The Swedish Railway Orchestra – What’s Going On?
Dancing with tears in my eyes.
Workman’s Club DJ Rob Smith (top) returns with the third single from his eponymous album, due in July.
The video stars actor Paul St Leger communing with nature and is directed by Conor Waters.
Proceeds go to Ireland’s frontline workers.
Nick says: Swede dreams.
Naoise Roo – Sick Girlfriend
Dark enough for you?
Naoise Roo’s spooky new video is the title track of her new EP, which is available on Spotify and Soundcloud.
Directed by Caoimhe Clancy, it’s a gothic horror show that burns itself into your memory, just like the song itself.
Naoise’s band are Fionntan MacCaba, Jamie Hyland and Rian Trench.
The EP is an…
“…exploration of themes surrounding depression, the challenges of the music industry and the oppressive stereotypes that burden women experiencing mental illness.”
A launch gig in Bloody Mary’s, Dublin, is slated for September.
Nick says: Pentagram blues.
Denise Chaila – CHAILA
Say my name.
Zambian-Irish singer Denise Chaila introduces herself with a flourish over breezy beats and slick production.
The video comes courtesy of Mark Logan and Collective Films.
Nick says: Hip pop.
Laura Elizabeth Hughes – Pandemonium
O my, what a voice.
This is an intense, spell-binding live performance of Laura’s new single with Cian Sweeney on piano and filmed by Ray Keogh Media in Camden Recording Studio in Dublin.
Laura (top) says:
“A live one-take recording of a fever dream I had about my best friend, the end of the world, a flask of tea and an old oak tree.”
Stream it here.
Nick says: Tie a yellow ribbon…
The Pox Men – I Won’t Be There ‘Til I’m Back Again
A sobering video from Donegal’s Pox Men (top) which features startling colour footage from the trenches of the First World War.
Could the title refer to the widespread belief at that time that the conflict would only last a few months?
Nick says: Sing a soldier’s song.
Dirty Lights – Paper Thin Veils
Fancy a black-and-white slo-mo drive through the Dublin suburbs to a soundtrack of retro ’80s-style synth pop?
Then check out the debut video by Dirty Lights, who comprise ex-Kid Karate’s Steven Gannon (top left) and Swedish Railway Orchestra‘s Rob Smith Right).
Nick says: Immortal synths.
Arborist & Malojian – Good Things Follow You
Two’s company.
Labelmates Mark McCambridge (Arborist) and Stevie Scullion (Malojian) – two of our finest songwriters – have joined forces during lockdown to record a new single.
The proceeds go to their label – the legendary Rollercoaster Records in Kilkenny, and it’s available from their bandcamp page.
Malojian has released footage of the collaboration which was shot by Colm Laverty of Dortbox Productions.
Dog lovers will be glad to know it also features an adorable pooch.
Nick says: It’s a good thing they do.
Joe Chester – Hilton & Michael
Love conquers all.
Joe Chester delivers a haunting live performance of this elegy to the Gate Theatre’s legendary couple.
The song appears on his new double album Jupiter’s Wife (top) and is featured in the short film The Candle From The Shadow, shot in lockdown in Aquataine, France.
Nick says: C’est magnifique.
Chris Kabs – No Justice, No Peace
A topical cut from Kinshasha, Congo-born, Stockholm, Sweden-raised and Mullingar, County Westmeath–based musician and producer Chris Kabs who describes his music as ‘Afro Pop/Soul style with contemporary R&B sound’.
The video uses real soundbites and footage from Monday’s Black Lives Matter protest in Dublin.
Nick says: It takes a nation of millions…
Barry McCormack – Do Not Abandon Hope
Chronicle of a pandemic foretold.
Dublin troubadour Barry McCormack (top) was eerily prescient in this song from last year’s acclaimed album Mean Time.
Barry says:
“The lyrics warn of a superflu that starts with a ticklish cough.”
The video was shot in New York by Barry and Linda Lahdenpera and edited by Colm McCarthy.
Nick says: Any advice on the Lotto numbers, Barry?
