Author: Zoé Piater

An album lost in time. A lost treasure for the archives, Twin Headed Wolf’s album ‘Altarwise’ illustrates the first creative impulse of Branwen and Julie Kavanagh. Indeed it is the first album they ever made. All of their dreams, ideals, and ideas are contained within the ritual worlds of each song. The album is out now, February 29^th, 2024.

‘The Black Keys’ official video https://youtu.be/ol944rL8FlA?si=SkDmu6hZQyPDXsYp

‘The Rain’ official video https://youtu.be/SI_9EFQiUX0?si=my_1CwviqsoyItLy

Twin Headed Wolf have been experimenting for many years with Time Travel. They trained in their late teens and early twenties by attempting to create music outside of the boundaries of time and bleeding into the otherworld. They played with timelessness, incorporating forgotten worlds into their music and inventing contexts of their very own, outside of timely reference points.

Being twice once and once twice as twins they seemed to have an untamed grasp on the fabric of time, and it began to behave erratically.  Ergo, an album that they began in 2013 was balanced too delicately on the threshold of years and kept disappearing and reappearing with just enough time to work on it up until 2017. Once the masters were finalised it was sent to 29/2/2024, 11 years after its birth.

The album is a collection of windows into the worlds of songs. The themes surround experimental darkness lifted by ethereal blood harmonies and a host of sounds and whirring experiments that cannot be discerned or divorced from the ritual of each song.  Indeed, one might think they hear anything from bones to bicycles to saws to clay pots or strange objects that have been given a musical voice, but all are effortlessly woven into the greater whole of the song.

‘Altarwise’ is about coming to terms with humanness and material reality when this experience does not match that of two beings who were raised in the heart of a dreamscape. They have learned how to hold hands with the muses and walk a strange path that takes them closer to the dream while reckoning with the darkness and managing to be being playful and light-hearted as they go. These songs are about spirit and the hot fire of its refinement.

The twins were once described as two little girls being playful about dark things. This is a place where their twin spirits gave the most of themselves. It is their favourite thing. ‘Altarwise’ is and will be the only official Twin Headed Wolf album. They hope you enjoy it.

250 limited edition ‘Altarwise’ vinyl are available now (February 29^th).

Order on Bandcamp: https://twinheadedwolf.bandcamp.com/

Twin Headed Wolf Website
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Youtube

Emerging from a small town in the mid-west of Ireland, Lloyd John is a blast of energy and a raw and highly emotional performer.

He strives off of creating that stomach turning emotion in his music and will never shy away from introducing new sounds to do so. Blending Alternative pop with elements of Soul and some contagious choruses, Lloyd leaves an inedible print in his audience’s minds. Lloyd had his Debut Tour in 2023 Selling Out multiple headline shows in Cork, Limerick and London. Before all this though as a 16-year-old songwriter with a laptop and a dream, Lloyd bought a £30 microphone and produced one of his earliest singles “Alive”, which has well over 1,500,000 streams across platforms today. He has gigged with fantastic bands/artists such as Baby Queen, KINGFISHR, Cassia & many more.

“Quickly becoming a rising star” – HotPress

Sunkissed is a bittersweet folk-pop narrative overlooking the joys of being present and will be released on Friday, March 1st. Influenced by Lloyd John’s Irish Trad roots, the record marks celebration of his culture. Being Irish and Queer, London based artist Lloyd John defies prejudice musical limitations.

UPCOMING GIGS
Cyprus Avenue – Cork City March 14th
Cask – Limerick City supporting Toucan April 27th

“Easily one of the best vocalists in the country right now”– Remy Music & Film Blog

“original, strong writing with an instantly recognisable, timeless voice”
– Nessymon.com

‘Welcome to the New World’, record label is excited to announce the release of the latest single by singer-songwriter Baba, titled “Apollo”. This soulful track showcases Baba’s unique sound and lyrical style that has captivated audiences since her debut in 2018.

“Apollo” is a deeply emotional and introspective song, exploring themes of loss, heartache, resilience, and hope. Apollo was written after Baba lost her son during the second trimester of pregnancy in 2023, a profoundly tragic experience which left her grappling with overwhelming grief and pain.  The track took 9 months to complete due to the raw subject matter, however, by being able to delve into the raw emotions of the track in such an honest way brought great comfort and Baba hopes the song will also offer listeners a chance to confront these types of emotions. Apollo speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, acknowledging the strength that people can find within themselves, even in the face of unimaginable loss. By infusing themes of hope into the narrative, the song suggests that even in the darkest moments, there can be glimpses of light and optimism and Baba hopes that this can serve as a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that brighter days may lie ahead. Apollo is a poignant and reflective piece of music navigating the complex terrain of grief, resilience, and hope.

“Apollo” will be released on all streaming platforms on Wednesday, 28th of February, 2024.

Baba on the Songwriting Process

“Apollo” was co written with Enda Gallery. The songwriting process was a deeply personal and emotionally charged project and at times very challenging given the subject matter. It had a very unique energy and perspective and Baba wanted to make sure that they created a song truly meaningful and one that would resonate with an audience. Baba and Enda spent three very intense days in the studio, simplifying the lyrics and fine-tuning the melody. They made a decision to maintain some of the imperfections in Siobhán’s vocals which they thought added authenticity and vulnerability to the final song, allowing listeners to connect more deeply with the emotions conveyed in the music.  The simplicity of the track allows the listener to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the melody. The gentle yet haunting quality of the melody adds depth and emotion, as the piano weaves its way through the piece, it carries with it a sense of grace and melancholy, creating a captivating atmosphere that draws the listener in and holds their attention until the very last note fades away.

About Baba

Siobhán Lynch, better known by her stage name Baba, is a truly exceptional creative who lives and breathes her art. She has a unique perspective on the world and a deep connection to music, which she channels into her soulful and eclectic songwriting. Her live performances are captivating, leaving audiences calling for more. Baba’s talent has not gone unnoticed, with her second single ‘I, Defy’ being included on the 2nd edition of 100% Her curated by Universal Production Music. Baba, in collaboration with Enda Gallery and ‘Welcome To The New World’ label released her single Truth in June 2023 to a warm reception and quickly racked up 10,000 views on YouTube. Truth is a deeply personal song that explores themes of self-discovery, self-acceptance, resilience and embracing one’s truth as a path to freedom.

Baba releases her new track Apollo on Feb 28th, 2024. Apollo is a deeply emotional and introspective song, exploring themes of loss, heartache, resilience, and hope. Apollo was written after Siobhán lost her son during the second trimester of pregnancy in 2023, a profoundly tragic experience which left her grappling with overwhelming grief and pain.

Debut Album 

Siobhán is currently working on her debut album with the release planned for the end of 2024. The album will be autobiographical, including themes of female empowerment, love, loss and hope, drawing from her difficult fertility journey with much of the subject matter being shaped by this experience. Her pain, grief and joy drive her to use music to communicate the emotional and spiritual response of people in this often private experience. Of the album, she says ‘I want to give hope to the despairing and celebrate the wonder of the human spirit to both survive and thrive, despite unimaginable grief and longing’. With new releases planned throughout 2024, auditory delights await from this Queen of Irish Soul Pop.

About ‘Welcome to the New World’

‘Welcome to the New World’, is a record label, artist development company agency, and production house with a unique mission to use music as a tool to amplify and nurture rare and valuable voices, bring people together, and create a more inclusive and connected world. Led by founder, Enda Gallery, the company offers a range of services to help artists reach their full potential including artist development & management, bespoke music creation, and music licensing and distribution. In an industry that often overlooks unique and unconventional talent, ‘Welcome to the New World’ stands out by offering a tailored approach to artist development. With a commitment to supporting rare and outstanding artists, ‘Welcome to the New World’ is a collective that produces material that cultivates, explores, and expresses different forms of the planetary revolution in a fresh and accessible form.

Draíocht, Dublin 15’s iconic arts venue, is set to host an unforgettable night of talent and creativity with “Blanchardstown Resonance” on Saturday, March 23rd at 8PM. This showcase will feature an impressive lineup of five multidisciplinary performers, highlighting the diverse artistic expressions originating from Blanchardstown.

The event, organised by the exceptionally talented singer Asha Ari with the support of Draíocht, promises a rich tapestry of entertainment, spanning original music, spoken word performances, and a heartfelt homage to the artists’ hometown as they are accompanied by a full band.

The features artists include Fortune Igiebor, a producer and vocalist renowned for his outlandish “new-age” hip-hop style; James Shannon, a rapper, singer, and an experimental hip-hop and R&B producer; Murielle Pambi, a pop and R&B singer-songwriter; Meg Bergin, a poet and spoken word artist; and Asha Ari, a Ghanaian-Irish singer songwriter known for her powerful vocals.

These artists, hailing from Ongar to Coolmine, and Tyrrelstown to Laurel Lodge, will unite on Draíocht’s main stage for an evening of collaborative performances, showcasing the vibrant creative spirit of Dublin 15. The showcase is a testament to the supportive creative community in Dublin 15, with artists uplifting and resonating with each other on the Draíocht stage.

“I owe my love for performing to Draíocht. It’s a gorgeous full-circle moment to bring my music where it all started for me.” – Fortune Igiebor

“Playing a show in Blanchardstown almost feels like a full-circle moment. I always felt like I would eventually play in the Draíocht, and I can’t wait for this one so close to home.” – James Shannon

“To perform my original music for the first time in Draíocht is so exciting. It will be a wonderful night with other talented artists from Blanch.” – Murielle Pambi

“This is a super full circle moment for me! The Draíocht has been a big part of many artists’ journeys, and I’m excited to share the stage with fellow talents from Blanchardstown.” – Meg Bergin

“Expect a night of amazing live performances, collaboration, and a homage to Dublin 15. Draíocht has been a big part of many artists’ musical journeys.” – Asha Ari

Blanchardstown Resonance  will take place on the 23rd of March at 8PM in The Draíocht’s main auditorium. Tickets are available for the general public for €10 at Draíocht website. Blanchardstown Resonance is supported by The Draíocht Blanchardstown.

Shane Lucas arrived on the scene with his self-produced debut single ‘Blue Skies’ on 23^rd February 2024. The 26-year-old artist opened up on social media about his struggles with Alcohol Use Disorder in his adult life and to celebrate his first year of sobriety, he released his first single ‘Blue Skies’.

Instagram 23/01/2024:

“I wrote this song to help myself through the year I’ve had. It’s a very special one to me and I want to share it with you all, especially with those of you who are actively fighting addiction and mental health.

We are strong and we are not alone x”

The lyrics deal with feelings of loneliness that the artist had at the beginning of his path to recovery. The beginning of the song feels incredibly spaced-out with lush reverb tails on almost everything but the lead vocal which is so dry, it’s almost as if he is sitting right in front of you telling you a story of self-doubt.

The artist later goes on to apologise to himself for not being there when he needed it most, for falling out of love with living and admits that he prayed for a way out when everything seemed completely hopeless.

The track builds until the mix opens up fully and sounds absolutely massive with the power of an orchestra behind him to let us know that he is not going to go out without a fight.

He started a TikTok account where he regularly posts about his music projects and personal experiences with sobriety and mental health. He can be found @shanelucasmusic on all major social platforms.

In a recent Instagram story, the artist announced exciting news coming in late March 2024. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground.

Shane Lucas is one to look out for.

– Series 22 airs from this Thursday (Feb 29th) at 11.05pm on RTÉ2
– Other Voices Cardigan 2024: 31st October – 2nd November
Early bird tickets now on sale

Other Voices returns to RTÉ this week for its landmark 22 series. The brand new series premieres at 11.05pm on Thursday night and features a storming performance by BRIT Award nominee and reigning RTÉ Choice Music Prize winner CMAT who brings her boundless star presence to the Church for the very first time after performing at Other Voices twice previously.

Dublin singer-songwriter Lucy McWilliams’ ethereal set from the IMRO Other Room also appears in Thursday’s opening episode, as well as St James’ Church performances from spellbinding South African group The Joy and cherished Cork songsmith Mick Flannery. Spanning six episodes, the series will showcase highlights from the past 12 months, filmed in Cork, Wales and Other Voices’ spiritual homeland of Dingle.

Later in the series – presented Annie Macmanus, Huw Stephens and MayKay – intimate sets will be beamed to screens worldwide from domestic and international stars: Griff, Kae Tempest, The Murder Capital, Villagers, BC Camplight, Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain, ØXN, Picture This, Bricknasty, Niamh Regan, Wallis Bird, Cerys Hafana, Sekou, Gurriers, Julie Byrne, KhakiKid, Niamh Bury, Adwaith, Cardinals, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Sans Soucis, Susan O’Neill, King Creosote, Yard Act, The Joy Formidable and Qbanaa.

Other Voices announces its return to Wales this Autumn 

Ahead of its series premiere this week, Other Voices has just announced that it will return to West Wales this Autumn for the fifth edition of Other Voices Cardigan from 31 October – 2 November.

Hosted by Other Voices regular and BBC6 Music DJ Huw Stephens, 2024’s OV Cardigan festival attendees can expect another incredible curated line-up of breaking music drawn from across the genres, featuring everything from hip-hop, grime and electronica to post-punk, traditional and folk, with artists that highlight the cultural connections between Wales and Ireland.

Like its sister festival in Dingle, the weekend will feature headline livestreamed performances from St Mary’s Church, a sprawling three-day Music Trail plus ideas and stories as part of the Celebran sessions, with last year’s festival attracted extraordinary artists like Yard Act, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Susan O’Neill, King Creosote and more. Full details on Other Voices Cardian 2024 are available here with tickets currently priced at just £35 for the weekend. Wristband prices will increase to £50 from 1st July, with line ups to be released in the coming months.

Quote from Philip King, founder of Other Voices: “To return to Cardigan/Aberteifi this October is a real delight and will build on the wonderful experience that we all had last year. The music and the chatter will be stimulating, uplifting and inspirational. As the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford remarked at last year’s festival, “Culture and art lie at the soul of the Welsh-Irish relationship”. Other Voices and Clebran Aberteifi are a central part of the ambition to deepen and strengthen all aspects of our relationship with our nearest neighbour as laid out in the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-25.

Quote from Dilwyn Davies, CEO of Mwldan:“We’re thrilled that Other Voices will be returning to Cardigan in 2023. We will once again be celebrating the special links between Cardigan and Dingle, two culturally vibrant towns on the western edges of their respective countries, Wales and Ireland” says Dilwyn Davies, CEO of Mwldan. “It’s a great honour for Cardigan to be the Other Voices location in Wales. It reinforces the sense of Cardigan’s resurgence as a place where art, culture, creativity and environment form the very foundations of our community. And we’re looking forward to welcoming our friends from Ireland, and to three days of truly magnificent music.”

Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. 

Other Voices 2023 was made possible thanks to the support of Reed, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, RTÉ, Kerry County Council and IMRO Ireland.

Other Voices Series 22 begins on Thursday 29 February at 11.05pm on RTÉ2 and will be available worldwide on the RTÉ Player. 

Delush is an indie-rock band from Dublin. It was formed by Scott Leigh and Sean Corcoran who have been playing together since they were teenagers. While their peers were studying for exams and focusing on relationships, the band members were experimenting with music in their spare time.

The pair held a strong belief in their distinct sound and determined that forming a band would be the best course of action to achieve success, so they joined together in 2023 to form Delush. 

Since then, the band has made considerable progress, accumulating a steady fan base over the course of the year. They have been working tirelessly to perfect their craft and have managed to create a distinct sound that their fans love.

They have performed at various iconic music venues including; Whelan’s, The Grand Social, Workman’s Club, Sea Church Ballycotton, Works Festival, and on-air performance on Dublin South FM.

In October 2023, their hard work culminated in the release of their debut single ‘Got Sick’. Scott’s experience with alcoholism made the song resonate with many people. 

Now it’s onwards and upwards for the Tallaght group as they set out to make a name for themselves and reach a wider audience with their music. Starting with their upcoming single ‘Rio’.

Rio holds a special place in the band member’s hearts. It was the first track that made the audience sing along and request them to release it. The song has an irresistible melody and a catchy hook that nobody can resist joining in on.

The track has a familiarity and comfort that makes the listener feel as much a part of the track as the band.

Rio is a personal one for Scott as it is a poignant manifestation of his journey towards self-acceptance. It’s about accepting and embracing one’s true nature.

It was an incredible experience to witness the track being brought to life in the studio just as intended. A great deal of credit goes to Dan Doherty, who worked his magic at Darklands studio. He is a gifted producer with an impressive track record, having worked with artists such as Fontaines D.C.

The track was mixed by Beardfire Studios whose

understanding of industry mixing standards is unmatched.

 The band feel that it is a great track and are very proud of it.

“We knew Rio had to be our next single based on the crowd alone. Everyone sings the chorus like they’ve known the song all their lives. The first time we played it at practice we knew we were onto a hit. Now that it’s being released, we couldn’t be happier.” 

TikTok  Instagram  Spotify  Twitter

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

EFÉ is the moniker of 23-year-old Dublin-based singer-songwriter Anita Ikharo. Her introduction came in the Autumn of 2020 via her self-made debut EP What Should We Do This Summer?. The six-track collection, which included singles ‘Garden’ and ‘Table For Two’, was an ode to the transience and possibilities of Summer. Released entirely without expectation, the EP’s instantly positive reception set off a chain of events which saw Anita flown to London and Miami, navigating an unfamiliar and often overwhelming new industry. It was ultimately this experience which caused her to slow down, focus on her craft, and surround herself with people that really understood her vision, a move which led her to connect with Ben Baptie (Moses Sumney, Rex Orange County, Little Simz) and begin collaborating with her best friend and producer who.killed.romeo on her latest EP VITAMIN – C. She released her latest single ‘Truth☆Truth’ on 31^st January.

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

Dragging garage rock kicking and screaming to all new lows: Peer Pleasure, consisting of Brandon Murphy, Cein O’Dowd, Erik Murphy, Fiachra Carey, Jack Joyce, Jeff Miller, Joel Pitcher and Joseph O’Gorman, are back for more ahead of their latest single; ‘Rest in Bits’.

The newly shorn Peer Pleasure release ‘Rest In Bits’ wastes no time cutting to the chase right out of the gate, throwing an explosive grenades’ worth of fuzzed-out surf grooves and menacing primal rock and roll riffage at the listener right from the starting pistol. 

Native Wexford garage punks stew up a potent elixir of influences into a tasty broth, ranging somewhere between an undaunted Stooges-esque stomper and a mid 1950s Big Bopper chart topper, then decide to kick the whole pot down the stairs just for the fun of it.

When tasked with shining a light upon the meaning behind the songs lyrics, frontman Brandon Murphy had the following to say;

“Each line of Rest In Bits refers to or reflects on a real-life human being I knew who is now dead. It’s more on the nose than previous offerings but that’s fine. They are in fact dead. Which is pretty on the nose.
Cause of death? 
Are you fond? 
Would you be fond? 
Of the drink.”

Recorded live at Hellfire Studios, Dublin, ‘Rest In Bits’ was engineered by Joe McGrath, mixed by Ivan Jackman and mastered by Killian Taylor. This fourth single comes ahead of a soon to be announced EP from the group.

Gigging at punk festivals, pubs and squats across Northern Europe, the band have adopted a DIY ethos which has already brought them to Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Peer Pleasure have been busy the last year, with notable performances at Whelans Summer Watch, Whelans Ones To Watch and Electric Picnic’s Spike Island stage where they drew an unprecedented crowd, who swung from rafters and very nearly caused the stage to cave in. The group have also maintained solidarity with groups like the Revolutionary Housing League, playing DIY gigs in improvised accommodation which provide refuge for many homeless around Dublin city and further afield.

Irish Indie Rock sensation InBetween Honey are ready to rock the airwaves with their highly anticipated new single, “Nothing More,” set for release on March 1st. Hailing from O’Carolan College, the band formed in 2019, and have since gone from strength to strength with their sound that effortlessly merges the best of 90’s guitar music with the synth-laden vibes of the 80’s. 

InBetween Honey, were brought together by their shared love for music. Last year the band released 5 singles, and a debut four-track EP titled “Ludlow Street” the year before. Their EP secured them the coveted title of Cobra Promotions Best Debut EP for 2023, solidifying their status as a rising force in Ireland.

Produced by one of Ireland’s best known producers, Philip McGee (Gavin James, Coronas), they have crafted a sound that is made for the airwaves. InBetween Honey sums up their latest creation as follows: “Built on our love of 90’s guitar music and the synthy sounds of the 80’s comes InBetween Honey’s Indie Rock anthem ‘Nothing More.’”

The group’s journey has been marked by sold-out shows at iconic venues like Whelan’s and The Workmans Club, along with standout festival performances at Electric Picnic in both 2019 and 2023. They also made waves at Whelan’s Ones To Watch Festival in 2020 and shared the stage with acclaimed acts such as Aslan, Paddy Casey, and Turn.

As InBetween Honey gears up for an even more monumental year in 2024, their latest single “Nothing More” is already causing a buzz. Radio Nova’s Pat Courtney has dubbed the demo of the track “World Class,” setting the stage for what promises to be the band’s breakout hit. The group recently marked a significant milestone by playing their inaugural international gig in London at the renowned venue “The Dublin Castle” in Camden.

InBetween Honey unleash “Nothing More” on March 1st, marking the beginning of a year that promises to be their most monumental yet.

INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
SPOTIFY