Irish Music Central - Underground Bands

I get a lot of emails from bands asking to be added to the website but mainly due to time constraints, I can't add everyone.
So I've started a new page to feature some of those bands.......

The Walls	Garrett Wall	Dry County	femmepop	FireGarden
Juno Falls	The Radio	Ronan Tynan	Paul Casey	Ann Scott
Gary Dunne	Communal	Soft Cuddly Toys	Jenny Lindfors	Roper
Stars Of The City	Rob Smith	TKO	Suddyn	Chris Morrin
Bufferfly Explosion	Joe Chester	Fred	Michael Knight	The Chapters
Delorentos	Steafan Hanvey	Rachel Loshak	JJ72	The Rags
Hybrasil	Halfset

Having spent much of 2004 in the studio laying down tracks for their still-untitled new album, as well as trips to Europe, France and Germany, The Walls are at last putting the final touches to the follow up to Hi-Lo.

As a taster, the band released a limited edition EP to rave reviews last October. The DROWNING POOL EP, features three tracks, the title song - a blistering blues explosion - alongside the sixties-tinged Escape From The Light and Nobody a broody, pulsating Joe Wall number.

A new single ‘Passing Through’ will be released to radio at the end of next January and the new album will follow in March.

In March of this year, long-time member Carl Harms departed the band to be replaced with bassist Jon O’Connell. Jon got a baptism of fire - a week after joining the band he was onstage in Poland playing his first gig. This was the first of a ten-date tour of Eastern Europe, taking in Poland, Hungary, The Czech Republic and Slovakia, testing the new material on fresh ears and finding a massively positive response to their stripped back sound. They have since returned to Prague for the Festival of the Islands and recently have played to new audiences in Paris and Berlin.

Having just completed a short Irish tour, together with Iain Archer (ex Snow Patrol) The Walls hit the road again during November with Mundy, taking in universities in Galway, Limerick and Cork. Students got a taste of the new harder, stripped-down four piece playing punchy 30 minute sets.

Drowning Pool shows The Walls at their best: a harder edge, a rawer sound spliced with their trademark infectious melody. The EP will is the first new material from The Walls since their massive hit To The Bright And Shining Sun. Both Drowning Pool and To The Bright And Shining Sun will feature on the new album.

After releasing two albums, "All of the above" and "Change", Garrett Wall relocated to Madrid where he signed to International publishing house Peermusic and went on to record a third album "Gravity", which was subsequently release in Ireland, Spain and Germany in 2002/2003. Firmly established in the Spanish music scene Wall is currently recording his fourth album "Daylight Night-time" which is due for release in early 2005.

"Long recognised as one of our better songwriters..." , Hot Press, Ireland, 2002

Wall regularly writes for both television and cinema in Spain and is involved in adapting many of his songs into Spanish for the increasing number of artists interested in recording his material. He recently wrote the song which is featured in Schweppes´ summer European campaign " Yellow City". Sony Spain are also releasing his song "All Good Things", performed by Irish band LASE, as part of the soundtrack to Spanish film Ouija which will be released in November 2004.

"Gravity" was warmly received by the critics and public alike and after a successful appearance on TVE 2's live concert series his song "These Days" was picked for heavy rotation on the national radio station M80. He was also the first artist to be invited to perform live in studio with his band on Spain's most important station Cadena Ser.

"In the capital, Madrid, he has little by little become something of an icon.." Top 40 magazine, Spain, 2003

Recently invited to be the musical face of Jameson in Spain, Wall will also be embarking on a series of concerts which will take him to Ireland, the UK and the US. He made his debut in Scotland in October after being invited to perform at the Darvel Music Festival where he performed alongside US band Richmond Fontaine.

Dry County are a four-piece Dublin-based band, who have been together since February 2004. They have recorded 2 EP’s to date, and are currently working on an album. Our music is a fusion of electronic and rock, and has been well-received by audiences nationwide.

They are getting a lot of radio play in Ireland from Donal Dineen, (100FM) Dan Hegarty, (2FM) Jenny Huston (2FM) and Tom Dunne. (100FM) Gigs have included a Belfast showcase invite, (Visonic) the Mor festival, Donal Dineen’s small hours Christmas fundraiser, and many support slots.

With the support of the Lazybird label, they are planning an EP re-launch in Dublin in the Spring, as well as a Ballroom of Romance gig and a regional tour.

femmepop is singer/songwriter Margaret O' Sullivan. Having paid her dues in previous cork bands Margaret wanted to create her own sound and go solo.

femmepop is Margaret's own musical project and with infectious pop melodies and unique and incredible vocals it is no wonder femmepop has received regular airplay on Irelands 2fm, aswell as airplay on the UK's BBC Radio. Aswell as interest from a number of well known Record companies. All this from a home recorded 5 track demo!

Margaret has just recorded an acoustic session for Dan Hegartys show on 2fm, and is currently working on her first EP.

Margaret's vocals have been compared to that of Kate Bush, Harriet Wheeler of the Sundays, and Liz Fraser of the Cocteau Twins.

femmepop offers that rarest of combinations. Pop sensibilities with something to say and constantly striving to make a break from the norm..............

Some femmepop reviews :

HOTPRESS; Margaret O' Sullivans exquisitely heartrending voice would make even Tanya Donnelly want to throw in the towel" "An airy, delicate, intelligent sound that will imprint itself on your bones. Absolutely gorgeous."

RTE RADIO; Femme Pop (AKA Mags O'Sullivan) has been a favourite of ours for ages now, and we've finally got her in to record an acoustic Session, and it's brilliant! Hailing from Cork Ms Pop will blow you away with her beautiful vocals.

Richard Usher BBC RADIO ; A True talent. Amazing songs with a wonderful voice someone to watch out for.

Wexford band FireGarden formed in the summer of 2003 with members coming from previous bands such as Skinflint and Otherside. The band now consists of John Wynne (vox), John Finn (guitars, keyboards), Fiona St Ledger (bass).

Since coming on the music scene last year, the band have been given warm receptions wherever they played. FireGarden have also been given good recognition by music guru Jackie Hayden from Hot Press. Mr. Hayden of Hot Press magazine described FireGarden as one of the most promising acts of 2004, describing their acoustic rock sound as a mixture between Hootie and the Blowfish and Credence Clearwater Revival.

The bands debut single 'Believe Tonight' was produced and engineered by band member John Finn in the band's home based studio, notably known as 'Reverb Studios'. This allowed the band the freedom to explore new sounds as they did not need to concern themselves about paying out money on expensive studio time.

FireGarden has also established their own record label called 'Cherish Records', in order to promote and distribute the single. As well as gigging at various venues all over Ireland, the band also has also supported top acts such as Aslan and Blink at various venues such as 'South' in Tramore, 'Shefflins' in Waterford and Zoo nightclub in Kilkenny.

'Believe Tonight' is accompanied on the CD by 'Can't let you go' and 'Dragging me down'. A full tour of the south east is being organised to support the single.

Having played in various bands in their native Dublin from an early age, Myles, Dara, and Shaky eventually joined forces in the late nineties, immediately heading south to the continent's sunnier climes. Playing for five hours every night, the band quickly served their apprenticeship on the Spanish Island of Lanzarote.

The bands return to the grey skies of Dublin couldn't have come at a better time. They were returning to a city whose musical community had a new found confidence. Gone were the days when Irish artists looked to the UK for approval and endorsement of their worth. Bands and individuals were now doing their own thing, and doing it successfully.

Constantly writing new material and gigging under the name 'Blo.tooth', the band quickly built up a large following in the capital city. By the time the record labels and publishing companies came looking for them the band were already selling out their live shows and had recorded enough songs for several albums.

Several winter weeks spent tucked away in this remote village in West Cork writing and recording for their debut album "Starlight Drive", (released last April, 2004) and a publishing deal with Charlie Pinder of Sony/ATV UK, sees Juno Falls emerge as contenders, with the year just entering the second round. Watch out for the single 'This Song Is Your Own'.

Juno Falls have signed a worldwide record deal with Richard Branson’s V2 music label and are proud to announce gig dates and an album release due for 2006.

Formed in 2003 from the ashes of some of Ireland's best loved indie bands, The Radio comprise former Rollerskate Skinny Stephen M on guitar, Annie Tierney (ex-Chicks) on vocals /guitar, and former Johnny Pyro drummer Mark Dennehy.

The band eschewed the live circuit to record their stunning debut album Kindness, which was released on Reekus Records, in August 2004. A preview of two album tracks, the spine-tingling 'Remember Me, Remember You' and 'Empire' found their way on to influential radio shows via presenters Leagues O'Toole and Tom Dunne in Ireland, and Poptones supremo Alan McGee on the BBC in the UK, setting the tone for what was to come.

A remarkable man and a "heroic" voice - both are captured on the self-titled CD Ronan - Ronan Tynan's solo debut for Decca/Universal to be released March 1st.

"For the first time," the Irish tenor explains, "I'm singing material that has tremendous depth and weight... a greater variety of music [beyond] the classic 'Irish tenor' vein." Produced by Nick Patrick (Amici Forever), the disc features 14 tracks including originals penned by notable writers such as Richard Marx, Desmond Child and Aldo Nova among others, as well as interpretations of popular favorites such as "Man of La Mancha," "From A Distance" and "Amazing Grace."

On the heels of the CD release, Ronan will embark on a U.S. tour officially kicking off at the opening of Notre Dame University's new theatre on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th.

Born in Co. Derry, Northern Ireland, Paul Casey displays an exceptional command of slide guitar and a unique flair for penning striking tunes. His songwriting, guitar playing and distinctive voice are causing quite a stir both sides of the Atlantic and set this Irish talent aside from his contemporaries.

Being talked of among New York's 'in-crowd' and L.A.'s forward thinking listeners as 'the new cool', a string of critically acclaimed US performances - in particular at the Living Room in New York and the prestigious Starr Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia - have resulted in a devoted and dedicated following Stateside.

Comparisons to David Gray and Damien Rice are both an honour and indeed very welcome. In truth, however, Paul Casey is an individual who makes up his own rules and carves his own niche when song-writing and recording.

The Crawdaddy gig will be the first time Casey's band, comprising Nicky Scott on bass and Liam Bradley on drums, will play in Dublin. Special guest on the night will be Claire Sproule, who has recently been signed by Blue Note Records in New York. Doors 8pm, Show starts 8:30pm . Paul's new album 'Songs in Open Tuning' will be released nationwide on September 23rd.

Paul Casey's latest single 'Something's Gotta Give' is available for free download on www.paulcaseymusic.com

"The guitar fills worm their way into your cranium and take up permanent residence, making the track a perfect vehicle on which to marry timeless rhythms with a modern sonic approach... leaves you wanting more." - Jackie Hayden, HOTPRESS Magazine

"You're not going to hear much better than that anywhere in the world...it's fantastic... beautifully produced...it's just so good" - Gerry Anderson, BBC Radio Ulster

Ann Scott has been nominated in the Best Irish Female category for the 2005 Meteor Ireland Music Awards. Since emerging onto Ireland’s thriving songwriter circuit in 2002 with her distinctive Pauper Tiger EP Ann Scott has been going from strength to strength, in particular with the recent release of her debut LP, Poor Horse.

To these ears Scott is by far the most intriguing female singer-songwriter to have emerged of late and on the strength of this debut, she wipes the floor with the opposition.’ Kernan Andrews, Galway Advertiser – Album review

Offering an alternative take on the female singer songwriter vibe, warm, shimmering, uplifting, it is Scott’s effortlessly beguiling voice gives this song its undeniably cosy charm. Gorgeous.’ Hannah Hamilton – Hotpress – single review

An ability to mix folk and rock music to create interesting and arresting tunes, spurred on by such disparate influences as Nirvana, The Pixies, Jeff Buckley and Madonna…a knack for writing sharp emotionally charged indies tunes and a steadfast refusal to bow down to a male dominated Irish music industry.
Kevin Courtney - The Irish Times

Twenty Twenty Fiction is the debut album from London-based songwriter Gary Dunne. Originally from Portlaoise in the Irish midlands, Gary spent his formative musical years on the Irish circuit opening for Damien Rice, Paddy Casey and Damien Dempsey and more recently The Chalets.

Gary’s music is original and infectious. His honest, straightforward delivery is refreshing and rings through on debut album Twenty Twenty Fiction, released in Ireland on Gary’s own label Honest Records.

The album went straight into the Top 20 and both singles 'Amerikan Folk Song' and chart hit Jennifer became radio favourites, playlisted on 2FM, Today FM and Radio 1.

Following an extensive Irish tour and numerous TV/radio appearances on Pat Kenny/Tom Dunne/ TV3/RTE 2 and many others, Gary went on to play at many of this summer’s top festivals, including the Secret Garden in the UK with the Super Furry Animals. Gary’s final live appearance of the summer was to 100,000 people at O2 in the Park in Dublin.

2006 will see a UK release of Twenty Twenty Fiction followed by an extensive tour of the UK and Ireland. Latest news on www.garydunne.com"

“TUNES STRONG ENOUGH TO BECOME MINI EPICS” - SUNDAY TRIBUNE

“SPIKY, LONGING AND JOYOUS...BEGUILING MELODIES” - SUNDAY TIMES

“ONE OF IRELAND’S STRONGEST MUSICAL EXPORTS IN YEARS..AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC. BUY IT. ****” - INDUBLIN

“LOVELY UNINTERRUPTIVE MUSIC...A REMARKABLE ALBUM” - HOT PRESS

“THIS IS MUSIC NOT TO BE MISSED” - PHANTOM FM

“A BEAUTIFUL DEBUT” - THE SUN

**** THE STAR

**** RTÉ GUIDE

Communal have just finished their debut album "Passport" with Kieran Lynch (U2, Elvis Costello) expected for release January 2006.

The debut single aptly named "Communal" off the upcoming record has been released and is in shops now:

Dublin - Tower Records, Sound Cellar, Road Records, Sentinel Records, and City Disks. Virgin Records in Cork and hits independent record shops nationwide October 2005.

Like their different backgrounds their debut album "Passport" goes all places and remains focused combining addictive guitar hooks, an exciting dynamic rhythm section and a highly charged emotive vocal.

Each track has its own life, from full on modern to slow burning and endearing... it's all there. Their love of Zeppelin, U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Fugazi and the Pixies bleeds through at times and still Communal retain their own voice. The band is committed to being vital and always evolving.

2004 saw the band gigging and touring Ireland and the UK, appearing live on RTÉ TV, performing live on 2FM Radio and Phantom FM and scoring music for an award winning IFTN 2004 nominated film "Take It Back".

Communal is:
Jools King - Vocals
Stephen Mogerley - Bass Guitar
Bill Snodgrass - Guitar
Chris Teusner - Drums]

In October 2003 a group of friends got together to play a tribute gig for their friend and brother Jon Fox who unfortunately passed away that September. After playing the Whelan's show in memory of him that December and having experienced such an amazing gig the band decided to continue to play together. Over the next year and a half they worked on some songs, played some gigs and in general got to grips with playing together and finding a sound that complimented everyone's role in the band.

Since then the band have gone on to carve a pretty good reputation on the Irish scene including playing events such as the grand final of Whelan's Brave New Stage Showcase '05, Hard Working Class Heroes '05, The Revs support slots as chosen by Hot Press as well as receiving some great reviews in various music columns for their debut CD (Higher Ground EP) which they released last year.

The band are currently off recording the bulk of their debut album and plan to have a new look website with all the trimmings around Christmas 2006/07.

From discovering her father's collection of classic rock, folk, blues, funk and soul albums and growing up in a house with a piano and several guitars, music has always played a big part in her life. She quickly acquired the skills of mastering various instruments. Of these instruments, her vocals became her most acclaimed, with bluesy undertones merged with a graceful sincerity. Her unique vocals, backed up by self-penned songs, have stunned audiences across Ireland and in parts of the U.K. Last summer she played both the Bud Rising Festival and the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival, and more recently she has played support slots for Rodrigo y Gabriela, Perry Blake and The Devlins. She was also voted no.5 in Best Female Category and no. 3 in Best New Act Category in the Cluas Readers Poll for 2004.

She has added her vocals to the soundtrack of 'The Halo Effect'; a Lance Daly film featuring Stephen Rea, which was nominated for Best Music at the Irish Television & Film Awards in 2004. She can also be heard covering 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' on a Christmas Charity album entitled 'It's All Bells' and she provided backing vocals on the upcoming Mundy single, 'Soulmate'.

With her debut EP out this year, and many live dates being prepared, Jenny Lindfors will be a household name sooner than you might think. When your veins tighten, your blood races, your heart thumps louder and your mind is subjected to beautiful imagery; just remember that Ms. Lindfors was the pleasant heart attack that stunned you into silence. Make sure to catch her live shows and get lost in her music.

Roper spent 2005 gigging extensively with several shows in their hometown of Limerick City, as well as repeat visits to Cork, Galway, Kerry, Dublin and Co.Down in Northern Ireland. The highlight of the year however was opening the first ever Irish show to the one and only Mudvayne at the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin in June, where other US heavy weights American Headcharge also played on the first date of Mudvayne's international tour.

Prior to that, Roper had developed a taste for competition and started 2005 by winning the first ever Miller Strat Band of the Year competition held at Limerick's Trinity Rooms venue. As part of the prize, the band produced a three-track EP entitled 'Left to Stampede' containing the title track along with 'Soul Fibre' and 'My Release'.

The recording seemed to catch the attention of the good people at Whelans of Wexford Street, Dublin, as they invited Roper to take part in their Brave New Stage band competition in April 2005. Only 20 bands were invited to participate in the heats out of 600+ entries from all over Ireland and Roper made it through to the semis and then down to the last five bands on final night. Also the band were finalists at this year's Live at the Rose competion in Tralee and got an amazing reaction from the local crowd there.

It just goes to show that Ireland, traditionally the country of celtic airs and soft rock melodies, is hungry for something heavier - and Roper, "Limerick's high kings of hardcore metal" is just the band to deliver!!

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What people have said about Roper:
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"If it's noise you're looking for, look no further than Roper ...a whirlwind of sonic delights, roaring guitars, stupid vocals and much mayhem"
Jackie Hayden, Hot Press

"one of Ireland's most exciting new acts... Limerick's high kings of hardcore metal"
Alan Jacques, Limerick Leader

"At last noise in Limerick has a focal point. Roper."
Mike Knightson, Green & Live, Limerick's Live 95fm "roaring riffs, screaming vocals then pure calmness; you're gonna be roped in by them!"
Karen McGrath, Green & Live, Limerick's Live 95FM

"...it's not all speed-wobblin' metal mayhem, it's got more substance than that! Good songs, good structure and played as tight as a natt's whatzit", "the sound of the Xtreme Sports generation", "Let's give it up for the collective of electric assassins that is Roper!"
Shane Foley, Limerick Leader

Stars of the City formed in December 2003 and quickly began writing songs with a punchy pop-rock edge.

The band are made up of Mark Austin (vocals, guitar), Brian Carroll (guitar), Tom Cross (bass guitar) and Shane Kinsella (drums). As the band’s live reputation developed over the last two years, they started to tour Ireland, playing high profile supports and headline dates in venues around the country. Recording material constantly, the band has just started to demo some new songs which have already received positive feedback from labels and fans alike.

Stars of the City were selected to perform at SXSW 2004 on the strength of new material and took this opportunity to stop off in New York and LA along the way to get a feel for U.S audiences and to see how they would respond to their sound. Having always felt at home with American audiences the band succeeded in picking up quite a few new fans along the way.

Stars of the City have most recently kept a low profile, concentrating on writing new material. They played numerous small supports to test out the new songs and turned out a memorable performance at the 2004 Hard Working Class Heroes festival alongside fellow Irish bands such The Frames, Bell X1 and Damien Rice.

Having been invited stateside to play last years NEMO and CMJ events, the band decided instead to stay at home to complete writing and recording. They have just finished recording with Ciaran Bradshaw (Muse, Future Kings Of Spain) at ex-Crowded house bassist Nick Seymours Dublin Studio and Mark Carrolans' 'Suite' studio. With a string of summer dates planned both at home and in the U.K. , along with their debut single release, Stars of the City are on the rise.

Rob Smith who was born in the heart of Dublin City, Ireland in 1982 grew up with one thing in mind. He wanted to be a rock 'n' roll musician. Totally mesmerised by the likes of John Lennon and co. he knew his first love in life was always going to be music.

Rob was once a drummer in mid-nineties Beatles influenced quintet The Gears but after the band called it a day in 2000, Rob decided it was the right time to go it alone and do it himself for himself. After spending time travelling and writing the songs over the next two years that would become the songs on his demo "The Soul Shaker L.P.", Rob hit the gigging circuit in Dublin. He also appeared as a guest to his Scottish comrades The Stone Roses Experience in places such as Olympia Theatre, Witnness Festival, Glasgow Garage etc. playing onstage with the lads for a song or two. He also appeared as support for the band many times blowing the audience away with his Roses influced guitar based pop.

Rob's CD also attracted the attention of the likes of Aidan Lonergan (The Soup on DCAL FM), Brendan Hickey (On The Verge.ie), Mark Coyle (producer of Oasis), Peter Lacey (Liquid Sunshine), Peter "Digsy" Deary (from Liverpool band Smaller and he of Oasis "Digsy's Dinner" fame) and Aslan. Aslan of course gave Rob support slots all over Ireland and have being doing so for well over a year. From small clubs to prestigious venues such as Vicar Street. Rob is a regular and a favourite with the Aslan crowds.

His music stands out. You either like it or you don't. Rob does it for himself. If you like guitar based music with catchy melodies, check out Rob Smith sometime. He'd like it if you did. ;)

"Fucking delightful music and a great songwriter" - Peter Deary a.k.a. Digsy

"A really fine performer and songwriter" - Mark Coyle (producer of Oasis)

"(The demo is) one of the best demos I've heard in years" - Tony McGuinness, bassist with Aslan.

"Cool music. Blinding!" - Peter Lacey, bassist with Liquid Sunshine

"Highly talented" - Brendan Hickey, On The Verge & DSFM 104.9

"Cracker tunes" - Christy Dignam, singer with Aslan

"A tremendous demo CD and a fine performer. "'(People) Come With Me' regularly gets a play on my player." - Paul McAuley, owner of website thisisthedaybreak.co.uk

TKO formed in May 2004. Their early gigs (Doran's, Sugar Club, The Hub) were well received and enabled the band to develop their energetic and entertaining live show.

The band continued to develop a following, playing to ever larger crowds (TBMC, Whelan's, Village, CrawDaddy), and most recently venturing as far a field as Galway, Belfast, Shannon and Donegal. Their live prowess has been noted by Hot Press (Ireland's premier music magazine, circulation 20,000) and Northside People (Circulation 100,000). They were one of twenty finalists in the Brave New Stage competition in April 2005.

On Friday 13th May 2005 the band released their EP, 'Hat's Off', with a sold out show in Whelan's. To date the EP has sold over 700 copies.

The band has a strong internet presence, and has been very well received on the likes of MySpace, NumberOneMusic, iSound etc.

TKO are one of the hardest working bands in Dublin, playing 40+ gigs, several radio appearances and producing and releasing a self funded EP, all within a year and a half.

TKO will return to the studio in December to record a single and a mini tour of The States is planned for the New Year. The band have been invited to play L.A.'s 'Whisky a Go Go' as well as venues in St. Louis, Chicago and New York. Their EP is also on sale in several independent outlets in The States.

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'One of Irelands best young, contemporary acts'. a not to be missed gig'
' Hot Press, August 2005

'Catch TKO before they hit the big time' an uplifting mix of rock, jazz, funk and folk' ' Northside People, August 2005

'Melodic and damn catchy' ' Hold it Down Magazine, September 2005

'Can really cut it live 'brewing up a storm' ' Hot Press, October 2005

SUDDYN is Alan Steil (Vocals, Piano, Guitar), Jarrett Steil (Guitar, Vocals, Piano), Guy Wilson (Bass) and Brendan Connolly (Drums). Formed in New York in 2002, SUDDYN’S CV demonstrates a level of experience usually reserved for an artist of many more years of experience that they!

Following its formation and before taking up residency in Dublin, SUDDYN showcased its music on the NYC circuit in some of the city’s hot spots including CBGB’s, Arleen Grocery, The Downtime and Acme Underground. Some of these performances resulted in many instant fans including Chad Smith from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers!

The self-penned “Drowning Souls” is SUDDYN’S debut single in Ireland and will be released on 17th February through Vibe Music in Ireland.

“Gripping & Addictive” – John King, Producer & Owner Chung King Studios, NYC

During 2005, SUDDYN undertook an extensive tour of Ireland tallying in excess of 40 gigs by year-end, a number of the gigs were with such luminaries on the local scene as Paddy Casey and Republic Of Loose.

On hearing SUDDYN’S sound, Paul Linehan (Frank And Walters) was so impressed he offered his services on the production front. This interest culminated in Paul taking the production credits on track two, “Throwing Shapes” of the forthcoming single.

A similarly busy gigging schedule by the band is already inked for 2006. Gigs have been booked for as far into 2006 as September! In the short-term, SUDDYN is undertaking an extensive college tour this Spring starting in UCD with Director, 66E and The Flaws on February 2nd.

Chris Morrin is an essential live act to catch. Chris is doing a nationwide tour in the month of February before heading into the studio to work on his long awaited debut single release. In 2005, he has already displayed unforgettable performances - alongside his band the MuckyKids -at the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival, the Dublin Fringe Festival and the Dublin Electronic Arts Festival. The music blends electronica, folk and rock, in a way that leaves one breathless. Apart from promoting the importance of left handed people on this whistle stop tour; the performances will be a mad mix of humour, angst, wit and barely contained chaos, a definite must see…

FEBRUARY 2006

Fri, 3rd February, Sarsfield, Drogheda
Tues, 7th February, Finnegans, Wexford
Wed, 8th February, Voodoo Lounge, Dublin (with The MuckyKids)
Tues, 14th February, Trinity Rooms, Limerick
Wed, 15th February, Tikki Lounge, Cork
Thurs, 16th February, Roisin Dubh, Galway (supporting Ham Sandwich)
Tues, 21st February, Ruby Sessions, Doyles, Dublin (with The MuckyKids)

The Butterfly Explosion came together in the latter part of 2004, as founding members Gazz Carr and John Canavan were joined by drummer Pete Savage. Sorcha Brennan (ex Ellison9) brought in her voice and keys skills as recording began on their debut EP "Vision" in the Spring of 2005.

Championed by 2FM's Dan Hegarty, the EP has also received radio support from Cork to Glasgow and the band were selected to perform at the official showcases at Glasgow's Musicworks festival at the end of the summer followed by the Music Ireland Live event in Dublin's RDS.

"The Butterfly Explosion will soon be at the forefront of the recent re-emergence of Irish alternative" - Anna Murray (musician.ie)

"The MBV comparison was even more evident when the beautifully complementary male/female dual vocals were on display, adding an extra dimension to an already captivating performance." - (gigsmartireland.com)

"I'm surprised they're not signed.....gonna be hearing a lot more from them" - Dan Hegarty (2FM)

Joe Chester releases his début album, A Murder Of Crows, on the BARP label on 25th February 2005 (Ireland) . The album was written over the last 2 years in between various periods of production work and band membership and recorded and mixed by Joe in Wexford and Dublin.

Seamlessly combining acoustic and electric instrumentation in a beautifully simple and affecting format, Joe (with a little help from a handful of musician friends) captures the listener from the opening bars of the lilting title-track right through to the final moments of the strings and piano finale of "Anyway". The ten tracks have a feel and a warmth that is all their own.

In the mid-90s Joe quietly released some records under the name The Sound Of Bells. At the same time he was a member of highly-rated Dublin-based guitar hopefuls Sunbear. He drifted into production taking on studio duties with a broad swathe of Irish artists including Future Kings Of Spain, Nina Hynes, Sack, Miriam Ingram, Nick Kelly, Dr Millar and Alazarussoul before taking to the stage again, this time as a member of Nina Hynes touring band in the U.S. While he was over in the States he bumped into another Dublin-based guitar band TenSpeedRacer and after a meeting of minds took up a permanent position with them on guitar. That was in the year 2000 and the band relocated to a farm in Wexford where they set up recording studio. Joe began working on A Murder of Crows during this time and became Joe’s labour of love.

Fred are unquestionably one of Corks finest bands. After packing the Operahouse with the launch of their second album 'Making music so you don't have to' ,they sold out the Spiegeltent, played support to Damien Dempsey in the Marquee and will play support to Hal later this month.

Now, after playing at the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in the Olympia, Fred are back to let the under-agers of Cork experience the conga-lines, piggy-back guitar solos and songs about vegetables that make Fred the most exciting and above all, fun, live acts at the moment.

www.fredtheband.com

Michael Knight are a Dublin-based indie pop group. They have been compared to artists like the Beach Boys, the Divine Comedy, Burt Bacharach and Rufus Wainwright. While they have an undoubted 60's fondness for killer tunes, they are also vaguely experimentally inclined – unusual chord changes, wilfully obtuse tunes, millions of vocals and odd song structures.

Delorentos are a four-piece alternative rock band from Dublin, comprising of Ronan on vocals and guitar; Níal on bass and vocals; Kieran on vocals and guitar; and Ross on vocals and drums. The band concentrates on co-operative songwriting, with the members writing different original compositions which results in a sound varying from soft acoustic to angular beat-driven rock with sharp riffs and tight rhythms to make music that is powerful and intimate, strong and emotional. They also love long walks on the beach, holding hands and breakfast in bed. We hear. A massive repertoire of live appearances, including gigs with Chikinki, Bell X1 and Turn and in locations as far afield as London, Toronto and Chicago, have garnered Delorentos acclaim throughout Ireland, not to mention extensive radio play, with Tom Dunne referring to them as "Hotly tipped and highly recommended". And Tom's word is gospel here in EI. Delorentos are supporting Whitney in Whelan's on Wednesday June 1st as part of the BudRising festival. They are also playing a number of gigs nationwide, including dates in Roisin Dubh, TBMC and The Village, until July 7th.

Strictly speaking singer-songwriter Steafan Hanvey is not Finnish at all; he is actually from Downpatrick, in County Down in Northern Ireland, though he did spend many years in Finland, crying over beautiful women, by all accounts. This intense cloud of emotional angst had a silver lining however, in that during his time in Helsinki, he penned many of the beautiful songs that feature in his remarkable soon to be released debut album Steafan Hanvey and The Honeymoon Junkies.

Since moving back to Ireland, Steafán has opened up for the likes of John Spillane, Damien Dempsey, The Walls, Relish, The Devlins, and The HotHouse Flowers and has been invited to go on a whistle-stop tour of Ireland with Liam O’Maonlai on 7 dates of his Irish tour in May. And it was as support for the hugely talented Liam O’ Maonlai that we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this star being born.

Bravely attired in a strangely attractive get up that made him resemble some kind of Bavarian surfer, Steafan quickly developed a rapport with the crowd. Perhaps he got the freezing cool shirt in Helsinki. He treated us to Fairweather Friend, a powerful opening number that left the hungry Derry audience begging for more.

The beautiful clarity of his voice was bewitching as he sang My Woman, according to him, the only love song ever written in Downpatrick. “There’s nothing wrong with Downpatrick,” he laughed. “ I moved to Dublin though, when I came back after six and a half years of living in Helsinki, because that was where all the action was.” Then he said he got himself a bike to get around, and joked that he had nearly got himself killed a couple of times going around Dublin, getting soaked in the rain. This partly inspired him to write Dublin Sky, a feelgood number which he wrote when his girlfriend dumped him. Apparently when she broke it off, she said something like, “Now, why don’t you go and write a song about it?” So he did.
And he sang, “She said, sing it all night long
And when it comes to three, think of me.”
So the poor love-struck guy goes off and ends up singing about his ex girlfriend up and down the country at three in the morning.

“Maybe girlfriends should take out pre-relationship contracts with singers before they agree to go out with them,” he laughed “And say that they’ll only agree to a date if they’re guaranteed 50% royalties for any songs written about them.”

Steafan Hanvey’s melting melodies, sung so tenderly, touched the audience and if the number of fans jumping all around him after the show, armed with CD’s of his latest single My Woman (Ode to You) are anything to go by, he is sure to be a blazing star. Watch this space.

In today’s Irish music scene, it is quite often true that the live performance is that which makes the stuff of legends real. Rachel Loshak's performances make her music very much legendary. Reviews of her music have hailed her for its beautiful, intricate and classically influenced arrangements and sweetly complimentary harmonies. So it is no surprise that she is a polished and accomplished performer. What catches your attention though is the fact that she has a voice of sublime beauty and wide range, and stepping on stage with only a bass guitar, she simply fills the room with striking and clearly delivered songs of love, memory, insight and statements of simple survival.

These songs include Rita, China Doll and Never Look Back, which heard live engulf the room in an atmosphere one wouldn’t have thought possible with just a bass guitar and a voice. Her crisp, clear and soft tones compliment her full bass arrangements and fill all the spaces you might think impossible due to the distinct lack of a supporting band.

Her three albums; “Mint”, “Firefly” and “Here I Am”, are all self-released, and she now has a new album ready to release, “Peach Pony”, featuring a striking duet with Norah Jones, with whom Rachel has performed with on a number of occasions in New York. There are other notable New York musicians and recording artists on the new record, including her staple band of Jason Crigler (Erin McKeown, Linda Thompson, Marshall Crenshaw) and Dan
Rieser (Norah Jones, Jesse Harris, Marcy Playground), as well as Paul Bryan (Aimee Mann), Robby Jost, Morgan Taylor, and Kenny White.

Rachel was American born, raised in England and returned to the U.S. where she resides in New York, rightly amongst the musical elite of the Lower East Side. The Living Room has become her musical home, and she uses it as a springboard from which to tour, in the U.S, and now regularly to Ireland, Scandinavia, and the U.K..

Rachel is every bit a musician, every bit a performer and every bit a voice to be heard in Ireland. We are in a period of musical embracement and warm welcoming. Now more than ever, talented female musicians are receiving
and laying worthy of the spotlight and Rachel Loshak shines in its presence.

With her new record just released in Scandinavia and South Korea, and about to be released in the U.S., Rachel Loshak is certainly a name worth remembering and a musical talent worth hearing. You can hear Rachel during her upcoming Irish tour, when she will be joined by her guitarist, Morgan Taylor.

Irish indie-rock trio, JJ72, return from a 3 year break with new bassist, Sarah Fox (formerly of The Fangs), and a new single and album in the pipeline. The long awaited new single, Coming Home, shall be released in Ireland on Friday September 2nd 2005 and it will be available from all good music stores.

"Hot on the heels of their download only single 'She's Gone' and produced by the dream team of producer Ian Caple (Ryan Adams, Tindersticks) and mixer Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age), 'Coming Home' is a majestic, sweeping anthem that showcases just what to expect from the band's magnificent forthcoming album. Continuing on from their epic 2002 album 'I To Sky', 'Coming Home' justifies just why JJ72's comeback continues to be one of the most exciting of the summer."

JJ72 have sold over 650,000 records to date, including hits such as Oxygen, October Swimmer and Formulae. Coming Home is the new single showcasing what promises to be a great new album, due out this October.