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Elbow’s Guy Garvey hits out at rip-off promoters

14/10/2010

Elbow frontman Guy Garvey has spoken up against promoters who rip-off off young bands by operating a pay to play scheme. Speaking at the annual In The City music conference, Garvey blamed the system for stifling new talent. “There needs to be something really strong in place if a promoter is found to be ripping off young bands,” Garvey said. “It’s really really unfair. It’s basically playing on the hopes and dreams of people who are at the very first hurdle of their musical careers.”

He also remembered the treatment that his own band received in their early days. “If I knew that you could get in touch with the Mus

icians Union and I knew there was someone local who you could report said promoter to, that would be the way to do it. It should be the norm that you don’t get ripped off. I think it should be policed more.”

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Why should a band use a booking agent?

andy kirk

22/09/2010

As the DIY ethos in music continues to spread throughout the world of recording, promotion and record labels, so many bands approach the booking of live gigs themselves. While this may seem like a sensible and money saving option, in truth there is much to be gained from working with an experienced agent. Here are a few reasons why you should consider your options:

Manage your diary in one place – avoid mix ups and double bookings by having one person manage your schedule. Pass on all enquiries.

Access to venues – as an agent we are in direct contact with venues and promoters across the country. Save on wasted time sending unanswered emails and unreturned calls by letting us do the work for you.

Widen your options – as well as the traditional music venues we have strong links in the corporate and event world. This means that you will be able to book in shows that don't affect your regular touring.

Get The Best Access

>Mix and match – use outside professionals when it suits you (ie. record in a studio, release music yourselves).

Earn more money – quite simply, an agent can probably get you more gigs for better money. They can also plan tours in a manner that will cut down on travelling expenses etc

Get the backing of professionals – we are always on hand to offer our bands help

and advice, plus our full productions and promotional back-up.

And finally… – if you do all the above, you can avoid this….

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AMA's Top Emerging Bands

AMA Music

21/09/2010

Aside from the well known and established bands on our site, the AMA Music Agency is also home to many of the most exciting and lauded new acts in Ireland. From rock to pop, electronic to singer songwriters, our emerging artists provide a vital snapshot of what’s happening in Irish music today. Here’s our guide to some the best:

Fred – Part of the great tradition of left of centre bands from Cork, Fred have been making firm commercial progress over three albums. Latest Go God Go spawned a number of hit singles and success has followed, not only at home, but in Canada and Europe as well.

Talulah Does The Hula – The nation’s brightest new pop quintet rose from the ashes of The Chalets to continue the latter’s proud tradition of putting the sparkle into Irish music. Recently seen on The Late Late Show performing their latest single ‘Don’t Panic’, the band will be touring Ireland later in the year.

Le Galaxie – A four man interface with a weird world of electronics, Le Galaxie kick up a dance floor friendly instrumental storm. A series of independent single releases have cemented their position as one of Ireland’s most dynamic

new bands, with their 2011 debut album expecting to lift them to even greater heights.

Sweet Jane

– The classic rock ‘n’ roll attitude is alive and well and embodied by Dublin’s Sweet Jane. Fronted by the devastating duo of Lydia Des Dolles and Danda Paxton, they have been championed by the likes of Alan McGee, Power Of Dreams and Glasvegas.

Preachers Son – Fronted by Brian Hogan of Kila and Emmaline Duffy-Fallon (previously of Engine Alley), Preachers Son are a glamourous yet dark journey into the heart of music. Debut album Love, Life And Limb is out now.

Hal – That Hal’s debut single was a tribute to The Band’s Rick Danko makes perfect sense, enthralled as the band are by the sound of classic American music. Gorgeous harmonies combine with sweet melodies to create a sound that effortlessly transports the listener to another, dreamy place.

Other City Records Package Tour – Any Other City Records is one of Ireland's most exciting new labels. Founded by James Byrne of Villagers, it was the label that first brought us Conor O'Brien in that guise and has gone on to showcase some of the best new talent in Ireland. Their three act package tour features New Amusement, Squarehead and Hello Moon, all emerging bands who have been winning plaudits in the press of late. This triple bill is available at a special introductory price for national dates in November and December.

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AMA's Top Irish Rock Bands

AMA Music

21/09/2010

Far more than just the home to U2 and Thin Lizzy, Ireland has been a hotbed of musical talent and the twenty first century is no exception. Our bands have not only built a high profile at home but also on an international level with more and more artists selling out tours and appearing on TV soundtracks. Here are some of Ireland's most enduring and exciting rock bands:

Aslan – With timeless classics such as 'Crazy World' and 'This Is', Aslan have maintained a rapport with a significant fanbase on a local and international scale. Check out their Australian tour 2010 in anticipation of their new album release in 2011.

The Coronas – The Coronas’ career has soared since their first EP release 5 years ago. This band has achieved success at home and overseas, with tours in The U.S, U.K and Asia and two albums of commercial acclaim, two Meteor Award Nominations and a victorious appearance on Oxegen’s Main Stage.

Jerry Fish & The Mudbug Club – A true Irish troubadour, Jerry Fish has led the Mudbug Club to commercial success and huge audience acclaim. One of the most talked about acts at this year's Electric Picnic, Jerry Fish can perform in a variety of musical formats – from duo to full band.

Delorentos – Nominated for two Meteor Awards and the Choice Music Prize, Delorentos (pictured) have toured with the likes of Bell X1 and The Futureheads. 2010 has seen the band expand its fanbase at home and throughout Europe. We look forward to their third album due for

release in 2011.

Republic Of Loose – Quite simply one of the most unique bands on the Irish scene, Republic Of Loose have brought a range of musical influences to their three albums to date. New record Bounce At The Devil saw them relocate to Baltimore to further immerse themselves in black American music and culture.

The 4 Of Us – Best known for their hit single 'Mary, The 4 Of Us were voted

one of the Top10 Best Irish Bands Of All Time in a recent TV3 series.

Ham Sandwich – Blessed with a creative yet polished sound, Ham Sandwich follow their hit single 'The Naturist' with the eagerly awaited second album 'White Fox'.

Director – Director's 2007 album We Thrive On Big Cities brought the band widespread success in Ireland, debuting at number two in the album charts for four weeks. Follow up I'll Wait For Sound saw them showcase a harder, rawer sound.

RoySeven – Royseven are an exciting presence within the Irish Music Scene. This six-piece alternative band have achieved great acknowledgement in the last few years. They were awarded the Hope for 2007 Meteor Award & Other Voices Viewer Choice 2007.

Dirty Epics – One of Ireland’s most original and unique punk bands. With an essence of new wave and charismatic performances this band are emerging to great effect within the Irish music scene.

Roots and Bluegrass

Niall Toner Band

AMA Music

30/08/2010

Niall Toner hails originally from Harold’s Cross in Dublin, and re-located to Myshall, County Carlow, in 2001, where he got together with Clem O’Brien and Dick Gladney, and formed the NTB. Niall is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading experts on Bluegrass and American Country Music. He brings his knowledge of music to a wide audience through his performances with his band, and on his radio show Roots Freeway on RTE Radio One, which features a wide range of music, from Bluegrass and Old Timey to Blues and Cajun, with contemporary singer-songwriters, traditional Irish music and live.
muscle building supplementsstudio guests. Niall has also been nominated for several PPI Radio Awards.
Niall Toner – Chainsaw Country Blues by A.M.A. Music Agency
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Why book through a music agency?

andy kirk

30/08/2010

So you want to book a band, either for your venue, your corporate event or your festival. How do you approach the task? It is possible to grab the nearest music guide, find a contact for almost any band and go to them directly yourself. Yet what might seem to be the simplest and most effective method turns out to be far from the best.

Why go through a booking agent? As with many other areas of business, the use of a third party is ultimately the best way to deal with your chosen artist. By dealing directly and exclusively with their acts, an agency can ensure that they have first call on any date – something that calling a band yourself could not guarantee. By building a relationship with their artists, a good agent will have their complete trust to find them the right shows in the right venues. As such, most acts will pass on any enquiry to their agent anyway.

It makes financial sense too, as exclusive agents are able to get the best possible price on an artist (with no hidden extras or add ons) and often offer special deals and discounts. By booking with A.M.A. buy anabolic steroids you can save yourself up to 20% on fees from non-exclusive agencies and gain access to great package deals on emerging talent and experienced festival DJs.

When working with an experienced booking agent you also guarantee yourself a complete support network – starting with expert advice on which artist will suit your requirements through to production and technical advice, the latest press and promotional material and a choice of support act from their emerging talent roster. Best of all, there is always someone on hand to give expert advice on all aspects of live music.

With over twenty years experience in the music agency field, Audio Networks have established themselves as Ireland’s leading booking agent. Call us today on + 353- 1 -201 3660 or + 353 86 -2504- 795 for more details.

“Moonlight” The Philip Lynott Enigma