Author: Zoé Piater

Sadhbh Keane has been personally invited by Glen Hansard to join the Christmas Busk at the Gaiety Theatre on Christmas Eve.

Sadhbh Keane is a 16-year-old singer songwriter and busker from Dublin, Ireland with over 25K streams on Spotify, 36K views on YouTube and multiple live performances to her name, including two recent sold-out headline shows. Sadhbh played Kaleidoscope in June this year
and has supported Niall McNamee, Emma Langford and Eimear Crehan in the past 12 months.

Her debut EP ‘Passion + Paper’ was released in May 2023. In June this year Sadhbh sang the EP’s lead single Worthwhile live on 2fm. Beta De Silva has played Sadhbh’s EP on 2fm.

Struck by the lack of humanity shown towards homelessness and frustrated by inaction, Sadhbh wrote Life at Christmas. Ultimately Sadhbh wants people to see the human tragedy
behind the headlines and to help raise awareness and funds for homelessness through this song.
Chloë Agnew (Celtic Women, The Brave Collide, X Collective) heard Sadhbh play the song and joined forces with producer Brian McGrane to produce Life at Christmas.

Chloë’s reaction when she heard it first; ‘I have been trying to write a song about homelessness but I am going to stop now, I won’t do better than this, it is world-class’.

“Life At Christmas” is a Christmas song that resonates and asks for empathy and action. The narrative tells one person’s story by contrasting nostalgic Christmas imagery against the stark reality of life on the streets of Dublin.

This song etches into our minds, the human tragedy inflicted by homelessness. The story also depicts vividly the demeaning and undignified treatment which is this person’s reality. This song could be described as a protest song. Calling out the inadequacies of efforts to end the crisis:
– “How many buckets do we have to fill for this to stop happening?”

Sadhbh goes beyond what we see and typically consider as we walk by a homeless person and speaks to the family heartache often the outcome of homelessness:

– “You don’t know where your family is, all you can do is hope that someone loves your kids, the way you did (…) the way you always will”.

This is a Christmas song with meaning, empathy and humanity which will resonate across demographics. It is intentional for Life at Christmas to be impactful. It is a call to action which
is all the more powerful because of its author, and the generation she represents.

Sadhbh is honoured that Glen Hansard has personally invited her to sing Life at Christmas at the Christmas Eve busk outside the Gaiety Theatre this coming Christmas Eve.

SWELTR is a band unafraid of embracing shyness, skillfully placing metaphors where they shouldn’t. A skill in itself, and we took a shot at it. SWELTR‘s fourth release, “Known As”’ has been carefully crafted and hidden away until now. Dark, moody guitar is accompanied by massive kick and snare patterns that may induce tapping of feet, fingers, or a nod of the head. The song instantly sets the scene and tone for Tony’s lyrics: “I think I’d say I saw you coming from a mile away,” conveying the anticipation of an impending struggle. The first verse lightly glosses over an intimate relationship with oneself and mental state. The depth of this unfolds in the chorus, where whatever awaits on the other side of the struggle is “unfound.” A recurring lyric encourages listeners to ponder the song’s mood: “All on good form, we move along.” This line reflects how one might perceive their mental state as unimportant, secondary to daily life—a common sentiment in modern Dublin. Using “good form,” an Irish phrase, anchors it to the location. The repetition emphasises the necessity to “keep face” in this world. The song takes us on a loud, emotive journey, attempting to convey twisted and confusing feelings anyone can experience. A final scream leads the song into its outro, where comfort can be found in the forming chaos.

SWELTR, the Dublin-based DIY rock duo who exploded onto the scene in October 2022 with their debut single “What’s It Gonna Be?”. Crafted from a mosaic of vibrant childhood memories, whacky teenage escapades, and threads of the complexities of adult life, SWELTR has cultivated a distinctive and powerful sound that commands your attention. Taking in the punk scene in Ireland, Noel and Tony are reshaping the genre by reintroducing grunge into the contemporary music landscape. Drawing from a diverse range of influences and personal experiences between them, they skillfully incorporate these elements into their sound, providing a unique musical experience that reconnects audiences with the raw energy of the genre in this new era.

Tony Keyes from Blanchardstown, the creative force behind SWELTR, skillfully shapes the sonic landscape. Utilising an impressive guitar pedal and multi-amp setup, he masterfully simulates bass tones while seamlessly composing intricate guitar melodies into the band’s tunes. His grunge-style vocals, accentuated by a distinct Dublin flair, demand attention, delivering a mix of metaphors and slang that invites listeners into a world of intriguing stories and powerful messages.

Noel Dempsey from Finglas, the rhythmic heartbeat of SWELTR, plays a pivotal role in shaping the sound. Serving as the driving force, he crafts the necessary rhythm that breathes life into the band’s musical expression. Drawing on a self-taught skill, Noel skillfully creates beats that linger in the memory, forming the pulsating heartbeat that propels the essence of their songs with an unmistakable energy and resonance.

As a DIY band still in it’s infancy, SWELTR has achieved significant milestones, including an interview and front-cover feature in the September 2023 issue of Totally Dublin. Looking ahead to 2024, there’s plenty in store for their growing fan base. The release of their debut EP, more captivating gigs, and undisclosed features that are currently under wraps, creating an air of suspense and excitement. Together, Tony and Noel are an unstoppable musical momentum.

Their fourth single, “Known As”, released today, marks a significant chapter in SWELTR‘s evolution, showcasing their commitment to keeping grunge undeniably cool in today’s punk scene.

https://linktr.ee/sweltrband

No stranger to the Irish music scene, ZAPHO (co-founder and musical director of the X Collective) returns to release her 5th single “Listen To Me Child”. Zapho effortlessly infuses LGBT+ themes, female-focused narratives, that cross genres and push musical boundaries, with catchy melodies that feel familiar, yet totally new.

Zapho: ”The music video was shot in New York and Dublin in 2016 with a friend of mine, Dave Fox. I also shot a few scenes in 2023 around Dublin with Adrian Connolly. I wanted to see the two different versions of myself. I feel like I’m looking at a different person with a different life. I was so nervous back then and so unsure about so many things”. In the song titled “Listen to Me, Child” the music captivates with lush and melancholic, electronic production and soulful melodies. We are introduced to a simple yet poignant narrative of a young queer artist who undergoes a transformative journey with her understanding of faith and its relationship to her identity.

Zapho, a talented songwriter hailing from Dublin, skillfully crafts this powerful song. Having already showcased her abilities through earlier releases like Peoples, Tell Your Mother, Big Song Blue and collaboration Pay The Piper with Dublin rapper Celaviedmai, this new single serves as a testament to her versatility as an artist.

Catch Zapho’s debut televised performance on Fanning Whelans Christmas Special airing in December 2023.

“One of the best independent releases currently available”
Northern Winds Newspaper

“Women making waves”
Irish Times

“Luxuriant track, with rich production and an infectious, head-bopping hook.”
Hot Press

“A concoction of perfect pop ingredients”
Nialler9

ZAPHO has been teasing out singles from her forthcoming 13 track debut album which has been trickling out since 2022, featuring new collaborations with artists Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Celaviedmai, Rvstless.

Genre wise an eclectic mixed bag, Zapho draws from pop, alternative, soul, and indie influences, creating a unique sound that is truly her own. Infectious hooks, driving beats, rich electro soundscapes all wrapped up in her memorable alt-pop sound, she is an artist that has been noticeably impressing the industry since her launch in 2019.

With past experiences acting as tour support for Cathy Davey, as well as playing in her band, Zapho was awarded First Music Contact recording stimulus and the Arts Council Agility Award in 2021 in order to pursue releasing her debut album. This artist is about to embark on a truly exciting time, having released Peoples, Tell Your Mother, Big Song Blue and Pay The Piper which received wide support from Spotify, online blogs and radio from her debut album, “Listen To Me Child” comes ahead of sharing this body of work that has been compiled of coming-of-age experiences and heralding the establishment of her own voice and identity.

The Grand Social, Dublin

11am-5pm, Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th December 2023

Admission: FREE with suggested donation of €6,

split between Dublin Simon Community & The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF)

Merchy Christmas is back! A real-life merch market where all your favourite artists flog their wares directly to you, their fans. Established during the Christmas lock-down in 2020, it was the brainwave of Conor Cusack (Saint Sister’s manager) and Saint Sister. Chatting about ways to create a personal connection with their listeners and thank them for their support over the difficult year, they had the idea of a communal merch stall mixed with a Christmas market. After reaching out to their pals like Lankum, Gilla Band, and Kojaque, it became clear that this was something lots of other artists wanted to be part of. Merchy Christmas was born! Working with Keiron Black and the folks at The Grand Social (longstanding champions of the independent music community) they put together a two-day event across multiple floors, which was hugely successful. 2021 saw the market return in full force. Once again, amidst challenging restrictions, it succeeded in raising much needed funds for the artists, and for a truly important cause, Homelessness in Dublin.

Now in our fourth year, and bigger than ever, the crew are again focusing on helping to raise much needed funds for those in need. Levels of homelessness in Dublin are higher than ever, and we are proud to help raise money to support the much-needed work of Dublin Simon Community.

“We are so grateful to the organisers and artists involved in Merchy Christmas. It’s commitment like this that keeps our vital services running, which are needed now more than ever as we grapple with the highest level of homelessness the country has ever seen. On behalf of our community, thank you so much for your support.” – Aisling Harmey, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Dublin Simon Community

In addition to helping those at home, Merchy Christmas are also raising money for those who need help further afield, specifically those suffering in the midst of the humanitarian crisis happening in Palestine. This year, alongside Dublin Simon Community, the event is proudly partnering with The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), in association with Irish Artists for Palestine. IAFP works to unite and magnify an all-island voice of Palestinian solidarity through an ongoing arts and culture programme.

“Irish Artists for Palestine are thankful to the organisers of Merchy Christmas for choosing to fundraise for PCRF this year, who are working to meet the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza during this devastating chapter in Palestine’s history” 

Last year the weekender raised close to €10,000 for charity and this year we are hoping to raise more to share between our two partners. We will be pulling out all the stops, including a jumbo raffle each day, with limited-edition merch kindly donated by the artists taking part across the weekend. Irish Artists for Palestine will also have a stall selling their own merch with the proceeds also being donated to arts organisations in Gaza, through the Palestinian Performing Arts Network

One Stop Band Shop are delighted to reveal the first 30 artists taking part this year:

Anna Mieke
Anamoe Drive
Aoife Nessa Frances
Celaviedmai
Chalk
Gemma Dunleavy
Gilla Band
Gurriers
Jape
John Francis Flynn
Joshua Burnside
Junior Brother
Just Mustard / Pizza Pizza Records
Kneecap
Kojaque / Kean Kavanagh (Soft Boy Records)
Lankum
Loah
Morgana
MELTS
Narolane & Rusangano Family
Nealo
Neil Dexter
Niamh Regan
Pillow Queens
Rachael Lavelle
Saint Sister
Scustin
Skinner
SPRINTS
Tandem Felix
The Scratch
THUMPER
Uly
Ye Vagabonds

With many more TBA!

Instagram
@1stopbandshopie
@dublinsimoncommunity
@thegrandsocialdublin
@irish.artists.for.palestine/

Twitter
@1stopbandshopie
@Dublin_Simon
@TGSDublin
@_IAFP

Facebook
@1StopBandShopIE
@DublinSimonCommunity
@thegrandsocialdublin

Onemac Project has just released their debut album “The Hermit Speaks”, a stunning, eclectic collection of 14 songs, to widespread global acclaim.

The early reviews include a full track-by-track review from Brazil where the writer calls the album “a MASTERPIECE” and suggests that, ‘it will be on all possible “Best of 2023” lists at the end of the year .’ High praise indeed!

From the U.K. , “Ultimately, it’s clear that ‘The Hermit Speaks’ is not just an album: rather, a holistic emotional experience, one that showcases Onemac Project’s high artistic stature ”.

From France , “ The Hermit Speaks” is an album that combines talent, passion and creativity, offering a rich and varied musical experience. This musical project is a real gem to discover and savour for all music lovers looking for something new and innovative .”

One of the features of Onemac Project is their attitude to writing and recording, as they say, “we just roll the dice, and see where it takes us ”. They don’t conform to a specific genre or style which makes them difficult to define. From the opening Indy-sounding “Dancing Violin” dealing with mental health and self-belief, the album takes the listener on a journey with multiple twists and turns.

“A Million Ways To Kill a Love” looks set to be an instant classic with a finger-clicking blues feel and ‘Fever’ vibe, set against a rich walking bass underpinning James O’Connor’s vocal.  “Dance of The Dead”, is a dark atmospheric anti-war song with O’Connor and Erik Sjøholm sharing the vocals as two opposing soldiers wait for the inevitable end.

“It’s just a web of lies

Turning our minds

Into weapons of war

I wonder when I’ll join

The dance of the dead”

“Snow in Miami”, is a cleverly crafted song about climate change, with a touch of humour. It rocks out with a great brass intro followed by a super catch chorus, funky guitars and a bass line to savour. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to play it again and again. As if to underline the variety of Onemac Project, this track has a slight feel of Steely Dan.

“I’ll See You Down The Road” is storytelling at its best. Inspired by the letter Leonard Cohen to his long-time friend and muse, Marianne Ihlen, just days before her death, the song draws you in and connects in a very personal way.

“There are so many things I never said

I don ’ t know why

You know I always loved you

And I never liked goodbye

Soon just an empty hallway

Where we once tippy-toed

I ’ ll follow you I hope and pray

I ’ ll see you down the road”

After all the twists and turns, “Final Kiss” deals with the death of a loved one. It’s a deeply moving song based on MacMahon’s friend who lost his partner after a long battle with cancer. The production is sparse and respectful while O’Connor’s stunning guitar work underlies Sjøholm’s fragile vocal with more than a hint of Damien Rice.

“And we said goodbye

With that final kiss

When your eyes softly closed

For the last time”

The final track sees OMP merge two very different songs that illustrate how comfortably they move between genres and styles. “Cutting Room Floor (Part One)” with vocals by O’Connor, draws an analogy between a movie and a real-life relationship and how some ‘scenes’ can be so easily discarded. One of the highlights is Ukraine singer Lillia Kysil vocalising on part of the track just before it merges into Part Two where MacMahon takes the spoken word lead vocal over a relentless thumping bass which continues into the final song, “Dance With Me”, with Nile Rogers style guitars and a Daft Punk party feel. This time the lead vocal is taken by Kysil who also continues vocalising to bring to an end a debut album with many memorable songs and the kind of variety that make Onemac Project hard to label. Maybe its best not to label them, just listen and enjoy.

In summary, perhaps OMP describe the album in the lyrics of “The Artist” where they sing,

“The words and music tell a tale

Of love and life and those who fail

The joys of birth and loss of death

Of lives well lived and final breath

He writes the rhythm of the world

In which he lives”

This album deals with so many topics and emotions. OMP don’t shy away from the tough topics and in this debut, they deliver a work that will stand the test of time.

Eleven of the songs were written by Michael MacMahon and James O’Connor, with a further three in collaboration with Erik Sjøholm.

ABOUT ONEMAC PROJECT

The OMP duo of James O’Connor and Michael MacMahon has been having a busy eighteen months with some significant releases to their credit including “Irish For a Day”, which is fast becoming a big favourite among the expat community in the USA. Despite keeping a low profile, Onemac Project has more than 530,000+ Spotify streams and almost 8,000 monthly Spotify listeners.

O’Connor has four albums to his name, two singer/songwriter solo albums and two as the lead voice of The Lost Messiahs, who performed at this year’s Electric Picnic. MacMahon works in the background writing and producing and has several current and past collaborations with artists in the USA, Sweden, Germany and Australia.

“The Hermit Speaks” is available to download or stream on all platforms now.

Cork will be the first city to host ‘The Secret Headliner’, a new and exciting series highlighting the incredible live music scene across Ireland. Filmed for Virgin Media Television and scheduled for broadcast later in 2024, ‘The Secret Headliner’ will see three major Irish artists perform a secret gig in a small local venue in three towns or cities across the country.

Kicking off in Cork on Thursday December 7th, The Crane Lane Theatre will host this first exclusive event, giving local gig revellers the opportunity to see one of three high profile artists in a more intimate setting. In addition, a special local support act has been handpicked to play, with Kerry band Simple Things revealed to perform the Cork leg of the series.

In the wake of the pandemic, many music venues and musicians have been so badly impacted, with much of the live music scene still recovering. Proud of its musical heritage, Ireland’s music community has always looked after its own. As a tribute to the grassroots music scene and in support of upcoming, emerging talent, the anonymous major headliner has chosen to play in a space and venue where it all begins.

A build-up of excitement is anticipated over the next fortnight with the mystery headliner only being officially revealed when they take to the stage on the evening of December 7th at The Crane Lane.

The event is free with limited tickets available.

For more details on how to apply for tickets please email tshaudience@nullindiepics.ie

Rising Irish indie-folk band Kingfishr have released their ‘EP: Live From Doonan’, containing live, stripped back versions of singles ‘Headlands’, ‘Caroline’, ‘Anyway’ and ‘Heart In The Water.’

Kingfishr were formed while members Eddie (vocals, guitar), McGoo (banjo), and Fitz (bass) were studying engineering at university in Limerick. The EP was recorded at Mcgoo’s homeplace, a house built in Doonane, Ireland during the 1840’s. It is also the very place where all of the band’s songs to date were written.

Speaking on the release of the EP, the band said “We recorded these tracks in the kitchen at home. It felt about as true as we could possibly make it. No fluff, no tricks, just the three of us sat in the kitchen playing them back to back, with plenty of tea in between takes. Improper, heartfelt bits and pieces, very much like ourselves.”

The EP opens with the beautifully cinematic ‘Headlands’, a song “about conflict and to a lesser extent, greed.” The stripped back nature of this version allows the low burr of Eddie’s vocals to feel all the more prominent, alongside the steady picking of the acoustic guitar and banjo.

The second track on the EP is ‘Caroline’, is inspired by Eddie’s love of Irish poet Seamus Heaney, the song sees him take a poignant look back over a past relationship, citing a “combination of hubris and impulsivity” as the sole reason for walking away. There is an endearing vulnerability to the lyrics as he reminisces about “the girl that got away”, with a defiant slice of introspection.

The original recording of third track ‘Anyway’ opens with a dramatic burst of synths and layered vocals. For this acoustic version, the resolute quality of Eddie’s vocals matching the determined beat and sharp pluck of the banjo, creates a feeling of equally grand proportions, but in a softer, more melodic way to the original.

The EP closes with ‘Heart In The Water’, a paean to the fleeting nature of life, a song that calls to that instinct in all of us to take a chance before it’s too late. The track effortlessly combines elements of traditional folk music with lush textures and compelling, honest lyricism.

Kingfishr’s music is hugely cinematic, they pride themselves on deep textures and a grand sonic atmospheric nature, with influences ranging from Hanz Zimmer to Ben Howard. Previous releases include flowers-fire, eyes don’t lie, Heart In The Water, Anyway, Headlands, Caroline, flowers-fire (feat.Jamie Duffy) and Vancouver. Which combined, have racked up over 4 million streams on Spotify. Three of these tracks were recently performed on The Independent’s live music session Music Box. To To coincide with the launch of their most recent single ‘Vancouver’, and in response to numerous fan requests, the band have just embarked on a Canadian journey, playing host to Kitchen Sessions and engaging in fan meet-ups in the city of Vancouver.

Listen to the new EP here.

The band spent the summer of 2023 supporting established musicians including world-famous rock legend Bruce Springsteen at BST. They have also had support slots for George Ezra’s UK/ Ireland tour as well as Dermot Kennedy’s Limerick shows at Thomond Park & in Dublin at Marlay Park. Alongside this were a run of festival dates that included Electric Picnic (main stage), Neighbourhood Weekender, Live At Leeds, Latitude, All Points East, Sea Sessions & Indiependence. They have also appeared on BBC Introducing Belfast and performed on Irish TV Series Other Voices.

The band will be heading on tour across the UK and Ireland in 2024:

TOUR DATES

December 2023
Saturday 9th – MILK MARKET, Limerick (SOLD OUT)

February 2024
Thursday 15th – KING TUT’S, Glasgow
Friday 16th – THE WARDROBE, Leeds
Saturday 17th, DEAF INSTITUTE, Manchester (SOLD OUT)
Monday 19th, CLWB IFOR BACH, Cardiff
Tuesday 20th, HARE AND HOUNDS, Birmingham
Thursday 22nd, LAFAYETTE, London (SOLD OUT)

March 2024
Thursday 21st – OLYMPIA THEATRE, Dublin
Friday 22nd – OLYMPIA THEATRE, Dublin (SOLD OUT)

Tickets are available here.

“Forever in My Mind” by Luan Parle is a hauntingly beautiful song that resonates with raw emotion and introspection. Parle’s soulful vocals and poignant lyrics create a timeless melody that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve heard it.

This beautifully rendered meditation on love and loss is full of pathos and longing, set to a lush, atmospheric instrumental, Luan’s vocals perfectly express the burning weight of distant memories & the passing of time. This captivating & evocative composition will leave a lasting impression on all who listen, as it etches itself “Forever in my Mind“.

“Forever In My Mind” is Luan’s first release since her 2020 critically acclaimed album ‘Never Say Goodbye’. To date, Luan has released four studio albums and an EP.

“Luan Parle resurfaces with a beautiful but wistful winter song called Forever in My Mind. It may cause tears to fall” Danny McElhinney, Irish Mail on Sunday.

“A blend of classic folk, country, and pop over a sparse backdrop of finger-picked acoustic guitar, gentle piano chords – with atmospheric textures adding just the right amount of emotional drama. Lyrically the song explores the still-fresh – if bittersweet – memories of a past romantic affair, while Parle’s haunting voice has echoes of Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Aoife O’Donovan among others. Her best release to date” Colm O’Hare, Hot Press.

Meteor Award and Tatler Award Winner singer-songwriter Luan Parle has had numerous hits and accolades including Meteor Ireland Music Award for Best Irish Female. Her Top 10 hit single ‘Ghost’ spent three months in the Irish Charts and was the most-played Irish single in the same year, also featuring on numerous No. 1 compilation albums. The Wicklow-born songstress signed her first record deal at just 12 years of age, later signing with Sony Music and Elton John’s management company, Twenty-First Artists. She has written and recorded with some of the world’s most successful songwriters and producers including Grammy-Award-Winning Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crow, Michael Jackson, Prince, Travelling Wilburys, Elton John) and Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, The Pretenders, Whitney Houston, The Bangles, Celine Dion).

www.luanparle.com

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Galway-based folk duo Niall Teague and Padraic Joyce have released their new single “Another Merry Christmas”.

Through the storms, wars, and grief, in our own lives and across the world, the thought of holding our nearest and dearest close whilst the snowfalls softly amongst twinkling fairy lights never fails to sustain us through long, sometimes lonely winter nights. Niall Teague and Padraic Joyce, with the help of the Contempo Quartet and some of the finest musicians Ireland has to offer have distilled that yearning into a song that seems familiar but is altogether new. With soaring strings, chiming guitars, glistening rhythms and voices that beckon you to fly above the darkness outside the window, their invitation stands open to all: It’s time to leave all your woes behind, to forget about the year gone by and to get in the mood for: “Another Merry Christmas!”

Fresh from touring their Grammy shortlisted album “What Will We Be”, Niall and Padraic, award-winning songwriters in their own right (International PanCeltic Songwriting Contest 2019, Oireachtas Original Song Contest 2021), are gunning to be a decade long overnight success with a song that celebrates both their love of the Yuletide season and hook-filled classic songwriting. The arrangement ticks all the boxes you could wish for in a seasonal classic and really gets the festive spirit flowing. From its opening intimate vocal delivery with Eleanor Rigby-like cello accompaniment, to its climactic closing passage, the song is bursting with Christmas energy. Contributions from percussion wizard Jim Higgins (The Stunning, Christy Moore, Paul Brady), Galway drumming legend Miki Belton and bassist Maidhc O’ hÉanaigh really shine.

“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)

Music | Niall Teague And Padraic Joyce Music | Galway

Instagram: Niall Teague (@nialljamesteague) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: Niall Teague and Padraic Joyce | Facebook