Author: Zoé Piater

In a groundbreaking initiative, Golden Éire Records, in collaboration with renowned Irish producer ROC (Richard O’Connor), proudly announces the #SupportLocal Song Competition. This unique contest is an exceptional opportunity for Irish artists to showcase their talents, with the chance to professionally record and release a commercial single.

Golden Éire Records and ROC, both ardent supporters of the Irish music scene, have joined forces to offer this all-inclusive competition. “It’s an honour to work alongside ROC to provide this incredible opportunity for Irish artists,” says Odhran of Golden Éire Records. “He’s a veteran in the industry and an artist I’ve always had huge respect for, both for his creativity and dedication to the Irish music scene. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture the next generation of Irish artists.”

Irish artists are invited to download a free beat produced by ROC via the link below and submit their original songs. Submissions should include a performance video shared on
Instagram with #SupportLocalSongComp, tagging @bitterrocc and @goldeneirerecords. Entries will be judged by ROC and Odhran based on creativity, innovation, and artistic merit. Entries must be submitted by midnight, 18th of February and the winner will be announced by the 25th of February.

The winner will benefit from a full suite of professional services, including recording in a Dublin studio, mixing and mastering by Odd Numbers, cover art and music video production by ROC, and a comprehensive release campaign by Golden Éire Records. This competition aims to alleviate the financial barriers often faced by emerging artists.

Irish artists are invited to download a free instrumental beat provided by ROC, craft original lyrics, and share their performance via social media. The winner, chosen based on creativity and artistic merit, will receive comprehensive support to professionally record, mix, master, and release their single under Golden Éire Records. The submission deadline for this competition is midnight, 18th of February.

Entry Link: www.goldeneirerecords.com/support-local-song-comp

www.instagram.com/goldeneirerecords
www.instagram.com/bitterrocc
www.instagram.com/oddnumbersmusic

Would you like to take part in a songwriting workshop delivered by professionals in the music industry and learn what it takes to write a song from scratch? If you are age fourteen plus and looking to develop your songwriting skills these workshops would be perfect for you.

There are options to sign up for all the workshops or specific days, learning from different songwriters and styles of music. You will learn new techniques to develop your songwriting, meet like-minded people and share your ideas with others in the workshops. Our facilitators are London based local songwriter JC Stewart who signed to Warner Records in 2018 and released two singles, “Medicine” and “Like I Did”.

JC co-wrote the track “Hollywood” which featured on Lewis Capaldi‘s No1 2019 debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent and has toured and supported many acts worldwide building up a loyal fanbase.

Vokxen are Claire McCartney and Becca Henderson, experienced performers and workshop facilitators who recently premiered their debut theatrical venture under “VOKXEN” entitled “The song of the Bones” to a sold-out Lyric Theatre Belfast. The production explored folklore and local history with themes of the quietened voice, oppression and mental health issues.

Thanks to IMRO, the Irish Musical Rights Organisation, for the support in nurturing the next generation of young songwriters. Without their support we would not have been able to put these workshops on.

Dates: Monday 12^th to Wednesday 14th February 
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: £10 per day
Venue: Glasgowbury Cornstore Creative Hub Draperstown BT45 7AA

If you would like to enrol contact info@nullglasgowbury.com, call 02879628428 or  DM www.facebook.com/glasgowbury

Glasgowbury is a multi award winning music and arts charity based in rural Mid-Ulster, nurturing talent, changing lives and strengthening communities. small but MASSIVE!

Irish-Portuguese singer-songwriter Sam Segurado now releases his latest single, ‘Looking For The Fox,’ on 02/02, a dynamic preview from his upcoming album, ‘The Remainder’, set for release on 24/02 Already backed by an impressive history of support from global press outlets such as CLASH, Notion, Earmilk, and many more, Segurado continues to evolve his indie-folk roots into a captivating blend of electro-indie-rock with the soul of a poet.

‘The Remainder’ evokes a superhero moniker, a story of the aftermath of difficult times echoing the heroism of survival.  Drawing on both meanings of the word — that which is left, that which is still to come — The Remainder represents the part left of us after hard times: stronger, but forever changed. Drawing from his own struggles and the experiences of those around him, Segurado shapes an album that becomes a testament to hope even in the face of loss. The recording process, completed with Shane Becker, was shaped by the challenges faced in his personal life, the mental health struggles of the album’s original producer Stephen Lovatt, and the turbulence of world events — affirming the album’s aptly chosen title.

Hailing from an upbringing as an Irish boy in Portugal, Segurado navigated a life of constant movement, never truly finding a home. His guitars, poems, stories, and songs became the consistent anchor through cities and various life phases. It was in Dublin, what he calls home, where he initially cut his teeth on the open mic scene. From there, he ventured into his first album, Looking For The Fox, and now, his sophomore endeavor, The Remainder, explores even deeper emotional territories. Segurado’s album launch in Workman’s Cellar, on February 25th, is thus a homecoming, and one which he’s assembled his full band for.

On the single, Sam said:

“The song title took on a deeper meaning when I was writing it, but its title still came from the usual Dubliner thing of driving down backroads for the chance to glimpse a city fox. We’re always searching for something out of reach, aren’t we?”

The song’s deeper meaning is a reflection on every person’s journey of pain, love and fight, that which makes us survivors. An exciting sonic departure from Segurado’s indie folk roots without leaving behind his singer-songwriter heart. “I knew as soon as I wrote it that I wanted to do it bigger than anything I was going to do on that first album. I’m glad I waited.”

LIVE DATES
24th February Workman’s Celler w/ support from Navya
Tickets here

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“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  

When envisioning the future of Alternative R&B, one name stands out — Plantain Papi, a Nigerian-born, Ireland-raised producer and songwriter. Known for masterfully navigating the intersection of hip-hop, garage, and R&B, within the vibrant tapestry of afrobeats, Plantain Papi introduces ‘1942’ as a preview to his highly anticipated debut album ‘Still Healing’. The single delves into the intricacies of grief post-relationship and the journey of self-discovery. The track has already been adored by over 1 million users on TikTok, following a very successful social media campaign. Tapping into a reservoir of emotions, Plantain crafts a subtle narrative of personal growth, accentuated by soulful and tender lyrics—a Michelin-style concoction designed to evoke deep sentiments.

His debut project ‘Still Healing’ will be released on February 16th. It is centered around documenting Plantain’s ongoing healing journey through life. The 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”. Joined by Jafaris, F3miii, Ama Millieir and Bhumble, expect to hear the finest sonic experience in alternative afrobeats in addition to how Plantain Papi is healing from the pandemic, heartbreak, loss and grief. 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 while spreading the infectious vibes of afroswing on the airwaves.

Follow Plantain Papi:
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HousePlants is the exciting full-fledged creative vision of two of Ireland’s most respected artists – Bell X1 frontman Paul Noonan, and innovative atmospheric producer Daithí. Following their 2021 Choice Prize nominated album ‘Dry Goods’, and 2022 EP ‘Seaglass’, the duo return, suited and booted, with a new album coming later this year.

Today they share the first taste of what’s to come, ‘No Pushover’:

“No Pushover, lyrically, is the tale of an outsider, a wannabe insider. I was taken with a story about how Elon Musk and his brother like to talk about The Simulation Argument (that we’re all in a simulation) in the hot tub, and thought – is this the ultimate inner sanctum??” explains Paul.

Official Video – https://youtu.be/7Uf3p3MVvTs?feature=shared

Paul reflects, “The first record was made in the strangeness of deep dark lockdown, with Daithí and I pinging parts to each other from our respective caves. From this remove I can see how essential an outlet it was for my creativity, my sense of self through that time. There was no long game, we were making the thing for the instant gratification!

So to have toured the record with a great bunch of people and make it work in that way was an unexpected joy, and we want to keep doing that. This time we’ve been in the room together, Daithí and I, flinging paint and making decisions in real time…and a lot of it is informed by the live experience – what we think works and why.”

Daithí adds, “Houseplants has always been about reaching out and connecting, there’s an honesty and rawness to the lyrics, production, and visuals. I think that’s what both the band and the audience really connect to, and you see it in full force when we get to play to an audience, There’s nothing like it.”

HousePlants will embark on a Spring tour this April. See them perform at the Róisín Dubh, Galway (April 12^th), Button Factory, Dublin (April 26^th), Dolan’s, Limerick (April 27^th), and Cyprus Avenue, Cork (May 24^th).

Tickets go on general sale Friday 2^nd February at 10am at www.houseplants.band. HousePlants mailing list subscribers can scoop tickets a day early on Thursday at 10am. Sign up to the HousePlants mailing list at http://eepurl.com/h17NQz

HOUSEPLANTS SPRING TOUR

Friday 12^th April – Galway, Róisín Dubh
Friday 26^th April – Dublin, Button Factory
Sat 27^th April – Limerick, Dolan’s
Fri 24^th May – Cork, Cyprus Avenue

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One of Ireland’s most beloved and respected musicians and songwriters, Davie Furey, is to embark on his first headline tour of Ireland in 5 years.  After a busy 2023, which included touring with the legendary Paul Brady, Davie is set to release a brand new album of 9 original compositions titled Glimpses of the Truth, which will be released March 22^nd 2024.   He is set to play 12 dates around Ireland starting in Wexford Arts Theatre April 5^th, 2024.  The line-up, along with Davie, includes two of Irelands’ best musicians – Stuart Gray and Steve Milne.

Building upon the huge success of his previous albums, Easy Come, Easy Go and Haunted Streets which drew plaudits from celebrity fans such as Jeremy Irons and musicians such as Donovan and Christy Moore, Glimpses of the Truth sees Davie Furey at the peak of his storytelling powers, writing from the heart and connecting with music fans around the world.

Of the 9 new tracks on the album, Stargazer, Downtown Parade and History have all reached number one as singles on the Irish Singer-Songwriter and Rock download charts.  These singles have also been listed as being PlayIrish song of the week on many radio stations.  Davie has also been recognised in recent times by The Hot Press Awards, nominated as best Irish Folk Artist and The Pure M Awards, nominated three years in a row for Best Newcomer, Best Male Artist and Best Irish Solo Act. 

The emotive power of Davie’s lyrics and his stellar cast of musicians’ shines through each of the tracks on Glimpses of the Truth. From the powerful and uplifting History to the emotional sucker punch of Heaven Can Wait and the anthemic Stargazer, they show Davie Furey as an artist who has a poetic gift for storytelling and a skill for melody which puts him at the very top of his game.

Davie Furey – Glimpses of the Truth 2024 Irish Tour

Friday April 5^th                        Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford Town Co. Wexford
Saturday April 6^th                    Athy Arts Centre, Athy, Co. Kildare
Friday April 19^th                      Sunflower Pub, Belfast
Saturday April 20^th                  Balor Arts Theatre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
Sunday April 21^st                    Whelans, Wexford St., Dublin City
Friday April 26^th                      Fore Abbey Coffee Shop, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath
Saturday April 27^th                  Glór Theatre, Ennis, Co. Clare
Saturday May 4^th                    J.J. Devines’ Banshees of Inisherin Pub, Kilkerrin, Co. Galway
Thursday May 9^th                    Myo Café, 34 Pope’s Quay, Cork City
Friday May 10^th                       St. Johns Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Friday May 17^th                       Bank Lane, Waterford City
Saturday May 18^th                  The BookMarket, Kells, Co. Meath

Response for Fureys’ previous work:

“I LOVE this album from Davie” – Jeremy Irons
“Congratulations Davie on a lovely album …….a fine, fine record” – Christy Moore
“An excellent piece of work from Davie” – Donovan
“An excellently produced album with very dramatic songs. Definitely one to watch out for!” –   Phil Coulter
“Loved this album.  Davie has a very unique voice and will gather a large following very quickly” – Jimmy McCarthy
“Davie sings from the heart and has the voice of a poet” – Luka Bloom
“Haunted Streets includes fun jangly acoustic guitar strums across the record while also dipping into melancholic moments as well as clever lyricism” – Rolling Stone Magazine
“Stunning!! Fureys’ lyrics prove to be more powerful than ever” – HotPress
“Haunted Streets is an excellent album from a singer/songwriter who is clearly going places.  The songs are melodic and mature, and Davie’s songwriting is versatile and insightful.  Indeed, it’s worth mentioning here that Davie’s vocals are an outstanding feature throughout the album.  He doesn’t attempt to conceal his wonderful Irish accent.” – ATTHEBARRIER

• Davie Furey | Website
• Davie Furey | Facebook
• Davie Furey Music | X (twitter.com)
• Davie Furey | Instagram

“Musicianship of the highest quality, songs with meaning and voices that are mellow and mature, a touch folk, a touch country and most of all, a touch of class” Sean Laffey Irish Music Magazine June 2023

Galway folk duo Niall Teague and Padraic Joyce continue their ‘What Will We Be’ Album tour at The Cherry Tree, upstairs venue, Walkinstown, Dublin on Saturday February 24^th.

Best known as a powerful writing and performing duo, Niall Teague and Padraic Joyce are artists on the rise since winning the Panceltic International and Oireachtas Song Contests. Both are accomplished singers and guitarists with a flair for vocal harmony, strong melodies and polished playing. The result is a unique folk style blended with Americana, country and blues rooted in transatlantic influences such as Eric Clapton, John Prine, Liam Clancy, Christy Moore, Richard Thompson, Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young.

Their 2023 Album Release ‘What Will We Be’ reached the top 10 in the iTunes download music charts with their Single ‘What Will We Be’ reaching number 19. The Album received critical acclaim and became shortlisted for a Best Folk Album Grammy nomination in November 2023.

Their recent Christmas single ‘Another Merry Christmas’ was listed as Hot press ‘Track of the day’ in December 2023 as well as featuring on their recommends list of Irish releases.

Expect to hear dancing acoustic guitars, harmony that will lift you high and new material that will stir the emotions.  Not to be missed!

Tickets Available via Musiclee.ie on Eventbrite:
Eventbrite Ticket Link

“The sound is absolutely beautiful, melodic and beautiful, I’m blown away” Keith Finnegan, Galway Bay FM
“Gifted singers and musicians and really great songwriters” Sharon Shannon

www.niallteagueandpadraicjoycemusic.com

Clare & Wicklow, Ireland – Electronic music enthusiasts and general music lovers are in for a treat as singer songwriter Aoibheann Boyle and producer DJ Dan Astro come together again to unveil their latest collaboration, ‘Change.’ ‘Change’ is an emotional yet uplifting track that explores the theme of embracing change. Its lyrics follow and celebrate the Celtic calendar with references to the harshness of Winter and time for hibernation, a new light of Spring and new beginnings welcoming the arrival of Summer which represents connection and celebration. Moody piano, gentle birdsong and wind chime connect us with the sounds of nature motivating us to pause and reflect. The earthy kick drum from percussionist Barry Johnson and electric guitar then inspire, restore and rejuvenate the listener. The emotional vocal delivery presents a feeling of hope for brighter days. “The release of ‘Change’ comes at a timely moment”, mentions Aoibheann. “The track will be released on the official day of Brigid, Ireland’s matron saint and trailblazer, and the first day of Spring when the days get longer and the land brighter.”

‘Change’ is the second collaborative work between Aoibheann Boyle and Dan Astro. Speaking about the single, music producer and DJ Dan shares, “this release is different to our previous dance track ‘Breathe Again’. It has been so enjoyable exploring a new style.” ‘Change’ is the ninth release on electronic music label Backroads Records. Backroads Records is an underground electronic label based between Scotland and the West of Ireland founded by Cammy MacPhail and Dan Beggan. ‘Change’ will be released on the 1st February, to coincide with St. Brigid’s Day, on all your streaming platforms including, Spotify, Bandcamp, Soundcloud and YouTube.

About Aoibheann Boyle
From Wicklow but frequently caught saying her heart is from Clare, the home of traditional Irish music, in the West Coast of Ireland, where she found her voice as a singer-songwriter. With a love for expression, creativity, community, collaboration and heritage, Aoibheann’s influences are vast and varied. From rocksteady, roots and ska to folk, punk, rock and blues. Having spent a good part of her life between the West Coast of Ireland and the Basque Country, you may find her lyrics tapping into ancient languages that sound unfamiliar on the first listen. Aoibheann has a passion for bringing people together with good vibes and through her catchy tunes hopes to do just the same.

About Dan Astro
From the West Coast of Ireland, Dan Astro is producer, dj and musician. A passion for both acoustic and electronic music, he is influenced by many different styles and sounds. Co-founder of Backroads Records and monthly resident on Dublin Digital Radio, mixing groovy beats, deep bass and light melodies, its all about the blend.

The line-up for this year’s RTÉ Choice Music Prize live event, in association with IMRO & IRMA, has just been announced by Tracy Clifford on RTÉ 2FM.

Seven of the ten nominated acts have confirmed to perform at the event in Vicar St in March.

John Francis Flynn
Kojaque
Lankum
Rachael Lavelle
The Murder Capital
Soda Blonde
Ezra Williams

The winning album will be announced at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize live event in Vicar Street, Dublin on Thursday 7^th March and broadcast live on RTÉ 2FM in a special four-hour extended show with Beta Da Silva from 7-11pm. A special TV show will be broadcast on Thursday 14^th March at 22.30 on RTÉ2.

The Classic Irish Album will be announced live on the Will Leahy Show on RTÉ Gold on Thursday 22^nd February, followed by a full play of the album, with additional mentions across the day on RTÉ 2FM and a Classic Irish Album feature on Dan Hegarty’s show. The prize will be presented along with the remaining prizes at the live event in Vicar Street.

The Irish Song of the Year 2023 will be announced by Tracy Clifford on the day of the live event, Tracy will also host the event that night. The winners of the Irish Album of the Year, Irish Artist of the Year and Irish Breakthrough Artist of the Year will all be announced at the live event from Vicar St and on RTÉ 2FM.

RTÉ Choice Music Prize Conversations will take place on Thursday 7^th March at BIMM, Francis St, Dublin. With four topical music industry discussion panels taking place between 12.00-16.30, Conversations brings together artists and music industry professionals to discuss and explore some of the key issues affecting both performers and the wider industry at the present time.

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The 19th annual RTÉ Choice Music Prize will once again celebrate the best in Irish recorded music.   The Prize has become one of the music-industry highlights of the year since its inception in 2005. The Irish Album of the Year award is chosen from a shortlist of ten albums by a panel of eleven Irish music media professionals and industry experts. The list of judges is available via http://www.choicemusicprize.ie

The winning Album of the Year act will receive €10,000, a prize fund which has been provided by The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and The Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA). All shortlisted acts will receive a specially commissioned award.

RAAP, Culture Ireland, First Music Contact, Minding Creative Minds and Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet are also official project partners of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize.

Through its funding of the Music From Ireland programme, Culture Ireland’s support of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize will be directed towards shortlisted artists, as well as assisting the RTÉ Choice Music Prize “Conversations”.

#rtechoiceprize

Limited Tickets on Sale Now:

https://www.ticketmaster.ie/choice-music-prize-tickets/artist/1541435

Irish singer-songwriter Mark Duggan is known for his clever lyricism and combining of acoustic and electronic elements which can reach out and take people somewhere else for the length of the song. He returns with his latest alternative rock tune ‘Dance Myself to You’.

The idea behind the song titled ‘Dance Myself to You’ was to write a melody that would gradually expand from a single solo instrument to a thick sound at the finish. Along with Mark Duggan’s vocals, the single is a longing, yearning one with an interesting production that includes a drum machine, bass, guitar, drum kit, synths, and other elements.

The ballad is evocative of over-the-top ‘80s ballads as it swells from a whisper to an explosion of sound. Beginning with just an electric guitar and voice, the song gradually builds in bass, percussion, ambient pads, and other guitars. An electric guitar solo that was improvised in one take and a choir of voices drive the song’s last minute. Each verse of the song begins with one of three straightforward pictures of loneliness from the lyrics. The characters’ thoughts are drawn to this missing person by these visions, and no matter how hard they try, they are unable to bring them back, no matter what steps they take.

The lyrics had to be written first in order to determine how long the build-up should take, and they were written rather fast once Mark Duggan had the three pictures that opened each of the verses. The reason the outro lyrics were added later is that he chose to complete the build-up with a lengthy fade-out, leaving a significant amount of empty space in the song.

The song’s base of sound fills in the gaps between any rhythmic elements with a variety of synth and guitar parts that use a lot of delays and reverbs. The guitar solo was recorded on the first take with the intention of sounding a little raw and guttural, while the drums were selected to be fairly conventionally ‘80s. He chose to attempt some choral harmonies near the end of the song and added some harmonies to the chorus while performing the vocals.

Mark Duggan chose to write the outro lyrics over them and make sure every instrument plays considerably busier than they did earlier in the song because he liked how they pushed the drama of the ending over the top. After his old bass broke during the demos, he had to acquire a new one, thus the bass was the last part of the song he added. The song’s mix was designed to highlight the contrast between the number of instruments playing at the beginning and end of the song, as well as the intensity of those performances, which provide the song’s dramatic conclusion.

On the song, Mark Duggan says, “An almighty release of a ballad, to me it is an acceptance of a situation and it emotions by letting them explode outward.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Irish artist Mark Duggan was first exposed to music at the age of nine when his father gave him an MP3 player filled with Bruce Springsteen and Beatles tracks. He started learning how to play the guitar and was instantly enthralled with the notion of writing songs, beginning with ‘A Day in the Life of a Kid’.

This eventually evolved into a desire to record these songs, and as the songs and recording skills improved over time, so did the range of influences. As he dug deeper into his father’s record collection, he developed an affection for local Waterford performers as well as Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, U2, Gorillaz, and The Waterboys. When he co-wrote the song ‘The Road’ from Dunluvly’s debut EP, The Boat, he struck up a friendship with many Irish musicians in Maynooth. Since then, he has been playing guitar in his live band, which has performed at events including Whelans, Monroes, and Waterford’s Winterval Festival.

He is currently writing songs that, with any luck, will serve as the foundation for an album that will be released in 2024.

‘Dance Myself to You’ is available on all streaming platforms.