Q1. Where are you from?

We’re from Inishowen in Co. Donegal.

Q2. Musical influences?

Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Rotary Connection.

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

We are a gospel choir so we perform covers of various artists, but we our musical director writes all his own material & goes under the name of False Relations.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Opening Glastonbury 2010, in the Stone circle holding hands with around 1,000 festival goers!

Q5. If you could share the stage with anyone, who would it be and why?

Stevie Wonder, he ozzes SOUL!

In their own words

Q1. Where are you from?

We’re from Inishowen in Co. Donegal.

Q2. Musical influences?

Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Rotary Connection.

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

We are a gospel choir so we perform covers of various artists, but we our musical director writes all his own material & goes under the name of False Relations.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Opening Glastonbury 2010, in the Stone circle holding hands with around 1,000 festival goers!

Q5. If you could share the stage with anyone, who would it be and why?

Stevie Wonder, he ozzes SOUL!

Q1. Where are you from?

We’re from Inishowen in Co. Donegal.

Q2. Musical influences?

Stevie Wonder, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Rotary Connection.

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

We are a gospel choir so we perform covers of various artists, but we our musical director writes all his own material & goes under the name of False Relations.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Opening Glastonbury 2010, in the Stone circle holding hands with around 1,000 festival goers!

Q5. If you could share the stage with anyone, who would it be and why?

Stevie Wonder, he ozzes SOUL!

In their own words

The Inishowen Gospel Choir, founded in October 2005, has performed both nationally and internationally, with success in Ireland, France, Poland and England. With famous festivals such as Glastonbury under their belt, collaborations with the likes of Duke Special, Foy Vance, Cara Dillon and The Hothouse Flowers, and footage from sell-out shows featuring in film festivals, this highly-praised home grown choir has a lot to offer, with a wealth of performing experience to date.

Displaying a very versatile sound, from traditional, goodtime Harlem and Southern gospel anthems and uplifting renditions of soul, rock and funk classics to a mix of world music and diverse original arrangements, the choir guarantee a great night out – leaving no soul unturned.

“Their tunes range from African to Caribbean to Cajun to Bluegrass to that unmistakeable full-throated gospel ecstasy that comes from America’s deepest South…blissful harmonies….superb singers and amazing musicians” – The Derry Journal

“voices merging seamlessly..This is spiritual music, of the best kind, with soul and passion coming together in perfect harmony..an unforgettable display of vocal fireworks” – Culture Northern Ireland

“An instant hit” – Mid Ulster News

“Young, gifted and white..” – Belfast Telegraph

Share

After growing up in a small country town in Australia, listening to Iggy Pop, Carole King and The Rolling Stones on vinyl (thanks to her older siblings), Ingram made her way to Sydney for the better part of her life. The singer/songwriter played in bands in Sydney, touring the east coast and now finds herself in European territory doing things in a solo capacity. After relocating to Berlin in June 2009, she found an amazing wealth of international musicians to be inspired by and a fellow Australian to record with.

2010 is being spent in Berlin, Germany recording with Australian Producer Tony Dupé (Holly Throsby, Jack Ladder, Jamie Hutchings) whilst playing shows throughout Germany. Rough mixes of Love War and Black Dog are fuelling a creative fire which will lead to a European release in 2010. It is the most considered and exciting of her releases to date.

2009 saw a breakthrough for Ingram in the European market with growing support in the media (Fritz Radio, Intro Magazine in Berlin) and audience growth after touring to Paris, Madrid, Copenhagen, Berlin, Hamburg & Magdeburg in only four short months.

Solo performances alongside independent and international touring artists such as Kate Miller-Heidke, Bernie Hayes, Leroy Lee, Marty Willson-Piper (The Church), Mark Wilkinson, Fergus Brown, Renny Field, Rob Longstaff and many more have seen an ever growing fan-base at home in Australia and abroad.

Share

In their own words….

Padraig Jack is a singer songwriter from the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland. Despite coming from a musical family, he only started playing music while at university at the age of 20, and on learning his first few chords, he began writing songs. Raised on a musical diet of Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, U2 and Bruce Springsteen, Padraig broadened his own taste in music listening to the likes of John Mayer, Coldplay, Sigur Ros and many more as well as developing an appreciation for jazz and the blues. Taking a “glass half full” attitude, Padraig considers his late musical development an advantage with regards to developing an original sound, and he considers his voice his main instrument as, although it can be developed, it is something everybody has that is unique to themselves”

Share

In their own words….

Novella Hermosa are an exciting brand new Cork based rock group fronted by Wexford man Luke Cosgrave. The five piece group was formed in January 2009 and are already making a big impact on the Cork music scene. Novella Hermosa are currently recording their debut E.P “The Great Divide” which is due to be released later this year. Cosgrave & Novella Hermosa are guaranteed to get you both moving and thinking with their well rooted & exciting rock. The added flare of Cosgrave’s Colourful electric violin playing combined with his true and honest lyrics gives the group something very different and special. Kilkenny guitarist Robbie Dunne and Cork Bassist Perri Wilde were the last to join the group with Cork Guitarist Shane Kennedy and Cork Percussionist Cian ‘O Sullivan already well established in the mix. Nothing complicated about these guy’s!! No Gadgets or Gismos!! Only top quality music. And that’s guaranteed!

Share

In their own words….

Rory Faithfield is a Dublin-based yet Australian born and bred singer-songwriter, with Celtic songlines in his head and grains of sand between his toes.

Undeterred by school reports – kicked out of singing class at age 6 and the School Band at 14 – Rory’s journey began with the post-punk Sydney band scene. Inspired by The Saints, Hunters & Collectors, Birthday Party and X – he eschewed his middle-class beginnings in his search for something that felt more real.

Like thousands of Australians, that search inevitably led to a one way ticket to London. “Walkabout” lasted 20 years and saw a reinvention in the fertile Dublin music scene. Rory was inspired by the sheer talent of solo artists such as Christy Moore, Luka Bloom and Glen Hansard who held their audiences transfixed.

Rory spent the 90’s paying his songwriting and performance dues in the demanding pub circuits of Ireland and Germany. Between cries for “The Irish Rover” and “Whisky in the Jar”, Rory discovered his voice as a solo artist.

1998 saw the UK release of his debut album NOWHERE, SOMEWHERE, ANYWHERE. This was followed in 2002 by BLOOD, BONES & SOUL – described by the Irish Times: “his relentlessly upbeat folk-rock courses with positive thinking and vigorous musicality… Faithfield is invigorating and inspiring..”. With standout songs SHED MY SKIN and the anthemic RISE ABOVE.

CIRCLE DANCE , a completely solo acoustic album, was released in 2007 – yet another step in confidence, energy and strength. “This is beautiful, straightforward storytelling, saturated in Irish folk traditions but with a keen edge born of Faithfield’s days as a punk rocker in Sydney. I was reminded of Paul Kelly’s more lyrical excursions, which is a high compliment” (WEST AUSTRALIAN).

Rory’s fourth album SONGS FOR SOONER, is co-produced with renowned Irish music veteran Gavin Murphy and will be released in 2010. The multilayered album title harks to Sooner, a beautiful broken kelpie from a regional NSW farm that he rescued and nurtured. This album is the culmination of Faithfield’s experience as an authentic songwriter and performer.

Rory currently divides his time between Dublin and his home in Vasse on the West Australian coast, not far from famed wine country Margaret River. Until recently, Rory has flown largely under the radar of the music scene. Mesmerising Festival performances are changing things.

Share

In their own words….

My name is Eimear Crehan, although I go by the stage name of Eimear Fox, or Fox.E. I am 29 and I have lived in Kildare for the past 10 years. I am a single parent to my wonderful little boy Jamie, who is 12 this year. I have been writing music for the past 12 years or more, but I have never really been in a position to get my music out there until now. I have over 30 finished songs (and many others that are half done!).  I mainly play music with my sister Claire who is an amazing pianist. I also work with a drummer, bass player, guitarist and double bass player. The reason I am only getting out there now is because I have been working very hard over the past few years with raising my son and getting a masters degree in college. I have been studying in Maynooth University for the past 5 years – I did an undergrad in music, followed by a hdip in Youth and Community work, and am currently writing my thesis for my masters on the area of early school leaving in Ireland. I am also the director of both the NUI Maynooth Gospel Choir and the Maynooth Gospel Choir and these are both huge projects. The University choir has raised over 40,000e for local schools and organisations over the past few years under my direction, and the Maynooth Gospel Choir (a.k.a the Electric Gospel Choir) is on a national tour with Jack L until May, so as you can imagine things can get very busy. Other work I have been doing includes writing an original musical with young people in Kildare, this musical is called Proper Preggers and has just finished showing in Ireland and is going to Scotland in July. I also direct musicals and pantomimes in local schools and community projects.

Over the years the option to gig or really try and promote myself was not there as I have always been so busy with other projects and I have had to work as much as possible in order to support my son and support myself through college, however now I really feel that my time has come and it is time to get my music out there. In some ways I am glad that I have had a few extra years to really work on my style of singing as it really does have its own unique qualities that have taken a while to perfect. I often do small gigs for family and friends and regularly do spots in the college and around my area. I really enjoy this and I know that now I need to take it further. I am playing at a number of festivals this year and I am really hoping to get my music out there and really show people what I can do. Tour with Jack L has shown me that I am really ready to branch out on my own and put all my experience to good use!

I am often told that the experience of my music is one that is best seen live as it has a visual story-telling aspect to it. My music is soulful and jazzy, while being slightly cheeky and raunchy at the same time. The music is driven by piano and can have a cabaret style to it on occasion. My history in gospel music definitely comes across as I have quite a big voice, although the use of dynamics is of huge importance to my style of singing also. I would like to think that my songs tell a story that leave the audience entertained throughout – I feel my life experience comes across in my music.

Share

In their own words….

Joey McCall grew up on the tough streets of Chicago. He has paid his dues, playing the honky-tonks of the Arizona desert, the gin mills of the Florida space coast, and all points in between. As a guitarist he has backed up blues legend Paul Butterfield, Rick Danko (The Band), and Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane). He has shared the stage with The Marshall Tucker Band, David Crosby, and traded song critiques at home with Donovan.

Lately, you can catch him playin’ with his bluesrock band ANGELTRAIN around Donegal. Joey has come to call Ireland his home, and continues to write and record songs that are both heartfelt and honest.

Share

In their own words….

Jezzebelle is Katie Carpenter & Gary Burke from Dublin, Ireland. They began writing & performing together in 2006. Mainly influenced by Fleetwood Mac & Bruce Springsteen their music is an original blend of Rock, Roots & Country.

“…Their high octane-propulsion, and driving dogmatic rhythms mark them out from the crowd…” – Siobhán Long (Irish Times)
“…This is one live act that have an unique sound, Jezzebelle have a sweet southern blues feel and the crusted soulful vocals from Katie adds that special ingredient. Class stuff… ******”
- Trevor Halpin (Music Review Unsigned)
2010 will see a brand new album from Jezzebelle. They hit the studio in 2009 with new songs and a new rhythm section, taking the acoustic sound of their first release; ‘Dirt Tacks’ and pushing it into a new realm. ‘Down & Out’ is the first single from the new album and has just been released for download. The promotional tour for the single includes shows in Vicar St. with Jack L, and at this years Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival.
January 2010 saw the release of the ‘Ruff’ EP – an acoustic collection of one-takes put together to give fans a “souvenir” to take home from their live shows. Shows with Jennifer Batten, Juliet Turner & Freddie White followed the release of Ruff.
In August 2009 Jezzebelle made their second trip west to complete a 45-date Californian tour with American songwriter Jinx. The resulting “Fall Tour” video diary became a fan favourite both sides of the water. That year also saw them play the Cork Jazz Festival, Dublin City Soul Festival, Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival, National Song Contest Final, JD Set Final & compete as a finalist in the All Ireland Battle of the Bands.
“…Katie Carpenter is in possession of a powerful, soulful instrument…”
- Killian Murphy (Hotpress Magazine)

In June 2008 Jezzebelle headed to Los Angeles where they completed a 60-date tour, playing mostly on the Hollywood songwriter scene including an appearance at House of Blues. March of that year saw the release of ‘The Potential Collection Volume 2‘, an acoustic compilation of upbeat songs by Irish acts associated with The Zodiac Sessions Open Mic. Jezzebelle song ‘Bad Seed’ is the opening track on the album:
“…You can hear the passion stream from this track with a nice upbeat acoustic folk blues feel. The vocals stand out pretty well as they simmer a bit like Janice Joplin early blues number but a sweet little tune…” ***** – T. Halpin (Music Review Unsigned)

“…A powerful and potential song…*****” – Danny McElhenny (Daily Mail)

To coincide with the release, the music video for Bad Seed was launched in February and was featured by YouTube, MySpace and Music Scene Ireland.

In 2007 Jezzebelle released their first album – entitled ‘Dirt Tracks‘. They won the National Song Contest (Ireland) with their song ‘The Road Ahead’ and won Ireland’s NOISE Concerts Battle of the Bands.

“…Dirt Tracks; a marriage of Acoustic Country Sass, Rock n’ Roll rhythms and Seductive Story Telling from two distinctive vocalists…” – John Cleary ( Kilkenny Advertiser)

“…Absolutely Great! Jezzebelle don’t sound like anybody else around…”

Share

In their own words….

InSession were formed in late December of 2008 by two Bristol based musicians who have been playing the local circuit for the past five years. Roossy B Hawkins (Defacto, Diversion Ends) provides lead vocals and piano and ‘J’ (Steele Regression, Diversion Ends) complements the duo with his unique style of rhythm guitar and backing vocals. The most recent addition to the band is percussionist Jon Jackson who has been drumming in various punk and rock projects for the past ten years who brings the Djembi and the Cajon in to the mix to make it just a little more interesting!!

They play an eclectic mix of covers from the 60′s to the present day adding their own styling to create an always varied set. Aside of the covers they are both very accomplished songwriters and are quite often known to drop a few of their originals which have been likened to Muse, Radiohead and a modern day Supertramp!

Share

In their own words….

Coming from a background of playing Funk Jazz music with the now disbanded Khadynka, the Dublin/Paris based artist Hreqz has moved on to producing his own music. His style has diversified to include breakbeat, acid and everything in between utilising a range of synthesisers, keyboards and midi controllers but still remains focused to keeping an emphasis on the live aspect of playing gigs.

Share