Category: Entries 2011 U-Z

V. Rich – Bachelor

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Q1.Where are you from?

Born in Michigan, lived in Connecticut for a bit…but claim Washington, DC.

Q2. Musical Influences?

Bob Marley, Chopin, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Prince, D’Angelo, Dave Matthews

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

Depends on where the inspiration comes from. Sometimes the song is inspired by a melody. If that is the case… I sit at the piano and build chords around the melody. Then I add lyrics to the melody.  Sometimes I make a track or I am sent a track and I will listen to the track to figure out how the music makes me feel. From there I think of a concept that fits the feeling. Then I compose a melody and add lyrics.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience? I was performing one night and decided to sing “Ain’t no Sunshine” as a cover. Well while I was singing that song and older lady… probably in her 70′s starts grinding at the front of the stage at me…So I started grinding back at her!! Lol The audience loved it!!!

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

Prince… because he is a musical Genuis!

 

In their own words

Masterful and vibrantly fluid on keys, his voice blends unique textures and a stratum of harmonic ability into contemporary R&B. V. Rich is an artist of innate musicality equipped with an arsenal of skills as a singer/songwriter, musician, arranger and producer. With sultriness reminiscent of Maxwell and musicianship influenced by the likes of Prince and Stevie, his solo EP project, “V.Rich – Songs from the album ‘Addicted’” meshes Neo-soul, R& B, and hip-hop energy with panache so irresistible, so catchy, it’s hard to know exactly what rhythm grabs your attention first.

Born Vincent Richardson in a small Michigan town, V. Rich spent his childhood in New Haven, Connecticut where he learned the power of music and its ability to connect to the hearts and minds of its listeners. Growing up the son of a preacher, in a family of singers, musicians, and music lovers, the young V. Rich was exposed to a vast array of musical genres and quickly became fascinated by the greats: Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye and Oscar Peterson and the classical giants: Chopin, Debussy and Beethoven.

His fervor for music deepened in the eclectic musical hub that is Washington DC; known then as “Keys”, he founded a critically acclaimed hip-hop band Lauda and began playing keyboards and singing backup for major R&B recording artist, Amel Larrieux. The exposure gave V. Rich greater desires to one day perform at the front of the stage. But he continued to add depth to his catalog and in 2005 he scored scenes in the BET made for TV movie “Multitude of Mercies”. He began to gain momentum in the music industry and began working with a number of local and national artists including Navasha of the underground giant “Fertile Ground”, Grammy – nominated performers Wayna and Raheem DeVaughn, and Grammy award winners Mya and Lauryn Hill.

The culmination of this diverse and eclectic musical journey is highlighted in his first self-contained solo project, “V.Rich – Songs from the album ‘Addicted’”. On the edge of freshly defined tracks with the lyrical swagger of a virtuoso, this tunesmith and accomplished producer bares his seasoned soul. The beauty is not only in each chord and its progression but also in V.Rich’s ability to write, produce, arrange, record, and mix most of this EP at his own studio, Vibrato Studios. His energy and silvery polished quality demands attention in songs like, “Lovely” and “Spontaneous”. “Addicted” bleeds prowess and vulnerability; a euphonious blend of his rich and soulful artistry layered over infectious tones. His first single, “Bachelor” demands attention from radio. And “C.R.A.Z.Y Girl” Is sure to make some noise as he describes a possessive girl who through it all, still loves!

V.Rich has worked with and/or shared the staged with artists including: Bilal, Chrisette Michele, Lauryn Hill, Amel Larrieux, EnVogue, Mya, Will Downing, Melanie Fiona, Raheem DeVaughn, Laura Izibor, Anthony David, Howard Hewitt, Goapele, Res, Martin Luther, Melba Moore, Eric Roberson, Tony Terry and Chuck Brown to name a few. As well as platinum selling producers Chucky Thompson (Grammy), Glen Mosley, and the Heatmakerz. V.Rich also co-wrote Jay Hayden’s single “No Where”, which is currently in radio rotation and has already hit the Billboards charts at #98.

 

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Wicker Bones – One Man On James’ St

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Q1. Where are you from?

We’re a four piece group mostly from Dublin except for Keelan who hails from Kildare.

Q2. Musical influences?

A lot of Irish and English folk such as The Dubliners, Planxty, The Pogues, Steeleye Span, Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Fairport Convention, Espers.

There is also a strong influence from a lot of eastern European styled music such as Secret Chiefs 3 and John Zorn.

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

It varies but usually one of us will work on something alone then show us what they have during our next practice. At this point the song could be fully formed or just the bare bones of a concept but we will work on arranging it from there.

The more we play it live, the more we get to know the song and depending on the audience’s reaction we might tweak or re-arrange it until we’re happy with the song.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Haha, I’d say it would have to be while we were playing at last year’s No Place Like Dome festival in Sligo. We played twice over the weekend and halfway during our gig on the Saturday our mandolin player Ian climbed up a tree and played from there for the rest of the set.

On the Sunday night we closed the festival and ended up playing until half 5 in the morning.
A smurf joined us on stage and sang a tune with us….

Towards the end of the Sunday set, a mist came rolling around the festival ground and people were dancing around a fire pit. It was an amazing way to watch the sun rise and to finish off an amazing weekend.

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

A supergroup made up of Christy Moore, Kila and Shane McGowan!

Each one of these bands and singers were a huge influence on us musically so to lash all those on stage together would be unreal. We would get to play the classics and jam with these legends but we’d also love to hear what these lads would come up with together.

We can only imagine some sort of incredible punk jazz trad ballad!

 

In their own words

Wicker Bones began in 2009 with a group of friends playing songs into the early hours. A shared interest in folk and ballads encouraged the formation of the band. Formerly known as Holy Bleedin’ Jaysus, Wicker Bones have progressed rapidly and now play a varied mixture of international folk alongside original material.

Wicker Bones’ style has been described as raw and powerful, with their own material and arrangements exploring dissonance, unconventional keys and unorthodox meters.

Last year Wicker Bones played at several independent festivals including No Place Like Dome (Sligo) and HealyFest (Mayo). They also took part in the Guinness Our Thursdays competition and became outlet winners in Anderson’s, Athy.

2011 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Wicker Bones with the release of their debut EP “The Martry Sessions” and confirmed appearances at the Winter Music Weekend folk festival (Clare), Knockanstockan, No Place like Dome, Folk On The Lawn (Wales), Mulligan’s St. Patrick’s Week (Netherlands) and Healyfest 2011.

 

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YFO – Numb

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Q1. Where are you from?

We’re a Clondalkin based band.

Q2. Musical influences?

We like pretty much from Ac/dc to ZZ top and everything in between

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

The songs usually start with a melody or riff. We then build up the song around that initial idea.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Having Morrissey walk in just before you have to go on stage!
We were playing the workmans club and we had heard he was around but we thought people were messing when they said he would be dropping in.
Performing your heart out to one of your idols that just happens to be sitting slap bang in the front row of your gig, smiling and tapping his feet with the candle light cascading off his magnificent quiff! It was pretty AWSUM!!!!

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

Seriously there is  too many we can’t agree,
Louise : Morrissey ,  he’s one of my hero’s  and for his pure coolness
Peter : Homer simpson. No explaination needed!
James : Richie sambora it’s my favourite guitarist
Danni : Bellx1 just because they are awsum.

 

In their own words

YFO are a four piece Dublin band consisting of Danni Nolan on drums, James Aherne on guitar, Peter Fox on bass and Louise ball on vocals. YFO have been working together for the past two years, and with their varying influences bring together a uniquely fresh sound.  Their music has an indie pop feel with hints of rock and sometimes folk thrown into the mix.  What YFO are good at is creating real, honest music.

YFO have been linked with Garageland gigs (run by Dermot Lambert of Blink), for the past two years, and are regular headliners in the likes of Whelans, The Village and The Sugar Club.

Gerry O’Connor, the well known Irish banjo player, was delighted to be asked to play on their track “Numb” describing it as:

“…a number 1 hit right there, better than most of the stuff you hear on the radio.”

Currently the band is working on new material, along with trying to create awareness of their sound within the Irish music industry circuit.

And if you’re wondering what YFO stands for…give us your best guess and we’ll tell you if your right!?

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The Young Folk – Way Down South

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We asked ‘The Young Folk’ 5 Questions when they entered the 2011 Rising Stars…

Q1. Where are you from?

The Young Folk are essentially a five piece band situated around Dublin city, Anthony is originaly from Ballyfermot, Paul is from Kilbarrack, Karl is from Ballymun, Tony is from Inchicore and Karen is originally from Co.Mayo.

Q2. Musical influences?

Fleet foxes, Neil young, Bright Eyes, Paul Simon…

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

Pen and paper (music or lyrics may come first)

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

There are a lot but most memorable would be… During the Guinness Arthurs day competition last year, we played out in the Cuckoos nest ( Tallaght).. we were asked to play first while a Bohs Vs Rovers match was on.. we had to start playin and they all just turned and looked at us with a look that just says it all,, so we stopped went to watch the rest of the match with them and they loved us for lettin them watch the game.. they even stayed and cheered us on and voted us through to the next round haha

Oh and their side won.. It was Mental!

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

Dead or alive?… Dead it would be James Brown, Alive it would be Paul Simon.

 

A bit of history in their own words…

In 2009 Anthony formed The Young Folk with fellow Ballyfermot Rock College alumni Paul Butler and Karl Hand, along with Tony McLoughlin and Karen Hickey. Assured musicians and songwriters, The Young Folk boasts a line up of some of the most promising young musicians working in Ireland today. Their well travelled live show is already highly regarded for its technical nous. Their performance also distinguishes itself by the kind of raw energy and passion inherent in good folk music, melding the lively variation of oral transmission with the marks of custom and community that give it its character.

Anthony Furey grew up in a musical dynasty where he learned to blend perfect melodies, exquisite harmonies and compelling storylines. He later turned his attention to American folk tradition, integrating its complex harmonies and plaintive lyrics with his own solid Irish roots to create a voice that is at once distinctive and authentic. Paul Butler is a classically trained pianist, accomplished songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose broad musical experience includes funk, prog rock and folk. Drums/Percussion is handled by Karl Hand, who trained under Prof. Udo Dahmen in Mannheim and has played widely in Europe and at home. Bassist Tony Mc Loughlin trained in Jazz bass and plays the trad circuit in Dublin, creates the essential driving pulse which underpins the group’s Americana sound. Karen Hickey, a classically trained violinist, flautist, pianist and Fleadh Cheoil champion, brings orchestral discipline combined with the fluidity of Irish trad to the stylistic interchanges of group.

The Young Folk’s debut album ‘I’ve been here before’ was released in 2010 and was well received with the single ‘Sad Day’ being among the top twenty songs of 2010 by industry insider blog  2 U I Bestow. Their second album will be released 7 November 2011.