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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

A Californian in Dublin: Travels of a Busker

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It takes a lot of nerve to walk out on the street with an instrument in hand and start playing and singing for everyone to hear. But what about hopping on a plane and walking out onto the streets of a totally foreign city to do the same? That takes more than nerve – that takes cojones. Californian busker Albert Khalbourji did just that when he flew to Ireland with only one thing in mind: to share his music. Along the way, he had more than his fair share of adventures, which he recounts for youbloom here in A Californian in Dublin: Travels of a Busker.

Busking in Dublin

DAY ONE

I arrived in Dublin from England on the 15th of March ready to busk my heart away! I had my guitar and harmonica and my handy dandy backpack. I was determined to start playing as soon as I got off the rather short flight but the weather was against me. It was extremely cold. In California, where I’m from, the weather had never affected my busking, so this was new. I headed off to Blessington, the place I would call home for the next two weeks!

I left the shop with my guitar and walked through the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green Park. I thought I had seen a lot of green in England but Ireland is engulfed with nature!

DAY TWO

The next time I went to Dublin was St. Patrick’s Day. The weather was beautiful and the sun was shining brighter than I had seen in awhile! I figured I would go into town and play on Grafton Street. On the bus to Dublin I met this nice lady named Ciara who struck up a conversation about music with me. We were talking about all sorts of bands, most of whom I’ve never heard, but then we got onto the topic of why I was in Ireland. Why hadn’t I stayed in sunny California? The truth was, I was determined to share my music with the world and what better place to take my folky acoustic style to than Ireland!? I didn’t end up busking on St. Patrick’s Day, opting instead to hang out with some great Irish people and celebrate a great holiday!

No one turned their heads to listen, but that was something I was used to; not everyone has time to listen. The world is changing, people are continuously on the move.

DAY THREE

I was starting to get the hang of taking the bus into Dublin (might I add the buses have Wifi!?). Today was the day I would go into town and busk my heart away. I arrived in Dublin and went to a sandwich shop. I can’t recall the name, but they made fantastic sandwiches. I didn’t know what I wanted so I told them to surprise me! And they did! It was called a California Chicken – an amazing sandwich. I left the shop with my guitar and walked through the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green Park. I thought I had seen a lot of green in England but Ireland is engulfed with nature!

One thing I noticed while I was in Ireland is that the people are very caring and they appreciate good music!

Travels of a Busker
Albert with hero and legend Donovan!

I found myself on Grafton street and felt intimidated by the many passing people. I made my way to the pub from the night before and found a little flower stand set up outside. I built up some courage and started to play my guitar little ways away from the flowers. No one turned their heads to listen, but that was something I was used to; not everyone has time to listen. The world is changing, people are continuously on the move. And my acoustic guitar is just too quiet without its amp, meaning I can only play so loud before the sound gets jumbled. Sometimes I will sing but I usually play the harmonica instead. I think it can be agreed that it’s louder and more attractive than my voice!

On the night of the 20th, I missed my bus back to Blessington so I had to stay in Dublin with nothing but my guitar.

The flower lady came up to me and told me to move to a better spot, one she was pointing at, a spot where people would hear me better. One thing I noticed while I was in Ireland is that the people are very caring and they appreciate good music! I began to play and blow my heart into my harmonica and I made my first euro! It’s always exciting to make the first quid. After an hour or so, the weather became more frigid and my fingers froze! Busking in Ireland or England – or anywhere cold, really – takes a lot of willpower. It’s tough just to get up and go outside, nevermind stand in the cold and play. I do a little jig as I play, just to stay warm.

Travels of a Busker
Albert kicking it with Dublin’s own Phil Lynott…statue.

On the night of the 20th, I missed my bus back to Blessington so I had to stay in Dublin with nothing but my guitar.I roamed Grafton street busking from one pub to another because I ran out of money. But I noticed that I made more money when people were drunk, which perhaps is no surprise. People enjoyed my music and I enjoyed their company. As time went on, the colder it became. I wandered around looking for a place to sit because it had begun to rain. I found a shop that was out of the way of the weather and set myself up. I sat and waited til the sunrise came. Not long after the that I got up and started my day. Busking on Grafton street was really an experience I will never forget.

It was like I was lucky the whole time I was there.

FINAL THOUGHTS

One thing that helped me along my journey was carrying my guitar with me all the time. Not only did I get to play but people always seemed shocked that it’s not in a case. I’ve had people in a pub ask me to play a song, so I play something funny like Piano Man on guitar. The whole place starts singing. I’ve even gotten to play a few songs at a pub because the bartender struck up a conversation about my music. All in all, busking around Ireland was very fun and successful. I learned a lot about myself and I can’t wait to go back! It was like I was lucky the whole time I was there.

**Are your cojones the size of Albert’s? Could you busk your way around a city halfway around the world? Have you done it already? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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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