Chris Ledwidge – No. 17 in G minor for Solo Piano

Music for the bleak midwinter.

Limerick-based composer Chris Ledwidge is working on a 4 EP project with a seasonal theme which will cover all of the different textures he is currently writing in: Classical in Winter; Ambient in Spring; Electronic in Summer; and a combination with an Ensemble title for Autumn.

This featured piece is from the winter EP.

Chris says:

“Each sound has its own EP release but they will all exist within the same compositional world with threads connecting each release through the year.”

Chris is also a member of the band Athens.

Nick says: How sweet the change from major to minor.

Chris Ledwidge

The Crayon Set – Moment

Reasons to be cheerful, part 2.

Just what we need to blow the winter blues away: a blast of shimmering electro-pop from The Crayon Set.

The third album from Robert Baker‘s Dublin-based band, titled Downer Disco, is due in the summer.

Rob says:

“The idea behind the band, as the name suggests, was for it to incorporate different colours i.e. musical styles, influences, musicians and for it to evolve with each album. And for it to be inclusive.

“So, I think it will be a life-long project and it means it can continue even if some members come and go. Although I am very reliant on the other crayons adding their magic.

“Moment is about depression and not giving up on life.”

Nick says: A big draw.

The Crayon Set

Alex Gough – That’s My Job

Golf and hip-hop are two things that don’t usually go together. So welcome to the world of Alex Gough.

The 21-year-old drummer, rapper and producer rose to prominence after his song ‘Dear SJ’ featured in the TV series “Normal People’.

Now he’s back with a song written and recorded during the first lockdown and mixed in Los Angeles by Nate Burgess. The video is directed by Debbie Scanlan.

Alex headlines The Grand Social, Dublin, on May 29.

Alex says:

“You can’t constantly look after everyone else without looking after yourself first. That is “That’s My Job” in a nutshell right there.”

Nick says: A hole in one.

Alex Gough

Post-Party – Being Honest

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Dublin-based pop-rock quartet Post-Party stick it to the bullies in their latest video directed by the band’s Colin Peppard.

Peppard and his bandmates Keelan O’Reilly, Matthew O’Reilly and Peter Toal aim to write songs reflective of their own experiences.

Fans of The Strokes will cheer from the sidelines.

Nick says: Party time.

Post-Party

Sara Bini – Unlock Me Down

Italian musician Sara Bini (top) will be known to Morrissey fans for her impassioned covers of his songs which have been shared on Morrissey’s own website.

She describes herself as a “singer, Biomusic operator, violin player poet and songwriter.”

Here, she sings one of her own compositions, which she introduces as:

“The ultimate cry for freedom in a more and more dehumanised world.”

Nick says: That’s amore.

Sara Bini

Meanwhile…

Manchester curry house This Charming Naan.

From the Punjab.

John Blek – Right Moves

Home videos is where the heart is.

The pride of Cork, John Blek, returns with a song written during and about lockdown.

It’s the first single from his forthcoming album Digressions #2: Grounded (top), which will be available on limited edition vinyl and CD.

The press blurb says:

“Recorded at home in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Grounded is Blek’s effort to regain a sense of balance and purpose during this period of great uncertainty. It shows the artist drawing from a new well of sound, embracing synthesis, remote recording and electronic instruments for the first time.

“With the process being as integral to the message as the songs themselves, John wanted to demonstrate the sound of a world in the digital age while still maintaining his signature warm acoustic tones and reverence for the simple things in life.”

Amen.

Nick says: Back to Blek.

John Blek

Cormac O Caoimh – Pocketful Of Doodlings

Some like it smooth.

Cork songsmith Cormac O Caoimh likes to operate somewhere between the lines of jazz, folk and pop… but he’s his own man, no doubt.

Pocketful Of Doodlings is taken from his album Swim Crawl Walk Run (top).

Nick says: The great Southern.

Cormac O Caoimh