Trent Worley has released his latest single ‘Around’.Trent Worley, South Australian born songwriter, tackles issues both global and personal, executed in a fun and light-hearted way. His songs can vary from acoustic folk and alt-country, to a bit of blues and fuzz rock ‘n’ roll. Worley is currently in the running for the 2021 South Australian Music Awards Folk Artist of the year award and is on track to release a full-length album in 2022.
‘Around’ is a hypnotic tune that rotates around folk guitars and a thumping beat while Worley’s smooth vocals croon the infectious melody. It’s a minimalist track that uses repetitive lyrics and intricate instrumentation to create a revolving effect while warm guitars and psychedelic swirling soundscapes create a 60’s- esque backdrop between rock n roll swaggered electric guitar embellishments. Tightly crafted and filled with carefree, light-hearted vibes, ‘Around’ is a soothing and catchy new tune Trent Worley.
Jameson Black Barrel has announced the launch of Classic Album Nights, an intimate new event series blending the smoothest whiskey, fresh new musical talent, and timeless classic albums.
The first show will take place at The Workman’s Club, Dublin on 1st December with Irish rapper Nealo delving into one of his favourite all time classic records – an album that, since its release almost 40 years ago, is considered by many, one of the greatest rock records of all time.
In front of a live audience, Nealo will be discussing his music influences and how these have helped influence his own musical path, whilst also treating the audience to his own unique interpretation of his favourite record’s classic tracks. Hosted by Soda Blonde frontwoman Faye O’Rourke, Black Barrel Classic Album Nights brings a new flavour to how we experience timeless records, each enjoyed with the smoothest of cocktails.
Speaking at the launch, Nealo said: “It’s amazing to be able to perform live music again, let alone perform songs from one of the greatest albums of all time. This will be something completely different to what I have performed before. I hope those who come to see it like what we’ve done, we’re excited to see people’s reactions.”
Also commenting on the event, Faye O’Rourke said: “This is going to be a really special evening. It’s such an influential album, even now, it continues to inspire musicians across so many different genres. I can’t wait to chat with Nealo about its influence on him and the arrangements that he’s come up with. It’s going to be unmissable.”
This is an exciting and interesting glimpse into the artist’s musical tastes along with intimate performances and great chats. Nealo is a talented artist whose fresh sound ventures from Jazz Rap, Conscious Rap to R&B to create a consuming sound and intriguing listening experience. This is one event not to miss.
Tickets for this exclusive event are available now via Jameson Connects where you can enter to win for you and a friend. Just sign up below to be in with a chance of winning tickets. To become a Jameson Connects member sign up at www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-IE/connects/sign-up
Cork native singer-songwriter Jen Ella has released her new single ‘Alien’.The song is a representation of enjoying youth, the risks we may take in life and how they make us grow as a person. Jen Ella is now based in Glasgow and has been writing music all her life. The song was produced and recorded by an artist called “Bad meditators” which was recorded in Jen Ella’s home in Glasgow over 5 months. Multi-talented musician and producer Ryan Bonnyman who represents himself under “Bad meditators” plays guitar, slide guitar, bass and piano on the track and talented Giampaolo Sudar plays drums.
‘Alien’ is a dreamy, laid-back tune that ventures into a 90’s indie-pop sound to express Jen Ella’s eloquent and refined musicianship. Her smooth vocals lull a dreamy melody while soft guitar exudes a psychedelic undertone. The track glows with an instant charm and soothing quality, with supple rhythms weaved between warm bass and slide guitar embellishments. Ella elevates the song with subtle layering and intricate melodies to create an ethereal soundscape that is glorious to listen to. Well crafted and masterfully produced, ‘Alien’ is an immaculate track to listen to again and again.
Following the release of their debut album,’Small Talk’, Soda Blonde are back with a special stripped-back EP, ‘I Still Have Feelings for You’, via Velveteen Records. The EP features four beautiful, never-before-heard versions of four tracks from the album. All four band members of Soda Blonde (Faye O’Rourke, guitarist Adam O’Regan, drummer Dylan Lynch and bassist Donagh Seaver-O’Leary) are seasoned musicians, despite their youth. They have been playing together since their early teens, with their previous band –the internationally renowned Little Green Cars, whose seminal debut album skyrocketed to number one on the Irish album charts.
‘I Still Have Feelings for You’ presents a new facet to Soda Blonde’s exquisite sound. Featuring the single version of ‘I Still Have Feelings for You’ and swoon-worthy string versions of ‘Tiny Darkness’ and ‘Choices’, the band create a lush listening experience while highlighting the richness and warmth of O’Rourke’s vocals ( her subtle vibrato floods the melodies with incomparable passion and emotion ). The deftly placed strings within ‘Tiny Darkness’ and ‘Choices’ exudes elegance and a cinematic effect that enhances the tracks poignant lyrical content while at the same time highlighting the diversity within the band’s musicianship. An early demo of ‘Swimming Through the Night’ strips back the dark disco soundscapes we know from the album version. The track is an absolute gem to the ears that oozes ethereal synths, chiming guitars and intricate rhythms. This version sees the band brood within the tracks delicate soundscapes allowing the earworm melody to take the main focus.
Just when you think you can’t love these songs anymore Soda Blonde waltz in and lather our ears in a new and glorious way to enjoy their tunes. Press play, sit back and enjoy.
The night before the release of his new tantalising single ‘Appetiser’ featuring UK-based artist Antigoni JyellowL marked an incredible year and the single launch with an intimate invite-only show in association with audiomack in The Workman’s Club. His critically acclaimed debut album ‘2020 D|vision’ was nominated for Irish album of the year 2020 at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Awards and debuted at number two on the official iTunes album charts as well as number 1 in the hip hop category and the best way to celebrate these achievements was a blistering performance ( with special guests ) displaying a diverse array of the artist’s phenomenal tunes.
Paro Pablo and JR took the task of warming up the crowd in their stride. They beckoned the audience to the front of the stage and boosted the JyellowL morale by getting the crowd to chant with them, “when I say Jyellow you say … L”. Their performance as a whole was an energetic and at times, emotional rollercoaster as they rapidly rolled out lyrics about abuse and heartbreak with frantic stamina. With hip hop tunes that packed a punch, Paro Pablo and JR got the audience energised and ready for JyellowL.
As the chants for JyellowL resounded throughout the venue (provoked by Dendo), the artist emerged on stage to a mass of cheers. A JyellowL show is an experience. The artists’ songs are more zestful, vivacious and fiery live and his larger than life persona and charismatic stage presence had the crowd immediately enamoured. He moved with ease through his diverse array of tunes that included an intense rendition of 2018’s ‘Medusa’ and immersive tunes from the artists’ spectacular debut album ‘2020 D|vision’. JyellowL was in top form on the night, slickly wrapping his tongue around his agile lyrical flows without fault. The crowd lapped up the energy in the room, bouncing off the heavy hip hop vibe while bopping and dancing to the lighter feel-good tunes such as the heavily requested ‘Oh Lawd’. Filled with catchy bars and heavy hip hop fused with R&B, the set was a clean sweep of knock out tunes from start to finish. ‘Ozone’ in particular was jaw-dropping live. The crowd shouted back the lyrics as JyellowL danced on stage – it was a magnificent and jubilant moment in the show.
JyellowL knows that a live show is as much about the spectacle and occasion as it is the music and he delivered on this front too – with an array of special guests, there was no shortage of talent on stage and we even got an appearance from the music master (and ‘2020 D|Vision’s producer) Chris Kabs. With plenty of encouraging crowd interaction from sing-alongs to arm waving and synchronised clapping, JyellowL had the audience gleefully doing his every bidding for the glorious reward of a few unheard tunes and boy! it was worth it. All I’ll say for now is, JyellowL has some pretty sleek gems on the way.
The party atmosphere was enhanced by a glorious version of his recent single ‘See Me Finish’ which had the floor of The Workmans bouncing and bending under the weight of the crowd as they danced to the tracks afrobeat, sweet synth embellishments and electronic dance sound. The track is more kinetic and vibrant within the live setting as is the new single ‘Appetiser’. Performed without the beautiful Antigoni, JyellowL showcased a dynamic and powerful version of this sultry tune that oozed lush hooks and velvety vocals from JyellowL. It was a time-stopping moment on the night.
JyellowL’s intimate show was every bit the crowning triumph. He blew the roof off The Workmans with an unrivalled performance that gave a keyhole glimpse into the sky-scraping future of this artist. His fluidly-evolving raps teamed with textured soundscapes and tight production makes him an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.
Downtown Patriots has released his new single ‘Bob Crane’.Hailing originally from Colchester, Essex, Downtown Patriots was willed into being by Danny Watts, a solo multi-instrumentalist who was passionate to release his music under the anonymity of a ‘band’. After many years working behind-the-scenes in one of the most prestigious studios in the world, London’s Mayfair Studios, as well as later opening his own recording studio in Southwark, Danny Watts finally took the leap of faith and acted on his concept for the Downtown Patriots project. “It’s a musical idea that allows me to bring in musicians to come and go as they are needed without the restrictions of being in a single band. Socially, #IAmDowntownPatriots could be any person who can connect with the music.” ‘Bob Crane’ is the first single to be released from the Downtown Patriot’s highly anticipated sophomore album.
Doused in blazing alternative rock with blues undertones, ‘Bob Crane’ is a feisty new single from Downtown Patriots. Sharp riffs lacerate through a brawny rhythmic wall of sound as the track ventures through dense, heavy rock moments while thick muggy synths create a dramatic 80’s – esque soundscape. As the rasped vocals depict a story of a shady character, “he was a mean old bastard by the name of Bob Crane,” the song builds, becoming more frantic and mosh ready for the energising chorus. Showcasing refined musicianship, ‘Bob Crane’ is a dynamic power tune from Downtown Patriots.
Bio : World’s First Cinema return with their new single ‘NightChild’. The duo’s previous releases ‘Make Me A Monster’, ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Perfect Hell’ all follow on from the huge support for their recently released debut EP ‘Rituals’, and follow-up single ‘The Woods’, which received airplay on BBC Radio 2 and found itself placed on Spotify playlists Pop Rock Shot, Future Hits, New Noise, and Rock The World!, as well as Apple Music’s New in Alternative, New in Rock, New Music Daily and New In Pop. The pair have also recently cracked the 11 million streams milestone since their last release.
Track: NightChild
Why We Like It: Drenched in a dark intoxicating beat and 80’s flavourings, ‘NightChild’ blazes with the hook-filled songwriting of World’s First Cinema. The song is chic and chilling with epic chorus builds, driving guitars and lush backing vocals while the dynamic rhythm compels you to dance. With soaring synths, dramatic outbursts, and flawless vocals, ‘NightChild’ is a thrilling new single that is a joy to listen to.
Bio: Birmingham four-piece Big Image have released their new single, ‘Parallel Love Affair’. The band are composed of George, vocals; Luke, bass; Connor, guitar; and Seb, drums. All of the members are previously known under the name Ivory Wave, and have already built a considerable live following through festival shows and supports with the likes of The Sherlocks, DMA’s and The Twang. The sudden pause in touring last year led to an opportunity to refocus, rebrand and hone their sound into something altogether more ambitious for 2021 and beyond.
Track: Parallel Love Affair
Why We Like It: This energetic blast of indie-pop surges with vibrant melodies, rich musicianship and lush production. With smooth vocals drifting upon the upbeat melody and shimmering synths bouncing off the shimmying rhythm, this track is a golden ray of sunshine. The band blend indie pop with psychedelic tones to create an expansive and lush soundscape that builds into a blazing indie anthem. It’s absolutely glorious on the ears.
Bio : Emerging artist Rosa has released her debut track Unravel Me. The track was produced by Ben Matravers (Easy Life, Hannah Trigwell)
Track: Unravel Me
Why We Like It: It’s a beautiful, time stopping debut from Rosa. A lamenting piano elegantly accompanies Rosa’s emotional vocal delivery while tense haunting soundscapes stain the backdrop in a dark undertone. The lyrics discuss “the all-consuming fear of someone discovering your deepest insecurities and flaws” while highlighting her pristine and heartfelt vocals at the same time. ‘Unravel Me’ is a heartbreaking, deep and mesmerising tune with a powerful rawness that marks Rosa as an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio : Clara Byrne is a socialist singer-songwriter from Bray. She has supported a wealth of Irish talent including Wallis Bird, Mick Pyro (Republic Of Loose), Cathy Davey and Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy).
Track: What Have We?
Why We Like It: The track displays a thrilling, darker side to Clara Byrne as she takes her eloquent lyrics and spreads them through a mysterious backdrop that blends elements of indie, country and tantalizing moments of psychedelia. Byrne’s warm vocals croon through haunting soundscapes creating an ominous tone throughout that is enhanced by strident guitars, rumbling rhythms and a chilling atmosphere. Showcasing Byrne’s refined musicianship, ‘What Have We? is a sublime new single from this talented artist.
Bio : Rising Irish 5-piece Just Mustard have released, ‘I Am You’,the first look at their anticipated new album to be released in 2022 on their new label home Partisan Records. The song was produced by the band, mixed by David Wrench (FKA Twigs, Frank Ocean, The XX, Caribou), and recorded at Attica Studios in Donegal, Ireland during lockdown. Fresh off a sold-out UK & IE tour, Just Mustard will headline a short IE tour in Jan, followed by a European tour in Feb. Just Mustard will also head out on tour with Fontaines D.C. on the EU leg of their 2022 tour.
Track: I Am You
Why We Like It: It’s a hypnotic mind melter that gradually builds from brooding psychedelia to a more intense atmospheric soundscape. The band layer their sound meticulously; sharp guitar jabs strike between tense thuds on drums and Katie Ball’s lulling vocals while deep bass rumbles create an eerie wall of sound throughout. The track is an absolute delight to listen to and boasts the exquisite, exciting sound of Just Mustard.
North London band KAWALA made their triumphant return to Dublin last night in The Academy. There was certainly a celebratory atmosphere in the air as excitable fans trickled into the venue to see the genre-blurring band and soak up the sweet party vibe this band radiated.
But first, support act, singer-songwriter Oscar Blue took to the stage. His warm, heartfelt tunes drifted through the venue and oozed an indie-folk undertone. With little effort, he had the audience in the palm of his hand as they sang back the lyrics to his songs; a particularly memorable moment was when the crowd sang the “Ooh oh ooh oh” lyrics of ‘Sober from You’. It was a tight wholesome performance from Oscar Blue that showcased his emotiveness and passion perfectly. Tunes such as ‘Silhouettes’ and ‘NYC’ were stand out moments last night, each tracks poetic lyrics, textures and tones sounded more rich within the live setting enhanced by Oscar Blue’s mesmerising vocals, Rob Kennedy’s sprightly drum rhythms, and Geoff Warner-Clayton’s hearty guitar melodies and ethereal keys. Oscar Blue’s music is quite special. His passionate earworms are a joy to the ears. Check him out live. You won’t be disappointed.
KAWALA spiralled on stage to a mass of cheers. Jim Higson sprang off the drum platform and leapt into the air for what was to become the first of his dramatic high kicks of the night. The band’s performance was a jubilant, fun-filled spectacle as the sugar rush ‘Funky’ kick-started their set. The crowd erupted as they danced and sang along. A sea of heads bopped in time to Ben Batten’s intricate drumming and Dan Lee’s sleek guitar while Reeve Coulson laid down an irresistible groove on bass. Daniel McCarthy and Jim Higson exuded an infectious and bright persona. Their charming banter, strutting dramatic dances and fiery unyielding energy put a smile on everyone’s face instantly.
These guys are not just a charismatic indie band, they possess impressive musical talent that boasts deft lyrics, glorious melody arrangements and wonderful vocal harmonies (Daniel McCarthy’s velvety tone complements the tenderness of Higson’s croons perfectly, it’s a vocal match made in heaven). Glad to be able to experience the bands vibrant sound live again the crowd enjoyed every minute of KAWALA’s set. They shouted “I love you” to McCarthy and Higson or requested songs. It was an all-inclusive party – at one point everyone sang Happy Birthday to a fan called Holly. “My dancing has not improved a single bit, it’s still awful” Higson announced before breaking into a wiggling dance and high kick extravaganza for ‘Pure Desire’. The stage could barely contain his boundless enthusiasm as he spiralled about, his colourful shirt billowing around him while McCarthy ( sporting white sunglasses ) quipped “I can’t see anything at all, I feel cool, can’t see, I have suffered for fashion” before the “KAWALA classic” ‘Animals’ which sparked fans into a deafening sing-along frenzy.
A run of buoyant heart-on-sleeve indie-pop, a sneaky play of unreleased tracks from their upcoming album and a fantastic rendition of Griff and HONNE’s 1000000 x Better is only broken by a time stopping rendition of ‘Heavy In The Morning’ and ‘Back Of My Hand’ which showcased the full spine-tingling majesty of the duo’s harmonies. KAWALA’s set was euphoric, carefree and a whole lot of fun. The crowd lapped up the performance, singing every song, embracing their friends and dancing without a care in the world. They couldn’t get enough; shouting for “one more tune!” and screaming the “Olé, Olé, Olé” chant to summon the band back on stage for that all-important encore. KAWALA gave their all last night and a joyous mass sing-along of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ at the end of the set showed just how at one the band is with their fans.
London up and coming three-piece The New Twentys have released their new EP, ‘Power’. After racking up support on their singles from Chris Hawkins, at BBC 6 Music, Radio X’s John Kennedy, Jake Peach at BBC Intro Essex, Melita Dennett BBC The South and XS Manchester, few can lay claim to having such an instant global impact, yet The New Twentys are being heard on a global scale, including heavy rotation at LA’s Idobi Radio, Sirius XM with the Rodney Bingenheimer show and Australia’s Triple J & Banks Radio too. The indie-pop rockers have opened the stage this summer for the likes of Primal Scream, Fat White Family, Scouting for Girls and McFly. They have also just sold out their debut London headline show.
‘Power’ is a vibrant collection of catchy tunes that boasts The New Twentys exuberant and charming musicianship. From the jangly guitar riffs, sunkissed atmosphere and quirky backing vocals of title track ‘Power’ to the bass-driven rush of ‘The Way’, the band pack this EP to the brim with sunkissed radiant tunes. The trio display a knack for melody and rhythms as they entwine intricate grooves between a light guitar display in the carefree, ‘Dancing On A Sunday’ while breezy keys glide through the funk hued ‘Brazilianaire’. Each song surges with earworm melodies that beckon repeat plays (Brazilianaire is a fine example of this).
‘Power’ is a carfree, fun EP that exudes sun-kissed vibes and tight musicianship. The New Twentys’ catchy tunes and dynamic sound is impressive and marks them as a band to keep an eye on.
Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her new single, ‘Easy’.Following ‘Wayside’ and ‘Good Form’, ‘Easy’ is the final single from her upcoming sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’. The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton, Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band lineup features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar). ‘Heavy Summer’ is due for release before the end of the year.
‘Easy’ oozes mellow melodies, soft instrumentation and the glorious laid back sound of Laura Duff. The band create an exquisite backdrop of supple beats and warm guitar while Duff’s sweet vocals lull the dreamy melody. ’Easy’ creates a pacifying and soothing atmosphere as the band flesh out the backdrop in ethereal velvety soundscapes and tender harmonies before the beautiful guitar solo kicks in to add a slight edge to the track. Filled with oodles of emotion and warm tones ‘Easy’ is a graceful delight to the ears.
