Category Archives: Indie

Indie Quick Picks -featuring Julian Lamadrid, Pretty Happy, Amber Liu, Greyson Chance, Wolf Alice and Etaoin

Julian Lamadrid

Genre: Alternative pop

Bio: Mexican singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julian Lamadrid has released his new single ‘15 Minutes’. Lamadrid co-produced the new song along with Paul Meany.

Track: 15 Minutes

Why We Like It: It’s a souped-up pop tune that is sure to have you up and dancing within seconds. This catchy alternative pop track oozes chic, crisp production, dazzling electronics and infectious melodies. The track bounces along a groove infested foundation as shuffling rhythms and funky guitars glimmer between a hyper synth soundscape. It’s easy to get lost within the many layers, and tones within this song as Lamadrid spreads clap-along features between swirling sounds and flashing disco elements to create an intoxicating new single to listen to. Filled with lush melodies, smooth vocals and intricately weaved instrumentation, ‘15 Minutes’ is a euphoric sassy gem from Lamadrid. 

You can follow Julian Lamadrid on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/JulianLamadridOfficial

Watch the video for ‘15 Minutes’ below

Pretty Happy

Genre: Post-punk

Bio: Following the electrifying success of their single ‘Salami’ – which featured on BBC Introducing, BBC6, KEXP in Seattle and ‘Track of the Week’ on 2FM, Cork art-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their new wave, post-punk new single ‘Sea Sea Sea’.

Track: Sea Sea Sea

Why We Like It: ‘Sea Sea Sea’ is an electrifying whirlwind of post-punk as Pretty Happy simmer their heavy abrasive sound into one exhilarating concoction. Beginning as a breezy bop, the track takes sweet melodies, quirky vocals and chiming guitars and mangles it into a fiery expressive wall of sound. With soft verses leading into an angsty crashing chorus and psychedelic mind-melting crescendo, ‘Sea Sea Sea’ is a raw glorious assault on the senses. 

You can follow Pretty Happy On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/prettyhappyband/

Stream ‘Sea Sea Sea’ below 

Amber Liu

Photo credit Uplifted Visuals

Genre: Electronic Pop

Bio: Global pop superstar and multi-hyphenated artist, Amber Liu, has released a new music video for her latest single, “neon”, via EMPIRE. “neon” is released in both English and Mandarin languages simultaneously. Joining Amber Liu in the English-language version is popular Korean-American rapper Peniel of k-pop boy group BtoB, while the Mandarin-language version features Chinese-born rapper Blow Fever. The fresh track is the first of new original music released by Liu in a year and is just a taste of what is to come from the pop star in the following months. 

Track: neon

Why We Like It: It’s a refreshing slice of electronic pop saturated in sweet melodies and lush instrumentation. Driving on an 80’s hued synth-pop soundscape filled with bubbling beats and chiming keys, ‘neon’ is one upbeat and catchy tune. Amber Liu’s vocals glide upon a dreamy melody exuding a cool effortless persona while Peniel’s rap adds a gritty edge to the synth heavy soundscape. Showcasing catchy melodies and deft production, ‘neon’ is a satisfying and enjoyable new single from Amber Liu..

You can Follow Amber Liu on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/ajol_llama/

Stream ‘neon’ below 

Greyson Chance

Genre: Alternative pop

Bio: Following the critically-acclaimed album ‘Portraits’ in 2019, singer-songwriter Greyson Chance is gearing up to release his second album with his new single ‘Hellboy’.

Track: Hellboy

Why We Like It: This frisky, chic single boasts the tight and catchy musicianship of Chance. The song sashay’s upon a luring bassline while slinky electronics and funk guitar sets the rhythmic pace. With bubbling beats creating a muggy atmosphere for the sweltering verses while disco drizzled synths create a euphoric sweetness before the catchy chorus kicks in, ‘Hellboy’ is one irresistible earworm. As Chance’s soulful vocals slip between warm whispers and lush falsetto, he presents a well-crafted swagger-filled number that is difficult to resist.

You can follow Greyson Chance on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GreysonChance

Stream ‘Hellboy’ below 

Wolf Alice

Credit: Jordan Hemingway

Genre: Alternative

Bio: Wolf Alice have shared the second single from their upcoming new album ‘Blue Weekend’, which is set for release on June 11th.The London group premiered the new track on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show. It follows the release of February’s ‘The Last Man On Earth’.

Track: Smile

Why We Like It: It’s an angsty blast of alternative rock saturated in psychedelic tones. With a driving bass line wriggling through a punchy drum backdrop, the band create a powerful and mosh ready concoction for listeners to indulge in. This song balances sweet, lush pop tones with raw rock superbly to create an abrasive dreamy tune sure to have you singing along in no time. With eerie chimes on guitars, biting riffs and crashing instrumental builds, the track is an exhilarating rush to the head. Riding on swaggered bass lines and raw, unadulterated rock elements, ‘Smile’ is a fantastic new single from Wolf Alice. 

You can follow Wolf Alice on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wolfalicemusic

Watch the video for ‘Smile’ below

Etaoin

Genre : Singer Songwriter

Bio :.London-based, Irish-raised artist Etaoin has released her new single ‘For Her’ taken from her new  EP ‘Bedroom Walls’ 

Track: For Her

Why We Like It: It’s an emotive and delicately arranged tune that showcases Etaoin’s heartfelt melodies and powerful vocal delivery. With soft finger-plucked guitar twinkling beneath warm vocal rasps and folk/pop elements the track is a unique and compelling listening experience. Etaoin has a remarkable ability to capture emotion through her songs and this gem is a wonderful example of her lyrical honesty, clever song writing and passionate musicianship. 

You can follow Etaoin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/etaoinnn/

Stream ‘For Her’ below 

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Author : Danu

A Chat With: Jim McHugh

I caught up with Monaghan singer-songwriter, Jim McHugh to have a chat about his upcoming album, ‘Pretending to Wake Up’ which is set for release on May 28th. We discussed the striking honesty within the lyrics, McHugh’s knack with catchy melodies and his fantastic and relatable storytelling within the songs.

Watch The Interview Below


Author : Danu

Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets ‘days’

Limerick-based five-piece, Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets are back with their new single, ‘days’. Once again, this track comes self-recorded and produced by the band themselves. The track is released under the Limerick-based collective, BitDepth, of which Flynn is a founding member. Flynn and The Dead Poets have had a busy start to 2021, putting out a single and a collaboration EP with Culla. The band have amassed nearly 10k streams in just 4 months and have more singles to come this summer.

Dripping in passionate melodies and powerful instrumentation, ‘days’ is a blistering, lushly arranged new single from Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets. From the icy synth intro to the soaring chorus, the band layer and craft the song superbly. The song builds emotion right from the get-go while chiming guitars forge an ethereal and lonely soundscape for the verses. However, in true Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets manner, the song unfolds swiftly into an anthemic powerhouse filled with lively guitars, punchy drums and rampant bass lines that exude a mighty alternative rock persona. Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets have a captivating ability to capture emotion through their deft lyrics and sweet melodies, and ‘days’ is a perfect example of this. The lyrics of the song detail the state of the housing crisis in Ireland at the moment, and the band package this raw and powerful theme in expressive, dynamic and catchy musicianship to create a potent and enjoyable song to listen to.

About the track Flynn said – “This song is one I have had for a while now, and I feel it holds a strong message. I have never really written about social issues in my music before, but this track just ended up coming out of me. We are all really proud of this one and feel it’s one of our best productions to date. It’s been over a year since our last gig, so we can’t wait to get out and play this new music for people.”

Stream ‘days’ below


Author : Danu

The Crayon Set ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’

Dublin-based The Crayon Set have released their second single ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ taken from their forthcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ which is set for release in September 2021, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture,  Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.The first line-up of The Crayon Set released their eponymous debut album in 2013 – it was recorded with Nick Brine (Teenage Fanclub, Super Furry Animals). It’s follow-up ‘Lost Languages’ was recorded with Gavin Glass (Lisa Hannigan, Villagers) and released in 2017 and featured Kate Dineen on guest vocals who later became a permanent member of the band. 

Driving on a pulsing bassline and rippling electronics, ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ is a shimmering disco ball of alternative pop. The song fleshes out The Crayon Set’s lush sound with layers of palpitating synths, propulsive rhythms and a dash of Americana glimmering through on guitars. As the song progresses, it slips into psychedelic hues, creating a laid-back, carefree vibe that ebbs and flows throughout. The Crayon Set have become known for their hook-laden sound, and ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ follows this trend wonderfully. Press play and enjoy.

Speaking about their new single, Robert explains “I was pleased when this song came along – I think it helped signal a new direction for the band. It had more of a groove to it – and it had a melancholic atmosphere that drew you in. Lyrically it is about feeling down and losing a sense of yourself and your role in the world. It probably inspired the ‘Downer Disco’ album theme – a bit depressing, but you could dance to it…”. 

Stream ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ below 


Author : Danu

Candy’s Guilt ‘Ruby Blue’

Candy’s Guilt are set to release their new single ‘Ruby Blue’ on May 7th. Candy’s Guilt is a four piece band from North Dublin. The band was founded by Sean Walsh (guitar) and John Kennedy (vocals) when they met in secondary school. The band also consists of Mark Mitchell (drums) and Pearce Fitzpatrick O’donovan (bass).

‘Ruby Blue’ is a bittersweet tune that displays the gentle and emotive side to Candy’s Guilt. The band flesh out their sound by sprinkling delicate piano between warm, steady guitar strums to create a soft and tender soundscape for listeners to indulge in.Within the track a melancholic melody is gently caressed by hushed lulling vocals and supple harmonies, which is quite comforting to the ears while lyrics such as “sometimes I get the feeling that there’s nothing to believe in and when the day came calling it was all for nothing in the end” stir emotion within the listener. Candy’s Guilt focuses on the beauty of melody and touching songwriting to create a time-stopping, nostalgic piece of music that is a wonderful example of their evocative musicianship.

For more, you can follow Candy’s Guilt on Instagram herehttps://www.instagram.com/candysguiltband/


Author : Danu

A Chat With : Etaoin

Photo Credit Frank Fiebe

Etaoin has released her new EP ‘Bedroom Walls’. This beautiful and heartfelt collection of tracks surges with earnest songwriting and soft instrumentation. Etaoin is a talented artist and this bittersweet EP is a must listen.

I caught up with Etaoin to have a chat about her new EP ‘Bedroom Walls’. We discuss how she crafted the tracks, finding her voice and expressing herself through her music

“I always get nervous before releasing music because it’s that thing like oh my god I just hope people like it because you really never know. You hope, but, you never know, and it’s all so personal. Everything that I’ve written on the EP is really close to my heart. I’m excited though”

Lyrically the songs on ‘Bedroom Walls’ are extremely honest. I wondered if Etaoin finds it more nerve-racking waiting to hear what friends and family think of her music as they potentially know what she is singing about or is it more daunting hearing what fans and strangers think.

“That’s a good one, because with your friends, they’re gonna bring it up… you could be at the pub and they would be like, What did you mean by this? and you’d be like, oh god! run from the conversation. But strangers too, I guess, in general, it all kind of blends into one when you release a song. I guess both. It would be hard to choose. 

The song ‘For Her’ is a song about my old self. The idea of waiting for your old self to come back. When you go through a heartbreak. It’s not just, oh, when will I talk to this person again, it’s also like, am I actually going to get my spark back, when am I going to feel better, but I played it before, and people, especially guys would have related the song to their exes, waiting for her to come back. So it’s funny how when you release a song, it suddenly has all these different meanings to different people.”

The EP is composed of four emotionally charged songs filled with soft yet effective instrumentation and generally backed by guitar. This allows the earnest lyrics to take the main focus.

“I hate overproduction [on] songs and I like the idea of a song being able to stand on its own two feet. Sometimes production can be distracting. When I listen to ‘Someone Like You’ by Adele, it’s just her on the piano and I’ve always felt if the song is stripped back, it really allows no distraction, and also I suppose in the way I wrote the songs it was just me with my guitar, and it felt like a pretty natural thing. I didn’t want to overcrowd them, because the songs are focused on just feelings and lyrics.”

“When I think about all the music I love, a lot of it’s really stripped back. I love the idea of just keeping it bare and letting the song speak for itself, rather than relying on a trend or making it sound cool or whatever. I’d rather it just connected with people.”

Etaoin has a wonderful ability to create catchy and uplifting melodies,‘I Dare You’ has that powerful bittersweet melody that is so infectious while ‘For Her’ blends pop melodies with indie and even folk-esque tones. I wondered if these catchy melodies are a moment of inspiration or something she spends time perfecting.

“I’d say, often my best stuff would come pretty quickly. it isn’t like every time you sit down something decent comes. You sit down and you write 10 times in 10 days, you might get rubbish melodies, all those 10 days, and then on the 11th day when you’re like, oh my god this is going nowhere, something would come at an unexpected time, I’ve always been really passionate about melodies, I love hearing a melody and clicking with it. I’m obsessed with melodies, really. So that is the nicest thing in the world for you to say, that you find it catchy. But yeah it’s often quick as in when you actually write it, it’s quick, but the build up to it is like weeks of nothing.“

One striking aspect of Etaoin’s music is the raw honesty within her lyrics especially within ‘Pale Damp Cheeks’.

“Often when I write a song. I don’t even think about it. I just need to get it out.  It doesn’t really even cross my mind when I’m writing it, it’s just more of a therapeutic thing rather than, Oh, I want this to be this, because they’re all about people, they’re all about situations, they’re all about things that happened to me and things I’ve experienced in my life, but it is scary because when you’re being that honest and then people ask you about it, and you’re like, Please don’t ask me that question ever, leave me alone.”

“Writing has become a bit of a coping mechanism for me and I think song writing is a journey as well. Sometimes there are going to be topics which are hard to cover and scary to cover, and you think do I want people to ask me about this, do I want this to be out in the wide world or whatever. It’s just something that is so key to writing songs, just speaking about you and what you actually feel, and not just trying to write a good song or write a pop song.”

Since Etaoin’s first release ‘Bedroom Walls’ at the beginning of the year, she has raked in over half a million streams. In the uncertain times we are in with Covid 19, that is an impressive and promising achievement. 

“Yeah it’s crazy I’ve been writing songs since I was about 11 or 12 years old and I went and studied science in University. So music for me was always that thing. It was a thing that I would love to do but never gonna happen. It’s an unusual thing to happen so it’s a huge deal. I had no idea what to expect, especially with lockdown especially with everything like that. There’s no way to know how something’s gonna go. I’m feeling really lucky and I feel like I’m actually able to be myself more now, even around my friends. I was always kind of the woo girl, yeah I was ‘The Woo Girl’ . And often I was scared to show if I cared about something, but I’m able to be myself more since releasing music shows different layers [of] myself whereas before I was always a bit nervous to do that.”

Etaoin has a live show booked for Whelan’s in Dublin on November 24th. The prospect of seeing people react to her songs again in a live setting is something the singer songwriter is looking forward to

“I’m so excited. it’s been so weird because before lockdown I was gigging around London and I’d go home to Waterford and I’d be around the pubs and stuff, and so it’s been really weird not having that and not having that connection when playing a song. When you’re playing a song and you’re singing a really emotional line and can see someone’s really listening to what you’re saying and you make eye contact, just like we’re buzzing. It’s been really weird not having it but I’m so excited to get back out there. It’s crazy, I feel like COVID started out as something that was like, oh yeah COVID I heard there is a really bad bug, this is going to be over a week, and then it’s like the whole world just exploded into national pandemic.“

‘Bedroom Walls’ is about growth and renewal and it’s an extremely personal EP to Etaoin. I wondered if there was a song on the EP she was most attached to or proud of.

“I’m proud of all the songs for different reasons, melody-wise, I’m probably most proud of ‘I Dare You’ because it’s kind of an underdog song, but then I love all the songs for different reasons. ‘Bedroom Walls’ was pretty honest and explored some topics that I haven’t really explored on other songs before. like female body image, that kind of stuff. ‘Pale Damp Cheeks’,  first heartbreak, so I’ve always got that connection, you never get over it. So I like all the songs. I feel proud of all the songs for different reasons.”


I wondered if Etaoin has any advice for budding singer songwriters

“ Write loads and loads of songs because the thing that stands people apart really is the songs. Practice singing and if you can teach yourself an instrument that’s great but I feel something that really sets people apart is their song, and be honest in the songs. I feel some people as I said, focus on, I just want to write a hit. That isn’t ever going to be honest and, if you’re not connecting with yourself on a different level, you’re not going to connect with other people.”

Etaoin has a warm and mature voice, there is a smoky rasp and charm to her vocals that is instantly recognisable.

“ People have always said that since I was little. I used to do Trad singing and stuff like that, and when I was 12 somebody said you sound like a grown woman. But it’s just always been like that, it’s stronger and also because I play the flute. So I guess wind control and lung control. So when you sing if you have more breathing control [there’s] probably a bit more power behind it.”

Etaoin has some exciting plans in the pipeline, we discussed what is to come in the next year and what she is looking forward to most.

“I’m recording at the moment, on the second EP to release later this year. I’m really excited to work with people I’ve really wanted to work with for quite a while. Geez, gigs later this year. So excited. and yeah hopefully getting out some video content later in the year as well. I guess we’ll see where it goes. You know I think the question, what’s next, often depends on the listener and how people respond to it, so fingers crossed people like it and good things are coming. Fingers crossed, toes crossed. My mom is already saying the Rosary for it at the moment. Not even kidding. Yeah, every time we release a song she says a week long Rosary every night. Yeah, I’m not even joking. I’m convinced that’s the only reason that it’s gone decently. I called her yesterday. I was like have you started the Rosary?. “

Etaoin is a diamond in the rough who crafts her songs meticulously to create emotion inducing goosebumps with each tune she releases and ‘Bedroom Walls’ is an exquisite example of this. Etaoin is an artist to keep an eye on.

Etaoin has announced a show in Whelan’s on November 24th.Tickets are available here https://www.ticketmaster.ie/etaoin-dublin-24-11-2021/event/18005A9DC5BD1E62

Stream ‘Bedroom Walls’ below 


Author : Danu

Ben Lorentzen ‘Black Eyed Girl’

Indie-pop master, Ben Lorentzen has released his new single, ‘Black Eyed Girl.’ Written for his Korean wife, ‘Black Eyed Girl’ sheds some light on the problem of Asian Hate, and Lorentzen’s love for his muse. Raising awareness is one of Lorentzen’s top priorities, but he is doing it in a way that spreads love through the form of music.Lorentzen has collaborated with a variety of big names such as Rie Tsuji (Beyonce) and Brian Hardgroove (Public Enemy). 

‘Black Eyed Girl’ is a bright, refreshing guzzle of indie-pop that displays the catchy musicianship of Ben Lorentzen. This charming tune radiates sun-soaked vibes with shimmering synths injecting glimmers of scintillation through a groove-laden backdrop. Lorentzen surges a sugary sweet melody over an effervescent soundscape to create a dreamy and charming tune that is sure to brighten your day. With a catchy chorus, smooth vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, ‘Black Eyed Girl’ is an infectious tune brimming with loving lyrics, blissful melodies and lush instrumentation.

Stream ‘Black Eyed Girl’ below 


Author : Danu

A Chat With : Yake Loga of NEOMADiC

NEOMADiC have released their new single ‘WAVES’ featuring shiv alongside announcing the release of their EP ‘AFTER DARK’ due to be released this summer. I caught up with Yake Loga to discuss the new single, working with shiv and how they create their sleek tunes.

‘WAVES’ features the amazing soulful vocals of shiv. Yake tells me how this dream collaboration came about.

“I was a fan of her music before we had touched base or contacted each other. We had been working on this track ‘WAVES’ and felt that it needed something else to really maximize the potential of the song, and shiv was a no brainer. As you said she has an amazing voice. So we hit her up and luckily, she liked the song enough to jump on it with us.”

WAVES is slightly more bright and mellow in comparison to the songs on NEOMADiC’s previous EP ‘The Neomadic Tape’. The duo have a laid back lush style with smooth vocals, abstract wordplay and sun-kissed, hazy productions. This seemingly effortless and chill sound took them some time to craft.

“A little bit yeah.The Neomadic Tape was back in 2017 and in the year 2018 we moved over to Vancouver in Canada for a couple of years, and we weren’t actively releasing then. During that time we were working on music and developing it. It’s always been a goal to not limit ourselves to a certain style and continuously evolve it so it’s just a natural progression of time. There has been a good amount of time since the last release so the music has developed quite a lot.”

NEOMADiC have their own refreshing style and sound that effortlessly flows into the ears. I wondered what sparked Yake’s decision to venture into the music industry, was there a specific moment that made him decide to get into music

“I don’t know if there’s one specific moment but maybe a combination of a few, just from creating it and doing it, performing it and how much I’ve always had a very big passion for music. I studied music after secondary school. So yeah, from 16 or 17 I definitely knew that’s what I wanted to do in some form or another, whether it’s performing or being in the studio or anything like that. “

Within ‘WAVES’ NEOMADiC uses introspective lyrics to detail personal issues along with subtle spiritual and pop culture references. Their raps flow fluidly throughout. These precise lyrics are due to practise and learning what works with each release.

“Yeah, definitely. Just over the years from writing and releasing.When you release something and you see how people like it and you’re able to step back from it and then you can analyze, then the next time you go back and you try and improve. Anything you do, the more you do it, the better you get at it. Myself and Dyramid have spent a lot of time even just messing around, you know freestyling with each other, back and forth so I find our chemistry on tracks together has come a long way.”

The duo’s lyrics are honest and very natural; there are no harsh or blunt phrases; they use precise tact to deliver eloquent lyrics through clever phrasing. “I’ve been working for tips, with lyrics on the tip of my tongue, I’m at the tip of my cliff, I got a tip I should jump”. 

“Yeah, I think towards the beginning it was probably more blunt and as we’ve progressed, we’ve tried to just evolve the writing where it can mean a lot of things,double entendres and more metaphorical and all that.”

“Writing songs could be from a certain thing that happened that day or that month, certain emotions have been triggered. The EP [‘AFTER DARK’] in particular is kind of written through the pandemic. We had been working a bit. Just minimum wage stuff over in Canada to pay rent and stuff so there’s some themes on society and how it can be very difficult if you don’t want to fit into the normal school, college, job pyramid there is in society at the moment. So I think there’s a bit of a rebellious theme/nature to the EP coming up.That’s kind of where we are in our lives at the moment, so generally our music just translates over from whatever we’re personally experiencing, normally pretty genuine. “

NEOMADiC’s new EP ‘AFTER DARK’ is due to be released this summer.This 7 track EP comes after the pair spent a couple of years living in Canada, it is a culmination of their experiences over the past couple of years and an expression of what they have to offer. The duo manage to capture the chill nighttime vibe really well, especially within ‘WAVES’. The song transports you to a setting of summer nights created entirely by the duo’s immersive musicianship. Yake tells me how the album was crafted and what we can expect from the EP.

“A lot of it’s in the title, it was written over the summer, last summer, just those late nights with people, good friends and special people to you. So the themes are around that. Then on top of that there would be that trying to make a living out of music, and not rely on other avenues for income.

“It took a while. So generally we work with producers and there’s just two on this EP. So with ‘WAVES’ and a few other tracks we kind of linked with Subroza from America and managed to get in touch just through social media and he gave us a couple of beats to mess around with. We just worked back and forth over a few months, nailing out the structure and different instrumentation and all that together so for this it was a lot better than ‘The Neomadic Tape’ where it’s more of a mixtape and we just took a bunch of random beats and rapped over them so this was a lot more crafted”

There are some great artists in Ireland at the moment in all genres but Hip Hop in particular is gaining a lot of traction and the quality of tunes from artists such as NEOMADiC, Denise Chaila, JYellowL and God Knows is setting the bar really high. I wondered if Yake thinks the Irish Hip Hop scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

“ I think it’s been slowly brewing for maybe the past half decade even a bit longer. But in the last five years, it’s definitely been more of an explosion onto the scene. Yeah it’s starting to get noticed a little more internationally, especially over toward the UK. So that’s a good first step. I can only just see that continue to grow to more people” 

NEOMADiC have had headline slots at festivals such as Electric Picnic and KnockanStockan, as well as support slots with hip/hop legends Souls of Mischief and Pharoahe Monch and like all musicians at the moment, Yake is itching to get back to those live shows.

“Yeah, definitely. I’m a little anxious at this point because it’s been such a long time. Probably a bit rusty, but it depends on the mind state. We’ve just looked at it as an opportunity to build up a nice catalogue of music for whenever that day returns that we’re able to then perform it with people and share with people so we just have to keep a positive mindset and see the opportunity, the silver lining in anything.”

NEOMADiC pack a lot of meaningful lyrics into each second of their songs. It can be difficult to remember lyrics during a show. I wondered if the duo find it difficult to remember their lyrics and do they stumble sometimes.

“ Personally I seem to do a lot more than Dyramid would, not too sure why. If you’re not regularly rehearsing and practicing you may be risking the chance of slipping up lyrics. Myself, I just really enjoy improvising and freestyling so sometimes that might distract me a little bit. Back in the day we would always do a little freestyling towards the end [of shows], let the crowd pick a few words for us to rap with and stuff like that it was a nice way to round off the shows.”

‘AFTER DARK’ is an exciting EP to look forward to and Yake tells me it has been keeping the duo busy over this pandemic and giving them something to look forward to as well.

“Yeah a lot more than normal, because of the pandemic, and the way we crafted the EP. A lot of it was done and recorded before I left Canada last summer. So there’s just been a lot of waiting and anxiety to get it out and with the pandemic there hasn’t been too much else to look forward to so it was a nice big relief to have ‘WAVES’ out. It’s just something to feel good about in these tough times. Hopefully the next single will be out on the 7th of May. Then two weeks after that on the 21st of May the full EP is out. So for the next month, that’s our main focus, just pushing and promoting the releases.”

NEOMADiC are an ambitious and talented duo. ‘WAVES’ displays their melodic prowess, sleek raps and raw skill through a mellow and blissful tune. They create dark, lush soundscapes with soul and pop elements enhancing the duo’s refreshing hip hop sound. NEOMADiC are ones to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘WAVES’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News: “Collections of Identity and Utter Nonsense” , A live concert experience By Orwells ‘84

Orwells ’84 to release new live concert experience Friday April 30th At 8 PM

Orwells ’84, along with An Táin Arts Centre are set to release a unique live concert experience.

The performance was recorded during lockdown and supported by An Táin and Create Louth

Following the release of Truth is the First Victim, the band have had a string of successful singles including ‘On the Road’, ‘She is So Sweet’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Cailín’. The band now look to explore an artistic approach to the live performance against the backdrop of the global pandemic.

Orwells ’84 have the deft ability to create catchy tunes filled with rich, vibrant and wholesome instrumentation. They blend emotive songwriting and lush harmonies to make enjoyable songs that ebb and flow through indie, folk and pop with ease. This band has a unique vision and artistic flair that is admirable. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with this live concert.

The film and live concert are an Orwells ’84 creation, produced by the band. The services of photographer and director Andrew Browne and local artist in resident Ulrike “Uliunique” Liebetrau were recruited for the first time.It was directed by Andrew Browne, 

You can watch the teaser for the show below 


Author : Danu

Soda Blonde ‘In The Heat Of The Night’

Photo Credit : Ste Murray

Soda Blonde have released their new single ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ taken from their highly anticipated debut album ‘Small Talk’ which is set for release on July 9th via Velveteen Records, the entirely self-produced album sees the group reflecting on their twenty-something experiences with refreshingly honest transparency.

Teasing with a lingering refrain on keys, ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ announces itself with an air of mystery. In true Soda Blonde manner, the track expands on this refrain to delicately reveal lush textures and melodies as the song progresses. The band creates an enticing and rich soundscape that exudes a disco-esque persona enhanced by an irresistible groove on bass, supple guitars and gentle percussive shuffles. The song flows with subtle cinematic qualities that is simply awe-inspiring and mellowed by Faye O’Rourke’s bewitching soft coos as she sings, “It’s the way you carry on and the way that you lie, It’s under harsh lights baby we say our goodbye”.

‘In The Heat Of The Night’ is a nostalgic and engaging slice of indie-pop cementing Soda Blonde as a band that sets a high standard. Their timeless sound is set to inspire future bands and artists.

About the track, ‘O’Rourke describes: “The music possessed an attitude that I wasn’t familiar with as a songwriter. It deftly evoked the neon of night and brought Scorcese’s Casino to my mind. Our goal was to create a song that had everything we wanted to hear. It allowed me to write, uninhibited by the labour of self-analysis. It’s a song about conflict-and getting a kick out of it. The thrill of the fight”

Stream ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ below 


Author : Danu