Glasgow/Dundee based singer songwriter,Jamie Button is set to release his second single, ‘Flashbang’ on November 5th. Recorded in Paisley at Jamie McGrory’s (Bay City Rollers) studio JJ Recordings, ‘Flashbang’ involved the help of Button’s live band. Recent iTunes No.1 artist Scott Forsyth provided drums and guitars whilst Gordon Burn (OK Social Club) recorded the bass. The song was produced by Glasgow-based Ross Hamilton (Texas, Saint PHNX, Seafret).
‘Flashbang’ is a dynamic indie rock anthem showcasing irresistible melodies, vibrant instrumentation and Jamie Button’s clever musicianship.It’s sing along ready with a thumping bridge that is sure to be epic live. The track is an instant shot of adrenaline; a punchy rhythmic bounce adds edge to the track while the sharp guitars swirl and soar with a jangly tone. The song’s subject matter focuses on a desire for moments of excitement in a world seemingly gone wrong and how chance meetings can offer a way to feel invigorated again. Button’s warm vocals express excitement and convey the youthful energy within the lyrics with ease creating a relatable indie rock banger.
Jonny Taylor is set to release his debut single ‘Walk Along The River’ on November 5th. Jonny Taylor is a singer/songwriter from Liverpool.His distinctive style echoes the magic and mysteria of the Mersey sound while remaining fresh and exciting for 21st century tastes.
This charming track is a laid back listening experience. Oozing smooth vocals and a psychedelic vibe ‘Walk Along The River’ is surrounded in a relaxed flower power atmosphere while a strident guitar riff provides edge and rock swagger to the song. Taylor layers and crafts the track superbly sprinkling a Beatles-esque tone into his own radiant infectious sound, accompanied by an infectious melody which melts upon a bubbling beat and zest-filled guitar licks with ease. Well crafted and displaying slick instrumentation ‘Walk Along The River’ is a sublime debut from Jonny Taylor.
I caught up with Lizzie Fitzpatrick From Bitch Falcon to talk about the band’s upcoming debut album ‘Staring At Clocks’, how the band record and write their tracks as well as how Fitzpartick has developed and honed in on her amazing vocals. ‘Staring At Clocks’ is set for release on November 6th.
Ria Rua recorded a live session for Indie Buddie earlier this week and it’s a real treat. Ria Rua is a female artist and producer from Cavan. She began her musical life as a drummer – drumming professionally in Ireland and abroad – before deciding to shift her focus to songwriting, singing and production.
Ria Rua’s sound is edgy, compelling and executed with mesmerising artistic flair. Her luring songs blend sharp beats with dark intoxicating electronics to create an intriguing and tantalizing listening experience.
Ria went all out for her performance, utilising her deft technical wizardry, musical and visual prowess to provide us with an outstanding, one of a kind, and exciting performance.
Mechner unveils the final part of ‘Club Idem’ with single ‘Ghosts in the Mirror’. With the release of “Ghosts in the Mirror” and its accompanying music video, the continuing narrative which has been seen across Mechner’s previous 4 releases in 2020, finally comes to a close.
‘Ghosts in the Mirror’ is an emotive tune which drifts between 90’s alternative rock and electronic indie as Mechner spreads a catchy powerful melody over a simmering backdrop. Exuding punchy drums and warm guitar jangles teamed with wisps of electronics this rock ballad powerhouse is an impressive final addition to what has been a thrilling journey with Mechner. He never fails to deliver emotion and earnest tunes that pack one hell of a punch and ‘Ghost in the Mirror’ doesn’t disappoint. With a cinematic chorus, brooding verses and flashing dark electronics it’s a compelling, chilling new track and a satisfying listening experience.
About the track Mechner says “Ghosts is about being black out intoxicated on a night out, the feeling of not knowing where you are, but remembering only flashing images and sounds, somewhere in the recesses of your mind you are aware of what’s going on, but you have almost no control over your body, or brain. The idea of being trapped in oneself, it’s actually quite terrifying the idea of what can happen when you are not in control”
The music video is presented in Black and White, and shows one of the main characters going through grief over the loss of his partner to the mysterious Club Idem, though the ending is one you won’t forget in a hurry. Watch the video for ‘Ghosts in the Mirror’ below
Jack West has released his new single ‘Missing Out’ featuring Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready. This passionate rock ballad drifts upon a melancholic melody, mature songwriting and brooding instrumentation. A lamenting guitar, elegant frosty piano and steady beat set up an atmospheric lonely scene as West’s rasped coos ( accompanied by haunting backing vocals ) pine through the verses before the track erupts for the chorus. This power ballad oozes rock swagger and gusto as it leads into the emotive hair-raising chorus with pounding drums and sharp guitar lines piercing the icy biting atmosphere. Boasting an epic guitar solo and passionate crescendo, ‘Missing Out’ is a sublime new addition to West’s catalogue.
Multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter Liam Geddes has released his new song ‘Bad Best Friends’. His previous single ‘I’m Her’s’ has passed 230k streams since August completely independently and Geddes has amassed 88k monthly listeners. This will be his 4th single of the year with an EP set for release early 2021.
‘Bad Best Friends’ is an infectious pop number doused in sunkissed soundscapes. The track pivots around a light key and guitar refrain as Geddes builds soaring synths and finger clicking beats around this hypnotic refrain. With a charming whistle feature catchy chorus and effortlessly chill production this fun track is a laid back sun soaked indie pop delight. Zesty bursts on guitar and electronics create a refreshing bite to the song’s rich and full flavoured soundscape while a dreamy melody and shimmering synths add sweetness to the warm soothing tone of Liam Geddes vocals. With relatable lyrics and compelling arrangements ‘Bad Best Friends’ is a well crafted, infectious gem from Liam Geddes.
Following the release of their critically acclaimed second album ‘CCTV’ earlier this year, Columbia Mills have announced they have teamed up with some of their favourite artists Jape, Girl Band, Ryan Vail and Get Well Soon, for their ‘Remixed EP’. This EP allowed the artists to create their own interpretation of tracks from ‘CCTV’ and put their creative spin on the songs. The first release from the remixed EP is Jape’s remix of their song ‘The Greatest Love’.
With flashing electronics, lush textures and melodies Richie Egan’s ( aka Jape ) remix of ‘The Greatest Love’ takes a more electronic dance form. Japes interpretation uses skittish beats, desert vibes and rushing waves of synths to create a 70’s-esque dance floor banger. Rich rhythms adorn the backdrop with an almost Salsa rhythmic bounce while the reverb vocals and swirling soundscapes create darker undertones. The remix is truly compelling.
Frontman from Columbia Mills Fiachra Treacy speaks about how the idea came about for the remixed EP:
“Above all else, the members of Columbia Mills are massive music fans. We spend most of our free time attending gigs of all genres and discussing our favourite artists. Our broad range of influences can be heard in our music, so we thought it would be a good idea to ask the people who influence us most, to remix some of our tracks. We put out the feelers and we were delighted that everyone agreed to be a part of this EP. Getting the mixes back from each artist was like waking up on Christmas morning. To have your favourite artist remix your tracks was an awesome feeling for us. Given the circumstances we find ourselves in, there has been a massive sense of community amongst artists of all genres. We are all in the same boat. Some of us are unsure as to whether we keep paddling, or whether to get off before it sinks entirely. This project, and the support that we have gotten from our friends and fellow artists, have galvanized and inspired us to keep going. It has inspired us to plough ahead and write our 3rd album.This EP represents the sense of community that has been created by the decimation of our industry. 5 artists of different genres coming together to support each other when it is needed the most.Thank you, Richie, Foxy (and the lads from Girl band), Ryan, and Konstantin for your genius. We are inspired and truly grateful.”
On the 30th anniversary of their debut album ‘Paradise in the Picturehouse’, The Stunning have reissued the classic album on vinyl accompanied by a beautifully crafted songbook.
A true collectors item, this will be the first time the album has been available on vinyl since 1990 and it will be accompanied by a stunning book – featuring easy to follow guitar and piano arrangements, playing tips written by the band themselves, never-before-seen photos and the inspiration behind each of the tracks and more.
Coming out of Galway city, The Stunning took Ireland by storm and shifted the focus from a Dublin-centric rock scene to the provinces, paving the way for many more artists to come. They toured relentlessly releasing a string of hit singles and two number one albums and built a following that would make them one of the most popular Irish bands ever amongst a new generation of young Irish people for whom emigration was not a prerequisite.
‘Paradise in the Picturehouse’ stayed at the top of the charts for five weeks upon its release in 1990 and made the band a household name.
This album is a favourite of many. Within its melodic flows and rich tunes lies warm nostalgic memories, fond air guitar moments and sing alongs. Who can resist the “Da da da da, da da da, da da da da” lyric in ‘Brewing Up a Storm’, the beauty within the melody and instrumental blasts of ‘Romeo’s on Fire’ or the chugging rhythm in ‘Got to Get Away’.
According to Steve:“we had always intended on marking the anniversary of this album. It seems to have endured the passing decades and holds a special place in the hearts of a lot of people who grew up in Ireland during the late 80’s and early 90’s. I still meet people today who say Paradise was the soundtrack to their formative years. Doing the book was also a way to introduce new fans to the music and to give them the backstory as well. Budding musicians will have no excuse now for murdering the songs!”
Joe: “Though it seemed like a risky venture, I now realise it’s a fantastic piece of Stunning history for any fan to own. People on our mailing list got the chance to buy it first and the feedback has been amazing. Besides, the only physical product selling anymore are LP’s, so this is a no-brainer. 2020 is the album’s 30th anniversary so the book has to come out now regardless of the pandemic. We enjoyed making it so much that we can’t wait for people to see it”.
In between ‘Stunning’ duties the band members have their fingers in many pies. Lead singer Steve Wall’s acting career has really taken off. Following his portrayal of legendary trumpet player Chet Baker in the feature film My Foolish Heart, he’s recently filmed a new sci-fi series with Ridley Scott, completed an episode of Tin Star with Tim Roth and played a leading role in The South Westerlies, a new drama series for RTE due out soon. Guitarist Derek Murray tours with comedian Tommy Tiernan. Keyboard and trumpet player Jim Higgins is a stalwart in Christy Moore’s band. Drummer Cormac Dunne plays with everybody west of the Shannon, sometimes twice a day! Joe Wall has been involved with the Music College BIMM Dublin since it opened in 2011. In his spare time he writes and records and hatches plans for future Stunning ventures.
You can order the reissue of the classic album on vinyl accompanied by a beautifully crafted songbook fromwww.thestunning.net
Bright Falls has released his new single ‘The Widows Homes’. Bright Falls is the project of Thurles, Co. Tipperary, singer-songwriter Eddie McCormack, who blends Americana with alternative rock, while taking a narrative approach to songwriting. Bright Falls debut E.P ‘Logging’ which was produced by Martin Quinn (Aine Cahill, The Strypes), was released in July 2019 . After the release of ‘Logging’, Bright Falls, with a full band, was asked to open Féile ’19, in Semple Stadium alongside acts such as Sinead O’Connor and The Stunning. Bright Falls have also supported artists The Frank & Walters, Ryan Sheridan and David Keenan.
Oozing Americana tones and icy synth progressions, ‘The Widows Homes’ is a lush and passionate song from Bright Falls. Bittersweet melodies drift over a warm alternative backdrop accompanied by a chiming guitar which weaves through 80’s-esque shimmering synths.The production is clean and precise resulting in a solid heartfelt tune which displays Bright Falls beautiful earnest songwriting. With a soothing vocal delivery, McCormack effortlessly coos over the simmering backdrop and lush arrangements while a chugging beat maintains the track’s relentless drive.The song recounts the aftermath of a love lost, building up to the chorus which sees the protagonist long for reconciliation of the relationship which they know will never return. As the track builds the synths flourish and blend into the songs emotive Americana tones to create a touching and wholly soothing listening experience. Boasting tight animated instrumentation ‘The Widows Homes’ is an impressive and extremely compelling track from Bright Falls.
