Mike Paterson returns with a new sound and fresh passion.He has released his new single ‘Stuck Around’. Previously releasing work as Mike Paterson, he is simplifying his moniker to just Paterson. Paterson writes, records, and produces his own work. This is his first release since his acclaimed EP “Devils In The Water” (Homebeat Presents, 2018). Paterson signed a publishing deal with Avant Music group in May 2018.
Rooted in a brooding aesthetic and laced with wisps of airy synths and strong grooves ‘Stuck Around’ presents Paterson’s sound in all its glory. Darkened reverb layered soundscapes swirl between jangly guitar lines as the track slips into an echoed dream-like distortion with hints of psychedelia. Paterson provides a dizzying almost confused atmosphere around the constant that is, his deep vocals, which creates a moody almost nonchalant tone through the bubbling whirling backdrop. The track lifts for the guitar heavy echoed chorus creating a sense of euphoria as the fizzy beat lays down a buoyant backdrop behind this breezy ethereal atmosphere. With quite the earnest push and pull effect teamed with compelling production and intriguing musicianship it’s an enticing and honest return from Paterson.
Chris Short has released his debut single ‘Your Smile’.Chris Short is a singer/songwriter from Dublin. Having only set out on his music performance journey in January 2017, Chris has had a meteoric rise on the circuit over the past two years. He was short listed in the top 10 for the DublinLive, Nathan Carter – Search for a Star. 2020 is looking bright for Chris Short, with a number of singles due for release in 2020 and a debut EP due early next year.
‘Your Smile’ is a swoony romantic ditty as Chris Short uses melody and sweet songwriting to create a wholesome track with cosy undertones. The simplistic but beautiful approach of ‘Your Smile’ oozes a dream-like quality which compliments Chris’ velvety vocals excellently. With warm guitar twinkles and a spongy steady beat teamed with lush backing vocals and delicate melody this glowing rosy-cheeked track is a charming debut filled with passion, love and affection.
Chris Short will be releasing his debut single “Your Smile” in The Vintage Room at The Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin o n 14th February . Chris will be joined on the night by the amazing Carol Faherty and the dynamic duo Novaton.
Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘Love, Wait for Me’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.
‘Love, Wait for Me’ is a sweet melodic number. Hegan creates a majestic and beautiful backdrop for his tender honest track. With wispy soundscapes of chiming guitars and ethereal twinklings the track builds becoming more dynamic and heart rushing. As the track progresses Hegan holds your heart in his hand allowing the instrumental backdrop blossom, becoming more hopeful and heartwarming. With a honeyed delicate melody caressed by Hegan’s passionate vocals and the earnest pulsing beat -this sincere and utterly emotive track drifts with elevating intensity and warmth.
About the track Hegan says : “ I intended to write ‘Love, Wait for Me’ about losing one’s sense of place in the world, which is a pretty common theme for me. However, as time passed, the song took on a slightly more specific direction I didn’t expect, and ended up being more about approaching adulthood and the challenges that poses to one’s identity. It’s probably the most brutally honest song I’ve ever written (getting older and gaining responsibility scares the shit out of me) and for that alone I’m deeply proud of it. The photo that features on the cover art was taken around the turn of the millennium on the North West coast of Ireland, and the man in the picture is my Dad. The photo made perfect sense to me in relation to the song; here was a man at the head of a large family taking an isolated moment on the beach, one of very few moments he would have for just himself and his thoughts. I’m beyond lucky to have an example such as my father, and I guess this song is one for him and me. When adult life and all its hardship comes knocking, how do you do justice to yourself and those you love? “
Sal the Musician has released his fourth single ‘Drown’. Sal released three singles in 2019 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. He also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists including Australian alt-rock legends You Am I.
‘Drown’ shakes up Sal the Musician’s emotive songwriting as he displays helpless and confused emotions through rich crashing and striking musicianship. Lacing his honest lyrics in warm and dramatic brass elements Sal builds the track superbly into an explosive, tense crescendo. With a sweet isolating melody, punchy beat and striking chords on guitar, Sal attempts to create the clenching, suffocating and painful effect of observing a loved one going through an anxiety attack and feeling helpless in the face of it. The blazing turmoil created between the guitars and rhythm is masterful and echos the pain within the lyrics as Sal creates another gripping, hard hitting track. Sal is going on tour as support for “KUDOS” in February in support of the single. He will be playing shows in Cork, Limerick and Waterford .
Isreali Singer/songwriter Guy has released his debut single ‘Breaking Down’. Also a successful entrepreneur, Guy has been featured in Inc Magazine, Forbes and USA Today with his high profile SEO company. ‘Breaking Down’ is his first foray in to music, leading the charge with the triumphant ‘Breaking Down’ which will be followed by two more singles in February ahead of the debut album later this year.The new release is heralded by a highly produced music video, underlining the dark undercurrent of ‘Breaking Down’.
‘Breaking Down’ is a raw love ballad. Guy builds emotion through anthemic rock elements and dramatic electronics. With brooding verses building into dynamic instrumental breaks and powerful choruses- it’s a powerful debut. The track has a massive 80’s rock vibe with tender breaks and melancholic key injections as soaring guitar solos glissade across a punchy foundation and flashing dark electronics.This contrasting sweetness and bitter harsh soundscapes create a wonderful turmoil and tearing effect that is quite compelling. Guy went all in for his expressive debut.
Isaac Butler has just released his eagerly anticipated new single ‘Young Forever’ – produced by Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script, The Academic). It follows previous singles ‘Moon Song’ and ‘Rescue Me’ which have racked up 1 million streams on Spotify. ‘Young Forever’ follows a jam-packed 2019 which saw Isaac Butler play a sold out headline show in Whelan’s and a host of festival dates around the country including Electric Picnic and Kaleidoscope.As well as gearing up to head back into the studio, Isaac Butler is set to take to the stage for his second headline show at The Sound House, Dublin on Friday 3rd April having sold his debut headline show in Whelan’s last November.
‘Young Forever’ boasts Isaac Butler’s heartfelt songwriting as he drenches a climactic sing-along chorus in anthemic soundscapes. With a pulsing beat driving the adrenaline-filled tension the track builds beautifully into its wholesome chorus. It’s a cinematic burst of musicianship that is sure to spark careless indulgence in all who hear it while creating a freeing sense of euphoria. With ethereal guitars and exhilarating backing vocals ‘Young Forever’ is quite the catchy radio-ready gem.
Speaking of ‘Young Forever’ Isaac Butler said: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented Irish producer Philip Magee on ‘Young Forever’. To me the song is about a time in my life with no worries and no responsibilities and I really feel we captured that sense of freedom.”
We sat down to have a chat with singer songwriter Laura Elizabeth Hughes before her show at TRADFEST 2020 in Lost Lane Dublin. We talked about her emotional and majestic songs and how she crafts them as well as her plans for her next release.
Sion Hill has just released the eagerly awaited ‘Last Minute’, his second single on Warner Music Germany following “Fuel Kids” earlier this year. Hailing from Ireland, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer (real name Nathan Johnston) currently lives in London. His debut album “Elephant” was released in 2017 via Clouds Hill Records. ’Last Minute’ is about when Johnston missed his train from London to Liverpool for a writing session with his producer, Rich Turvey (Blossoms, The Choral). Johnston and Turvey decided to build this experience into a portrayal of a budding relationship that is overshadowed or propelled by his latecomer streak.
‘Last Minute’ is a smooth, groove-drenched number as Johnston dips slinky 60’s -esque swagger into a fizzy pop sprinkled coating to create something truly infectious and chic. Its glossy exterior has a suave and endearing charm as Johnston’s rasped warm vocals coo with a soulful tone while the honeyed melody seeps effortlessly into the ears. Sprinkled with a catchy hook, vibrant guitar, bubbling beat and sensual bass – the track is steeped in panache and charisma with tropical sensibilities. It’s an exceptionally sleek song, well crafted and refined as Johnston fleshes out his infectious pop musicianship with intricate and refreshing twists of zest and timeless qualities.
About the track Johnston said : “It’s not so much an apology to one person for not showing up on time, but more of a general statement that sometimes things can be more interesting when they are spontaneous, I don’t like letting people down, so I’m trying to get better with my timing, but at the same time, I leave a lot of things to the last minute. There’s something slightly freeing about not having plans and I love those evenings when I go out with no real plan and just see where the night takes us. I love surprises and being spontaneous always keeps me on my toes. It has allowed me to meet so many interesting people and have so many crazy and amazing experiences.”
23-year-old singer-songwriter Mason Summit has released his new single, “‘Round January”. The track is Summit’s first release since 2018’s critically-acclaimed protest song, “Thoughts & Prayers.’Round January’ was engineered by Jim Doyle at Doyle Audio, and features Jim Doyle on drums and tambourine with Harrison Whitford on slide guitar.
’Round January’ is an emotive, sweet little ditty that drifts delicately on mellow, soft instrumentation as Mason Summit showcases his vulnerable progressive musicianship. Warm acoustic guitar strums through the verses while the lamenting slide guitar and steady beat create a beautiful melancholic texture. The track gradually builds into a passionate chorus as Summit slips into his honeyed falsetto. With its dreamy woefulness and subtle instrumental intricacies Summit creates a lulling pool of hopeful-hued melancholia to submerge ourselves in on a dull January day.
About the track Summit Says: “I wrote the song in Sean Holt’s songwriting class at USC. The prompt was to write a song for our eighth-grade selves. My father died in January of 2008, so it’s always been a difficult month for me. My goal with ‘‘Round January’ was to write a hopeful song while still acknowledging how hard it can be to stay positive. The song especially resonates with those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder in the fall and winter months.“
David Keenan graced the hallowed halls of The Olympia Theatre last night. A singer songwriter with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals – you might think his set would be quiet and poised with brief hand claps from a drowsy lethargic gathering however that’s not how Keenan rolls … nor his followers for that matter. Exuding mesmerising rock ‘n’ roll charisma, Keenan brought the roof down as he filled The Olympia Theatre with his vibrant, emotive and passionate tunes. The crowd hung onto every word bellowing out the lyrics, each syllable meaning the world to them and all of this was met with humble gratitude from the headliner.
Keenan stands behind a white screen with just his silhouette visible to the crowd. The audience cheer in anticipation. Many of them gushing “ I love him… he’s really pretty” as he poses ready for the canvas to lift and relieve the suspense. Of course Keenan maintained the solo stripped back intimacy that has gathered this dedicated following over the years, performing ‘Big Boys Must Cry’ and ‘Full Stop’ with no band and just his guitar. He is comfortable in the picturesque setting of The Olympia. His larger than life persona and poetic lyrics resound throughout the venue touching every single person who was there as the crowd bellow back his lyrics in worship.
“We made it to the Olympia Theatre, we did this together let’s celebrate together tonight as one“ and that was certainly what it felt like – a massive celebration of an artists well deserved, stellar climb to a sold out show in one of Ireland’s most prestigious and sought after venues. Keenan holds the audiences attention with ease as they await with bated breath to clap, sway or sing along. He stands majestically onstage – prancing, spiraling and jumping creating entertainment with every dramatic hand flail or stride. Like all the best shows a lot of planning went into this performance. There was a joyous gradual beginning, an intermission of sorts with a wonderfully talented Aerial Hoop performer, a thrilling second half and phenomenal encore which saw Keenan return to the stage being cheered like a hero. Members of the crowd were embracing, shouting “go on lad!” and “love you Dave!” as he belted out powerful favourites ‘Lawrence Of Arcadia’ and ‘Postcards From Catalonia’.
Live, Keenan’s tracks ignite into beautiful flairs of wonderful colour and vibrant textures as he fashions the audience into a circle of friendship and comradery. With a band behind him Keenan is unstoppable.
As the first half of the set swings into ebullient motion we see the familiar side to Keenan’s musicianship, the folky-hued, more traditional-tinged aspect. A lush and utterly mesmerising rendition of ‘Two Kids’ sees Keenan duet with Laura Burke. Their sweet, warm tones melt into one another, gently drifting the track to a new, exciting and beautiful dimension. This time stopping arrangement is a special moment within the set list and members of the crowd hug and sway while others weep. Keenan writes tracks that evoke a multitude of emotions but this specific moment took the crowd from dancing and singing to embracing and swaying in teary joy while electric bulbs and flashing lights illuminate the stage.There is a professional yet passionate approach to Keenan’s live shows that is quite admirable. He knows what gets his audience hyped up but there is an authentic and heartfelt backbone to his polished performance that leaves a raw and honest residue.
The second half of the set brings drums, guitars (with some shredding solo’s) and a hint of grit into the show. Here Keenan tries his hand at being somewhat of a rockstar of sorts. He succeeds.A shout of “ haon, dó, trí, ” from Keenan rumbles above the drum thuds as ‘Unholy Ghosts’ initiates the more dynamic aspect of the show. There doesn’t appear to be a soul in the venue who doesn’t know all the lyrics to every track on the recently released ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ album. ’The Healing’ and ‘Good Old Days’ have the crowd in a flurry of adored mania. ‘Alter Wine’ is utterly enthralling live – Keenan delivers the track with intense, earnest vigor as his strong vocals ricochet over the intoxicating melodic riff on guitars and strings.”Join hands with the person next to you.. lift them up” Keenan shouts as the entire venue sings the “Rain, rain, go away, I’ll come down another day” lyrics of ’Love in a Snug’. He doesn’t compromise quality as his striking vocal range refuses to falter while being met with mass applause for the lengthy notes in ‘ Tin Pan Alley‘.
The encore brings more tears as a woman near me announces “Oh my god i’m going to cry” for ‘A Corner Boy’s Lament’ and yes she absolutely did. As she sobbed in the audience, on stage Keenan is giving it his all with his acoustic guitar. He tenderly presents this emotive song, perhaps unknowingly, creating or connecting to a special and personal moment with a lot of his audience. ‘James Dean’ and ‘Badlands’ continues the ecstatic sing and clap along while ‘Subliminal Dublinia’ aptly brings the show to an explosive finale as Keenan shouts “this is the end of the beginning not the beginning of the end”.
There is no denying that Keenan deserved to be headlining The Olympia last night. His musical prowess is inspiring. He has the ability to rally and passionately ignite the audience through his powerful, emotive tracks and meaningful lyrics. As the confetti cannon erupted into the venue the lights illuminated the crowd’s smiling, proud faces.They cheered and applauded this young man who has worked relentlessly to craft and carve his sound without compromise. Keenan has created something unique that binds strangers together and provides an atmosphere of elation. His tracks are his medium of release, a therapy of sorts but they are perhaps so much more to the crowd of fans gathered in that venue last night.. ready to celebrate this milestone with him.
Author : Danu
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Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
