1000 Beasts
1000 Beasts is the alias of Cian Sweeney, an Irish producer/artist who collaborates with different artists on every track (they are the "beasts" behind the name) to make soulful, indiepop & hip hop inspired tracks.
His debut EP "On A Different Page" was released in July 2020 through Unity Group (Paris) followed by the runaway success of his remixes for Elaine Malone (You), Joshua Burnside (Noa Mercier) & Pollena (The Pool).
2021 will see 1000 Beasts release his debut album.
'For You & I' is the first release from 1000 Beasts upcoming debut album, due out later in 2021.
The track see the return of past collaborator Alex Tierney for an 808 laden track to combines soulful R'N'B rhythms with oriental influenced samples and Tierney's brooding vocal to make the perfect alt/indie track for summer 2021.
Shining Escalade - Hot Chip
I think Hot Chip were the first band that truly made me want to produce music. I fell in love with them when I was coming of age and had just started college. I always had a soft spot for their first two albums in particular, there was a DIY attitude and charm to them. Shining Escalade off Coming On Strong is a gentle jewel in that stellar album.
Dorian - Men I Trust
This is my song of 2020, Men I Trust's entire repertoire since Jessy joined the band is sublime, but Dorian has a particular melancholiness to it. Their mixes always amaze me too, they're so soft and warm and gentle. It's like listening to a hug. I know when I listen back in twenty years, I'll remember lockdowns & the summer of the coronavirus.
Territory - The Blaze
The Blaze's debut EP was a phenomenon. This track & accompanying music video are as close to masterpieces as you'll get.
22 (Over Soon) – Bon Iver
The entire 22, A Million album is one of my favourites of all time so it was hard to pick a single track from it, in a way I think of the album not as a collection of songs, but as a singular piece that has to be listened to from start to end. When it was released, I was traveling between Minneasota, Wisconsin & the Prairies in Canada a lot and the weather was turning very cold. I think it will always remind me of that. The production of course is incredible, like nothing else.
Some Minds – Flume
I went through a huge Flume phase. As I think most producers did in mid 2010's. He completely turned the world of music production on it's head very quickly and tore down sonic barriers.
Birthday Card – Nick Murphy//Marcus Marr
Another Future Classic artist, Nick Murphy/Chet Faker, is someone that inspired me to create. Possibly one of my favourite voices ever, it has been exciting to watch his artist development over time. This EP with Marcus Marr is a standout.
So We Won't Forget – Khruangbin
I don't think there is a better guitar, bass or drum sound on any record ever than what these guys achieve. Their songwriting in particular has a delicacy to it - the arrangements and instrumentation are gentle but confident. They haven't got a bad track. One of my favourite artists.
Love and Braggadocio – Kojaque
I think Kojaque changed Irish music when he released Deli Daydreams. It really captured a moment in Dublin in 2018 and what it was like to be in your twenties in that city. Superb.
Chambers - Marbert Rocel
Marbert Rocel were another very early influence on my production style. They mangled clever instrumentation and arrangement with electronic beats and quirky vocals.
Sparks – Royksopp
I must have lived with Melody AM for a solid 18 months straight - one of my ultimate albums. Groundbreaking production wise at the time of it's release too.
To You - Young Wonder
Another Irish act, Ian Ring is a fellow Cork native and to see his productions explode online and reach every corner of the planet was a massive inspiration to me as a young musician starting out in production. I've since become good friends with Ian and his Young Wonder project will always be dear to my heart.
Serious - The Whitest Boy Alive
We all had an indie phase. It was tough to pick who the stand out act was from that time but given that they are back releasing again, I've given it to The Whitest Boy Alive. What a band. I'm jealous of how simple yet full sounding their music is.
