Tag Archives: Donal Quinn

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Donal Quinn Live With Support From The Collective At Whelan’s Dublin

January has a reputation for being a dull, cold and uninteresting month however Whelans refused to allow it to dampen their punters mood. With Donal Quinn playing Whelan’s Midnight hour with support from The Collective and The Bowie Ball night featuring tribute act Heroes From Mars to wander into after… they made sure we forgot all our January blues.  

Dublin five piece The Collective kick started the show. The band embrace the task of warming up the crowd with ease. Their pop sprinkled indie tunes which are saturated in sun-kissed tones had a warm and glorious effect on our ears as their honeyed melodies melt upon the effervescent instrumental backdrop.  Even with their bassist Cian Moran missing, the band had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the get go. Their cheeky banter and wonderful indie tunes had the crowd dancing and bopping happily. For a young band about to do their leaving cert they certainly have a charismatic and charming stage presence.Guitarist/vocalists Daniel Clarke and Taylor Byrne constantly engaged with the crowd creating a friendly and fun atmosphere “we want you to sing along even if you think its shite..sing along”. One woman in particular spiraled round the dance floor to every tune hopping, wiggling and twirling to their infectious tunes. They allow her to name one of their songs before they played it so i guess now it’s called “ love your face”.

With songs laced in tasty guitar melodies, groove infested drums and chiming keys the band sprinkle some joyous radiance into the venue. Their tracks are catchy from the unforgettable ‘’la la la la “ of ‘Forgettable’ to the sweet melodies in ‘Friends’ and ‘Love On The Streets’ – they have a solid set list. With quirky guitar moves, slick sweet licks and a charismatic presence the band keep everyone on their toes. Ogylle Salvador lays down the body moving beat while Stefan Isbanda tackles the keys to complete their vibrant vigorous sound. This bands musical talent and youthful energetic sound make them ones to keep an eye on . 

Donal Quinn strolls on stage. His chilled presence slices through the  wild atmosphere created by The Collective. He saunters off the stage to rally the crowd to the front, the crowd happily move forward in anticipation as Quinn begins ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?… ‘. This rapid number re-induces the hyper crowd as they bop along and whoop to his cheeky lyrics. He is alone on stage with just his acoustic guitar which should feel cold and isolating however his presence exudes warmth. He commands the stage..the crowd is enamored by Quinn’s vocal prowess especially for the “ the roof, the roof, the roof is on fire” lyric. Quinn chats between songs and tune ups while galloping through his set list. Dressed all in black there isn’t much fuss.. just good tunes. ‘Twat’, ‘3am’ (which Quinn’s integrates James’ ‘Sit Down’ into the crescendo) and a slick cover of ‘That’s Entertainment’ by The Jam and Arctic Monkeys’ ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ cause subtle swaying and bopping among the crowd as his rasped Drogheda-twanged tonality warms the tracks vibrant melodies. A quirky anecdote about his hair being ruined by rain and wind while filming the video for ‘ Bubble’ has the crowd chuckling as he charms them into the second half of his performance.

Quinn puts oodles of passion and emotion into his tracks and it sometimes translates into, an eyes closed performance, however his emotive and passionate lyrics enthrall the hearts of the audience. A quick exchange of info about his brand of guitar ( it’s a Martin ) and a crowd members Harry Potter scarf lead the way into a sleek medley of Oasis ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Golden Touch’ by Razorlight. It’s a precise, well executed, enjoyable performance and a fantastic end to a night filled with talented Irish artists

Quinn presents his sublime tunes in an acoustic setting with ease and panache. In a live setting his music takes on a new dimension and aesthetic, becoming more intimate and personal. It was a fantastic Friday night in Whelans. Keep an eye on both Donal Quinn and The Collective. They have great potential and give us an indisputable reason to support Irish artists. 


Author : Danu

Check Out Some More Images From The Night Below

Indie, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Bubble’

Following on from the recent success of ‘3 AM’ and ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’ Drogheda based Indie artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Bubble’. This sweet cosy lament, broods upon a swoony melody as Quinn strips back his sound to create a beautiful acoustic gem. Simple in its approach, the vocals drift on a beautiful melody weaving luscious tones throughout. There is sublime pacing in this track – the soft pauses and quicker “oh oh oh oh ohhh” to the drifting off vocals at the end of the verses create a romantic scene as the song trickles gently into the ears. With elegant keys twinkling behind the acoustic guitar ‘Bubble’ is a soft summer glow of soothing bliss as Quinn displays the more tender side to his musicianship. He shows that he can take his knack for composing melodious tunes and remove all the crisp electronics, dance soundscapes and indie blasts to create something truly special. Quinn’s music is blossoming wonderfully and this is perfectly displayed in new track ‘Bubble’.

Stream ‘Bubble’ below 


Author : Danu

Acoustic Set, Indie, Live Music, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Bubble’ Acoustic Preview

Dublin indie artist Donal Quinn is set to release his new single ‘Bubble’ on November 30th. We sat down with Donal a few weeks ago for a chat and a little acoustic set where he performed the charming new track for us in The Sound House Dublin. 

Watch the acoustic version of ‘Bubble’ below

You can follow Donal Quinn on his social media here

Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/DonalQuinnArtist/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/DonalQuinnMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donalquinnmusic/


Author : Danu

A Chat With, Acoustic Set, Interviews, Live Music, New Music, Video Interviews

A Chat With : Donal Quinn

We sat down to have a chat with Donal Quinn in The Sound House Dublin to talk about his new single ‘Bubble’ and his career in music so far. He also performed a sweet acoustic version of ‘Do You Like Spicy Food’.

Watch the interview and Donal’s acoustic version of ‘Do You Like Spicy Food’ Below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Dance, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘3 AM’

Drogheda-based indie artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘3 AM’.This twinkling slow burner drifts beautifully on a nostalgic tone as Donal Quinn meticulously blends his wistful indie with ethereal dance vibes in a seamless and wholly invigorating manner. The track builds from lonesome sweet verses with glistening guitar and angelic key feature to an energetic chorus. Like a breath of fresh air the chorus introduces itself before blasting into a swirling feature of flashing electronics. The dance infused tones inject heart thumping adrenaline into the track. Its catchy with a repetitive “down, down, don’t you let me down” lyrical  refrain that is sure to have a live crowd bellowing back as the track intensifies into its explosive crescendo. Entirely compelling, well written and emotive – Donal Quinn has created another fresh bracing indie dance track.

Stream ‘3 AM’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Dance, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’

Following a string of releases in 2018 and the BBC 6 Music plays of ‘Precious’ last year, Drogheda-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’. This frantic track ignites with blistering guitars as it blazes through at a brisk hyperactive speed. With a punchy beat ricocheting with relentless stamina, this track is a neck snapping belter as Quinn’s swaggered vocals bounce off the catchy melody and witty lyrics. Designed for dancing and jumping manically to, this accelerated track scorches with shrilling guitars that majestically soar through the frantic rhythm while its crashing chorus creates a messy rough texture and gritty quality. Hypnotic and brimming with fiery energy and intensity ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’ is another blazing  track from Donal Quinn.

Stream ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’ below


Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Marrius

Genre: indie electro pop

Bio: Anglo-French newcomer Marrius is an indie electro pop artist who mixes modern electronics with a bluesy classic songwriting edge, Marrius has released his new single ‘Small Talk’ which is the lead single off his debut EP which is out now on Station 5 records. The self titled EP was recorded in Brixton with producer Livingstone Brown and in part with Andy Hall in East London, then mixed in Malaga, Spain and London. He has recently headlined London’s Servant Jazz Quarters and supported wonky indie pop legends Alt-J at the Scala in London.

Track: Small Talk

When asked about the track Marrius Said: “If you’re bored of the same small talk then this is your song. Not being afraid to address these taboo topics to strangers.’ He describes the EP as the result of him, ‘Mixing genres and influences for the last two years. Each song brings you a different side of my influences, whether its Soul, Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic or Pop.”

Why We Like It: It’s a sleek swagger-soaked track saturated in sensual bluesy  steaminess with a healthy dose of electronics splashed on top. So cool and laid back with an infectious groove and hip swaying sultry melody cruising between a sticky beat and vibrant swirling soundscapes this track is one for those swanky strutters for sure. I would recommend checking out the EP too.

You Can Follow Marrius on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/marriusmusic/

Stream ‘Small Talk’ below

 Bengal Lancers

Genre: Alternative Indie Rock

Bio: Formed at University of Leicester in 2012, the group built a cult following culminating in a support slot at the Leicester O2, alongside Rudimental and Wretch 32.They soon re-located to London, playing a string of shows and festivals, sharing the stage with the likes of The Fratellis, Reef and Reverend and the Makers. Backed by a slew of singles and two EPs, the releases of which were all met with acclaim, this four piece comprised of members Harry Sullivan, Max Hutchins, Charlie Hawkins and Aidan Wickham have returned with their latest single ‘Eclipse’

Track: Eclipse

Why We Like It: This little indie gem sparkles with dazzling guitar lines which add flashes of bright scintillation through the punchy beat and dynamic vocals. Tightly wrapped in a melancholic intense melody this track is carefully crafted and polished to perfection with a luscious rhythm section and glorious breezy soundscapes. It’s refreshing, sun kissed and a sublime juicy burst of pop flavoured indie. A strong mature track from the four piece that is so infectious and luscious it’s one to put on repeat.

You Can Follow Bengal Lancers on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/bengallancers/

Stream ‘Eclipse’ below

https://soundcloud.com/bengal-lancers/eclipse

Black Lizard

Genre: garage/psych-pop

Bio: Since forming back in 2008, Finnish garage-rockers Black Lizard have been busy leading the charge in the ever-fruitful Scandinavian underground with their relentless gig schedule and a constant stream of releases. They’ve collaborated with the likes of Anton Newcombe and Sonic Boom (Spacemen 3/Spectrum) and toured Europe several times, appearing at a number of festivals including Great Escape as well as sharing the stage with everyone from Brian Jonestown Massacre, DIIV, The Men, The Horrors, Allah-Las and Veronica Falls. On February 23rd Black Lizard will be releasing their third album, Celebration Of A New Dawn, on London imprint Fuzz Club Records. Recorded in the basement of a rundown 50s movie theatre turned recording studio, the new album is a sublime excursion into Sixties-indebted, washed-out garage-pop. To announce the release, Black Lizard are sharing the video for ‘Window In Time’, the first single to be taken from the new LP.

Track: Window In Time

Talking of the single, the band explain: “Window In Time is psychedelic pop song about enjoying your life the way it is. Most of their lives people seem to look for things they don’t have and spend their time trying to be like someone else, then there might be a point where you realize that you have everything you need right here and right now.”

Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant dreamy haze of blissful psychedelic pop that leaves you tranquilised in a cloud of ecstasy. With bright guitars swirling into a steady rhythm and swoony melody this track is glorious narcotic bliss. Lo-fi velvety vocals echo adding a dreamlike vibe to this calming mind melting track while the woozy sting on guitars add that 60’s garage psych feel that is just simply magnificent.

You Can Follow Black Lizard of Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/blacklizardmusic/

Watch the video for ‘Window In Time’ below

Donal Quinn 

Genre: indie dance

Bio: Following a string of big dance bangers during summer 2017 and the BBC 6 Music plays of “Massif Anthem” late last year, Dublin-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has announced that his new single ‘Precious’ will be released on Feb 8th.’Precious’ which is a  live favourite at gigs, was recorded in Hackney, London with top producer Tom McFall (Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party) and will be available on iTunes, Spotify, Deezer and all other digital distribution outlets.

Track: ‘Precious’

Why We Like It: ‘Precious’ is that wiggle and shimmy track that could coax the most stubborn person onto the dance floor. Get your sunglasses out, cocktails at the ready Mr. Quinn has brought the summer early. Tropical beats and zesty guitar strides introduce this dazzling track with feet shuffling zealousness before the verses and vibrant soundscapes trap you into this luscious infectious tune. Snappy electronics are tightly packed into this jubilant number with a samba feel which creates the most satisfying exuberant track. This fruity song will blast away those cloudy days and abolish all glum thoughts. It’s the definition of a feel-good track. Try not to sing along it’s damn near impossible.

You Can Follow Donal Quinn on Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/DonalQuinnArtist/

Stream ‘Precious’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Twat’

Following a string of big dance bangers during summer 2017 and the BBC 6 Music plays of “Massif Anthem”, Drogheda-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Twat’ which was recorded in Hackney, London with top producer Tom McFall (Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party). With its shuffle slow jam verses and sway ready radio friendly chorus ‘Twat’ is a sing along anthem (well until you pay particular attention to the words). Smothered in soft velvety tones, it’s a sweet melancholic drown your sorrows tune with a few cheeky lyric jabs. Featuring a sombre strong piano chord progression, soft beat and lush melody it has everything you need to create a wistful ear worm. This ditty even comes packed with a steamy sorrowful guitar solo. Its damn catchy and smooth on the ears. Keep an eye out for Donal Quinn.

Stream ‘Twat’ below