Tag Archives: Virtual

Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brian McGrane Live On Virtual

Having spent the last five years touring the world’s most iconic stages from the Sydney Opera House to Radio City New York, Dublin based musician Brian McGrane takes to the zoom platform to perform this week’s Virtual, an online event organised by Fluttertone and DootDoot Records. 

McGrane’s set was brimming with heartfelt emotive tunes and light hearted banter. His warm vocals incorporate ample nuance and expression into his performance. However it’s the quirky moments between the emotive tunes that make his show so charming for example he laughs about forgetting the lyrics to his newly written ‘Just Like You’. He gives thoughtful anecdotes and introductions to his tracks as well as reads out the comments from the audience, explaining “sure it’s the same as people heckling me onstage”.

From the soothing tenderness of ‘Miracle’ to the ethereal ‘Take Your Time’ McGrane demonstrates his ability to write sweet pop songs with catchy melodies which drift into the listeners ears with ease. He plays guitar and keys for this performance as the viewers sway and bop to his beautifully crafted tracks clapping and waving between them to show their support and flooding the comment section with compliments.

The audience last night was treated to songs which are freshly written. ‘Inside Out’ (co written with Roseanna Brown and Hannah Avison) is a beautiful example of the magic created within McGrane’s collaborative writing sessions. This romantic gem wonderfully builds into a cinematic delight as McGrane’s soulful vocals do a fine job of creating a welcoming, warm atmosphere. Not even his dad walking past and knocking at his window affects his performance of this track. The Coldplay -esque ‘Bubbles’ brings the show to a powerful end – a beautifully uplifting track which is just as intimate as it is anthemic. I for one enjoyed his set so much it felt as if time flew by.

A Q&A follows the performance with fans asking McGrane about his favourite piece of gear, advice for a songwriter going into a session for the first time and what one album he would bring if he was stranded on an island. McGrane answers every question honestly and in great detail.

McGrane put on a professional and entertaining show. His performance was clean, passionate and earnest and his tunes hold their own charm and grace. It’s difficult to see how anyone wouldn’t be blown away by his ambition and talent. 

Brian McGrane is set to headline Whelan’s on Friday, November 6th he hopes he can do this in some shape or form so keep an eye out for more details. Until then stream his new single ‘Out Of Control’ below 


Author : Danu

Blues, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Tony Villiers Live On Virtual

Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create an online live music venue, called Virtual using the Zoom platform to host a series of intimate evenings of exclusively live and interactive performances and this week’s Virtual saw Tony Villiers take to the platform for an exclusive performance.

Together with his band ‘The Villains’, Tony Villiers has released three studio albums, receiving ‘Honourable Mentions’ in The International Song Writing Competition, judged by Tom Waits, Robert Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis and Black Francis amongst others as well as a ‘Daily Discovery’ feature by American Songwriter Magazine. On the road with ‘The Villains’ he has played many festivals in Ireland including Kilkenny Roots, Electric Picnic and Stendhal as well as radio plays by Ricky Ross on BBC Radio Scotland, Fiachna Ó Braonáin on RTE Radio and BBC Radio Ulster with Ralph McLean. With an artist like Villier this week’s Virtual was sure to be one heck of a show. 

Villiers’ soothing vocals delight the swaying viewers as his warm croons drift through enigmatic tracks like ‘Mexico’. He dedicates songs to friends as he banters about The “Old” American Bar in Belfast, reminiscing on a time someone bravely danced barefoot there as well as discussing the memories he has of jamming with his band.

Accompanied by his trusty old Spanish guitar ( which was made in 1983 and Villiers claims is “temperamental, doesn’t like the Irish weather” ) teamed with his busted harmonica the show is relaxed and effortlessly fun. Villiers is a passionate and professional performer. His buoyant blues-hued folk songs will charm your foot to tap along or entice you to get up and sway around the room. He bewitches with his smooth melodies, witty lyrics and majestic musical display. Once Villiers begins to play, a cloak of good times nostalgia hides and covers everything hectic that could have happened that day and leaves you in a state of elated jubilation.

With blues elements coupled with indie folk undertones and country twangs along with glorious blasts on harmonica he provides a wonderful and relaxed atmosphere. There is something enthralling about his performance style; maybe it’s the uplifting cruising tunes or the laid back soundscapes of his acoustic set up but Villiers set was a special moment for sure.

He occasionally sips red wine as he greets and gives shout-outs to the viewers while playing recently written tracks such as ‘The End of The World Blues’ and old favourites ‘Rock Salt’ as well as a smashing rendition of Bob Dylans ‘Dream’. 

Villiers has a knack for presenting relatable themes through his charming songwriting however it’s his likable character and effortless persona which ignites his tracks and makes them so enjoyable. The new music he is jamming and working on at the moment is an exciting glimpse of what is next from Tony Villiers.

An intimate Q&A follows the performance with Villiers talking about his biggest obstacles, his new album and how he got through lockdown as well as some wonderful anecdotes about his life. This is an invaluable aspect of Virtual, for fans to get to talk to the artist and have a personal chat in a relaxed environment. Virtual is proving to be an excellent opportunity for both fans and artists alike.

You Can Follow Tony Villiers on Facebook here

https://www.facebook.com/villiersandthevillains


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Rebekah Fitch Live On Virtual

Belfast alternative pop singer/songwriter Rebekah Fitch was the star of last night’s Virtual show organised by Fluttertone and dootdoot Records. With her merch strategically placed on the wall behind her and basked in golden-hued lighting the multi-instrumentalist takes her place ready to perform. The first bars of ‘Another Show’ which opens her set, displays her soulful R&B voice which is a shock to the system – pitch-perfect and masterfully balanced between angel-like sweetness and powerfully demanding. She weaves a few lines from Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ into the crescendo before bringing the track to a hair-raising finale. It is a fantastic opening song, and the rest of Fitch’s set only gets better and better.

Utilizing loops, drum machine and keys Fitch provides a knockout set with a full uncompromising sound. Virtual once again pulls in another outstanding tech genius to perform and boy does it make a difference. There is something special about an acoustic set but it’s these engaging live performances filled with a full bodied sound that ignite the platform.

Fitch makes music composition look easy as she wonderfully blends flute melodies into alternative pop and R&B tracks.This clash of earthy almost classical pop with contemporary allows Fitch to create a collection of compelling music to delight listeners with. ‘Guns With Guns’ is the most acoustic we see Fitch. A simple emotive piano ballad, the track showcases her voice in all its beauty and glory.

Her tracks flourish live and for the first time we get to hear ‘Take Me Apart’ played on piano. This passionate and tender track discussing her feelings during lockdown is a real treat. Fitch possesses all the criteria for major alternative pop stardom, her ability to write songs ( which hit you hard in the chest, exposing feelings you never knew you even had ) is mesmerising while her ear worm melodies, expressive vocals and rich compositions leave all her contemporaries behind. The maturity and understanding in her songwriting is such a soothing and beautiful comfort while the refined layering and instrumentation displays her creative genius.

Fitch is an intense performer sprawling her arms out while soaring through her perfect falsetto and sultry lower range. From the power of ‘Fake Smiles’ to the haunting ‘Not Myself’ we get to see Fitch multi task between loops, flute and big drum and synth builds.This set list is a reminder of the fantastic tunes she has in her arsenal and the new unreleased track ‘Dust’ is an impressive display of her songwriting prowess. Words cannot express how special this song is. It floored me. It’s a  moving track about losing someone you thought you would always have and almost hurts to hear. Each word feels fresh and painful for Fitch as she lays emotion over a bittersweet melody while a building piano graces the backdrop in an equal measure of strength and tenderness.

‘A Love So Crazy’ brings the set to an epic end, leaving us craving for more. This was a professional, fun and engaging performance from a remarkable artist.

In true Virtual manner a Q&A follows the performance allowing fans to ask questions and get into the details of tracks. Fitch’s bubbly persona makes this a seamless and fun engagement as she discusses all from how she creates her tracks, the biggest obstacle she’s had to overcome and how she got into music as well as some technical intricacies about her set up for the live performance. Rebekah Fitch is an amazing artist and one everyone should check out. 

For a taste of the compelling songwriting of Rebekah Fitch check out her track ‘A Love So Crazy’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sam Wickens live on Virtual

AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create a series of intimate evenings of exclusive live performances from the best emerging and established artists.Last night they had the music sensation that is Sam Wickens.

Sam Wickens enchanted the viewers of Virtual last night.There is nothing more special than a performance from Wickens. We saw him in his home studio all geared up and tech savvy. He ventures through tunes with acoustic guitar, synths and reverb as well as some haunting effects. He has become known as the “tech wizard of Oz”, for he has been helping other artists that have performed on Virtual making sure their sound is crisp and clear. However tonight it’s all about the beauty in his songs and majesty of his voice.

Wickens is a passionate performer and exceptional instrumentalist ( he made his synth himself) however it’s the moments of heightened emotion and depth within his songs that takes your breath away – tracks such as ‘I Was’ breaks your heart in a swift, raw and striking instant.His performance is wholly consuming as he ventures between country, soul and folk with ease while subtly adding delicate textures in the background. While having a cheeky little vape during the set as well, Wickens explains he is “mathematically challenged when it comes to song length times “ and planning his time for shows.

Wickens shows the tenderness and emotion in his voice through the immaculate ‘Winter’ while ‘Oh Mother’ displays the rich and soulful marvel of his vocal range. He uses synths and effects to create a haunting atmosphere and reverb. The synths fill out the sound while at the same time emphasising the purest form of his music. Wickens treats us to some new tracks from an EP he will be releasing later this year.Yet to be released ‘Murky Waters’ in particular is perfection.The lush falsetto, foot tapping tempo and soothing melody creates a heavenly melodic ambience while ‘Cliff Side’ is a folk-hued number that has Wickens “trying to be a didgeridoo”. The set continues with fans asking him to do four more… five more songs, Wickens jokingly replies “I’ll do none, I’ll feck off now” before delving into the latter half of his set. 

There is real serenity to the performance, a great relaxation that’s beautiful to witness as Wickens plays guitar and keys with ease. Not only can Wickens present moving and lyrically poetic songs he can drift through some pretty slick covers as well. A time stopping cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Crawling Back To You’ graces the setlist however it is the much sought after ‘Jericho’ which leads to revered appreciation and adoration from the viewers. 

Sam Wickens is an artist to treasure. His songs form their own universe, primed for the listener to dive in and find their own little corner to indulge and delight in. His technical virtuosity and moving vocals are incomparable and this Virtual medium gives a real frisson of excitement and thrill to Wickens performance creating the space, silence and mood to truly appreciate his beautiful songs.

A Q&A follows the performance which satisfies the insatiable need of the viewers to ask and connect with Wickens. Questions from what’s your favourite fruit, favourite burger joint to how does he get into the head space for his songs, inspirations as well as more personal topics such as him being a “sober little pickle”.He has fans in Canada and America watching. Unfortunately “Sammy” is “too cool to say it back” to fans declaring their love for him however this does not halt the flood of compliments and love for Wickens from pouring in.This Q&A in particular is lively and Wickens banters and chats honestly to his fans providing them with a more personal one to one conversation approach which is a special feature of this Virtual medium. Another mind blowing performance on our weekly fix of Virtual.

Stream Sam Wickens new single ‘Eden’ below


Author : Danu

Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brian Houston Live on Virtual

AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create live streams on the Zoom platform and last night was another outstanding evening of music as they hosted Belfast singer songwriter Brian Houston.

Deciding to play his new unreleased album Brian Houston provided a night of relaxed country rock. His warm, rasped vocals reverb with a velvety soothing quality. He could sing anything and it would comfort and soothe your soul.This glimpse into the new album was a real treat and showcased just how good a singer songwriter Houston is. The lamenting guitar accompaniment in ‘I Let Her Go’, ‘Good News Junkie’ and ‘The Angel On The Corner’ is emotive and powerful yet delicate and tender all at once.

Houston puts on a full and consuming show. His anecdotes and stories between tracks about opening for Elvis Costello, how he wrote his songs and even a rendition on Mandolin of Happy Birthday for one of his friends was a joy to listen to. They provided some light hearted relief from the emotional heavy hitting tracks. Houston has a wonderful ability to break your heart and stir emotion within the listener and the striped back acoustic version of his songs last night cut deep with passion and thrived within the live acoustic setting. Oozing spellbinding and spine-tingling charm Houston sings about religion, love and the people he has met through the years. His witty lyrics and calming tone lulled us into a world of folk/country rock.

For me the bright and charming ‘She Got That From Me’ was a highlight in the set along with Houston’s sweet falsetto in the delicate ballad ‘If’. However it is ‘Spanish’ which is the pinnacle moment of the show. Houston’s harmonica slices through a haze of melancholia while the lyrics depict the lives and sorrow of the people who lived in residential schools in towns such as Spanish, Ontario, Canada. It’s a beautiful, touching and melodically magnificent number which stirs hopelessness, fear and sorrowful remorse in the hearts of anyone who hears this song. The wonderful advantage of these Virtual shows is the audience’s silence. The silence allows songs like ‘Spanish’ to really hit home as you can hear every emotive word with such piercing clarity. 

A Q&A follows the show with Houston answering questions about how he writes his songs, what he is doing in lockdown and what a ghillie weeper bird is ( ‘a wee bird that at the end of its life cycle goes round and round in ever decreasing circles until it disappears up its own backside’ ). 

Brian Houston performed an outstanding set last night. His clear, deep vocals provide moments of sweet tenderness alongside subtle gravel-hued coos and sweet highs which evoke raw passion and emotion. There is no fuss or extravagance with Houston’s set – its honest, pure good tunes. Last night featured another knockout performance on Virtual. I have to hand it to AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records, these guys are highlighting some serious talent every week. 

Stream Brian Houston’s ‘Good News Junkie’ below 


Author : Danu

Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Rachel Grace Live On Virtual

Virtual is a series of intimate evenings with exclusive live performances from the best emerging and established artists initiated by AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records

Last night’s show was a special treat featuring the mesmerising Rachel Grace ( nicknamed by one fan as “The Beanie Queen”). Grace is a diverse and engaging performer as she blends genres to suit her wonderful emotive style. Guitars adorn the wall behind her as she sits with a yellow beanie on her head ready to blow us away with her immaculate performance. The beanie becomes a hot topic of discussion – one viewer comments “the beanie is the only way to contain her talent from getting too much for us to handle“. From the upbeat pop gem ‘To Love Somebody Else’ to the warm cosy ‘Home’ and sassy, powerful upcoming single ‘Cry Me an Ocean’ she cruises through her set with a cheerful stride and soulful flair.

Her sterling voice and empathic songwriting are far beyond her years ( she has just turned 18 ). Whether she is singing about the pain of heartbreak, sweet love or a wistful lullaby, Grace beautifully translates those feelings into intimate moments of soulful tones and tender dreamy melodies. Time stops when Grace sings as the viewers are swept up in her luxuriant tones swaying and singing along. The comments section fills with compliments for the young starlet almost instantly as she shyly thanks the viewers and chats between tracks.

Grace could make the most brawny man weep like a baby with just one simple vocal coo but its the power and emotion within her songwriting in tracks such as ‘Love Will Come’ that will summon ocean-sized water wells in your eyes. There are R&B elements glimmering through the soulful and jazzy- like tunes even within the more attitude soaked ‘Quite Like You’ and bluesy country ‘Nice Knowin’ Ya’ as Grace’s delivery holds a professional entrancing poise. The simple setting of Virtual allows the viewers to truly appreciate the breathtaking ability of this singer songwriter

Rachel Grace put on a sensational passionate performance. Her impressive evocative voice is a joy to listen to and the perfect accompaniment to her emotive songwriting. I can’t wait to see more of this artist.

Stream ‘You Don’t Know’ below


Author : Danu

Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Fintan McKahey Virtual Show IN Association with AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records

Fintan McKahey performed the first ever show on the new platform that is, Virtual. AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create this opportunity on the Zoom platform where everything is focused on the artist and we can financially support them by buying tickets to the show. This streaming makes the whole live scene feel very weird at the start; seeing fans in the comfort of their own homes with cups of tea and wine, some snuggled beneath cosy blankets while others potter about in kitchens while watching the live stream. However the banter in the comments sections and the wonderful music from Fintan McKahey swiftly puts everything at ease. 

McKahey performed his mesmerising set from the refuge of his own home studio in Cork. Unlike a venue show everything was punctual and smooth sailing. With signs held up by fans saying ‘’Fintan You Rock’’ the show began. McKahey’s tracks are laced with passion and warmth, it’s difficult not to bop and sway to his tunes. His setlist is the perfect soundtrack for a chilled evening. McKahey’s warm rasped vocals melt upon his heartfelt, luscious melodies like butter on toast while fans head bang, hold up images of lighters on their phones and sway with lighters in their hands. The most unusual part of this show is the clapping after a song. You can see the clapping but can’t hear it as all the mics are muted.

‘Lost Balloons’, ‘Innocent’ and new single ‘Platinum’ present McKahey’s chilled and effortlessly laid back sound perfectly. He uses rich blends of pop, indie folk and alternative to create a downtempo vibe that is calming and instantly pacifying.It’s refreshing to see tracks like ‘The Rebound Effect’ which is usually bewitching with a full band sound, stripped back to just McKahey’s moving vocals and slick guitar work.

‘Outro’ from ‘God Games’ EP is the special moment within the set.The soft pacing, immaculate guitar and beautiful ambient vibes created within this track is phenomenal and I really enjoyed just being able to listen to the music without being disturbed by yapping people or any other noise which is the norm in a live venue setting. This Zoom platform suited the calm pace of McKahey’s songs perfectly.

McKahey is a charismatic artist, he banters about his girlfriend’s pear diet ( 20 pears a day! that is dedication) and longing for his band to meet up and play in live venues again.Some fans hold up images of his spotify to help with promotion and encourage onlookers to check it out while others dramatically clap and display thumbs up in support as if attempting to make up for the lack of audience noise.Too often in live shows the theatrics and lighting are allowed to dominate at the expense of the artist’s songs. However here, where the tracks are stripped back the heart of the songs emit beautiful tones and vibes. With a crowd of all ages gathered from a little girl dancing with her teddy right up, it’s easy to see that McKahey has a sound that reaches a wide audience.

Once the set draws to its finale the audio mics are tuned on and the whoops and clapping can be heard. Maybe there is something to be said for keeping the jubilant cheer to the end. Fintan McKahey put on a wonderful, professional and tight performance. The entire event was well handled and seamless which is saying something, live streams such as this are difficult to organise and put on. A short Q&A session brought the show to an end as fans asked questions about McKahey’s inspiration for tracks, his thoughts on live streams, what covers he does and his love of oat milk as well as his inability to grow a beard.

This intimate style is an impressive and fun way of quenching fans thirst for live music. It is certainly a different feel to a live venue but McKahey took it in his stride. He is a mesmerising artist who writes wholesome passionate tunes. I enjoyed his set and can not wait to see him in a live venue soon.

Stream Fintan McKahey’s new single ‘Platinum’ below 


Author : Danu