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OLIVER COLE

OLIVER COLE

‘Year of the Bird’ Album Launch

plus guests

_ Main Venue _

Acclaimed Irish musician, Oliver Cole, releases his sophomore album, ‘Year of the Bird’ (Third Bar Records), on July 31st. To celebrate the occasion he’ll be hosting an album launch party in Whelan’s on Aug 7th.

Originally planned for self release in 2013, the story took a turn when Gary Lightbody heard one of the tracks at a party in London, really liked it, and subsequently agreed to release it on his Third Bar label.

‘Year of the Bird’ is a dream like album, imbued with a sense of love, longing, and new beginnings. Oliver recorded the album at home, and played most of the instruments on it, but was aided and abetted in places by his long time partner in crime, Gavin Fox, as well as Binzer Brennan, Gemma Hayes, and Glen Hansard.

‘Year of the Bird’ is available to pre-order at iTunes – http://apple.co/1Kn1eyq

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The making of the album ‘Year Of The Bird’ by Oliver Cole

This album was a long process. I always take a long time to make albums. Usually the writing and recording part is pretty quick, them comes the two years of self-doubt and pointless editing. Having said that this album was a joy to record.

It is on the face of it a love record. Although it may sound a little darker than that at times, it was made during a very bright and creative time in my life. The lyrics on this record were important to me. I wanted to capture some powerful feelings, honestly. I knew that context was everything that there needed to be a sort of unexplained reached for but never quite reached beauty. So in this respect the arrangements are very free with a lot of ad-libbed vocals and instrumentation to create an almost dream like ethereal environment for these love pomes to live in.

I knew I had to record everything myself. Although not a very experienced producer I wanted to see if I could achieve what I wanted myself. I made a rule at the start that everything had to be recorded in one take (so no Pro-Tools trickery). I played every instrument and often-spent days trying to nail a bass line, guitar part or vocal. I think the ‘one take rule’ and playing everything myself allowed the album to have both looseness and cohesiveness.

I was happy with the results I achieved myself but in the end called in Bizer Brennan to help me realise some of the trickier drum parts. I was also lucky enough to have both Glen Hansard and Gemma Hayes contribute to the album as well as my long time partner in crime Gavin Fox.

Essentially this is an album I made in my bedroom, something I have actually been doing since I was 15, it’s just no one heard those recordings. I learned a lot about recording and being in the moment. I think I moved in a slightly more experimental direction too and I am really excited for what I do next. I intend to get very experimental. In a world where everything is possible, why is everything the same? I want to make music that both engages and challenges the listener, which sucks them in and takes them somewhere.

The album is called Year of the Bird for my own little bird, my daughter Emily Wren

Although 5 years is a long time between albums I also in that time wrote an album for Belgium artist Glenn Claes and worked with The Coronas on their latest album.

The releasing of ‘Year Of The Bird’
It’s always a slow process finding ways to get your album released. It has become more and more difficult in the last few years as no sane person wants to invest in recorded music.

I didn’t want to do a fund it campaign, it just doesn’t feel right to me. Not for this album.

I was lucky when Gary Lightbody from Snowpatrol heard a song off the album at a party in London and really liked it. He subsequently agreed to bring the album out on his Third Bar label. I am so grateful for this.

TICKETS

€10 available online from WAV Tickets or Lo-Call 1890 200 078 (1-8pm M-F, 4-8pm Sat)

– 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

Whelan’s Indie Club w/ Late Bar from 10:30pm or check out the bands playing The Midnight Hour in the upstairs venue (FREE ENTRY, 12am).