Damian McGinty, star of Glee and Celtic Thunder, has just released his brand new single, ‘Those Were The Days’, A seven-track EP, also titled Those Were The Days, will follow a month after the single drops, on 25 June 2021. Every month of 2021, Damian McGinty has released a new original single, starting with “Fight This Fight” in January and most recently “City of Angels,” released April 30. Damian McGinty has been working with Nashville producer (as well as composer and singer/songwriter) Noah Needleman. Noah Needleman has used his recording expertise to bring life to tracks for Brett Young, Boyz II Men, Allen Stone, and many others. For ‘Those Were The Days,’ Damian also teamed up with Grammy-winning mixer Jon Kaplan, who has worked with artists across the musical spectrum, including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Jonas Brothers, Sara Bareilles, and more.
Those Were The Days’ is a pulsing rush of adrenaline as Damian McGinty displays his fine musicianship through heartfelt melodies and vibrant instrumentation. Folk tones blend with pop sensibilities while a sweet, nostalgic melody sweeps over hearty rhythms and warm guitar refrains. The song builds from supple reminiscent verses to the anthemic chorus with ease, creating the perfect sing-along ditty that is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Well crafted and showcasing McGinty’s immersive sound, ‘Those Were The Days’ is a bright and infectious gem for listeners to indulge in.
Emily 7 have announced their new single ‘Somebody’ will be released on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, June 4th. Hot off the heels of a feature in RTE One’s My Tribe, the Dublin Four-piece are delighted to release a fan favourite from live sets as a single.
‘Somebody’ announces itself in a swarm of indie rock glory as Emily 7 drench their hook-laden sound in gritty instrumentation and oodles of swagger. This stomping anthem swirls into a backdrop of scorching guitars and rampant bass grooves while a pounding bloodthirsty drum foundation creates an infectious beat throughout. Warm rasped vocals anchor the listener within the song’s thrilling soundscape while expressing feelings of angst and longing “everybody’s got somebody I need someone… someone like you gonna take my blues away”. The song drifts between punk, blues flirtations and confident rock embellishments with ease as the band display their deft musical prowess and immersive musicianship. Boasting catchy lyrics, riveting instrumentation and Emily 7’s sharp lyrical content, ‘Somebody’ is a blistering new single sure to be stuck in your head for days.
Australian three-piece band Peach Lane unveil their long-awaited debut EP ‘Take This Day’. Peach Lane explores feelings around growing up and learning to look after yourself in an EP that they describe as cathartic and organic. “These were the first songs we wrote together as a band. They just kind of fell out of us, and it felt really natural and easy.” explain the band, who recorded the EP with producer Louis Montgomery (Peking Duck, Safia, Citizen Kay).
‘Take This Day’ is a lush collection of tracks that showcases the stunning melodic world of Peach Lane. Throughout the EP, the band blends electronics with sweet pop elements to create an ethereal soundscape that is euphoric on the ears. From the supple dance-infused synths and rich rhythmic pulse of ‘Rolling’ to the twinkling sun-kissed indie-pop of ‘Watch Me Leave’, Peach Lane invites listeners to indulge in immersive tracks filled with rich instrumentation and pristine production. The electronics and innocent keys provide a sublime contrast to the harsher moments, allowing the band to blur the lines between genres to create hypnotic tracks with cinematic tendencies – ‘Just The Start’ and ‘Bad Friends’ are fine examples of this, with the latter displaying an intriguing mirage of shimmering guitars that glimmer with psychedelic hues and a bright indie edge. The EP as a whole boasts the diverse and wondrous sound of Peach Lane and is a compelling and glorious listening experience.
Bio: Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches are a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Killarney Co.Kerry, Ireland. Their self-titled debut album, featuring eight all original songs, was released on June 5, 2020. The album is an examination of life by way of rock ‘n’ roll. With eight original songs, each written by O’Mahony, it explores issues such as love, loss, betrayal & defiance. The band have released their new single ‘Preacher’s Daughter’, taken off that album,
Track: Preacher’s Daughter
Why We Like It: The band take their passionate songwriting and spread it over a powerful and evocative backdrop. With warm guitars jangling through steady rhythms and soft keys, the song has a glowing sun-kissed atmosphere with a rock undertone. Boasting an upbeat tempo, smooth, dreamy melody and emotive rasped vocals, this expression of youth, love and freedom is a sublime example of the compelling musicianship of Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches. ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ is a joy to listen to.
Bio: Love Crumbs is a folk-rock and Americana group based in Massachusetts. Known for blending poignant lyrics with evocative vocal storytelling. Their debut single, “Cavalcades,” received critical acclaim from celebrated outlets such as Adobe and Teardrops, Postcard Elba, and Obscure Sound.
Track: Ellipses
Why We Like It: It’s a lush and energetic tune brimming with rich and beautifully arranged instrumentation. The band blends warm Americana through hearty acoustic guitar and rhythmic bounces, while elegant piano surges with jazz hues between graceful strings. Teaming lush harmonies with folk melodies, this song is laced in intertwined arrangements that is simply awe-inspiring. Showcasing a powerful chorus filled with ethereal guitars and punchy drums, Love Crumbs present a catchy emotive tune that boasts their refined and mesmerising musicianship.
Bio: Since the release of his debut EP ‘Astronaut Complex’, Alt Bloom has accumulated over 29 Million total streams, been featured in Billboard, American Songwriter, F L A U N T, among others, and released a hit collaboration with LA rapper gnash with “text talk touch.” Last year while in quarantine, Alt Bloom opted to find new ways to connect with his audience when the rest of the world was shutting down — whether it was putting out acoustic tracks and unreleased music on Soundcloud or hosting ‘Tribe Tuesdays’ on his Instagram and TikTok.
Track: Fly Away
Why We Like It: It’s a catchy new song. Alt Bloom presents a cheery tune surging with positivity and his unmistakable infectious pop sound, Jaunty guitars inject warm tones between soft electronic flurries and energetic beats to create a dynamic and vibrant soundscape for listeners to indulge in while radiant glimmers on electric guitar and Alt Bloom’s smooth vocals chime throughout, gently guiding the listener to the exuberant chorus. The track is an uplifting ode to the moments where we all need to break free. Alt Bloom uses adrenaline rushing melodies, vibrant instrumentation and enthusiastic lyrics to capture this message superbly. ‘Fly Away’ is a charming spark of joy.
Bio: Alt-pop act Saige launched onto the Irish music scene in 2020, and despite just a few months and four singles under her belt (Soothe Me, Ultraviolence, Late Nights, Mama) Saige has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with within the industry. Hailing from Co.Wexford, the singer/songwriter, studied in BIMM and cut her teeth gigging Dublin’s music circuit while developing her unique sound. ‘What Should I Write’ is Saige’s 5th single, taken from her upcoming debut EP.
Track: What Should I Write
Why We Like It: It’s a delicate tune that boasts the mature and earnest songwriting of Saige. Enveloped within a reverb guitar melody, the track has a hazy, almost dreamlike tone. A nostalgic bittersweet melody plays atop a delicate soundscape and is greatly enhanced by the artist’s expressive and mesmerising vocals. Saige’s strong, soothing voice anchors the listener within the song and showcases a musical depth, control and beauty that is simply divine. ‘What Should I Write’ is quite the timeless number that gives listeners a keyhole glimpse into the musical talent that is Saige.
Watch the lyric video for ‘What Should I Write’ below
Ali Tommis
Genre: Singer-songwriter
Bio : Singer-songwriter Ali Tommis has released his new single ‘Make It Better’.Being born into a family of musicians, Tommis was surrounded by music from a young age and began playing piano at the age of three, leading to his passion for writing music at the age of 17.‘Make It Better’ was made during the first lockdown and is about the struggles of being a musician. It is the first song Ali released that he recorded on his laptop as he couldn’t get to the studio due to the pandemic. Ali plays all the instruments and the song was mixed and mastered remotely by Al Groves and Loic Gaillard at The Motor Museum recording studio in Liverpool.
Track: Make It Better
Why We Like It: It’s a cinematic piano-led gem that oozes the emotive and potent songwriting of Ali Tommis. Tommis creates a rock ballad that packs an emotional punch. The song is beautifully arranged with a melancholic piano melody backed by a steady beat and soft atmospherics. As the track builds in intensity Tommis injects electric guitar pines into the soundscape that lifts the song to its dynamic crescendo. Tommis’ rasped rock hued vocals exude emotion and tenderness as he croons and exclaims over the passionate melody. ‘Make It Better’ is a hair-raising and utterly compelling experience that showcases the artist’s mature and captivating sound. Press play and enjoy.
Following their anti-racism debut hit ‘The Birth of a Nation’ and performances at the well-established and highly regarded showcases, Ireland Music Week, Eurosonic and SXSW, Belfast mob Enola Gay make their highly anticipated return with the first track they wrote, ‘Sofa Surfing’.
Riding in on a rampant bassline ‘Sofa Surfing’ is a manic post-punk triumph and a fantastic example of Enola Gay’s exhilarating sound. The song curdles with angst as it ferments within a dark reverb-filled soundscape while sharp guitars lacerate through the deft drum assault. The striking vocals spit venomous lyrics that reveal a deeply personal insight into the fallout of a turbulent chapter in the band’s teens. They discuss how subsequent substance abuse followed an eviction from their home. The swarming instrumentation and abrasive guitar highlights the destruction within the band’s lives at that time as the tune spirals into a psychedelic crescendo of turmoil. Enola Gay are not a band to pull punches. Their first-rate musicianship is laced in raw emotion, passionate songwriting and remarkable musical prowess. ‘Sofa Surfing’ is a spectacular example of this bands blossoming and exciting sound.
Irish singer-songwriter Róisín O has released her new single ‘2023’. The song is the second track taken from her upcoming EP due later this year. ‘2023’ follows on from the hugely successful January release of ‘Heart + Bones’, which brought Róisín O much fanfare and a coveted spot on BBC1 as part of its flagship Six Nations Rugby coverage. ‘2023’ was written with Cian McSweeney (True Tides) and produced by Phil Magee, (Kodaline, Wild Youth, The Script, The Academic, JC Stewart).
‘2023’ is a thrilling banger coated in vivid shimmering pop, lush instrumentation and the wonderfully infectious songwriting of Róisín O. The song sparks into life with elegant piano and soft ethereal soundscapes opening up to a lush synth-pop backdrop and Róisín O’s unmistakable vocals. Displaying dynamic passion throughout, her vocals anchor the listener within the song’s emotional and vibrant melodies that chime with 80’s pop elements, dancefloor-ready rhythms and funky guitar embellishments. The track oozes feel-good vibes through lyrics of optimism and hope for the future while capturing that sense of summer through its instrumental backdrop. ‘2023’ is a captivating tune from Róisín O that is destined for repeat plays.
Speaking about the single Roísín says, “I wrote 2023 in the depths of the 2nd lockdown in Ireland when things were pretty grim. It was a great respite to get into studio with Cian, he has such a contagious, refreshing optimism, and the more we worked on the song the more it became about looking forward to the future with optimism and hope. The release of ‘2023’ comes at such a great time, when the summer is stretching out in front of us and we can imagine being with pals again in a garden, or a field, or a beer garden somewhere. That’s when I imagine ‘2023’ will come on. And everyone will bop”.
Pauric O’Meara has released his new single ‘Final Say’.O’Meara is an independent singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. He has been making his mark on the Irish music scene for quite a few years since his time on The Voice. His raw, powerful vocal has been known to grab people’s attention across many places and many stages. Through the years, he has performed in many top venues around Ireland supporting bands such as Hermitage Green, Hudson Taylor, Billow Wood, Amazing Apples and HAWK but had a breakthrough year in 2019, with 2 successful headline shows in Dublin in The Soundhouse and Workman’s Club, as well as making his Electric Picnic Festival debut.
‘Final Say’ is a fine example of O’Meara’s dynamic sound. Pulsing beats create a sense of tension while subtle wisps of electronics flurry about the verse as O’Meara displays his meticulous musicianship and deft ability to evoke emotion through his songs. It’s an ambitious track that tethers alternative pop to indie sensibilities, enhanced by a plucked guitar refrain that injects a bright indie glow into the song’s backdrop. O’Meara’s sweet voice easily drifts between the brooding verses and mighty chorus while matching the track’s kinetic instrumental elements without becoming overpowering. Boasting a cinematic chorus, expressive soundscapes and driving rhythms, ‘Final Say’ is a compelling and well crafted new single from Pauric O’Meara.
FYA FOX has released her new single, ‘Sunset’. FYA’s debut single, ‘White Lies’, received favourable radio support across the UK and Ireland, including a world exclusive from Radio One’s Gemma Bradley on BBC Across The Line. Her previous two singles, ‘Body’ & ‘White Lies’, have already been supported by 2fm, Today FM and many more. ‘Body’ was added to the BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’ playlist, which features ten new tracks across the BBC Radio Ulster playlist each month and was also added to a number of prestigious Spotify playlists, including ‘Fresh Finds’ (750k followers).
Showcasing mesmerising vocals and a shimmering electronic pop backdrop, ‘Sunset’ is a compelling new single from FYA FOX. The song broods for the verses creating an enticing vast soundscape that flickers with dark alternative pop embellishments, rich textured rhythms, shadowy instrumental elements and soft keys. FYA FOX’s magnificent vocals are the icing on the cake in this track. Her vocal range is stunning and a joy to listen to. Her voice holds an air of majesty as she coos through the verse before echoing delicate harmonies in the dynamic chorus. ‘Sunset’ is a catchy, luxuriantly arranged alternative pop gem and a beautiful example of why FYA FOX is an artist to treasure
Not a band known for holding back, CHANG are back with their new single, ‘Tinderella.’ Already a massive attack on their listeners’ eardrums, CHANG have previously garnered attention from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio X, and this next single promises to do the same. With lyricism that tackles feelings of doom and self-loathing, ‘Tinderella’ epitomises the band’s balls-out energy and trademark unpredictability, to paint a picture of romance, debauchery and crisis. Formed back in 2017 by Punk & Gin enthusiasts Alexandra “Geez” Amargianitakis & Arron “Frankie” Lewis, CHANG have since gone on to become a foursome, enlisting the thunderous low-end handy work of Rafael Martins and the tasty drum bashing skills of Jeff “The Jingle” Ingle. They have brought their fierce sounds to audio-based establishments across the UK and Europe, and have most recently rallied together to create the quartet’s forthcoming second album
‘Tinderella’ displays CHANG’s raw and unruly music in all its glory as the band create a raucous wall of sound filled with gritty guitar riffs, coarse bass rumbles and a thunderous assault on drums. A jogging rhythmic foundation commands manic mosh-ready frenzy while a punk slapped melody bellows throughout. With dynamic vocals exclaiming through the frenzied alternative rock instrumental backdrop, CHANG present a tight and fury infested new tune that tantalizes to the core. This consuming track takes no prisoners and is one for blasting through the speakers.‘TInderella’ is a thrilling ride that marks CHANG as a band to keep an eye on.
Seán Finn has released his new single ‘Old and Grey’. Originating from rural Ireland, Seán Finn is a multi-instrumental songwriter, grounded in pop and jazz. With a few years of songwriting under his belt, Finn’s homespun style provides a warm and inviting soundscape for his listeners. Seán is currently working together with sound engineer Jack Roulston on a project titled ‘Pencil In Regret’. The project consists of 11 songs that were written before and during the pandemic and ‘Old and Grey’ is the second of three singles to be released from this upcoming project.
‘Old and Grey’ is a catchy ditty saturated in Finn’s warm and wholesome musicianship. The song bounces along a playful and bright rhythmic foundation filled with vibrant percussion, twanging guitars and cheery light arrangements. Finn has a sound that exudes charm and ‘Old and Grey’ is an exquisite example of this. From the twinkling jazz -esque piano to lively infectious melodies and earnest lyrics the track surges with radiant, fun vibes and rich instrumentation. Finn crafts the song superbly to create an infectious gem with lyrics that remind us to make the most of our life before it’s too late.
About the track Finn said: “Growing up I always got the impression that the younger generation is supposed to be flexible, the people that roll with the punches as it were, and that much of your younger life is made up of jumping through hoops, making the best out of situations with the hope of landing on your feet. However, I soon realized that people can become cynical at any age. This song should act as a reminder that if you want something in life, you are likely the only person that can make it happen, the motto being ‘Give it a shot, I bet you’ll be alright.”
Stream ‘Old and Grey’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
