Category: Entries 2011 F-J

Halcyon Heart – Real Me

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Q1. Where are you from?

Halcyon Heart comes from south coast Hampshire, England.

Q2. Musical influences?

Musical and creative influences include the likes of Coldplay, BT,
The XX, Bat For Lashes, The Killers, Michael Jackson, Whitney
Houston, Madonna, Kate Bush and Minnie Riperton.

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

The artist is inspired by the universe, the world she lives in and
the lives of people around her. When writing the artist aims to draw
on her own life experiences as well as that of others. Drawing on
human emotions and life experiences is key for Hannah as a lyricist,
musician and performer. Hannah studies a wide range of sources dating
back to Beethoven for inspiration to develop her own written and
produced music.

“The acknowledgement and implementation of classical methods is essential
in the art of music making. And as Beethoven himself demonstrated
throughout his classical music career, experimentation is limitless.”

-Hannah Heart

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

All my gigs have been a joy so far. I love meeting new people and
receiving feedback from fans about my music and overall performance.
The music I produce is very special to me and it is extremely
fulfilling to know that people actually appreciate it. I can only
wish to perform on more stages throughout the world and share my
music with audiences of all ages and nationalities.

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

If I ever get the chance I would be honoured to share the stage with
someone who’s inspired me as an artist. Someone with incredible stage
presence and personality like Madonna, BT, Calvin Harris, Brandon
Flowers from The Killers, Lady Gaga and Chris Martin from Coldplay.

 

In their own words

English musician, vocalist, songwriter and performing artist. Born in Wimbledon, London and raised in Hampshire. Now lives in Hampstead, London and is currently working with professional music producers from the US, Germany and Italy who are helping her to launch her first single

 

 

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Jack & The Band – Blue Eyed Blues

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Q1. Where are you from?

Dublin City.

Q2. Musical influences?

Muddy Waters, Etta James, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Neil Young.

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

Organically through jamming in the rehearsal studio.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Stage stormed by drunken naked fan.

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

The Rolling Stones…… because he’s MICK JAGER..!!

 

In their own words

Jack and the Band are a young,hard working,energetic and passionate band hailing from Dublin’s suburbia. Formed in late 2010, initially comprising of Sandra Ball (Lead Vocals), Aaron Mooney (Lead Guitar) and Adam Steel (Drums,Vocals). They began writing and working on material and gigging around Dublin city.

By the New Year they had amassed a strong live set of original material, performed in numerous venues around Dublin and were hungry for more. Enter Ian Bermingham (Guitar,Vocals,Harmonica) and Ciaran Redmond (Bass Guitar). The addition of the two new members enabled the band to develop and explore the ‘dirty sleazy blues rock’ sound they had been striving for and they immediately took to the recording studio to work on their material both old and new.

Aspiring to a sound that is fresh and new while maintaining the traditions of soul, roots, rhythm and blues is the name of the game where Jack and the Band are concerned and their ever growing catalogue of material is reflective of this. Their more recent adventures and misadventures have taken them on tour with fellow Dubliners TKO were they played venues including Galway’s Roisin Dubh,Dolan’s Warehouse of Limerick and the hallowed Whelan’s of Wexford street Dublin.

As well as preparing for a summer jam packed with festival appearances Jack and the Band have spent the past few months recording their debut EP ‘Numb to the Chafe’ due for release later this year.

 

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Jezzebelle – The Lesson

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Q1. Where are you from?

We’re form Dublin, Ireland!

Q2. Musical influences?

Our 2 main influences are Fleetwood Mac & Bruce Springsteen

Q.3 What’s your song writing process?

We co-write all our songs!

Q.4 Most bizarre gig experience?

Performing a hymn at the Blessing of the Boats in Bullock Harbour! It was so bizarre we did it 2 yrs in a row…

Q.5 If you could share the stage with anyone, who would it be and why?

Good question, got to be Dr. John – we need a keys player

 

In their own words

Jezzebelle are an Original Rock, Rhythm & Roots duo from Dublin, Ireland. Katie Carpenter (Vocals) & Gary Burke (Guitar & Vocals) cite their main influences as Fleetwood Mac & Bruce Springsteen. They’re unsigned and self-managed and in October 2010 released their latest album, ‘Roll a Double’.

“This is solid stuff, hard gigging has given them a sprightly edge on tracks like ‘Turn on the Light’ and ‘Empty Mile’ – Carpenter is a feisty flexible vocalist” Jackie Hayden (Hotpress Magazine) “Terrific stuff altogether!” Pat Kenny (RTE Radio 1).  Jezzebelle are full and willing participants of the ‘online music generation’ and you’ll find them on iTunes, Facebook and YouTube but the live show is where it’s at! In 2011 they’ll be touring in Ireland, UK, Italy, USA & Canada. They’ve just launched ‘Jezzebelle Rolling’ – a ‘get to know the band’ video blog of life on the road. You can watch the latest episode right now on YouTube.

The Back Story

It all started back in Ballyfermot ‘Rock School’ in September 2005, a course originally set up by Moving Hearts legend Matt Kelleghan. Realising similar tastes in music, Carpenter & Burke started writing and performing together under the name Jezzebelle. While gigging the Dublin city circuit they were spotted by the founders of a new internet music video blog called BalconyTV. The duo became the first band to appear on the famous balcony on Dame Street Dublin and it was around this time that Jezzebelle began work on their debut album. In February 2007, they released ‘Dirt Tracks’, an all acoustic 12 track collection. It received great reviews from the Irish press and featured ‘The Road Ahead’ which won the Clonmel National Song Contest that year.

Following this release Jezzebelle played as special guest for Eric Bell (Thin Lizzy), Don Baker and Rob Strong. The pair delivered their big sound and big songs and one such song that became an instant hit with the crowd was ‘Bad Seed’. Jezzebelle were invited to record the track for the ‘Potential Collection Volume 2’, an acoustic compilation album featuring Irish acts from the famous Zodiac Sessions open mic night in Bruxelle’s Bar (known for hosting Irish rocker Phil Lynott and more recently the rockabilly queen Imelda May!). ‘Bad Seed’ became the opening track on the album which was released in February 2008 and was well received by both critics and fans. Jezzebelle then teamed up AV Productions and shot the music video for ‘Bad Seed’ which was featured on both MySpace and YouTube. Exposure of the video led to Jezzebelle joining the bill at the Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival for the first time that year, they have since been a staple act. In June 2008, it was time for a change of scene, a big change. Jezzebelle flew to Los Angeles California where they spent 3 summer months completing a 60-date tour – including shows in Genghis Cohen, The Rainbow and at House of Blues. While in California they wrote the material that would eventually become their 2nd album, they also met American musicians Jinx and Greg Krueger and Dublin born mixing engineer Sharon Kearney who would all eventually appear/work on the album.

In February 2009, Jezzebelle began the 18 month project that would be recording album number 2. Rhythm tracks were laid down in Fundamental Studios Wicklow with drummer Robin Ball and bassist Adam Taylor. Strictly acoustic up until this point, the album was a step forward for the duo – marking a turning point in sound and direction. Taking a break from the studio in August/September they went back to the US west coast, touring with Jinx, 45 shows from San Diego to San Francisco finishing up with their first ever full band show, at The Cat Club on Sunset Blvd. Back in Ireland in October the constant touring was paying off as they became the regular opening act for Jack L; including their first ever show at Dublin’s Vicar St.

With the album recording continuing in the background, Jezzebelle started 2010 doing special guest slots for Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson’s long time touring guitarist), Don Baker and Juliet Turner. They followed this with the release of the all acoustic EP ‘Ruff’ taking it out on the road opening for established acts and doing their own shows nationwide – including performances at the Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival, Dublin City Soul Festival and the first ever Temple House Festival. To end the tour they teamed up with Irish songwriter Ray Heffernan for 3 shows in northern Italy. Two singles and a summer tour later Jezzebelle have just released their 2nd album ‘Roll a Double’ and are back out on tour. Produced by Jezzebelle, recorded (mostly) in their own Blue Train Studios, mixed by Sharon Kearney in Hollywood CA, mastered by Jim Falzone in Nashville TN, featuring Robin Ball, Adam Taylor, Wil Mullen, Sharon Kearney, Jinx, Greg Krueger, Josh Johnston and photography by Lili Forberg, the album is, in their own words: “Exactly what we wanted and the perfect representation of who we are right now”. The album has been well received so far by fans that have also been enjoying the new ‘full band’ sound at some of the shows on the tour where Katie & Gary are joined by Wil Mullen (Bass), Johnny Martino (Drums) and Aido Smyth (Guitar).

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Jupe – Blind Eyes

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Q1. Where are you from?

We are all from Dublin except our South African drummer.. there is always one.

Q2. Musical influences?

Funny, we all have different musical influences amongst us ranging from Paul Simon to Jimi Hendrix to Maroon 5 yet when we write and come together we create sounds unique to Jupe

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

Usually an idea is brought before the rest of the band whether it is a lyrical string or guitar hook and together we work on it and somehow turn it into something crazy.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

We were asked to come and play a show in a venue in Dublin owned by Chinese gentleman and when it came to paying us for our time.. lets just say we were stuffed with spring rolls and prawn crackers. Considering it was a last minute gig and we played to about 60 raving Chinese folk covered in glow sticks and whistles.. Definitely down as one of our most bizarre.

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

As we all have different tastes:

Tim – Queen.. ‘’ Who wouldn’t want to share a stage with Freddy Mercury’’

Phil – Jim Morison.. ‘’We seem to have a lot in common’’

Jonsey – Jacko Pastorious.. ‘’ To be in the presence of such a legend would be a huge inspiration’’

 

In their own words

Following countless sell-out shows including a special guest appearance with Mumford & Sons,  Jupe are set to release their new single ‘’Blind Eyes’’ unto the global stage.

This Dublin new wave quartet, have already made their imprint on the international media front, with radio appearances on numerous North and South American prime time radio stations and are touted as:

‘’The next band to make it outside of Ireland’’ – KNBR San Francisco

Over the past two years, Jupe’s addictive melodies have developed into the vibrant, feel good, Americana sound you hear today. Based around the groove platform of Brendon Rennie on Drums, Jonesy on Bass, Phil Costello on Lead Guitar and topped off by the commanding tones of Tim Night on lead vocals:

‘’It is a sure fire thing that you will fall in love with Jupe’’ – Canada’s Beetroot Magazine

Blind Eyes, taken from their upcoming EP was recently produced by two time Grammy Award winning, LA producer Bob Cutarella (Chaka Kahn, Michael Jackson,
Air Supply, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, Steve Miller, Kid Rock, Sting & The Police, Elton John, REM, Frank Sinatra, Stevie ray Vaughan, Metalica, Lynryd Skynyrd) and recorded at the illustrious Grouse Lodge Studios.

‘’Ireland’s answer to The Counting Crows’’ – Heineken Music

Apart from the planning of a small tour of west coast America, Jupe have already been confirmed for numerous festivals both local and abroad such as:

K-Fog San Francisco’s – Kaboom Festival, Festival of Fires – Westmeath and have also been Shortlisted for T in the Park, Glastonbury, and PukkelPop 2011

With a release date set for mid-May, the stage is set for Jupe to take over.

http://twitter.com/JupeMusic

https://www.facebook.com/jupemusic

http://www.youtube.com/jupeofficial

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George Milson – A Place Called Home

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Q1. Where are you from?

I was born in Barcelona, Spain

Q2. Musical influences?

A lot of classic rock, but my great influence is Bruce Springsteen

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

It depends, normally I write first the music and then the lyrics, but sometimes I write first the lyrics… it depends

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Was in 1995 playing a gig in Mexico, a girl gives me a couple of margaritas in the middle of the show… I didn’t understand anything…. :)

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

With my dear Bruce Springsteen, because he is my great influence and has been by my side my whole live!

 

In their own words

George Milson was born in Barcelona, Spain, on Sept. 26th, 1975. As a kid, he loved to play basketball and baseball. At the age of 12, he saw Bruce Springsteen perform at an Amnesty International concert (Barcelona, Sept. 10th, 1988) and that’s when he realized what he wanted to devote his life to. From that moment on, his main goal was to become a musician, so he could do what he liked best. He found an old guitar at home and started to play his first chords. Later, he would receive music and guitar lessons. At the age of 14, he started to write his own tunes. He put together a number of bands and performed around Barcelona, but none of these groups would last too long. At 17, he started picking up additional instruments and taught himself piano. In later years, he did the same with the drums, bass guitar, harmonica, violin and banjo. In 1992, his passion for music was extended into its technical side too, and George majored in Image & Sound Studies, specializing in Sound Engineering and Studio Recording. In 1996, he spent 6 months in Mexico DF, participating in a music project. His first Album, “One” is mostly inspired on this experience.

In 1997 he collaborated as a musician, arranger, and producer, for the Spanish version of “Sesame Street”, something he kept doing, later on, for other TV shows. In 1999 he worked as a music and studio producer for advertising and publishing companies. In 2000 George Milson decided to produce his own artistic career and created his independent record label, “RoadTrip Records”. He put together a selection of his best original compositions and recorded his first CD: “One”, being 100% true to those elements that had been his inspiration since 1988. The album was released on December 12th, 2005 and was very successfully introduced to the public at the well known Barcelona music room “Luz de Gas”. During the next 2 years, his 7‐piece band performed a series of concerts around Spain promoting the album, gathering an excellent reaction wherever they played.

In 2008, George went back to composing and preparing for his next piece of original work:“Back to the Road”, which he finished recording in November that same year. The album was released on January 27th, 2009. Since that time and to the present day, George has been performing, combining his own tunes with versions of Springsteen’s classics. He has recently signed a contract with the Publishing Company: “Clipper’s Ediciones Musicales”, in November 23 George released a Tribute album, Leap of Faith‐ a Tribute to Bruce Springsteen, where he recreates his favourite Bruce Springsteen tunes. The profits for this new album will be donated to help in the fight against cancer.

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