B (aka Aileen Mythen) is a ‘real discovery, her bluesy voice filling your head with pure soul as she gets under the skin of the songs and sings them from the inside out’.  ‘Further proof that white folk can sing the Blues’. (Jackie Hayden – HOT PRESS)

‘These guys aren’t playing on the trend for pop songs that harp back to the big band days.  They are a big band with the big vocals to pull it off’. (Limerick Event Guide)

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In their own words….

Flying columns are an indie/rock/alternative four piece from county Wexford, Consisting of Michael D’Arcy (lead vocals, guitar), Ritchie O’Donnell (vocals, lead guitar, and keyboards), Paul Reade (bass), and Michael Sutherland (Drums). Good friends since childhood and school, they started writing their own music in early 2009, along with various cover gigs all over the county including a live residency in ‘the music factory’ Wexford. Flying columns began to carve-out and create an individual style of music very much representative of their own characters, tastes and influences respectively. In early 2009, they demoed their first tracks strobe’ and ‘model town’ in Fast-lane studios in Donabate, North Dublin. Due to its popularity in a live setting ‘strobe’ was entered as a representative for the band in the JD-SET all-Ireland battle of the bands to which the columns dually qualified for. Through their constant gigging and an aspiration to reach out with their music on a broader base, flying columns then began to receive support on a local and national level. ‘Model town’ received play on local radio station ‘Beat102103’ through the Irish beats programme with local music guru and DJ Rob O’ Connor. Then in March 2009, Flying Columns received a review of their first demo by Jackie Hayden in national music magazine ‘Hotpress’. Mr. Hayden who viewed Flying Columns in a heat for the JD-SET expressed their demo and live performance as ‘Dynamic’, ‘Energetic’ with ‘touches of Kings of Leon’ through their ‘raging guitars’ and ‘bleeding vocals’. Then finishing the article by highlighting the band as ‘Ones to watch’ for the future. More recent shows include support slots to award winning acts like ‘Director’ and ‘Damien Dempsey’ along with also being Shortlisted for ‘most promising Irish band for 2010′ at this years Meteor awards. Flying Columns are currently writing and recording their first E.P and hope too have a collection of their first songs available in the summer of 2010, along with a small Irish tour to back up the release.

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Rising Stars Winners – 2010

In their own words….

Formed in April 2010 by 27yr old singer/songwriter Adam Daly – Dublin,Kildare based uplifting/Reggae/Soul band “The BaRLeY MoB” marked their arrival onto the music scene by winning the Dublin City Soul Festival’s global emerging artist search “Rising Stars” 2010 in May,  leading to an open-air gig on May 30th at the “Soul Picnic” in Dublin’s Merrion Square to over 5,000 people…after just 5 gigs together!

Immediately after this, the band immersed themselves in gigs on the Dublin music scene, playing various showcase gigs including The Ruby Sessions and The Zodiac Sessions to name but a few and consequently we were invited to play at music festivals around the country including; “NPLD” in Sligo, “LiveStock” in Cork, and Raithlin Island’s “Jigs and Rigs” .

The band have become involved with several charities in their short time together, and have played various gigs for the people of Oxfam at their many fundraising nights called “OxJam” as well as playing fundraisers for the Pakistan Flood Victims and The Haiti Disaster.

Another charitable group close to the hearts of The Barley Mob is the “Musical Youth Foundation“, an organization that aims to ensure the musical future of children in Ireland, by providing free instruments and lessons to under-privileged kids. Recently this charity was shortlisted for a national funding scheme called “Better Together”, for which they put together a video of their work, the soundtrack of which was “You’ll Never Be Lost (When You’ve Got Music)” by The Barley MOb.

Early July, the band were invited to play their first live radio show on Dublin City FM, which was a great boost for the band. Since then they have performed and been interviewed on several other radio stations including “Global Village” on national station Newstalk 106. Their music has since been played on many local and internet radio stations, prompting an increase in their fanbase.

In August 2010, “The Mob” secured a weekly residency in The Mezz, in TempleBar in Dublin, playing all their own material and it was here they were spotted and offered an opportunity to perform in “Trenchtown Village”, the biggest Reggae stage in Ireland, at the prestigious “Electric Picnic 2010″ in September. Furthermore, they performed 3 shows at the “OxJam Tent” at the Picnic, one each day of the festival..making a total of 4 seperate gigs over the 1 weekend!

In Novemeber, The Barley MOb were chosen as Band Of The Month by online review magazine: Music Review Unsigned.

To date, they have played over 80 live gigs, and released 2 singles, the first of which, “You’ll Never Be Lost When You’ve Got Music)” went to Number 2 in the National chart on Downloadmusic.ie…and the 2nd “Everybody’s Music”..got over 1,000 hits online on the day it was released!!…and they plan to have the album done by the summer of next year.

The band are already confirmed for Dublin City Soul Festival, Le Cheile, NPLD, Rathlin JIgs and Rigs, Electric Picnic and Oxegen 2011 and are currently in talks regarding a slot at Glastonbury 2011.

So Onwards and Upwards for The Barley Mob…

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In their own words….

A combination of dramatic vocals, cutting lyrics and hook-driven violin lines, Clockwork Noise are a five-piece band from Co Wicklow, Ireland.

Clockwork Noise have been described as ‘a cut above the usual indie-rock standard’ by Jim Carroll in the new music section of The Ticket, The Irish Times, ‘fearless’ by Rocksellout.com and ‘filled to the brim with warmth and emotion’ by State.ie. The band have also been profiled by Phantom presenter Cathal Funge on his programme, Icon.

In 2009, the band released a five-track EP ‘Yes and No and Everything In Between’ recorded by Ivan Jackman, Silverline Studios, and mastered by Richard Dowling, WAV mastering. The EP was a follow-up to the band’s debut album ‘If I Wanted, I Could’ – a lo-fi, home-recorded offering, which was digitally released.

Since the EP’s release Clockwork Noise have played their songs to audiences at Whelans, Crawdaddy, the Twisted Pepper, the Stables, the Greystones Theatre and the Ballroom of Romance among others and supported bands like Codes, 8 Ball and Heritage Centre.

In April, the band took second place in the King Kong Club competition playing to a more than 600-strong audience in the final at the Village. The result was decided by a mix of crowd reaction and a three-man judging panel of Faction Record’s Ken Allen, RTÉ’s When Under Ether presenter Elton Mullally, and promoter and musician John Brereton

This year, Clockwork Noise are looking forward to playing the main stage at the KnockanStockan music festival, Dun Laoghaire’s Festival of World Cultures and Sligo’s No Place Like Dome festival.

This summer the band will return to the studio to record a full-length album, which will be produced by Torsten Kinsella (God Is An Astronaut).

Clockwork Noise are Robert Maguire (vocals, guitar), Blathnaid Healy (violin), Chris O’Connor (guitar, backing vocals), Dylan Nolan (bass) and Michael Fenton (drums, backing vocals).

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In their own words….

Formed over a rendition of a the infamous song ‘The Constipation Blues’ at the 2006 Rory Gallagher festival in Ballyshannon The Pocket Aces have finally got their shit together to bring you stoned blues for all the family!!

Pocket Aces are Christina Quill on lead guitar, Stephen O Neill on Bass, Dean Broughal on Harmonica and Damien Quill on Drums.

We have played at some of Irelands best festivals including Life and Knockanstockan as well as gigging throughout Dublin.

Hope you enjoy our music and come see us on a stage soon.

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In their own words….

“The Irish music scene has recently experienced an eruption of indigenous R&B and Hip Hop acts and Creamy Goodness is managing to become an enigma amongst them with his smooth funky soul vibes and originality” – Music Review Unsigned

Creamy Goodness is the brainchild of Irish songwriter/producer and arranger Eamon Cooke. Eamon, who is just finished a degree in jazz performance, put together this group to bring his own style of groove music that is rarely seen in Ireland these days. Eamon is from Moate, Co. Westmeath a rural part of the midlands in Ireland where soul/funk and jazz is virtually nonexistent. He found himself writing music at an early age and was self taught as a guitar player up until he started his degree in music 4 years ago. In 2000 he became interested in Electronic music and started to produce House and Drum n Bass tracks to play in his live DJ sets. Eventually, as he learned more about soul/funk and jazz arrangements, he started to write Jazzy soul and R&B tunes which he developed into the Creamy Goodness sound. Eamon has also graduated from the prestigious Newpark Music school with a BA in Jazz performance Guitar.

Creamy Goodness has featured on numerous live radio shows including RTE Pulse which featured the 8 piece group and is scheduled to be podcast on the RTE site in the coming months.

Creamy Goodness also finished up the Sunday night of the Guinness Cork Jazz festival last October with an electric performance at the Guinness festival Jazz club.

With a line up of some of Irelands best R&B musicians in the collective outfit and an ever growing fan base, Creamy Goodness play a diverse array of hip hop grooves, jazz harmony, synths, keys and flute playing in blissful unison on a bed of brass. With a live show second to none and full of surprises such as guest MC’s and Break-dancers, Creamy has developed a live show that satisfies all. This pastiche of R&B/funk and soul is something that you so rarely hear in the Irish music scene nowadays and is a must.

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In their own words….

Barbara Dunne is a pianist and singer/songwriter from Kildare. Formerly a winner of the Dun Laoghaire Song Contest, the Clonmel Song Contest and also a finalist in the International Song Contest, she has released one album and one EP of her own material. Billy Brown (seventies star), Frankie Lane (formerly of Fleadh Cowboys) are among the people she has co-written with.
‘May You Believe’ is her latest song and is getting its first airing here on Rising Stars.
Renowned for her unique piano playing, Barbara has performed for many high profile audiences at home and abroad. Mick Jagger, Van Morrison, Burt Bacharach and Shirley Bassey have been just some of whom she has entertained. She has played support to the Dubliners, Luka Bloom, Ciarain Kennedy, and Finbar Furey.
Currently Barbara is working as a performing artist and teacher.

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In their own words….

Born in Dublin, Ireland. Singer/ Songwriter, Musician, Voyageur , creating a diverse sound based on travels and musical encounters. Began busking around Ireland, Spain, France and Mali. Singing in French, Spanish, Portugeese, Romani, Bambara etc, a musical melange of reggae, ragga, afrobeat, salsa, chanson, hip hop, gypsy musique.

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In their own words….

We are  «The Audio Pirates» as you have already noticed. Denis (Den) – vocal, music, arrangements (generally), Roman – guitar, Pavel – bass guitar, and Vlad – drums

2. Your musical project is young enough, but it is felt that you’re not beginners in music. How did you gain experience?

Practice, practice and one more practice. At the beginning, many years ago, everyone had a strong desire to take a musical instrument. In general, it is quite standard. Firstly everyone played alone – one searched himself in music, chose role, mastered elements of the instrument chosen finally, were improved in skills. Then the desire has outgrown in something more – there was a requirement of collective creativity

3. Did you know each other before you made a music band and how did you meet?

Yes, we knew each other before. And we have met how it usually happens – someone has decided «to gather a group» with someone, then somebody has invited someone somewhere, and so on… Naturally, all of us were crossed with each other at concerts, rehearsals. Played various commands separately, and together with someone from our present project. And here so it has turned out that we already enough well communicated with each other, playing in different bands. Each of us knew about the one who is who. As in music, and humanly at times as well. Sometimes it is more important than a megaprofessional skills of the instrument

4. Who is the leader of your group? Who writes music, lyrics?

It will be wrong to call someone of us “the leader”. First of all we are “The Audio Pirates» band. One collective where everyone has his own “vote”. Den makes music , arrangements, recording, mastering and master disk recording. We offer some ideas. The basic author of texts is Denis’ muse – Anastasiya. Anastasiya studied English at the University. Some texts are written by drummer Vlad . At school he was the best in English

5. Have you already participated in any actions – festivals, concerts?

Yes, with this project we have taken already some concerts at local level. But local level is local level. It is not what we want. It is like amateur performance concerts. We participated there just for practice. Actually we are ready to higher level. Approximately in May as we make the whole program, we plan small Russia tour. One person in Moscow makes these tour preparations for us and public relations as well.

6. What music do you prefer?

Den basically prefers Deep Purple, Queen, Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Him, Muse. Roman listens to such well-known guitarists as Yngwee Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Pavel listens basically to  Victor Wooten’s creativity, Joe Patetucci and classical heavy-metal – “Aria” and Iron Maiden. Vlad likes Linkin Park, H I. M., Rasmus, Nightwish, Axel Rudi Pell, Scorpions, and  Bon Jovi most of all. Bon Jovi for Vlad in the musical plan are like gods! Vlad’s way to the music world has begun with them after viewing ”These Days” music video. It impressed him much and he got his own aim to achieve  the same results – to become a cool drummer in cool group. And the others also followed their idols. And so we here we are to success together! We look at our «spiritual instructors», add something from themselves, mix it all, and as a result we get some kind of a cocktail «this firm sound of group« Audio Pirates ». What ”taste” does it have? You’d better ask our listeners. Judging by the recalls, both in a personal contact and on “MySpace”, our creativity is pleasant to people.
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7. Creative plans. What purposes do you have? Where can you be seen, heard soon?

Now the purposes are the following.. First of all to have a material for a high-grade album, to record it all. We are working for it . Well and further – to promote the project, to become popular. Something for this purpose is already made. Soon our composition ”Synthetic World” will be included in the collection «Real ROCK II», the publisher is “Kvadro-disk” company(www.kvadro.ru). Alexey Nigmatzjanov (that manager who prepares our Russian tour) also promotes our group. In process of our songs occurrence we spread them for free downloading on the site of his label Mimonot Records (www.mimonot.net). Also now we and Alexey prepare EP-release for various online-mp3-shops and small circulation of ?? on CD for representatives of mass-media.

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In their own words….

The Intention’ story began as a project by the Staniulis’ brothers to show off their love of jazz and funk and subsequent skills to create what is The Cheating Intention. After the Staniulis brothers came to Ithaca College, the band grew by adding roomate, Jeremy Bayes on keys and AJ a longtime friend of Aaron on Bass. Influences include Soulive, Sly & the family stone, Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Marvin Gaye, Jamiroquai, and Curtis Mayfield. What makes their music is the catchy upbeat melodies and riffs along with powerfully sweet vocals and harmonies. The band has only been around since October 2009, but have already recorded a four track EP, and played dozens of local shows around the Ithaca area.

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