Author: Zoé Piater

Evelyn and Declan started working together in the dark Winter of 2020. Now they’ve stepped into the light. They have written and recorded an album together and have had radio success with the first three tracks serviced to radio, ‘Who Has Coloured You Blue’, ‘Make For Joy’, and ‘Half of the Moon’, in the last few months..

Declan you may well know from his work with Christy Moore, Mary Black, Horslips, Moving Hearts etc. He produces, writes, sings and of course plays guitar with Evelyn.

Evelyn was born on the tropical island of Curaçao, had a music career in the Netherlands and lives in the south-west of Ireland now. She has gone from singing in Les Misérables to touring with an acid Jazz Band and everything in between.

Together they have found a new path through the woods.

Following on from the success of ‘Into Air’, the highly anticipated second album release by critically acclaimed musician/curator Mary Barnecutt, under moniker ‘Mary & The Pigeons’, hits the soundwaves on the 1st March 2024.

‘Like Water’ is series of cello and atmospheric-based laments, including songs about traffic, lakes, rain and laundry. Drawing from her experience as a musician and creative writer Mary has imagined a vast and varied soundscape from piano and orchestral string arrangements to samples of page-turning and her hoover.

Working with Ber Quinn in Sonic Studios in Stoneybatter, they have created a soundworld reminiscent of Julia Houlter, Katie Kim, Nico, Owen Pallet, Liz Frazer, Hildur Gudnadottir and PJ Harvey.

Mary & The Pigeons celebrate an album launch show at the Fumbally Stables, 8pm, 1^st March. Tickets on sale via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/mary-the-pigeons-album-launch-tickets-807612289097

Purchase Mary & The Pigeons new album ‘Like Water’ on Bandcamp:
https://maryandthepigeons.bandcamp.com/album/like-water

Mary Barnecutt is a Dublin-based musician born in Belfast and grew up in Hull.

She works with a wide variety of artistic and educational projects, writing and arranging music for film, theatre, dance productions, and has worked with artists such as Liz Roche, Justine Doswell, Amanda Coogan, Inni-K and Adrian Crowley. She was cellist and vocalist with Teać Damsa in their world-touring production of Loch Na hEala 2017- 2020. In 2020 she was nominated with poet Nell Regan for an O’Bhéal poetry-film award in for their poetry-film collaboration project, Eavesdrop. eavesdrop.ie.

She is concert programmer of the weekly Sundays at Noon concert series in the Hugh Lane Gallery, www.hughlane.ie, and co-director of Spike Dublin’s alternative cello festival. www.spikecellofest.com.  2019 created the improvised music show for children, String Play with her sister Kathrine Barnecutt for the Ark/IMC.

She produces, records and releases music on her own label, Sharkwoman records.

Reviews for Into Air :

“…a lush collection that sounds organic and occasionally magical.”
Lauren Murphy, Irish Times ****

“Very fine album alert – ‘Into Air’ is a surprise and absolute pleasure. Go seek, buy, listen!” @Tony Clayton-Lea

“This debut solo album is filled with charmingly well-rounded songs, proving there is more to this Dublin indie musician than meets the eye- 4 Stars” – Lauren Murphy, Irish Times

“A quintessential indie rock showman-turned-millennial songsmith” – The Thin Air

Danny Carroll shares his debut album ‘I Am The Cheese’, out now (March 1^st) on vinyl, cassette, and digital.

Carroll says “The album title comes from the 1977 Robert Cormier YA novel, which haunted me from age 12. It’s also just a fun thing to have next to a man’s name, like Nick Lowe – Jesus Of Cool or something.”

Today, Carroll also shares a new video for one of the tracks featured on the album ‘February’. Official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aEwUEf6o5Q

The visualiser for February was made by the artist Anna Frizelle, who also provided the graphic design for the album cover.

Speaking of the collaboration Danny said “Anna’s video has really elevated this song for me. February is my most fried and dare I say it, psychedelic song, and her looping visuals captured that perfectly“. Originally written during the heady days of ‘LOCKDOWN #3’, February sees Danny slowly unravelling, while neighbours blare the soothing sounds of Tiësto beneath him.  Eventually he builds a fort in his living room and attempts to “monetise (his) anxieties”, making a wellness podcast for RTÉ. We’ve all been there.

Part of the Dublin music scene for years, Danny Carroll is co-curator of A Litany Of Failures compilation series showcasing independent artists from across Ireland.  Having gigged in various projects, he’s opened for kindred spirits such as Jeffrey Lewis and Pavement guitarist Spiral Stairs before the time came to work on his debut solo album. Enlisting the help of Belfast based producer Chris W. Ryan (New Dad, Just Mustard, Robocobra Quartet), the two developed songs with a playful, anything goes approach, with Carroll’s songs likened to softer touchstones of indie rock – Silver Jews, Jonathan Richman, and Lee Hazlewood.

In January 2023, he released his debut solo single ‘Affection’. Hailed as “a compelling re-introduction” (The Last Mixed Tape) and an “idiosyncratic first outing” (Headstuff) the track went on to receive coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 and Hot Press among others.

In September, Danny shared his second solo offering ‘Cheesemonger’, a “wonky indie-folk epic” (Irish News), as part of the compilation A Litany Of Failures: Volume IV, which has already been hailed by the Irish Times as “indispensable listening for any Irish music fan with a modicum of taste”. The track was accompanied by a striking, macabre video made by Iarla McKeon (KhakiKid, Big Sleep) and quickly followed by tours with like-minded counterpart Laurie Shaw and the Scottish singer-songwriter Hamish Hawk. (Video: https://youtu.be/UMkBgUMw-7c)

Danny followed up with singles ‘Cheesemonger’, ‘Golden Hour’, and ‘Match of the Day’.

Official Videos:
February https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aEwUEf6o5Q
Cheesemonger https://youtu.be/UMkBgUMw-7c?si=bf9NXlzuMRb9siBf
Golden Hour https://youtu.be/jI723lv1De8?si=x3_wH6nanuJdRQVU
Match of the Day https://youtu.be/KKL2kMLjOxU?si=KG_p20DxP-wXbDDM

‘I Am The Cheese’ album is out now, 1^st March 2024. Available on all streaming platforms (https://RecordU.lnk.to/I_Am_The_Cheese), or vinyl/cassette/digital on Bandcamp (https://dannycarrollmusic.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-the-cheese).

“Danny Carroll is one of the brightest, most precocious talents we have”.
Cian Ó Cíobháin, RTE RnaG

“Danny Carroll’s lyrics are some of the smartest, wittiest that the country has to offer”.
Will Murphy, The Thin Air

“This idiosyncratic first outing for Carroll introduces us to an intriguing songwriter we’ll be hoping to hear much more from” – Andrew Lambert, Headstuff

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Dublin’s THEE U.F.O have released their latest single entitled ‘Bursting Egos’. It was the third and final single to be taken from their brand new album ‘Beaming A Moments Reflection’ which is out today, Friday, March 1st. The album is available as a limited edition coloured marble vinyl on Fuzzed Up & Astromoon Records and also available to download and stream on all the usual streaming platforms. Thee U.F.O will set out on a short tour to celebrate the album’s release starting with a Free House show at the Bierhaus in Glaway on March 1st with the official launch show at The Workman’s Cellar on Saturday, March 2nd, with support coming from Mickey Chaos on the night. Followed by McHugh’s Watchtower in Drogheda on March 9th with support coming from Some Remain and Stratford Rise. Before heading to London on March 10th for their debut UK show alongside their good friends Search Results.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now. Beaming A Moments Reflection will be available from Fuzzed Up and Astromoon Records Bandcamp page Here.

March 1st – Free House show, Bierhaus, Galway
March 2nd – The Workman’s Cellar Album Launch.
March 9th –  McHughs Watchtower, Drogheda.
March 10th – The Shacklewell Arms, London with Search Results

Thee U.F.O Started by Darragh Hansard & Beth Doyle, initially formed as an Industrial noise duo were the couple would wear wigs and boiler suits, they quickly shifted gears bringing forward some of  Darragh’s Psychedelic Garage songs from a previous band and writing some softer Anti Folk songs. Thee U.F.O now find themselves melding their first incarnation of abrasive noise with psychedelic driven song writing. The Band began post covid gigs playing with the likes of Lifts, Search Results & Many more, Playing the Workmans Bank Holiday shows, Whelans Midnight Hour & Freehouse Gigs In galway, including DIY shows hosted by the Band themselves. The bands 2022 release ‘Ponderous Fug’ embodies these worlds meeting with songs like ‘Operator’ being a full aural assault, and ‘Transparent Seed’  giving flavors of Krautrock and Punk. Transparent Seed was featured in Thin Airs best Songs of 2022 and Ponderous Fug found itself in their best Irish Albums of 2022, also Receiving an Honorable mention from Nialler9 ‘s best albums of 2022 as well as multiple reviews in various outlets. The band released ‘Junk Funk Garbage’ at the end of 2023, which received a healthy amount of airplay from Radio including 2FM’S The Alternative with Dan Hagerty and BBC6’s New Music Fix with Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft. while their previous single ‘Surveyor’ was Nialler 9’s number 1 Irish songs you should hear this week.

“Love this stripped-down sound, a bit of garage rock thrown in with a bit of grunge and very low key-think Cowboy Junkies! Tridence and their sound could definitely become a trend!” – Rock At Night

Tridence are an Indie, Alternative-Rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The band consists of cousins Bailey McLoughlin on lead vocals/lead guitar and Ben McLoughlin on rhythm guitar along with their good friend PJ Moore-Coates on bass guitar.

Bailey and Ben conceived the idea to start a band in the year 2019 and very quickly began writing songs and visualising their success. The boys are very spiritual, whether that’s in how they write their music or dictate the next move to make in furthering their career. COVID-19 played a major role in what would be the official beginning of the band, as the boys had a lot of time to think, write, and hone their sound.

Tridence have since been played on Irish radio, released a multitude of singles, an acoustic EP, and on June 9th last year released their debut album entitled “Euphoric Youth”.

Now the band hope to keep building their momentum even further with the release of their brand new upcoming single ‘By Your Own Design’ out 8^th March.

“By Your Own Design” is the first single off of Tridence’s upcoming sophomore album. It features psychedelic reversed guitar tracks, blazing melodic guitar lines that are reminiscent of Thin Lizzy and some of frontman Bailey McLoughlin’s best lyricism yet. And of course, in usual Tridence style, the track was entirely recorded in each band member’s bedroom, despite it’s huge, anthemic, stadium sound. With this single and the songs to be released, Tridence feel as though they truly have come into their own sound and are ecstatic to share it with the world. The track is a fierce, energetic, and electrifying single that really makes a huge impression on the listener and strongly demonstrates the musical talent that this young Irish band has, Tridence isn’t messing around and is certainly on to big things!

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County Kildare’s own Cherley Kane steps into the spotlight with a powerful debut single, ‘Leading Lady.’ Influenced by musical legends, this empowering anthem weaves courage and selflove into a soulful melody, marking a significant creative rebirth for the late-blooming artist. The term ‘melodic funky pop’ fits this gloriously radio friendly song perfectly.

“I want ‘Leading Lady’ to inspire everyone, especially the ladies, to step into the leading role in their own lives, love themselves fiercely and embrace their power within. This song is a celebration of strength and courage, marking a new chapter in my life where holding back and playing small are no longer an option.” – Cherley Kane

Motivated by their popular videos in NI’s most beautiful spots on Instagram, Reillys have now begun to release their music, one single at a time. The Belfast based folk band were selected to play at Electric Picnic in just their first year, and though they were on at the same time as The Killers and got stuck in the festival car park until 3am, they still see it as a great sign of things to come. ‘Child’ is their first single, written by singer Bry and dedicated to drummer Josh’s daughter Dorothy on her 1st birthday.

The band is fronted by Dublin singer Bry, who achieved Irish radio success in 2016 and supported the band Twenty One Pilots on their European arena tour.

After 3 years of performing at weddings full time, this is his big hopeful return back into the original music scene. Bry’s first move was to enlist Belfast friends Josh and Emma (drums and violin) and to build a loyal following on Instagram and Tiktok before any songs were even written.

The band managed this through cover songs filmed in beautiful spots across the north of Ireland (Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, a roller disco in Bangor to name a few). Several of their videos went viral, amassing millions of views.

The band plans to play as many gigs as possible this year and release their music one song at a time. They are planning many more trips across Ireland’s beautiful landscape, hope for a viral video of a song they have written themselves, and most importantly hope to get stuck in many more festival car parks.

‘Child’ is an indie folk song about becoming a father for the first time. Brimming with sentimentality, the song encapsulated the writers optimistic yet honest perspective.

Carefully striking a balance between cautious positivity and sweet devotion, singer Bry alludes to the inevitability of life’s more difficult periods, while also encouraging his child to keep their head up ‘And when you fall in love, cherish your heart. If it breaks don’t let it tear your world apart‘. This is all offered solely on the promise that ‘you learn from my mistakes‘, a genuine sentiment that remains throughout the track.

Wrapped in the kind of rich lyrical tone that has won Noah Kahan, Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men countless accolades, Child is a fitting introduction for Reillys and the releases they plan this year.

The song was self-produced and recorded in Belfast.

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The new Tommy Keyes single This Is the Song We Were Singing has jumped straight in to the iTunes pop chart at Number One. Released on 22 February, it’s the opening single from the new album The Key of Blue which will be out on 22 March.

Nobody does nostalgia quite like Tommy Keyes. His new single follows on from his 2022 iTunes Number One, Suzi Quatro (Teenage Discos ’73) which was endorsed by the legendary Suzi Q herself.   This time around, he’s remembering romantic evenings in 1978 listening to favourite bands on the car radio.  But the track isn’t just about radio – it’s also tailor-made for radio, full of hooks and harmonies and infectious from start to finish.  Not surprisingly it’s already clocking up a lot of airplay in Ireland and abroad.

Here’s what the legendary Jackie Hayden of Hot Press thinks of it: “The joyous This Is The Song We Were Singing combines Keyes’ trademark piano skills and gritty vocals with a catchy melody, brilliant sax playing from Richie Buckley and charming fifties-style doo-wop backing vocals featuring the excellent Ellen O’Mahony of ELKIN and Thomas Walsh of Pugwash fame.”

The track is now available on all download and streaming platforms.

Alex Eydt, is one putting himself out there as one of the most interesting artists to come out of Ireland in recent years. The 24-year old has a vision of changing the musical landscape within Ireland.

Unlike most artists, Alex was late to the party, having only discovered music during COVID, where he locked himself away and immersed himself in a grueling study of musical history and theory. His lack of formal education has made his output formless – meandering in and out of different genres like it’s nothing.

His second ever release earlier this month, ‘Face Her’, landed on the much coveted and increasingly selective ‘New Music Friday UK’ playlist earlier this month, an incredible feat for a new independent artist and testament to his artistic potential.

With influences ranging from Indie to hip-hop to dance, or Gorillaz to NAS to Justice, Alex Eydt has created a truly unique offering in a debut album that no one saw coming. ‘Guardians’, is a mesh of conflicting personalities. This new form of thinking where creativity is not confined to one perspective, and from this birthed an avant-garde pop record that defies easy categorization, making Alex a true chameleon.

On the focus track, ‘Take Someone’, Alex speaks on going against the status quo:

“I see this as more of an art installation than a song, but still very very relevant to Guardians. I wanted to make people jump. This isn’t going to be pleasant to listen to and I hope it taps into something psychological because of that.”

The album ‘Guardians’ is a conceptual journey, a musical ceremony that delves into the profound themes of religion, spirituality, and the struggle to maintain sound mental health and doctrine in the modern era.

From the likes of ‘DeMar -::’ a transient adventure using old sampling techniques, to ‘Take Someone’, an old Spaghetti Western soundtrack, to ‘Vision :: Voice’, a Elvish chorus, one really does not know what Alex Eydt will do next and the mythical story surrounding him is growing.

In a music industry where formulaic compositions often prevail, Alex’s ‘Guardians’ offers a breath of fresh air. It is a kaleidoscope of musical experiences. And with a commitment that promises to redefine the music industry, Alex Eydt has his sights firmly set on leaving an indelible mark on Irish music.

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Irish music star Gavin James has announced two more Irish up and coming musicians will join him on his current European tour. The acts, chosen through Three’s City Stages initiative will support Gavin James in Paris on 29^th February and 1^st March.

Continuing to discover new exciting talent from all across the country through City Stages, Gavin James has confirmed that singer-songwriters, Dàwna from Tipperary and Jamie McIntyre from Galway will get to experience life on tour as they perform to an international audience at Supersonic Records in Paris at the end of this month.

Earlier in February, Kildare pianist Gemma Cox and songwriter Rachel Grace from Wexford were picked from over 500 applicants to join Gavin James in Amsterdam to open for him at the beautiful Vondelkerk Church, playing to full house audiences both nights. The trip also saw them record a special collaborative version of Gavin’s hit song ‘Always’ in Sony Music Netherlands HQ.

City Stages is part of Three’s commitment to the brand’s All For Music campaign. For over a year now it has continued to help support and nurture new and exciting musical talent across the country through incredible live experiences and offering career opportunities to burgeoning performers, taking them from the city streets to the biggest stages in Ireland and beyond.

Speaking on the announcement, Gavin James commented: “I really enjoyed having Rachel and Gemma on tour with me in Amsterdam and I’m excited to have two new acts in Dáwna and Jamie McIntyre joining us in Paris. I’ve been following Three’s City Stages last year and I wanted to play my part in helping them with Three’s City Stages initiative by bringing them on tour with me and hopefully opening a few doors both at home and abroad.”

Aislinn O’Connor, Marketing Director, Three added: “This has been a really exciting phase of our City Stages initiative to see acts who have applied getting the chance to perform in international venues across Europe. The aim of City Stages has always been to find the best new talent in Ireland and provide them with incredible opportunities through the brands music sponsorships and ultimately taking them from busking on the streets of Ireland to the big stages at 3Olympia, Electric Picnic and further afield.”.

Interested artists can sign up to City Stages now at 3.ie/CityStages. To be the first to hear of all the exclusive music news from Three, join the conversation on social @threeireland using #3AllForMusic.