Author: Zoé Piater

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

In the short time since she released her debut single ‘Truth and Desire’ Qbanaa has established herself as one of the rising stars of an Irish music scene that is continuing to incorporate new influences, cultures and sounds. Most recent single ‘Mundo En Mis Manos / World In My Hands’ received love from BBC Introducing, RTE 2FM, Nialler9, Hot Press and GoldenPlec. Written in what she calls ‘Spanglish’ (a mixture of Spanish and English) she reflects on her journey, both on a personal and musical level. It’s a swan song for her early twenties, detailing her blossoming on her new adventure into womanhood.  Keeping with the lyricism, instrumentally, ‘Mundo En Mis Manos / World In My Hands’ finds joy in the darkness. With West African desert blues sound similar to Tinariwen, Latin-inspired bass lines and rhythms, soul power horns and modern synths, the instrumental reflects her story – loose, fluid, kind of chaotic and a nod to more chaotic times before breaking loose from her past with a fresh perspective on life.

Based in Dublin, Q spent her early years travelling back and forth to her native Cuba, where music and salsa dancing were integral parts of her childhood. Influenced by a blend of soul, jazz, Latin and contemporary genres, her 2022 debut single ‘Truth and Desire’ was nominated for ‘Track of the Year’ by Hot Press, while the follow-up ‘Rise Above’ two-track EP appeared on Spotify’s playlist ‘Fresh Finds of UK and IRE’ and as cover artist for ‘A Breath of Fresh Éire’. Selected by District Magazine in the summer for their Future of Irish Music in 2023, July’s curveball ‘Shrink’ saw her explore a new pop and drum n’ bass influenced sound and made an immediate impact – receiving support from the likes of Spotify, BBC Radio 1 and RTE2FM – who have made her one of ten Rising acts for the year to come.

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

Cathal O’ Reilly hailing from Clonmel, Tipperary, started his writing career as an author writing a book on his experiences with depression and ultimately becoming a prominent voice in the mental health space in Ireland.

His love for music however started from a young age after seeing Kanye West live at Vicar Street at a small show in 2006 which changed everything. Feeling like he must become the full version of his true self, his direction changed in 2019 – writing raps due to his Hip Hop influences and love for the genre and culture.

He released his debut EP ‘Potential’ in 2019 which was well received by Irish DJ’s and tastemakers alike including Red FM, Dublin City FM, Spin Southwest, KCLR 96FM and WLR FM particularly with the single ‘Posting’.

Cathal performed at the Limerick Summer Festival in 2022 where he opened the boutique Hip Hop festival at Limerick Racecourse in Ireland. The set was unique, fierce and authentic where he found his voice on stage, hoping to perform live, more in the future.

Releasing his second EP in 2023, ‘The Last Rapper’, Cathal O’Reilly returns with an ode to real music, exploring political and revolutionary themes as well as lifting the veil between the artist and the listener, hoping to provoke and inspire hope within the artistic craft and inspire audiences.

Cathals new single ‘To My Soul’ will be released Friday March 1st on all streaming platforms as the first single of his new album ‘The Magician’ which releases in April. His hopes are to perform live more frequently in 2024.

The first verse of the track ‘To My Soul’, was born out of the experience of sitting alone in the car late on a winter’s night as a single man in his thirties who is questioning life existentially. Cathal recalls looking at the midnight sky and ‘praying on a fallen star to bless these sins with a wish that these tears might dry’.

With the spiritual aspects of making mistakes and the guilt that comes with that as a man, Cathal prays on a fallen star so that he can wish his tears away without experiencing the heartbreak emotion he is feeling of life’s challenges. He alludes to them eloquently as ‘Wet prayers’. He then alludes to the experience of seeing his own ghost personified as a ‘hand in the fog of the night’ which he believes is his resilience to get him through any situation including the one he currently faces. The mental health themes throughout the song are not shunned away as he says he hopes he does not die from mental health issues like many men before him.

The chorus of the track is crafted on the same theme as the soul, with American vocalist Myles Joseph featuring on the song. The silky auto tune type flavour adds to the spiritual backdrop with a spacey vibe. The second verse , Cathal examines the experience of looking in the mirror and not liking his reflection.

Fans of hip hop artist Kid Cudi will gravitate towards this track as it has similar production values as well as lyrical themes of mental health with a spacey introspection vibe.

The track was produced by DevKeys and was recorded, mixed and mastered by Cathal himself at his studio in Clonmel, Tipperary. The track was inspired by the need to show our vulnerabilities as men in Ireland and to show the real struggles that we face on a daily basis with the pressures and societal expectations faced every day from work to relationships to family.

Instagram  Spotify Twitter

Following a successful first event last month, Dublin Songwriting Circle will return to the Black Sheep on Capel Street on February 22nd for another Songwriting Feedback and Networking Event. The event, inspired by the successful Camden Songwriting Circle in London, looks to create a safe space for Dublin songwriters to present their works in progress and receive supportive and constructive feedback from the audience. Attendees will then be given the opportunity to network with other songwriters and creatives, where they can share advice and discuss whatever they may be struggling with when it comes to their songwriting. Collaboration conversations are also very much encouraged. Spectators are also encouraged to come along and to join in on the night.

Talking about the reaction to the first event, Eve (organiser, singer-songwriter) said: ’The outcome of our first event was proof: A space like this was long overdue in Dublin. We were overwhelmed by the positive feedback we received during our networking part! Attendees told us that it was refreshing to be in a room with like-minded people who share some of the same ambitions and struggles.’

Adding to that, Luke Clerkin (organiser, singer-songwriter) said ‘We’re all so excited to see what happens next for our events. The talent and songs on show at our first one were incredible. I felt the same way that I did when I was in Camden Songwriting Circle last year, full of love and support. I think they would have been really proud of us! Here’s to the future, and to more safe spaces for creatives!’

Dublin Songwriting Circle’s second songwriting feedback and networking event will take place at 7.30 pm on January 25th downstairs in The Black Sheep on Capel Street.

Sign up for the event is at 7 pm, with 15 places only, first come, first served.

Dublin Songwriting Circle is a collective of songwriters founded by Dublin based songwriter’s Luke Clerkin, All Things Eve and Navya. The collective, inspired by the successful Camden Songwriting Circle in London, looks to create a safe space for Dublin songwriters to present their works in progress and receive supportive and constructive feedback from the audience.

More info on Instagram: Dublin Songwriting Circle (@dublinsongwritingcircle) • Instagram photos and videos

The first time Max Zaska and Melina Malone performed Ever Cross Your Mind was exactly two years ago in a tiny chapel in Paris, the very week they wrote the bones of it. Fast forward to last September in Cork when the neo-soul banger was given the full ZASKA band treatment and recorded live. Now ZASKA (feat. Melina Malone) Ever Cross Your Mind (Live At The Triskel) will be released as a single on 23 February as part of a forthcoming live ZASKA EP.

With inspiration from the UK jazz scene, Ever Cross Your Mind is an upbeat, danceable fusion of soul and jazz with afro-esque rhythms influenced by Kokoroko and Nubiyan Twist. Melina Malone’s soaring soulful vocals call back to Sophie Faith and Nai Palm from Hiatus Kaiyote. The 8-piece ZASKA band with Max Zaska’s signature guitar work, 3-piece horns, and incredibly tight rhythm section perform so flawlessly that you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a studio recording if not for the ending applause.

The recording last September was the result of the WRITE RECORD PERFORM residency awarded to Max Zaska from the Triskel Arts Centre and the Improvised Music Company in their support of Irish jazz. The project enabled Max Zaska to complete the creation of new songs with Melina Malone, shiv, Gemma Dunleavy, and jarjarjr, and record them live in front of an audience in the 18th century Christchurch in Cork, some of which will be released as the 5-song Live At The Triskel EP.

“When I wrote Ever Cross Your Mind with Max, I wanted the lyrics to have the feeling of not handling something properly in the past and being left with regret and worry about what you could have done differently,” said Malone. Like Ever Cross Your Mind, some of the other collaborations on the EP also began at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris in 2022 as part of Zaska’s month-long writing residency.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the Triskel Arts, the IMC, and the CCI for their support of myself and all of the other independent songwriters and musicians involved in bringing these songs to life,” explained Zaska.

Spotify Pre-Save
zaskamusic.com

Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
Soundcloud
Bandcamp

1000 Beasts has announced his sophomore album ‘Burning Flower’, setting the release for March 1st. The project will include collaborations from the likes of Malaki, Paco Versailles, Rachel Mae Hannon, Toucan & feature the hit single ‘Cherry Delight’ featuring the honey-soaked vocals of Tomike. New tracks and recent fan favourites are brought together for ten tracks of sleek and soulful production.

The producer explains the project, ”The Burning Flower album came together immediately after the release of Naruda. Honestly, I was so immersed in the crafting process of Naruda that I just kept making music without pause. It wasn’t a conscious effort; one day, I turned around and realised I had another album’s worth of material ready to go, and that’s how I ended up here

The lockdown changed the way music could be made. Much of the 1000 Beasts process is now collaborative and remote. I can create a beat and send it to an artist whom I think it might suit, even if I’ve never met them before. We can then exchange ideas back and forth over email, and something beautiful can be born. It’s a very liberating and fun process.

I have to thank my collaborators; without them, none of these tracks would be half of what they are. It’s the most inspiring part of the process when you send an instrumental to someone, and they come back with a topline that I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams.

The focus track for the album is an instrumental called “They Called Her Something.” It might just be the oldest track on the album; I made it as part of the Naruda process. I was trying to find the right vocal for it for ages, but eventually, I realised that the instrumental itself is so strong that a vocal doesn’t really fit over it. It’s probably my favourite track on the record, and even though it’s a little different, they always say make music you like, not what you think people will like..”

Lead single ‘They Called Her Something’ showcases the Cork-based producer in the full light of his influences. Warm and smooth instrumentation is set over a heavily swung drum pattern, with heavy side-chaining injecting an absorbing groove to the music. A balance between heavy sample processing and a raw feel makes the track an addictive listen.

1000 Beasts first emerged in 2017, steadily gaining notability until the prolific success of debut album ‘Naruda’ in 2022. Featuring collaborations and co-writes from an eclectic mix of artists such as FeliSpeaks, Célia Tiab, LENII, Arthur Valentine, April and Orla Gartland, and with well over 9+ million streams amassed on the project already, 1000 Beasts has established himself as an artistic force that straddles the line between indie, soul & electronic music.

The concept behind the 1000 Beasts is simple, one producer who writes and collaborates with a vast array of artists, creating music greater than the sum of its parts.

Instagram // YouTube // TikTok

On today’s episode of the IMRO Podcast we’re bringing you conversations from a sunnier time, August in fact, when Danny Carroll travelled to the Treaty City – Limerick, and met some of the musicians performing at Féile na Gréine festival 2023.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1670842/14509701 

Féile na Gréine is a free festival of emerging and experimental music, entirely volunteer led, with a DIY perspective, the festival celebrates art and community in an attempt to provoke moments of joy in spaces and places across Limerick city. This years festival takes place 23-25 August if you’d like to save the dates!

As well as hearing from two of the Féile na Gréine organisers, Chris Quigley and Diarmuid O’Shea, we’ll be hearing from the harpist Méabh McKenna, lo-fi singer-songwriter Robbie Stickland, synth-wave artist Coolgirl, and the indie-rock trio Search Results.

1:30 – Chris Quigley & Diarmuid O’Shea from Féile na Gréine
7:10 – Search Results
17:45 – Coolgirl
24:10 – Robbie Stickland
30:10 – Méabh McKenna

Follow Féile na Gréine on Instagram for more on the 2024 festival:
https://www.instagram.com/feilenagreine/?hl=en

Robbie Stickland’s second album, ‘Lastingness’ can be streamed/purchased here:
https://robbiestickland.bandcamp.com/album/lastingness

Search Results debut album ‘Information Blip’ can be streamed/purchased here:
https://searchresultsdub.bandcamp.com/album/information-blip

Coolgirl’s ‘Failed Reboot’ EP can be streamed/purchased here:
https://coolgirl4lyfe.bandcamp.com/album/failed-reboot-2

Follow Méabh McKenna on Instagram for more on her music and upcoming live dates:
https://www.instagram.com/meabh.mckenna/

Buíoch is an Irish Traditional Music band stemming from the Midlands of Ireland. Buíoch compose and arrange all their own melodies which gives the band a traditional yet progressive sound that is unique and energetic and tunes, Buíoch is the Irish word for “Thankful”. This group typifies the meaning behind their name, they are deeply grateful and humbled to play music and perform. Their debut album “Buíoch“ released on 09/08/2023.

“Take Me Back to Ireland” is a modern day emigration song, describing the situation faced by the younger generation in Ireland. With many struggling to afford even the basic necessities, younger people are leaving in their droves in search of a better life abroad. It hits particularly close to home for McKay as many of his friends have left the country in recent years.

However, the song has a hopeful tone to it. It urges the Irish diaspora abroad to come home to Ireland and create a brighter future for all. A future where we can all own a home. “Take Me Back to Ireland” is set to release on 16/03/2024.

Photo Credit: Catherine Lawlor

“With punchy vocals and an infectious melody to boot… (Rise Above It) is a noteworthy first effort from newcomer Faul” – Hot Press Magazine

“Armed with only an acoustic guitar she lulls listeners into a tender stupor – ready to take the industry by storm” – The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO)“

“‘Summer’ by Miranda Faul is a beautiful acoustic piece with poignant lyrics brought to life by infectious harmonies that make for a very intimate listen” – Chord Blossom

Miranda Faul is set to release her next single, Not Much Of A Man, on March 8th 2024. Not Much Of A Man is an indie soul-pop song, written by Miranda and produced by Cian Sweeney.

About Miranda:
Miranda Faul is an independent Irish singer-songwriter based in Dublin. Miranda’s music is characterized by her unique blend of folk, rnb, and indie pop influences, and her poignant lyrics and soulful vocals. She is influenced by a wide range of artists, including Lisa Hannigan, Hozier, Adele, and Jorja Smith. She has released two singles, “Renegade” in March 2023, and “Summer” in September 2023.

Miranda’s music has been featured in popular music blogs such as Hot Press, Golden Plec, and Chord Blossom. Her songs have been played on radio stations such as RTE 2XM, Dublin City FM, KFM, KCLR, and Dublin South FM. Since emerging on the Irish music scene in 2022, Miranda has performed in various iconic Dublin venues, including The Grand Social, The Workman’s Club, The Sound House, Fibber Magees, Sin É, and Opium Live. Miranda is set to release three new singles in 2024 ahead of her debut EP release in Summer 2024.

Miranda on Not Much Of A Man:
“Not Much Of A Man is a song about silently acknowledged, unspoken desire. It’s about falling hard for someone who isn’t available, feeling chemistry between the two of you, knowing that they feel it too. You’re playing a game with each other, but neither of you can speak, and the silence, the wondering what they’re really thinking and if you’ll ever be with them, is starting to drive you crazy. It comes from a point of maximum frustration, of needing to speak and get an answer. It also comes from a place of anger; you’ve started to think that they might be in the wrong, might be playing you, hurting you. But it’s a powerless song really; they have the control, they could do what they wanted to you and you’d allow it. It’s not exactly feminist, but I wrote it in a blur one morning when I felt that way about someone I wanted to be with; frustrated, angry, powerless, vulnerable.

I wrote it in October and started working on the single straight away. Lately, my sound has been moving into the space between neo soul, pop and acoustic folk, blending influences from Artists like Olivia Deane, Jorja Smith, and Pip Millet, with that of Matilda Mann, Luz, and Adele. Not Much Of A Man was produced by Cian Sweeney. We had the best time finding that sound. I wanted to stick to my folk roots, so we stuck to my folk chord progression and decided to keep an acoustic guitar line throughout.”

Recent Gigs:

Rough Edges at Star In Shoreditch, London – February 18th
Breaking Sound at The Sound House, Dublin – January 8th
Ladies First at The Grand Social, Dublin – January 30th

Hailing from Mayo and based in Ratoath, Co. Meath, writer-producer Liam Geddes has co-written and produced “Hollow” which has been chosen as the Latvian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.

Performed by well-known Latvian artist and fellow co-writer Dons, the eagerly anticipated event takes place in Malmö, Sweden in May. The productive working relationship started when Liam and Universal Latvia artist Dons met at a songwriting camp in Las Negras, Spain in 2022. Liam was invited to participate in the prestigious camp by organisers and publisher of “Hollow”, DWB Music. Dons competed against other top Latvian artists to win the Grand Final of “Supernova” which was broadcast by the Latvian National Broadcaster, LTV. Dons was crowned the winner in the Grand Final which took place on February 10th. On his involvement in this years Eurovision Song Contest, Liam stated;

“It’s all a bit surreal to be honest. I’ve always been a huge fan of the Eurovision. As a music creator, it’s the biggest platform to showcase your music. Knowing millions of people worldwide will hear a song I created is mind blowing tome. It’s a real honour”.

Liam is no stranger to international success as a music creator. His talent, personality, and hunger to succeed has already led Liam to credible achievements such as co-writing and producing the title track to Michael Bay’s 2020 blockbuster movie “Songbird”. Liam also co-wrote and produced “No Parachute” for Korean artist Onew. The song was a big hit and featured on Onew’s record “Circle” which went on to sell well over 200 thousand copies in Japan and resulted in a Gold Record and a Number 2 Billboard Album. Liam is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most talented writer-producers and he is hoping that being an integral part of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will open further doors for him;

“As an Irish independent music creator, it’s vital that I keep improving my craft and networking. I realised quite early on in my career that reputable opportunities won’t just present themselves unless I put the work in. It’s all about keeping the momentum going and making the most of any opportunity afforded to me”.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liamgeddesmusic

“Plantain’s unique way with words stems from his deep admiration for spoken word” – RTÉ Culture

 “one of the biggest names on the Dublin scene” – Hotpress Magazine  

“It’s impossible to pin Plantain Papi down into any one genre or sound” – District Magazine

Nigerian-born, Ireland-raised producer and songwriter Plantain Papi shares debut album ‘STILL HEALING’. The seven track project is perfectly summed up by Cambridge Dictionary’s definition of healing; “the process in which a bad situation or painful emotion ends or improves”. Taking the reflective journey of the different of his healing process as he navigates through life post-pandemic, heartbreak, loss and grief.

Known for masterfully navigating the intersection of hip-hop, grime, and R&B, all channelled through the lens of afro beats. Experience the finest sonic in a cross-genre rendition whether it be the project’s appetising singles like ‘Vela Cinderella’ or the albums fulfilling deep cuts like ‘1942’ where vulnerability shines through. Groovy headbangers like ‘My Best’ which bring back the feel-good nostalgia of pre-pandemic afro swing.

The project features an array of rising Irish talent like Jafaris, F3miii, Ama Millieir, B4bzy and Bhumble and is packed full of varied beats and flows. Plantain Papi operates with a fervour that is both admirable and infectious for the listener, making it impossible to get through the album without singing along uncontrollably.

Pioneering a genre deeply rooted in his heritage, Plantain has achieved massive success over the past few years. Taking to the 3arena to support afrobeat giant Burna Boy, in addition to commanding the stage at Longitude, Trinity Ball and All Together Now. Before being named RTE 2FM rising artist and spreading afroswing on the airwaves.

Following his debut release in 2017, Plantain Papi has been behind the boards on multiple records that have had major success on streaming platforms and social media. In recent times, launched an independent label with his longtime manager Joy. PlantainSound opened its doors in 2021 as a creative collective that not only nurtures talent but also provides invaluable opportunities. Functioning as both a management company and record label, PlantainSound proudly houses some of Ireland’s finest artists, including F3miii, Sophie Jane, and B4bzy. Together, they continue to shape the future of Irish music, elevating the industry to new heights.

Tracklist

1. STILL HEALING
2. MY BEST FT. F3MIII, JAFARIS, AMA MILLIEIR (FOCUS TRACK)
3. DIAMOND
4. VELA CINDERELLA
5. ASTON MARTIN FT. B4BZY
6. PEACES FT. BHUMBLE
7. 1942

Follow Plantain Papi:

Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter