Amhrán Gach Lá - Robotnik

Last week Robotnik put his 2008 debut album 'Pleasant Square' up on bandcamp for a free download!

Check out the funny Michael Grady Went To Mexico and get the whole album here: http://robotnik.bandcamp.com/album/pleasant-square

Amhrán Gach Lá - TKO

TKO have teamed up with Dublin City FM to play their Autumn Schedule launch night alongside Codes at The Grand Social on September 19th.

Check out The Busker from TKO released earlier this year and it's one of the best songs released by an Irish band in 2011!


The Busker by TKOHQ


http://www.tkohq.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Miss Paula Flynn

The Workman’s Club presents…

What The Folk? Semi-final, Tonight at 9PM and Free In!

featuring

Lou McMahon
David Hope
Miriam Donoghue
Miss Paula Flynn

The winning acts from tonight's Semi-final go through to the grand final on the 12th September also taking place in the Workmans Club. The winning act gets a spot on the first Spirit of Folk festival:


Here's a wonderful tune from Miss Paula Flynn's debut album from 2009.

Lovebirds by Miss Paula Flynn

Amhrán Gach Lá - El Hombre Jokes

El Hombre Jokes are a band I really hope makes their way into the lives of as many people as they can. The three piece are like the missing link between Jack Johnson and Pearl Jam. Their funny lyrics, quirky sounds and superb musicianship create a sound that's fun and grungy.

Check out their brilliant video for 'Wake Up' a song on their debut EP entitled 'Thirteen Steps'.




http://www.elhombrejokes.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - We Go Go

Mullingar's We Go Go have released a new EP entitled 'Space and Time and Everything' and it's pretty good. The four songs are well written alternative rock songs with catchy hooks and choruses.

The standout track for me is the song 'Clean Up' with it's slow melodic build-up to an explosive ending. We Go Go are one of Ireland's best bands.




Download the whole EP here: http://wegogo.bandcamp.com/album/space-and-time-and-everything

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Minutes

This weekend is a big weekend for Irish band The Minutes as they are playing the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading/Leads festivals. The best of luck to them and the other Irish bands making the trip to the Reading/Leeds festival!

Here's a cover of 'I Need A Dollar' performed for Hector's 2FM show a few months back.

The Minutes - I Need a Dollar (Aloe Blacc Cover) by The Minutes

Tour Dates:


26.08.11 Reading Festival (BBC Introducing Stage, 13.55pm)

27.08.11 Leeds Festival (BBC Introducing Stage, 14.20pm)

September

04.09.11 Electric Picnic (Sunday @2pm on Cosby Stage)

October

06.10.11– Cork, Pavillion (Buy Tickets here)

07.10.11– Tullamore, The Thatch (Buy Tickets here)

08.10.11– Ratoath, Venue Theatre …

13.10.11 – Galway, Roisin Dubh

14.10.11 – Limerick, Dolans Warehouse

15.10.11 – Dublin, Whelans (Buy Tickets here)

http://theminutesmusic.com/

Mixtape: Salty Dog Stage @ Electric Picnic

There seems to be a huge amount of stages at this year's Electric Picnic each one filled with some of Ireland's best bands. The Salty Dog stage has the right mix of great homegrown talent with international artists on the cusp of greatness such as Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and The Dark Jokes.

Here's the line-up and a selection of music from the bands on the bill:


FRIDAY

14.00-15.45 Will Softly (DJ)
16.00-17.15 Anna and The Infidels
17.30-18.30 Huey and the Hobgoblins

Mood Elevator 1st Demo by Huey And The Hobgoblins

18.45-19.45 The Band of Midnight Love
20.00-21.00 Rural Savage
21.30-22.30 Hot Sprockets

Honey Skippin by thehotsprockets


23.00-24.15 Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club

Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club - The Hole in the Boat by A.M.A. Music Agency


24.45-01.45 Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros
01.50-02.30 BP Fallon (DJ)
02.40-04.00 Black Friday


SATURDAY

11.00-12.20 Julian Lloyd's Love Breakfast (DJ)
12.30-14.00 Jazzberries
14.30-15.30 Skazz
16.00-17.00 Ange Boxall & Troubadour Rose
17.15-18.15 The Timber Tramps
18.30-19.30 Mola

09 Hollywood by Mola

19.45-20.45 The Transformation Blues Band
21.00-22.00 The Riptide Movement
22.15-23.15 Ham Sandwich

Ham Sandwich - Animals by Vicente P. EDPMC


23.30-24.30 Cajun Kings
24.45-01.45 Prison Love
02.15-04.00 Rubberbandits: Dirty Rave


SUNDAY

11.00-12.40 Will Dempsey DJ
13.00-14.15 Maria Doyle Kennedy
14.30-5.45 Fling

Triptych by Fling

16.00-17.15 Blind Yackety


Blind Yackety - Oh Nurse by Blind Yackety promo


17.15-18.15 The Dark Jokes
18.30-19.30 Oddsocks Revival


Chasin' the Dollar by Oddsocks Revival

19.45--20.00 Phelim Drew and the Undertakers
21.00-22.00 Sweet Jane
22.15-23.30 Marner Brown
23.45-24.45 Candidates


02 Procrastination by Candidates


01.00.02.00 Cujo Family

Cujo Family - Shopliftin' in Tesco by ElaineMcCann


02.15-0.3.30 Mighty Stef

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Difference Engine

Tonight in the Shebeen Chic on George's Street The Difference Engine launch their new single Imperfect Lines which you can download from www.differenceengine.ie

Special Guest is the amazing Lisa McLaughlin. Entry is just €5.

Download the single here:




Watch the video here:

Album Review: Andrew Handrick - Distractions

Brimming with charm, Andrew Handrick's stripped back album has been my late Summer evening soundtrack. 'Distractions' is all about the lyrics, Andrew's vocals and the sentimentality in the songs.

I really love the charm and qualities of this album. It has probably taken Andrew Handrick a number of years to compose the ten tracks on his second album entitled 'Distractions'. However it took three nights to self-record them using just the one mic and adding the backing vocals. While the recorded standard is noticeably below par the quality of the songs shine through.

Andrew has this 'Elliott Smith' - esque softness to his vocals which are very pleasing on the ears. The vocals also bring to life the inter-personal lyrics and stories being told within the ten tracks of 'Distractions'. The title track and the album closer 'Bourban Smiles' are two of the standout tracks of the album. There's a lot of positivity on the album with songs like 'A New Moon Today' and the opening track 'A Little Piece of Happiness'.

The most important aspect of 'Distractions' is that the songs have this ability to immerse you into the song. When I listen to songs like 'Forever' and 'Just For Tonight' I'm completely immersed within the vocals, charm and sentimentality of the songs. Very few artists have the ability to do this but Andrew Handrick is one of them.

There are limits to the sounds created by pleasant vocals and acoustic guitar. While I wouldn't be in favour of a full band sound I feel the addition of strings on certain tracks would've added to the mood.


Andrew Handrick - Distractions [10 out of 12]

Listen to the album here:

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Hot Sprockets

Free gigs at The Button Factory! Eh! If you're planning to go to town [Dublin] this Saturday night with a few mates why not enjoy a bit of good time rock music in the form of The Hot Sprockets.

Here's a cool video on Youtube uploaded by http://www.youtube.com/user/emilyeffect
to the sound of Who Knows? by The Hot Sprockets:

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Devlins

The Devlins are back.

Julian is the new single from The Devlins and was recorded in Montreal and Dublin and was produced by long time collaborator Pierre Marchand. The band have returned to their melodic rock formula which gave the band a huge fanbase in Ireland and on the cusp of a major international breakthrough.

Oh and the single is free here .....

Mixtape: IMRO Showcase 2011

Congratulations to all these bands who beat off over 600 other bands to be chosen for the 2011 IMRO Showcase Tour 2011. This gives me and you an opportunity to find some new music!

Below is an opportunity to hear some tunes from the chosen few bands!



Wed September 7th Belfast: Limelight & Katy Daly’s (with Smalltown America Records)
Amidships, Southern, runaway Go, Morning Claws, Seven Summits, Bright Falls & Bomb City 7.


Morning Claws - Slack Magic by Clockwork Apple


Make Lemonade by sevensummitsmusic


Fri September 9th Dublin: Crawdaddy
East Island City, Rooftop Anthem, The Young Folk & The Fallen Drakes

Nobody's Gonna Miss Us by East-Island-City


The Fallen Drakes - Masquerade by Audio Networks


Sat September 10th Derry: The Cellar Bar, Draperstown (with The G Sessions)
Rams Pocket Radio, Intermission, Mojo GoGo & Our Krypton Son.

Boats by RAMS' pocket radio


Sunlight In The Ashes by Our Krypton Son



Thurs September 15th Westmeath: Athlone IT, Athlone
Nova Static, Henrietta Game, Marc O’Reilly & Bipolar Empire

Nova Static - Saving The World At The Weekend by RisingStars


09 Get Back by Salt and Shake Records



Friday September 16th Cork: Cyprus Avenue
Zombie Computer, In Valour, The Empire Lights, Fingersmith & Bona Fide Federation


Momentum by The Empire Lights

Festival by bonafidefederation


Sat September 17th Mayo: Bar Ritz, Castlebar (with Finbar Hoban Presents)
Pearse Mc Gloughlin, Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, Race The Flux, New Sunset Hotel & Brain Washington


02 Strip The City by foxjawbountyhunters


Bibles by New Sunset Hotel



Thurs September 22nd Kildare: The Late Lounge
Avalanche Ammo, Super Hanz, The P- Affection & Awake Young Soldiers, Sive


Pony Up by Avalanche Ammo


04 Check Point by AwakeYoungSoldiers




Fri September 23rd Dublin: The Grand Social
danielle harrison, The Hot Sprockets, Ghost Estates & I’m Your Vinyl


sweet fresh meats by danielle harrison


Forever Or Never by GHOST ESTATES


Sat September 24th Galway: The Roisin Dubh
Daithi O’Dronai, Rainy Boy Sleep, Junior85 & Milan Jay

Shopping Centre Song (Rainy Boy Sleep) by neonnoisestudios



Thurs September 29th Dublin : Crawdaddy (with Future Bright)
Cars Love Girls, Last Days of 1984, Bear Bones & TBC



Fri September 30th Limerick: Dolans
Dead Red Light. Jefl & Hyde, Moscow Metro, Tenaka & The Hip-Neck Blues Collective.


Flowers by jeflandhyde


Spirit Of The City by Moscow Metro

Sat October 22nd Dublin: The Workman’s Club: Best of IMRO Showcase Tour 2011

Amhrán Gach Lá - Murder Plan

Murder Plan launch their 'Drinkin' with the Devil' EP this Friday night upstairs in Whelans with support from the fine St. John The Gambler & Ben O’Keeffe.

Download the EP here for free: http://soundcloud.com/murder-plan/sets/drinkin-with-the-devil-ep

Have a listen to the title track here:

03 Soul Dance by Murder Plan

Amhrán Gach Lá - Lisa McLaughlin

Earlier this week Lisa McLaughlin uploaded onto Youtube three beautiful videos of her songs recorded in a hallway and filmed by Matthew Boyd. The songs are superb and Lisa's vocals are simply gorgeous but I love the ambient sound the hallway provides.

Check out the song 'Seven Colours' here:



Go hear to listen to the other songs 'Stars' and 'Keep it Real'. here: http://www.youtube.com/user/77Laughlin

Amhrán Gach Lá - Kila

Next Friday & Saturday Kila play Whelans for the first time in ten years and you know that's special right? An up close and personal gig!

Tickets are just €15 and there'll be special guests as well!


On Taobh Tuathail Amach - Kíla by Ronan O Snodaigh

Amhrán Gach Lá - Wicker Bones {Spirit of Folk Special}

The Spirit of Folk festival is a totally unique concept for Ireland. It's aim is to celebrate folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore and folk philosophy. The Spirit of Folk festival is a two-day, family friendly festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. 

Today is Competition Day! All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a pair of weekend passes is to email me at mixtape4melfi::at::gmail by 6pm on Friday 19th August [today] the answer to this question:

The Spirit of Folk festival is a new fundraising initiative for which charity?


While you're emailing me you should listen to a song from the wonderful Wicker Bones who are playing a special 'Spirit of Folk' showcase gig in Boyles tonight with The Young Folk and Joy Booth also on the bill.

'Follow me up to Carlow' is an old Irish Traditional song made famous by Planxty and was included on their 1973 self-titled debut album.

Pipers Dispair / Follow Me Up To Carlow by WickerBones

http://spiritoffolk.com/

The full music line-up consists of the winners of the 'What The Folk' band competition run in conjunction with The Workmans Club and this list of Irish Folk Artists:

Gay Woods
Lisa O’Neill
Dr. Strangely Strange
Rhob Cunningham
Owensie
The Young Folk
Hot Sprockets
Lisa Mc Laughlin
St. John The Gambler
Peter Delaney
Bunoscionn
Traz
Wicker Bones
Fiach
Seamus Fogarty
Joy Booth
Arrow in the Sky
Fling
The Viking Project
Gordon Reeves
Lynched and Fortune
Kloe Humm
Coscán
The Raglans
Mossy Nolan

Single Review: Rezlow - 7 Days

Rezlow have today released their debut single '7 Days' and it's a grower.

The most remarkable thing about Rezlow's debut release is that it's only the second official single that singer Terry Sutton has sung on during his fifteen or so years as a Dublin troubadour. A chance meeting in 2008 lead Terry to the arms of Rezlow and now the band have music to listen to. For those readers old enough to remember Terry doing support to Damien Rice in the Olympia or for Delorentos in Whelans or at any of the various session gigs over the years this is a poignant moment.

The song took a few listens to really grab my attention. The tempo stays constant throughout the song but it's Terrys vocals that shine throughout and becomes a nice catchy four minute rock tune. A good start for a band who I think have an album of quality tunes ready for release this Autumn.

Listen & Download here: http://www.rezlow.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Kloe Humm {Spirit of Folk Special}

The Spirit of Folk festival is a totally unique concept for Ireland. It's aim is to celebrate folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore, folk philosophy as well as being a fundraising initiative for the Oaktree Charitable Trust. The Spirit of Folk festival is a two-day, family friendly festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. 

From Saturday 13th to Friday 19th August I'll be profiling some of the bands on the bill as well as having a Competition for two weekend passes up for grabs Tomorrow. 

Today the focus is on Kloe Humm.

There are many artists I'm really looking forward to seeing including the intriguing Saint John The Gambler, the traditional band Coscán and the amazing Owensie. However I can't wait to hear Donegal's Kloe Humm live. Here songs on Soundcloud are wonderful and showcase her amazing voice.


No More Drink in the House MTK by Kloe Humm by Kloe Humm


http://soundcloud.com/kloe-humm

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Viking Project {Spirit of Folk Special}

The Spirit of Folk festival is a totally unique concept for Ireland. It's aim is to celebrate folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore, folk philosophy as well as being a fundraising initiative for the Oaktree Charitable Trust. The Spirit of Folk festival is a two-day, family friendly festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. 

From Saturday 13th to Friday 19th August I'll be profiling some of the bands on the bill as well as having a Competition for two weekend passes up for grabs on Friday. 

Today the focus is on The Viking Project

Very few bands sound like their name but "The Viking Project" conjures up some rocking folk band which relies heavily on the 70's country rock influences! This is exactly what you get as evidenced by this wonderful tune 'Got Sunk Down':

Got Sunk Down by The Viking Project

http://breakingtunes.com/thevikingproject

Amhrán Gach Lá - Seamus Fogarty {Spirit of Folk Special}

The Spirit of Folk festival is a totally unique concept for Ireland. It's aim is to celebrate folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore, folk philosophy as well as being a fundraising initiative for the Oaktree Charitable Trust. The Spirit of Folk festival is a two-day, family friendly festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. 

From Saturday 13th to Friday 19th August I'll be profiling some of the bands on the bill as well as having a Competition for two weekend passes up for grabs on Friday. 

Today the focus is on Seamus Fogarty!

Mayo man Seamus Fogarty has an interest in "writing songs about eating cake with Phil Collins" according to his Facebook page. [I really like the idea of Phil Collins' fans finding this page through a Phil search on Elbo.ws or something!].

The electronic folk music that Seamus writes is very atmospheric, relaxing and in many cases quite charming. I've been listening to his songs on Soundcloud this morning and I'm really interested in how they'll sound live.

Hesitation by seamus fogarty


My favourite tune on Soundcloud is this funny folk tale on having a number one hit!

Number 1 band version rough mix by seamus fogarty


Myles O' Reilly recorded this wonderful video of Seamus Fogarty performing at the Homegame festival in Scotland in 2010. Like all of Myles O'Reilly videos it's well worth a look!



http://www.arbutusyarns.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Joy Booth {Spirit of Folk Special}

The Spirit of Folk festival is a totally unique concept for Ireland. It's aim is to celebrate folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore, folk philosophy as well as being a fundraising initiative for the Oaktree Charitable Trust. The Spirit of Folk festival is a two-day, family friendly festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. 

From Saturday 13th to Friday 19th August I'll be profiling some of the bands on the bill as well as having a Competition for two weekend passes up for grabs on Friday. 

Today's focus is on Navan's Joy Booth.


Joy has been gigging as a singer-songwriter in the Navan area for the last three or four years. Joy writes highly effective songs with a vocal style which brings to mind Nanci Griffith and Kathleen Edwards. Joy has also been spending the last number of years as one-fifth of Saramai Leech's band The Swords.

This Thursday Saramai & The Swords are in Bewleys Cafe Theatre for a Live Recording Session. Admission is just €5 and it kicks off at 8pm. One of the songs you're likely to hear is this epic track 'Driving Song'


Driving Song by saramai


http://breakingtunes.com/saramaiandtheswords

Amhrán Gach Lá - Fiach {Spirit of Folk Special}

The Spirit of Folk festival is a totally unique concept for Ireland. It's aim is to celebrate folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore, folk philosophy as well as being a fundraising initiative for the Oaktree Charitable Trust. The Spirit of Folk festival is a two-day, family friendly festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. 

From Saturday 13th to Friday 19th August I'll be profiling some of the bands on the bill as well as having a Competition for two weekend passes up for grabs on Friday. 


I'm a massive fan of Fiach and I'm delighted he is on the line-up for the Spirit of Folk festival. His debut album last year was full of really personal and delicate songs which showcased his songwriting talents. While writing and preparing his second album entitled 'The Last Romance' due for release in 2012 he has played support to Mary Black, Ray Davies as well as being part of Declan O'Rourke's touring band. He has also recently signed to L.A. publishing heavyweights Benair Churchill so we might hear Fiach's music on soundtracks to movies and on tv series.

Here's one of the best tracks from Fiach's debut album 'So I':


Us Folk by Fiachmusic

http://www.fiach.net/

You can also catch Fiach at The Scratcher Sessions in NYC on Aug 28th. It'll be broadcast live on ustream here:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/fiach-at-the-scratcher-sessions-august-28th-7pm-nyc-time

Amhrán Gach Lá - Fling {Spirit of Folk Special}

The Spirit of Folk festival is a totally unique concept for Ireland. It's aim is to celebrate folk arts, folk crafts, folk games, folk spirituality, folk lore, folk philosophy as well as being a fundraising initiative for the Oaktree Charitable Trust. The Spirit of Folk festival is a two-day, family friendly festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. 

From Saturday 13th to Friday 19th August I'll be profiling some of the bands on the bill as well as having a Competition for two weekend passes up for grabs on Friday. 

http://spiritoffolk.com/

The full music line-up consists of the winners of the 'What The Folk' band competition run in conjunction with The Workmans Club and this list of Irish Folk Artists:

Gay Woods
Lisa O’Neill
Dr. Strangely Strange
Rhob Cunningham
Owensie
The Young Folk
Hot Sprockets
Lisa Mc Laughlin
St. John The Gambler
Peter Delaney
Bunoscionn
Traz
Wicker Bones
Fiach
Seamus Fogarty
Joy Booth
Arrow in the Sky
Fling
The Viking Project
Gordon Reeves
Lynched and Fortune
Kloe Humm
Coscán
The Raglans
Mossy Nolan


Today's featured band is Fling from Galway. I love how they mix the genres of folk, bluegrass, roots and traditional to bring a fresh sound to the scene. While preparing their debut album the band have played China in March and went on a tour of Spain. Their songs on Soundcloud are reaching the masses and they are a band who have I rate as one of our best in Ireland.

Check out Fling's songs on Soundcloud here: http://soundcloud.com/fling-1

Here's my pick of the bunch:

Shady Grove by Fling

Amhrán Gach Lá - Gemma Hayes {Week of Videos}

To finish my week of video posts here's a cover from Gemma Hayes recorded for FM 104s Strawberry Alarm Clock. Here she does a cover of the Fine Young Cannibals 'Ever Fallen in Love'! Well ok .... The Buzzcocks 'Ever Fallen in Love'.





http://www.gemmahayes.com/

13 Aug 16:00 St. John's Priory Kilkenny Arts Festival
14 Aug 21:00 Atlantic Sessions Ballybunion
25 Aug 20:00 Town Hall w/ Tim ChristensenAarhus, Denmark
31 Aug 00:19 Sol y Sombra Killorglin

Album Review: Maskedman - The Illusion of Grandeur

'The Illusion of Grandeur' is the debut album from Dermot Barrett's musical project Maskedman and it's an enjoyable listen without the ..... well ... grandeur! 

Dermot Barrett was the lead singer with 'Ten Speed Racer' which was one of those massively talented 'Should Have Been Huge' Irish rock bands from a decade ago. Maskedman is his musical project featuring Norwegian musicians and resulted in this debut album released in June.


I've been listening to the album now for a number of weeks and it's one of those albums I find really difficult to write a review for. I've really enjoyed the songs, the soft vocals, the complex instrumentation and the general feel of the album. However some of the tracks are very much skipable and there's only one really outstanding song which is the closing track 'Rolling Over'. On the one hand I feel underwhelmed and then I listen to that wonderful album closer and it makes me fall in love with the album which brings me back to those few tracks which go nowhere. Can you see why it's difficult to review?


The album kicks off with the atmospheric 'Daybreak' which includes a soundtrack that conjures up a bleak despairing soundscape. The album moves into the pleasant indie sounds of 'If You Get It Wrong' and 'Stupid Earth Boy'. The upbeat 'Coming of Age' is a really strong track which probably sounds closest of all the tracks to Ten Speed Racer. What follows is a dip in quality until we get to the last three tracks which allows the album to finish on a definite high. There's a nice video below for the second last track on the album entitled 'Sellotape The Seems'.


'The Illusion of Grandeur' is an album which consists of three or four really quality charming indie tracks sitting next to sub-standard tracks. In a different time artists have got 'away' with albums where the 'fillers' were poor but in our enriched music world this will be a tough album to shift!


Maskedman - The Illusions of Grandeur [9 out of 12]





http://www.maskedman.no/

Listen & Buy The Album here:

Amhrán Gach Lá - Henrietta Game {Week of Videos}

Henrietta Game are fast becoming the most blogged about band on this site. This video is not an official video for the new single 'The Last Time' but I'm sharing it because I like the concept and the echoing sound produced. The video was shot in an old railway station in Belturbet, Co Cavan by Finn Keenan.





LAST THING by Henrietta Game


If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing Henrietta Game live there's still plenty of chances for you to catch them in the next few months:

13th Aug Swan Lane (support to Mick Flannery) Navan (www.swanlane.ie)
18th Aug John Dalys Bar Mullingar
21st Aug Voodoo (Bluestacks Jam Club) Letterkenny
24th Aug The Best Kept Secret Video Shoot
25th Aug Chapter 1 Sessions Cavan
27th Aug Instore Gig (Rollercoaster Records - 4pm) Kilkenny
27th Aug Billy Byrnes (Headline) Kilkenny
2nd-4th Sept Electric Picnic (Body and Soul area) Stradbally, Laois
10th Sept 1922's Album Launch Support Slot Spirit Store, Dundalk
17th Sept Navan Live (support to UB40)
Teach na Teamhrach, Navan (www.navanlive.ie )
30th Oct Swan Lane (Headline) Navan


http://henriettagame.com/

Introducing: The Manhattan Syndrome

There's been very few new bands who have impressed me as much as Dublin's 'The Manhattan Syndrome'. They are releasing their impressive debut EP entitled 'And We Left It Behind' with a launch this Friday in the Workmans Club, Dublin.

The biggest criticism will be that the band sound very much like The National but I can only see this as being a good thing. Give the band a year or two of evolving and I'd imagine The Manhattan Syndrome will be simply superb.

Get the EP here for free!

And we left it behind by themanhattansyndrome

Amhrán Gach Lá - We Cut Corners {Week of Videos}

I love the sound of We Cut Corners and I've mentioned before here that they have the best vocalist in Ireland with Conall the drummer. In this raunchy sexy video for Go Easy the band have matched up sensual images with their wonderful single.

WE CUT CORNERS "Go Easy" from Eloi Molí on Vimeo.

Candice Gordon: Fund It Project

Way back at the end of 2009 we [Swear I'm Not Paul & ourselves] chose Candice Gordon as one of our tips for success in 2010. Fast forward to now and Candice has recorded her debut album with Shane MacGowan and needs a little help from you guys to help with the physical production of the albums:



Here's the title track from the album:

Before the Sunset Ends by Candice Gordon


According to the Fund It page: "Before the Sunset Ends is the culmination of years of hard work and artistic exploration and invention. The album is dark, exploring themes of death, demons, surreality and poison, but then finally resolving in a reflection on love and friendship.

There are many great musicians playing on it. Including: Simon Farrell, Brian O'Higgins, Conor Brady, NC Lawlor, Colm O'Hara, Aidan Kelly, Cian Boylan, Peter Cheevers, and Shane MacGowan. It was co-produced and sponsored by Shane MacGowan."


Here's the album artwork:

Amhrán Gach Lá - Funeral Suits {Week of Videos}

At a time when videos are an afterthought Irish bands are producing wonderful pieces of art to compliment their compositions. Funeral Suits who are finally close to their debut album have a video for an album track 'Florida' on YouTube. In the space of a week it's notched up a tasty 1,500 views and is an indicator that the band are making waves. I also love how the band are focused on the UK market knowing full well that progress there will be news worthy here!






Also from a nostalgic point of view the band are still using MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thefuneralsuits

Amhrán Gach Lá - Adela & The Meanits [Week of Videos]

Over the last few weeks there have been so many wonderful videos from Irish bands making their way onto YouTube. This week I'm going to bring to your attention the cream of the crop beginning with Laois band Adela & The Meanits.


I love the quirky funky sounds of Adela & The Meanits. Here's the mad video for their single 'Kinda Wild'.



See the band live:

Aug 12th – Laois Bands for Electric Picnic Final - The Square Bar, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Aug 13th - Blue Breeze Festival, Banagher, Co. Offaly
Aug 14th - Busking Festival, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Tues 16th - The White Horse Sessions, Kennys Village Inn, Lahinch, Co. Clare
Tues 23rd – The Candlelight Sessions @ The Sky and the Ground, 112 South Main St, Wexford Town, Co. Wexford

September

Sun 25th – Lucan Festival, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Amhrán Gach Lá - Andrew Handrick

Italian based Dublin singer-songwriter Andrew Handrick has released his home self recorded second album entitled 'Distractions'.

Track Listing:

a little piece of happiness
make it right
yellow river
good hearted girl
forever
distractions
just for tonite
a new moon today
alibi
bourbon smiles

Here's a sample of the opening track 'A Little Piece of Happiness':

A Little Piece Of Happiness Andrew Handrick Sample by Andrew Handrick


Buy the album here:

http://www.andrewhandrick.com/distractions.html

Amhrán Gach Lá - Rainy Boy Sleep

Congrats to Ham Sandwich, Funeral Suits, The Minutes, General Fiasco and Rainy Boy Sleep on their inclusion onto the BBC Introducing Stage at this year's Reading/Leeds Festival. And So I Watch You From Afar and Two Door Cinema Club complete the considerable Irish contingent at the Reading/Leads festival!


Here's a song from Rainy Boy Sleep who is a hotly tipped artist from Derry!

Shopping Centre Song (Rainy Boy Sleep) by neonnoisestudios

Amhrán Gach Lá - Albert Niland

I love this version of the Traditional Irish balled The Parting Glass by ALbert Niland:

Albert NILAND - The Parting Glass by YAnnick


http://www.albertniland.com/

Albert is bringing his brand of folk to Europe and the UK over the next few months ... details here:


SEPTEMBER

Fri..Sat.. 23/24 ..Festival Les Autumnales de Ballinvilliers,France
October 2011
Sat 1st ..Theatre de Wegwijzer..Nieuw St Joosland..Netherlands
Fri 7th ..Theatre de Twee Hondjes, Helevoetsluis.. Netherlands
Sat 8th .. LedelTheatre, Oostburg, Netherlands
Mon 10th ..Frits Philips..Eindhoven, Netherlands
Thur 13th .HelmerTheatre .Enschede,Netherlands
Sat 15th Theatre de Schelleboom,Netherlands
Sun 16th..Roepaen,Ottersum,Netherlands
Fri 21st..Club Terminus,Oostende,Belgium
Wed 26th . Papenstraat Theatre,Zwolle,Netherlands
Thrs 27th ..T Soldaatje, Noordwijkerhout,Netherlands
Sat 29th ..Groeten Uit Oisterwijk, Moergestel,Netherlands


NOVEMBER

Sunday 19th..Cafe Concert Toucouleur, 22730 Tregastel,France
Concerts en Bretagne..France


DECEMBER

Sat 3rd..The Stables, Milton Keynes, UK.
Tues 6th.The Troubadour, London,UK
Thurs 8th, Lion Music Club, Edgmond,Newport,Shropshire,UK
Sun 11th Twickfolk,Twickenham,Uk


JANUARY 2012

Sun 8th Reading Folk Club,Reading,UK
Thurs 26..The Ironworks,Oswestry,UK

MAY 2012
Fri 4th ..Trowbridge,UK

Amhrán Gach Lá - Steafan Hanvey

‘Secrets & Lies’ is the first music video clip to be taken from Steafán Hanvey's forthcoming album ‘Nuclear Family’. It was directed and edited by Austria’s Karin Hammer and shot on location in Co.Down and Dublin in the summer of 2010.


Sao Paulo International Short film Festival have selected “Secrets and Lies ” from 1700 films received for the kinolounge special program of the 22nd Sao Paulo International Short Film Festival to take place from Aug 25th to September 2nd, 2011.

We wish Steafán the best of luck for his video. Check out Steafán performing in The Scrather Sessions in April of this year!

Amhrán Gach Lá - Jukebox Gypsy

One of my favourite folk bands The Jukebox Gypsy is touring Ireland this August with the details in the poster below:

If you want a great night's entertainment then get yourself to a Jukebox Gypsy gig!


http://www.facebook.com/jukeboxgypsymusic

06 Water by Jukebox Gypsy

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Crayon Set

Tomorrow night The Crayon Set are playing a free gig in The Grand Social:

Free Gig from Dublin-based music collective that play very catchy, upbeat indie pop/rock with some folk and chamber elements thrown in for the hell of it. Support on the night from the Travellos and Mackrel the Cat. Adm FREE

I really love this band's sound. The multi-layered harmonies and use of diverse intruments make The Crayon Set one of the most exciting bands around:

Sometimes (mar 11) by TheCrayonSet

Amhrán Gach Lá - Seven Days

This looks like a great family day in Danny's of Mullingar with a great line-up of bands playing all day!

Headlining is the impressive 'Seven Days'. They have a great singer and they are all extremely talented musicians. Definitely a band for the future!


Outside by sevendaysireland