• EVENTS
  • ABOUT US
  • HELP CENTER
  • SIGN UP
  • LOG IN
  • JOIN US/LOG IN
You are here: Home / Archives for featuredartists

BEFORE I DIE: youbloom | HEADROOM #2 with Featured Artists from the youbloomLA 2016 Music Summit and Festival.

15-Aug-2016 By Shannon Duvall

You don’t have to have a bucket to have a list: BEFORE I DIE is youbloom | HEADROOM‘s ultimate question: When all is said and done and they’re carving your name into granite, what are the Top 3 things you want to have done with your time in the world of music?

 

Five featured artists from our upcoming youbloomLA 2016 Music Summit and Festival narrow it down for us in this week’s edition of HEADROOM.

 

 

BEFORE I DIE

Dame Neema, F.Y.I.: 

1 | Put out an album on a major label that will be at major retail chains for sale.

2 | Tour the world performing songs from albums I’ve released.

3 | Be considered one of Top 50 MCs of all time

This is smart and seriously well-produced hip-hop that leaves no stone unturned in terms of composition. Every opportunity for a great riff is taken. Every hummable melody and razor-sharp hook is put to use, making for an instantly danceable, ridable, head-noddable record. Do not miss this one. For fans of: Consequence, Rhymefest, The Alchemist

 

BEFORE I DIE

Danny Cieplinski, lead vox, The Vigils:

1 |  I already achieved one of them when we recently recorded She’s Gone. I don’t imagine I’ll ever write another song that’s as important to me personally as that one.

2 | I would love the opportunity to perform our music around the world, in Australia in particular.

3 | Lastly, striving audaciously high here, I would ultimately like to be viewed, at least by some, as the Joe Strummer equivalent of my generation! Gene Vincent, Lou Reed, Phil Lynott, Stiv Bators, Michael Hutchence, Lux Interior, Peter Steele, the Ramones…It’s rather sad and pathetic to think that there’s no one under the age of 50 that comes remotely close to their level, representing and defining Rock ‘N’ Roll the way they did. I like to think it’s never too late. And there can only be one Bowie.

The best thing about rock ‘n roll in the late 50s and early 60s was undoubtedly its IDGAF sentiment, a vibe that’s been echoed through the decades by some of the very best artists and bands to coif their hair and pick up a guitar. The rebels behind the Vigils serve up exactly this calibre of quality rock, keeping the torch lit for generations to come.

For fans of: anything Phil Spector ever touched, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Cramps

 

BEFORE I DIE

James Cottriall:

1 | My number one goal has always been my dream from the moment I first strummed a guitar: to play at Madison Square Garden. I don’t care if it’s a sold-out headline show or in the foyer at a convention…I won’t rest until I have played in that building.

2 | The second goal is to play on every continent in the world, including the Antarctic. I’ve already played North America, Europe, Asia and Africa so I am well on my way to achieving this, but there’re still a few to go!

3 | Finally, number three would be to write a song for another artist that became a global smash, so that everyone sang it and loved it but no one really knew it was me responsible for that awesomeness: the unsung hero.

Confessional and heartfelt, with carefully placed synthy elements and a born-for-the-radio pop groove, James Cottriall’s music is as satisfying as a summertime road trip with best friends or the glint in the eye of a new crush. The production is perfection and Cottriall holds his own as a talent to watch. For fans of: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Noah and the Whale, Peter Bjorn and John

 

BEFORE I DIE

Paige Byrd, guitar & vox, The Captain’s Son:

1 | Tour the world.

2 | Get a parody about me/us on South Park.

3 | Build a recording studio in which I record my stuff and help other artists develop.

For fabulously loose-hinged min pop masterpieces, with jangly guitars and a fuzzed-out vibe that resists having the finger put squarely on it, The Captain’s Son sound like they time-traveled to every era of rock n’ roll, taking the very best elements from each and returning with a freakish, beautiful creation that’s impossible to turn off. Brilliant stuff.

For fans of: The Black Keys, early Nirvana, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Who

 

BEFORE I DIE

Mackenzie Robert, vox & songwriting, HERØINE:

1 | To have never given up.

2 | To have created dialogue around God’s word.

3 | To have created a powerful community for my fans.

Want powerful electro-pop anthems with white hot vocals and made for the dancefloor grooves? Look no further than HERØINE, whose epic, beat-driven tunes are the glorious dance-pop gems you’ve been waiting for. Sure to put on a superb performance at youbloomLA; fans of slick, sexy electro won’t want to miss this. For fans of: Sia, Clean Bandit, Zara Larsson

 


So what’s on your list? If you had to write a BEFORE I DIE, what three things would be most important to you? Let us know below:

Filed Under: Artist Discovery, Independent Musicians, Interviews, youbloomLA Tagged With: 2016, band interview, community, DIY, featured artists, featuredartists, HEADROOM, lead singer, live gigs, live music, los angeles, millenial, music, music conference, music festival, music industry, music industry news, music scene, musicians, performance, spotlight, stage presence, ybLA16, youbloom, youbloomLA2016

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

10-Aug-2016 By Shannon Duvall

It’s not always easy to know what your purpose is in life, but it’s even tougher to make THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE and consider a backup plan should a dream fail to see the light of day.

 

Five incredibly talented artists set to play our upcoming festival are up to the challenge, however, so we asked them: if you had to choose another road, where would it lead? Read on to find out what they said.

 

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

Dre DiMura, guitar & backing vox, Evol Walks: ‘Well in addition to my career as a musician I also spend a great deal of time acting, so I imagine I would be on set making films. I’d actually really like to live in London and do Shakespeare. Doing Twelfth Night or maybe playing one of the artisans in Midsummer Night’s Dream, or Brutus in Julius Caesar. There are too many great parts! I’ve also thought about becoming a journalist or moving to Italy to teach English.’

Endlessly catchy riffs and smart hooks form the backbone of Evol Walks’ songs, in parts a nod to shamelessly badass 80s hard rock progressions, while in others an ultra-contemporary fuzz chug…thing. It’s tough to categorize, which we LOVE, and it’s got guts. The kind of stuff to break things to…or just hold your lighter in the air and bang your head. Fantastic. For fans of: Le Butcherettes, Black Lips, The Kills

 

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICEAdriana, vox, Tigercide: ‘Probably an archaeologist.’

 

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

Brendan, synths, DJ, Tigercide: ‘I would be a mushroom farmer and movie director. I would still wear black.’

For everyone currently frothing for the music from hit Netflix series Stranger Things, the resurgence of smart, sexy electro pop made well is a dream come true. Enter Tigercide, who have all the elements – throbbing beat, atmospheric synths, otherworldly vocals – and they know exactly how to put them together to create a sonic escape for the listener that evokes your most Nintendo/John Carpenter nostalgia. Ones to watch. For fans of: Gunship, Shit Robot, The Phenomenal Handclap Band

 

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

Victoria Scott, lead vox & songwriting, The Blue Dolphins: ‘Last year I said I’d be a novelist and this year I can say that I have the first draft of a novel that I am currently submitting places. I love words, in song or prose. The crafting of them entertains me infinitely. Words are powerful! I think ‘yes’ and ‘no’ are the two most powerful words in the world, in any language.’

A favorite in LA in 2015, the Blue Dolphins are back, their sound evolved even further, blending clear, pretty vocals with south-of-the-border, surfy sentiments, and a growing confidence. Unabashedly succinct, feel-good tunes from a duo who, from the sounds of it, are well on their way. For fans of: The Sleepovers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, a sweeter, less fuzzy Mika Miko
THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

 

Grover Anderson: ‘I love the English language and I love theater, so I’d probably be teaching at a high school and doing community theatre on the weekends. But I’d definitely be that cool English teacher who plays vintage vinyl records during tests.’

Wistful and clever, the wonderfully proficient Grover Anderson weaves together songs that mix youthful whimsy with heartfelt daydreams, delivering them to eager ears with a stripped-back, pure and well-considered expression. From the acoustic gems to rockier grooves, It’s the perfect road trip music, and it’s sure to be a killer live. For fans of: Paddy Casey, Josh Ritter, Ryan Adams

 


What’s your backup plan? It might be THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE but you never know if you’ll have to make it someday. Let us know in the comments below:

Filed Under: Artist Discovery, Independent Musicians, Interviews, youbloomLA Tagged With: 2016, band interview, community, DIY, featured artists, featuredartists, HEADROOM, lead singer, live gigs, live music, los angeles, millenial, music, music conference, music festival, music industry, music industry news, music scene, musicians, performance, spotlight, ybLA16, youbloom, youbloomLA2016

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE: youbloom | HEADROOM #8 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

30-May-2016 By Shannon Duvall

Everyone already knows that in their time before rock stardom, Jack White was an upholsterer, Kurt Cobain made a living as a janitor, and Madonna worked at Dunkin Donuts. But what would you do if you were forced to give up your musical passion and go with a Plan B? For some, the lure of upholstery is…still pretty strong. For others, there’s just no way they could ever see themselves doing anything but music; it’s an impossible choice. 

 

In this last installment of the youbloomDublin 2016 HEADROOM series, we’ve asked a whopping 16 of our dynamite artists – all of whom will be taking to stages across Dublin city centre from Wed Jun 1 – Fri Jun 3 – what their second choice, if any, would be.

 

Many thanks to all of the brilliant artists for taking part in the most successful HEADROOM yet, and for all the hilarious and heartfelt stories they’ve shared so that you, dear reader, can get to know them just that little bit better. So without further ado, The Impossible Choice.

 

We’ll see you at the shows.

 

impossible choice

Damien McFly, singer-songwriter: ‘I would shoot video clips and also be a photographer. I still do that in my free time; it’s a creative job and I love it!’

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 9.55pm. For fans of: Jeff Buckley, Antony and the Johnsons, Ben Harper

 

impossible choice

NINA, singer-songwriter: ‘ I’d be a photographer and maybe also a perfumer; I’d love to create my own fragrances.’

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. She plays the Wiley Fox on Thu June 2 at 9 pm. For fans of: Kavinsky, Salt Ashes, The Motels

 

impossible choice

Garrett Wall, guitar & lead vox, Track Dogs: ‘I’d probably be working in TV or cinema, writing, producing, acting! Whatever! I’m a huge fan of series and movies so the apple doesn’t fall too far from the musical tree in terms of option B!’

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

 

impossible choice

AERYNN: singer-songwriter (vocals, guitar, sometimes piano): ‘Food! Experimenting and trying new recipes or ideas in the kitchen is one of my favourite hobbies, and along with that, I enjoy growing produce myself if possible. I don’t have as much time or space for this at the moment, but I love DIY and making everything from raw materials.’

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. She takes to the stage at KC Peaches on Thu June 2 at 8.45 pm. For fans of: Judee Sill, Laura Nyro, Bert Jansch

 

impossible choice

Shane Ó Fearghail, singer-songwriter: ‘Writing stories and books for children or developing animation projects in Irish and other languages.’

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 the nearest pay phone. Thing is, you don’t mind the walk back, humming the tune now stuck in your head. One to watch, and you can see him at Workman’s acoustic stage on Wed June 1 at 9.50 pm. For fans of: Loudoun Wainwright III, Ron Sexsmith, Daniel Lanois

 

impossible choice

Killian Ruffley, singer, guitarist and songwriter: ‘This is the hardest question to respond to, because music is the only thing that I can be creative with. I’ll say writing and poetry or maybe filmmaking or acting. Those are art forms I very much admire so I guess I would give them a shot if music was not an option!’

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. Don’t miss his show at Workman’s acoustic stage on Thu June 2 at 8.15 pm. For fans of: Biffy Clyro, Young the Giant, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

 

impossible choice

Harriet, singer-songwriter, Hattie Webb: ‘ I paint and weave as well as playing music. I would probably be taking more time to invest in these endeavours if I wasn’t playing music full-time. I would also love to work in communities helping people with basic needs.’

Dancing somewhere between light and ethereal and mournful and bewitching, the vocals of Hattie Webb (of the famous Webb Sisters) have a style reminiscent of the nooks and crannies of some of Kate Bush’s best while never releasing hold on that distinctive Webb sound. Beautiful, impressive, what can I say? A must-see. She plays at KC Peaches on Wed June 1 at 10.15 pm. For fans of: Luke Bloom, Julie Feeney, Eddie Reader

 

impossible choice

Luke Clerkin, singer-songwriter: ‘ I’d definitely be doing something surrounding it, like events management or artist management as that’s what I’ve studied and have experience in.’

The heart-on-the-sleeve musical stylings of singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin may seem straightforward, but underneath the meandering acoustic guitar and raw, tell-all vocals, lies a darker heart, one seemingly inspired by the mysterious great beyond. Fantastic stuff. See him play the Grand Social acoustic stage on Wed June 1 at 7.40 pm. For fans of: Tim DeLaughter & The Polyphonic Spree, Brendan Benson, Josh Rouse

 

impossible choice

Kellie Marie, singer-songwriter, acoustic and electric guitars, Kellie Marie Reynolds: ‘Words. Anything to do with words. Or old things. Right now I’m working on a script for TV or Film, not sure which one it is yet. Working in that area would be great and I hope to do it some day. After I finish my album, of course. I’d also love to own a little vintage store-slash-cafe. Old things make me happy.’

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. See her play at the Grand Social acoustic stage on Wed June 1 at 9.10 pm. For fans of: Concrete Blonde, Ruth Brown, Rose Royce.

 

impossible choice

Chris Kestell, singer-songwriter, A Happy Accident: ‘I would be writing unfinished stories, or taking shitty pictures, or something else to represent myself under my own terms. I think that is important. None of it would have to be the best, but music really is what lets me get my thoughts out day to day in a way I enjoy, and without that outlet I would surely explode!’

Piano-driven and sentimental, sparse, reflective, and pure, with enchanting string arrangements and a measured, near-sleep breath pace, there’s so much to love about the music of Happy Accident. It’s nearly impossible to draw one direct line to anything similar, past or present, but so many legendary elements stand out on this year’s Waiting To Happen EP it’ll more than satisfy. Don’t miss the show at Workman’s acoustic stage on Thu June 2 at 7.30 pm. For fans of: Tom Rush, Leonard Cohen, Red House Painters, and more.

 

impossible choice

Darragh Mc Grane, lead vox & guitar, Penrose: ‘I don’t think I could ever not be involved with music so if I couldn’t play I think I would be in the studio producing bands.’

Taking the best elements from legends of 60s AM radio, Penrose craft a jubilant sound laden with orchestral arrangements, jangling guitars, and well-considered lyrical melodies. Their style will impress fans of retro-inspired indie from the US and UK alike. Catch them at the Wiley Fox on Wed June 1 at 7.30 pm. For fans of: Oasis, Stereophonics, ELO

 

impossible choice

Carito Plaza: ‘I would be dancing. I love to move, I love to express myself, I can’t just stay still and since I’m not very good with words (I can sing, but find it hard to speak about my feelings) I would be letting my body say what my tongue can’t.’

Sultry latin grooves spread like hot butter over the funky disco-lite beats of Carito Plaza. A favourite from last year’s youbloomLA 2015 Music Festival, she’s sure to impress across the Atlantic in Dublin. Order an exotic cocktail and loosen up your hips for shaking. Carito’s coming to town to play the Grand Social Main Stage on Wed June 1 at 8.15 pm. For fans of: Janet Jackson, J*DaVeY, NDambi

 

Stone & Jezreel

impossible choice

Francis, bass: ‘I’d be a lawyer or a mechanic.’

impossible choice

Yuki, drums: ‘ I’d probably be a writer.’

impossible choice

Afroot, guitar & keys: ‘Design. Graphics. Making movies.’

impossible choice

Ahamed Harris Momodu AKA STONE, rapper: ‘Playing, having fun, speaking and writing about life and evolution.’

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 rock the Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 10.30pm. For fans of: Childish Gambino, Asher Roth, Angel Haze

 

So what’s your backup plan, your Option B? Let us know in the comments below: 

 

Filed Under: Artist Discovery, Independent Musicians, Interviews, youbloomDublin Tagged With: 2016, A&R, band interview, community, DIY, dublin, featured artists, featuredartists, HEADROOM, lead singer, live gigs, live music, millenial, music, music conference, music festival, music industry, music industry news, music scene, musicians, performance, spotlight, superfan, youbloom, youbloomDublin2016

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

26-May-2016 By Shannon Duvall

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:

 

Filed Under: Artist Discovery, Independent Musicians, Interviews, youbloomDublin Tagged With: 2016, A&R, band interview, community, DIY, dublin, featured artists, featuredartists, HEADROOM, lead singer, live gigs, live music, millenial, music, music conference, music festival, music industry, music industry news, music scene, musicians, performance, spotlight, stage presence, superfan, vocals, youbloom, youbloomDublin2016

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

25-May-2016 By Shannon Duvall

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: 

Filed Under: Artist Discovery, Independent Musicians, Interviews, youbloomDublin Tagged With: 2016, A&R, band interview, community, DIY, dublin, featured artists, featuredartists, HEADROOM, lead singer, live gigs, live music, millenial, music, music conference, music festival, music industry, music industry news, music scene, musicians, performance, spotlight, stage presence, superfan, vocals, writing, youbloom, youbloomDublin2016

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »

Live events your way.

Step into the fan-owned future of music.

Main Pages

  • Home
  • Blog

Get Involved

  • Intern

Contact

  • Contact youbloom

Legal

  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Terms

Copyright youbloom © 2025

By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies.