Rebekah Fitch – Dust
Belfast’s answer to Adele?
Introducing 24-year-old Northern Irish alt.pop newcomer Rebekah Fitch (top) who can certainly hit those high notes with real emotional heft.
The affecting video was directed by KAM and stars Derek Halligan and Norma Hughes Ingram as Terry and Ellen.
Nick says: Dust never sleeps.
Saige – Mama
Saige advice.
The Wexford-born singer/songwriter delivers an emotionally charged reaction to living in lockdown on the fourth single she has released this year.
Saige says:
“I wrote Mama about my mental health and my ups and downs in the pandemic lockdown. The song notates a phone call I’d made to my folks, reaching out for help. It’s an introspective and raw track delving into a vulnerable and isolated mind.”
Nick says: Parental guidance.
The Yellowhead Project – A Million Minds In Tune
Calling all Beach Boys and ELO fans.
Dublin singer/songwriter PJ Gargan aka The Yellowhead Project layers on the vocal harmonies on his debut single like Drumcondra’s answer to Brian Wilson.
The innovative video by Pilot Media‘s Terry Quinlan has echoes of Peter Gabriel‘s legendary Sledgehammer promo.
A shout out too to Peter Eades‘s sumptuous production.
Nick says: And it was all yellow.
Moncrieff – America
Purple reign.
Waterford singer/songwriter Chris Breheny (top) aka Moncrieff returns with a new single from his forthcoming EP The Class Of 2020, due on November 27.
Moncrieff says:
“I had planned to release my second EP earlier this year but I felt, after all the world kind of came to a standstill, that maybe I should hold off. Nobody had a clue what was happening and the music didn’t feel fully right for the time.
“Then I realised these are the times that I had actually always dreamt about writing songs for and being able to make music that had a voice in this bizarre time we’re in.”
Nick says: Bananarama republic.
The Zen Arcade – Don’t Say A Word
Garage rock around the clock.
Named for the 1984 Hüsker Dü album, The Zen Arcade, feature three members of erstwhile Cavan tyros The Strypes.
This new incarnation rocks like a beast.
The band have their own podcast Higher Fidelity.
Nick says: Breaking the Mould.
O’SULLIVAN – Little Bird
Hungary for love.
Introducing Ian O’Sullivan, from Bray, County Wicklow, who for his debut video frolics on the north shore of Balaton lake, Hungary with, top from left: Annamaria Kaptay, Kitti Kulcsar and Charlotte Papp, on the hottest day of the year.
The promo is a collaboration between O’Sullivan, Annamaria and director miki357.
Nick says: Eastern exposure.
Pete Kavanagh – Hold On
A message to the brokenhearted in these hard times.
Kildare singer/songwriter Pete Kavanagh (top) issues a heartfelt plea to those struggling with mental health problems in this covid age.
Taken from Pete’s album Join Up The Dots.
Guitarist Joe Heffernan supplies soothing licks throughout.
Nick says: Lean on Pete.
Peter Broderick – Ode To Blackberry
Succulent.
Originally from Carlton, Oregon, but now living in the West of Ireland, indie folkster Peter Broderick (top) returns with a tune paying tribute to his favourite fruit while the video animation is by Chad Van Gaalen.
The album Blackberry is out now.
Peter says:
“What an honour to have Chad’s animation accompanying this tune. During my brief stint working in a record shop in Portland (Oregon) several years ago, Chad stopped in one day while passing through town, and this is how I first met him. I was struck by how warm and friendly he was, then later discovered what a brilliant artist he is. Isn’t it great when brilliant artists are also nice people?”
It sure is.
Nick says: The good seed.
The Swedish Railway Orchestra – There’s Too Much Love
In Dublin’s fair city, where the streets are so empty…
For the latest single from The Swedish Railway Orchestra’s self-titled album, Rob Smith has set his pulsating groove to footage of the capital during lockdown, shot by video director and editor Barry Finnegan.
Nick says: Block(down) party
Paddy Goodwin & The Holy Ghosts – Is This Still America?
Are you ready for a protest song?
Hailing from Drogheda, County Louth, Paddy Goodwin and his blues-rockin’ band offer a visceral state-of-the-nation address to our neighbours across the pond.
No punches pulled.
Nick says: Waking up from the American dream.
