Niall Horan Could Be More Successful Than the Rest of 1D
At its peak, One Direction was one of the most popular and successful musical acts in the world. For those not wrapped up in 1D fever, it’s hard to overstate just how incredibly huge this band actually was. The throngs of hysterical and screaming fans come as no surprise, but more important is the chart success of the group. During its short history, the band was a massive multimedia phenomenon whose influence even touched video games. The group was featured in its own piece of downloadable content for the Rock Band franchise, and they also appeared in a number of mobile games that ranged from dating sims to puzzle games. And 1D isn’t the only band that has been embraced by fans through video games. A number of popular artists are featured within the selections at the largest online casino sites where fans can play slot reels featuring their favourite bands and songs. Some of these acts include rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Guns N’ Roses, the latter of whom are currently touring the world and jumping back into the spotlight. But 1D’s impact in the gaming world aside, it’s on the sales charts where they made the most damage. They were the first band to have its first four albums debut at number one on Billboard, and set loads of other sales records as well. Despite the fame and success, the members of the band needed some time off, and the act went on hiatus in January 2016 as the members looked to pursue their own endeavours. Zayn Malik was the first member to officially leave the band in 2015, and has already achieved a fair degree of success on his own. His debut album, Mind of Mine, was released in March 2016, and debuted at number one in the UK while also reaching number two in Ireland. He followed up the record by releasing a duet with Taylor Swift, and will next be seen in the upcoming film, “Ocean’s 8.” But Zayn is far from the only 1D guy to follow his own path. The other members of the band have also been busy during their time away, and they’re all currently working on their own projects. Of the different members, it’s likely that the sole Irish member, Niall Horan, could very well become the most successful solo artist. While he might not have as high a profile as Zayn or Harry Styles, it could be argued that he’s one of the group’s most musically talented members. When he dropped his first single last October, Horan made history as the first artist to debut at the...
Song of the Day: Sun.Set.Ships “Song For Brothers”
Monaghan trio Sun.Set.Ships had impressed us when we first came across them last year but their newest release “Song For Brothers” proves that they are participating on an international level and ready to take over. “Songs For Brothers” with it’s Chvrches influence fulfills the bands manifesto to create uplifting, atmospheric and mellow electronic music. The lyrics and video are searching, probing, finding one’s sense of self and identity. While the slightly hypnotic melody line ensures you listen through to the very end to see how the story ends. Overflowing with potential these guys know what they want to create and how to go about doing it. Watch “Song For Brothers”...
Rews sign to Marshall Records
We are huge fans of rockers Rews here at Musician.ie and are delighted to hear they have signed to Marshall Records, the label set up by the iconic amp manufacturer. The duo have also recently announced several Irish dates including at least one festival line-up appearance. Marshall Records have booked the band straight into the legendary Abbey Road Studios to start recording their debut album. REWS have recieved must attention from UK radio tastemakers with Huw Stephens recently making them his ‘Tip of the Week’ on BBC Radio 1 and John Kennedy his ‘Shock of the New‘ on Radio X. Catch Rews when they play the following live dates: Wed 1st March – Dublin, Whelans Thurs 2nd March – Belfast, Voodoo Fri 3rd March – Derry, Nerve Centre Sat 4th March – Portarlington, Bare in the Woods Festival Launch Watch new single ‘Miss you in the Dark’...
Robert Green writes about new single ‘The Last Transmission’ from The Grey Merchant
Review by Bobby Green The last transmission is the 2nd single from the Cork based recording collaborative The Grey Merchant. Their 1st single was a sample based vocal using the excellent and still relevant speech from Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator but with The Last Transmission we get a more traditional vocal, giving the listener a better feel of what The Grey Merchant are capable of. With an album being formulated as we speak the first two releases are an indicator of the overall feel of what we could be in store for. There is a conscience to the vocal that I like and an atmosphere that links in with Spotless (The Protecting veil) their debut release leading you to believe that they take their music, and the world around them very seriously. This is by no means a dour criticism, it’s about time bands started pointing out principled thought through their art, there is a place for it along with the drugs and shagging, it’s been a while since an interesting band have come along. There’s been plenty of exciting great Rock n Roll over the past few years, and some great shoegazing intimate stuff too. The Grey Merchant bridge that gap perfectly, but fill their space with samples of social integrity and interesting lyrics. I’m only 2 songs into this band and I want to see them live, I want to hear more and I’m genuinely interested in what they are about. They have shown with these first two tracks that they do have something to offer and are not just another faceless collaboration that sounds nice. The Last Transmission by The Grey Merchant is out February 23rd. Listen to The Last Transmission...
Nationwide search for Ireland’s next undiscovered musical talent as Le Crunch Apple of My Eye Song Contest returns for 2017
Le Crunch Apple of My Eye Contest is back for a fourth year in the search for Ireland’s greatest cover version. Super healthy apple brand Le Crunch from France have teamed up with JOE to launch the search for Ireland’s next undiscovered musical talent with the chance of winning a share of a €2,500 prize fund. Over the last few years, thousands of aspiring musicians and singers all over Ireland have entered the competition with fantastic interpretations of well-known songs. The competition has also seen a number of those shortlisted gain huge recognition within the music industry and public domain, as well as perform at a number of top festivals around the Country including the Indiependence Music & Arts Festival and Electric Picnic. Amongst the success stories are last year’s winners Brave Giant from Longford, who proved a big hit with online voters across the country with their video for Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Digital Love?’ receiving 88.5k+ views within the last ten months. Cork songstress Stephanie Rainey, semi-finalist from 2014 has been signed to East West Records (Warner Music) and Galway group, The Amazing Apples, shortlisted in 2013, released their critically acclaimed album the following year, supporting the likes of Ryan Sheridan, Mundy, Paddy Casey and Walking on Cars. This year’s panel of music industry judges are Niamh Farrell (HamsandwicH), Paddy McKenna (RTE and JOE) and Peter Dunne (Bare in the Woods Festival Director), who will select the top ten tunes to go through to a National Semi-Final, open to public vote for short listing down to a final five. The shortlisted five contestants will perform at The Final, which will take place at Dublin’s iconic music venue, Whelans in front of a packed live audience on Thursday March 23rd for their chance to walk away with the prize money and a guaranteed slot at the Bare in the Woods Festival 2017. Musicians are asked to record their favourite cover version (on video or MP3) and to enter the competition through JOE.ie For more information www.ouitolecrunch.com Deadline for entries is Friday, February 20,...
Single of the Week: Blaming Hannah ‘I’m Alive’
Blaming Hannah are a four piece rock band from Kinsale, Co. Cork and with Artic Monkey vibes a plenty they have released their debut single ‘I’m Alive’ ahead of their debut EP due out this spring. With more than a passing resemblance to Alex Turner lead singer Fionn Turner unleashes a torrent of self aware angst. But Blaming Hannah has much more up their sleeve, check out that glorious classic rock guitar bridge at 2 minutes, and the punk edge to the rhythm section. Listen to ‘I’m Alive’...
