Arborist – Dreaming In Another Language
Looks like we got ourselves a singer.
Northern songsmith Mark McCambridge (top) has fun when given the run of No Alibis Bookshop in Belfast where he creates a mesmerising soundscape for his poetic musings.
The film was shot by Sam O’Mahony and Tristan Crowe.
Nick says: Tome it may concern.
Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neill – Freedom
Water, water everywhere…
Beloved songwriting duo Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill (top) make a splash with the latest single from their album In The Game.
The video was co-directed and edited by album videographer Christopher Luke, and filmed on location in Doolin, county Clare, on Ireland’s west coast by renowned underwater cameraman and director Kev. L Smith.
Speaking about the filming, Susan says:
“I tied weights to my waist, put on my dad’s suit and submerged myself in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Doolin. It was great working with Kev L Smith on this video. Thanks to Christopher Luke for his creative input and edit. I hope ye enjoy.”
Nick says: On a Clare day…
Pa Sheehy – Through The Fields
Fields of gold.
Former Walking On Cars frontman Pa Sheehy (top) hits another home run with the latest single from his solo EP The Art Of Disappearing.
Pa says:
“The EP title comes from my need to go away from social media and the world to make something. I used to love artists and bands who would stay low key for two years and then announce that they’ve got a new record. That excites me so much.
“So this EP is what I’ve created in my reclusive state. Songs that I’ve written and recorded but only truly come to life when released. ‘Through The Fields’ is a song where I wanted to capture the sense of community in a small town when a family is faced with loss. The first verse paints my childhood Sundays while verse two brings up the realities of saying goodbye to someone.”
Nick says: Kerry gold.
Sophie Doyle Ryder – Too Much
Ryder on the storm.
Dublin teenage newcomer Sophie Doyle Ryder (top) has mastered the art of the power ballad on this video filmed as part of The Superior Sessions, alongside pianist Noelle Brennan.
Sophie has just released the single Hunni Hunni from her debut EP Beginner’s Luck and has signed to the Paradigm Agency.
Nick says: Sophie’s the choice.
Brí – In My Head
Dance, dance, wherever you may be.
Offaly songstress Brí (top) gears up for the release of her album Hide on October 22 with this new single and video that is as classy as the day is long. Fans of Dido should check this out.
The promo was directed by Gerard Walsh and stars choreographers Lisa Hogan and Barry Dunne.
Brí says:
“The theme of my debut album grew from my song ‘Hide’. I’ve always held other people’s opinions above my own and let fear hold me back both in music and in life. This album embodies the fallout and the resolutions that stemmed from this into many facets of my life.
“A loud theme that has been reinforced since the album’s inception; the entire process of making ‘Hide’ in itself, has forced me to trust my gut and to honour my vision. From now on I won’t hide.”
Nick says: Bri here now.
Eoin Glackin – Our Way
Roam where you want to.
Dublin singer/songwriter Eoin Glackin (top) raises a smile with a message of positivity on his new single – and the cherry on top is the charming picturesque video.
Eoin writes:
“Although we’ve certainly missed out on a lot over the course of the pandemic, a positive has been that people have had time to reconsider the track that certain aspects of their lives were on. Both small and big choices have been given fresh perspectives, and there’s no harm in that. That’s where this song comes from, realising that our future really is ours and nobody else’s. It’s a call to embrace that feeling of uncertainty and just follow your own feet.”
Nick says: Go Eoin.
Marty Mone – Slip The Clutch
“Slip the clutch in a bullnose truck”
Indomitable trucker and country/folk singer Marty Mone presents a new version of his ode to the big rigs and all who ride in them.
The original song was released in 2015 and clocked up a whopping 16 million streams.
Now Marty – the pride of Castleblayney, County Monaghan – has teamed up with Colm Nolan to direct the latest video which celebrates life on the road.
Nick says: We’ve all got wheels to take ourselves away.
Shiv – Where You Are
The hills are alive.
Zimbabwean-Irish singer Siobhan McClean (top) aka Shiv impresses on her new single from her new EP The Love Interlude, due on October 8.
A heady mix of soul, r’n’b, hip-hop and jazz, it heralds the arrival of a fresh new talent. Producer Adrien Soleiman adds the slinky sax.
Shiv says:
“We have been fed a narrative of a perfect kind of love, that is effortless and uncomplicated, that means that you will find someone who fits every part of you flawlessly.
“More often than not, this isn’t the case, it’s the imperfection that makes love fulfilling, it’s in learning and growing that you find happiness that is gratifying because of the time you have spent nurturing it.”
The video was shot by Paloma Pineda and directed and produced by Julia Grandperret.
Nick says: Soul trader.
Fintan McKahey – Lost Balloons
Up, up and away…
Talented Cork songsmith and multi-instrumentalist Fintan McKahey (top) goes mellow yellow on his quietly emotive new single.
The live video was shot in Hanno’s Workshop in the Beara Peninsula, West Cork.
Nick says: And we all float on…
Motion Control – Shutdown
Do you like your rock raw and in-yer-face?
Then you’ll love Dublin five-piece Motion Control who sound like the square root of The Clash and Rage Against The Machine.
Motion Control are: Vocals – Conor Hamilton (Actor/Bartender); Bass – Michael McCrimmon (Bike repair specialist/Metal enthusiast); Lead guitar – Brandon Larkin (Life insurance broker/child prodigy); Rhythm guitar – Ross McMullin (Local Spar cashier and music producer); and Keyboards – Conor Barnes (Ryan’s bartender and skin fade specialist aka barber).
Singer Conor writes:
“Like most live acts during the off-time, we all found it hard to find the motivation to put plans together but after 6 years it’s hard to let it all just fade into nothing. After the positive response to the release of our single ‘Sick Memories’, the band are set to release our latest single ‘Alice’ sometime before the new year.
“’Alice’ will be available across all platforms with a list of potential gigs to be announced in November/ December following the return of live music to venues.”
Nick says: I second that Motion.
Thanks Alan Bracken
