The line up for Arthur's Day is growing by the day, with more artists being announced on a regular basis.
To find out Artist details from the current confirmed line up and where they are playing, simply select a city or from the artist list.
Biffy Clyro
Widely acclaimed as one of 2009's finest albums, 'Only Revolutions' has seen Biffy Clyro make a stellar leap forwards into rock's major leagues as it has reached 300,000 sales in the UK alone. As well as a succession of hit singles – 'Mountains' (#5), 'That Golden Rule' (#10), 'The Captain' (#17) and 'Many of Horror (#20)' - the band's subsequent successes have included two sold-out UK tours which included gigs at Brixton Academy, Hammersmith Apollo and two rapturously received homecoming shows at Glasgow's Barrowland, as well as their first ever NME Award for Best Video for the single 'The Captain'. The band have also earned their first nomination for the highly prestigious Mercury Prize, and have just won a Kerrang! Award in the Best Video category for 'The Captain'.
Website*: Official Biffy Clyro website
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Brandon Flowers
The Killers' Brandon Flowers will release his debut solo album, "Flamingo", on September 6th, 2010 on Vertigo Records (US release date is September 14th).
While writing on the road during eighteen months of touring for The Killers' acclaimed, million plus-selling (UK), 2008 album, "Day & Age", Flowers originally intended for the songs on Flamingo to be the start of a new Killers album. When the band returned to their hometown of Vegas, however, they collectively decided to take an extended break, the result of having spent nearly seven years straight touring the globe. Not ready to put the songs he had written on hold, Flowers retreated to the band's studio, Battle Born, ready to commit his songs to tape.
The resulting album is exactly what fans have come to expect from Flowers and then some. The record is simply a classic American rock album, full of extraordinary choruses, vast instrumentation and Flowers' incredible voice, sounding richer and more diverse than ever before. Inextricably tied to Vegas in both showmanship and ideology, Flamingo is packed full of sparkling, stadium-ready songs that run the gamut from expert pop executions and forlorn electro dirges to gospel tunes and even blues-tinged rock.
Website*: Official Brandon Flowers website
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Carbon/Silicon
Carbon/Silicon was formed by old friends Mick Jones (Clash, BAD) and Tony James (Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik) in 2002.
They were inspired by the file sharing capabilities of the internet, which they saw as the saviour of creativity - not its downfall... and the two continue to play Loud garage Rock and Roll - the music that inspired them.
The band saw various mutations before they were joined by Jesse Wood on bass (Son of Ronnie Wood) and Dominic Greensmith (REEF) on drums in 2010.
Carbon Silicon do whatever they want because they are finally in control of our own creativity... They will continue to write, record and release new songs for free through their website as well as "conventional" media out in the real world... They believe the 2 worlds will co-exist happily and Art will prosper in the New Counter Culture.
If there is a revolution going on - then count them in...
Website*: Official Carbon/Silicon website
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Cathy Davey
Choice Music Prize nominee and Meteor Ireland Music Award winner Cathy Davey can now add the moniker ‘Number One Selling Artist’ to her list of career highlights. The Irish singer-songwriter delivered a triple-crown result, with her brand new album The Nameless, debuting in poll position on the Irish Album Charts, the Independent Release Charts and the iTunes Charts on its first week of release. Taking the Number One spot is a huge achievement for any artist, but a particularly inspiring accomplishment for a young, independent Irish musician, creating and releasing a self-funded body of work.
Website*: Official Cathy Davey website
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The Courteeners
The Courteeners ended 2009 by playing the biggest gig of their career to date, selling out 10,000 tickets to Manchester Central in just five days.
2010 has seen the release of ‘Falcon’; follow up to Stephen Street produced top 5 album ‘St Jude’. Written and demo-ed in Manchester’s Airtight studios, recorded in Belgium’s ICP Studios with producer Ed Buller – of Suede, Pulp and White Lies fame – over seven weeks and mixed at Electric Lady Studios in New York with Michael Brauer, it’s a truly beautiful record.
Other highlights of this year include Morrissey inviting the group to support him on tour in March and April and Johnny Marr heaping praise on Liam when he supported The Cribs in Manchester at an XFM show.
Website*: Official Courteeners website
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Dave Peyton
Dave is a singer/songwriter/musician raised in a small country town in the midlands after he and his family moved down from Dublin the early 80s. He has been very fortunate with gigs, having shared stages in small venues and big festivals with Irelands finest: The Frames, The Blizzards, Mundy, The Pogues, The Hothouse Flowers, Declan O'Rourke, Ronnie Drew, The Walls, and many international acts such as, Avril Lavigne, Starsailor, The Editors, Sister Sledge and Mystery Jets. Dave's debut solo album Couch Lovers was released on iTunes on the 1st of July 2010.
Website*: Official Dave Peyton website
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David Gray
After a year spent chiefly on the road and less than 12 months since his last major release, David Gray presents the latest extract from a period of intense creativity and labour - his ninth album – ‘Foundling’.
David’s collaborators here include ‘White Ladder’ producer and long term colleague Lestyn Polson, Caroline Dale and her octet, the Kick Horns as well as the regular members of the band. The result offers contradictions - minimalist and dramatic, understated and mature - and has yielded early comparisons to Tom Waits, Randy Newman and The Band.
“I felt like this was my private record, I didn’t get too picky, I threw out a lot of the everyday concerns of record making, and it’s actually a wonderfully liberating feeling... We just made it the way we wanted to”, explains Gray.
Like the orphan from whom its name is taken, ‘Foundling’ has a special place in the hearts of its assorted parents, “We just love it,” says David.
They trust that it will find affection out in the wider world, now that it stands alone.
Website*: Official David Gray website
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Eliza Doolittle
Eliza Doolittle - strong of opinion, smiley of face, loud of tights - was born in Camden, north London 22 years ago. Informed by the stresses of modern city life, teenage aggro, classic pop, old soul and the appeal of simple, strong melodies built from clanking percussion and jazzy licks, Eliza's eponymous debut album is bursting at the seams with life and enthusiasm and vigour - just like its creator.
On her debut album, released this June, Eliza marries breezily beautiful melodies and witty, erudite lyrics with a delightfully off-kilter twist and a knack for a killer hook. Debut single 'Skinny Genes' sets out the stall perfectly, summoning to mind lost songs from the Motown era by the Marvelettes or The Supremes, complete with infectious whistling.
Website*: Official Eliza Doolittle website
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Empire Saints
Empire Saints were formed in 2008 by brothers Fiachra & Uisneagh Treacy. Shortly after, long-time friend Noel Healy, drummer & co-songwriter joined the Saints along with Pete Cheevers. Empire Saints have headlined gigs in some very prestigious venues even at this early stage in their career including the Sugar Club and Whelan's in Dublin and The Hope and Anchor in London. Empire Saints were also shortlisted in Hot Press's "London Calling" competition with the top prize of playing in front of 20,000 people in Trafalgar Square at the St. Patrick's Festival. The band was selected because of the video for "Float On", which has been selected for the 2010 BORNSHORTS Film Festival in Denmark in August 2010.
Website*: Official Empire Saints website
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Example
Elliot Gleave, aka Example, has made a pop record. He hasn't made a pop record in the way it's fashionable these days for people to say they've made a pop record, then you put it on and it sounds like Lou Reed thumping a Roland 303 with a wet cucumber. This is an actual pop record.
The raps are still razorwire sharp, of course - they're warm and funny and perceptive snatches of life and "female-based chat" from a 26-year-old music brain that's already won thousands of fans with its laddish, shoutalong charm.
With a killer performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend and support from Radio 1, Capital, Galaxy, Kiss, MTV, 4Music and T4, the Example love is spreading fast. Over 6 million hits for his videos on YouTube and according to The Guardian a 'bright pop tinged superstar in the making'.
With two Top 10 smash hit singles this year and a Top 5 silver selling album, Example has taken the UK chart by storm, making the release of his brand new single 'Last Ones Standing' a force to be reckoned with.
Website*: Official Example website
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Fortune
Fortune is formed of Lionel Pierres (a member of acclaimed underground duo, Abstrackt Keal Agram), Pierre Lucas (formerly of Snookut), and Herve Loos.
Having spent the previous years in an instrumental duo the first principle of Fortune was to allow Lionel to return to vocal duties, a position that, pre Abstrackt, had been his first experience of being in a band. English was chosen as the language of Fortune, the formative influences that the trio brought to bear on the project being English and American bands.
Having established a writing core of the trio, Lionel coming up with the basic songs, Pierre weighing in with the arrangements and Herve coming up with the rhythms, the three became four with the addition of producer Pierrick Devin, of Cassius fame and the man behind the desk for the recent Phoenix album.
'Staring At The Ice Melt' is released by Distiller Records on September 13th, 2010.
Website*: Official Fortune website
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The Hoosiers
If you thought you knew the Hoosiers, think again. Three years after they first stormed the charts with their feel-good brand of fizzy pop, with singles such as 'Worried About Ray' and 'Goodbye Mr. A'; and shifting over 600,000 copies of their debut album 'The Trick To Life', the pop trio have returned with a brand new sound which slots them straight into 2010 whilst firmly establishing their pop base. The Hoosiers are a band whose primary aim is to push the boundaries of pop, and the new album 'The Illusion of Safety' does just that.
Out are the skippy beats, perky melodies, lashings of falsetto and nods to 70s soft rock that defined their previous sound, and in came synths, dancefloor-friendly beats, a dash of Giorgio Moroder and triumphant, multi-tracked choruses that recall the pomp of the Pet Shop Boys' 'Go West'.
The first single to be taken from 'The Illusion Of Safety' is the incredibly catchy, electro based, 80's influenced 'Choices'. Just one listen and you'll be hooked. 'Choices' will be released on August 2nd, and in the meantime, look out for the bands' full-on, typically Hoosieresque, with a twist, video.
2010 is the year of The Hoosiers. Mark my words.
Website*: Official The Hoosiers website
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Imelda May
"The problem with an artist like Imelda May is that she’s so good, it makes a critical review almost impossible to write; her performance is flawless." - Clash Magazine
Imelda May, born in Dublin and raised in the Liberties, may be an unknown name to some, but to many she is already a superstar. She is unmistakable both in her music (a fusion of surf guitars, blues and rockabilly that wouldn't be out of place in a David Lynch film) and her style, with a solitary curl and shock of blonde in her jet black hair. In Ireland her debut album 'Love Tattoo' has gone 4x Times Platinum. She has shared a stage with U2, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Van Morrison, Scissor Sisters, Lionel Richie and, most recently, the first lady of rockabilly, Wanda Jackson. And now, with the release of her new album "Mayhem", she is about to go stellar.
Website*: Official Imelda May website
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José González
José González's career has been built from long-term work. He approached his first album, Veneer, in the same way he researched biochemistry at the University of Gothenburg - patiently, methodically and with great interest in finding unexpected angles. Since then there's been record breaking sales, European, North-American, Asian and South-American tours, a shower of awards and the song Heartbeats being featured in the Sony Bravia commercial. Now, his low-voiced, serious and introverted music is back on his latest collection 'In Our Nature.' With a focus on using different approaches, the album is very accessible on one hand, and dark and serious on the other.
Website*: Official José González website
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Kelis
Harlem bred vocalist Kelis left her parents' home at 16, but continued her education at the famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
She captured feminist desires on her debut album Kaleidoscope, released in December 1999. Two years later she released Wanderland exclusively in Europe, Asia and Latin America. 2003's Tasty followed and yielded the Top Ten Neptunes produced hit "Milkshake."
Kelis has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. She has been busy working on her next album with producers such as David Guetta, Burnz, DJ Ammo, Boys Noize, Diplo/Switch & Free School. The yet to be titled album is slated for release in 2010 on will.i.am/InterscopeRecords.
2 x GRAMMY NOMINATED
BRIT AWARD WINNER
Q AWARD WINNER
NME AWARD WINNER
HAS TOURED WITH U2 & BRITNEY SPEARS
Website*: Official Kelis website
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The Maccabees
South London band The Maccabees formed in Brighton while at University. Their second album Wall of Arms was released to much acclaim in May 2009, debuting at No. 13 in the UK charts. They played to massive crowds at the summer festivals leading The Observer to dub them "festival heroes".
In October they headlined a triumphant homecoming show at Brixton Academy (The Guardian gave the gig a five star review) as part of their third headline tour of the UK.
In February 2010 The Maccabees took to the road to headline the prestigious NME Awards Tour.
They are currently writing songs for their 3rd studio album and will play a handful of festivals this summer including the main stage at Reading & Leeds.
Website*: Official The Maccabees website
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The Magic Numbers
The Magic Numbers have announced details of the rescheduled release date of their forthcoming new album and UK tour.
The album, titled The Runaway, will now be released through Heavenly Recordings on Monday July 26th 2010.
The 12-track album was produced by Romeo Stodart and Valgeir Sigurdsson (Bjork, Bonnie Prince Billy, Múm) and mixed by Ben Hillier (Doves, Elbow, Blur). It is their third album following The Magic Numbers (June 2005) & Those The Brokes (November 2007).
It also features string arrangements by Robert Kirby, renowned for his work with the likes of Nick Drake, Sandy Denny and Elvis Costello. The album was the last Robert worked on before he sadly passed away in October 2009.
Website*: Official The Magic Numbers website
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Manic Street Preachers
Ten albums into their life's work, it would be wrong to say that the Manic Street Preachers are raging against the dying of the light. Because the light has never burned brighter or with a fiercer clarity. 'Postcards From A Young Man' comes after the acclaimed 'Journal For Plague Lovers', a record of steely intent and corrosive power on which every lyric was taken from the final folder of work left by former member Richey Edwards just prior to his disappearance in 1995.
'Postcards From A Young Man' may be their best yet. Or if that seems like heresy (and it even does to me), then let's say it is right up there with their best. Defiantly, unapologetically bold and forthright and communicative, it makes the head swim with both the thrill of its tunes and its theories (always a heady Manics mix) and burns with that raging melancholia that has always been unique to them
The 12 track album was recorded in the Manics own studio in Cardiff with long time producer/collaborator Dave Eringa and mixed in LA with Chris Lord-Alge.
Website*: Official Manic Street Preachers website
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Maud in Cahoots
Maud Reardon came to New York in June 2007 to pursue her life-long dream of being a pop star. Having recorded in such studios as The Cutting Room in New York, she has finally found her voice amongst two top New York musicians, Sunny Knable and Ben Stapp and her sister, Zoe. Together, they are Maud In Cahoots. George Kimball of the IRISH TIMES describes the group as "unique". She calls it contemporary alternative pop, mixed in with soul, Motown and the occasional glockenspiel solo.
Website*: Official Maud in Cahoots website
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Newton Faulkner
There's good reason why Brit-nominated Newton Faulkner's second album, the follow-up to 2007's million-selling, Number One, debut Hand Built By Robots, is called Rebuilt By Humans. It's the same reason he had to delay, at the last minute, its recording by two and a half months. At the start of this year the singer-songwriter broke his wrist and dislocated his entire right hand. A bad enough injury at the best of times. But if you're a guitarist – and a virtuoso finger-picking one at that – it's catastrophic.
However even the agony of his injury, and the slow recovery process, turned out in his favour – the delay meant he could write a few more killer songs, including 'Badman' and sun-flecked, rootsy 'Lipstick Jungle'.
Thanks to the fans, and to the doctors, Newton Faulkner is back. He may be part metal these days. But he's all heart, and all tunes.
Website*: Official Newton Faulkner website
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O Emperor
The group have been making serious waves over the last couple of months, with their numerous performances on national radio and TV and their single 'Don't Mind Me' causing quite the stir amidst the savvy record buying public. They are playing Oxegen and Electric Picnic 2010.
Website*: Official O Emperor website
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Paolo Nutini
If you think you know Paolo Nutini, think again. His 2.3 million selling 2006 debut album, 'These Streets', established the young Scotsman as a leading light of singer-songwriters and Paolo's extraordinary follow up 'Sunny Side Up' has already sold 2 million copies around the worldwide - and recently it collected the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Album 2010.
Having reached multi platinum status in Ireland - Sunny Side Up has been a long-standing member of the charts for the last 52 consecutive weeks - and counting. Paolo was the second biggest selling artist in 2009 with Sunny Side Up hitting No.1 twice in the Irish charts.
Paolo was nominated for Best Album and Best Male at the 2010 BRIT Awards, and Sunny Side Up was the winner of Best International Album at the Irish Meteor Awards as well as being nominated for Best International Male.
Website*: Official Paolo Nutini website
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Plan B
Plan B's incendiary debut album, 'Who Needs Actions When You Got Words' broke new ground for UK hip hop in 2006. It also led to acting roles in Noel Clarke's Adulthood , and alongside Michael Caine in last year's British thriller Harry Brown.
His involvement in Harry Brown also gave Ben his first top 10 hit in the shape of 'End Credits'. When it came to working on his own follow-up album, however, the soul music he'd listened to as a young man kept bubbling up.
The subsequent album 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks' has gone on to sell over half a million so far this year and is the biggest selling album of the year so far. It is the sound of Motown, Stax and obscure Northern Soul, filtered through the grit of contemporary East London.
"I enjoyed every minute of making this record," declares Ben. "I wanted to stay true to the heart and soul of the music, but give it a little bit of a makeover. In Britain, we do it in our own way. A lot of people still think I'm some ignorant little kid off a council estate. I think they'll be shocked that I can actually sing. And write pretty cool songs."
Website*: Official Plan B website
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Reko
Reko is a four-piece electronica / psychedelic band from Kilkenny. They play beats to enthused crowds, and have been making a name for themselves both in Kilkenny and further afield. Their first single Stop My Eyes reached number fifty in the Irish single charts in its first week. Reko\'s seven-track debut album will be released in September 2010.
Website*: Official Reko website
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The Script
Three young Dubliners took on the world, with music fashioned from the emotional detritus of their own hard lives raised up by a love of pop, rock, hip hop and soul. With a handful of hits, including 'We Cry', 'Breakeven' and 'The Man Who Can’t Be Moved', their 2008 debut album, 'The Script', went to number one in the UK and Ireland, approaching 2 million worldwide sales. They've played stadium shows with music heroes U2 and Paul McCartney. They played a triumphant homecoming set at Ireland's Oxegen festival before 78,000 fans and won Best Live Performance at the 2010 Meteor Awards. 'Breakeven' became one of the slowest climbers in US pop history, hitting the top of Billboards Adult Pop Song radio airplay chart after 40 weeks on release, and selling over 1.7 million downloads in the US. Their smash hit #1 album, 'Science And Faith' further demonstrates that The Script are songwriters of the first order.
Website*: Official The Script website
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Sharon Corr
As violinist, songwriter and backing vocalist with The Corrs, Sharon Corr enjoyed enormous success with 30 million album sales and sold out worldwide stadium tours. Five years since the band announced that they were taking a break from music to concentrate on their growing families, Sharon Corr is back with her first solo album 'Dream Of You'. A collection of beautifully crafted, melodic pop gems, it's a remarkable debut that demands to be listened in full - each story and melody flowing seamlessly into the next.
Sharon is itching to get back on stage and play tracks from her new album 'Dream Of You' live. Fans can keep up-to-speed with her plans via Twitter, on which she posted regular updates about the making of the album and describes as "a lovely way of keeping in touch with Corrs fans."
And for fans still hoping to see the Corrs back together on a stage before too long, Sharon has some encouraging words: "We haven't broken up. You can't break up a family. We will get back together at some stage and make music. You can't just turn off the magic that we had."
Website*: Official Sharon Corr website
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Sharon Shannon
Sharon Shannon has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has recorded and toured with the likes of Sinead O'Connor, Willie Nelson and Bono.
This genre-defying star has had multi-platinum album sales and has had several number one albums, singles and DVDs in her home country. She won two 2009 Meteor awards - a Lifetime Achievement Award (youngest person ever) and the Most Downloaded Single.
Her new album 'SAINTS AND SCOUNDRELS' is a mixture of original instrumentals composed by Sharon, one of which features in new Neil Jordan movie ONDINE that Sharon stars in alongside Colin Farrell.
Website*: Official Sharon Shannon website
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Slow Club
A string of single releases on their label home Moshi Moshi, and a critically acclaimed debut album Yeah So has made Sheffield duo Slow Club an irresistible prospect.
Live as on record, Charles and Rebecca enrapture audiences with the same involuntary joy and simplistic rush that they themselves imbue. Tours across Europe and the US have swelled their fan base and their current UK tour sees them headline London''s Koko.
These two are more than charming anti-folk troubadours or the lo-fi acoustic end of the Sheffield scene; they are the real thing.
Website*: Official Slow Club website
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Snow Patrol
Over 15 years, the part Irish, part Scottish five piece have transformed from cultish indie wannabes into a stadium-packing tour de force. They've shifted over ten million albums worldwide, been nominated for Grammys and Brits and scooped Meteors and Ivor Novello Album Awards.
Snow Patrol's frontman and songwriter-in-chief, Gary Lightbody, has sketched heart-bruised laments and arm-around-your-best-mate festival anthems; radio hits and moments of painful introspection. All of these have been gathered together for Up To Now - a double album of 30 singles, cover versions and album tracks.
Formed in 1994, albums include Songs for Polar Bears, When It's All Over We Still Have To Clear Up, Final Straw and Eyes Open.
The band line-up also includes bassist Paul Wilson, guitarist Nathan Connolly, Jonny Quinn on drums and keyboardist Tom Simpson.
Website*: Official Snow Patrol website
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Tim Robbins & the Rogues Gallery Band
You probably think you know Tim Robbins. For the past 25 years, the 6’ 5” actor has been part of the fabric of popular culture as An Oscar winning movie star (The Player, Shawshank Redemption, Mystic River), writer & director (Dead Man Walking), philanthropist and political activist (Robbins was amongst America's most vocal opponents of the Iraq war).
But there is a side to Robbins rarely seen until now. With the release of his strange and rather wonderful debut album, ' Tim Robbins & The Rogues Gallery Band’, he reveals himself to be a gifted singer-songwriter in the American narrative tradition.
Produced by maverick genius Hal Willner, Robbins belated musical debut somehow brings all the strands of his creative life together. Because whether it is through the mediums of acting, writing, directing or singing a song, Tim Robbins has always been, at heart, a story teller.
Robbins received encouragement from Willner, the brilliant American producer noted for his eclectic tribute albums and concerts (including ‘Lost In Stars: The Music of Kurt Weill’ and ‘Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man’). Willner invited Robbins to join his Rogues Gallery ensemble on a tour of their album ‘Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys’. Together, they recorded Tim’s debut album in a two day break from touring. The amazing band features such outstanding talents as keyboard player Roger Eno, virtuoso musical saw player David Coulter and multi-instrumentalist Kate St John (ex-Dream Academy).
“It was a case of seeing what happened,” explains Robbins. “I knew I wanted all that weird and woozy instrumentation, the saw and the hurdy gurdy. There’s no one that sails a straight ship in this Rogue’s Gallery.”
Website*: Official Tim Robbins & the Rogues Gallery Band website
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Tinie Tempah
Tinie Tempah has released three singles this year, achieving a #1 and #2 hit. These will be followed by his major label debut in September. Distinctive in his delivery and creative in his approach, the album will reflect the charismatic rapper's unique point of view, somewhat at odds with some of his contemporaries. "I've never tried to be anything than what I am. I was well bought up, I liked school, I liked learning, I'm well educated, I'm well spoken," Tinie insists, before pointing out there were times that he would be on TV, yet have no money to take a bus, feed his dog, put credit on his phone. "I want my album to show that you can always do more; there's always more to achieve, wherever you're from and whoever you are. I think that's the undertone of the whole album; aspiring to be more."
Website*: Official Tinie Tempah website
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Ty
As one of the most revolutionary rappers on the British hip-hop scene, Ty embodies the intellect, talent and ferocity of an MC always destined to become a legend. From spoken-word beginnings to his current position Ty is an artist who’s always pushing his art into uncharted waters. Ty is best known and loved for his lyrical honesty, ability to conjure emotion-fuelled poetry out of every day realities, dynamic live shows, and his eclectic sense of musicality, which never really did fit comfortably in to a musical box.Ty has achieved the rare feat of establishing a legacy through his three albums (one Mercury nominated), strengthened by his amazing worldwide shows. In 2010 Ty has been tearing up stages across Europe with his critically acclaimed fourth album “Special Kind of Fool”.
Website*: Official TY website
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The View
Plucked from their somewhat bleak youth training jobs and blasting straight into a number 1 debut album, cash, wealth, fame and infamy in equal doses before their twenties, it's easy to understand that it's been an intense and electrifying journey. Recognition as an incredible live band came early.
Gathering their thoughts in the lead up to a third album, and still charmingly young and youthful. Drawing on the best aspects of their previous efforts, the catchy simplicity of Hats Off... and the unexpected maturity of Which Bitch, the band look forward to a summer of creation and re-creation.
Website*: Official The View website
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We Have Band
Darren Bancroft, Thomas W-P and Dede W-P are back for more! Having successfully released their much-celebrated debut album 'WHB' back in April, they are now set to release 'Oh!' - their second single from the LP and one of the standout favourites within their ever-growing fan base. Indeed it's a song that's synonymous with the band, having been one of the first songs they ever wrote and previously featured on a 7" release through hip independent 50 Bones. Although where that release was the dress rehearsal, 2010's release through their new label Naďve is surely the main event - we predict this to be one of the biggest tracks in this summer's festival soundtrack.
Website*: Official We Have Band website
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Westlife
40 million record sales later pop’s most enduring super-group, Westlife are back!
Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne took a year off in 2008 after an unprecedented run of 14 number one singles, 10 chart-topping albums, 40 million sales, a sequence of yearly record-breaking, pyrotechnically astonishing and fan-delighting stadium tours. Oh, and becoming possibly the most recognisable Irish faces on the planet after Bono.
Spending much of 2009 hidden away in studios across Europe and the US, Westlife have been quietly creating their most exciting album to date. 'Where We Are' features work from pop's finest craftsmen, including Grammy nominated Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis, Beyonce) Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That) Steve Booker (Duffy) Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia.) and Shaznay Lewis, who co-writes a track with band member Mark Feehily.
Shane Filan of the band says "We've been experimenting with a fresh vibe on this record, working with new producers and writing songs for the album ourselves. After eleven years we see this as phase two of the Westlife story."
Westlife are at peak performance, match fit and ready for the second chapter of their incredible history.
Website*: Official Westlife website
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A Band Called Wanda
ABC Wanda are a 4-piece folk/rock band from Galway. Having built a name for themselves on the Irish music scene through high-profile support slots to the likes of The Sawdoctors, Alabama 3, The Hothouse Flowers, they are now considered one of the most exciting and promising new acts coming on to the Irish Music scene, and are creating quite a stir with their own brand of exciting, melodic "Folk 'n Roll".
The band released their debut EP, "Roses Are Still Red" this year. Recorded in the Scottish Highlands, the new recording has received interest from radio stations both in Ireland and abroad, having been played on BBC Scotland as well as being played on RTE Radio 1 in Ireland.
Website*: Official A Band Called Wanda website
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Bitches with Wolves
Strutting out of a gutter in East London's epicentre of cool, Shoreditch, Bitches With Wolves are barely a year out of the starting blocks. Currently in the throes of exploding onto the world's dance scene, they have already performed support slots for Calvin Harris, Groove Armada, Datarock, Fatboy Slim as well as an inspired festival debut on Oxegen's Dance stage in 2009.
Bitches With Wolves are one of the faces of Dublin's creatively re-invigorated clubbing scene adopting an anything-goes attitude filled with darkly delicious music, high shoulder pads and even higher hair.
Bitches With Wolves put on a raucous party-like show where rhythm truly is a dancer. Mashing up filthy electro, beat-driven R&B with killer hooks and knowing lyrics, Bitches With Wolves are better than Solid Gold and guaranteed to make your heart go BOOM!
Website*: Official Bitches with Wolves website
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The Boy Who Trapped the Sun
Colin MacLeod, the Lewis-born 25-year-old singer and songwriter known as The Boy Who Trapped The Sun, released his debut album, Fireplace, in July of this year. It is a truly beautiful record, a set of songs that tackle the big universal themes of love and loss, of dreams and hopes with simple tools - a voice, a guitar, a piano, some strings and drums - but a clear desire to try and say something new. Quite impressive for someone who didn't even pick up a guitar until he was 15 and whose first musical love was the none-more petulant screamo of X-Factor debunkers, Rage Against The Machine.
Website*: Official The Boy Who Trapped the Sun website
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Broken Records
Broken Records formed in 2007 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The seven members use their different musical backgrounds and a wide variety of instrumentation to compliment the eclectic sound they create.
In January 2009 they recorded their debut album, "Until The Earth Begins To Part" with producer Ian Caple. The album was released on 1st June 2009 to wide praise, and live performances garnered 5-star reviews in The Guardian and The Times. Summer saw them perform at festivals including, Glastonbury, T in the Park, Haldern Pop Festival and a main-stage slot at Latitude. The successful summer culminated in an invitation to support The National at their Royal Festival Hall show.
Early 2010 found them making their well received live debut in the US at the SXSW, while their music was also featured in episodes of the TV dramas "Skins" and "Lost". They have just finished recording their as yet untitled second album in Glasgow with producer Tony Doogan and will be due for release on 4AD in the autumn.
Website*: Official Broken Records website
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Butterfly Explosion
Butterfly Explosion's debut album 'Lost Trails' was released Spring 2010. Following on from a UK tour, the band set off on a short US tour including a SXSW showcase which drew interest and reviews from two of New York's most popular music and entertainment publications The Village Voice and Brooklyn Vegan. A week ahead of the tour, the album broke into the CMJ 200 charts in the US, up to #121 by the end of March having entered the top 30 of 35 college radio stations.
Formed by Gazz Carr, Butterfly Explosion had previously released two critically acclaimed EPs before recording began on the debut album. Their epic live shows have seen them be championed by many as one of the most promising bands to emerge from Ireland in recent years.
"It's absolutley brilliant" - Paul McLoone (TodayFM)
Website*: Official Butterfly Explosion website
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Carly Connor
CARLY CONNOR is from Easterhouse in Glasgow and was born to sing. In fact, Carly didn’t start singing at any age – Carly simply remembers that she could always sing “I just always have since I remember and no one ever told me to stop. Even if they did – I wouldn’t have!”
The Rolling Stones are a big influence for Carly too along with Creedence, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cook – music that will never age. Real bands. Real music. Real performances! Natural, musical ability and a real passion for the music. That’s Carly’s definition of musical inspiration. Easy.
Carly Connor is signed to Atlantic Records and is currently writing her debut record which will be released sometime in 2011. Carly will be playing a handful of dates in the UK and ITALY this summer – supporting Paolo Nutini.
Website*: Official Carly Connor website
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The Chapters
Since the release of their sparkling debut album Perfect Stranger, The Chapters have received a crescendo of critical acclaim for their dynamic live concerts and exhilarating recordings. 'Perfect Stranger' was voted No.1 Irish Debut Album of 2009 by the Hot Press readers Poll. The album also went straight into the same publications Top Irish Albums of all time.
It's been a busy Year which saw explosive shows at Oxegen, the Music Show at the RDS, Arthur's Day Guinness 250, and a match-winning half-time performance during the Magners League Rugby game between Leinster and Munster before a 20,000 capacity. The band has also branched out into new territories playing sold out shows in London and Italy.
There have also been live performances on RTE's Craig Doyle Show, The Café and TTV while numerous tracks from Perfect Stranger have been used on ITV shows such as "Emmerdale" and RTE's "Raw".
Website*: Official The Chapters website
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David Kitt
David Kitt (born in Dublin) is an Irish musician that crosses multiple genres. He recorded and mixed the seven tracks of his debut release in his bedroom and this debut LP, the quietly magnetic Small Moments (Rough Trade) which was followed by the expansive ambient textures and looping pop mantras of The Big Romance(Blanco y Negro, 2001); his biggest selling record.
He has toured with Tindersticks, The Flaming Lips, Arab Srap and The Magic Numbers and was invited by David Bowie to perform at the Bowie curated Meltdown Festival at Royal Festival Hall. He is now a member of Tindersticks and features on their recent release 'Falling down a mountain'.
His most recent album is The Nightsaver, his sixth and the result of two years of late-night experimentation and 80-hour weeks, caught in the reverie of writing and recording in a home studio at the top of a drafty Georgian house somewhere along Dublin's Grand Canal.
Website*: Official David Kitt website
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Director
Director returned with a bang with their second album I'll Wait For Sound in May 2009. The album landed straight at no. 11 in the Irish charts and proved a meatier and more aggressive beast than their impressive 2006 debut We Thrive on Big Cities.
That no. 2 debut album spawned the massive single Reconnect and since their irresistible bid for notice on the Dublin rock circuit, Director's crafted, intelligent guitar music has stood them apart from the usual suspects while earning them a series of successful tour slots with British acts such as Hard-Fi, Razorlight and The Fratellis along with numerous festival appearances.
Website*: Official Director website
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The Dirty 9s
The Dirty 9s formed in 2008 & have just released their debut album 'Stop Screaming, Start Dreaming'. The band's simple mission is to take their music to as many people as possible. They first came to the public's attention when they won Deis Roc - an Irish TV show for unsigned bands, using the winnings from the show to enlist renowned producer Greg Haver to record their debut album. In the short time they've been together the band have also been selected for the 2009 IMRO Showcase Tour, the 2010 JD Set, performed on RTÉ 2's The Eleventh Hour with Dave Fanning as well as BBC Scotland Music Show 'Rapal' & BBC 2 show 'Imeall Geall'.
The Dirty 9s are : Fergal Moloney (Vocals & Guitar), Cian McCarthy (Lead Guitar), Stephen Dunne (Bass Guitar), Paul Rice (Drums) and Keith Brett (Keyboards & vocals)
Website*: Official The Dirty 9s website
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Dirty Epics
Dirty Epics are three men and one woman from Dublin whose debut, Straight in No Kissing (Universal), is pure pop-punk for wow people, and single "Way Too Pretty" is an instant come-on classic.
They have a unique punky rock poptastic sound which stems from a mass of diverse influences, Solid Drums and Bass, driving Guitars, powerful vocals and a kick ass sexy front woman.
They released their much anticipated debut album "Straight In No Kissing" on their own label SCAR Records and distributed by Universal Music.
They have just returned from NY, SXSW 2010 and London where the band performed their unique brand of punk rock pop, seriously infectious tracks and an electric stage show.
Along with 4 x supports with One Republic, their track "We're Coming Up" was featured in its entirety on the finale episode of E4's SKINS this Spring 2010.
Website*: Official Dirty Epics website
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Duke Special
Duke Special is an artist aptly named. Dynamic, musically ambitious and bracingly eccentric, he's right on cue to charm Britain with his inimitable style and lush musicality. Hailing from Belfast with a sound that is self-confessed "hobo-chic", Duke Special - AKA the endlessly inventive Peter Wilson - is once heard, never forgotten.
Blissfully at home in his own alluring genre of beautifully bruised romanticism, Duke Special is a world unlike any other - a world filled with vaudeville-esque sensibility, sing-a-longs and addictive melodies.
A tour de force on vinyl, he's equally vibrant on stage. A fervent performer who harks back to the pre-rock 'n roll era with dashes of Gershwin and orchestral swing, he stands on stage with a white-knuckle grasp on originality. Gloriously vintage and unlike any other artist, Duke Special is exactly that.
Website*: Official Duke Special website
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Fight Like Apes
To solve the mystery of the golden medallion (turns out it was Mr. T all along), Fight Like Apes put the tour into Tourettes and dragged their sorry simian asses all over the world. From New York to Newcastle; Berlin to Benicassim.
200 shows later, the band came back to Ireland. Furniture was moved around, FLA dropped a shoulder, threw a dummy and knuckled down with vim and vigour to work on new songs in a North Dublin garage.
Febrile with white heat intensity; FLApes decamped to London to work with producer Andy Gill (Gang Of 4, Futureheads, Young Knives, Red Hot Chili Peppers). They recorded Fight Like Apes: The Body Of Christ And The Legs Of Tina Turner
FLA:TBOCATLOTT (as it is surely destined to become known) sees our intrepid sonic stevedores sink deeper and darker into the treacly tar pits of their collective dank and fetid imagination.
Website*: Official Fight Like Apes website
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Heathers
The single REMEMBER WHEN is currently featuring on the Discover Ireland ad campaign.
Heathers' are 20 year old twin sisters Ellie and Louise Macnamara. They began writing music together in 2007 and in February 2008 they recorded their debut album 'Here, Not There' while also preparing for their Leaving Certificate. They released the album in May of that year garnering serious praise amongst both fans and media alike.
Following their Leaving Cert, Summer 2008 saw the girls embark on a month long tour of America with US band Ghost Mice. They were invited to support Kimya Dawson of 'The Moldy Peaches' in London the following September before beginning their first year at university. The great reactions to their album led to Heathers' being invited to perform at the Music from Ireland showcase at CMJ festival in New York in October 2008 and at Canadian Music Week in Toronto in March 2009. They returned to tour the US in June, 2009 and in early July, played the IMRO New Sounds Stage at Oxegen.
"An inspiringly simple and singularly brilliant record"
State Magazine
"An astounding collection of 11 acoustic guitar tracks"
Sunday Tribune
Website*: Official Heathers website
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The High Kings
The High Kings exploded onto the folk scene in 2008, bringing well-loved songs back to the masses. They quickly achieved Irish platinum status with their eponymous debut CD and DVD, had three sell out Irish tours and made several appearances on high profile TV shows. The High Kings continued to tour throughout 2009 and were delighted to be voted Best Newcomer and Best Folk Act at Irelands Music Awards 2009. This year sees the completion of another successful Irish tour, and the release of their new album, Memory Lane which debuted at No.5 in the Irish charts and also quickly achieved platinum status.
Website*: Official The High Kings website
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Joey Negro & The Sunburst Band
Joey Negro is the most well-known pseudonym of master British DJ/producer/remixer Dave Lee. Under a plethora of other monikers including Jakatta, Akabu, Doug Willis, Raven Maize, The Sunburst Band, Sessomatto, and Z Factor, Dave was one of the first artists to incorporate disco samples in house music when he began his production career in 1990. Indeed, he was in the studio making credible and outstanding British House music when many luminaries around him were still busy getting to grips with their decks. In 2010 little has changed and Dave is widely regarded as one of the most commercially successful and in-demand artists on the global scene.
Website*: Official Joey Negro & The Sunburst Band website
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John Spillane
Twice winner of the meteor award in the best folk/trad category, John Spillane has toured the country and the world spreading joy with a mix of melodic tunes, entertaining stories and poetic lyrics.
Described as 'one of the truest Irish voices of his generation' by Irish music magazine, Spillane truly embodies the Celtic spirit.
Christmas 2009 brought us the follow up to John's double platinum selling album 'Irish Songs We Learned at School' with a new collection 'More Irish Songs We Learned at School'.
With 2009 being a stellar year for the man with boundless enthusiasm for his craft it's doubtful that 2010 will be much different!
The only thing that's for sure is that whether from the emotive tunes he whisks you on a journey with or his dynamic playful Cork wit, at the end of a John Spillane show there won't be a dry eye in the house...
Website*: Official John Spillane website
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Johnny Flynn
Born in Johannesburg, Johnny Flynn grew up in Hampshire and South Wales. A classical music scholarship for his prodigious musicianship saw him through school after which he headed for drama school in London. Various acting jobs and a year with the Shakespearean theatre company Propeller followed, alongside evenings and weekends performing his growing collection of songs.
Now, backed by the critical acclaim and learning curve that debut album A Larum gave him, Johnny Flynn is entering into a new level of song-writing maturity that recalls the accessibility and spiritual depth of an early 1970s Cat Stevens. Been Listening, his second album, was released in the summer of 2010, spawning yet more critical applause and airplay, casting a worldwide influence and appreciation that is no longer a secret...
Website*: Official Johnny Flynn website
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Keywest
It’s not very often a young Dublin band catch the eye of a music industry heavyweight but that is what happened when renowned US producer/ engineer, Mark Needham, (The Killers, Fleetwood Mac) heard about Keywest in 2009. The 5 times Grammy nominated, Needham says “Keywest are one of the most talented bunch of guys I have met in years and they certainly have what it takes to be a global success”
Nominated in The Meteor’s Most Promising New Act Category in 2009, Keywest are Andrew Kavanagh, Andrew Glover, Sam Marder , James Lock and Gary Grant. They have been building up a dedicated and committed following around Ireland over the last 12 months, evident by the very large turnout who came to see them at Oxegen this summer , where they played the Vodafone Stage alongside The Black Eyed Peas, Doves and Editors.
The highly anticipated debut album from Keywest is expected out January 2011.
Website*: Official Keywest website
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Mick Flannery
In the last couple of years Mick Flannery has gone from part time stonemason to one of Irelands most sought after musicians. Currently writing his third album, a follow up to the hugely praised 'White Lies' he has played a string of sold out shows all over Ireland, one of the most notable being a double headline show at the Marquee Cork with John Spillane. Last year he was nominated for the Choice album awards, was cited as 'Most Promising Newcomer' by Hotpress readers (also making it into their 250 best irish albums) and won 'Best Male' at the Meteor Awards.
The year 2009 was more than a successful year for Flannery with two sold out Vicar Street shows, a re-release of his platinum selling critically acclaimed album White Lies and collaborations with Kate Walsh, John Spillane and more. Who knows what 2010 has in store...
Website*: Official Mick Flannery website
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The Milk
Best live band in the UK, was a statement made about The Milk after only a handful of gigs into their live career, and they have gone from strength to strength. The band is made up of Ricky Nunn (Lead vocals/Guitar), Mitch Ayling (Drums), Luke Ayling (Bass Guitar) and Dan Le Gresley (Lead Guitar).The key to their success has been their rapid, seamless sets which leave no room for introspective appreciation. They have an army of fans including many famous supporters like DJ Yoda, who agree when you hear The Milk you'll realise that this really is the band you've been waiting for.
Website*: Official The Milk website
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Molotov Jukebox
Molotov Jukebox were founded at Secret Garden Party in 2008 when singer/accordion player Natalia Tena and violinist Samuel Apley decided that the next logical step would be to play at their favourite festival. Their first performance was such a success that within weeks they had gathered all the other musicians around them, never to look back. Since then they have played increasingly larger venues and are soon to release an EP with entirely new songs.
Website*: Official Molotov Jukebox website
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Oliver Cole
Following the break up of Turn in 2006, Oliver Cole went solo.
In 2008, following a chance conversation via MySpace with a German fan, and a swap of some unreleased songs for a box of sweets, Oliver ended up in Freiberg in Germany, with friend and producer Ciaran Bradshaw (Dark Room Notes, The Chapters, Subplots), in a studio owned by Philipp Rauenbusch, bass player with multi-platinum selling act Reamonn. The outcome of it was ‘We Albatri’.
The songs found their way to Tim Parry and Jazz Summers at Big Life Publishing, home of La Roux, Klaxons, The Futureheads, Badly Drawn Boy etc., who snapped Oliver up for a publishing deal straight away.
With the fruits of his labours, ‘We Albatri’, hitting the streets on March 26th, preceded by the single, ‘Oh My Girl’ on March 19th, Oliver has finished a journey of sorts. Now to take it to the streets and stages of the country.
Website*: Official Oliver Cole website
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Pilotlight
Dubliners Pilotlight were conceived with the premise of creating an escapism through music that the listener could soundtrack their daily lives to. Pilotlight's use of perspective, tonality, and dynamic have allowed them to pioneer their own style of despondent alternative rock. Their music deals with love, loss and the beauty & frailty that is human existence.
Pilotlight's debut album The Post War Musical was released in February of this year.
HOT PRESS **** IRISH DAILY STAR ****"The Post War Musical is fragile yet fierce, epic, dark and... pretty damn beautiful."
THE IRISH WORLD
"Best band to come out of Ireland in years, like a secret: Pilotlight"
COOL FM
"Unassuming, brooding songs that tease their way into magnificent compositions"
IRISH DAILY STAR
Website*: Official Pilotlight website
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The Rags
Led by vocalist and songwriter Daniel Anderson, The Rags have built a passionately devoted following on home shores for their sophisticated blend of melodically inventive guitar-pop and razor-sharp lyrical expressiveness. They have been described as "quite simply the best new Irish act in years" (Stuart Bailie, BBC Ulster). Announcing their arrival on the scene with a succession of rapturously received EP releases, The Rags returned from an extended spell in the studio in May 2010 with the release of their debut album 'A National Light' featuring 12 tracks that provide the foundation for a remarkable modern pop record.
Website*: Official The Rags website
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RoySeven
Sell-out tours, Top 10 singles, a Top 20 album, a Meteor Award and the 'Other Voices Viewers Choice Award' are just some of the campaign highlights for RoySeven's debut album "The Art Of Insincerity" in Ireland.
Having performed at world renowned concerts such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, 5 European guest support slots with Brian Adams and a host of World Cup Fan Festivals to tens of thousands of people, the band also came home for Oxegen and Marley Park Festivals respectively. In fact, between the Summer of 2006 to early 2009 RoySeven performed live to an estimated collective audience of over 250,000.
As a result, anticipation has been growing steadily for the release of their follow up album "You Say We Say" on Road Runner Records this Autumn.
"One of the best albums you'll hear this year"
The Irish Times
"Something To Behold"
RTE Guide
Website*: Official RoySeven website
* Guinness does not accept any responsibility for content from third party websites.
Ryan Sheridan
Ryan Sheridan is a solo singer and guitarist from County Monaghan.
Following a jaunt in the Scottish music scene, a sense of unfinished business and an urge to play in public again saw Ryan back down in Dublin in 2009. He hooked up with Polish percussionist Artur Graczyk.
While entertaining the human traffic of Temple Bar, Ryan and Artur were spotted by his current management team. This led to a showcase at The Academy jam-packed with great and the good of the Dublin media mafia, and a subsequent record deal with leading Irish independent label Rubyworks.
Ryan Sheridan's debut single 'Jigsaw' will be released later this year. He will be playing all over Ireland including slots at Oxegen and Electric Picnic, as well as a special trip to the Benicassim festival in Spain, where he beat off fierce opposition in a competition to win the prestigious slot.
Website*: Official Ryan Sheridan website
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The Shoos
The Shoos are a four piece band from Dublin who's self-released single "Distance" was unleashed in May 2010 and received a lot of attention including being championed by Ray D'arcy on Today FM and achieving widespread airplay on all top regional and national stations. The single reached #1 in the national physical sales chart and 21 in the combined physical and download charts.
The success of 'Distance' attracted major label interest and The Shoos have recently signed a deal with Universal Music Ireland with an impending release targeted for September 2010. Whilst the Shoos are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to the tracks to be included on their upcoming Ireland release they have played an exclusive number of shows including opening for One Republic on their Irish tour & Taylor Hawkins (The Foo Fighters) on his recent visit to Dublin.
Website*: Official The Shoos website
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Simon Fagan
Simon Fagan is not our typical Irish singer songwriter. Blending elements of gospel and folk with acoustic rock, Simon and band produce a big Americana sound.
2009 saw Simon tour heavily throughout Ireland, the UK and Egypt, performing on nine BBC shows, Newstalk's Weekend Blend and Pat Kenny on RTE. He's previously opened for Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and more recently at Laura Izibor's.
He's debut album 'Outside Looking In' was named Album Of The Week by RTE, while 'Never Really Cried' picked up Best Performance at the International Songwriting Competition.
Currently on the festival circuit in Ireland, he is booking dates in the UK, US & Canada this Autumn and hopefully further afield too!
Website*: Official Simon Fagan website
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Sparrow and the Workshop
Glasgow-based dark folk trio Sparrow and The Workshop comprises of Belfast-born, Chicago-raised Jill O'Sullivan Welshman Nick Packer and Scotsman Gregor Donaldson. The band formed in 2008 and released their first full-length album ‘Crystals Fall' in April 2010 by Distiller Records to critical acclaim. Clash Magazine called it "a brilliant debut album that will be hard to beat in 2010", and Mojo said "ignore them if you dare".
Following the albums April release, the band completed a UK Tour supporting Scottish band Idlewild and then crossed the English channel to support American psych-rockers the Brian Jonestown Massacre on their European tour in May. They have also toured with and/or supported British Sea Power, Blitzen Trapper, the Pink Mountaintops, the Oh Sees, the Lemonheads, and Broken Records. They played the BBC Introducing tent at Glastonbury Festival in 2009 and are playing a string of festivals this summer, including the Green Man Festival, the Hop Farm Festival and Bestival.
Website*: Official Sparrow and The Wheel website
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