Under the banner: “We Will Take You To The Next Level”, Mark Downing, Fraser McAlister and the team at AMA, along with independent PR man Freddie Middleton, launched Bandstand.ie at The Music Show at the RDS, Dublin last month.

The Bandstand app allows artists to showcase, sell and share their music on this new unique platform, which through Facebook, grows their fanbases and allows fans to post and share on their walls.  It also links to Twitter, Stumble Upon, Google and many more sites.

Artists’ profiles will feature on Bandstand.ie and across AMA’s network of sites, offering fans exclusive downloads, unique tickets and access to gig information, messaging and a share app button.

The Artist’s Bandstand app will also act as the calling-card for building the profile of a band or solo artist, developing the artists for record labels and publishers while attracting fans, selling music, merchandise and tickets, giving extra value to all the fans, new and old, all along the way.

Together with the app launch, The AMA Music Agency and FM Communications will shortly open a London office to offer both label presentations to A&R people and deal negotiations including publishing.  Established artists who already have music to promote can avail of a complete PR service in London, hitting all the right media. This can be done to attract label interest for those with Irish only or independent and own label releases.  UK gigs and venues will also be booked by AMA.

For more info see www.amamusicagency.ie and www.bandstand.ie.

The Artists’ Charter, a declaration on the rights of artists to be paid for their work, has been launched at The Music Show in Dublin’s RDS.

A full Red Room, with many Show-goers watching from screens outside, were present to see Barry Devlin of Horslips’ read the declaration aloud (“in 1916 Proclamation style” joked moderator Colm O’Hare), before a star-studded panel discussed the document’s importance for the music industry.

Greeted by cheers from his fans delighted to be in the same intimate room as the singer, Bressie spoke frankly about internet piracy and how it essentially led his old band The Blizzards to split. “There was no revenue,” he sighed. “We were being robbed. That’s the reality of it.”

“It’s all well and good giving charters and lingo that might go over your head but the thing about it is, in reality, this affects a lot of people.” Of piracy itself, he said: “if you’re telling me it’s right, that’s a huge issue. I’ve been hugely affected by it.”

(l to r) Gavin Bonnar, Steve Wall, Barry Devlin & Bressie

Bressie talked about how it was Sharon Corr, who is married to Barrister Gavin Bonnar, who got him involved with Charter.

Bonnar is the man behind the Charter, which draws on Article 23 of the UN Declaration Of Human Rights and the statement that everyone is entitled to “just and favourable remuneration” for their work. Bonnar feels it is an important statement to make and that it should act as a spring board for action. He also argued that it is the $250 billion telecommunications industry (and companies such as Google) that are to blame for capitalising on illegal downloading and that “we as consumers of music haven’t been a great help to [artists].” He did, however, state that: “if you can identify the right, then you can find the remedy.”

Steve Wall talked about how different the industry is now compared with when he started his career and said of his forthcoming album: “I don’t think we’ll ever recoup what we put it.”

Questions came from the floor and luckily things ended on a positive note when Bressie was asked for advice on starting out in the business. Bressie apologised if the panel hard seemed negative and suggested that budding artists “find someone that believes in you.”

And, as Steve Wall put it finally: “It starts with the music. A great song will stand the test of time.”

Go to www.theartistscharter.org to read The Artists’ Charter.

While Louis Walsh might be basking in the glory of Jedward’s Eurosong triumph, there were some harsh words from punk stalwart John Robb. Outspoken as ever, the Goldblade supremo claimed that Walsh is “destroying music” and mused at the state of modern pop.

That was just one item on Robb’s agenda as he detailed his ongoing efforts with the British Labour Party to challenge the “unworkable” US visa system, his thoughts on activism in music, the next Goldblade record and much, much more.

‘The Future Of Music’ panel took place at 1pm in the Red Room and saw the Minister for Research & Innovation Sean Sherlock, who stated that he has a “particular responsibility for copyright”, field questions and discuss the period of profound change the music industry is going through. He was joined by Dervilla Mullan, the Director of online, eircom, Music barrister William Ryan and two men involved in direct-to-fan music ventures, Shamal Ranasinghe of Topsin and Paul Barton of Pledge Music.

The main topic for discussion was the new statutory instrument that the Minister plans to implement. “It’s quite controversial to say the least,” he admitted. He says that it is “really to remove any doubt arising from the Charleton judgement, which seeks to restore the position that we held prior to that judgement, which was basically a right to give and to receive judicial proceedings where there is a perceived breach of copyright.”

Barrister William Ryan clarified that the instrument would be completely different to the controversial and failed SOPA Bill in the US. “It is bringing us back to a position where we thought we were. He’s not trying to block the internet or filter the internet.” He also claimed that illegal downloading is “destroying the industry.”

The Minister stated that a Copyright Review Consultation has been undertaken by Dr. Eoin O’Neill Of Trinity College Dublin. The subsequent report “seeks to look at every aspect of copyright law” and will be “published very shortly.”

The aim of the new instrument is to “give protection to the creative industry in the interim period.” When questioned by Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO, regarding when the instrument would go through, the Minister commented: “I’m not giving you a date.” He did say that “the statutory instrument will be signed” and that it would “completely and utterly” happen this year.

The Minister also called for the music industry and the online industry to sit around the negotiating table and admitted that he’d rather the two sides involved in the issue would reach a consensus on their own, rather than asking the government to intervene. He hoped this could take the form of a “moderated online ‘chat’ if you will.”

Following weeks of anticipation, the revolutionary WholeWorldBand App was finally unveiled to the public at The Music Show.

The innovative new app allows users to collaborate with their favourite artists, playing alongside them and adding new layers to pre-recorded songs. The app has already attracted big names in the form of Ronnie Wood, Liam O’Maonlai, Danny O’Reilly, Cathy Davey, Mik Pyro and more.

Co-creator Kevin Godley was on hand to reflect on bringing the fruits of his labour to the public for the first time. Watch below.

The name of the seminar was ‘Live Music Will Save Us All.. Or Will It?’ and the line-up of big names included Caroline Downey-Desomond, Eurosonic organiser Peter Smidt, lighting designer to the stars Tom Kenny and promoter John Giddings.

Needless to say it was a full house in the Red Room at 4pm, with many people having to settle for the screens outside. The big draw seemed to be Louis Walsh, who would appear to have as much appeal as Bressie, and the pop impresario was in fine form.

He was quick to steer the conversation away from Jedward, but was eager to talk about the alleged lack of airplay for Irish artists on Irish radio, our homegrown musicians’ endeavours abroad (“they always seem to charm people in the UK”) and even managed a quick dig at Kyle (“She doesn’t even sing live anymore.”)

He also took some heat from one independent music promoter in the audience who accused him of “clogging up the airwaves” but he handled it expertly, telling him “that’s why I’m up here and you’re down there.”

Elsewhere, Tom Kenny talked about working with Beyonce and her penchant for big lights, Caroline Downey Desmond spoke about running the Obama show in College Green and John Giddings confirmed that, sadly, David Bowie (with whom he worked for years) has no plans to tour next year or for the foreseeable future.

Wrapping up a fine day of debate and discussion in the Red Room, 5pm saw Steve Levine tell a rapt audience what it was like to record with The Clash and how he embraces technology in the recording process.

Also on the panel were former Beautiful South singer Briana Corrigan, who admitted that the thought of going into the studio without a producer was “unnerving, in fact, I wouldn’t want to do it, producer Ben Hillier and music and mobile technologist Stephen O’Reilly.

The particular yarns likely to stay with the audience were those about the late, great Joe Strummer. Levie talked of the very first time The Clash entered the studio, and how Strummer reacted when he saw that they had set up screens to stop noise bleed.  “I don’t know what ‘separation ‘ is,” Strummer told him. “But I don’t like it.”

We also learnt the punk icon would strum his unplugged guitar silently when he did his vocal takes, to get that special Strummer effect.

A band going from strength to strength, Leaders Of Men had the distinction of kicking off day two at The Music Show with a blistering performance on the Live Stage.

Following their towering set, <i>Hot Press</i> nabbed the guys for a backstage chinwag. What followed was a lively exchange that sadly will never see the light of day thanks to some horrible technical difficulties. And so we tried again, only for the same issues to arise. Undeterred, the Leaders sat down for a <i>third</i> time and discussed their Live Stage experience, President Michael D. Higgins, Jedward, why they won’t be releasing an album any time soon, and more.

There was also a cameo from Glen Hansard. Sort of…

It was a touching moment that capped off what had been an appearance of real significance from the ninth President of Ireland, and a true highlight of the weekend. For a man with a background in left-wing and human rights politics to be one of the most feverishly anticipated faces at a show dealing with music first and foremost is a clear indicator of the enduring popularity and charisma of the man. He didn’t disappoint.

Never less than inspirational in his addresses, Michael D.’s speech on the “long history of the relationship between music and social change” and the wondrous ways in which it can positively influence society came across as a stirring call to arms for an industry struggling through a particularly dark time. In a fine example of the wonderful juxtapositions The Music Show conjured time and time again, the stately speech was prefaced by a performance from bodhrán-toting, up-and-coming Dublin rapper Temper-Mental Miss Elayneous, herself blending street-wise verses with more traditional Irish stylings.

Greeting her warmly, Higgins then turned his attentions to the expectant crowd, and admitted that he had been determined to come to the event. The talk drew on his time writing for Hot Press in the ‘80s (featuring a heartfelt reference to the late, great wordsmith Bill Graham), included memories of his experiences in Chile where the importance of culture to a community crystallised in his mind, and contained nods to the great theatre director, singer and songwriter, Victor Jara, Leonard Cohen and Gavin Friday. Recalling his work as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, he remembered overhearing a bemused colleague comment “the Minister is thinking of appointing a Mr. Thursday.”

The President, it must be said, clearly knows his stuff.

In conclusion, President Higgins affirmed his belief that music has the power to “see off several recessions” and, as he moved through the crowd to applause and elation, the positive feelings abounded.

“President Michael D. Higgins gave such a passionate and uplifting speech,” chairman of the Music Producers Guild Steve Levine said later. “I felt honoured to be in the same room. Our two countries (the UK and Ireland) punch substantially above our weight in producing quality music and artists that are appreciated and loved world wide. To hear your nation’s leader speak about the power and importance of music was moving. For musicians to be allowed to earn a living from their creative endeavours resonated with the entire room and hopefully his words will resonate around the world as our two nations’ music does.”

A remarkable statesman, President Michael D. Higgins enlivened The Music Show greatly, and left a lasting impression on everyone who was there.

Nessa McGann, Stuart Clark, Sinéad Troy, Mark Cunning, Michelle Doherty, Ian Wilson, Mal Tuohy

The state of Irish radio and just how much airplay Irish acts receive provoked heated discussion among the participants of the radio panel on day two of The Music Show.

Moderator Stuart Clark asked whether or not those involved would prefer to push homegrown talent over more established artists, in the wake of Louis Walsh’s comments on Saturday where he declared that any Irish act is doomed to fail without the support of radio.

“I would love to be the guy who finds the next U2,” said Mark Cunning, Assistant Programme Director and Head of Music for iRadio. “I would love to be the guy to find the next ‘Teenage Kicks’.

“We have to play Rihanna,” he continued. “But I would much rather play Bipolar Empire and The Kanyu Tree.”

2fm producer Ian Wilson questioned the Irish attitude towards music and culture, calling for more focus to be placed on our own output.

“We’re the only country I can think of where we read out the football results from England before the ones from Ireland. We need to stop slavishly following trends that we’re being fed from London.

“When people mention a number one single, they are always referring to the British charts. They’re not talking about the Irish charts and it’s a real condemnation of what is going on here.”

Speaking ahead of his band’s forthcoming double album <i>Keep On Keeping On</i>, Mal Tuohy of The Riptide Movement described radio as a ladder system that helps a band move from venue to venue, citing his own experiences going from playing small, intimate settings to supporting Bon Jovi at the RDS. His remarks drew applause from those in attendance, a unanimous verdict that radio airplay is essential for up and coming Irish talent.

When the subject of communication between artist and radio station was raised, Mark Cunning had some advice for those concerned.

“Don’t email a radio station saying, ‘Here’s my demo’. ‘Demo’ is the worst word. Say, ‘Here’s my single’. A demo might get you played on at night but it won’t get you on daytime mainstream radio.”

The RDS was abuzz with anticipation for the arrival of President Michael D. Higgins on day two of The Music Show. Following a warm welcoming speech from Niall Stokes, the floor was open for Dublin rapper Temper-Mental MissElayneous to greet the President with a skillful fusion of traditional Irish music and her own fierce brand of rap.

The mix of art and culture was appropriate for the occasion as the President was moved to praise the efforts of MissElayneous. We caught up with her afterwards to talk about her experience and the state of modern Irish hip hop.

As two days of debate and conversation drew to a close in the Red Room, it was only right that the last panel focused on the songs themselves. Things got underway with Brian Kennedy performing a stunning a cappella version of Graham’s ‘You Raise Me Up’, with Kennedy speaking of how he felt “very, very privileged to be the first person to record it.”

Graham followed that up by addressing the crowd, talking about how he wrote ‘that effin’ song’, finding “the twilight between self and the other self” and how delighted he is when his songs are parodied. A salute to the underwired bra (sample lyrics: “You raise me up and make my molehills mountain”) particularly tickled his fancy.

Eimear Quinn proceeded to sing Graham’s ‘Crucan na bPaiste’ before the discussion songwriting began.

Thomas Walsh talked of his love of performing his work in the studio, Eddi Reader of the live stage and Brendan Graham admitted that “you never know” when you have a hit song on your hands and that Josh Groban recording his acclaimed version of ‘You Raise Me Up’ was “purely random”.

Thomas Walsh was as entertaining as ever, talking about meetings with Jeff Lynne and how much he has enjoyed working with Neil Hannon. He did however raise some mock indignation from Brendan Graham when he told the crowd of his annoyance when his father, who suffers from dementia, welled up upon hearing Red Hurley on the TV. It turned out the song in question was penned by Graham himself – Walsh being quick to point out that it was a great song, regardless of the artist.

The lasting words came from Graham, as they so often do, and as things wrapped up in the RDS, he stated: “I don’t think the era of great songs is over.”

On the evidence provided at The Music Show 2012, he is exactly right.

The rock veteran talked the crowd through his impressive DW kit, which he uses with an extra tom and second bass drum pedal, and effortlessly played through a variety of different rolls and fills.
He chatted about his signature Pro-Mark sticks and his love of Paiste cymbals. It was all a long way from where Chris started out – playing with knives on pots and pans!
He explained how his style of playing has evolved over the years and illustrated with samples of tracks from each of his various bands.
Chris discussed the various rhythm sections he has been part of, his toughest taskmasters (Michael Schenker and Gary Moore, fact fiends!), favourite rhythm players (Malcolm Young got a very special mention) and of course went into much detail on his AC/DC days (including the recording of The Razor’s Edge in, of all places, Dublin).
Other career highlights up for discussion were giving The Boss his break by taking ‘Blinded By The Light’ to No. 1 with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (Bruce has not yet said thanks, apparently!) and his fond memories of playing with the young Tommy Scott And The Squires before the singer changed his name to Jones and went solo.
After taking questions from the crowd, he was joined onstage by Andy and Eoghan from Shadowplay for a blistering version of ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ that brought the house down. Whew! Rock ‘n’ roll!

The Music Show was a hive of activity as the Artist’s Charter was officially launched with a heated panel discussion about musician’s rights.

Steve Wall was among the participants and he was on hand to discuss the nature of the charter, why it’s important, how the business has been affected by illegal downloading, the state of Irish radio, the new album from The Walls and his burgeoning acting career.

The Frames and Swell Season singer – who is about to release his first solo album, as revealed exclusively earlier by Hot Press – has been added to the list of panellists for Sunday. More details will be released tomorrow.

Sunday already sees a huge number of major attractions at the event, which will draw Irish musicians and music fans in their thousands over the weekend. The President of Ireland Michael D.Higgins will speak on Sunday before a panel on Activism in Music. Brendan Graham – the hugely successful co-writer of the ‘You Raise Me Up’ – will talk about songwriting and Brian Kennedy and Eimear Quinn will perform special pieces, while Scottish chanteuse Eddi Reader will also speak on what promises to be a fascinating and entertaining panel.

On the live stage, Lisa Hannigan is among the key attractions in a star-studded Sunday bill, which also includes the legendary Whipping Boy, and trad superstar Sharon Shannon, while AC/DC drummer Chris Slade will give a drumming masterclass.

See below for the full breakdown of acts over the weekend:

SATURDAY

SATURDAY
ASIWYFA
Aslan
Bell X1
Bressie
The Cast Of Cheers
Jerry Fish
The Minutes
Shadowplay

SUNDAY
Jape
Leaders Of Men

Lisa Hannigan
The Original Rudeboys
Royseven
Sharon Shannon
Wallis Bird
Whipping Boy

Saturday: 10.00-18.30

and

Sunday: 11.00-18.30

“I am delighted to back The Artists’ Charter,” Kian said in a statement issued in support of the charter. “Fair remuneration for artists is a human right, as the Charter says. We in the creative community have been ignored for too long in the file-sharing debate and the music industry simply cannot continue shedding jobs and revenues to the tune of billions of dollars. The Charter gives artists the chance to finally speak with one voice and say no more. I am backing it 100% and urge all you lovers of music to do likewise.”

The Artists’ Charter is unveiled at TheMusic Show on Saturday 25 February, at 12 noon. Among those taking part are Egan’s co-star in RTE’s The Voice, Bressie, as well as Barry Devlin of Horslips, Gemma Hayes and Steve Wall of The Walls. The charter was drafted by Gavin Bonnar, a barrister and writer, who is married to Sharon Corr.

“It is really important for musicians’ voices to be heard on this issue,” said Music Show director Mark Hogan of Hot Press. “The Music Show this weekend is a starting point – and we are expecting a great turn-out. It could and should be the start of something big.”

The violins start from a €275 Euro for the entry level model and go right the way up to about €10,000 for his high-end instruments.

With his second album <i>LD50 Part 2</i> just released and MTV singing his praises, the HP-tipped Lethal Dialect is ready to explode. Now, the Dublin rapper comes to The Music Show.

LD, aka Paul Alwright, will be sitting in on Saturday’s proceedings, ready to give his take on all things dance and hip hop. To see the man face-to-face, get his views and ask a question or two, head for the seminar scheduled for 2.30pm on this Saturday, led by Mo Kelly.

The Music Show 2012, presented by <i>Hot Press</i> in association with RTÉ 2fm, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

eircom MusicHub would like to talk to artists at The Music Show about getting their music onto the MusicHub service.
A positive step in the battle against piracy, the eircom online music service boasts a library of more than four million tracks and is IRMA approved. It provides eircom customers with free and unlimited streaming. A large part of eircom’s plan is to promote new Irish talent and what better way to tap into this talent than at The Music Show.
“We would like to work with young bands to get their music on to the MusicHub service,” said Dervilla Mullan, Director of Online at eircom. “It’s quite an easy process to begin using it as a distribution platform. It is one of our strengths. We have relationships with a large number of aggregators so it’s very simple for bands to sign up and then be on the service within a couple of weeks.”
On the shift to legal downloading and streaming, which eircom MusicHub offers, Dervilla says raising awareness is the most important thing. “Getting people to change their day-to-day music consumption patterns and make this their primary source is a big ask,” She admits. “It’s quite a behavioural shift. But there is no catch, it is unlimited. There’s no ads and the quality is fantastic. We’re starting to see it really work and those who use it regularly absolutely love it.”
The Music Show 2012, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

Tickets are available  (€12 one day, €16 for the weekend) on Ticketmaster.

Eddie Reader

The panel on songwriting will begin with ”Effin’ Songs”, Brendan Graham’s attempt to answer the question – ‘How did you write the effin’ song?’ – along with special guests Brian Kennedy and Eimear Quinn.
It will go on to discuss what it is that makes a song that becomes part of the canon, the extraordinary reach of a brilliantly crafted song, and how it can take on a life of its own. Plus, where does the money go, and how can the artist ensure that he or she gets the deserved reward?

Participants:

• Brendan Graham (Novelist/Songwriter)
• Brian Kennedy
• Eimear Quinn
• Eddi Reader (Singer/Songwriter)
• Thomas Walsh (Pugwash)
• Ken McHugh (Autamata & I’m Your Vinyl)

Moderator: Colm O’Hare

Bandstand is a new concept that enables artists and bands to take control of all sides of their output (be it music, merchandising or ticket sales) in one handy Facebook and mobile app. Offering the opportunity to present their audience with a variety of services, the Bandstand app puts acts in direct contact with fans and helps them maximise their revenue possibilities.

“We’re delighted to welcome the AMA Music Agency and its sister company, Bandstand to The Music Show” said Mark Hogan, Music Show Director. “The Bandstand App is a brilliant concept. There’s a crack team behind it and the app is sure  to deliver huge results for musicians and bands across the country. The AMA stand should be a top priority for every musician visiting The Music Show this weekend”.

Already featuring artists such as Aslan, Ham Sandwich and Bipolar Empire, Bandstand offers the following:

-Music sales via Facebook

-Showcase for music, video and photos

-Ticket sales for live shows

-Realtime customer data

-Live gigs calendar

-International promotion

-Twitter feeds

-Share buttons for all social media

AMA Music is Ireland’s leading live music agency and Bandstand has been created by a team of music industry figures with forty years experience between them. With experience in the fields of creative design, management, promotion and live booking, the company is ideally placed to bring an exciting new concept to the music world. For more see www.bandstand.ie

Musicians can visit the Bandstand team on stand C3G at The Music Show in the RDS on Saturday 25 &  Sunday 26 February.

AMA MUSIC AGENCY

The Gate Lodge,Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co. Dublin.
Tel: (01) 201 3660    http://www.bandstand.ie/

The Music Show will be first opportunity to see and experience the WholeWorldBand App which has been developed by Kevin Godley & Andy Wood. A limited number of attendees will be able to work with Kevin Godley and music producer Lance Hogan at The Music Show, and collaborate on pre-recorded tracks from Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones), Danny O’Reilly (The Coronas), Mik Pyro (Republic of Loose), Gemma Hayes, Cathy Davey, and Liam Ó Maonlaí. Musicmaker will be providing backline for the weekend so that musicians will be able to turn up and perform. (Early arrival and rehearsal essential!)

Ronnie Wood has provided a brand new song; ‘Fill Her Up Honey’. He has constructed a few guitar parts and some guide vocals, so that anyone can collaborate with his performance and help him create a new song and be part of it.

Ronnie commented: “About this song, it’s not finished and I’d like you to inject your ideas into it. I’ve done a rough vocal over it as a sketch over the verse and the chorus. And I’d like you to take it from here …be good fun. Now you can build on this instrumentally …use whatever you want. You can use some Japanese drums or bells, or the kitchen sink or and old tea chest …whatever you want to do. Bang on it, play saxophone, anything you want. Build it up. I was going to put my piano on it in a kind of skank reggae style. Just have some fun with it and take it on from here …the words too. I want to hear back from you, if you get anything from it. Its simple chords E and A chords, so no excuse for not giving it a bash”.

The Music Show 2012, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

Tickets are available (€12 one day, €16 for the weekend) on Ticketmaster

Transmission’s artist client list includes Shane MacGowan, The Aftermath, The Fallen Drakes, The Blizzards, Orphen Code, The Urges, Preachers Son, Tabby, Matt McManamon, Innate, Icon on Fire, Sircles, Shayne Thomas Byrne, The Nips, Seven Days, Les cris de Jeremy, Patrick Bergin, The Vibes, We GO GO, Pete Courtney and many more.

The studio’s producer/engineer client list includes Ger McDonnell (U2, Manis, Dido,The Priests), Giuliano Baglioni (Daniel Lanois, City & Color, Drea), David Odlum (The Frames, Gemma Hayes, Josh Ritter), Karl Odlum (The Swell Season, Ham Sandwich, Kila), Philip Magee (Aslan, The Script, Delta Goodrem, Declan O’Rourke), Noel Hogan (Remma, Supermodel Twins, We Should Be Dea, Windings), Owen Lewis (REM, Snow Patrol, Soundgarden), Phil Vinall (Pulp, Placebo, Feeder), Mick Cronin (Patrick Bergin, Crimson, Icon on Fire, Les cris de Jeremy), Leo Logan (The Vibes, We Go Go) and John Halnon (The Wedding Present, The Mission).

TRANSMISSION ROOMS RECORDING STUDIOS
Brocklagh, Drumlish, Ireland

http://www.facebook.com/Transmissionstudios

Mick +353 87 9067053

Tanglewood offers a choice of body shapes each with its own unique tonal characteristics, as well as a choice of stunning finishes and price points. This all stems from the company’s belief that there is a Tanglewood guitar for every guitarist.

To remind us that music making should also be fun, especially when you’re young, Tanglewood Guitars Ireland will be running a live young performers competition –  ‘Search For A Star With A Tanglewood Guitar’ – on their stand at The Music Show. The competition offers one lucky winner an Anniversary Sundance Guitar package (worth €1,000) plus a three-day recording and production package at Transmission Rooms Recording Studio (worth €4,000).

So, if you are between 16 and 25 years of age, can play guitar and sing, then get to the Tanglewood stand at The Music Show as early as you can this weekend. There can only be 24 contestants over the course of the weekend so get there early!  You’ll use one of the Tanglewood range at the Show, performances will uploaded to You Tube and the most-viewed video will be deemed the winner at 12pm on Friday, 30th March 2012.

TANGLEWOOD GUITARS IRELAND
info@tanglewoodguitars.ie
www.tanglewoodguitars.ie

Nestled between the hills and lakes of rural County Longford, Transmission Rooms Recording Studio offers the best of digital and analogue recording worlds, and has played host to multitudes of European and Irish talent. The residential studio manager will be on hand at The Music Show to discuss all your project needs.

Transmission’s artist client list includes Shane MacGowan, The Aftermath, The Fallen Drakes, The Blizzards, Orphen Code, The Urges, Preachers Son, Tabby, Matt McManamon, Innate, Icon on Fire, Sircles, Shayne Thomas Byrne, The Nips, Seven Days, Les cris de Jeremy, Patrick Bergin, The Vibes, We GO GO, Pete Courtney and many more.

The studio’s producer/engineer client list includes Ger McDonnell (U2, Manis, Dido,The Priests), Giuliano Baglioni (Daniel Lanois, City & Color, Drea), David Odlum (The Frames, Gemma Hayes, Josh Ritter), Karl Odlum (The Swell Season, Ham Sandwich, Kila), Philip Magee (Aslan, The Script, Delta Goodrem, Declan O’Rourke), Noel Hogan (Remma, Supermodel Twins, We Should Be Dea, Windings), Owen Lewis (REM, Snow Patrol, Soundgarden), Phil Vinall (Pulp, Placebo, Feeder), Mick Cronin (Patrick Bergin, Crimson, Icon on Fire, Les cris de Jeremy), Leo Logan (The Vibes, We Go Go) and John Halnon (The Wedding Present, The Mission).

TRANSMISSION ROOMS RECORDING STUDIOS
Brocklagh, Drumlish, Ireland

http://www.facebook.com/Transmissionstudios

Mick +353 87 9067053

Tanglewood Guitars Ireland have teamed up with Transmission Rooms Recording Studio to offer one lucky winner an Anniversary Sundance Guitar package (worth €1,000) plus a three-day recording and production package at the studio (worth €4,000.)

If you’re aged between 16 and 25, can play guitar and sing, then this is an opportunity not to be missed! You’ll use one of the Tanglewood range at the Show, performances will be You Tubed for viewing and voting and the most-viewed video will be deemed the winner at 12pm on Friday, 30th March 2012.

To enter ‘Search For A Star With A Tanglewood Guitar’, get to the Tanglewood stand as early as you can this weekend, as there can only be 12 contestants each day!

Also at The Music Show, Tanglewood will launch their new Sundance Anniversary guitars and T6 Acoustic Amplifiers. The award-winning new models are sure to attract the multitude of Tanglewood players out there, consolidating Tanglewood Guitars’ position as the number one choice of guitarists.

The Music Show 2012, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

Advance tickets are available (€12 one-day, €16 weekend) on Ticketmaster

Tanglewood will launch their new Sundance Anniversary guitars and T6 Acoustic Amplifiers at the Show. Already voted the Best Selling Acoustic Guitar Brand Ireland & UK (MI Pro 2011), the new models are sure to attract the multitude of Tanglewood players out there, consolidating Tanglewood Guitars’ position as the number one choice of guitarists.

“We’re delighted to welcome Tanglewood Guitars Ireland to The Music Show”, said Show Director Mark Hogan. “Tanglewood has built a reputation for superbly made and keenly priced guitars that are, first and foremost, about playability and tone. Offering the guitarist a choice of some of the finest tonewoods available, Tanglewood are a leading force in the world market and musicians across Ireland can look forward to visiting their stand at the Show this weekend”.

In addition – and to remind us that music making should also be fun, especially when you’re young – Tanglewood Guitars Ireland will be running a live young performers competition on their stand throughout the weekend. They have teamed up with Transmission Rooms Recording Studio to offer one lucky winner an Anniversary Sundance Guitar package (worth €1,000) plus a three-day recording and production package at Transmission Rooms Studio (worth €4,000).

If you’re aged between 16 and 25, can play guitar and sing, then this is an opportunity not to be missed! Use one of the Tanglewood range at the Show, performances will be uploaded to You Tube and the most-viewed video will be deemed the winner at 12pm on Friday, 30th March 2012. Get to the stand as soon as you can, as there can only be 24 contestants!!! (12 per day).

The Music Show 2012, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

Advance tickets are available (€12 one-day, €16 weekend) on Ticketmaster

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

http://www.rte.ie/performinggroups/rteconcertorchestra/

12pm – Jonathan Mover
One of the world’s finest drummers, producers and drum activists gives a masterclass.
Moderator: Jackie Hayden

1.30pm – Rubberbandits
An audience with the comedy rap duo who exploded to the top of the charts with ‘Horse Outside’.
Moderator: Stuart Clark

3pm – Donal Lunny
An audience with one of the all-time greats of Irish music.
Moderator: Leagues O’Toole

4.30pm – Eric Bell
The great former Thin Lizzy guitarist and blues player talks and plays.
Moderator: Colm O’Hare

Sunday

1pm – David Lyttle
Jazz virtuoso, urban recording artist and doctor of music David Lyttle presents a drumming masterclass.
Moederator: Jackie Hayden

2pm – Pat McManus
Guitar workshop/masterclass. One of Ireland’s finest hard rock and blues players shows us how it’s done.
Moderator: Colm O’Hare

3.30pm – Richie Buckley
One of Ireland’s greatest ever sax players demonstrates some of the secrets of the trade. Masterclass with also feature Keith Donald (clarinet) and Mike Nielsen (guitar).

4.30pm – Chris Slade
The AC/DC drummer is a music legend, one of the greatest drummers in the world. And you can see him in action!
Moderator: Roisin Dwyer

Both artists recorded the tracks for inclusion on the innovative WholeWorldBand App, which is launching at The Music Show in Dublin on Feb 25-26. Other musicians and fans will be able to play along with the songs, and be recorded and video-ed in action at The Music Show.

It will be the first opportunity to see and experience WholeWorldBand, a revolutionary new interactive tool for iPhone 4 / 4s and iPad2, which has been developed by Kevin Godley (Godley & Crème, 10CC) and Andy Wood (Hypergallery, Cubic Motion). The WholeWorldBand App, which allows musicians to collaborate, share audio and visual creations online, and generate revenue, will be available to download free from the App Store across the world during Spring 2012.

As for ‘Everlasting’, Ó Maonlaí wrote the song for piano and a single voice. Liam would like to see people adding many voices to the “Look At These Days” chorus, creating a big gospel chorus as well as Middle Eastern style reed instruments or some slide guitar. Liam was inspired to get involved in WholeWorldBand after seeing the TV documentary One World One Voice directed by Kevin Godley, a massive collaboration of dozens and dozens of international artists and musicians from around the world.

The Music Show 2012, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

Tickets are available (€12 one day, €16 for the weekend) on Ticketmaster.

JamHub enables up to 7 musicians (5 in the case of the BedRoom model) to jam together anywhere, anytime. Crucially, it also allows them to practice as a band allowing them to hear the music as loud as they want, while to the outside world, it’s virtually silent!

Another cool feature of the JamHub is the ability to record your Jam; the Tourbus model has a built in recorder while both the GreenRoom and BedRoom models can be connected to external recording devices.

AMP Distribution will be setting up a JamHub Centre at their stand complete with with drums, guitars, keyboard and mics, and invite you and your band/friends to come and try out the revolutionary JamHub!

To be in with a chance to win this brilliant prize, simply get your band together (or musician friends if you’re not in a band) and do what you love – jam for roughly 15 minutes at the JamHub Centre and you will be entered into the draw to win this great product!

The winner will be announced live at The Music Show at 4pm on Sunday afternoon.

The Music Show takes place February 25 and 26 in the Main Hall, RDS. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie

BIMM DUBLIN
62-64 Francis Street, Dublin 8
Tel: (01) 5133666 www.bimm.ie

There was a belief that music was a special arena where brilliant modern artists flourished. Lately however a different attitude has emerged. Whether through reality TV shows, the use of music in movies and games, and other music formats promoted on screen and via the internet, music is seen as just a constituent part of the entertainment business. Is this true? And if so, then what opportunities might arise for musicians and bands?

Participants:

• James Hyman (Music Consultant)
• Larry Bass (TV Producer)
• Neil O’Brien (Agent, Manager & Event Programmer)
• Justin Green (MCD)

Moderator: Olaf Tyaransen

Radio Stations Have No Obligation To Play Irish Music. Discuss.
It is an issue which has been the subject of intense debate over the years. Do Irish radio stations support Irish music or play as much as the quality merits? Are too few artists hogging most of the play? Is getting a spin at three in the morning enough to fulfill an obligation to play Irish music – if one indeed exists at all.

Participants:

• Mark Cunning (iRadio Assistant Programme Director/Head of Music)
• Ian Wilson (RTÉ 2fm)
• Michelle Doherty (Phantom 105.2)
• Nessa McGann (Spin South West Programme Controller)
• Mal Tuohy (Singer, The Riptide Movement)

Moderator: Stuart Clark

Artists are driven by different creative impulses. Some want to write hit records. Others see it as vital that their songs have a message. Many, however, have no predisposition other than the desire to be true to their muses. So is there a role for activism? What are the different ways in which artists show their engagement with the the society around them? And what is the future for humanitarian and charity work in an increasingly difficult economic climate?

Participants:

• Keith Donald (Chairman IMRO & member Moving Hearts)
• Maria Doyle Kennedy (Singer/Actress)
• Miss Elayneous (Rapper)
• Arthur Baker
• John Robb

Some people believe that artists are the ultimate standard-bearers. Others argue that it is the guys behind the consoles who are responsible for creating the hit records and the great albums that make the music world go around. But with people listening to music on computers and phones, where does the producer stand? What are their attitudes to artists? And how should artists deal with the challenge of forging their own special sound?

• Steve Levine (Producer/Songwriter)
• Briana Corrigan (ex-Beautiful South)
• Ben Hillier (Producer)
• Stephen O’Reilly (Music & Mobile Technologist)

Moderator: Olaf Tyaransen

The live music scene remains one of the most reliable sources of work and revenue for most bands. But what makes a great live act? What are promoters and agents looking for? What makes the difference between an act that gets it right live and one that doesn’t? And how important is it for artists and bands to be able to make the transition from the stage to TV?

• John Giddings (Promoter/Agent)
• Caroline Downey (Promoter & Event Producer)
• Tom Kenny (Lighting Designer)
• Louis Walsh (X-Factor judge)
• Peter Smidt (Director Eurosonic)

Moderator: Stuart Clark

For a time, dance music became a discipline almost unto itself, with club grooves, remixes and ever more specialist sub-genres occupying some of the finest minds of the modern generation. The movement seemed to fade, the mainstream caught up and dance was subsumed – only to rise again! So is dance a brave new world of its own – or simply another series of twists on contemporary noise-making?

• Arthur Baker (Producer/DJ)
• Jon Carter (DJ/Producer)
• Mo Kelly (DJ)

Moderator: Celina Murphy

The entire music industry is going through a period of profound change, with everything from funding of recordings to the platforms for selling being up for grabs. Payment for artists is just one of the issues that will be discussed and debated by a panel that promises to be hugely informative, with some leaders in the field worldwide and in Ireland involved.

Participants:

• Shamal Ranasinghe (Topspin)
• Paul Barton (Pledge Music)
• Dervilla Mullan (Director of online, eircom)
• Sean Sherlock (Minister for Research & Innovation)
• William Ryan (Music Barrister)

Moderator: Jackie Hayden

The Artists’ Charter is a declaration on the rights of artists to be paid for their work. It is a global initiative, being launched in Ireland, which aims to begin a proper process of engagement between artists, music companies and telecoms, to ensure that the erosion of the earning capacity of ordinary musicians is reversed.

Participants:

• Gavin Bonnar (Barrister)
• Bressie
• Barry Devlin
• Gemma Hayes
• Steve Wall

Moderator: Colm O’Hare

Participants:

Dara Kilkenny (BIMM)
John McFadden (Dun Laoghaire College Of Further Education)
Pete Holidai (Ballyfermot College of Further Education)
Donagh O’Shea (Limerick Institute of Technology)

Moderator: Jackie Hayden

Participants:

Shilpa Ganatra (The Star)
Ronan McGreevy (Irish Times)
Olaf Tyaransen (Hot Press)
Nick Kelly (Irish Independent)

Moderator: Roisin Dwyer

The band released two more platinum-selling albums before splitting in ’94. They formed The Walls, finding particular success in 2005 with album New Dawn Breaking and hit single ‘To The Bright And Shining Sun’. With a new single just released, the band are using Fund:it to finish their third record.

They’ve been compared to early REM and a Nick Cave-less Bad Seeds.

He has also worked with everyone from Laura Izibor to Rarely Seen Above Ground. In 2010 he launched the side-project We Saw Heaven.

He’s also starred on Broadway as lead singer in Riverdance, written several best-sellers, presented his own RTÉ series and is currently one of the celebrity mentors on The Voice Of Ireland. His solo career continues to flourish with a string of top 10 Irish hits and sold-out shows all over the world.

When it comes to cracking the mainstream, he is the ultimate authority.

In 1995, she joined the Celtic chamber choir ANÚNA. She sang as one of their principal soloists for a year-and-a-half in cities all over Europe and recorded two albums with the group.

It was while singing with Anúna in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin that songwriter Brendan Graham invited her to sing his composition ‘THE VOICE’ as Ireland’s entry to the 1996 Eurovision Song Contest. Eimear won the contest in Oslo later that year.

Eimear then began touring, performing in Australia, America and all over Europe in venues including The Royal Albert Hall, The Sydney State Theatre and the Vorst National Brussels. She also made many television appearances and also presented Television and Radio programming for RTÉ and TV3.

Eimear has collaborated with a number of international composers on a range of musical and television projects. These have included performing and co-writing the score to Belgian drama series STILLE WATERS with Steve Willaert. She has also worked with CARLOS NUNEZ, the Galician piper and performed with Sir George Martin in Dublin.

Eimear continued to tour in Ireland both as a solo performer but also with other artists such as Liam Lawton. Eimear performed ‘Voice Of An Angel’ on Liam’s platinum selling album ‘Another World’.

2006 was the 10th anniversary of Eimear’s Eurovision win. To celebrate this she released the album ‘Gatherings’, a collection of music she had recorded over the previous decade. This was Eimear’s third solo disc and followed ‘Winter Fire and Snow’ and ‘Through The Lens of a Tear’; a song cycle on the legend of Tristan and Iseult, co-composed with Pól Brennan.

In December of 2006, Eimear was honored to appear at ‘Ireland’s Finest in Concert’ a gala celebration of the 25th anniversary of the National Concert Hall, along-side Irish artists such as Sharon Shannon, the Chieftains, Paul Brady, Sir James Galway and Brian Kennedy. This was broadcast on RTE television and has been released as a DVD.

In 2007, Eimear was chosen as by National University of Ireland to promote the studying of Music at NUI Maynooth in a nation-wide campaign.

Also in 2007 she worked with the award winning film-maker, Philip King to complete a critically acclaimed documentary on the subject of her music and collaboration with Belfast-born composer, Neil Martin for RTÉ ONE Television.

December 2007 saw the release of ‘O Holy Night’ a collection of carols, ancient chants and new compositions from Eimear, who has also produced and arranged the album. ‘O Holy Night’ was inspired by the overwhelming reaction to her performance of ‘O Holy Night’ live on Ryan Tubridy’s Radio 1 show the previous year.

This in turn led to Eimear presenting her own Television special ‘A Christmas Celebration with Eimear Quinn’ on RTE ONE Television in December 2008.

Eimear’s work as a composer is gaining both momentum and acclaim.

Eimear is married and mother to Joelene, and lives in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra has had a special place in Irish musical life for over 60 years, with a range that sees them equally at home in classical, opera, jazz, film, rock and traditional music.

The orchestra has performed Nessun Dorma with Pavarotti and Messiah for the Pope, played with jazz legends like Lalo Schifrin and Cleo Laine, rock musicians like Jon Lord of Deep Purple, and collaborated with top Irish acts including Sharon Shannon, Declan O’Rourke and The Coronas. In 2011 on The Late Late Show, they also performed live with Bell X1, one of the many acts set to rock the Live Stage at Ireland’s premier music weekend!

Film credits for the Concert Orchestra include Albert Nobbs by Brian Byrne, which earned a 2012 Gloden Globe nomination for Best Song and also won the 2012 IFTA for Original Score. Not only that, but their 2010 appearance at Electric Picnic was also widely acclaimed as one of the highlights of the entire weekend!

Be sure to drop Concert Orchestra’s stand at this year’s Music Show, which takes place February 25 and 26 in the Main Hall, RDS. Tickets are priced €16 for the weekend, €12 for a day ticket and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie

Just confirmed are the ever-impressive Bell X1, who enjoyed a tremendously successful 2011 with the release of fifth studio album Bloodless Coup and and a contribution to the New York edition of Other Voices. The band have played many memorable gigs in the past, including a support slot with U2 at Croke Park in 2009.

They’ll play a special acoustic set at The Music Show, joining a fantastic bill that includes Lisa Hannigan, The Cast Of Cheers, The Minutes, Royseven, And So I Watch You From Afar and many more.

Tickets are available (€12 one day, €16 for the weekend) on Ticketmaster.

XMUSIC
Unit 1 & 2, Robin Hood Road, Red Cow Retail Centre, Dublin 22
Tel: (01) 411 1100 www.xmusic.ie

Four things you might not know about Bressie…
· Bressie’s recent songwriting partners include Gomez man Tom Gray.

· They were supposed to be penning a tune for Olly Murs but Bressie decided to keep ‘Please Don’t Break My Android Heart’ for himself.

· As a youngster the singer spent many a school holiday in The Lebanon where his Irish Army dad was stationed.

· No lesser an authority than Brian O’Driscoll reckons that if Bressie had remained a professional rugby player – Leinster had him on their books – he’d have been capped by Ireland.

Four things you might not know about The Cast Of Cheers…
– Zane Lowe is such a big fan of ‘Family’ that he played it twice in a row on his BBC Radio One show John Peel Undertones-style.
– The video for it is a stop-start epic compiled from 5,000 still photographs. How does it look? Brilliant!
– The band are also being championed by Australia’s national alternative rock radio station, Triple J.
– They’re managed by the same team as Two Door Cinema Club.

Four things you might not know about Leaders Of Men…
– They’re named after a song that graces Joy Division’s 1978 An Ideal For Living EP.
– The band performed a killer version of Thin Lizzy’s ‘Romeo And The Lonely Girl’ last year as part of Hot Press’ Philip Lynott: Still In Love With You exhibition.
– One of their more unconventional gigs was in the Dublin Ink tattoo parlour.
– Previous bands they’ve been in include The Cades, Neon Stars and The Last Remaining Lights.

Four things you might not know about Royseven…
– In a previous life, lead singer Paul Walsh was a Chelsea FC physio.
– On top of Royseven duties, Paul has gone back to college and is also part of RTÉ 2’s Two Tube team.
– The band’s ‘We Should Be Lovers’ was 2011’s most-played Irish single on Irish radio.
– The song also soundtracked the global advertising for VW’s ‘UP’ car.

Four things you might not know about Jerry Fish…
– Fish has made an as yet unreleased spoken word album with actor Michael Marsden, which also features David Carradine, Harry Dean Stanton and Iggy Pop.
– His last LP, The Beautiful Untrue, featured a duet with Imelda May who’s also performed with them live.
– As part of his former band An Emotional Fish, Jerry enjoyed a massive hit in Italy with ‘Celebrate’, which is still a radio staple there.
– Jerry is also one of Ireland’s most in-demand advertising voice-over men.

Four things you might not know about The Original Rudeboys…
– The band’s recent ‘Travelling Man’ single was co-written and produced by hotter-than-hot Ed Sheeran and Wiley producer Jake Gosling. He’s also in the chair for their debut album, which will drop in the spring.
– Their YouTube channel has had over 750,000 hits.
– They formed at a house party at which the music wasn’t to their taste, so they switched the hi-fi off and jammed the night away.
– Together with Lisa Hannigan they belong to the select band of Irish acts deploying a ukulele.

Four things you might not know about Whipping Boy…
– Their new ‘No One Takes Prisoners Anymore’ single is Whipping Boy’s first studio outing in 12 years. Expect a full album in the summer.
– The band were originally called Lolita & The Whipping Boy, the name shortening when their female guitarist quit.
– 1995’s Heartworm occupied the number seven berth when Hot Press polled over 500 musicians to compile the ‘Top 100 Irish albums of all time’.
– If you’ve a copy of 2000’s Whipping Boy, lucky you! Only 2,000 copies of the album were pressed making it a much sought-after collectors’ item.

Four things you might not know about Sharon Shannon…
– In 1998 she was invited by Nigel Kennedy to play on his The Jimi Hendrix Suite.
– Her 1994 album, Out The Gap, was produced by Dennis Bovell and had a pronounced reggae flavour.
– Shannon’s other collaborations have ranged from Belinda Carlisle and Coolfin to Jackson Browne and the late Kirsty MacColl.
– Before concentrating full-time on music, Sharon was an accomplished show-jumper.

Four things you might not know about Aslan…
– Aslan are playing the Music Show as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, which also include an al fresco blowout on June 30 in Tallaght Stadium.
– Their collaborations down through the years have included Sinéad O’Connor, Damien Dempsey, Damien Rice and Alabama 3 who re-worked ‘Crazy Dreams’ into their Outlaw track, ‘How Can I Protect You’.
– In addition to their upcoming Nudie Books And Frenchies album, the band are readying a career-spanning documentary, which will screen and get a DVD release later in the year.
– Before going the rock ‘n’ roll route, Christy Dignam studied the operatic art of Bel canto singing.

Four things you might not know about Wallis Bird…
– Born left-handed, a childhood accident resulted in the singer having to have the fingers on her left-hand sewn back on. She subsequently learned to play a right-handed guitar upside-down.
– Her cover of Depeche Mode’s ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ was used by The Sun in an advertising campaign.
– She says she only found her sound when she moved to Germany following Rock School.
– She signed a major worldwide deal (excluding Ireland and the UK) with the legendary Columbia Records in 2009.

Having spent his career keeping time for some of the biggest names in music, Chris Slade originally hails from Pontypridd, Wales. With Tom Jones coming from the same area, Slade started out drumming for the Welsh crooner on hits like ‘It’s Not Unusual’ before moving on to work with other artists.

He joined Tomorrow – featuring Olivia Newton-John – in 1969, recorded albums with Tony Hazzard and Tom Paxton, and became a founding member of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, who had three UK Top Ten singles in the ’70s. Chris went on to join Uriah Heep, team up with Gary Numan and play in David Gilmour’s band. He then joined The Firm, featuring Jimmy Page and Paul Rodgers, in ’84 and briefly played with Gary Moore. As the decade ended, he became drummer for legendary hard rockers AC/DC. Spending five years with the band, he was on the sticks for their acclaimed The Razor’s Edge album and hits like ‘Thunderstruck’.

From there he joined with prog supergroup Asia and was their longest-standing drummer by the time he departed in ’05. Since then, he has been in Bloodstock and Damage Control. Last year, his new band MIWA released their debut album My Wish Is Your Command.

The Music Show 2012, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

Tickets are available (€12 one day, €16 for the weekend) on Ticketmaster.

In her own words, Elayne Harrington’s transition to the brash MC she is today was “organic”. Feeding off her day to day Finglas life and powered by the rhythm of the bodhran, Temper-Mental MissElayneous is a true Irish original, marrying this nation’s culture with an American independent cultural movement. Her story is one of positivity, and Harrington is keen to promote confidence and self-belief to any and all who will listen. The tiger skin-tattooed firebrand also seems determined to challenge the status quo, peppering her lyrics with anti-capitalist sentiment and putting in regular appearances at Occupy Dame Street.

The singer featured as a vocalist on Damien Rice’s O in 2002, before releasing her own debut album, 2008′s Sea Sew. Her sophomore offering, Passenger, reached the No. 1 spot in the Irish album chart last year and received a Choice Music Prize nomination.

This week’s issue of Hot Press comes with a jam-packed Music Show programme, which has details of the various seminars, workshops, one-on-one interviews, personal appearances, special events and product launches that will be taking place over the weekend.

LOWDEN GUITARS
31-34 Down Business Park, Belfast Road, Downpatrick
Tel: +44 (0)28 4461 9161 www.georgelowden.com

FENDER GUITARS
Fender GBI, Leo House, Birches Industrial Estate, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1QZ
Tel: +44 (0) 1342 331700 www.fender.com

FURCH GUITARS
Zádvorník 503, Velké Nemcice, 69163 Czech Republic
Tel: +420 519417285 www.furch.cz

BEAT IT INCORPORATING VINTAGE GUITARS IRELAND
Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Louth.
Tel: (042) 932 1700 www.beatitmusic.ie/www.vintageguitars.ie

PAUL DOYLE INSTRUMENTS
38a Dominick Street, Co. Galway.
Tel: (091) 566 948 www.pauldoyleinstruments.com

PULSE COLLEGE & WINDMILL LANE RECORDING
Windmill Lane Studios, 20 Ringsend Road, Dublin 4
Tel: (01) 668 5567 www.pulsecollege.eu

NEWPARK MUSIC CENTRE
Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Tel: (01) 288 3740 www.newparkmusic.ie

For three years, he presented and researched RTÉ’s No Disco, focusing on independent and innovative music. The series also spawned a one-off Planxty special, which has in turn led to Leagues writing the Irish trad legends’ official biography The Humours of Planxty. He is also a regular contributor to Irish radio and now works under the Aiken umbrella, promoting Harmonic gigs by the likes of Dan Deacon, Moon Duo and Deerhunter.

ASIWYFA join Lisa Hannigan, The Minutes, Jape (and more to be announced!) at The Music Show, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, on February 25 and 26 in The RDS, Dublin. Keep an eye on hotpress.com for updates.

Tickets are available (€12 one day, €16 for the weekend) on Ticketmaster.

RIFFSTATION
2 Monastery Crescent, Monastery Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
www.riffstation.com

BLUEBIRD STUDIOS
Castlewarden, Straffan, Co. Kildare
Tel: (01) 458 6209 www.bluebirdstudios.ie

KNOCKANSTOCKAN
Blessington Lakes, Co.Wicklow
Tel: (085) 218 8663 ?www.knockanstockan.ie

With Lisa Hannigan and Jape recently confirmed for The Music Show, taking place in the Dublin RDS on February 25 and 26, The Music Show is proud to announce that The Minutes are the latest addition to the bill.

And what an addition they are. Last year’s debut album Marcata has been doing the business for the boys, but they are perhaps at the absolute peak of their powers when they take to the stage. The greaser-rock proponents are renowned for their energetic live displays, so you’ll want to catch the power trio where they’re most at home.

This week’s issue of Hot Press comes with a jam-packed Music Show programme, which has details of the various seminars, workshops, one-on-one interviews, personal appearances, special events and product launches that will be taking place over the weekend.

The Music Show 2012, presented by Hot Press in association with RTÉ 2fm and eircom MusicHub, runs from February 25-26 in The RDS, Dublin.

Tickets are available (€12 one day, €16 for the weekend) on Ticketmaster.

Avid’s innovative digital audio and video solutions continue to revolutionise the creative arts. Avid creates the technology that people use to make the most listened to, most watched and most loved media in the world.

Since opening its doors 1994, Big Bear Sound has rapidly developed into one of Ireland’s leading professional audio services companies. The team is comprised of engineers, musicians and producers who have an in-depth knowledge of the audio industry’s most innovative products.

“We’re delighted to announce that The Music Show will host a series of Avid Workshops in conjunction with Big Bear Sound. Avid’s pioneering solutions have consistently played a central role in some of the most prestigious feature films, music recordings, television shows, live concert tours and news broadcasts – not to mention music and movies made at home”, said Music Show director Mark Hogan. He continued, “Any musician who’s serious about music – or indeed media – needs to get to the Avid workshop series at The Music Show”.

The Music Show takes place February 25 and 26 in the RDS, Dublin. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie

He manages UK based songwriter Jon Allen and the company also produce a wide range of events including concerts at Kew Gardens, London and at a number UK racecourses.

Neil began his live music career at London’s Mean Fiddler – booking artists at venues and programming festivals including Reading, Phoenix and The Fleadh. He was also entertainments manager at London Brixton Academy, Shepherds Bush Empire, The Astoria and Forum live music venues.

He has worked with some of the leading live music companies in the UK including Harvey Goldsmith, The Agency Group and Academy Music Group (formerly The McKenzie Group).

On their album Ocean of Frequency – the follow up to 2008’s Meteor Choice Music Prize winner Ritual – Jape draw inspiration from the likes of Prefab Sprout, Caribou and the solo albums of Brian Eno, to create earworm melodies with the musical innovation of Beck and Steve Mason.

Using an inventive mix of live instruments, hardware samplers and sequencers, Jape knit together an eclectic blend of meticulously crafted lyrics and electronic rhythms that flit comfortably across a myriad of genres.

We would encourage everyone to get down to the RDS to see Richie and the band wow the enthusiastic Music Show audience!

The Music Show takes place February 25 and 26 in the Main Hall, RDS. Tickets are available form www.ticketmaster.ie

Dervilla has been in the internet industry for 16 years. As a graduate of International Commerce (German) in UCD, her first role was in The Irish Trade Board where she helped Irish companies adopt internet tools to serve overseas markets. She then joined Indigo, the ISP, as an internet solutions consultant providing web and connectivity services to businesses. Dervilla also spent 5 years in New Zealand where she was head of online in Telecom New Zealand.

In his teenage years, he was a member of Youth For Peace and then the Peace People, during the years of conflict in Northern Ireland. Subsequently, he studied law at Queens University, Belfast and then at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Belfast. He has developed a unique media law practice north and south of the Irish border and has represented many people in the public eye including Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Louis Walsh, and other high profile plaintiffs both at the Northern and Southern Irish Bars. Gavin also spends time in the musical world and is the author of The Artists’ Charter – to assist the creative industries in their fight for greater copyright protection in an increasingly digital age. He has written articles on libel and privacy law and recently made a submission to the Copyright Review Group in Dublin on the reform of copyright law. He was also a speaker at the World Copyright Summit in Brussels in 2011. Outside of law, Gavin Bonnar has carried out inward investment work for Northern Ireland in the United States, accompanying two former Northern Irish Secretaries of State. He currently sits on the board of a large South African based house-building charity and has received international recognition for his charity work and fundraising.

His next move was into film, first as the maker of TV commercials and then as the director of a documentary on the making of U2’s The Unforgettable Fire album. Devlin’s name also features in the credits for a bunch of U2 videos, RTÉ’s Lapsed Catholics and the Not Afraid and All Things Bright And Beautiful feature films. The Virgin Of Las Vegas, a script he developed with Bono, is currently in development, with Liam Neeson set to star. On the Horslips front, having reconvened in 2004 for the recording of their Rollback acoustic album, Devlin and his bandmates are still a vibrant live force. Following their four gig tour at the end of 2010 (which culminated in a massive show in the O2 Arena), 2011 sees the band play a number of festivals in Britain. On St. Patrick’s Day, the band played a BBC concert with the Ulster Orchestra at Belfast Waterfront Hall. A Kiss For Jed Wood, which Devlin co-wrote with director Maurice Linnane, was a late entrant in the Galway Film Fleadh 2010 and received its North American premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival in May 2011. Devlin has also written the script for forthcoming film HOUND: The Legend of Cúchulainn, currently being produced by Breakthru Films and Pillarstone Productions.

Musicians with whom he has collaborated include Van Morrison, Freddie Hubbard, Dave McKenna, Harry Allen, Lew Soloff, Guy Barker, Jiggs Wigham, Bob Dylan, Georgie Fame, Jon Hendricks, Carlos Santana, Barry Manilow, and Elvis Costello. Recording credits include Van Morrison, James Williams, Barry Manilow, Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Elmer Bernstein.

He has also recorded and performed with major Irish artists including The Cranberries, Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sinead O’Connor, Paul Brady and Bill Whelan. His critically acclaimed album ‘Your Love is Here’, featuring his own compositions and guest artists Lew Soloff and the Robin Aspland Trio, was recorded in September 2000.

Richie has scored three documentary films – ‘Luke’ (Luke Kelly, directed by Sinead O’Brien), ‘Friel’, ‘Lee Marvin’ (directed by John Boorman) and the film ‘The General’ (directed by John Boorman). Most recently Richie scored the soundtrack to W.C (Dir: Liam O’Mochain) and his track, ‘Just Another Waltz’ has featured in Maurice Linnane’s first feature ‘A Kiss For Jed’

Clients include EMI, Universal, Warner, Sony, Madonna, The Beatles, Robbie Williams, Domino Recordings, Reading & Leeds Festival, MIDEM & many more. Stephen has worked in the music, sports and fashion industries for over 10 years specialising in online and mobile marketing, fan engagement, and PR. He studied Music Technology in Dublin but is now based in London.

Ben is a classically trained musician and graduate of Goldsmiths. Ben’s early career began as one of the UK’s leading programmer and engineers. Ben further developed his musical talents working with likes of Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne amongst others.

Ben is best-known for his original approach to production. The ‘Think Tank’ album for Blur was created in a studio created and Built by Ben and the band in a palace in Morocco. Ben also transformed an abandoned schoolhouse on the banks of Loch Ness to record the album ‘Some Cities’ for Doves.

Ben has as developed a skill for finding and nurturing artists from the outset. Over the last couple of years Ben has been working with two incredible female artists. The first, signed to Mute Records, is Beth Jean Houghton, the quirky singer songwriter from Newcastle (“Glam Folk Genius, A Legend in the Making” say NME). The second is Nadine Shah (a cross between PJ Harvey/ Bassey/Piaf) who Ben has been writing with intensively and has now completed her stunning debut album, which is due for release later this year.

Further to setting up studios in foreign lands, Ben has also created an incredible studio with Miloco. He had great ambitions for the old storeroom at Miloco’s studio complex in South London where he turned it into an original and unique tracking space. Until that point, Ben really felt that there was a distinct lack of inspiring studios in London and he wanted to create something entirely different, a space not so clinical and technical. His plan was to explore the idea of not using a separate control room – hence making a more relaxed and creative environment for the artist. Ben has certainly achieved what he set out to and The Pool is now one of the most sought after recording studios in London!

Following his production of Depeche Mode’s ‘Sounds Of The Universe’ record, Ben has turned his hand to mixing. Ben has a different approach to others as he tends to record everything into Pro Tools, send out of separate outputs and then put it through an analogue desk to do outboard compression and EQ when he mixes – basically treating Pro Tools like a tape machine. He then takes the mix and records it on to half-inch tape and Pro Tools simultaneously; therefore this gives him and the artist more choice. He has mixed entire albums for Editors and The Magic Numbers as well as the stunning debut for The Villager’s ‘Becoming A Jackal’, which was Mercury and Q Award nominated. More recently he has mixed albums for We Have Band, as well as the two forthcoming albums for Graham Coxon.

Ben is about to head to the USA to embark on his third album with Depeche Mode in 2012, which will see him again work closely with Martin Gore, Dave Gahan and Andrew Fletcher.

DUBLIN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Eaton House, 86-88 Terenure Road North, Terenure, Dublin 6W
Tel: (01) 492 9998 www.dublinschoolofmusic.com

eircom MusicHub
eircom, 1 Heuston South Quarter, St. John’s Road, Dublin 8
Tel: 1800 503 303 www.eircommusichub.ie

Having made his gigging debut aged ten on BBC Northern Ireland, he spent his teenage years playing jazz in his native Coleraine and Belfast. Moving south in 1963 to study at Trinity College Dublin, he started playing five nights a week with The Greenbeats and then The Real McCoy. In the ‘90s, he worked for the Arts Council and helped start several educational initiatives including the Ballyfermot Rock School, being a key figure behind its music management course in particular. For the past 15 years Keith has written music for films and documentaries, including the BAFTA award-winning BBC drama United, in 1998. He’s toured and sessioned with such heavyweights as Van Morrison, Christy Moore and The Pogues. Keith is Chairman of IMRO, is on the board of the MCPSI and, last year, was elected Chairperson of Burma Action Ireland. After four decades of playing saxophone, Keith recently picked up the clarinet. He practices daily and occasionally gigs with jazz act FUBAR.

However it has been Eddi’s subsequent solo albums which have cemented her image as a powerful figure in British music. Since embarking independently in 1992 Eddi has produced seven acclaimed solo albums, has been awarded an MBE for ‘Outstanding Contributions to the Arts’ (2006) and has won a Brit award for ‘Best Female Singer’ (1994) among other achievements.

In the past two years Eddi has toured extensively, selling out shows worldwide as she promoted her seventh studio album ‘Love is the Way’. In addition to that Eddi made her Hollywood acting debut, taking up the role of the chanteuse in Richard Linklater’s ‘Me And Orson Welles’ where she is featured performing with the Jools Holland Orchestra.

On record Eddi has brought to life all forms of song, weaving through a multiplicity of musical styles from the traditional to the contemporary with equal capability and trademark perfection. But most notably the experience of Eddi Reader live is that which sets her apart. She has effortlessly developed into one of music’s most thrilling and affecting performers, by her ability to connect with the audience on a deep emotional level with beautifully raw vocals and an unparalleled romanticism.

MEDIASHACK
122 Hydepark Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT36 4PZ
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90838981 www.mediashack.co.uk

AVID
Big Bear Sound, Newmarket Hall, Newmarket Square,Dublin 8.
Tel: (01) 410 0212 www.bigbearsound.com