Author: Zoé Piater

“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

Ahead of his debut album ‘I Am The Cheese’, to be released on vinyl and digital this Friday 1st March, Danny Carroll shares final single and accompanying video, ‘Match of the Day’.

The official Match of the Day video is directed by the prolific songwriter and renaissance man Laurie Shaw, and follows a fantasy narrative of Danny as a hotshot goal-scorer.  Unfortunately, after being attacked with a globe during a home robbery, he’s suddenly struck with Spherephobia (fear of spheres). Bloody typical eh? Eventually, Danny beats his affliction and returns to the pitch, but he’s never the same footballer again. The video was filmed at the DIY Super League in Limerick and The Glen Park in Cork city. It features cameos from the bands Fonda and Messyng. Video link – https://youtu.be/KKL2kMLjOxU?si=nKoLodKR-UZr-07o

Speaking on the song, Danny explains “In recent years, Match Of The Day has become a comforting constant in my life. During the pandemic it was a familiar form of escape – millionaire mercenaries will dive in pursuit of penalties, panellists will complain about refereeing decisions, there’s a consistency to it despite being unscripted drama. It’s my most deliberate attempt at writing a novelty song – like Lime In The Coconut by Harry Nilsson, or a Beatles tune sung by Ringo. The video allowed me to live out my childhood fantasy of being a star striker, albeit with grave consequences.”

Part of the Dublin music scene for years, 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)

‘I Am The Cheese’ album will be released 1^st March 2024. Pre-save the album on Spotify (https://RecordU.lnk.to/I_Am_The_Cheese), or pre-order on Bandcamp (https://dannycarrollmusic.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-the-cheese).

‘I Am The Cheese’ Tracklisting

1. Pep Talk
2. Golden Hour
3. Pimlico
4. Conventions Of Cool
5. Match Of The Day
6. February
7. Affection
8. Cheesemonger
9. October Afternoons

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On today’s episode of the IMRO Podcast we meet Ahmed With Love. Releasing music since 2019, he’s quickly made a name for himself as a versatile and creative storyteller collaborating with like minded peers in Rory Sweeney, E The Artist and Bricknasty to name a few.

He spoke with Danny Carroll back in September, just after staging Clash At The Quays as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival. A unique gathering of musicians and wrestlers, the evening featured performances from Negro Impacto, EFÉ, Julie Louise Knifefist, KhakiKid, Curtisy and the man himself.

Going on to win a Judges Choice award as part of the festival,  Ahmed dropped by the IMRO office the day after, reflecting on how the show came together, his creative process, developing a musical community and his hopes for the future.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1670842/14576573

Stream Ahmed With Love’s music here:

Songs featured:
World Cup!
Full Plate
Pebbles
Punto
Men On A Mission

D*MP featuring Curtisy:

Following the release of the celebrated ‘La Lune’ and ‘Le Soleil’ singles, RTE Radio1 Folk Award nominee (Best Emerging Artist category 2022), Ciara O’Neill releases new track ‘Woman’, the first single taken from her upcoming EP of the same name, coming 8^th May 2024.

Co-written with NI songwriter Ciaran Lavery and produced by Belfast based producer/composer Dan Byrne-McCullough, Ciara says:

“Woman is an exploration of the beauty and complexities of being a Woman in modern society. Looking at myself, my own female relatives and those Women in history who have lived lives in the shadows, it’s about having a desire for more, not feeling the need to conform to expectations placed on us and allowing ourselves to be visible and speak our truths.”

If Ciara O’Neill’s music has one central theme it is her voice, one that silences a room with the first note as well as her heartfelt crafted lyricism never shying away from emotions that are both uncomfortable and universal. The new EP will be sure to appeal to fans of her older material as well as fans of other well-loved artists Lisa Hannigan and Juliet Turner.

Following on from the success of her last EP where single ‘La Lune’ topped the BBC Radio Ulster and RTE Radio 1 airplay charts and her subsequent nomination for Best Emerging Artist at the 2022 RTE Radio1 Folk awards, it’s an exciting time for Ciara to be releasing new music.

Ciara O’Neill will release her EP ‘Woman’ Wednesday 8^th May 2024.

Ciara will celebrate a live EP launch show at the Linenhall, Belfast, 24^th May 2024.

“Having honed her musical chops busking, teen sensation Saibh Skelly has now dropped a hugely impressive debut EP, Undercover Heartbreak.”
– HOTPRESS

“if you’re looking for a new Taylor Swift you might enjoy this” – Arielle Free (in for Jack Saunders) BBC Radio 1 Future Artists

“Saibh Skelly has released something well worth hearing! I really, really like this” – Maia Beth BBC Radio 1 Future Pop

In 2019, Saibh Skelly embarked on her journey, sharing mesmerizing busking performances on YouTube. Rapidly amassing a dedicated following, she soared from 10,000 to an impressive 60,000 subscribers, capturing hearts with her charm and remarkable covers.

Fast forward to 2024, Saibh is conquering the music scene. With the release of ‘So What?’ and ‘Superficial,’ co-created with Toby Scott and Olivia Sebastianelli, and the highly anticipated EP ‘SAIBH X FIVE’, her career reached new heights with a Top 10 album chart position in Ireland.

Saibh’s talent has graced stages supporting Hozier and Cian Ducrot, with Teddy Swims personally asking her to support his Irish tour.  She has sold out her own headline shows in Dublins Smock Alley Theatre and Workmans Club.

Undeniably successful, Saibh boasts millions of radio plays, soaring YouTube and TikTok views, impressive streaming numbers, and has graced the stage of The Late Late Show among other TV appearances.

Behind the scenes, Saibh prepares for upcoming releases. A proud contributor to the vibrant Irish music scene, Saibh expresses gratitude to her fans for unwavering support.

In her own words, “Lost and Found” reflects on her fortunate journey and emphasizes the importance of a supportive network. Grateful for family and friends, she encourages others to follow their dreams.

Delighted about her upcoming headline gig in The Academy on February 24th, Saibh can’t wait to showcase new music, expressing genuine excitement for the future.

Upcoming shows
Headline Show in Academy 2, Dublin – Saturday 24th Feb
Kaleidescope Festival – 28-30 June

“Cat is an artist I’ve really enjoyed since she’s come on my radar, I think she’s absolutely brilliant, really great music” 
Tara Kumar 2FM / BBC

“Cat has kept a solid and acclaimed presence without any rushed moves, honing her sound at her own pace…  placing Chubby Cat in the bracket of Irish contemporary pop excellence”
The Thin Air

“Ache is deserving of additions to forward-thinking electronic pop playlists, as well as spins on BBC 6 Music and Radio 1 evening shows. An exciting and confident release from an artist determined to do things her own way. Great stuff.”
 Record Of The Day

Stamped with an individuality and high style of her own, Chubby Cat has had a busy couple of months since the release of her last single Kissin In The Valley-O. Recently named as one of the 2FM Rising Acts for 2024, and having ‘Big Dog Barking’ nominated for a RTE Choice Prize Song Of The Year, Chubby Cat has hit the ground running in 2024. She recently represented Ireland at ESNS Eurosonic in the Netherlands and is set to release her debut EP this year on vinyl with Dublin Vinyl,  having won the coveted ‘Best Artist’ at Ireland Music Week.

She’s already been making waves in Ireland with her earlier singles, Big Dog Barking, 21st Century Panic Attack, & Kissin In The Valley-O picking up support at Irish Radio, blogs and assorted DSP’s including Spotify’s New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, GLOW, UK & IE: Fresh Finds & New Pop UK .

Her Single ‘Big Dog Barking’ is currently nominated for a RTE Choice Prize as one of their ‘Irish Songs Of The Year’.

Several of Chubby Cats previous releases have been made ‘Track of the Week’ on Spin South West, 2FM, and received significant play on 2FM, Today FM and a host of other regional stations.

Previous support includes Nialler9, Golden Plec, Atwood, Lock Magazine, Hot Press and more.

On 100 Miles An Hour
I wrote this song whilst feeling squashed under the pressures of being an artist in any creative setting. I love to make music and write, but sometimes it can feel very difficult to keep a cool head, while juggling your emotional side and rational side so closely together. 100 Miles An Hour is a reflection of those head spinning moments when feeling some slight loss that no one is recognising what I am trying to do with my lyrics and music. It’s an argument that lives in my head and I think the song captures it well. – Chubby Cat

Chubby Cat is building a significant live audience, leaving a lasting impression on crowds, as seen at Ireland Music Week this year where she won the coveted Best Artist Award at Ireland’s biggest international showcase event.

Upcoming Live:

BBC Radio Ulster Live At The Limelight, Belfast on March 4th

‘hook driven ‘f**k you anthem with all the halmarks of a potential worldwide hit’ – Record of the Day

Jessica Brett is a 25 year old singer songwriter from Tipperary Ireland. Drawn to music at a young age, Jessica started writing her own songs from the age of 12 and is no stranger to the stage having been performing in places like the National Concert Hall and the Helix. Growing up listening to an array of genres, Jessica loves experimenting with her music but predominantly turns to pop when creating her tracks, and has often been compared to other artists such as Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo.

Following on from previous singles “I’ll Come Back Better” and ‘Sleep At Night’ which gathered support from 2FM, Today FM, SPIN, Beat 102 103, Amazing Radio and Dublin’s 98FM etc, new single “Your Karma” produced by platinum artist Robert Grace is an ode to empowerment after a relationship ends.

‘I wrote ‘Your Karma’ about when a relationship turns sour that it’s best to move on, rise above it and let karma work its magic because once you know that you’re a good person they’ll always just be a lesson in your life but you’ll forever be their loss.’

February 23^rd, 2024, see’s Lea Heart release her powerful new single ‘If I Did What You Did’. 

‘If I Did What You Did’ marks a significant milestone in Lea’s career, as she steps into the most confident and powerful version of herself to date.

This fast-paced pop-rock track delves into the dynamics of betrayal, challenging societal norms by questioning whether such behaviour would be tolerated if the roles were reversed. Through rhetorical questions and a defiant spirit, Lea asserts her worth and takes back her power.

‘If I Did What You Did’ is a declaration of independence and strength,” says Lea Heart. “It’s about recognising your own value and refusing to settle for anything less than you deserve. It highlights someone’s bad behaviour by calling them out and holding them accountable for their actions. It’s also about singing along REALLY loudly to a new liberating anthem”.

With captivating lyrics and uplifting, tension-filled production, “If I Did What You Did” confronts the listener with a powerful message about standing up to unacceptable behaviour. Lea’s strong and mocking tone in the verses reflects a sense of defiance and the refusal to tolerate mistreatment any longer.

And it is in this tone that we see a newly assertive, alluring, and fierce Lea Heart emerge.

Known for her captivating vocals and dynamic stage presence, Lea Heart quickly garnered attention in the music industry for her unique blend of upbeat pop music and her endearing relatability.

But it is in 2024 we see a fearless energy from Lea, with a focus on empowerment, inspired by the multitude of talented women winning across TV, Film and Music, especially in Ireland.

With 5 top 5 singles on Irish Radio and an impressive 7 top ten hits in her catalogue Lea Heart is the fastest emerging female popstar in Ireland.

Lea Heart plays the Academy, Dublin on March 30^th 2024.

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‘People Verses’ is the forthcoming debut EP from Dublin based rock band San Rocco. The five song EP is due for release on the 21st of February with the band celebrating the release with a headline show at the Soundhouse Dublin on the 23rd of February.

Keen to emulate their blisteringly energetic live sound the band recorded the EP at Black Mountain Studio, Co. Louth with Peter Broderick (Just Mustard, The Divine Comedy, All Twins) in Spring 2023. The live tracks were produced and mixed in London by Richie Kennedy, bringing his extensive experience working with the likes of The Murder Capital, Interpol and Ed O’Brien of Radiohead. The tracks were then mastered by John Webber (David Bowie, Echo and the Bunnymen) at Air Studios, London.

The second half of 2023 saw the quintet go from strength to strength releasing two singles ‘Enola’ and ‘Bind My Hands’ and supporting Irish indie darlings Sack at a sold out Grand Social in Dublin.

Hotpress listed ‘Enola’ on their Tracks of the Week describing it as a “heavy, pulsating, new wave banger featuring a Peter Hook-esque bass riff and existential lyrics”. When describing ‘Bind My Hands’ Hot Press said “With tracks like this on their debut EP, the only way is up for San Rocco.” The quintet also started 2024 strong debuting the third and final single from the EP ‘Orderly Lines’ and at Whelan’s Ones to Watch.The single has featured heavily on radio including Radio8, Nova and Limerick’s Live 95.  

‘People Verses’ refers to the relationship between the stresses of everyday life, and the underlying hum of anxiety we experience in our world today. 

Themes:
Enola – Losing our humanity
Bind My Hands – Losing at love
Orderly Lines – Losing grip on reality
Horses Involved- Losing hope

The band are celebrating the release of the EP with a headline show at the Soundhouse Dublin on the 23rd of February.

Rachel Grace has quietly established herself as one of Ireland’s most promising songwriters, and at only twenty-one years of age.

The Wexford singer-songwriter has spent recent years carving out a reputation as one of the country’s most captivating and authentic emerging talents.
– Hotpress Magazine 

‘The best thing to come out of Wexford since Rissoles!’
– Ray Colclough, WLR FM

‘Rachel Grace is the real deal. Not only a songwriting talent far beyond her years, her voice creates a soulful well of sound from which any listener would want to
drink deeply’
– Rob O’Connor, Beat FM

 ‘Confessional yet delicate in tone, Rachel Grace’s talent for weaving a narrative through beautiful vocals is potentially her strongest trait’ 
– Kate Brayden, HotPress Magazin

She has a real record player voice, one that you could hear the crackles of vinyl in as it spins around.
   – Off the Charts Podcast

‘I love when someone covers a song and it’s SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL!’
– Gavin James, Artist  

Her music is a melting pot of soul and pop with a vocal style that captures the mood of generations past, echoing the soulful voices of artists like Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse and Eva Cassidy.

Having been writing and performing in the music scene from the age of twelve, the Ruby Sessions regular has played some of Ireland’s favourite venues and festivals and supported acts such as Gavin James, Emma Langford, Jack Lukeman and Wallis Bird. She was named as one of HotPress Magazine’s ‘Hot For 2023’ artists and was most recently chosen by Gavin James to support his sold out show in Amsterdam as part of the Three City Stages Initiative.

She is currently in the process of recording her debut album, set for release late this year. Her single Lately will be released on the 15^th of March, marking the start of what is sure to be a promising year for the rising Wexford star.

With soul-stirring vocals and masterful songwriting, Rachel’s latest offering Lately has established her as an emerging force in the music industry. Set against a backdrop of warm piano sounds, luscious harmonies and heartfelt strings, Lately weaves a tapestry of raw emotions and melodic beauty, telling the story of a slowly dying connection between friends and the heartbreak that it brings.

The song was produced by Gavin Glass of Orphan Recording Studios and features string accompaniment expertly arranged by Cormac Curran.

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Renowned for her ethereal and meditative song writing Polly Barrett is set to release her first single of 2024 with ‘Sparrow’ on February 23, 2024.

Like its namesake, ‘Sparrow’, has a lightness of touch and is imbued with an innate rhythm reminiscent of a Sparrow’s flight. Meditative in nature the single features mandolin, cello, and tongue drum with a soft bodhrán gently moving the single along. This is the fourth single off her critically acclaimed third album Sapling be…and displays Polly’s love for traditional Irish music. ‘Sparrow’ will speak to those who have felt meaning in those small encounters with nature. To the buried wild spirit inside the modern human who yearns to reconnect with the wilderness.

With two studio albums to her credit West Cork songwriter Polly Barrett is no stranger to the creative process of writing and recording albums. However, it took the birth of her son and her rebirth as an artist for Polly to find her authentic truth. Recorded in her home in West Cork Sapling be… is fully dedicated to her son who came up with name itself as he strummed the guitar as a toddler. Saturated in Polly’s new home life the record is imbued with her struggles as writer’s block got its angry claws into her and the ethereal, meditative peace she found and made for herself in West Cork as she navigates the path of motherhood.Initially used as a tool for meditation, the tongue drum found a place in Polly’s song writing opening her up to fully embody the music. Ethereal and rhythmic Polly plays most of the instruments on this album which include acoustic guitar, tongue drum, bodhrán, tin whistle, low whistle, bass guitar and piano.

Recent singles ‘Huge Mistake’ and ‘Sapling Be’ introduced fans to Polly’s journey through motherhood. Of ‘Sapling Be’ Polly says “The song is like a wish for my son that he grows strong and tall like a great oak tree, and with his roots firmly in the ground. That he never forgets his connection to nature.” ‘Huge Mistake’ is an ode to finding beauty and one’s peace in an unexpected place. Both singles saw Polly earn support from RTE Radio 1’s Louise Duffy, Today FM/98FM’s Claire Beck, Lyric FM’s Marty Whelan, Dublin City FM’s John Barker and Newstalk’s Sean Moncrieff. Sapling be… was mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Chris O’Brien (Clannad, Aslan, and Emma Langford) and mastered by Richard Dowling at WAV Mastering, Limerick.

Polly Barrett is a well-known name on the Irish folk scene. After releasing 2 albums, 2011’s Mr Bookshop and Probably Me in 2014 she took a break from music to focus on family. During the Covid-19 pandemic Polly quietly recorded and released “Dark Garden”, an EP of four new songs, one of which, ‘Thinking About You’ was chosen for a Discover Ireland Campaign for West Cork. Polly performed an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance in the US in 2022 and performed at Milwaukee Irish Fest in the US alongside the Coronas, Wallis Bird and a host of other Irish acts.

Connect with Polly Barrett:

Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Bandcamp