Under Starling have released their new single,’ Purple Heights’ Under Starlingare an alternative rock band originating from Dungarvan, Waterford comprised of brothers Danny (lead vocalist and guitarist) and Tommy Dunford (Drums, Vocals) as well as Colin Drummey (Bass) and Alex Pollock (Keys, guitar and vocals).’Purple Heights’, is a unique release in commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the end of the Irish War of Independence.
‘Purple Heights’ is an atmospheric cinematic tune that boasts the first-rate instrumental prowess of Under Starling. The band begin the track with auto-tuned vocals and light indie instrumentation filled with bright guitar and buoyant beats before expanding into a more ethereal and tense electronic soundscape. The band build and layer the track superbly, injecting more alternative heavy instrumentation between traditional lilts to create a consuming and unique listening experience. ‘Purple Heights’ is a vivid and musically lush tune that showcases a diverse and sonically intriguing side to Under Starling.
About the track, the band said: “Purple Heights was written in commemoration of the 100-yearanniversary of the end of the Irish War of Independence. Danny, lead singer, was inspired by his great-grand-uncle, Pat Keating, who was killed in an event during the War known as the Burgery Ambush (March 18th-19th, 1921) just outside of our hometown of Dungarvan.”
Soda Blonde have released their debut album ‘Small Talk’ via Velveteen Records, the entirely self-produced album sees the group reflecting on their twenty-something experiences with refreshingly honest transparency. All four band members (Faye O’Rourke, Adam O’Regan, Dylan Lynch and Donagh Seaver-O’Leary) are seasoned musicians, despite their youth. They have been playing together since their early teens, with their previous band – the internationally renowned Little Green Cars, whose seminal debut album skyrocketed to number one on the Irish album charts.
‘Small Talk’ is a collection of musical marvels that showcases the magic and brilliance of Soda Blonde’s artistic musicianship. Filled with cinematic undertones and heart-rushing emotional moments, the four-piece have created a body of work that seems to flow like a soundtrack to a movie. ‘Tiny Darkness’ acts as the prelude to the album. Opulent soundscapes of elegant staccato strings, lush harmonies and lamenting piano introduce the listener to the musical wonder that is Soda Blonde while O’Rourke’s sweet, lulling vocal brings to life the vivid imagery within the lyrics “They said that I could be a star, But I bent out of my shape, I’m like a washed-up tv host, Watching back old tapes”. The track is a fine example of the band’s blossoming sound and poetic lyricism and a fantastic opener for a debut album.
There is an air of mystery and a relatable theme of self-discovery within the tracks on the album, however, hidden beneath the instrumentation is an undercurrent of melancholy. This aspect is deftly expressed throughout the album in different ways for example the spacious brooding atmosphere in ‘The Dark Trapese’ exudes a deep sense of loneliness while dark synths and the eerie, shimmery lustre of ‘In The Heat Of The Night’,and hypnotic guitar refrain within ‘Terrible Hands’ all allude to the element of sadness within the tracks while O’Rourke’s lyrical mastery cuts deep with honest tales of heartbreak and insecurities.
An intriguing aspect of Soda Blonde is O’Rourke’s storytelling ability which takes the listener on a journey through the inner workings of the singer-songwriter’s mind. Through poignant lyrics and effective use of stream of consciousness, the listener begins to truly understand the artist’s thoughts and emotions. This is shown in the utterly magnificent ‘Holy Roses’ – “so many fights, so much nothing in the bed, so many railroads that don’t lead to anything…” and ‘Try’ as O’Rourke aptly describes the complexities of navigating through the constant tasks of modern life – “Gotta get a job, Gotta go to work, Gotta find yourself? Then Meet me afterwards”.
Throughout the album, Soda Blonde display their deft musical prowess. Each track is lavishly adorned in shimmering synths, sensual basslines and virtuoso guitar embellishments that is simply a joy to listen to, however, ‘I Still Have Feelings For You’ highlights the power within the band’s minimalist arrangements. Combined with gentle guitars and a soft beat beneath O’Rourke’s emotive vocals, the song ventures into the band’s more folk-pop sound and is a time-stopping moment on the album that leaves the listener dumb-struck by the tracks lyrical beauty and musical grace.
‘Choices’ brings the album to a close similar to how it started with cinematic, swooping strings and vivid soundscapes that pulse and surge with emotion while a bittersweet melody drives the songs catchy alternative pop sensibilities. The band bring the album full circle, however within the lyrics we get a sense of empowering confidence as the four-piece leave us on a pondering thought that our choices can lead to a sense of liberation. Interestingly, as the last notes of the track fade to silence the album doesn’t feel as if it’s a conclusive end. It resembles more of a cliffhanger which is quite refreshing to experience on an album.
Small Talk is an emotional and beautiful work of art. The band have been honing their craft meticulously, and the result is a breathtaking debut that cements Soda Blonde’s position as one of Ireland’s most exciting bands. Press play and enjoy
Hailing from Ireland, Singer/ songwriter Keith Coleman has released his latest single, ‘Hangover’. From starting to write music at the age of sixteen, Keith Coleman has gone from recording demos in his bedroom on a regular basis to recording a full record in a studio setting – ‘Hangover’ being the very first release under his name. The album is only the beginning of his musical journey, and he is ecstatic to show his fans what he has planned for the future.
‘Hangover’ is a catchy ditty sprinkled in Coleman’s infectious, upbeat and wonderfully melodic songwriting. Laced in bright, jaunty guitar refrains and perky rhythms, the track has an instant charm and uplifting quality. Coleman adds a shuffling beat and danceable swagger to the track as he fleshes out his alternative pop to create a relatable and fun tune to indulge in. Coleman’s smooth vocals melt over the sweet melody as he coos over playful lyrics which discuss drinking to get away from a naggy relationship. His cheerful delivery, glorious melodies and vibrant instrumentation makes ‘Hangover’ a catchy anthem sure to have you singing along in no time.
Subterranean Sessions – Songs From Beneath The Surface Of The Earth
Airs on RTE 2 on Thursday, July 15th at 22.30h
Filmed In The Spectacular Surrounds of the Mitchelstown Cave
Featuring Stunning Performances from Lisa Hannigan, Gavin James,
Paul Noonan, Lyra, Talos, Eve Belle, Moncrieff and Róisín O
Filmed in the atmospheric and awe-inspiring caverns of the Mitchelstown Cave, Subterranean Sessions will air on RTE 2 on Thursday, July 15th at 22.30h.
Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth, is presented by Róisín O and Barry Murphy (Hermitage Green) and features stunning performances from Lisa Hannigan, Gavin James, Paul Noonan, Lyra, Talos, Eve Belle, Moncrieff and Róisín O.
Recorded live, Subterranean Sessions was filmed in the beautiful Mitchelstown Cave in December 2020. The superb acoustics and the vast natural auditorium of the cavern makes for a unique and unforgettable concert experience.
With a diverse and talented range of artists performing, this is sure to be a spectacular night of music. From the passionate and ever-changing sound of Moncrieff, the mesmerising alternative pop of Lyra, and Eve Belle to the timeless vocals of Lisa Hannigan, Róisín O and Paul Noonan, it’s one not to miss.
Producer Shane Dunne says: “At the point this was recorded we as an industry hadn’t worked or seen our colleagues for months. While we are still very much in the worst impacted industry of the pandemic, recordings like this were such a special few days for artists and crew alike. It was a chance to feel normal, to feel valued and to see brilliant artists express themselves in a beautiful location. Now as we hopefully see green shoots and look to the future, it’s nice to look back to those dark December days in South Tipperary and believe this time, that some summer night we’ll see our friends again.”
Subterranean Sessions was part-funded by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media through the Live Performance Support Scheme.
Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth will air on RTE 2 on Thursday 15 July 2021 at 22.30h.
23-year-old Irish songwriter Papa Rua has released his new single ‘G.B.T.M’.Starting out as a Dublin busker, Papa Rua diverges from the Glen Hansard / Dermot Kennedy sound, identifying more with the burgeoning grassroot Irish hip hop / Drill / Afrobeat scene, with Papa Rua holding the torch for Soul and R&B. His past two releases ‘Lorna’s Song’ and ‘Not In My Name’ were released as part of live sessions, earning Papa Rua a growing dedicated online and local fanbase. His debut EP ‘103’ is expected to drop later this year. Written spontaneously during a session for his upcoming EP ‘103’, ‘G.B.T.M’ portrays male vulnerability with sincerity and care. Finding the market saturated with hyper-masculinity, Papa Rua wanted to shine a light on real experiences that contradict this narrative.
‘G.B.T.M.’ is a tune that displays the soulful sound of Papa Rua. This charming track flows with mellow soundscapes to create a dreamy laid back listening experience. Papa Rua layers the song superbly as he creates supple textures through luxuriant melodies and infectious grooves, while the elastic bassline, intricate percussion, and beats add a gritty edge to the song’s soundscape. ‘G.B.T.M.’ showcases Papa Rua’s impressive, mature and irresistible soulful sound and marks him as an artist to keep an eye on.
Multi-platinum recording artist/award-winning actor Shayne Ward has released his first original single in six years, ‘Crazy In Love’. I caught up with the singer to chat about the new single, working with Swedish DJ, Record Producer, and Grammy Nominated Artist StoneBridge as well as what he has planned for the coming months.
“I just wanted to create something that makes people smile and, you know, just that love is love. You should be allowed to love who you want, when you want, and that it’s [love] out there for you and when you get it, just embrace it and go crazy with it. I was really pleased when I collaborated with producer StoneBridge. How he just completely brought it to life and it’s been received so well by my fans. I’m pretty pleased with it.”
“I’m a big fan of StoneBridge, from the early 90s, and I think in this game now, one of the great things or the positives that you can take from social media is that you can reach out to people directly in DM’s and things like that and, as long as you’re not afraid of getting the answer no, which, I’m not afraid of, you know, I’m okay with no’s. But you just reach out to them and, I said I’d love to collaborate and do something and he was all for it. He’s been great ever since and he’s now a mate. So we’ve been working together for quite some time now so we’ve written quite a few songs. We’re just pleased with this one. I’m just happy to have something out for the summertime and something new for myself, like you said it’s been six years since I’ve had an original song out”
It’s difficult to not let the fear of rejection affect you. Especially when you are an artist and you have poured your soul into a song. It’s a very personal thing, and people in general automatically fear rejection. It takes a thick skin to put yourself out there.
“ At the end of the day you’re gonna get a handful of no’s.You will get a few yeses, and you just have to keep persevering and don’t take it too personally. It’s nothing to do with your talent. It just might not be right for that person you’ve approached, they might not want to do something with you or they might be working on a different project, which is absolutely fine. I believe that everything comes full circle and if you really want to work with somebody, you try them again at a later time. But yeah, I mean in my life now, I’m 36. I’ve been working on new material since last year writing and pitching things for films and I feel in a really good place and I felt in the right place now to just start releasing new music again, especially for my fans who have been so loyal to me over the years.”
As Ward drove down by the coast in Cornwall, we discussed how he wrote ‘Crazy in Love’ and the catchy trumpet hook that features in the song
“Yeah, it came quickly. It’s quite wordy but it came quickly once I knew what the concept was, what it was about. I’m pretty good with lyrics in general so it was quite a quick process. I just recorded the vocals in my studio, sent the demo over to StoneBridge and yeah like I said he just completely brought it to life and before we knew it we had the track and then I set about getting the video made.”
“I always wanted to do something with a trumpet, it just reminds me of summer. There’s so many great songs out there with the trumpet. So when I was creating this demo for this song. I was looking at what samples I had on the music programs themselves like Logic, and I found this one or two great little samples, I kind of chopped it up, and made it sound the way that it did and put it on the track and StoneBridge put it in great places and before we knew it, it was like wow this is actually really cool”
The creation and layering of a track is a fun and fascinating part of creating music. I wondered if Ward found it overwhelming when he got to the studio and saw all the different sounds you can bring to the song.
“ I think more than anything, you’ve got to be willing, unless there’s a certain way you want a song to sound. Then you go out all guns blazing and you have a chat with the producer and say look this is how I want it to sound, just bring it to life like this. Or, you basically trust in the process which is, look, I know what you can do, this is what I can do. Show me what you’ve got. I sent StoneBridge the demo. What he sent back is not too far away from the actual original demo in terms of a lot of the sounds and the trumpet. I think at the end of the day, you’ve got to let someone else’s creativity become part of the project and then, that’s when the magic happens, But if you feel like you’ve already created the magic then you know, as long as you get the right producer on board he’ll produce it for you exactly how you want it to sound and I always like to find inspiration from elsewhere as well, that’s what helps my songs grow.”
‘Crazy In Love’ is an exciting new release, especially for fans who have been eagerly waiting for Ward to release music. We discussed whether an EP or album was in the works to follow the single.
“No, not at all I mean for me personally it was just about getting something out, I think realistically in this day and age in terms of the big numbers that a lot of the big stars do now you can’t really compete, you’re not gonna compete with the numbers of The Weeknd or [Lady] Gaga or Ariana Grande or [Justin] Bieber. So for me it was like, it’s been six years. It feels nice now because we’ve all fallen into this situation which is the pandemic. Where we’re all housebound so it felt right for me to start writing again. I just want to keep releasing music, I am working to hopefully complete a brand new album, which is exciting, and maybe early next year, that would be awesome to release it, but for right now I’ve got a good few other sideline projects that I’m involved with. Fans can just keep checking my socials as normal, and yeah, I’ll be updating them.”
Like many artists, the pandemic put a halt in Ward’s days due to lockdowns and such. This downtime sparked his decision to potter about in the studio and see where his creative thoughts took him.
“Yeah so the songwriting had stopped because I was just so focused on the acting in general. I didn’t feel like I had the mind capacity to try and think of anything new lyrical wise for a song because I was so engrossed in the storylines that I was doing. But yeah, naturally because of the pandemic it threw me back into the studio which I’m sure it did to a lot of people because you can’t go out and act anyway. So yeah, it was a perfect opportunity where I was like okay, let me relax, let me see how my creativity feels right now and it did. Once I turned on the computer and set everything up, microphone turned on I was away and I’ve been writing since last year so I’ve got a lot of great songs and I’m just so excited and stoked to get out there.”
2021 marks the 15th anniversary of Ward’s multi-platinum self-titled album. I wondered if he had any plans to celebrate the occasion.
“Well it kind of reminds me that I’m getting older. It’s 15 years. But, I think it’s such an achievement, to say that I’ve had, the amount of albums I have had, I’m just delighted, yes. I think unless I can get out and have a nice Guinness in a pub, I think it would just be a cup of tea and I’ll just say cheers to myself.”
Ward has had a diverse and successful career so far; an award-winning role as Aidan Connor on Coronation Street, winner of the second series of The X Factor, selling over three million records worldwide,15 global platinum albums and number one in nine countries. Ward has also had success on the theatre stage in the production of “Rock of Ages” as Stacee Jaxx in London’s West End as well as the touring productions of “The War of the Worlds” and “Band of Gold” and has also starred in the Tom Paton directed feature film “The Ascent”. I wondered with a diverse and well-rounded career so far, if he has any advice for aspiring musicians and actors.
“More than anything, it’s just trust your gut. I think the hardest thing as well is, a lot of people can’t take criticism and that’s not a fault. It’s not. You’ve just got to be willing to grow and be willing to listen and ask questions, and that covers both the acting and the singing side. If you want to progress in this industry, whether it’s acting or singing, trust your gut, believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t feel that something’s right, trust your instincts, but also be willing to learn.That’s one of the most important things, is to be willing to learn and let people see that you’re there to learn as well.”
With everything slowly opening up and live shows potentially coming back. Ward tells me about his hope to go on tour and what he has planned for the coming months.
“Oh yeah, I really want to. I’ve seen so many people’s shows being announced and then being postponed. I think we all want to get back doing shows. I think what’s great now is I have a new song out there and more stuff that’s gonna be coming out hopefully before the end of the year and, yeah, I can get myself a show over in Ireland, and you know that’s down to my fans over there just enjoying the song, download and streaming it and that’s actually what gets me over to Ireland, so fingers crossed.”
‘Crazy in Love’ is an upbeat summer bop laced in intricate soundscapes, biting electronics and glorious melodies. It’s a fantastic return from Shayne Ward and provides a glimpse into the tunes Ward will release next.
Ria Rua has released her new single, ‘Asking For It’.Ria Rua is a modern Irish female electronic art-pop singer, songwriter and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer and touring the world with orchestras, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and she was awarded International Artist of the Year 2020 by Nova Radio in the UK. Ria writes about power, love, obsession and control. Her debut single was about the global response to the coronavirus pandemic and has become a staple on Irish national radio. She has been awarded several Irish Arts bursaries, including the highly coveted Irish Arts Council’s National Music Bursary (2020) and has plans to release more singles in 2021, followed by her debut album.
Shrouded in gripping, nail-biting tension and unnerving electronics ‘Asking For It’ is a thrilling new single from Ria Rua. The track pulses with dark undertones as the artist blends heavy moments of EDM with head-spinning synths and techno flourishes. A dazed backdrop reminiscent of a rave has a muggy, lulling effect on the senses while Ria Rua’s vocals maintain an unimpressed matter of fact tone throughout. The striking lyrical content hits hard with bruising force as the artist pulls no punches, “people used to say to me you don’t walk around in short skirts cause they know what you’re asking for. No, it’s just implied cause you’re asking for it”. Boasting masterful production and thought-provoking lyrics ‘Asking For It’ is a fine example of Ria Rua’s boundless musical talent. Looking forward to hearing much more from Ria Rua.
Limerick-based alternative rock outfit Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets have released their new single ‘shine’.This is the third single from their ‘crazy, how we live like this’ collection. As per usual the band recorded and produced the track themselves, with their drummer, Gavin Murray, mixing it. The track is set to come out under the Limerick-based collective, BitDepth.The band have been busy the last six months gaining over 18k on Spotify. They have released three singles and an EP with collaborator and producer, Culla. They also have plenty more to come, with three more singles set to come out from their ‘crazy, how we live like this’ collection.
‘shine’ is an anthemic tune that boasts the emotive and stirring musicianship of Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets. The band caress the ears with a soothing sweet melody while bubbling rhythms create a tense and melancholic atmosphere to start before the chorus reveals a more uplifting undertone. Flynn’s smooth vocals exude tenderness and emotion throughout as he coos, “are we getting there?, are we losing our sweet time?. We’re going nowhere” over a building flurry on guitars and synths. The track gives way to a mighty, heartfelt crescendo as delicate guitar plucks and lofty western-esque refrains chime between cinematic builds on synth and driving drum progressions. Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets pack oodles of passion into their songs. This richness in emotion expressed through moving lyrics and evocative instrumentation is what makes Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets a band to treasure.
About the track, Flynn said:“This track is one that I’ve had for a while. I wrote it when I was going through a really tough time mentally, and it helped see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have been playing it live for some time, so I’m delighted its finally out in the world.”
Rising Cork trio, Rowan have released their new single ‘Nothing’s Gonna Change’.It’s the second track to be lifted from their upcoming EP Everybody Talks, due on July 23rd via their new label home, LA’s Beverly Martel. Born out of the early pandemic last year, when the three accomplished musicians were forced into a hiatus from session work, Rowan are fast becoming one of the most exciting new Irish acts around.
Showcasing the band’s deft musicianship and exciting blossoming sound, ‘Nothing’s Gonna Change’ is a tight, well-crafted gem. Rowan weave bright guitar refrains into a punchy drum and rugged bassline combo to create a gripping, adrenaline-inducing blend of indie rock with luscious pop sensibilities that is a joy to listeners’ senses. The track’s empowering lyrical theme is enhanced by the bubbling instrumental backdrop while moody undertones brood throughout as Dylan Howe’s deep vocals express the hard-hitting lyrics “ wasting daylights worse than intentional stealing”. Filled with majestic guitars and biting bass lines, ‘Nothing’s Gonna Change’ is a fantastic new tune sure to be stuck in your head for days.
About the track, Dylan Howe explains: “Nothing’s Gonna Change” talks about “coming out of your shell, gaining your self-confidence and growing into yourself”
Edinburgh singer-songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘Milk and Flowers’.Wallace presents a stomping dynamic indie rock track that boasts his sharp songwriting and energetic musicianship. Filled with edgy guitar riffs that pierce through a dense rhythmic wall of sound the track is well crafted, full-bodied and the perfect example of Wallace’s catchy passionate sound. Punchy instrumentation pivots around a sweet yet power-driven melody to create a strong and angst-hued tune full of gusto enhanced by blazing guitars that slice through resounding bass rumbles and relentless drum thrashings. As the song swarms to its hair-raising crescendo, Wallace howls “I’m not gonna wait on you no more” while haunting vocals echo his frustration in the background. ‘Milk and Flowers’ is a fantastic new single from Jonnie Wallace.
About the track Wallace said “This track is about not settling for being second best, or being an option, or being treated as a lesser priority. Too many times I have put in the effort to keep in contact, continue a friendship, or form a new relationship with someone, and too many times I have been ignored or treated like nothing important. I poured my angst and frustration into this track and I think it is my best work yet.”
Stream ‘Milk and Flowers’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
