Author: Zoé Piater

Dubliner Isaac Butler has just shared his brand new single ‘Atmosphere’ – out Thursday March 7th.

Compelled to become a  fan favourite on the live circuit, ‘Atmosphere’ builds slowly with guitar based rifts and Isaac’s signature vocals. Blended with big drum beats, from delicate beginnings building to a charming crescendo.

2023 was huge for the Dublin singer-songwriter with 2024 set to bring him even higher. Isaac Butler  gained an impressive following during an incredible year, which included 5 single releases culminating in two sold out headline shows in Whelan’s main room and The Academy main room – with support tours with the likes of The Coronas, Ryan McMullen and Macy Gray.

Isaac Butler also amassed well over 3 million combined streams on Spotify, with a monthly following of 45K listeners on the platform. Fan favourites include ‘Heart Of Gold’, ‘On The Run’, ‘Moon Song’, ‘Good Enough’, ‘Just One Night’ – and his most recent release ‘Even Giants Fall’ –  a song about the love between a father and son and also the huge amount of admiration that exists in his own relationship with his dad.

Speaking about ‘Atmosphere’, Isaac Butler says: “This one is written about my family and friends.  It’s in the nature of what I do to be away constantly and to be honest I love home so it can be quite hard at times!

Isaac Butler further explains; “I spend a lot of time traveling alone and being around those close to me makes me my happiest. It’s just part of the gig though! Atmosphere is a reminder to people that although you may not be close to loved ones, you’re never forgotten.

Isaac sings “Night falls in California but you’re not around to see the lights go out” echoing his loneliness of his travels.

The Dublin singer has recently announced a live UK show in The Grace venue, London Thursday April 18^th, which is on sale now.  Isaac will also return to perform at 3Olympia Theatre for this year’s “Rock Against Homelessness” on Sunday May 26^th, 2024.

‘Atmosphere’  the brand new single from Isaac Butler out Thursday March 7th on all digital platforms.

Stay up to date with Isaac Butler on Socials
https://www.instagram.com/isaacbutler1/
https://www.facebook.com/isaacbutlermusic

Apr 7th – Middlethird Farm, Galway 
Apr 12th – The Attic, Doolin, Clare 
Apr 19th – Cúl Street, Ardfert, Kerry 
Apr 20th – Tech Amergin, Waterville, Kerry 
Apr 26th – Levis, Ballydehob, Co. Cork
May 5th – Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork  
May 16th – Cleere’s, Kilkenny

Tickets on sale now at https://linktr.ee/rhobcunningham

Rhob Cunningham has clocked up 10 independently released albums, recorded in 7 countries, having spent over a decade on the move, taking in residencies in Berlin, Vienna, and Paris.

His upcoming Spring tour, to Galway, Clare, Kerry, Cork, and Kilkenny, coincides with the 10-year anniversary of his sophomore album, The Window And Day, recorded in Iceland by esteemed producer Valgeir Sigurðsson.

Youtube – Daylight – Rhob Cunningham & Swiss Powerbrass
https://youtu.be/MvjGyQ63cWU?feature=shared

Heralding the impending release of his new album, Peace, Pity and Pardon, recorded in Switzerland under the watchful eye of Thomas ‘Gabu’ Gabriel, Cunningham brings his inimitable musicianship and depth of lyricism to celebrated Irish venues, old and new.

The Dublin native has opened for Joan Baez in Germany, Lisa Hannigan in the Netherlands, Villagers in France, James Vincent McMorrow in Belgium, Lisa O’Neill in Canada, and Wallis Bird in Australia.

Tickets for Rhob Cunningham’s Peace, Pity & Pardon tour are on sale now https://linktr.ee/rhobcunningham

Bandcamp : https://rhobcunningham.bandcamp.com/
Instagram : @rhob.cunningham
www.rhobcunningham.com

Dublin Singer-songwriter, Luke Clerkin, has launched a GoFundMe campaign for his long-awaited debut album, ‘Orpheus’, which is due for release in October this year. Clerkin has been playing his music to audiences all over the world since 2015, gaining acclaimed recognition for his euphoric live performances, deep and infectious music, and his extraordinary work ethic.

‘Orpheus’ was recorded with producer Gavin Doyle, between May and December 2024. The money from the GoFundMe will go towards public relations, mixing and mastering of the album, as well as the recording of music videos, and photoshoots. The campaign offers funders rewards for their support including tickets to the album launch, a digital download of the album, a concert in your living room, and much more.

Talking about the recording of the album, Luke said ‘We recorded the album between Gav’s home studio, North Clondalkin Library’s Creative Studio, and Block C studios. All of these places have been beneficial to my career in one way or another, so it was amazing to record my most precious piece of work within them. Some massive full circle moments were involved. Everything was done on a shoestring budget, but we put a lot of blood, sweat and tears (mostly tears) into it to make up for that.’

Talking about the campaign, Luke said ‘I am completely independent in everything that I do. I’m my own manager, label, booking agent…everything!. With all of that, I have always funded my music out of my own pocket, which has meant that I’ve been quite limited with the resources that I’ve had to use, and unfortunately the reach of my music has sometimes suffered because of this. I want to be able to give this album and these songs the release that they deserve. In order to do that, I’m asking anybody that has been touched or moved by my music over the years to show their support for this campaign. It would mean the absolute world to me if you could support the album, no matter how big or small the amount!!’

You can support Luke’s album GoFundMe here.
You can donate on Revolut here.
You can follow Luke Instagram here.
You can listen to Luke’s music here.

About Luke Clerkin

Known for his euphoric live performances, deep and infectious music, and his extraordinary work ethic, Luke Clerkin is an artist to be reckoned with. With a career that has seen him famously play over 250 gigs in 2015, gain international recognition through multiple tours, festival appearances and chart topping singles, Luke is showing no signs of giving up. Over the course of his career he has appeared at such festivals as Electric Picnic, Body & Soul, Stendhal and Edinburgh Free Fringe, and he has headlined venues all over Ireland including Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, The Cobblestone, Hole in the Wall Kilkenny, John Lee’s in Tullamore and more. Luke has also toured Germany on multiple occasions and he has also toured Ireland with The Circle Sessions and Cycle Against Suicide.

The two time Sports and Cultural Council songwriting competition winner has gained support from industry stalwarts such as Luke Concannon of Nizlopi fame, with whom he has forged a supportive relationship as a friend and mentee. Luke’s music, which has seen him work with highly renowned producers such as Declan Legge, Gavin Doyle and Berlin’s jaako, has been featured extensively on national radio and television. Luke’s music has been featured by the likes of Hot Press, RTE, Indiebuddie, Golden Plec and many more. His songs have received airplay on BBC, Spin 1038, Spin South West, KCLR, FM104, Today FM amongst many others. When it comes to chart and streaming success, Luke has topped the Irish singer songwriter charts on multiple occasions whilst also being featured on Spotify’s Editorial Playlist ‘A Breath of Fresh Eire. 

Throughout his career, Luke has been invited to play for government officials in both Leinster House (Irish Government Buildings ) and The Mansion House (Dublin City Council Buildings). His song ‘Home’ was used in Dublin’s bid for the 2020 Capital of Culture. Luke was the inaugural North Clondalkin Library Musician in Residence where he recorded and released his ‘Live From The Library’ EP in 2023. This was followed up by sold out shows across Ireland and the UK, including one in London’s Camden Chapel. Luke also played slots at major summer festivals such as Electric Picnic, All Together Now and The Works Festival. 2024 is set to be an even busier year with the release of his debut album, ‘Orpheus’ due to happen in October.

Following the success of her single ‘Where Are Your Wings?’, emerging Irish pop singer-songwriter Ciara Lawless triumphantly returns with ‘Our Kingdom Come’, set to release on March 15th.

This fierce, infectious, and ethereal track showcases Lawless’ mesmerising vocals reminiscent of Florence and The Machine. The song invites listeners on a magical, empowering journey, urging them to pursue their dreams despite life’s obstacles.

‘Our Kingdom Come’ is a preview of Lawless’s upcoming debut album which is called ‘Paint My Soul’ and is slated for release on the 26th of April 2024.

In 2024, Lawless’s music has already graced the airwaves of numerous radio stations, including iRadio, RTE1, RTE2, Cork96FM, CorkredFM, GalwayBayFM, and Shannonside. She also graced the cover of the popular magazine Rude Health.

With a powerful voice echoing hints of Kate Bush and Florence and the Machine, Lawless stands as one of Ireland’s most promising emerging artists, poised for global recognition. Her steady rise in the Irish music scene follows successful festival performances and a series of singles that showcase not only her honed stage presence but also her soulful voice, magnetic charisma, and signature flower head crowns, captivating festival-goers’ attention.

Lawless’s musical journey began in her youth with acting and singing classes, later evolving into a passion for classical and opera, leading her to train at the Academy of Music in Tullamore and compete in national and international competitions. While some singers hone their skills on the music circuit, Lawless earned her stripes as a funeral singer, an experience she deeply values.

“Our Kingdom Come” debuts on the 15th of March, offering fans a taste of what’s in store for this rising star. With a tour on the horizon and an album set for release on April 26th,2024, Lawless is poised to claim the spotlight in 2024, solidifying her position as one of Ireland’s most promising young musical talents.

Ciara’s music is available on all streaming platforms and is released and distributed by Human Angel Records.

Upcoming Concerts: Live at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, June 15^th, 2024

Live at The Healing Spirt Festival, Cavan 3rd August 2024

Spotify | Insta | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube

It’s been 5 years since world-renowned singer-songwriter Hozier released his superb second studio album, Wasteland, Baby! – and today sees a special vinyl release announcement to mark the special anniversary – out April 19^th and available to pre-order now.

Cementing firm fan favourites in the likes of ‘Nina Cried Power’ and ‘Movement’, Wasteland, Baby! gave birth to Hozier’s first ever US chart topping album, and proved the perfect follow up to his explosive self-titled record that spawned global mega hit ‘Take Me To Church’, putting Hozier on the map as one of the hottest artists in the world and bagging a nomination for ‘Best International Male’ at the 2015 Brit Awards.

The vinyl package, that arrives as special Ultra Clear & Transparent Green discs, offer the album in all its glory, as well as tracks from his Nina Cried Power EP, a stunning live version of ‘Shrike’ from Dublin’s Windmill Lane Studios, an acoustic version of ‘Be’ (available to listen to today HERE), and an extremely special unheard track ‘Why Would You Be Loved’ – recorded at the time of Wasteland, Baby!

Most recently, in August last year Hozier scored his first ever UK number 1 with his 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 the top spot in Ireland, as well as securing his first ever number 1 album in the Netherlands and top 5 spots in the USA and Germany.

This summer will see Hozier perform his biggest Irish headline show to date at Dublin’s Marley Park on July 5th. 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 Malahide Castle, and over a million tickets sold worldwide for his sold-out headline tour, which saw him conquer arenas including x3 sold out show’s in Dublin’s 3Arena.

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

Wasteland, Baby! 5th Anniversary Vinyl Tracklist:

Side A
Nina Cried Power
Almost (Sweet Music)
Movement
No Plan
Nobody

Side B
To Noise Making (Sing)
As It Was
Shrike
Talk
Be

Side C
Dinner & Diatribes
Would That I
Sunlight
Wasteland, Baby!

Side D
Shrike (Live at Windmill Lane Studios)
Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)
Why Would You Be Loved
Be (Acoustic)
NFWMB

FOLLOW HOZIER:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | YouTube

Jake Carter has unveiled his new single ‘Don’t Forget – with the single set to drop the same date as his EP, “Point of You” on Friday March 8th, 2024.

Co-written with popular Dublin band ‘Keywest”,’ Don’t Forget’ is unashamedly pop and draws on Jake’s effortless vocals and distinctive sound.

‘Don’t Forget’ is not your typical break up song, it paints a picture of that bittersweet farewell from a relationship. The lyrics express the emotions of love, nostalgia and acceptance of the inevitable separation between this couple. Despite the sadness, the song conveys a message of cherishing moments and moving forward with no regrets.

Jake said, “I love how the track has ended up and really feel that Richey McCourt has hit the nail on the head, with creating the perfect production to match the anthemic feel to this break up song”.

As Jake is set to release this five – track EP, featuring the heart-warming and uplifting singles,  Loved Me Like You Do, Milk and Honey,  produced by long-time collaborator Richey McCourt.  Point of You is pure pop, it’s Jake being his authentic wonderful self, layering his musical attributes into this EP. He is inviting you in to enjoy the ride!

Speaking about the EP Jake Carter says; “I am so excited to eventually get this body of music out into the world. I have been working on these tracks for the last number of years with Dublin producer, Richey McCourt, and I really feel that we have ‘found my sound’ with these tracks. The EP is a collection of my favourite songs that I have wrote over the last few years with a mixture of Irish Singer Songwriters, and if I was to describe the sound of this album, it would be a mixture of acts like McFly and Take That, acts that I loved listening to growing up, mixed with the current pop sounds of the like of Tom Grennan and Harry Styles”.

Jake recently played a headline show at Dublin’s Academy 2 last month.

Liverpool born but Dublin based, Jake Carter, still only 25, has already made a name for himself in the world of creative arts through his victory on Dancing With The Stars as well as acting roles in a number of stage shows. While he enjoys the idea of continuing to bring that triple threat of acting, dancing and singing, music is Jake’s first love. The 25-year old is now seeking to firmly establish himself as a pop star in the mould of Harry Styles and Tom Grennan and to create music that reflects who he really is and not who people think he should be.

Jake Carter has plenty more songs in the pipeline and looks set to build upon the success he’s had so far and make a name for himself in the music industry. With over 600k total streams on Spotify as well as 500k+ views on his YouTube channel, combined with appearances on The Ray D’Arcy Show and The Late Late Show, Virgin Media shows at Vicar Street and Cork Opera House as well as radio slots on Today FM, 2FM, Spin1038 and more, the future’s looking bright.

POINT OF YOU (EP)

Available across all digital platforms from March 8th 2024.

To keep up to date visit:
Website : JakeCarterOfficial.com
Facebook : @JakeCarterOfficial
Instagram : @JakeCarterMusic
Twitter : @JakeCarterMusic

Introducing ISSA NEW ERA! – the highly awaited second E.P by Celaviedmai, signaling a thrilling new phase in the journey of the Irish rapper. Mai embarked on her musical career by crafting verses over the likes of Kaytranada and Modja beats, and she revisits these dance roots in her latest project.

Infused with a touch of afrobeats, house, and bass music, this new endeavor showcases Mai’s evolution within urban contemporary music, while paying homage to the genres that influenced her early career.

Crafted into a compelling 5-track experience, the project was brought to life through the production skills of Ben Bix, and its sonic finesse was finely tuned by LOD Productions. Written by Celaviedmai, this unique project includes contributions from Breezy, Arveene, Zapho, Tadgh Byrne, Alan McKee, Frankie Grimes, Daniel Cregan Whelan and features the distinctive sounds of neo-soul sensation Qbanaa and the rhythmic artistry of afrobeat rapper and producer Plantain Papi.

Based on the enthusiastic responses from audiences during her headline Irish ISSA NEW ERA! tour in winter 2023 and the epic E.P launch party with Jameson, it’s evident that this project will reaffirm her status as one of Ireland’s most exceptional and exciting artists.

ISSA NEW ERA! REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:

“Mai is at the forefront of Irish music – not just as a rapper but as an artist making imaginative hip-house and dance bangers.”
– Nialler9

“The latest iteration of Mai’s evolution sees her dive head first into dance music, and we’re here for it!”
– Dylan Murphy, District Magazine

“Bursting with her signature confident, clever & commanding flows, you will not be able to sit still listening to this polished and punchy project. Her best work to date.” 
– Fionnuala Moran, 2FM

“Celaviedmai’s new project begs for you to dance and sing along… ISSA NEW ERA! bursts with bravado and unabashed sexiness.”
– Totally Dublin

“Vivid lyricism and slick rhymes over some heavy productions mark Celaviedmai out as one of the most exciting artists in the Irish scene right now”
– Peter Curtin, DJ

Celaviedmai is an eclectic Irish artist whose trajectory evolved from uploading rap verses over dance beats on Soundcloud to swiftly sharing stages with the likes of Lil Wayne and Mac Miller. Widely recognised as one of the most distinctive talents on the Irish music scene, Celaviedmai’s recent musical shift is generating excitement among fans and industry alike.

Celaviedmai is one of the few female, urban artists who sustains a continuous and dynamic presence in the Irish music scene, organically and independently. The pinnacle of her career unfolded in 2023, marked by milestones like being chosen as the opening act for Kelis, named as Breakthrough 2023 artist by GAY TIMES and Coca Cola, debuting live in Prague and Brussels, and securing her first Irish iTunes #1 with the collaborative track “Spark” alongside GOAL and embarking on her first Irish headline tour.

This is the 2nd song-cycle, following ‘The Girl with the Beret’, in a series called ‘Songs from A Witness Statement’ from Donegal based Singer/songwriter Kate O’Callaghan. Small Behaviours was recorded Live at Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal in collaboration with Seamus Devenny and Donegal Camerata String Quintet. Supported by Donegal County Council, Creative Ireland and the Arts Council of Ireland.

Comprised of a series of songs and spoken word tracks, which flow seamlessly from one into the other, Kate O’Callaghan weaves the story of her great-grand aunt Catherine Rooney (known as Katie Byrne before she got married) and her involvement in the War of Independence, after the events of the Rising in 1916. Inspired by first-hand accounts in her Witness Statement, logged with the Bureau of Military History, the aim of this project was to delve into the more personal and intimate details of her report, to imagine her experiences and pay tribute
to the vital roles played by so many women and girls at that time, which ultimately shaped the social position of women today.

A fusion of alternative folk, popular ballad and classical strings.

Kate O’Callaghan is a folk singer/songwriter based in Co. Donegal, Ireland. To date she has recorded & released an EP and two albums, received National & International Radio Play and toured in Ireland, UK, Germany and the US. ‘Small Behaviours’ will be her 3rd album.

PREVIOUS ALBUM REVIEWS:
“From County Donegal, Ireland, comes the poetic and nuanced sounds of Kate O’Callaghan, crafting highly intelligent, self aware, emotionally evocative tales that explore the profound in the everyday and the every day in the profound. Here are songs that expound on experience, create commonality, telling those big and small stories, simultaneously historical and personal, that are the gift of a music which carries the load of paying attention by sharing the world with us in new and unexpected ways” – Anti-Heroine Chic (New York, US)

“Absolutely stunning” – Myles Dungan, RTE Radio 1 (IRL)

“Haunting melody…beautiful lyrics, made all the more so knowing the story is real. Kate O’Callaghan pays a great tribute to her

aunt in this small but powerful collection, tinged with sadness, admiration, and love” – Irish America (USA)

“A beautiful recording, a concept album in the best sense. It combines family memories, historic events and movingly personal

reflections. It is impossible not to love this album” – Fatea (UK)

“Subliminal, understated and simply glorious” – Fatea Magazine (UK)

“Powerful..deeply atmospheric..genuinely lovely” – R2 (UK)

“Intelligent, meaningful and extraordinary listening experience” – Fanrealm (USA)

“A talented singer/songwriter with a great voice..” Shire Folk Magazine (UK)

“A lovely debut album..” – John Creedon, RTE Radio 1 (IRL)

“Warm, inviting, charming and delicate. A stunning debut album” – 2 U I Bestow (IRL)

“An accomplished songwriter” – GoldenPlec (IRL)

We’re delighted to announce that DJ Maria Lawlor will be taking the stage at this year’s IMRO Live Music Venue Awards!

Fun, Feisty and Fabulous, that is the kind of Fiesta that Maria has become synonymous with over her career so far. Resident in famed Dublin hotspots such as The Academy, 37 Dawson Street, Doll Society and many more, the former primary school teacher swapped the times tables for the turntables and has enjoyed unparalleled success while entertaining the capital and beyond. After impressing on her debut year on the Dublin nightlife scene, Maria found her way onto lineups supporting a number of her artistic heroes in some of the most iconic venues in the nation along with appearances at Longitude and Electric Picnic and she doesn’t plan on stopping there.

➡ To attend this year’s Venue Awards, please email events@nullimro.ie to secure your spot on the guest list.

Padraig Jack releases new single ‘Atone’ on 1^st March, the second single to be taken from his upcoming sophomore album. ‘Atone’ is Padraig Jack’s first release featuring original member of The Waterboys and current Saw Doctor, Anthony Thistlethwaite. The song features Jack’s typically thought-provoking lyrics which emphasise the importance of listening to other people’s point of view especially those you disagree with, while the tune is highlighted with a catchy sax riff.

Padraig and Anthony first met when Padraig opened for The Saw Doctors in 2018 and have been working together on Padraig’s new album since summer 2023. Padraig explains, ‘I grew up listening to The Waterboys and The Saw Doctors. There’s even something of a family connection as my dad was involved in bringing The Waterboys to Aran in 1988. It’s an honour to be working with Anthony on my album.’

Padraig Jack (O Flaithearta) was born into a musical family from the Aran islands. His dad is the songwriter Barry Ronan and he is the nephew of the Irish poet and Aosdána member Mary O’Malley. A native of Inis Mór which has produced writers Liam O’Flaithearta, Máirtín Ó Direáin and Breandán Ó hEithir, Padraig is proudly bilingual both as a conversationalist and a songwriter.

Jack’s songwriting heroes include James Taylor, Enya, Van Morrison, Shane McGowan, Sinead O’Connor, and Richard Thompson. He seeks to develop his own songwriting style in the Irish language also. With plaudits from industry legends like Mike Scott, Sharon Shannon and Miles Hunt, and laudatory reviews from the likes of Hot Press, Padraig Jack has already made his mark on the Irish music scene.

Padraig kicked off 2024 with a run of shows with Miles Hunt in the UK before playing a sold-out show at Dublin TradFest in the Pepper Canister Church and a tour of Wales with Welsh language artist Meinir Gwilym. His current tour takes in dates in England and all over Ireland, including a Paddy’s Day gig at Kilkenny TradFest with a full band featuring Anto Thistlethwaite.

Wed. 6 March     MTU Gallery, Cork w. Greenshine. Seachtain na Gaeilge       Show 1.00pm / Free show
Fri. 8 March         Butter Market, Kenmare w. Greenshine.                                    Show 8.00pm / Tickets €26.50
Fri. 15 March       Joe Wattys, Árainn for Seachtain na Gaeilge                             Show 8.00pm / Free show
Sun. 17 March     Parade Stage, TradFest, Kilkenny – Full Band *                          Show 3.00pm / Free Show
Sat. 23 March      Town Hall, Gort – Trio *                                                                   Show 8.00pm /Tickets €20
Sun. 24 March     Coughlans, Cork w. David Hope, SAL                                            Show 7.30pm / Tickets €15
Fri. 29 March       Coynes Unplugged, Cill Chiaran Conamara                                 Show 8.00pm / Tickets €20

*Anto Thistlethwaite

www.padraigjack.com