BDS action on Grafton Street in February and charged under the Public Order Act. Another activist has been charged with criminal damage for allegedly throwing washable red paint on the Department of Foreign Affairs. Several others are also now being threatened with criminal charges for the peaceful, symbolic action of attempting to hand an eviction notice into the Israeli Embassy.”

Eoghan said, “This criminalisation of solidarity is happening at a time when the International Court of Justice has found a plausible case that Israel is committing a genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Under the Genocide Convention, there is a legal imperative for states to do everything in their power to stop the genocide. Instead, the Irish State is attempting to criminalise those who are doing what the State should be doing.”

“We plan to fight the charges and the release of this song is partly to highlight what’s going on. People can buy the single on Bandcamp and the money will go towards legal fees for those who are facing charges for Palestine solidarity action.”

Follow Eoghan on:

Bandcamp
Spotify
Instagram
Facebook

“I just wanted to say congratulations on the release of your first single, it is miles better than anything I could’ve done at your age and you should be so proud, so well done”
– Dermot Kennedy

“This guy is a great talent, not only that but he’s also a great guy”
– Ryan Tubridy

’90s’ is an upbeat pop track with an electronic edge, signifying a shift in direction from the talented teenager’s previous work.” – Hot Press

“With his infectious melodies and upbeat songwriting, Moloney is poised to make an indelible mark on the international music stage” – Pure M

Michael Moloney has been expanding his sound and honing his craft over the last year, resulting in the summer bop ‘The 90’s’, which landed at No.1 in the iTunes Chart on release, No.17 in the Homegrown Charts, and straight on to the 2FM daytime playlist, and was Track Of The Week on Spin South West, followed by the infectious ‘Can’t Dance’ released later later year which also gained grreat support at Irish radio

Now the talented singer songwriter is back with a hearfelt ballad ‘Rewrite’ which he releases on March 15th.
Co-written with Ross Fortune (Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran, A$AP Rocky, Ellie Goulding) and Alex O’Keeffe and produced by Liam Geddes (Afrojack, Tiesto, Sleepwalkrs, Ryan Mack, Welshy).

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Ireland, teenager Michael Moloney is a talented singer-songwriter who captivates audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. With a distinctive blend of folk, electronic and pop influences, Moloney’s music resonates deeply, drawing listeners into his world of introspection, love, and personal growth.

Moloney made waves in 2020 with a mesmerizing performance on The Late Late Show, where he previously shared the stage with renowned Irish artist Dermot Kennedy.

With an impressive track record in both radio and television, including appearances on Ireland AM, The 6 O’Clock Show,  and The Today Show with Maura & Daithi, Moloney has garnered widespread recognition for his talents. His music has received extensive airplay on prominent Irish radio stations, including 2FM, Spin South West, iRadio, RTE Radio 1, Today FM, and more.

His songs have struck a chord with audiences across the nation, earning him a dedicated social media following (over 70K followers on TikTok and Insta) and critical acclaim.

His new single ‘Rewrite’ is out March 15th.

“With this song, I wanted to explore the feeling of lost love, shattered dreams, and bittersweet memories intertwined in the haunting lyrics of this melancholic ballad, echoing the pain of a broken heart.”- Michael Moloney

Photo credit: Niamh Barry

Irish indie pop newcomer ARLENE releases her new single ‘Longshot’ on Fri 15th March.  

‘Longshot’  features ARLENE’s raw edgy vocals which blend perfectly with the vibrancy of the electric guitar. Drawing influences from the pop punk culture with a Travis Barker-esque drum section, ‘Longshot’ still retains a somewhat indie-pop/rock vibe. The anticipation of the bridge section through the build-up of chaotic guitar lines creates a tension that can be experienced in an everyday mindset yet the panning of the breathing gives a psychedelic sensation. The track ends with an ‘acapella’ effect, giving listeners a real feel of the true passion of ARLENE’s voice. The track was produced by Adam Mcnamara, mixed by Mikey Rogers and mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty

Previous releases have seen Irish indie pop/rock artist ARLENE gain some extensive airplay with BBC Introducing naming her as one of their Top 5 Artists of the Week  and spins on Cork’s 96FM, Limerick’s Live 95, Dublin’s Q102 & C103, and LMFM.

ARLENE has performed live shows in Whelan’s, The Sound House, The Workman’s Club and at festivals such as Night & Day, K-Fest, TNBT & Whelan’s Ones To Watch.

2024 is set to be another big year for ARLENE with multiple releases on the cards, starting off with the release of “Longshot” on March 15th.

Dublin, Ireland – March 15, 2024 – Irish singer-songwriter Alicia Raye, known for her eclectic blend of Afro-Irish influences, is back with a bang with her latest single, “Irish Dancing.” Following the resounding success of her joint collaborative EP “Love Letters” with Becky McNeice, Raye continues to captivate audiences with her unique sound and compelling storytelling.

Produced by Prod. Solo and Eulogy Beats, “Irish Dancing” is a lively, colourful track infused with elements of R&B and pop, offering listeners a nostalgic trip back to the infectious beats of 2010s pop music. With its upbeat rhythm and catchy hooks, the song evokes memories of carefree nights out with friends, where inhibitions are shed, and joy takes centre stage. More than just a dance track, “Irish Dancing” serves as a testament to Alicia Raye’s pride and gratitude in her dual heritage as both Black and Irish.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Alicia Raye shared, “Irish Dancing is not just a track for me; it’s a celebration of my identity and roots. As a Black woman with Irish heritage, I wanted to create something that reflects the richness of my cultural background while also paying homage to the vibrant spirit of Irish music and dance.”

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, “Irish Dancing” couldn’t have come at a more fitting time. As audiences around the world prepare to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, Alicia Raye’s latest release promises to be the perfect addition to their playlists, offering a fresh take on traditional themes and a reminder of the joy that music can bring.

As Alicia Raye continues to make waves in the music industry, “Irish Dancing” serves as a testament to her talent, creativity, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. With each new release, Alicia Raye reaffirms her position as an artist to watch, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what she’ll do next.

Stream “Irish Dancing” now on all major platforms and join Alicia Raye on her musical journey.

Photo credit: Niamh Barry

‘Teetering between adolescent small-town woes lyricism and established sophistication’
University Times

SPEAKERS are an eclectic blend of alternative rock, pop, punk and indie influences pulled from across the decades. Formed in 2020 and consisting of members Conor Kinsella (vocals, guitar), Alex Cregan (vocals, bass), Ellen Beamish (guitar) and Joe Clarke (drums), SPEAKERS have performed across a plethora of Ireland’s most iconic stages and festivals, from Whelan’s Upstairs to Sea Sessions. In 2023, the band released their debut EP, Endless Summer which was followed with a successful string of gigs in both Dublin and Galway. The band’s upcoming single, COOLER TALK, explores the existential dread of working terrible jobs in your 20s with no end in sight to the daily grind, paired with SPEAKERS’ ubiquitous brand of guitar-based pop antics.

COOLER TALK Launch gig, Friday 15th March, Bello Bar, Dublin 
Tickets HERE

Saso are a music duo formed in Dublin, Ireland in 2000 by Jim Lawler (composer / multi instrumentalist) and Grammy Award Winner Ben Rawlins (producer / recording engineer) who share a unique artistic relationship as a writer and producer partnership.

They have just released their 8th studio album ‘Invisible World’ on all digital platforms. It marks a new chapter where the synthesizer sound of the last album has been replaced with the more organic, acoustic sound of brass and woodwind instruments, felt piano and classical guitar.
The inspiration for ‘Invisible World’ comes from a sense of nostalgia and romanticism of a bygone era – a kind of arcadian tranquility. The music acts as a sanctuary from urban life, turning to the organic pulse of nature as an antidote. The compositions were informed by the palette of instruments and resulted in a change of colour to create quiet pastoral scenes and fragile instrumentals.

All of Saso’s previous work has seamlessly coalesced into one sound on this album.
A collective of orchestral musicians were invited to play the arrangements live and to add colour and warmth.

“Something happens in a room when there are musicians playing live. The music comes together in the air.” (Ben)
“I arranged the tracks around feel and instinct. The sound world of clarinets and horns was new and allowed me to experiment with no restrictions on how songs should be structured. The performance aspect of just playing live was really important” (Jim)

The result is a meditative work, which is quiet and pastoral at times and unfolds gently over 14 tracks. The aim is to draw the listener in, to immerse in a warm and harmonious sound world – for silences and anchoring in the imagery of landscapes and nature.

Special mention to James Smith for playing guitar on ‘Murmur’, ‘Hills’ and ‘Solstice’ and for helping to workshop early ideas. Francesco Turrisi for co-composing and playing una corda piano on ‘A Path Will Rise’.