plus support^ Upstairs ^
Songwriter and producer Gemma Dunleavy may have captured your attention through her previous collaborations with Murlo and Swing Ting but the North Inner City Dubliner has been busy making a name for herself this year with her stunning debut single ‘Better 4 U’ with a self directed video released on 4AD imprint B4. Just fresh off the back of a Kojaque support tour in December, this year has seen her live performances grow across Ireland, The UK and Paris, including a 4AD tour with Velvet Negroni.
Taking influence from traditional story telling, Dunleavy has developed her sound by experimenting with instruments connected to that of her heritage, like the harp and flute and amalgamated this with her love for pop and club music. The video for “I Was Never Young But I’m Not Yet Old”, premiered over On Dazed’s Ones To Watch, is a moving depiction of the city as she sees it. This glimpse into her city, dealt with via mesmerising visuals, spoken word and Dunleavy’s dreamy vocals, is a love story to a community often overlooked.
Latest single ‘Better 4 U’ is a stunning return, with its airy, harp-enhanced arrangement fused with hip-hop leaning electronics. Described as “a four-minute indulgence in undeserved forgiveness” and a video taking you into her world, it’s one of Gemma’s most emotionally direct achievements yet. An acoustic performance on RTE 2fm shows the depth of her vocal with an intimate performance.
Despite just releasing her debut, Dunleavy has been working on a number of projects over the last few years and is a frequent collaborator with UK duo Swing Ting, Murlo and DJ Sharda. You can also find her vocals and songwriting on former Cocteau Twins member – Simon Raymond’s new ‘Lost Horizons’ project. 2019 has seen her join Club Comfort’s co-founder Baliboc for one off improvised sets drawing on sounds of the hard-core continuum and pirate radio stations of DJ/MC interaction. This energy trickles into her solo live shows where Baliboc accompanies her as a DJ.
With more than just a single release planned, not to mention many exciting collaborations and an ever-expanding live show, 2020 looks like we’ll be hearing a lot more from Gemma Dunleavy.
TICKETS
€15 available online from WAV Tickets or Lo-Call 01 4780766 (9:30am-7pm M-F)
– 50c per ticket service charge applies on phone, internet or creditcard bookings. Final ticket price may be higher from other outlets.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Indie & Alternative Dance Party | Drinks Promos | 11pm til 3am or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue – Free Entry via front door until 10:30pm.
MCD proudly present
