Ten songs that shaped the music they make
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Jonathan Baxter

Jonathan Baxter is a Belfast-based alternative artist who crafts his music to the ever-changing sounds of the unforgiving Belfast rain. Originally hailing from Castlederg in West Tyrone, he has found a new abode to hang his hat—or guitar, as he would say.

For Jonathan, making music is about much more than entertainment. It's about expression, challenge, and the perpetual pursuit of emotional truth. Song-writing graces him with an ability to tap into these realms and reveals a vista to his life. To boot, there is a profound joy in knowing that the songs he writes may touch someone’s heart, stir their memories, or inspire them in their own journey. It is this connection that sustains his love for song-writing, guiding him to delve deeper into his craft and seek new ways to articulate the human experience.

Having spent years playing in bands, Jonathan is now transitioning from that chapter to embark on his own solo project. As he had always been the lead songwriter, this shift felt like a natural progression for him. His latest project emerged as part of this evolution in his musical journey, a point where Jonathan felt increasingly confident that his songs were more than good enough to stand on their own.

This belief led him to reconnect with producer Ryan McGroarty, who was already acquainted with Jonathan's song-writing prowess, having mixed tracks for his previous bands. Sharing his vision, Jonathan discussed what he hoped to achieve and the wheels of creativity were soon in motion.

Jonathan sees himself as an artist of depth and true craftsmanship, seamlessly blending vibrant expression with the soul of a genuine singer-songwriter. What sets him apart, giving him that unmistakable "je ne sais quoi," is the authenticity and heartfelt emotion that resonate powerfully through his songs. He brings a unique zest to his music, making every note and lyric a true reflection of his artistic spirit.

Having aspirations to build a dedicated fanbase and create a body of work that will establish a song-writing and musical legacy he can take utmost pride in; time will tell if Jonathan can deliver and if he truly has that “je ne sais quoi”.

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Sun Mahshene

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Sun Mahshene emerged in 2018, breathing new life into the Indie and Shoegaze scenes. Comprising six diverse members from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Poland, Sun Mahshene provides a musical journey that transcends genres. ‘Post-Shoegaze’ for the masses.

 In 2020, the band unleashed the "Contradictions & Tales of Fiction" EP, a sonic exploration that left audiences craving more. Following the EP's success, including track “Leave This City” (42k Spotify streams), next single “The Righteous One” was accompanied by a mind-bending music video, directed by award-winning visual artist Ste Murray.

Sun Mahshene next released a special LP titled "Space Echoes: The EPs", a compilation of tracks from their previously released EPs. The limited-edition vinyl sold out in one day, a testament to the band's dedicated fanbase and the allure of their music.

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Darren Doherty

Darren Doherty has been an active recording and performing artist for the last 20 plus years. Despite being the primary songwriter in a variety of successful projects, it’s only now as he moves to produce, record and release music under his own name that he feels this is the most authentic representation and expression of himself. This can be felt in every choice of lyric, chord or production element that makes up the four tracks on his first EP ‘Darksides’. The EP acts as chrysalis that rebirths Darren in a new light. Four tracks that run the gamut of the human psyche always galloping toward the single sliver of hope at the end of the tunnel. Blending the disparate elements of rock, singer songwriter, experimental music and EDM to provide the vocabulary for his singular voice, Darksides feels and sounds like a battle fought and won.

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Lavine

Lavine (rhyming with 'twine') is a multifaceted singer-songwriter originating from Northern Ireland. Lavine has always been focused on atmospheric storytelling through music, leaning into folk, Americana, indie and pop influences. Her debut EP 'Edge of the World' was released in 2021, and most recently she was involved in @ellasthelabel female focussed mixtape release in 2023, which was featured on BBC News Northern Ireland.

Lavine blends interpretive lyrics with comforting vocals, allowing the listener to connect to her music in a meaningful way. Having gained supporters from across the world and with ongoing exciting opportunities, her musical journey is one to watch.

Now turning her attention towards her next body of work, Lavine proudly presents to you 'Stay'- an unapologetic, indulgent love song utilising atmospheric piano sounds with a cinematic effect combined with raw, honest lyrics to convey the emotion of true love.

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Anemoia

Anemoia began on a bedroom floor in 2019, started by 16-year-old Gerald Higgins in Co. Mayo. Taking early inspiration from artists like A.R Kane, My Bloody Valentine & Current Joys, The band released their debut album ‘Driving Songs’, a necessary Shoegaze portfolio of Roland TR-505 loops & ethereal looped guitar pieces; all created between 2019-2021. An amateur approach of scaling their sound and stamping a presence before developing further. 

After garnering a niche success on Soundcloud the soundscape developed as it turned into a 4-Piece band in October of 2022, residing in Dublin. Selling out their debut show in the Workman’s Cellar that very month, they have gone on to support many reputable Dublin acts and have had the honour of headlining venues across the city, featuring at ‘2024 Whelan’s One to Watch’ and selling out their previous show at the same location. With their latest single ‘crutch’ released in November of 2023,  Anemoia has more planned for 2024, redirecting their Wall-of-Sound, integrating Slacker & Noise Rock qualities, with lyrical inspiration from film, poetry, tales of grief and the human condition.

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Arrow in the Sky

Arrow In The Sky, the dynamic Irish duo of multi-instrumentalists Conor McCauley and Brian Murphy, have released two acclaimed mini-albums and are known for their captivating performances and innovative style. Their previous singles ‘Fire’ and ‘My Sunshine’ have gained significant Spotify streams, making them a duo to watch. Their next release, ‘Time Of Need’, from their highly anticipated upcoming album, Was released on June 7th. The track explores themes of salvation and redemption with a distinctive sound blend, featuring a national guitar, a bottleneck slide, a harmonica, and a resurrected church organ. Fans can look forward to experiencing this live at their upcoming gig in Clarke’s Mullingar on July 19th.

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Iann Brennan

Iann Brennan is an Irish Indie Rock artist from Dublin, Ireland. He began his musical journey by learning to play the guitar at the age of 12, soon after he learnt his first four chords he started writing songs. After being part of various bands, Ian decided to pursue a solo career. One of his early solo performances was as a support act for the well-known Irish band Aslan. It was during this performance that Ian met Vinny Lawlor, who is now Ian's manager.

After his old band split up in 2015, Iann initially had no plans to continue making music. However, when his friend asked him to fill in as the support act for a gig after the original act dropped out at the last minute, Iann performed four songs.

These songs were originally intended to be the next batch of his old band's songs. This experience reignited his passion for music, prompting him to reach out to Vinny for potential support slots. Vinny helped Iann secure a few shows and subsequently introduced him to Irish producer Ray Traynor, with whom Iann has been collaborating ever since.

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Yurmah

Yurmah is a 6 piece indie ensemble who stand for and respect all genres of music. With most members studying Jazz and Contemporary Music in DCU and spanning from classical to self taught tuition, the sounds blend together to create a new fast and energetic indie rock/mah rock sound. Michael Murphy and producer Tay have known each other too long and started the group to get the music written in their bedrooms out to the world.

Their new single “Barbarella (Acoustic)” is the now played fast and angsty song returning to it’s original written slow state to honor the then 15 year old Michael writing the song in his school notebook. The song is about self doubt and the unknown taking up too much space in your head, and wishing everything to go the way you want it to even if that’s a bit selfish.

Yurmah hopes you can enjoy our slow debut slow song and have a good cry, but if you’re in a happier mood don’t worry, they have plenty of more upbeat bops out on Spotify and on the way

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Just Alice

Welcome to the world of Alice Laffan - a singer-songwriter from County Laois, Ireland. Alice's love for music and singing began in primary school, thanks to her teacher, the late Lorraine Maher. Lorraine was a remarkable singer-songwriter who ignited Alice's passion for music and encouraged her to pursue a career in the industry. Alice's roots in the Irish midlands have shaped her musical journey, and she continues to express her talents through her music.

Alice is deeply rooted in the lively Traditional Irish Music Scene. Her music draws inspiration from the rich storytelling of folk legends like Luke Kelly and Dougie MacLean. As she explored various musical genres, she discovered a connection with the emotive songwriting of artists like Joni Mitchell and Noah Kahan. Their ability to translate raw emotion into timeless songs inspired Alice to embark on her own musical journey.

Alice's songwriting is a beautiful tapestry crafted from the threads of her personal experiences and astute observations of the world around her. She draws inspiration from the everyday moments of life, as well as the depth and complexity of human connections and experiences. Alice skillfully weaves narratives through her music that deeply resonate with listeners, inviting them to share in the genuine emotions and stories she artfully portrays.

Having graced stages across Ireland, from intimate pub gigs to the illustrious Electric Picnic, Alice's live performances are characterized by raw emotion and authenticity. Her music has also transcended borders, reaching international audiences at events such as the Maryland Irish Festival and An Poitin Stil in America. These experiences allowed her to share her music and stories with listeners from different corners of the world.

Alice has cultivated a dedicated following and is currently working on recording her debut EP after signing with Youngblood Music. 'Wait' is the debut single from the EP, released on May 10th.

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$ONA BLU€

In the heart of Dublin, Ireland, where the city's age-old streets echo with the melodies of both traditional ballads and contemporary beats, resides an emerging talent poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of music. Hailing from the vibrant shores of Sri Lanka, this aspiring singer/songwriter brings the rich tapestry of her heritage and the depth of her personal journey to the forefront of her artistry.

Drawing from a well of experiences that span across cultures and continents, her lyrics unfold like soulful narratives, touching on themes of love, loss, resilience, and the quest for identity. Each word is carefully chosen, reflecting a wisdom and introspection far beyond her years, making her songs not just melodies but conversations with the soul.

Influenced by the likes of Erykah Badu, Cleo Sol, SZA, and Jorja Smith, she weaves her storytelling with a musical flow that is both unique and deeply reflective of her idols’ impact on her craft. Her voice, a melodic blend of strength and vulnerability, carries the weight of her lyrics with a grace that can only be described as captivating.

Despite the challenges of breaking into a highly competitive industry, especially far from her homeland, her resolve remains unshaken. Dublin, with its rich musical heritage and welcoming artistic community, has become a second home, a place where her talents can flourish. As she navigates this new chapter of her life, her ambition is not just to succeed but to inspire, to use her music as a bridge between cultures, and to remind us all of the power of sharing our stories.

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Emileo

Born in Berlin in 2000, Emileo moved to Spain at 16 before heading south to the romantic, mystical terrain of Morocco before winning the inaugural Sinead O'Connor BA Commercial Modern Music Scholarship of BIMM Dublin in 2020, the city where she currently lives and writes.

This fearless sense of pioneering, nomadic adventure mirrors Emileo’s extraordinary musical talents and communicative skills; lyrically proficient in four languages, she delivers a remarkable kaleidoscope of sounds and imagery that soars with individuality and heart. Her music is firmly rooted in those sun-kissed, travelled cultures but is also informed by the glacial textures of her Germanic origins.

Emileo has been personally invited by artists such as Mundy and Tolü Makay to support them around Ireland and has performed in Dublin’s landmark Olympia Theatre and Cork’s Opera House as special guest to Tori Amos.

Emileo’s quest for knowledge and cultural appreciation is a cornerstone of her aesthetic. After completing a short course in Classical Indian Vocal Singing in Jaipur, India, she immersed herself last summer in traditional Gnawa music in Morocco. Her upcoming second EP 'A Thief of Mother's Milk' takes her back to her Berlin roots and merges melodic techno with the exotic colours of tribal sounds. It will be released on the 7th of May 2024.

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Frowning Hours

Frowning Hours is a new Indie Folk project created by Ger Kelly, who studied acting at Trinity College, Dublin and has worked in theatre for the past 15 years. Ger has performed on stages such as The Abbey, The Gate, and The Olympia, appearing in plays by O'Casey, Shakespeare, and more.

He lent his haunting voice to numerous productions, including original scores by composer Tom Lane and classic musicals by Sondheim. It was during this time that he realized his talent for songwriting and attempted to study at BIMM. However, he had to exit the course early due to a theatre job.

Ger has amassed a devoted following of fans who are eagerly anticipating the release of his own music. While he has been busy balancing his acting career with his newfound passion for music-making, he has taken the time to craft a message that is both meaningful and impactful. Now, he is ready to share his music with the world and showcase his unique voice and style.

Ger is a multi-talented musician who has spent the last decade perfecting his debut EP. He has performed on some of the biggest stages in Ireland, including Whelan's, Electric Picnic, and All Together Now, and has even opened for well-known artists such as Mick Flannery and Susan O'Neill.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Ger used the time to take a breather and curate his music, resulting in an EP that is sure to impress.

Ger will soon be seen in the upcoming Netflix series 'Bodkin' as Teddy, a burly blacksmith with an incredible singing voice.

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