Month: October 2010

Featuring: Supermodel Twins, Bella Jane, The Riot Tapes & I am Not Lefthanded

Phantom 105.2 and Becks Vier have joined forces to bring you ICon’s Next Becks Thing, the ultimate Battle Of The Bands. The next heat, Heat 2, takes place on Wednesday, July 28th upstairs at Whelan’s of Wexford St. and admission is FREE! On stage are: Von Shakes, Zorilla, Shouting At Planes and Neon Stars. Tune in to ICON with Cathal Funge (Weds 10pm-Midnight) for the best in new local music and live sessions!

The competition will take place over 6 months, with four acts performing in front of a panel of guest judges at each of the five heats.

CLICK HERE for more info on how to apply.

+ guests – Fow Jaw Bounty Hunters

Album Launch

Poptastic, Hooktastic, Girl/Boy-tastic! Fun-loving, Floor-Filling, Indie-Dance-Pop!

Award nominations, heavy radio rotation,glowing press reviews, numerous TV appearances,and a ‘must see’ live status are just some of the accolades this boy/girl tour de force have achieved since exploding ontothe music scene in 2007.

The bands debut single ‘Forget Romance Let’s Dance!’ made a huge impact on its release in November 2007, landing at number 3 in the Irish charts. The single was A-Listed on all the major radio stations,and gained huge exposure on BBC Radio 1 in the UK.

The bands debut album was released on February 1st 2008 in Ireland to critical acclaim.

HOT PRESS – ‘These are highly accessible, superbly structured songs played by a band which has clearly been studying how to deploy catchy winding melodies’8/10

IRISH INDEPENDENT – “Effervescent, youthful energy that is difficult to ignore.”

IRISH TIMES – “Sprightly songs punctuated by the right degree of cockiness. They’ll take to the future like a duck to water.”

The band also graced the red carpet at Ireland’s annual Meteor Music Awards, where they were nominated as “Best Newcomers”.

We Should Be Dead garnered a highly credible international fanbase when their debut album became a blogosphere phenomenon upon its release. The band were also surprised to find themselves as ‘featured artists’ onthe front page of MySpace.

In August 2008, We Should Be Dead headed out on their first US tour where they were blown away by the response to their live shows. Many who hadn’t previously heard of the band and many who’s tasteslay elsewhere, were enthralled by the bands energetic and thrilling live performances. Playlisted on huge US radio stations like KROQ and KCRW along with some celebrity fans (Henry Rollins, and the Mayor Of The Sunset Strip himself Rodney Bingenheimer) helped the band secure a solid US following.

We Should Be Dead relocated to Los Angeles in January 2009 to begin work on their now complete 2nd album ‘Dreamstate’. The album was produced by Owen Lewis (Lady Gaga, REM, Hole) in the Record Plant studio in Lon Angeles. In between recording the album the band completed over 6 US tours. A memorable performance at SXSW 2009 led them signing to the Green Room agency and had the bloggers foaming at the mouth. The band also hit CMJ in New York where they showcased a lot of their forthcoming album alongside some of their own favourite bands.

The first single to be lifted from the forthcoming album is ‘Up All Night’ a sparkling slice of indie/dance/pop that falls somewhere between The Cars / early Madonna / and XTC. The single gets a worldwide release on June 18th.

This will be followed in turn by the new album ‘Dreamstate’ which gets a worldwide release on July 2nd.

+ guests

Single launch

After the release of their Debut album this summer Fusion Family embark on the 2nd leg of their promotional campaign kicking off in September.

The band have just finished the production of their debut video ‘Curious’ which is due out Later in the month before they hit the studio again inbetween gigs in early October to record their next single.

‘It has been a great summer of gigs at various festivals and other events around the country, and we’re looking forward to keeping the ball rolling and trying to get our music out there to as many people as possible since the release so we can keep recording and releasing new material which has already been written. We’re hopefully going in to record our 2nd album over the Christmas break because we don’t deserve a break really, we’ll take one when we really deserve it or simply need one – laughs Brian Walton – front man of Fusion Family.

The Fusion Family debut album ‘Full Circle’ which was produced by Brian Masterson (u2/ red hot chilli peppers/ norah jones/ echo and the bunnymen etc.) is currently on sale now through HMV and various record shops nationwide as well as digital on i-Tunes. You can catch the full band performing at the following locations before Christmas with more dates to be confirmed.

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Brian Walton (aka Walto), the effervescent frontman of ‘the family’ alongside Tim George (Bass), Kevin Banfield (lead) and Andy Guyett (drums) have been rocking up and down the length and breadth of the country for the past year on stages at Life festival, Knockanstockan festival, Dalkey Arts festival, as well as supporting the likes of Kila, Natty Wailer, Mary Stokes, Fuji & Myagi and the Chieftans. Their infectious sound seemingly has had somewhat of a warming effect this past 12 months and due to the reaction they have received from a wide ranged audience, the band have recently released their debut album entitled ‘FULL CIRCLE’. The album was produced with Brian Masterson (Van Morrisson/ U2/ Red Hot Chilli Peppers/ Nora Jones/ echo & the bunnymen etc.) and is on general release from 4th June 2010. Fusion Family’s first single entitled ‘Something Special‘ was released at Dublin’s Pod complex. The Album was just launched in the renowned Whelan’s venue in Dublin, on Friday 28th of May 2010. Honest, flavoursome and sometimes edgy vocals along with agile guitar riffs and killer hooks are what form the basis of this tight little outfit. Their distinctive hum along sound is as catchy as Velcro and Judging by the hordes of screaming fans at their debut single and album launch (and with even the somewhat mature music lovers beginning to stand up and take notice), you can expect to hear a lot more from Fusion Family in the not so distant future. Their sound which is teeming with soul has elements of jazz and reggae but still holds the edge of a working class indie rock band with a clearly defineable style both musically and vocally. The band have been tipped as ones to watch by a number of industry pluggers as well as various radio deejays in Ireland and the UK since the debut release of their single, and now that the grass roots is well under way the band are showing strong potential as young contenders in their first year! Fusion Family are: Brian Walton – guitars /vox Tim George – bass/ backing vox Dave Tully – Lead guitar Andy Guyett – Drums In the words of Jim Lockhart from legendary Irish band The Horslips – ‘FUSION FAMILYS tracks are excellent, lovely tight bass and drums. They’re well put together too, nice rhythmic stuff happening and good structures – you’ve got a good instinct for what makes a track hold together musically. Also tasty harmonies and nice guitar’

HOGAN
Brief info on the Band: HOGAN- are lead by front man and guitarist Mark Hogan, Wayne Brereton on guitar, Johnny Westman on bass guitar and drummer Ronan Nolan.

* Previous singles released have gained playlist status on iRadio, RTE 2FM, FM104, Midlands radio & All regional radio across Ireland.
And with spot plays on Today FM. They also received Song of the Week on Ian Dempsey’s (Today FM) breakfast show.
* They have had live studio appearances on FM104’s THE STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK (twice already!) & The Open Mic, to Top Comedians and Radio presenters: TOMMY TIERNAN & Hector inviting them onto their award winning radio show on iRadio announcing that HOGAN were a HIT band with a great future.
* HOGAN’S previous singles also launched them into the Top 40 Irish Charts.
* Their songs are currently being used on RTE televisions hit children’s show Aisling’s Diary and also Spanish TV show EXTRA’S.
* RTE DJ and TV presenter Dave Fanning also invited Mark onto his television show “The last broadcast”.

GIGGING:

* HOGAN have played some of Ireland’s finest Venues & Festivals:Castlepalooza, Spraoi Fest, Whelan’s, Vicar street, The Sugar Club, Crawdaddy, The Village and the RDS in Dublin). They have shared the stage with: Delorentos, The Coronas, Republic of Loose, The Saw Doctors and The Blizzards to name but a few.

This album has been produced by Internationally acclaimed producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals).

Industry comments:

“HOGAN are going be a hit!” – TOMMY TIERNAN & HECTOR iRadio

‘ POP/ROCK act ‘HOGAN’- with extraordinary talent- they will go far.With new single ‘PS You’Re Crazy’ released, the bands trajectory has been firmly in the ascent!’ -HotPress

‘Hogan will get people to sit up and take notice’–The Sunday World

“Their new single-It’s brilliant, just brilliant”-Head of Music, BEAT FM

“HOGANS single “Jealousy” is pop-rock that belongs on every teenage American television montage ever, where the frosted-tipped protagonist is frolicking gleefully through the high school corridor” -DROP D

“If there’s one Irish band that deserves success by dint of sheer enthusiasm, energy, great sounds and a mischievous sense of fun, it’s HOGAN” -CULCH.IE

http://www.myspace.com/hoganmark

The Half Pennies
Based in Dublin, Ireland, The Half Pennies are an emerging pop-rock collective featuring the talents of Paul Blake (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Sarah Jane Ellis (Lead Vocals/Piano), Phil Ronayne (Backing Vocals/Bass) and Emer Coffey (Violin/Mandolin/Drums). Formed in March 2009, The Half Pennies have quickly gained local recognition, bringing a fresh, eclectic sound to the Dublin music scene. Taking inspiration from artists like Elvis Costello, The Frames, Fiona Apple, Emily Haines and Weezer, The Half Pennies have melded alternative and acoustic influences to create a body of work that can only be described as entirely their own.

http://www.myspace.com/thehalfpennies

This is a very rare opportunity to catch Irish cultural icon and national treasure Christy Moore perform completely solo performing songs from his vast back-catalogue of critically acclaimed albums. Christy wanted to take this opportunity to pay personal tribute to the late music promoter and manager Derek Nally, our colleague here in Whelan’s who passed away last month. Writing on his website, Christy said: “There will be a gig in Whelans of Dublin on October 19th. I want to play in memory of Derek Nally who passed recently. I wish to acknowledge his devotion to and passion for Live Music. He was a gentle man and he shared his love of music with thousands of us over the years. Details will be on the gig page soon … Get in quick! All proceeds will go to Derek’s young family.

+ guests – Dave Morrissey

King Modo are an original band from Newbridge Co.Kildare.. They recorded and produced their self titled debut album this year and are now playing their live show.. King Modo’s debut was described in Hotpress as ‘ a trippy line through alternative rock ‘.. Their live show is an amazing musical experience and is truly original and magnificent..

Dave Morrissey

… Dave is a singer/songwriter from newbridge and is releasing his debut album ‘ Bring out the Light ‘ ..

+ guests

‘My Lord’ single Launch

Up and coming songstress Noelle O’Sullivan is set to release her debut single ‘My Lord’ this October in Whelan’s. Its creation was supported by a group of talented musicians who Noelle met while studying voice in Newpark School of Jazz. It was produced by Noelle and Stephen O’Brien, who plays with the popular Dublin group Hal.

+ guests – The Blue Choir & Cold 100

October 15th is going to be an absolute whopper of a show for Clockwork Apple fans! Taking top spot are The Dirty 9s and hot newbies The Blue Choir & Cold 100 providing support.

Tupelo are an exciting, new, original, acoustic roots act consisting of 5 members. With an eclectic line-up of instruments which includes banjo, guitar, fiddle, saxophone and double bass, Tupelo’s sound is fresh and unique in today’s world of endless electric outfits. The band have been working hard over the past year, playing all over the country and bringing their exciting live shows to the masses.

FOGGY JAM .01
with
No Age
Mice Parade
Male Bonding
Silje Nes
Squarehead
Hipster Youth
& very special guests

+ guests – THE LOST CHORD

Funeral Suits are 3 young men, 2 from Dublin and 1 from Limerick. Since the release of their E.P. ‘Eye Spy’ in May 2009, Funeral Suits have pushed onwards and upwards, growing to be bolder and more confident both in writing and live shows as the months have passed. Micheal, Brian and Greg spend most of their time in a disused office space making sounds that eventually become songs. Greg is the rock from which their music jumps, creating rhythms which pave paths for Michael and Brian to run, skip, fall and sprint briskly on. Both provide lead vocals, swapping instruments on different tracks.