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BEFORE I DIE: youbloom | HEADROOM #7 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

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Life is short, so it’s good to have a list of the most important things to accomplish while doing the thing you love most. In BEFORE I DIE, we want to know what youbloomDublin 2016 Music Festival featured artists think should make the cut.

 

before i die

Daryl, Fresh Ré: 

1 | I’d like to do a track with Ty Dolla $ign.

2 |  I’d love to meet up with Zara Larsson.

3 |  Win awards for production.

Some of the youngest artists ever to play at youbloom – and we’re guessing most any other place they’ve played as well – five-piece pop musicians Fresh Ré play modern cover tunes with so much fun and energy they blow musicians twice their age off the stage. They’re sincere, they’re dedicated, and most of all, they’re good. For fans of: Vazquez Sounds, AJ Silva, Leeloo Love.

 

before i die

Siobhan, singer, songwriter, occasional keys & synths, Great White Lies: 

1 | To tour the world playing my music and getting paid!!

2 |  Write a stunning score for a feature film.

3 | Play a belting headline gig at Glastonbury.

Great White Lies blend jazz, 60s soul, and singer-songwriter styles so seamlessly it’s hard to tell what genre you’re helplessly bobbing your head to. Addictively groovy, captivating and skillful tunes. A true surprise. See them live at The Wiley Fox on Wed, June 1 at 11.30pm. For fans of: Natalie Merchant, Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton

 

before i die

Nicole Curry, Mo Kenny: 

1 | I’ve always wanted to play Massey Hall.

2 | A Polaris Prize nomination would be neat.

3 | Have one of my songs in a movie.

Canada’s own Mo Kenny is the answer to our singer-songwriter prayers, delivering sweetly sung yet deadly lyrics in a confident, dark style that evokes the take-no-prisoners best in all of us. By turns built on driving rhythms and skulking guitars, Mo’s gives it to us straight with a crisp, clear voice and an instrumental deftness that’s hard to beat. She plays The Grand Social acoustic stage on Wed, Jun 1 at 10.40pm. For fans of: Sky Ferreira, Florence and the Machine, Oh, Land

 

before i die

Dolly Daggerz, vox, Tokyo Taboo:

1 | One of our goals was to be played on BBC Radio 1 and that happened this year! So TICK! Now our goal is to be playlisted and endorsed by a Radio 1 DJ.

2 | Another would be to do an arena tour supporting a well-known band. Don’t care which one! Even if we think they are boring!

3 | Write a blacklist for new musicians and name and shame pay-to-play venues and promoters along with other scamsters!

Catchy, edgy garage pop outfit Tokyo Taboo have outrageous on speed-dial. Crafting ballsy tunes with a grungy edge, the duo demand attention – whether it’s through their relentlessly hard-to-forget hooks or their videos, sun-soaked odes to avant glam fun. You won’t forget these guys. Check them out on The Workman’s Club main stage on Thu, June 2 at 10.10pm. For fans of: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Louis XIV, The Breeders.

 

before i die

Tom Lucey, singer-songwriter: 

1 | I would love to play the main stage at Electric Picnic. I’ll be going this year again and the vibe is unreal. To be on the receiving end of that would be a dream come true.

2 | Record with Rick Rubin. The list of hits he has and the sounds he comes out with are mind-blowing at times.

3 | Sell out the INEC in my hometown. It’s been host to some of Ireland’s biggest acts and fits 3,000 people. There would be huge pride in doing that.

A true homegrown talent, both vocally and instrumentally, singer-songwriter Tom Lucey marries gentle trad and folk elements into a contemporary sound, crafting an easygoing story-telling style that will please the most avid fans of the genre. It’s soundtrack of your life type stuff. Brilliant. He plays KC Peaches on Thu, June 2 at 8pm. For fans of Tom Rosenthal, Daughter, Villagers

 

before i die

Jay, lead vox, The Smoking Giants: ‘When you are independent like us in this cutthroat business, it’s very hard to answer this question because you set goals to jam as much as you can, you set plans to record,  to book gigs, plan release dates for singles,EPs and videos and so on. So yeah we all want to get a record deal, have the number one album, go on a world tour. That would all be amazing; what band wouldn’t want it?? The Rock N Roll Bible may say ‘Sex, Drugs & Rock’n’Roll, but in our case it’s Sex, Drugs & On The Dole!
The mains thing is to do it for the right reasons. The buzz of playing live is who cares if one person claps? We’re doing it for the love and passion of music and to be playing with lads who feel the same way. I have no goals set beyond continuing to do what I do. Music will always be a part of my life.’

Superbly crafted pop songs to accompany your next big adventure – think road trip into the great wide open – with all the elements in their right place: skillful guitar hooks, driving drums, and anthemic vocals to belt with friends at the top of your lungs. They play The Wiley Fox on Wed, Jun 1 at 10.40pm. For fans of: The Last Shadow Puppets, The Las, Muse

 

What’s on your list? Share your Top 3 in the comments below:

 

MY FIRST TIME: youbloom | HEADROOM #6 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

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For some, it’s the golden memory to last a lifetime. For others, it’s a horror showreel that haunts those delicate pre-sleep moments and is best left…in the past.

MY FIRST TIME is youbloom | HEADROOM‘s look into the variously-coloured pasts of featured youbloom Music Festival artists and asks them to spill the beans on what they can remember about their very first band experiences. After all, you had to start somewhere. We just hope all the evidence hasn’t been totally destroyed.

 

my first time

Sarah Buckley, singer-songwriter: ‘This is my first band! When I was growing up I didn’t know anyone – family or friends – who played music so I only started playing music as an adult in the last few years!’

Cork native singer-songwriter Sarah Buckley has a talent that is almost colossal in its potential. Her style blends intuitive songwriting with a raw, honest, soulful vocal twang that recalls some of the best acousto-folk and country singers of all time. It’s a pleasure getting lost in that voice. Come see for yourself at The Grand Social acoustic stage on Thurs June 2 at 7.40pm. For fans of: First Aid Kit, Laura Marling, Bon Iver

 

my first time

Damien McFly, singer-songwriter: ‘My first band was named The Shoulder To Cry. I was the only one who could actually play some tunes on the guitar. I had to teach the bass player how to play bass and the keyboard player how to play keys. We played one gig at a birthday party and then it was over. Everything was so funny at that time; one gig and I felt like a rockstar.’

With a voice that recalls the late, great Jeff Buckley and a fervent style that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary styles, the Italian-born Damien McFly is an exciting find in the world of acoustic singer/songwriters. With stripped back instrumentation and daring melodic choices, he’s one to watch. See him do his thing live on The Grand Social acoustic stage on Thursday, June 2 at 9.10pm. For fans of: Jeff Buckley, Antony and the Johnsons, Ben Harper

 

my first time

Ahren-B: ‘Gateway City was the first, last and only band I’ll be in. It was fun while it lasted; consistency lacked towards the end and we all wanted different things out of music and decided to go separate ways.’

Ahren-B has come a long way since we last saw him, with a sound and style that progresses relentlessly from strength to strength. His latest release, this year’s Friends With The Devil, finds Ahren-B blending blues and gospel inspirations into the mix; a heady brew when you add in his signature social commentary and sharp-as-knives delivery. We love this artist, and know you will, too. Come see him play The Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 8.10pm. For fans of: Immortal Technique, Saul Williams, Talib Kweli

 

my first time

Nicola Karen Creighton/Byrne AKA Karmony, backup vox, Stone & Jezreel: ‘At the age of 8 I first sang in the Rathfarnham Inn with my uncle Eddie Creighton and the Pearse Butler Band every Sunday.‘

my first time

Dorothy Momodu AKA JEZREEL, lead vocalist, Stone & Jezreel: ‘Living Waters. (We were) a singing group in secondary school and we sang on Sundays in church. We were actually really good, LOL.’

With fresh lyrics, mixed vocals, laid-back beats, and unusual, addicting instrumental choices, Stone& Jezreel have tapped into the hinterlands of great hip-hop, and are busy blazing new trails to the frontiers of what’s possible in the genre. Infectious and satisfying, they play The Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 10.10pm. For fans of: Childish Gambino, Asher Roth, Angel Haze

 

my first time

Dan, bass guitar, Toya Delazy: ‘My first band was a punk/metal band called Dutch Courage. We weren’t too bad for a bunch of angsty teenagers, although we probably spent more time getting silly than actually rehearsing.  But isn’t that the point of being in a band with your best mates?’

Zulu royal (yes, you read that right), jazz pianist, producer and singer-songwriter Latoya Buthelezi spends her days crafting jazz-electro-hip-hop dancefloor fillers that have received critical acclaim in her native South Africa as well as abroad. It’s crisp, smart music with depth and groove from a backing band that have it on lockdown. Don’t miss their show at The Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 9.30pm. For fans of: Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, Young Money

 

my first time

 Jay, Color Palette: ‘We were called Tension Mounting. And we were horrible! LOL. We did Rage Against The Machine covers, mostly.’

With the epic feel of some of the best to come from the 80s Manchester scene mixed with unexpected elements of hard rock and electronica, this band is a total surprise. We can’t wait to see how this translates live at The Wiley Fox on Friday, June 3 at 11pm. For fans of: The Stone Roses, Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana

 

We’re willing to bet some of you readers have been in bands with questionable material and even more questionable fashion sense — or have seen a band perform for the very first time. What lurks beneath the murky surface of that brain of yours? Share the memories in the comments below: 

WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’: youbloom | HEADROOM #5 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

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Well I woke up this mornin’ | Didn’t feel like myself | Took a look in the mirror | I was somebody else. 

What musical idol would you be if you woke up tomorrow as someone totally different? 

Five featured artists from the upcoming youbloomDublin 2016 Music Summit & Festival share their body-swapping fantasies for another round of HEADROOM.

woke up this mornin'

Dolly Daggerz, vox, Tokyo Taboo: ‘I would like to be Janis Joplin with feathers in my hair singing Cry Baby with all those talky ad libs she does live. She is to me the most amazing artist that ever lived. I would never go back to drugs so she would still be alive today!’

Catchy, edgy garage pop outfit Tokyo Taboo have outrageous on speed-dial. Crafting ballsy tunes with a grungy edge, the duo demand attention – whether it’s through their relentlessly hard-to-forget hooks or their videos, sun-soaked odes to avant glam fun. You won’t forget these guys. For fans of: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Louis XIV, The Breeders

 

woke up this mornin'

NINA: ‘I’d be Freddie Mercury and perform at Wembley. He was the best showman in the world. I really admire his musicianship and his energy on stage.’

Stunningly talented electro pop queen NINA serves up synth-drenched, sultry tunes that are as dark and reflective as they are smooth and urbane. With top notch production it’s clear this artist is on top of her game, and only just getting started. For fans of: Kavinsky, Salt Ashes, The Motels

 

woke up this mornin'

Tom Lucey, singer-songwriter: ‘I could give so many answers to this but to pick one I’ll have to say Ed Sheeran. He has written music with people whose music I love. Also, his writing is incredible; there isn’t a song of his I don’t like. (He) sold out Wembley and Croke Park and every venue he went to in the past two years. He’s had a pretty amazing few years and it’s only the start. I know people would say you have to pick one of the greats but he will be one of  those in years to come.’

A true homegrown talent, both vocally and instrumentally, pianist Tom Lucey marries gentle trad and folk elements into a contemporary sound, crafting an easygoing story-telling style that will please the most avid fans of singer-songwriters. It’s soundtrack of your life type stuff. Brilliant. For fans of: Tom Rosenthal, Daughter, Villagers

 

woke up this mornin'

Garrett Wall, guitar & lead vox, Track Dogs: ‘Wow, a hard one. I think I’d probably have to say someone who does something I can’t really do, which is solo well on guitar, so I’d probably choose the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt or Paco de Lucia, the flamenco legend. To be able to play like those guys would be a trip, no doubt.’

Tongue-in-cheek, fun, Americana from four expats living in Spain. Their influences are broad and spot-on, and the music they make is tight, generous and well-turned-out. We can’t wait for their live show. For fans of: Hayseed Dixie, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Devil Makes Three

 

woke up this mornin'

AERYNN, singer/songwriter (vocals, guitar, sometimes piano): ‘Lady Gaga comes to mind, because she brilliantly did precisely what she needed to do for success in the music industry, catering to media and the pop market, and now she can produce and perform whatever art or music she likes. I really admire her brain. Alternately, Carole King. She was writing songs at such an interesting time in history, when the solo singer-songwriter really flourished, and when we all had longer attention spans!’

Impeccable, confident folk from an artist with alternative rock roots, Aerynn writes songs with grace and intrigue. Her formula strays from too much structure, enjoying refreshing, attention-grabbing rhythmic choices and stream-of-consciousness delivery. A bright take on a classic. For fans of: Judee Sill, Laura Nyro, Bert Jansch

 

What about you? Got an inner Phil Collins you’d want to see looking back at you? Let us know in the comments below. 

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE: youbloom | HEADROOM #4 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

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Music runs deep in the veins of the artists we invite to play at our festivals. It’s their bread and butter, their reasons for being. But what would happen if they had to choose something else to spend their time and creative energy on? It’s an impossible choice, but we’ve asked six of of our upcoming artists to answer it. 

 

impossible choice

Preetam Sengupta, singer-songwriter: ‘Honestly, I want to help change the world. I’m kind of an environmental nerd, and I think we all have a role to play in making sure the planet is preserved for as many generations as possible. I think this is something I can and should do, even as a musician. With the platform we have, I think musicians have a responsibility as environmental role models, whether we’re famous or not. But yeah, if I weren’t playing music, I’d love to dedicate my creative energy to teaching people to consider our planet in the decisions they make in life. That, or be a spy. That might be fun, right?’

Impossibly beautiful songcraft from a great singer-songwriter talent, Preetam Sengupta’s music flows with all the hypnotic power of a river in summer, evoking something as pure and honest as a first love. It’s powerful and mesmerising and you don’t want to miss it. For fans of: Nick Drake, Joshua Radin, Teddy Geiger

 

impossible choice

Chris Breslin, bass guitar & backing vox, D-Day: ‘That’s a tough one. Maybe I’d try to put that Arts degree to some use and have a go at being a teacher. It would probably all end up a little bit School of Rock though.’

Darragh Whyte, lead guitar & lead vox, D-Day: ‘You would have to put me in a straitjacket to keep me from playing music; I have the bug and the passion for it – it’s what I do. In the unlikely event of that happening I would be working in the field of finance, preferably in the music industry as I studied Financial Maths in college. I’d show the guys in the suits how to rock.’

With a dynamic vocal style reminiscent of early-days Mick Jagger, and catchy, masterly rock n’ roll harmonies and riffs, D-Day are a band on a mission to keep the stripped-back sensibilities of the classics alive in an age where digital reigns king. You don’t want to miss these guys. For fans of: Primal Scream, Supergrass, The Troggs

 

 

impossible choice

Mick Lennon, rapper, Just Mikey: ‘Well, considering ye get f..k all in this country for been a rapper, with most places expecting you to do a gig for free. I work 6 days a week to provide for my family, so if I wasn’t making music, I’d be pretty boring. Go to work, come home, watch telly, sleep, and do it all again the next day. But I have been known to make a serious pesto pasta. So I could be a chef.‘

I cannot say enough how fire this is. Taking up the baton for authentic, cut-to-the-bone Irish hip hop, Just Mikey are intent on speaking their truth on their terms, with nothing artificial added. Ones to watch. For fans of Deichkind, Lethal Dialect, Rusangano Family, Trillion

 

impossible choice

Emily, vox & guitar, Vernon Jane: ‘I’d be so lost without music; it is a creative gift, it’s natural. There are so many creative outlets in this world; painting and art are a few that I love. I think the more you embrace the natural aspects of life the more creative you become. Creativity is all around us, you just have to take a deep breath and dive in. ‘

Jazz, soul and funk-influenced, with an impressively complex and well-considered production and infectious, understated grooves, Vernon Jane are a hard act to beat in terms of style and substance. They’ve got the chops and the groove and they’re coming to youbloom to make you sweat. For fans of: Dory Previn, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Alice Smith

 

impossible choice

Jay, lead vox, The Smoking Giants: ‘Eh, I’d like to be a wizard?‘

Superbly crafted pop songs to accompany your next big adventure – think road trip into the great wide open – with all the elements in their right place: skillful guitar hooks, driving drums, and anthemic vocals to belt with friends at the top of your lungs. For fans of: The Last Shadow Puppets, The Las, Muse

BEFORE I DIE: youbloom | HEADROOM #3 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

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“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.”

One of the most influential composers of his time and to this day, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s name might not exactly conjure images of blazing guitars and hot tubs full of topless, adoring groupies. Yet the Russian musician kept his nose to the musical grindstone despite repeated tragedy in his early life, eventually rising to fame as one of the Soviet Union’s biggest names.

The topless groupies would come later – Sergei was reportedly a regular at Los Angeles’ notoriously debaucherous Garden of Allah hotel in the 40s, one of the original secret sin palaces for the world’s biggest stars and their friends. Rachmaninoff is also the man credited with the quote above, something anyone with a passion for music can attest is pretty bang on the money.

My point? Life is short, as our friend Rachmaninoff has famously observed. And, like the Russian firehouse, if you’ve got things you want to do, there’s no time like right effin’ now to make tracks towards seeing them through. So we wanted to know what artists from the youbloom Dublin 2016 Music Festival (June 1-3) list as their Top 3 BEFORE I DIE must-dos. Here’s what they had to say:

BEFORE I DIE

Kellie Marie, singer-songwriter, acoustic and electric guitars, Kellie Marie Reynolds:  ‘

1 | Selling out Whelans!!!!

2 |  Selling out the Olympia.

3 | Supporting my heroes, Laura Marling, Patti Smith, and PJ Harvey.

One of the most unique vocalists to find her way on to the youbloom bill in quite some time, Kellie Marie Reynolds crafts a wicked concoction of stripped-down acoustic melodies, intimate cabaret-style whispers and growling crescendos featuring all the vocal power of a hurricane. She’s up there with the best, and not one to miss. For fans of: Concrete Blonde, Ruth Brown, Rose Royce.

 

BEFORE I DIE

Rob & Ashlee, Fresh Ré:

Rob:

1 | Win a major award. It would be a great feeling and would mean a lot to me.

2 | Having a song hit number one in the charts and knowing people love what you’re doing would be incredible.

3 | Perform at a massive event such as Glastonbury, or else headline our own show in a massive venue like Wembley stadium and sell it out.

Ashlee:

1 | Capture the hearts of millions of people with our music.

2 | Tour the world with our band.

3 | Get to have the best job in the world being able to play music and do what you love for the rest of your life.

Some of the youngest artists ever to play at youbloom – and we’re guessing most any other place they’ve played as well – five-piece pop musicians Fresh Ré play modern cover tunes with so much fun and energy they blow musicians twice their age off the stage. They’re sincere, they’re dedicated, and most of all, they’re good. For fans of: Vazquez Sounds, AJ Silva, Leeloo Love.

 

BEFORE I DIE

Killian Ruffley, singer, guitarist and songwriter:

1 | One thing I’ve always wanted to do is completely just up and go and live somewhere in complete isolation with nothing but musical equipment and write and record an album.

I would love to know what someone’s creative capacity is when removed from everyday, civilized life. So many things clog our creative thinking in the modernized world that it can interfere with how we write music and how we judge what we write.

2 | I’ve also always wanted one of my songs to be used in a well-known film or TV show. I’m a big movie fan. If (you’re watching) an emotional part of a scene, everyone knows how much a good song can really make it hit home.

3 | I’ve always wanted to play to a couple thousand people and have them all singing my songs back to me I mean, what musician doesn’t dream about that?!?

Emotive, powerful vocals are the first standout element in Irish singer-songwriter Killian Ruffley’s tunes, which defy categorisation, straddling the line somewhere between 2010s indie stylistics and 90s-influenced hit rock radio (with even a little trad and funk thrown in for good measure). Ruffley is no slouch, doing things his own way, with top notch results. For fans of: Biffy Clyro, Young the Giant, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

 

BEFORE I DIE

Shane Ó Fearghail, singer-songwriter: 

1 | To be a songwriter producing albums. Box already ticked!

2 | To be an artist working with other musicians and artists, collaborating, making a living, travelling and writing. Box ticked!

3 | To create and develop studios in the Alps and Ireland where writers and artists can come together to produce material, hang out, network and develop their crafts as well as work on new concepts. Working on it!

Vienna-dwelling Tallaght native Shane Ó Fearghail has the kind of vocal style that has traditionally always paired magically with an acoustic guitar. It’s the kind of music that sweeps you up in its storytelling, takes you for a ride and drops you off miles from home without a phone. Thing is, you don’t mind the walk back, humming the tune now stuck in your head. One to watch. For fans of: Loudoun Wainwright III, Ron Sexsmith, Daniel Lanois

**What do you think? If you had to list three things to check off your professional – or personal – bucket list, what would they be?

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