Category Archives: Live Music

LIVE With Saibh Skelly Review

Fluttertone and Dublin Concerts have come together to present LIVE. A special interactive intimate show on the zoom platform. Dublin singer-songwriter and busker Saibh Skelly headlined last night’s show. Blending sensitive acoustic vibes and irresistible melodies with sweet passionate songwriting along with a healthy sprinkling of covers, it was a tight and enjoyable set. She performs pristine covers of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Best Part of Me’, ‘Tenerife Sea’ and a hair-raising rendition of Miley Cyrus’ ‘The Climb’, however, it’s the mesmerising effect of Skelly’s warm emotive vocals and calm persona which catches the audiences attention.

Last night we witnessed a budding artist’s growth as Skelly performed her original songs and even some she has not fully finished or named yet. Her own songs are of course the highlight of the show. Skelly displays maturity and tenderness with ease through her charming lyrics and wispy ballads, ‘Be Mine’ a new “mom approved” song and  ‘What If’ all flow with grace and subtle pop sensibilities.

At such a young age she is quite the impressive artist. Displaying such confidence, charm and knack with ear worm melodies, it’s easy to imagine Skelly’s songs bellowed back by a swaying arena crowd as she holds the same melodic prowess and emotion as one of her influences, Ed Sheeran. Her tunes are a hit among the viewers, they comment with praise and adoration for her and her songs. Some said they could listen to her all night and that “someday when she is playing stadiums we will be able to say we were fans when she was performing on zoom” and “ we were fans even when she had a pink guitar”. 

Skelly has established herself as a intelligent storyteller. ‘Do You Love Me’ in particular broods with a wistful melody while the raw emotion in Skelly’s vocals hits the listener to their core. There is innocence and maturity within this simple acoustic performance as Skelly holds herself without fuss or fanfare, allowing her songs and voice to speak for her. Skelly planned to close her set with ’Mistakes We Make’ however the viewers had other plans, they surge the comment section with requests for “one more tune!” so she sweetly obliges with another not yet finished, un-named and heartbreaking original track. This un-named and not yet finished gem is a wonderful example of Skelly evolving her craft and songwriting into something very special. Last night Saibh Skelly proved she is an artist to keep an eye on.

An exclusive Q&A followed the performance where viewers could purchase VIP tickets to enter another zoom session after the show to ask questions and have a chat with Saibh Skelly. She answers the questions with ease, from when did she start playing music to how she subtly encrypts her songs so it’s not obvious who they are written about. She explains how helpful and valuable her parents are to her as well as how often she practices for busking. It is through this special Q&A we get a glimpse of her bubbly character and persona. In my opinion this part of the show is a great way to get to know the artist performing on the platform. Topics such as overcoming writer’s block, dealing with nerves as well as the honest details about getting songs on Spotify all come up on the Q&A making it an invaluable platform and community for both fans and artists alike. 

To get an idea of how talented Saibh Skelly is check out her track ‘Do You Love Her’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News – Jack Joyce Takeover

Jack Joyce will takeover our Instagram and Facebook for a live stream on Friday at 8.00 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Up and coming unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘56 Roadster’. Jack first embarked on his music career at the age of sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. Jack released his debut demo EP, Get Down, in October 2018 and spent the summer of 2019 busking through Europe. Following his return he sold out The Vintage Room in the Workman’s Club and the Whale Theatre. He followed this by opening for Cassia in Whelan’s and playing a slot at the New Year’s Festival in Dublin. ‘56 Roadster’ is taken from his upcoming EP ‘Big Sexy EP which is set for release early September.

Joyce has a knack for writing catchy melodies and witty tunes. His vocals ooze warmth and a charming persona while his mature songwriting makes him an artist to keep an eye on. He is one not to be missed.

Jack Joyce has just released his new single ‘56 Roadster’ check it out below


Author : Danu

Rebekah Fitch Live On Virtual

Belfast alternative pop singer/songwriter Rebekah Fitch was the star of last night’s Virtual show organised by Fluttertone and dootdoot Records. With her merch strategically placed on the wall behind her and basked in golden-hued lighting the multi-instrumentalist takes her place ready to perform. The first bars of ‘Another Show’ which opens her set, displays her soulful R&B voice which is a shock to the system – pitch-perfect and masterfully balanced between angel-like sweetness and powerfully demanding. She weaves a few lines from Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ into the crescendo before bringing the track to a hair-raising finale. It is a fantastic opening song, and the rest of Fitch’s set only gets better and better.

Utilizing loops, drum machine and keys Fitch provides a knockout set with a full uncompromising sound. Virtual once again pulls in another outstanding tech genius to perform and boy does it make a difference. There is something special about an acoustic set but it’s these engaging live performances filled with a full bodied sound that ignite the platform.

Fitch makes music composition look easy as she wonderfully blends flute melodies into alternative pop and R&B tracks.This clash of earthy almost classical pop with contemporary allows Fitch to create a collection of compelling music to delight listeners with. ‘Guns With Guns’ is the most acoustic we see Fitch. A simple emotive piano ballad, the track showcases her voice in all its beauty and glory.

Her tracks flourish live and for the first time we get to hear ‘Take Me Apart’ played on piano. This passionate and tender track discussing her feelings during lockdown is a real treat. Fitch possesses all the criteria for major alternative pop stardom, her ability to write songs ( which hit you hard in the chest, exposing feelings you never knew you even had ) is mesmerising while her ear worm melodies, expressive vocals and rich compositions leave all her contemporaries behind. The maturity and understanding in her songwriting is such a soothing and beautiful comfort while the refined layering and instrumentation displays her creative genius.

Fitch is an intense performer sprawling her arms out while soaring through her perfect falsetto and sultry lower range. From the power of ‘Fake Smiles’ to the haunting ‘Not Myself’ we get to see Fitch multi task between loops, flute and big drum and synth builds.This set list is a reminder of the fantastic tunes she has in her arsenal and the new unreleased track ‘Dust’ is an impressive display of her songwriting prowess. Words cannot express how special this song is. It floored me. It’s a  moving track about losing someone you thought you would always have and almost hurts to hear. Each word feels fresh and painful for Fitch as she lays emotion over a bittersweet melody while a building piano graces the backdrop in an equal measure of strength and tenderness.

‘A Love So Crazy’ brings the set to an epic end, leaving us craving for more. This was a professional, fun and engaging performance from a remarkable artist.

In true Virtual manner a Q&A follows the performance allowing fans to ask questions and get into the details of tracks. Fitch’s bubbly persona makes this a seamless and fun engagement as she discusses all from how she creates her tracks, the biggest obstacle she’s had to overcome and how she got into music as well as some technical intricacies about her set up for the live performance. Rebekah Fitch is an amazing artist and one everyone should check out. 

For a taste of the compelling songwriting of Rebekah Fitch check out her track ‘A Love So Crazy’ below


Author : Danu

Sam Wickens live on Virtual

AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create a series of intimate evenings of exclusive live performances from the best emerging and established artists.Last night they had the music sensation that is Sam Wickens.

Sam Wickens enchanted the viewers of Virtual last night.There is nothing more special than a performance from Wickens. We saw him in his home studio all geared up and tech savvy. He ventures through tunes with acoustic guitar, synths and reverb as well as some haunting effects. He has become known as the “tech wizard of Oz”, for he has been helping other artists that have performed on Virtual making sure their sound is crisp and clear. However tonight it’s all about the beauty in his songs and majesty of his voice.

Wickens is a passionate performer and exceptional instrumentalist ( he made his synth himself) however it’s the moments of heightened emotion and depth within his songs that takes your breath away – tracks such as ‘I Was’ breaks your heart in a swift, raw and striking instant.His performance is wholly consuming as he ventures between country, soul and folk with ease while subtly adding delicate textures in the background. While having a cheeky little vape during the set as well, Wickens explains he is “mathematically challenged when it comes to song length times “ and planning his time for shows.

Wickens shows the tenderness and emotion in his voice through the immaculate ‘Winter’ while ‘Oh Mother’ displays the rich and soulful marvel of his vocal range. He uses synths and effects to create a haunting atmosphere and reverb. The synths fill out the sound while at the same time emphasising the purest form of his music. Wickens treats us to some new tracks from an EP he will be releasing later this year.Yet to be released ‘Murky Waters’ in particular is perfection.The lush falsetto, foot tapping tempo and soothing melody creates a heavenly melodic ambience while ‘Cliff Side’ is a folk-hued number that has Wickens “trying to be a didgeridoo”. The set continues with fans asking him to do four more… five more songs, Wickens jokingly replies “I’ll do none, I’ll feck off now” before delving into the latter half of his set. 

There is real serenity to the performance, a great relaxation that’s beautiful to witness as Wickens plays guitar and keys with ease. Not only can Wickens present moving and lyrically poetic songs he can drift through some pretty slick covers as well. A time stopping cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Crawling Back To You’ graces the setlist however it is the much sought after ‘Jericho’ which leads to revered appreciation and adoration from the viewers. 

Sam Wickens is an artist to treasure. His songs form their own universe, primed for the listener to dive in and find their own little corner to indulge and delight in. His technical virtuosity and moving vocals are incomparable and this Virtual medium gives a real frisson of excitement and thrill to Wickens performance creating the space, silence and mood to truly appreciate his beautiful songs.

A Q&A follows the performance which satisfies the insatiable need of the viewers to ask and connect with Wickens. Questions from what’s your favourite fruit, favourite burger joint to how does he get into the head space for his songs, inspirations as well as more personal topics such as him being a “sober little pickle”.He has fans in Canada and America watching. Unfortunately “Sammy” is “too cool to say it back” to fans declaring their love for him however this does not halt the flood of compliments and love for Wickens from pouring in.This Q&A in particular is lively and Wickens banters and chats honestly to his fans providing them with a more personal one to one conversation approach which is a special feature of this Virtual medium. Another mind blowing performance on our weekly fix of Virtual.

Stream Sam Wickens new single ‘Eden’ below


Author : Danu

Event News – Vulpynes Takeover

Vulpynes will takeover our Instagram and Facebook for a live stream on Thursday at 7.30 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting Irish rock bands in recent years. Since the release of their self titled debut EP and their sophomore EP ‘Dye Me Red’ which was released last year the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.

The duo have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and this Thursday they are treating us to a few acoustic versions of their tunes. It is a set not to be missed.

Stream Vulpynes latest single ‘Sister’ below


Author : Danu

Brian Houston Live on Virtual

AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create live streams on the Zoom platform and last night was another outstanding evening of music as they hosted Belfast singer songwriter Brian Houston.

Deciding to play his new unreleased album Brian Houston provided a night of relaxed country rock. His warm, rasped vocals reverb with a velvety soothing quality. He could sing anything and it would comfort and soothe your soul.This glimpse into the new album was a real treat and showcased just how good a singer songwriter Houston is. The lamenting guitar accompaniment in ‘I Let Her Go’, ‘Good News Junkie’ and ‘The Angel On The Corner’ is emotive and powerful yet delicate and tender all at once.

Houston puts on a full and consuming show. His anecdotes and stories between tracks about opening for Elvis Costello, how he wrote his songs and even a rendition on Mandolin of Happy Birthday for one of his friends was a joy to listen to. They provided some light hearted relief from the emotional heavy hitting tracks. Houston has a wonderful ability to break your heart and stir emotion within the listener and the striped back acoustic version of his songs last night cut deep with passion and thrived within the live acoustic setting. Oozing spellbinding and spine-tingling charm Houston sings about religion, love and the people he has met through the years. His witty lyrics and calming tone lulled us into a world of folk/country rock.

For me the bright and charming ‘She Got That From Me’ was a highlight in the set along with Houston’s sweet falsetto in the delicate ballad ‘If’. However it is ‘Spanish’ which is the pinnacle moment of the show. Houston’s harmonica slices through a haze of melancholia while the lyrics depict the lives and sorrow of the people who lived in residential schools in towns such as Spanish, Ontario, Canada. It’s a beautiful, touching and melodically magnificent number which stirs hopelessness, fear and sorrowful remorse in the hearts of anyone who hears this song. The wonderful advantage of these Virtual shows is the audience’s silence. The silence allows songs like ‘Spanish’ to really hit home as you can hear every emotive word with such piercing clarity. 

A Q&A follows the show with Houston answering questions about how he writes his songs, what he is doing in lockdown and what a ghillie weeper bird is ( ‘a wee bird that at the end of its life cycle goes round and round in ever decreasing circles until it disappears up its own backside’ ). 

Brian Houston performed an outstanding set last night. His clear, deep vocals provide moments of sweet tenderness alongside subtle gravel-hued coos and sweet highs which evoke raw passion and emotion. There is no fuss or extravagance with Houston’s set – its honest, pure good tunes. Last night featured another knockout performance on Virtual. I have to hand it to AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records, these guys are highlighting some serious talent every week. 

Stream Brian Houston’s ‘Good News Junkie’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News : POLAR STATES Takeover

POLAR STATES will takeover our Instagram for a live stream on Saturday 11th July at 8 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Since forming in 2015 Liverpool’s POLAR STATES have had strong support from Radio 1 including a feature on the best of BBC introducing playlist, entered Spotify’s Viral 50 Chart, and have played a number of major UK festivals, supporting Wolf Alice, The Japanese House, and Clean Cut Kid. The band have an anthemic sound of vibrant indie rock that is sure to make for an amazing show

You can stream their new single ‘2020’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News – Grant Kilpatrick Takeover

Grant Kilpatrick will takeover our Instagram for a live stream on Thursday 9th July at 7.30 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Based just outside of Edinburgh Scotland, Grant Kilpatrick is a songwriter with an edge. With introspective lyrics draped over a backdrop of raw angular guitar music, Kilpatrick displays his wide range of influences through his tunes.

Grant Kilpatrick’s edgy indie rock and smooth vocals makes for an engaging and thrilling listening experience and I’m sure his live stream is going to be entertaining for all.

Stream Grant Kilpatrick’s new single ‘Out My Mind’ below


Author : Danu

Rachel Grace Live On Virtual

Virtual is a series of intimate evenings with exclusive live performances from the best emerging and established artists initiated by AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records

Last night’s show was a special treat featuring the mesmerising Rachel Grace ( nicknamed by one fan as “The Beanie Queen”). Grace is a diverse and engaging performer as she blends genres to suit her wonderful emotive style. Guitars adorn the wall behind her as she sits with a yellow beanie on her head ready to blow us away with her immaculate performance. The beanie becomes a hot topic of discussion – one viewer comments “the beanie is the only way to contain her talent from getting too much for us to handle“. From the upbeat pop gem ‘To Love Somebody Else’ to the warm cosy ‘Home’ and sassy, powerful upcoming single ‘Cry Me an Ocean’ she cruises through her set with a cheerful stride and soulful flair.

Her sterling voice and empathic songwriting are far beyond her years ( she has just turned 18 ). Whether she is singing about the pain of heartbreak, sweet love or a wistful lullaby, Grace beautifully translates those feelings into intimate moments of soulful tones and tender dreamy melodies. Time stops when Grace sings as the viewers are swept up in her luxuriant tones swaying and singing along. The comments section fills with compliments for the young starlet almost instantly as she shyly thanks the viewers and chats between tracks.

Grace could make the most brawny man weep like a baby with just one simple vocal coo but its the power and emotion within her songwriting in tracks such as ‘Love Will Come’ that will summon ocean-sized water wells in your eyes. There are R&B elements glimmering through the soulful and jazzy- like tunes even within the more attitude soaked ‘Quite Like You’ and bluesy country ‘Nice Knowin’ Ya’ as Grace’s delivery holds a professional entrancing poise. The simple setting of Virtual allows the viewers to truly appreciate the breathtaking ability of this singer songwriter

Rachel Grace put on a sensational passionate performance. Her impressive evocative voice is a joy to listen to and the perfect accompaniment to her emotive songwriting. I can’t wait to see more of this artist.

Stream ‘You Don’t Know’ below


Author : Danu

Lucy Robinson Live On Virtual

AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create an opportunity on the Zoom platform for artists to perform. They have called it Virtual and this week’s event hosted the amazing talents of Lucy Robinson

I sit with many others (who are in their kitchen and various rooms in their houses) ready to watch Lucy Robinson live on Virtual. The last gig she will do as Lucy Robinson as she has changed her moniker to Nicha. It’s becoming a regular gathering on a Wednesday night and livestreams becoming the “norm” as members of the audience watch while doing the dishes, preparing their dinner, chilling on the beach or just sitting down relaxing.  

Lucy Robinson is an outstanding performer. Her warm rich and rasped tone has a deeper more resounding depth than most of her singer songwriter counterparts and her songs are fun nuggets of delight. Sitting in her room adorned with green foliage, a lava lamp and soft tropical colour scheme the setting is perfect for a sunny summer’s evening. Lucy takes time to say hello to the viewers and banter with them showing her fun humour and charming bubbly persona.

Lucy didn’t disappoint. She served up a live performance interspersing raw musical talent with thought-provoking lyrics and beautiful vocals. She manages to mesmerise even within this acoustic setting. Her melodies wrap around the intricate strums and picks on guitar with ease adding to the golden radiance she emits. ‘Mustard’, ‘Poison’  and ‘Chess’  have the viewers bopping and swaying with cheery smiles on their faces. A little girl watching dances with her kitten teddy while the muted clapping and thumbs up manage to create a cosy and warm setting. 

Lucy took the crowd away from the stress of the world outside to indulge in an evening of storytelling and song-craft. Her tunes are intimate and melodious as each song made the platform feel personal and comfortable. She treats the viewers to a few new songs – ‘Red and Blue’ is quite the sultry delight. With jaunty guitar striking between the smoky rich tones of her voice, it’s definitely a track to look forward to. Gearing up to release a new single ‘Devices’ on the 9th July Lucy gives us a glimpse of what we can look forward to. This golden ditty drifts upon a sweet as honey melody while the lilts through the chorus are earworm worthy. I actually woke up the next morning singing it in my head and I only heard it once. Lucy has quite the knack for crafting simple vocal hooks and her equally sweet personality is so warm and inviting it’s difficult not to be charmed by her. 

A brief Q&A brings the session to an end as viewers ask Lucy questions about her influences, who she would like to collaborate with and how she deals with pre-show anxiety – I think she gave the best advice I’ve ever heard, don’t picture the crowd naked!. 

Lucy Robinson is a unique artist and a wonderful singer. I’m certain the livesteam experience is nerve-racking for an artist however all the behind the scenes work with sound checks etc paid off. The end result was an entertaining, emotive show boasting an abundance of musical precision, originality and the enticing talent of Lucy Robinson. 

Check her out under her new moniker Nicha on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/nichaamusic/


Author : Danu