Francie Conway featuring Christy Dignam and Finbar Furey – Somewhere In Heaven

I’m gonna try for The Kingdom.

Kerry singer/songwriter Francie Conway (top right) has assembled a band of all the talents to play on his new album Hidden Gems on Satellite Records.

Members of The Zombies, Pink Floyd and Moving Hearts have all pitched in, while the impassioned single featured above boasts Aslan’s Christy (top left) on vocals and The Fureys’ Finbar on uileann pipes, tin whistle and banjo.

The video was shot in Harry Byrnes by David Ralph.

Since lockdown began last March, Francie has written over 25 songs.

Nick says: Conway ’21 Revisited.

Francie Conway

Badhands – Indian Ocean

Water, water everywhere…

Dublin singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Fitzpatrick aka Badhands has recorded a concept EP about the world’s oceans for the Berlin-based label Proper Octopus.

Badhands says:

“Each song on this EP represents one of the five oceans, reflecting a personal interpretation of some of their distinct characteristics; but also linking together with overlapping musical themes to form a broader, singular piece.

“The music uses a mix of instrumentation (harmoniums, piano, orchestral strings, drums, synths) to evoke the pulse of the ocean and its many moods, ranging from calm and serene to explosive and powerful.”

Nick says: Not drowning but waving.

Badhands

Gorgeous Wrecks – You Carve Your Name

The future is orange in the new video by elusive Irish electronica duo Gorgeous Wrecks.

Preferring to remain anonymous, the pair are set to release their debut album Gentle Art Of Persuasion, which was produced by Ger McDonnell, imminently on Artwash Records.

Nick says: Can you handle the fruit?

Gorgeous Wrecks

Kynsy – Elephant In The Room

Tusk never sleeps.

Hotly tipped Dublin newcomer Ciara Lindsey (top) aka Kynsy has just released a new single from her debut EP Things That Don’t Exist.

A pleasing wash of electro-noir that lives in the same postcode as Beach House and Chromatics, it registers the 23-year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer as a serious artist to be reckoned with.

The video was filmed in Donegal by Charlie Joe Doherty.

Kynsy says:

“I wanted the music to create a world of freedom, hope and playfulness while the lyrics focus on the struggle of fighting, running and coming to terms with all of the good and bad we find in things that don’t exist.”

Nick says: Trunk call.

Kynsy

Orla Gartland – More Like You

Comparing yourself to your heroes can be unhealthy and limiting.

That’s the message behind the brilliant new single by London-based Dublin songsmith Orla Gartland (top foreground).

And the expertly filmed video illustrates the theme perfectly, with Orla and dancer Hannah Hornsby (top at back) moving perfectly in tandem with each other under the direction of Greta and Elan Isaac.

Nick says: Falling for a dancer.

Orla Gartland

Saint Sister featuring Lisa Hannigan – The Place That I Work

There’s more to life than books, you know – but not much more.

“Atmosfolk” duo Morgan MacIntyre (top sitting in white), from Belfast and Gemma Doherty (seated in black), from Derry, aka Saint Sister have teamed up with kindred spirit Lisa Hannigan (top at back) for this single in aid of the Dublin Simon Community.

The video is by Algorithm and directed by Kev Freeney and was shot in the iconic Winding Stair bookshop on Dublin’s Ormond Quay.

Nick says: All the world loves book-lovers.

Saint Sister

Lisa Hannigan

Pic: Kevin Freeney

Trainman Blues – Undivided Seer

Woke up this morning… put the kettle on.

The latest missive from Copenhagen-based Irish bluesman Richard Farrell (top right) has a wonderfully gritty electric guitar lick that any true blues cat would sell his soul at the crossroads for.

The video was shot by Sebastian Page and edited by the band’s Laust ‘Krudtmejer’ Nielsen.

Nick says: Rail rail gone.

Trainman Blues

Joe Chester – Anyway

Get me to the church on time.

Specifically, the 17th century baroque chapel of l’Eglise du Gesu in Nice, France, where Joe Chester has recorded his new live album Under The Ragged Thorn without an audience.

The album is currently only available as a limited edition CD on Bohemia Records and spans Joe’s solo career to date, including songs from last year’s double album Jupiter’s Wife.

Joe is also known as an ace producer and for his work with The Waterboys, Sinéad O’Connor, Hedge Schools and, last but not least, A Lazarus Soul.

Joe has uploaded videos of some of the live performances onto his YouTube channel.

Nick says: Nice work.

Joe Chester

SON – Almost

The voice of the rising SON.

SON is an acronym for Clare chanteuse Susan O’Neill (top), whose single shimmers with atmosphere and a visceral intensity.

The video is also full of startling images.

Nick says: SON shines.

SON

Lorraine Nash – Winter Sun

Got the January blues?

Fear not, Kerry songsmith Lorraine Nash (top) is here to help.

Following on from her debut Wildflower EP last summer, Lorraine tugs the heartstrings with this plaintive ballad.

The beautifully shot video features Carrigafoyle Castle in Ballylongford, County Kerry.

Nick says: The folk queen of The Kingdom.

Lorraine Nash