Dearly Beloved

29/11/2013

DEARLY BELOVED is a monster of a band. Echoing through the snowy valleys and the jagged edges of the Great White North come the rapid, urgent bass lines of Rob Higgins and the confrontational wails of co-vocalist Niva Chow. The pair drive their music forward like an apocalyptic oil tanker from some Mad Max-ian dystopic future.

About The Band

Bred for the road like a rabid beast, Dearly Beloved hit the 100,000 km mark in 2014 and is either on tour or preparing for their next one, opting for frequent jumps across the pond to the UK and Europe when their home base of Canada simply becomes too small for their ferocity. Their influence has as much to do with Fear and Black Flag as it does Queens and Sabbath, mixing the speed and primal energy of hardcore punk with the brooding atmosphere of psych rock.
All you need to know about Dearly Beloved is that they create their own world every time out and when they play live it is a gigantic rumble, resonating somewhere deep within the earth below you: it shakes the foundations of your soul, and it might be one of the loudest sounds you’ve ever heard.
Their 2014 album “ENDURO”, available in Canada via eOne Music and worldwide via Aporia Records / Shellshock / Broken Silence was conceived during a handful of maniacal days spent at Joshua Tree’s Rancho de la Luna, overseen by Dave Catching (Eagles of Death Metal, ex-Queens of the Stone Age) with Higgins himself at the controls.
The band then spent some time tracking at Phoebe St., their own studio in Toronto, before the album was given a pristine mix down in Seattle by Grammy Award-winning producer, Adam Kasper (Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam).
Topped off with an A-grade lineup of contributors such as Chris Goss (Masters of Reality) for some trebly and frantic guitar duties and Los Angeles-area drum guru Dave Elitch (Killer Be Killed, Antemasque, ex-Mars Volta) as well as Canadian indie rock lone wolf, Eamon McGrath, the record is a document of the ballistic energy laid to wax when four Canadians leave their winter climate for a psychedelic writing experience deep within the heart of the High Desert.

“Hits every sweet spot for any fan of rock music played with absolute abandon and zero calculation.” – Scene Magazine

“A scuzzy punk/metal rumble which will appeal to fans of QOTSA, Black Flag and Black Sabbath alike.” – Team Rock

“The record positively shudders with the gusto and energy that so characterizes the band.”- Louder Than War

Official Profiles

Official Website Facebookhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHJwSsI9b3k&t=6shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IybuDxd_LEs

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The 4 Of Us Announce Thurles Date

andy kirk

15/07/2013

Voted one of the Top 10 Best Irish Bands of All Time in a recent TV3 series, The 4 Of Us will be heading to Thurles on Saturday, 24^th August as part of The Ryan Gathering. To this day their hit single “Mary” is still one of the most played songs on Irish radio. Brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy will be bringing their superb acoustic live show, which has been captivating audiences throughout Ireland and Germany, to The Source Arts Centre. Tickets are €15 and are available now from The Source Arts Centre website. Definitely a night not to be missed!

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Paddy Casey Makes Live Return To Galway

andy kirk

08/07/2013

Bursting on the Irish music scene release of his debut album “Amen (So Be It)” in 1999, Paddy Casey has been at the forefront of live music ever since. After a five year hiatus, he has returned with new album “The Secret Life Of” and has made a welcome return to the live music scene. The Clifden Station House, Connemara, Co Galway will be hosting a special performance on Friday the 23^rd August and are offering special overnight stay deals to mark the occasion. Tickets for the show are €15, available from the venue. By visiting the website and clicking “Book Now” you can check out some of the special overnight stay packages available for the night.

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U2 SET TO JOIN WORLDWIDE STREAMING OF ‘A NIGHT FOR CHRISTY’ FROM NEW YORK STUDIO

andy kirk

13/06/2013

Unique event as the best in the industry step into Christy’s shoes to sing from the Aslan set list

Aslan are delighted to announce that U2 are set to take part in the worldwide streaming of ‘A Night For Christy’ from their studio in New York. U2 will perform ‘This Is’ for audiences worldwide as Aslan, in association with Aer TV, will stream the event live in over 100 esablishments including venues in Dubai, South Africa, Australia, Canada, the UK and across Ireland. The sold out event takes place in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on Friday 21 June and tickets were snapped up within 24 hours of going on sale.

Aslan announced details of the worldwide streaming on their Facebook/Twitter last week and over 100 establishments have signed up for the live streaming already.

The full list of venues participatiing will be announced closer to the event on www.aslan.ie and will be announced locally by each establishment. Venues interested in participating should contact [email protected] directly.

The unique event will feature the best of Aslan songs performed by the best in the industry as they come together to show their support for Christy Dignam on this very special night.

The one-off event will feature performances from Bressie, Danny O’Reilly (The Coronas), members of Horslips, Ryan Sheridan, Paul Brady, Shane MacGowan, Mary Black, Don Mescall, Tom Dunne (Something Happens), Jerry Fish, Steve Wall (The Stunning), Gavin Friday, Mark Feehily, Paul Walsh (Royseven), The Riptide Movement, Jedward, Gavin James and Kiera Dignam. All artists have handpicked their favourite song from the Aslan setlist and will step into Christy’s shoes for one night only. It’s an unmissable night for fans as they can experience each performers’ own interpretation of an Aslan song performed with Aslan exclusively in the Olympia Theatre on Friday 21 June.

Performances on the night will include fan favourites Crazy World, Too Late For Hallelujah, This Is’, Chains, This Time, Gotta Make It, Down on Me, Catch Your Fall and many more.

Speaking from the bands’ HQ, ASLAN guitarist Billy McGuinness said ”With the gig selling out in a few hours a lot fans who have supported the band for years were not able to get tickets. It was not possible to add any more nights, as the artists who are appearing would not be available. So we are delighted to confirm we will be streaming the gig live around the world in venues where we have performed in the past from the US to Australia, Europe to Dubai. This type of gig will never happen again so its great to give people a chance to see it by streaming it live from the Olympia. ENJOY’

To stream the event at your venue please contact Mark at A.M.A. Music Agency by email [email protected] or by calling +353 86 2504 795.

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Unique and Alternative Ideas for Festival Entertainment

andy kirk

11/06/2013

Summer is the season of festivals, with so much competition out there organisers need to begin looking for acts that are off the beaten track to make their event stand out. We’ve compiled a list of our top five favourite unique and alternative festival entertainment ideas.

1. With ‘Get Lucky’ the song of the summer and Random Access Memories rocketing to the top of the charts around the world, the band of the moment are themselves not touring but Daft Punk Tribute are every bit as good as the real thing. With custom built helmets and costumes, an LED light show, plus the talent of French duo crowds throughout Europe are going wild for Daft Punk Tribute.

2. Silent Discos are always a hit at any festival; headphones with two channels and two DJs battling it out. Crowds then have the option of listening to the channel of their choice; a song not to your taste? No problem you can just switch over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak6eahUzVYY

3. Who doesn’t love Star Wars? Star Troopers are based on the iconic Storm Troopers, foot soldiers of the Galactic Empire. Wherever these guys go a crowd follows, if you want them to walk around the site posing for photos that’s fine or if you want something really different why not have a Star Trooper DJ set?

4. Ireland is known for its vibrant music scene, and there is a plethora of new talent out there who are hotly tipped to be the next big things. We have a wide selection of new talent to suit all musical tastes from electro pop to acoustic and everything in between. Who knows, you may be able to say you booked the next U2. This is not only perfect for festivals but also for unique wedding entertainment, looking great along one of the many brilliant wedding bands Ireland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwtOdYI2OsQ

5. Torann Drummers are without doubt one of the best and most unique percussion acts in Ireland at the moment. Having played though out Europe over the past decade, the Waterford act have been invited to perform at the infamous Glastonbury Festival this summer. If you’re looking for something to get your audience on their feet, dancing and smiling then Torann are the perfect act for your festival.

If you are interested in any of the acts mentioned, or any other acts on our website for your music festival Call 353 1 201 3660 and speak to our team at AMA Music Agency.

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Top Summer Tracks of 2013

andy kirk

31/05/2013

It looks like the summer is finally here and while you’re working on a tan we put together a list of some of our favourite new songs. Check them out and see if your summer 2013 anthem is on the list.
1. One of the biggest acts in Ireland, Aslan and Don Mescal have released ‘I’ll Catch Your Call’ and very kindly donated the proceeds of sales to Pieta House: Suicide and Self Harm Crisis Centre. So not only can you enjoy a good tune on your iPod you can know you’re helping out a worthy cause when you listen.

2. The Strypes have had an incredible year, receiving praise from the likes of Dave Grohl and Elton John and selling out venues as far away as Japan. ‘Hometown Girls’ is their latest single and after one listen it is easy to see why these guys are creating such a buzz. Perfect 60s vibe summer song.

3. After a two decade absence Cry Before Dawn are back with ‘Is This What You Waited For?’ Well, I for one am happy to have waited so long for such a fantastic song. Gaining lots of radio play already, get used to hearing it over the next few months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ue0G5dtemM
4. Walking On Cars are hotly tipped to be on the cusp of big things, winners of the 2012 Red Bull Bedroom Jam, the Kerry group are being snapped up to perform at festivals the length and breadth of the country. ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is a more laid back summer song, but a future classic none the less.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwtOdYI2OsQ
5. Not jetting off to the sun this year? Well close your eyes and listen to I”m Your Vinyl’s ‘For You’, you’ll instantly feel you’re in a tropical beach paradise.

6. The urge to tap your foot and sing along, Big September‘s ‘The Preacher’ has the perfect ingredients for a summer hit. As a bonus, the video even features several beaches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAuaL6Ot6Vo
7. Bipolar Empire are another act putting their talents to good use, donating 50% of proceeds from ‘Why So Sad?’ towards SOSAD Ireland. The video was shot in Brazil so try not to get too jealous.

8. Empire Circus’ ‘True Believer’ is the perfect track for listening to outdoors as the sun begins to set. Ideal festival track.

9. Miracle Bell are back after a two year absence with ‘Wolves’, almost impossible to resist the urge to dance to this one, perfect for summer nights.

10. The Pale are in the process of releasing twenty one previous unreleased tracks, reworked material and bsides, one a week for twenty one weeks recorded over the past twenty ones years. ‘The Kid’ is perfect for summer festival listening.

11. Want a tune to listen to while chilling out? Look no further than Solar Taxi’s ‘Parcels’. Sit back, relax and allow Aisling’s beautiful vocals remove all your worries.

12. Dirty Epics’ ‘Midnight Missing’ is the perfect summer night out track, prepare to dance.

13. If electro pop is your thing then check out Toy Soldier’s ‘Climbing Trees’. A new act, but as this single shows one with a very bright future.

To book any of these acts, or others from our roster for your music festival call 353 1 201 3660 and speak to our team at AMA Music Agency.

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Festival Ideas 2013

andy kirk

22/05/2013

With the weather finally beginning to reflect the quickly approaching summer, it’s time to think about acts and ideas for your festival. With everything from established headliners to the hottest up and coming acts, we have something for every festival.

One of the biggest success stories of the past year has to be The Strypes, the Cavan four piece have received praise from the likes of Dave Grohl, Elton John, Jake Bugg, Colin Hanks, Noel Gallagher, Zane Lowe and of course Paul Weller. The former Jam frontman is such a fan he invited two of the band to accompany him for a special show in London. With appearances on Jools Holland and tours of Japan under their belts already, these boys are sure to be one of the biggest acts to come out of Ireland in years.

Five piece pop-rock act Keywest have gained a very loyal following in their short three years selling out tours around the country and with a forthcoming show in Dublin’s Vicar Street. Their debut album “The Message’ reached No.2 in the iTunes charts and was nominated by Hot Press for Best Debut Album. Having accumulated over one million YouTube views, the group are currently hard at work on their second album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmL8D9ubFEc

Bipolar Empire are a band with festivals in their blood, they even formed at one back in 2007. In the past few years they have become pros on the festival circuit playing Oxegen, Indiependence and Knockanstockan to name but a few, as well as tours in South America. They have been busy over the past few months recording tracks for their new album over in London set to be released before the end of the year.

Another female fronted act, Dirty Epics, SJ Wai has been described as one of the most exciting performers in the country. Veterans of the festival circuit, the electro pop group have graced the stages of Oxegen and even SXSW in Texas. Their first album ‘Straight In No Kissing’ was highly acclaimed within Ireland, with their latest release ‘One – Way Mirror’ receiving plenty of praise.

Paddy Casey is back on the live scene after a five year hiatus along with new material in the shape of new album ‘The Secret Life Of’, already confirmed to play Cork’s Indiependence, the summer is set to be a busy time for the singer songwriter.

Having been voted one of the Top Ten Irish Bands of All Time, The 4 Of Us, are still as popular with crowds as they were twenty years ago. Founding members and brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy have been wowing audiences around Europe with their acoustic show.

Winners of the IRMA Award for Best Newcomer in 1987, and Best Irish Group in 1989, Cry Before Dawn are back after a two decade long absence. They are receiving rave reviews and airplay for their latest single Is This What You Waited For?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ue0G5dtemM

If you’re looking for something a bit outside the box for your festival entertainment then look no further than hip hop comedy duo outfit The Rubberbandits. Gaining notoriety in Ireland and further afield for their appearances on The Republic Of Telly and their admirable campaign to beat the X Factor for Christmas No.1 with the hilarious Horse Outside, Blindboy Boatclub and Mr Chrome, along with unofficial member Willie O’DJ, have sold out venues across the country and in the UK. Opening up the Main Stage at Oxegen 2011, the boys attracted a crowd of over 20,000; the largest ever recorded for an opening act at the festival.

Daft Punk Tribute, complete with custom made helmets and LED lights are every bit as good as the real thing. With latest album “Random Access Memories” currently topping the charts and no tours planned for the duo, Daft Punk Tribute are as close as it is possible to get.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE-C9dCmzSQ

For something even more different, what about a Silent Disco? A must at any festival, featuring two DJs, audiences have the option of switching between frequencies on their headphones to listen to whatever takes their fancy. Always a huge hit with festival goers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak6eahUzVYY

To book any of these acts, or others from our roster for your music festival call +353 1 201 3660 and speak to our team at AMA Music Agency.

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