Category Archives: Indie

Event News, Indie, New Music

EVENT NEWS : ‘TILT’ – (TOTALLY IRISH LIVE TUESDAYS) 

‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)

In Association with Totally Irish on 98fm, The Sound Training College and The Button Factory.

Tuesday December 10th, 2019 | Doors 7.30pm

At The Button Factory

Free Admission

Featuring: CC Brez , Abbacaxi , Bajjna and Stomptown Brass

What Is Tilt :

‘TiLT’ is a free showcase event that takes place once a month in The Button Factory in Temple Bar, Dublin 2. The series aims to highlight some of the best musicians in the local music scene and offer music fans a chance to discover new acts and new music. Every month, 4 acts are invited to perform at TiLT in The Button Factory. Each of the acts receive pre-production a week before the event; a professional video of one of their songs from their performance on the night; a day’s recording in Sun Studios, Temple Bar; a live interview on Totally Irish on 98fm; and, of course, the opportunity to play at The Button Factory.

Why We Like The Line Up

CC Brez aka Cormac Breslin from Republic of Loose is a soul funk extravaganza. Having recently released his new EP ‘This Funk Is 4 You’ CC Brez is locked and loaded with some slick funk flexed tunes ready to ignite The Button Factory. His tracks are swanky chic and bursting from the seams with energy and vitality and boy can he deliver some shredding guitar moments. It’s a set not to be missed if you want to dance with as much careless fun as Prince’s 1999. 

Check out ‘This Funk Is 4 You’ below 

Abbacaxi is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Dublin. His effortlessly cool sound sweeps with rich soul and jazz elements to create something truly mesmerising . With sun sprinkled bliss weaved wonderfully through tight production, rich rhythms, sublime vocals and lush, dance-able grooves this is a set not to be missed.

Check out Abbacaxi’s new single ‘Snow Dance’ below 

Bajjna are a Reggae band based in Dublin. These guys will bring the warm infectiousness of their sun soaked sound to The Button Factory and will definitely heat up the chilly December night. With tunes laced in vibrant hazy flavours and velvety tones their energetic and melodic live set is going to create a wonderful atmosphere for the night.

Check out Bajjna’s single ‘Time Machine’ below 

Stomptown Brass has emerged as one of the most unique acts in Ireland in recent times. The band have an impressive line up of two Drummers, two Trombones, two Trumpets, one Saxophone and a Tuba, that alone is going to make for one massive live sound. They blend funk and blues to create an infectious energetic sound that is almost impossible to resist. With their brass blasts and charming vocals it’s sure to be one powerful steamy set to remember. 

Check out Stomptown Brass’ track ‘One Last TIme’ below 

Once again ‘TiLT present another night of vibrant talented artists sure to have the crowd dancing and bopping. Each band and artist bring fun radiant funky and groovy tunes that is going to illuminate The Button Factory on Tuesday December 10th. Make sure to head down and check it out. 

Admission to TiLT in The Button Factory every month is free. Entry is for over 18s only. Doors are at 7.30pm and the first act will be on stage at 8pm.

The Sound Training College is located in Temple Bar, Dublin 2 and caters for students interested in music technology and sound engineering https://soundtraining.com/

Any acts interested in performing at TiLT can apply by emailing John Barker at john.barker@98fm.com


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Bubble’

Following on from the recent success of ‘3 AM’ and ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’ Drogheda based Indie artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Bubble’. This sweet cosy lament, broods upon a swoony melody as Quinn strips back his sound to create a beautiful acoustic gem. Simple in its approach, the vocals drift on a beautiful melody weaving luscious tones throughout. There is sublime pacing in this track – the soft pauses and quicker “oh oh oh oh ohhh” to the drifting off vocals at the end of the verses create a romantic scene as the song trickles gently into the ears. With elegant keys twinkling behind the acoustic guitar ‘Bubble’ is a soft summer glow of soothing bliss as Quinn displays the more tender side to his musicianship. He shows that he can take his knack for composing melodious tunes and remove all the crisp electronics, dance soundscapes and indie blasts to create something truly special. Quinn’s music is blossoming wonderfully and this is perfectly displayed in new track ‘Bubble’.

Stream ‘Bubble’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electro- Punk, Electronic, EP Review, Experimental Rock, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Van Panther ‘Overcast’ EP

Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin). 

‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.

There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.

Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.

‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.

Stream ‘Overcast’ below 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

Jack Rua ‘Rise’ featuring Darce

Photo Credit : PureGrand (Luke Faulkner)

Dublin based innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Rise’ featuring Irish hip-hop artist Darce. Jack has so far released two singles; ‘Scarlet A’ and ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’. Both have collectively amassed over 50,000 streams on Spotify and received frequent airplay both at home and internationally. ‘Scarlet A’ lead Jack to being named Spin 1038’s “One To Watch”, and ‘Ego’ was played on RTE 2FM, Spin 1038, KCLR and BBC Introducing to name a few. Following the success of ‘Ego’, Jack and LOGUOS were invited by Tara Stewart to perform a live session in RTE 2FM’s iconic Studio 8.  ‘Rise’ is the third instalment from a mini album which is scheduled for release in early 2020 and explores themes of self-love and sexual liberation. The song will be accompanied by an artistic and stylised music video directed by PureGrand that blurs the lines between gender, sexuality and spirituality.

‘Rise’ is a bubbling dance anthem brimming with Jack Rua’s glossy intense musicianship. The track fizzes and ferments as pulsing beats and accelerating electronics create a heart-racing soundscape. With an infectious pop drenched melody the track seduces its way into your ears while Jack’s vocals coo and entice beneath a building backdrop. With racy lyrics fleshing out this lusty steamy dance infused number, Jack leaves very little to the imagination. Hip hop artist Darce injects a dash of grit as he rapidly raps over the swirling electronics with a punchy quality providing some relief from the sultry suffocating backdrop. Jack blends the sensual flamboyance of Prince with a sassy Madonna- esque boldness while still creating something that summons your soul to the dancefloor with his infectious and lovable tones, beats and melodies.  It’s a song that celebrates the healing powers of sex and love and both Jack and Darce infuse sensual swagger into this grooving chic and dazzling gem effortlessly. With crisp production, ‘Rise’ is a cool, confident display from Jack Rua. Keep an eye on him – Jack Rua is a dark horse for sure.

Stream ‘Rise’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

wojtek the bear ‘some states’

 Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘some states’ via Scottish Fiction.. The single continues the bands fruitful working relationship with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert].The video for the single shot by Kris Boyle, sees the band expand on the darkly-comic theme of failure with a Nigel Mansell obsessed Killean trying, and failing, to emulate his hero’s exploits on the track. 2019 has seen wojtek the bear playing as part of Belle & Sebastian’s The Boaty Weekender, being play-listed twice by Radio X, and playing live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland. The band have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show

‘some states’ is a glorious melodic number that glissades effortlessly upon wojtek the bear’s majestic mellow sound with a dash of indie bite to keep things fresh. With elegant strings lifting the track to wonderful ethereal heights the band create a wholesome satisfying song that is so sweet and pure its almost immaculate. The warm jangle on guitar meanders and weaves a zesty flourishment of delight throughout and creates a radiant atmosphere with an indie undertone. These guys have a sublime knack with melodies and ‘some states’ follows this trend beautifully with a dreamy cushioning melody caressed charmingly by cosy velvety vocals. The track rests marvelously on the ears with a pacifying and soothing tone as the band blend and entwine sweet delicate tones with hues of nostalgia seamlessly to create a stunning  piece of music to submerge yourself in. 

 Lead singer, and chief lyricist Tam Killean explains how the song came about, “it’s a song about that particularly painful end section of a failing relationship when it feels like all you’re doing is arguing with other person over the most ridiculous things, like who used the last of the toothpaste and didn’t replace it. The title comes from that old(ish) Scottish expression – “I’ve never been to America, but I’ve been in some states!” I just really liked the dark, self-deprecating humor of it. I think it’s that ability to see the humor in the darkest of times that allows us to get through things sometimes”. 

Watch the video for ‘some states’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Some Sprouts

Genre: Indie 

Bio: Hot off the heels of their second EP “IMMT”, German quintet Some Sprouts have released their new single Someone You Love.

Track: Someone You Love

Why We Like It: It’s a melodious sweet indie pop delight drenched in laid back sunny tones and sparkling instrumentation. With jangly dreamy strides on guitar cruising blissfully through a steady beat and twinkling soundscape the band create a mellowed gem glimmering with a light and refreshing wall of sound. With velvety vocals caressing a hazy sweet melody this effortless lush track is the easy listening tune ready to take you to a cosy summer utopia created by Some Sprouts.

You Can Follow Some Sprouts on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/somesproutsmusic/

Watch the video ‘Someone You Love’ below

Pretty Happy

Genre: Noise punk

Bio: Cork noise-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their new single ‘Arkansas’. Pretty Happy were included in the first round of announcements for iconic Cork Festival ‘Quarter Block Party’ and the fledgling act show no signs of slowing down, following on from support slots with Dublin grunge group Bitch Falcon and Limericks own Bleeding Heart Pigeons in recent weeks.

Track: ‘Arkansas’

Why We Like It: It’s an unsettling number – dark in its presentation. The band delve deep into a sinister work of gritty punk, smudged in blood stained aggro and chilling hysterics. The backdrop creeps and bloops with a sublime ominous bass and steady beat. The lyrics are narrated to us with a gravelly rasp=laced voice while slicing raw guitars cut deep into a dangerous backdrop filled with tension. There is an ‘American Psycho’ vibe to this track, as if we are listening to a harrowing psychotic break spiraling into a striking scene of frenzy. Its well crafted with some humorous lyrics and haunting backing coos throughout however it’s the band’s ability to create a groove filled, tight number that can chill and yet lure you in all at once that is utterly compelling and marks this band as one to watch.

About the track Arann Blake (Vocals, bass) said: “It’s a lot darker than our usual stuff, but that seems to be the direction the music is going. We didn’t want to reign in Abbey as such so she’s making all sorts of noise on the track. The vibe is kind of like a funny nightmare, disgusting, but fun.”

You can follow Pretty Happy on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/prettyhappyband/

Stream ‘Arkansas’ below

Chris Wilson 

Photo by Gareth Stack

Genre: Singer songwriter

Bio: Chris Wilson is a singer/songwriter originally from Swords. Having traveled all over the world busking solo and with bands and other artists he has honed his craft as a performer and songwriter.

Track: ‘Now I See You’

Why We Like It: It’s a delicate number that stops time as Wilson creates a nostalgic dream capsule of tender soft musicianship and powerful, sweet lyrics. With warm guitar soothing and creating a glowing radiance throughout, Wilson provides a cosy bubble for us to rest in. It’s emotional and tender as his velvety vocals coo delicately over the melancholic yet calming melody. There is a wonderful freeing atmosphere of safety and tranquility as Wilson provides a moment to stop and reflect through beautiful musicianship and feathery light melodic flows. Simply stunning.

You can follow Chris Wilson on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/imchriswilsonmusic/

Watch the video for ‘Now I See You’ below

Minutes To Midnight

Genre: Alternative

Bio:’13 Days’ is  taken from Minutes To Midnight’s debut solo album ‘After 1989 – A Trip To Freedom’. After a long stint as an audio professional in the gaming industry, Simone (Minutes to Midnight) has now turned his focus into music production. After extensive experience working with other artists, arranging, co-writing, and mixing, M2M has decided to tell a very personal story of his in the medium of a concept album. ‘After 1989 – A Trip To Freedom’ is a thoroughly crafted concept, it’s the result of a personal journey through a painful family legacy during World War II, and the tumultuous decades that followed.

Track: 13 Days

Why We Like It: This striking number provides a gritty more groove rooted side to Minutes To Midnight’s sound. With stinging guitar melodies and a rooted bass line the track takes a sultry sinister turn as the bass coils around the drums allowing Simone’s vocals to glissade upon the velvety melody. The track wriggles and creeps with a chilling sense of mystery as it builds to a heavier crescendo with a steamy guitar solo and punchy drums.

You can follow  Minutes To Midnight on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Min2Mid/

Stream ‘13 Days’ below 

Heavenly Faded

Photo Credit : Jamary Bobe

Genre: Alternative Rock

Bio: Heavenly Faded are a New York City band who  have been writing and recording since 2018. The band have a Brooklyn Bowl performance under their belt and have released their new single ‘Constellations’.

Track: Constellations

Why We Like It: It’s a blistering swagger-drenched rock number with an explosive wall of sound and catchy melody ready to revolve in your head for days. With fuzzy sharp guitars venturing from sweet piercing jingles to crashing ballsy blasts this track swarms in locked and loaded. With powerful passion-filled vocals, pulverizing drums and dynamic bass the track is a scorching lightning strike of adrenaline and classic rock power. The tight production and biting instrumentation make ‘Constellations’ a knock out and sublime track.

You can follow Heavenly Faded on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/heavenlyfaded

Stream ‘Constellations’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

doops ‘Rehash Ver. 2’

Reading based alternative three piece doops have released their new single ‘Rehash Ver. 2’. This ominous prism of relentless tension glimmers with psych facets, crashing alternative blasts and twinkling sweet moments. A tapping beat, murmuring bass and sinister strike on guitar introduce the track as the band simmer and bubble into the explosive chorus with hair-raising earnestness. Consumed in gritty ferocity the track builds superbly to the epic chorus. Guitars blaze and shred, crashing into the pulverising drums to create a kinetic and demolishing wall of sound drenched in dark tones and grimy abrasive textures. The vocals progress from a mysterious eerie whisper into snide whines and exclaims as the band create a thrilling and utterly manic instrumental backdrop sure to ignite a mosh pit. There is a dazing sense of paranoia seeping through the verses and this reaches its peak as the song travels to its manic crescendo outburst.

‘Rehash Ver. 2.’ tightens its grip around your ears with each precise instrumental movement as if slithering carefully around its prey until you are firmly encased and bound within its tight suffocating and dense soundscape. With haunting backing vocals and shredding guitar distortion weaving between an almost harrowing musical experience with a humming infectious backbone doops present another scorching wallop of their unique and utterly exhilarating musicianship.

You can catch doop live at  :

Nov 28th – The Monarch, Camden (This Feeling Club Night)

Dec 10th at Facebar in Reading 

Dec 14th – Beyond The Download, Wokingham (Christmas all Dayer)

Stream ‘Rehash Ver. 2’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

SUNDOWN ‘Kicking Up A Storm’

Following the success of their debut single ‘Deal With The Devil’ in march, Dublin rock band SUNDOWN have released their new single ‘Kicking Up A Storm’. The single, produced by Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script), is an homage to noughties guitar rock. With a slinky suave persona the track struts with an effortlessly cool swag while jagged riffs and punchy drums create a rough edged backdrop. Charismatic vocals drift on a smooth melodic flow as SUNDOWN present a driving infectious number filled with musical richness and vibrancy wrapped in a cool outer shell. With a shredding guitar solo and blistering wall of sound ‘Kicking Up A Storm’ is a sublime sophomore single from SUNDOWN. 

Watch the video for ‘Kicking Up A Storm’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Sick Love ‘My Man’

Dublin’s Sick Love have released their new single ‘My Man’. The track is taken from the bands  forthcoming debut EP and they are touring Ireland and the UK this month to support its release. Their track ‘Gun in Your Pocket’ has now topped 800K streams on Spotify and they have just signed a deal with one of the most successful Sync companies in the US joining a roster which includes Wolf Alice, Kodaline, The 1975, James Bay etc.

‘My Man’ takes Sick Love’s invigorating sound to new blistering heights as they stomp all over your ears with sass, attitude and utterly exhilarating instrumentation. Its a dark battering track that bubbles and boils to its explosive crescendo creating an intense listening experience as the refined crashing guitars weave between a rooted driving bass line. The pummeling drums create a turbulent foundation for the guitars and bass to smash into and ricochet off creating a wonderful rough and tumble texture while Rebecca Geary’s powerful luring whispers seduce before exclaiming into the harsh crescendo. Sick Love tease with a sublime push and pull intense soundscape, blending vaporous tones with utter anarchy and desperate mania. It’s fiery and sharp as the band lacerate and bruise relentlessly throughout before they bring the crescendo to epic almost cinematic proportions. ‘My Man’ is a powerful display from Sick Love. each component part from this four piece ( from the shredding guitars, pounding drums and powerful vocals) blend perfectly together to create a blasting, raw wall of sound with enticing melodies and breathtaking instrumentation. A must listen.

Stream ‘My Man’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Twenty Eighth Club

Photo Credit : Barnaby Fairley

Sheffield five piece Twenty Eighth Club have released their new single ‘Lost In Conversation’. The track follows in the same vein as previous releases ‘Talk ’and ‘Rebound ’(the latter being added to Spotify’s‘ Hot New Bands ’playlist ). The band have made appearances at the likes of Y Not and Dot to Dot Festivals over the summer and have had sold out headline shows in their hometown. They have an upcoming Sheffield headline show at the iconic Leadmill and support slots in Leeds and York with Indie-pop rising stars Larkins.

‘Lost In Conversation’ is a satisfying slurp of effervescent indie pop as Twenty Eighth Club spread a sugar sweet melody over a zesty indie backdrop. With a sun kissed glow and stinging, slicing, jangly guitars the track bounces and strides sublimely into its bursting chorus. Warm vocals glide over a catchy melody and vibrant summer sun wall of sound as the band flesh out their tight infectious music to create a wholly invigorating number. With its effortless presentation and blazing guitar refrains weaving between a dynamic bass and drum progression ‘Lost In Conversation’ is a youthful adrenaline rush, ready to revolve in your head for days.

Stream ‘Lost In Conversation’ below 


Author : Danu