Lineup 2016

THE YOUNG FOLK

The new single Home from The Young Folk: “one of the most promising…bands to have come out of Ireland in several decades.”. [Maverick Magazine].
Home was released in Ireland on Friday 11th March 2016. Home is the first single from The Young Folk’s new full-length album [First Sign of Morning] to due April 15th 2016. One of The Young Folk’s ancestors wrote our national anthem; this is a band with song-writing in its veins. While Home is a song about longing and the search for personal love and a place to belong, it has a wider context with particular relevance today given the refugee crisis in Europe with so many needing to find their place, their home.

Home propels The Young Folk from alt-folk to mainstream indie pop without abandoning their trad roots, rich lyrics and layered harmonies found so tempting on their debut album, The Little Battle [2014, Pixie Pace Records].

http://www.theyoungfolk.com/
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SAINT SISTER

Saint Sister, formed in November 2014, is the new project from Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty. Their music draws from early Celtic harp traditions, 60s folk and electronic pop to create ‘atmosfolk’—a mix of soulful vocal harmonies, dreamy synth and electro­acoustic harp. Following their debut performance on Irish television, they opened for Arcade Fire’s Will Butler in Whelan’s. April saw them support San Fermin (Downtown records), and tour Ireland with Dublin band Spies. In August, the band entered the studio for the first time to record their debut EP with Alex Ryan (bassist with Hozier), which was released on November 13th on Trout Records. Over the coming weeks they commence two Irish tours with O Emperor and Wyvern Lingo. They finish 2015 with their first London showcase, and play their first US performance at SXSW 2016.

‘Bewitching, that’s Saint Sister […] It’s a striking, at times quite intense piece of work; it unfolds patiently, with a rare sense of grace’ – Clash Magazine

‘Theirs is a strong, resonant, magnetic sound, with a clear folk influence in the wash, but one where the spooky, full­bodied songs they’re digging out also come with a lot of melodic gumption’ – Jim Carroll, The Irish Times

‘Their music is folk, pastoral and dreamy with its pop eyes wide open’ – Nialler9

https://saintsister.bandcamp.com
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JINX LENNON

I’m Jinx Lennon and i am here to uplift you the audience with my songs the way a hellfire preacher may do inspiring the molecules in your brain cells to wake up screaming ”yes i’m alive at last!!!!” and i intend to drag you most definitely on a mind boggling journey through the suburbs , the bingo halls,the bars,chinese takeaways,railway lines and all the unhinged characters and lost souls who dwell here i guess to remind us all that there are 40 000 stories waiting everywhere to be told no matter what way you turn around in this land of Spires and burned out tyres……………………….

‘’30 stabs of enlightenment in 60 minutes” ROBERT CHRISTGAU (The Dean of American Rock Literature)

“Jinx is a true individual and there will always be a place for him in Irish music” LAUREN MURPHY , IRISH TIMES

https://jinxlennon1.bandcamp.com/album/know-your-station-gouger-nation
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THE BONNEVILLES

The Bonnevilles formed in 2009 and quickly released their debut, and now legendary album, “Good Suits & Fightin’ Boots” on Motor Sounds Records. McGibbon being a blues fan was moved to create The Bonnevilles after a brief time in another duo and being heavily inspired by RL Burnsides album “A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey” and bands like The Soledad Brothers and the Immortal Lee County Killers along with the traditional blues heavyweights Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Johnson, Chess Records etc combined with McMullans heavy metal drumming background the band has become one of Europes top alternative blues acts.

“The Bonnevilles are one of the very best of the post – (early) Black Keys/White Stripes-influenced bands…deep dark punk and stylish hard roots music with good pop-sense & without a whiff of retro poly stink” Rick Saunders – Deep Blues

http://thebonnevilles.co.uk/music
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ELEPHANT

Elephant is the musical vehicle of Dundalk based multi-instrumentalist Shane Clarke. Songs wander from an instantaneous summery folk pop reminiscent of Badly Drawn Boy and Elliot Smith, to more mature meandering pieces with a deliberate deconstructed nature, akin to say… Broken Social Scene, Justin Vernon or Joanna Newsom. Elephant has rightly garnered much praise on the live front with his earnest vocal delivery and unique lyrical style capturing audiences and securing him performances with Martha Wainwright and multiple slots at the Other Voices trail, Electric Picnic & Body&Soul. He recently released his debut album “HyperGiant” to critical acclaim.

“Irish Times Release of the Week” – Nialler9

“As natural and honest an album as we’re likely to hear this year…Elephant’s debut is something very special indeed.” 9/10 – The Last Mixed Tape

https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/hypergiant/id1050257991
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MUTEFISH

MUTEFISH are culturally diverse six piece band from Ireland, Poland, Lithuania, Portugal and Ukraine. The sound is a fusion of the musical sounds and cultures of Eastern Europe, with punk/rock/reggae and traditional Irish influences, resulting in an engaging melodic compilation of tracks. A product of Dublin’s rich gigging and busking scene, the band can often be found playing to a crowd on the city’s streets.

MUTEFISH are currently in the process of working on new material, with a view to recording after the summer. This year saw the introduction of a new member on fiddle, which has helped push the sound in exciting new directions. Each band member brings their distinct musical backgrounds and tastes giving them their unique sound, which makes it difficult to pin them down to one style or genre.

http://mutefish.ie/
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SWORDS

Swords are a three piece alternative band from Dublin, with members Diane Anglim (vocals & piano), Jarlath Canning (bass, guitars & synth) and Ian Frawley (drums). The band’s sound is known for Diane Anglim’s unique vocal style, set against piano, bass, synth atmospheres & drums.

Swords have recently completed their second studio album with producer Karl Odlum. It marks a departure in sound from previous releases, the band noting a more considered approach to writing, live recording methods, sparse arrangements and a fuller organic sound. The album is due to be released in late 2016, with new material & live dates promised soon.

“An intriguing, compelling debut..” – Sunday Business Post

www.swordsband.com
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SAMPLE ANSWER

Although Dublin born but London based Sample Answer has been showcasing his eclectic music style since 2013, the past twelve months have been a musicial whirlwind for him. Since releasing his debut EP ‘Good Boy’ last July, Sample Answer a.k.a. Maurice O’Connor has supported many sold out acts on the live music circuit both in Ireland and the UK, for example The Fratellis, Gabrielle Aplin and Damien Rice. While also receiving airplay on BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac, 2FM, Today FM, TXFM and a debut TV performance on the Ray d’Arcy Show on RTÉ One. Sample Answer is no stranger to a festival stage having played Latitude festival last year and the prestigious Other Voices last December.
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BUNOSCIONN

Through friendship, sessions and copious amounts of tea, Bunoscionn was created – a musical love-child, mothered by Irish folk music and fathered by dance/reggae/rock/, (paternity tests pending)!

Based in Ireland the band consists of five musicians brought together from jams, sessions and the craic to form a group rooted in the traditional but with one foot held firmly outside the box. With a diverse range of vocals, instruments and styles, Bunoscionn can be found performing high energy shows at festivals and venues to fireside sessions in a pub and everything in between.

www.Bunoscionn.com
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BLACK SVAN

Black Svan were formed in 2009 by Jagger Murray and Keith Caffrey who came together with a mutual love of Hard Rock and Metal. After several lineup changes in the early days, the addition of Mo Clifford, Kenneth Bell and James jay ruddy saw the band reach new heights of creativity and stability. Drawing on many influences including Metallica, Alice In Chains, Black Sabbath, Pantera and Mastodon the band fuses groove laden, hard hitting riffs with powerful vocals and pounding drums.

The band signed to M&O music France in 2014 and released their debut album 16 minutes which hit no 1. In the Irish metal charts and entered the top 20 of the Irish indie charts.

www.blacksvan.com

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0imY43Gl290MYaYl5pUIUo
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THIRD SMOKE

Third Smoke – An indie rock band taking musical influence from The Dandy Warhols, Arcade Fire, The Beatles and The White Stripes. A busy 2015 including winning the Radio 1 John Murray Emerging talent competition, A national tour and multiple festival slots (including Electric Picnic & Longitude) cement their place as one of Ireland’s emerging must see bands of 2016. Expect a live show built on controlled mayhem and powerful vocal interplay.

www.facebook.com/thirdsmoke
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FANGCLUB

“No nonsense poppy tunes over punishing riffs” Hot Press

www.fangclubofficial.com

https://www.facebook.com/FangclubOfficial
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ELM

Elm are a five piece band from Dublin with a dark earthy quality to their music, which has been described as Alternative Baroque Pop. Diligent & emotive, Elm will carry you through quiet reflective moments then weave you in with immersive sound and lyrics. They produce music that ‘finds a perfect middle ground between intimate and cinematic’ (Dublin Concerts.ie). Frontman Dylan Walsh holds the audience captive with passion, poignancy and depth. His haunting vocal is accompanied by a provoking musical backdrop of atmospheric guitar, cello, synth and drums. Elm’s sound is a personal experience to their fans, lending each listener a unique relationship to the band.

After releasing their debut single ‘Amends’ in November 2015, every blog flocked to write about the Elm. After the reaction ‘Amends’ made, Elm were invited down to ‘Other Voices’ and took Dingle by storm.

“If record label A∓R departments are not keeping tabs on Elm, then they’re not doing their jobs properly.” – Dublin Concerts

“An oul’ cynic like me expects angry noise-fuelled vitriol from the new generation, and that’s not at all what is forthcoming from Elm.” – Musician.ie

http://www.breakingtunes.com/thisiselm
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FIACH MORIARTY

Dubliner Fiach Moriarty released his debut record ‘So i’ in 2010 to critical acclaim landing support slots with Ray Davies (The Kinks), Eddi Reader and Glen Hansard.
Countless gigs followed in his home country of Ireland, as well as the U.K., Mainland Europe, Australia and North America.

This heavy duty work ethic paid off, garnering praise from from a host of musical heroes of his such as Paul Brady, Gilbert O’Sullivan and Chris White of British invasion legends The Zombies.

“Fiach has it all; a beautiful voice, sublime melodies and is an amazing live performer. He should be huge all around the world.” – Damien Dempsey

https://www.facebook.com/Fiachmusic/

http://www.fiachmusic.com
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SARAMAI

Saramai is from Navan, Co. Meath. Playing as a three piece with drums (Aimie Mallon), electric guitar (Cormac O’Keeffe) and keys they have echoes of Low mixed with Kate Bush by way of Beach House. Her debut EP Red Moon and forthcoming release were both recorded live by Tommy McLaughlin at Attica Studios (SOAK, Villagers). During the Red Moon tour she played the IMRO Other Room at Other Voices in Dingle. The full band performance will be aired this summer on RTE 2. Red Moon is out on Greenbay records and is available on iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify.

www.saramaimusic.com

”Butterfly Waltz’ is like Kate Bush without the crazy and a small dash of Sinead O’Connor’s ardor……’Fall A While’ is one of the most moving Irish tracks I’ve heard this year and probably in longer, and I know I absolutely have to see this artist live, and soon.’ – Remy’s Music and Film
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DAVID KEENAN

David Keenan is a 22 Year Old Dundalk Songwriter who has gone from strength to strength during the course of 2015. Having… spent time abroad honing his craft, soaking up sound and word he returned home and gained national and International attention when a video of his performance of Original “El Paso” in a Local Taxi went Viral on the Internet. Keen to build on this and eager to prove his worth as a serious Songwriter, David went on to Perform with The Frames, Lisa O’Neil and joined Damien Dempsey on his recent Irish tour. The element of Storytelling is a massive part of the man’s style and sound with Irish writers like Behan and Yeats holding as much Importance in his approach as Musical influences such as Dylan and Buckley.
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REMEDY

Remedy are interested in spreading [political] ideas through art, because music has the power to cross borders, to break military sieges, and to establish real dialogue.
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NAOISE ROO

Interspersing Jazz, ambient electronica, noir cabaret and grunge rock.

“Naoise Roo’s deep and powerful vocals are stunning, and album ‘Lilith’ is a dark and multi layered listen” – Aoife Barry, Irish Times Online

http://breakingtunes.com/naoiseroo

https://www.facebook.com/naoiseroo/
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FOX E. & THE GOOD HANDS

Led by the powerhouse that is vocalist ‘Eimear Fox’. Fox E & The Good Hands pack a sassy & soulful punch. This is Funky RnB with a fresh and modern twist. Since bursting on to Ireland’s thriving unsigned music scene in 2010, Fox E & The Good Hands have firmly established themselves as a prominent and influential act, the group deliver a powerful live performance drawing Funk, Soul, Blues & Hip Hop into their well- crafted set. With powerhouse vocals, funky riffs, highly proficient musicians and a tight sound, this is a show not to be missed.

“ A Bootsy, funk-driven soulful sound with plenty of panache infused with twists of pop, rock, funk and blues. Sometimes it even happens all at once and your senses go into overdrive” – Pure M
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PRAIRIE DAWGS

The Prairie Dawgs are a 7 piece contemporary Roots/Folk act from Dublin. They quickly established themselves on the live scene by setting up the much acclaimed Tumbleweed Love Sessions at the Cobblestone.

In 2009 their eponymous debut album was lauded as “A Winning Proposition” by Eamonn Carr (Horslips,Hot Press). Their follow up “Halfway to Poughkeepsie” is a collection of country, folk, blues stomps & ballads performed with characteristic flair. The Dawgs are currently in the studio recording a brand new set of songs and will be performing some of these at Vantastival and other top venues and festivals throughout 2016.

“A Winning Proposition” – Eamonn Carr (Horslips, Hot Press)

(Prairie Dawgs are) “full of well written tales……good time songs which make you smile and sway” 2 U I Bestow Blog Review.
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KERN

No further information for this act.
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NIX MOON

No further information for this act.
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JUST MIKEY

No further information for this act.
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LE BOOM

LE BOOM were found in Brooklyn, New York City in the summer of 2015.
Since their appearance at Electric Picnic ’15, they have played their own sold-out headline show in Dublin’s Whelan’s. They have joined a number of national and international artists on their Irish tour dates such as Daithi, Baio (Vampire Weekend), US Girls (DFA).

LE BOOM are yet to formally release any music. Their demos, however, have received airplay on BBC Radio’s Across The Line and 98fm. In April, Animal (demo) was featured in NME’s Next Generation show for British Airways.

‘[Le Boom’s] underground pop oozes cool and a disheveled sleepless glamour like the big city from which it was born’ (Hidden Herd, London)

‘Lively electro-pop brimming with all the cool you’d expect from something recorded in the basement of an antique store in Williamsburg and a disused warehouse. You’ve probably never heard of Le Boom, no one has – but that’s all about to change very, very soon.’ (Aidan Kelly, Le Cool, Dublin)

‘Little gems of Electric Picnic 2015 festival’ (Phil Udel, State Magazine, Dublin)
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PINE THE PILCROW

Pine The Pilcrow release their critically acclaimed debut EP on March 26th and will surely be making big waves in the Irish music scene in the near future. The piano, cello and violin 3 piece have received early reviews describing their music as “stunning”, “cinematic” and “atmospheric, melodic gold”. Be sure not to miss their ethereal harmonies.

“gentle, cinematic and melancholic music” “bittersweet and moving” – Nialler 9

“The EP is stunning” – Street Ceol TV

“atmospheric and melodic gold” “intimate heart-swelling songs” – Remy’s Music Blog

“the E.P. is such an engaging and fulfilling experience.” – MixTape
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MEGACONE

Megacone are a 5-piece instrumental band. Since forming in 2013, the band has since established an loyal fan base, playing all around the country and at numerous festivals including Vantastival, Electric Picnic, Knockanstockan and more.

The band signed a record deal with Dimestore Records in 2015 and recorded 4 new tracks with producer Rian Trench which are due for release in 2016.

“Megacone are a young, exciting band that seem to be willing to challenge the boundaries of instrumental music and bring their own fresh feel to it.” – Goldenplec
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HATCHLINGS

Hatchlings are Jamie Bishop, Conor Cunningham, Peter Kelly, Eamon Travers, and Killian McCourt. With performances ranging from lively electric sets to impromptu acoustic appearances in intimate spaces, Hatchlings draw from their jazz, folk, R’n’B, and classical influences to create a fresh alternative sound. The birth of Hatchlings coincided with their founding of The Common Grounds Collective, a group dedicated to promoting a creative lifestyle and giving artists of all mediums a platform to share their work. Hatchlings are currently in the process of recording their debut EP, set to be released later in 2016.”

‘Hatchlings embody joyful alternative, even bringing to mind The Kooks at an instance. Each band member is truly into it – wearing stage presence like second nature…Musical adeptness is in abundance; a mixture of entrancing lyrics, riffs and cries – all spinning together blissfully and fiercely.’ – Dublin Concerts
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ACCIDENTS IN THE WORKPLACE

No further information for this act.
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JUST MUSTARD

Just Mustard are a 5 piece band based in Dundalk. Combining influences from noise, shoe gaze, trip hop, ambient electronic music and alt rock.Throughout 2015 they have established themselves as a formidable live band who’s sound creates a juxtaposition between soft ethereal melodies and a wall of sound.

‘Will make your ears bleed honey” – Remys Music & Film Blog

https://justmustard.bandcamp.com/album/just-mustard-ep
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THE GREAT SIMONES

The Great Simones are an Alternative, Folk and Americana band from Navan. Starting out in 2012, the band have opened for the likes of Alabama 3, The Lost Brothers and Don Baker, and have played many a gig including Electric Picnic 2015. The bands first release from their upcoming 8 track album, ‘You Better Get To Heaven Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead’, received good reviews and airplay from the likes of Radio Nova and 2xfm, with Dundalk FM championing them as ones to watch in 2015. The band are set to announce new tour dates to coincide with the upcoming release and are set to play this years Vantastival for the first time.

“They shine out magnificently with a ‘romping & stomping’ music platform that combines genre elements of alternative, folk, blues, Americana and celtic rock charms. The energy was nothing short of radiant rock splendor and the overall musicianship heard throughout had a fantastic high­flying edge with a vibrantly rocking mighty vibe. I could ‘without question’ see rock music appreciators around the globe taking a huge liking to these true talents, really ‘roaring’ listen here!” – FORKSTER’S Daily Band Review, Timothy John Forker

https://thegreatsimones.bandcamp.com/
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WEEATELECTRICLIGHT

Seán Mc Cluskey and Ógy Collins are producers and musicians from Drogheda,Co.Louth. They formed WeEatElectricLight in 2015 to collaborate on new music. Likes-Making music…….Dislikes-Talking about ourselves in the third person while struggling to write band bios. WeEatElectricLight enjoy making music. Come hear our music please and also enjoy it!

https://www.facebook.com/weeatelectriclight/
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THE INISHOWEN GOSPEL CHOIR

The Inishowen Gospel Choir are enjoyed internationally for their repertoire of gospel, folk, roots, rock and soul that has kept audiences coming back over the years. As well as performing their own arrangements of popular songs, they have collaborated live on stage with some of Ireland’s best-known musical talents including The Henry Girls, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Duke Special, Declan O’Rourke, Cara Dillon and Moya Brennan and more performing their original material.

For 10 years the Choir has performed, with a growing international profile, having performed in France, Poland and at Glastonbury for three consecutive years.

“This is spiritual music, of the best kind, with soul and passion coming together in perfect harmony. Tears in my eyes, I am swept away.” – Steven Rainey BBC
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TRACK DOGS

Made up of two Irishmen, an Englishman and an American, Track Dogs have just released the second single from their third studio album “Serenity Sessions”. The track “Love Me Like You Used To” has been described as “a cross between The Commitments and Pulp Fiction” featuring Spanish guitarist El Twanguero, who is currently wowing them in the US.

“This band turned out to be a total discovery, with vocal harmonies on a par with groups like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, America or the most melodic style of, for example, the Eagles mixed in with the graceful irreverence of The Pogues.” – Renacer Eléctrico Music Magazine, Spain

Track Dogs continue to tour in Spain, Ireland and the UK and look forward to bringing their acclaimed live show to other parts of the world

“…a remarkably assured, modern European acoustic-roots record…an antidote to introverted naval-gazing…” – R2, UK ****

“Sumptuous harmonies and toe-tapping rhythm…” – Hot Press, Ireland

http://www.trackdogsmusic.com/
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