Singer-songwriter Pauric O’ Meara has released his new single,’ Come Home’. Pauric O’ Meara is an independent Alternative/indie singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. He has become known for his raw luring vocal. Over the last few years, with his biggest coming in 2022, O’ Meara has seen his headline shows sell out all over Ireland, including venues such as The Workmans Club, The Grand Social, Monroes, Dolans and Cyprus Avenue, as well as supporting major acts such as Hermitage Green and Hudson Taylor, and stand out performances at festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sounds of Summer and Kaleidoscope.
‘Come Home’ is a passionate and emotive indie banger that boasts O’Meara’s magnetic and compelling musicianship. The song exudes a sweat earworm melody while swagger-drenched guitars, punchy drums and elastic bass create a foot-tapping foundation. Within the soundscape, warm brass elements and twinkling keys provide an ethereal breath of fresh air that adds an undertone of hope throughout the track. O’Meara is developing his sound beautifully and ‘Come Home’ is a fine example of this. The song is an irresistible musical delight.
About the track O’ Meara said : ”This song came from a place of vulnerability and desperation. A long time friendship ending for reasons beyond my control or capability. Living with addiction is difficult for all involved. We often see the negative impact that it has on people as they invest all their time and effort into helping, but unless the person in question wants to help themselves, the rest becomes obsolete. The love I had and still have for my friend will always be the same, and after years of trying to help, all thats left to do now is hope that they will find solace and ‘Come Home’, come back to the people who love them and live the life they deserve to live”
Eastbound Dublin makes its highly anticipated return in 2023. The festival will host a range of diverse performances spread across various venues in the city in late February 2023. In its fourth year, Eastbound Dublin still is about capturing the spirit of new and breaking artists and capturing the imagination of a devoted, music-hungry city like Dublin, and bringing it all together to create meaningful beginnings.
I caught up with indie pop artist Jack Cullen who is performing on February 26th in The Grand Social along with Really Good Time, Ruti and YINYANG. We discussed his latest album ‘Dark Days and Nightmares’, how he creates his glorious sound and what he has planned for his performance at Eastbound Dublin.
“Yeah. I can’t wait. It’s my first time playing in The Grand Social. It’s been a long time since I’ve played in Dublin. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world and I absolutely can’t wait.”
Cullen’s recent collaboration with rappers Snow and Rxseboy, ‘Spilled My Coffee’ ( a remix of Cullen’s ‘It Doesn’t Matter’ ) became one of the “most viral lo-fi rap tracks” of the year. It was added to over 30 channels on YouTube and used by 20 million creators on TikTok. It’s an irresistible remix that showcases another facet to his sound while elevating the soothing earworm of the original.
“Yeah, it’s really cool. It’s funny how that all came about. I wrote a song called ‘It Doesn’t Matter’ down in Cornwall and we sent it to some guys over in America and they came back with ‘Spilled My Coffee’. Yeah, it was really nice to begin releasing music, that way, kind of the wrong way around, as it were, you know, we released the remix first and it was cool to collaborate with people in America. It was nice to kickstart stuff and hopefully, it made sense when I released ‘It Doesn’t Matter’ my track alongside my album, because it was obvious then it was the remix of my own song.”
Cullen creates lush indie pop tunes that are just glorious on the ears. Each song oozes subtle instrumentation, delicate indie pop embellishments and soothing tones that are simply a delight to the ears. Cullen has a talent for expressing a range of emotions and feelings within his tracks. We discussed how he achieves this.
“I think I just tried to be as honest as possible. I like to be honest with what I want to say. Sonically working with The Roots over in America, and having Questlove on drums it really helped open my ears and eyes to that kind of sound and I think it definitely helps sculpt the sound of the album. “
“ I’m a positive person. I like to try and look at the brighter side of things and try and be as positive in any situation as possible. So in light of darker times where I was when I was writing the album, I definitely tried to look at it from as much light as possible and like you say, try and be as big a ray of sunshine as possible. That being said, I think it’s naive to think that’s all that life is and it’s important to say the harder things sometimes, I think they’re very important. But I guess I’ve tried to then bring that into a happier light.”
Cullen released an album last year called ‘Dark Days and Nightmares’ and it’s an absolutely beautiful listen. The songs flow effortlessly into one another while maintaining their own unique identity. I wondered if there was a concept behind the album.
“It was from years of writing. It’s about three years of writing. It really took a long time to release any music. I think moving forward the concept behind my releases will make more sense.”
The song Hurricane is the perfect example of Cullen’s ability to wrap earnest tender lyrics in sweet soothing musicianship. Cullen explained how he crafted the track.
“Hurricane is a really good example actually of a dark place that I was in, you know the lyrics “wish we could just fly away to another place, but I’m stuck in a hurricane”. I think, my mind was in a complete pickle, and I felt like I was just in this hurricane in my mind and I couldn’t get away and it is a perfect example of the blend of darkness and sadness [in] the song. But the way we created it was actually like this celebration almost of that. I think in those times, I look to the people that I love and that love me, friends and family and they get you through those times. That’s really what that was about. It was a celebration of those people and the love left”
Cullen has a smooth and easy-flowing tone to his voice however, he told me singing wasn’t something he really thought about before he started.
“No, I don’t think so. I was, in another life playing rugby in Ireland. That’s where my Irish roots comes from and that’s all I wanted to do. I never thought that I would be a singer. I never necessarily did it much in school or it came quite late to me when I had lots of surgeries playing rugby and I was then beginning to write a lot of music and therefore singing a lot. So I think it came quite late that I realized I can sing”
We discussed what fans can look forward to from Cullen’s show at Eastbound.
“ What I always like to do, especially at these shows is strip back the songs. It’s nice to play them in their rawness. I think the emotion comes out a lot more and it allows me to even reflect on the lyrics a lot more because there’s not as much noise and production around the songs. I think it’s going to be a nice way to really connect with people who come and I really can’t wait to do that.”
Jack Cullen is an outstanding singer-songwriter. The melodies within his songs elegantly interplay with soft indie pop soundscapes and mellow guitar embellishments to create musical gems of delight. Cullen’s performance at Eastbound is not to be missed.
London Rockers, This New Dawn have released their new single ‘Regret’. The single was born from the band’s vocalist who, after a long break from music, returned with a fierce determination to imprint her mark on an industry that she had previously archived. Fate was on This New Dawn’s side as ‘Regret’ originated from a demo used by the band’s other members to audition singers. Their vocalist conceived the song’s concept at home following a continuous listening session to the unpolished demo on loop and perfected the lyrics and melody on the bus ride to the audition! The video mirrors the lyrics of ‘Regret,’ utilising the effects of lighting & differential scenery in symmetry with the lyricism and the polarised emotions of heartbroken anguish with the bittersweet resolution of emancipation.
‘Regret’ is a heavy belter. This haunting, alternative rock tune seamlessly balances earnest lyrics with gutsy rock and metal elements to create a wholly immersive listening experience. Filled with chiming guitars, resounding bass rumbles and pounding drums ‘Regret’ is a compelling new tune.
Prolific German rocker Daniel J Vogel has released his new EP ‘Raptors’.Hailing from Germany, 28 year old musician Daniel J Vogel certainly isn’t new to the music scene but this experienced pro is looking to make his mark down a different musical path. At age just 10, Daniel was indoctrinated to the electrifying, spark-flying sonic soundscape of hardcore Aussie powerhouses AC/DC who’s music inspired him to pick up his first 6-string axe. Almost instantly, the Deutschland star was part of the local school band where he expanded his musical palette – open to a range of new genres like Blues, Jazz & Musical Theatre. Using the tools his wide sonic diet had given him, Daniel embarked on his own journey and established himself as part of his own band with which he wrote a plethora of songs; some of which made their way onto his latest release ‘Raptors.’ After the band members parted ways, Daniel pursued his solo career, releasing debut EP ‘The Passion Ignites.’
‘Raptors’ soars with laser-sharp guitar riffs and resounding drum/bass onslaughts to create a dynamic listening experience. With roaring choruses in ‘No More War’ and energising power chords in ‘Exploding Brains’ through to the pummeling drums of ‘Love the Rock’ Vogel crafts a tight and powerful EP brimming with refined musicianship and thrilling instrumentation. The songs surge with rock bravado while balancing 90’s alternative elements with 80’s metal and hard rock gusto. It’s a mammoth EP sure to have you moshing along in no time.
Happy New Year to all our followers and subscribers. We have enjoyed finding new artists and music this year and we look forward to listening to the songs 2023 has to bring. Thank you to all who have donated to the blog keeping us caffeinated all year round and the PR Companies, Tour Managers, Managers and Artists who have worked with us all year.
We have created a playlist on Spotify with all the artists we have featured in 2022 for you to listen to. Enjoy!
Mark Daly has released his new EP ‘Nothing to Lose’. Cork-based Irish Rock musician Mark Daly’s artistic chops have never been up for debate. After building an impressive following touring with Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), Candlebox, and more. In the summer of 2021, Mark teamed up with Avantasia guitarist and world-renowned producer Sascha Paeth (Kamelot, Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) to create a hard rock album, Peace in the Panic. The album was recorded in Sascha’s Pathway Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany. Mark performed at the MTV EMA Awards in Belfast with his previous band, The Voodoos, after beating 10,000+ other bands from Europe to the slot. He hit #1 on the Scottish New Music Charts with his Autism Awareness Charity solo single ‘Your World,’ inspired by his son, Noah. Adding to the list is his songwriting work with Geoff Tate-led supergroup, Operation: Mindcrime. He performed on the Monsters of Rock Cruise alongside Alice Cooper, Buckcherry, and more. He began with 2016’s ‘The Heart’s Reminder’ (no. 2 on the Irish Downloads Chart) followed by his debut album When the Stars Align. Mark Daly & The Ravens, the band that plays with him live, includes Mark Daly (rhythm guitar, lead vocals), James Brown (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jack Ross (bass guitar), Alex Hart (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Daniel Laverde (drums).
‘Nothing to Lose’ is a mammoth-sounding EP that roars with blistering rock n roll bravado and shredding riffs. With the swaggering stomp of ‘Nothing To Lose’ and ‘Gotta Run’ the EP oozes grooves that are so catchy you can’t help but dance and mosh along. From resounding drums to rapid bass licks and driving guitar refrains weaved between irresistible melodies, the songs within this EP exude irresistible energy and evoke images of live crowds screaming back the lyrics. ‘Nothing to Lose’ is a cohesive EP that expresses diverse facets to Daly’s sound. ‘Crying Shame’ and ‘Bottled Up’ are fine examples of this. The former boasts a wonderful indie rock edge while the latter takes a ballad-esque and more emotional stance on the EP that subsequently, ever so cleverly, injects a breath of fresh air into the EP’s immersive experience.
‘Nothing to Lose’ EP pulls it out of the bag and delivers a collection of tracks that displays Mark Daly’s expressive musicianship in all its glory. He is developing his sound with each release while also giving us heavy rock heads something tantalizing to mosh to.
Paul Chaney has recently released his new instrumental track ‘Momentum’. Chaney is a Singer / Multi-Instrumentalist/ Film-maker from Dublin. Paul released his debut single ‘Projection’ in Spring 2021. Since then he has released 10 singles and is slowly but surely gaining traction with his particular brand of immersive music & visual. His lyrics explore themes of disconnection, escapism, dark love & the importance of authenticity and meaning in a chaotic modern ‘connected’ world.
‘Momentum’ is a spectacular piece of music that boasts brooding electronics, twinkling synths and meticulously placed instrumentation to create a wholly satisfying listening experience. With pulsing beats wrapped in eerie indie soundscapes, the track becomes more psychedelic and intense as it progresses. The song has a wonderful cinematic atmosphere to it which complements the soft key elements beautifully. Well-crafted and filled with 80’s sci-fi elements throughout ‘Momentum’ is an utterly thrilling new piece of music from Paul Chaney.
Irish indie rock outfit The Academic continue to whet appetites for their forthcoming major label debut ‘Sitting Pretty’ with their new single ‘Homesick’. ‘Sitting Pretty’ will be released on the 10th of February via EMI. ‘Homesick’ has been added to the RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends list and received airplay from RTÉ 2fm and others. The Academic are setting off on four UK headline dates in February 2023, including the Roundhouse in London for their biggest headline show outside Ireland.
‘Homesick’ is a fine display of the earnest and infectious sound of The Academic. These guys are exquisite musicians. The track showcases rich instrumental bursts and refined musicianship from the band. They blend glittering guitars with a wistful melody and sweet vocals to create a soft texture to cushion the listener from the melancholy within the lyrics “Looks like you’re on your own again, How could it be?”. Filled with uplifting soundscapes and buoyant basslines; ‘Homesick’ is an emotive gem that beckons repeat plays.
Post-hardcore four-piece Red Sun Alert have released the second single ‘Literally’ off their upcoming EP, titled ‘Assume Power’. The Cork-based group recorded at the studio in Munster Technological University, Cork School of Music, where the four members have just graduated. It was recorded and mixed by Eoin Hayes of Rebel Recordings and Drew Linehan of Hausu.
‘Literally’ deftly displays the intricate and enigmatic musicianship of Red Sun Alert. The band place ethereal vocals over a dark backdrop of choppy drum progression and turbulent bass lines while sharp guitars create waves of acute, blustery alternative rock throughout. Well crafted and laced in intricate instrumentation the track is a wholly immersive listening experience. ‘Literally’ is a fantastic new tune from Red Sun Alert.
A night of irresistible tunes and bellowed choruses resounded through Whelan’s last Thursday night all thanks to headliners, indie band N.O.A.H. Nothing, not even a bust snare drum could stop these guys from putting on a memorable show full of stadium-worthy energy and indie rock bravado.
But first, ready to warm up the crowd with their lush harmonies and sweet melodies was sister duo Zeztra. With charming personalities and tunes dripping in R&B tones, alternative pop and sincere lyrics, the duo were a joy to listen to. They set the mood beautifully from the very first song with their warm guitar, rich rhythms and balmy soundscapes while the sweet blend of their voices moved between captivating tones as they poured themselves into the songs. An enjoyable start to the night.
Limerick-based folk band Kingfisher followed. Taking a very casual approach to their set the band produced a wholesome rich sound that oozed infectious tones. With a hearty banjo adding a dash of traditional charm to the band’s tracks; Kingfisher had the crowd in the palm of their hands. They powered through their set encouraging the audience to sing along to their hooks and even had a couple waltzing to one of their tracks. Filled with warm basslines, some pretty slick guitar work and catchy melodies Kingfisher put on a fun set from start to finish.
The crowd erupted into a mass of dancing and singing as ‘Darkest Hour’ triumphantly introduced N.O.A.H. to the stage. This band are mesmerizing on stage and their sound is wonderful to experience in the live setting. Their set was filled with thrilling rhythms, soaring guitar and roaring bass grooves. N.O.A.H’s sound is impressive and the three-piece wasted no time in delighting the crowd’s ears. Ryan Hill is a charismatic frontman, he reached out to the crowd while singing, paraded up and down the stage and kept the fans enamoured by his radiant stage presence. The audience sang every word to the band’s tracks and danced as if their lives depended on it and, lucky for them N.O.A.H. had plenty of danceable genre-bending tunes to delight the audience’s ears with. The band’s set was a relentless onslaught of banging tunes with Ronan Hynes at the helm on drums pounding out slick and resounding grooves that perfectly complemented Adam Rooney’s superb laid-back bass.
These guys are professional. A small snare drum mishap sees them halt the show for a quick repair and a bit of fill-in banter before the band continued their energetic set. With the disco shimmer of ‘Stay Here’ and the heart-pounding anthem, ‘Shine’, the band proceeds to attack the show with as much enthusiasm as possible.
N.O.A.H’s performance was absolutely brilliant and a whole lot of fun. The crowd lapped up the performance, singing every song, embracing their friends and dancing without a care in the world. N.O.A.H are a band that showcase a diverse sound, limitless talent and ambition. The trio display a deep understanding of their craft that many artists would be envious of and their live performance is a wonderful explosion of their talent and charm.
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
