youbloom HEADROOM #6: Featured Artists from the Dublin 2015 Music Festival

04-Jun-2015 By Leave a Comment

Hi, it’s youbloom from the future (one week into the future, to be precise)! On our mission of music-loving mischief, we managed to get our paws on an old Eircom phonebox, and with a little help from some bleach, and a wise-cracking, inter-dimensional chaperone, we’ve been downright zipping around through time, jamming to tunes and having the major lols.

That story may or may not be a total lie. It may or may not have also been 100% ripped off of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. But this I can tell you, dear readers: we really do love jamming to tunes; we really, really do wish we had a phonebox time machine; and on this day in one week’s time, you really are going to be feasting your eyes and ears on an absolute torrent of new, exciting, crazy talented bands and performers.

The youbloom Dublin 2015 Music Festival & Conference is a mere week away, coming to Dublin’s Dame district next Friday – Sunday, Jun 12/13/14, hosting over 60 mint condition acts – for free – over five stages. So with that in mind, it’s time to take that time-travel-inspired trip back to the roots of music for a fresh muckraking session with our latest crew. (Quadruple air guitar solos)

So, guys, tell us the story of the first experience you can remember having with music. Feel free to spill all the beans.

“I like to think that my first ever experience with music was in my mother’s belly a couple weeks before she was due to have me. She was at a Peter Gabriel concert. I was kicking and dancing like mad, and she almost fainted during it. I still love listening to Peter Gabriel.”

– Christian Collins, singer/songwriter

With a voice that betrays a rich humility and fervent depth; reminiscent of Jeff Buckley’s greatest years, Christian Collins is not to be missed. This is triumphant poetry at its touchable best. He plays Sweeney’s Upstairs stage on Sunday, 14/6, at 10.05pm.

“It was summertime and me, my brother, and my cooler older cousin were staying at my aunt’s house in the country. There was an old caravan out the back so we snuck out there late one night with an old cassette player. (My cousin) put on The Doors and Led Zeppelin. I’d never heard music like that before! I was completely awestruck by Jim Morrison’s deep, wise voice, and found it so hard to comprehend (that) he had died really young. It was a magical music night!”

– Miriam Donohue, singer/songwriter

Like something unearthed from a time capsule buried in the early 60’s by a still-green Bob Dylan, Miriam Donohue’s music feels like a gift from a time when pop music was still silly enough to be bypassed by those with more on their minds than twisting and shouting. A capable writer, with a sublime delivery that will leave you speechless. She’s on the Mercantile Gallery stage on Saturday, 13/6, at 8.30pm.

“Music was always part of my life. I don’t remember how it all started, but I do remember following my mum around the house and harmonizing with a vacuum cleaner, driving kids in school insane by tapping on every possible surface, and walking in beat with (every) song.”

– Djollie, drums, WOB!

The latest in an esteemed line of technical wizards and engrossing Irish instrumental bands, WOB!’s spin on the genre is lighter, more ebullient; all the while respecting and commanding its complex formula and precision whomp. WOB! deliver a lively set from the Mercantile stage on Saturday, 13/6, at 8pm.

“When I was 3 years old, I was given a little violin. Apparently, I played with it by pretending it was a rocket ship and throwing it into the sky. Perhaps this was an early indicator that no, I would not enjoy attending classical lessons.”

– Amano Miura, singer/songwriter

Amano is such an enchanting musician, with a voice like an elegant ninja, and lyrics draped in a sweet, alarming know-how; fascination barely concealed. Great videos, too. She performs a beguiling set on Friday, 12/6 at the Mercantile Gallery stage, at 8pm.

youbloom artist spotlight: The National Parks

04-Jun-2015 By Leave a Comment

It has already been six months since youbloom rocked Los Angeles, and we were wondering what our artists have been up to. So we hooked up with The National Parks this week to see what they have been doing since youboom@LA. In doing this, we really got to know more about them and the history of The National Parks…

The National Parks is a band that originated in Utah in 2013 where Brady Parks and Sydney Macfarlane first met and began making music. Over the next couple years, they recruited additional members: Megan Taylor, Doug Patterson, Anna Meacham, Garrick Meacham, and John Hancock.

Their first album, Young, released September 3, 2013 and climbed to #13 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart. Due to their success and the dedication of their fans, they were taken on the road with artists such as Andy Grammer, LeAnn Rimes and many others. They have played in major cities across the country including Seattle, Chicago, New York and, of course, Los Angeles.

So, what are they doing now?

The National Parks have been busy since we saw them last November in Los Angeles. Their new album, Until I Live, is set to release on August 4th and we are told to expect the same fundamental elements from their previous album, but with a bigger and slightly “poppier” twist. We find this to be true when listening to the first single from the album entitled Ba Ra Ra, which was released through Baebel Music and can be heard here. We can expect to see the second single from the album released on June 2nd.

Also, we are excited to hear that to promote the new album, The National Parks will be touring the east coast in August and the west coast in September. Please check their website for dates posted already, and continue to check back as additional dates will be added.

We want to thank The National Parks for taking the time to update us on all of their excitement and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them and the new album!

youbloom HEADROOM #5: Featured Artists from the Dublin 2015 Music Festival

31-May-2015 By Leave a Comment

We’re back, snoopers and meddlers – – I, uh, mean fans! We’ve dug up more dirt and uncovered the bones of the bands that started it all for a second batch of youbloom Dublin 2015 Music Festival artists and musicians. They’ve all been incredibly gracious in sharing the deets of the awkward years (burns death threat; laughs nervously; files restraining order), and as ever, we’re super proud to show them some HEADROOM blog love. Be sure to check out your favourites at the Festival, coming up before you know it this June 12/13/14.

So, tell us about the first band you were ever in. Was it good? Cringingly bad? Is this the first one!?!?! Gahhh!! How exciting!!!

“Beware of You is the first proper band I’ve ever been in; they’re fine I guess. I let them talk to me sometimes…KIDDING! We gelled really quickly and we’re (like) a creepy little family who will send you picture postcards every Christmas. We love each other and have unreal craic, so making music comes naturally.”

– Leah, vocals, Beware of You

Gutsy, ambitious new act Beware of You have been busy this year drawing blood from the stone of pop punk and creating something earnestly elemental with their loot. Showing their colours, with influences the likes of All Time Low and Paramore, they’re ones to watch. See them on the Sweeney’s Downstairs stage on Sunday night, 14/6, at 10.30pm.

“The first band I was in was at the age of 13, when I discovered The Libertines. I listened to their second album on my bed one night through a Walkman and it sounded like NOTHING I had ever heard before. The next week I bought an electric guitar and started to seek out like-minded souls. I found a few and we actually recorded an EP in a local studio. (It was) very “Libs” inspired; all Reebok Classics and funny walks.”

– David Keenan, singer/songwriter

Yes, he really did become famous for singing in a taxi. (Don’t believe it? See for yourself here: David Keenan taxi serenade) When voices like David’s come along, well, they usually clear a path through the musical landscape that takes years to fill back in again. It’s hypnotising, mighty stuff. Don’t miss his Sweeney’s Upstairs stage set, first on on Sunday, 14/5, at 8pm.

“My first band was a street punk band: fast and raw with lots of attitude. I always thought it was really bad, but all sloppy riffs aside, people loved to come to our gigs. I recently found that someone had uploaded our tunes on YouTube. It’s amazing that (the music) is still being listened to more than 10 years later.”

– Djollie, drums, WOB!

The latest in an esteemed line of technical wizards and engrossing Irish instrumental bands, WOB!’s spin on the genre is lighter, more ebullient; all the while respecting and commanding its complex formula and precision to deliver serious whomp. WOB! deliver a lively set from the Mercantile stage on Saturday, 13/6, at 8pm.

“A few of us in school formed what you might call a band, causing considerable mirth amongst everybody else. We couldn’t really play or sing, a fact that escaped us all. Our cheerier tracks used Emily Dickinson’s poetry for lyrics.”

Jerome McCormick, The Man, Imploded View

Imploded View is a one-man electronic alchemist and connoisseur of all things catchy. From the ethereal to the downright funky, his set’ll have your hips a-shakin’ before you can say “Why yes, I WOULD love more sneaky Bucky.” His appropriately late-night set kicks off on Sweeney’s Basement stage on Friday, 12/6, at 12.30pm.

“Well, I was never in a band. I started solo and remained that way for 14 years! I do have my own band now, which is kinda cool. I love the mix of doing solo gigs and then having (a) band with me. It’s the best of both worlds.”

– Rachael McCormack, singer/songwriter/badass

The Dublin powerhouse that is Rachael McCormack wields her talent like a barely tamed wild beast, chomping at the bit to give you all of what she’s got. Every shred the entertainer, with serious guitar chops and a voice that, no, will not sit down or shut up, she’s a whirlwind. She’s first on the Busking stage on Saturday, 13/5, at 4pm.

youbloom HEADROOM: Featured Artists from the Dublin 2015 Music Festival #4

29-May-2015 By 2 Comments

Artists and band members from the upcoming youbloom Dublin 2015 Music Festival are sharing little bits of their formative years with us as we prod away in search of the source of all that musicality. We are proud to have them on the bill with over 50 incredible, unsigned acts, playing over five stages this June 12/13/14, and even more proud to have the honor of divulging what makes them tick.

Today, a new batch of rockers and minstrels tell us the story of the first time they knew that music was for them. N’awww.

“When I was 16 and I first got paid to drink free beer, eat free food, watch burlesque girls and rock out in the band Jimmy Willing & The Real Gone Hickups; that’s what did it for me. Music is magical for those making it and those listening. There are plenty of ups and downs, but we stick with it for those magical moments.”

– Rohan Healy, Dublin City Rounders

“When I realized that latex and black makeup is more comfortable than a business suit.”

– Al, Dublin City Rounders

TG4 darlings The Dublin City Rounders are here to party, bringing their trademark rabble-rousing, boot-stomping, rubber-necking sound to the youbloom crowd. Why is it so infectious? How did they write these wicked ditties? And what the hell is that guy doing to the bass? (Jimi Hendrix challenge accepted!) Their energy will blow you away on Sunday, 14/6 at the Busking Stage, 6pm.

“When I was very young, maybe around 5 or 6 years old, I wrote and recorded a song called “Mad Dog” in my father’s home studio. I played the drums on it, which I distinctly remember because my legs were too short to reach the kick pedal! The song was about a dog who chased the postman and wanted to eat him. I remember telling my father that when I grew up I was going to be the lead singer of a band who also played the drums. The drumming part didn’t pan out but one out of two isn’t bad.”

– Kim Monroe, Castle Creek

Everything is right with this band. They’re tight, bluesy, hooky, and inviting, and they’ve been winning over audiences everywhere they’ve performed since getting their rootsy rock sound together in the heart of New York state a few years ago. The soundtrack to your both your most nostalgic moments and all the beers with your best mates. Give ‘em a proper Irish welcome at Sweeney’s Upstairs stage on Saturday, 13/6, at 11pm.

“The first time a friend introduced me to her work pals as a musician. Before I had time to object and say, “Oh no, I’m not a real musician,” they were asking me loads of questions about music. By the end of the night, feeling so happy, I realised that I wanted to start doing more with my songs. I booked my first venue, charged a fiver at the door, and 70 friends and supporters filled the room that night. And that was me hooked on being a musician!”

– Miriam Donohue, singer/songwriter

“Its difficult to pin point the one moment when I knew music was for me. It seems to have always been within me. Maybe when I discovered how cathartic writing songs was as a teenager, especially when I started getting my heart broken from pretty girls!”

– Christian Collins, singer/songwriter

“When I saw the first foot tapping to our music, followed by an outbreak of dancing, and then heard my first applause. Nothing beats playing live to an appreciative audience. Nothing!”

– Ronan Gallagher, vocals & guitar, The Ronan Gallagher Band

“Siderodromophilia – an obsession with or fixation on railroads, trains or train travel.” The music of the Ronan Gallagher Band seems to summon the wanderlust in us all, with wailing strings, blues cat vocals, chugging tempos, and a whole lot of things to reminisce about as the track goes by. As though the songs are merely turns of the radio dial, picking up on a permanent station, what they capture is raw; endlessly beautiful in its simplicity. They top off the night at Sweeney’s Upstairs stage on Saturday, 13/6, at 1.30 am.

youbloom HEADROOM: Featured Artists from the Dublin 2015 Music Festival #3

26-May-2015 By Leave a Comment

Artists and band members from the upcoming youbloom Dublin 2015 Music Festival let us come back and poke some more around their musical skull cases, and share a little of what makes them do what they do with us. As ever, we’re proud to have over 50 incredible, unsigned acts playing over five stages this June 12/13/14, and it seems only right that they give in to our meddling. Here’s what I wanted to know:

Tell us about the first band you were ever in. Was it good? Cringingly bad? Is this the first one!?!?! Gahhh!! How exciting!!!

“Picture this: 1990. Newbridge, County Kildare. My mate Graham Coffey gets a drum kit for Christmas. He calls everybody in our gang at school and asks who has an instrument. My “Flock of Seagulls” brother had a Yamaha DX27 synth. So I was on keys. I could play the riff from “Live and Let Die” and that was all… but it was enough! We played (that song) over and over and over, and Metrical Faucherie were born. Some things shouldn’t be born, though; WE WERE AWFUL! But straight away I was hooked on being in a band and have been ever since.”

– Rob McDonnell, guitars, Able Archer

I love the bass. Furthermore, I love a great bass sound, coming through in the mix of a song like a runaway bus through a field of daisies. Able Archer respect the bass. I love this about them, along with their sound: insistent, pounding, turned up to eleven. Set to be a show of raucous proportions, be sure to catch them on Sweeney’s Basement stage on Friday, 12/6, at 11pm.

“My first band was a punk band called Utter Confusion. I played guitar and sang, but that was because nobody else did. We made a few waves playing at a school talent show. Our first gig (was) back when I was 16. We had a song inspired by that style of UK punk called Oi. We played a song that had “Oi Oi Oi!” in the chorus, and we offended a few folks because they thought that we were racist or anti-semitic. Lots of newspapers became involved; I think we were in the New York Times, and we even got into Rolling Stone over it! It was a little story that was big for a couple of days, but we weren’t racists or anything like that so it died after shortly thereafter. But I tell you, I certainly learned that music is an art that can sometimes bring about the strangest reactions in people.”

– JM Burr, Reverend JM’s Panic Worship

One of the best things about music in Dublin is that since the city is so small, bands from wildly differing genres often find themselves drawing influence from all the other unexpected sounds around them. Reverend JM’s Panic Worship is one of the best examples of this uniquely Irish “genre-less” sound. Dark, playful melodies wind out of an assembly of unexpected instruments, played with intimate know-how. A second-to-none act, they play the Mercantile Stage on Friday, 12/6, at 9.30pm.

“Imagine four people who can barely play any instruments coming together to play a gig the next day. Best fun I’ve ever had. Stall The Digger for life!”

– Sean Wynne, lead vox and banjo, The Quakers

Yes. Just yes. If you’re not hooked from the count-in; blasted into the Quakers universe like a pistol shot in a gunfight over an insult to your Pa, and buoyed along by the gospel-meets-football-hooligan dynamism, then you, my friend have no ears. Possibly also no soul. Seriously good music. These boys are riled up and fit for fightin’, and they’re not leaving without you. Get shanghaied at the Busking Stage on Saturday, 13/6 at 5pm, and again at Sweeney’s Upstairs stage at 10pm.

“The first band I was ever in was with two of my friends from secondary school. Well, we thought we were a band! We called ourselves Halo. We rehearsed about 4 times – in total! And we had a collection of ONE song, which I can still remember writing. I was the singer, one of the girls rapped, and the other one just busted a whole lot of dodgy moves! We were shite.”

– Elaine Doyle, vocals, The Riot Tapes

Synth melodies surge around a sturdy, attractive rhythm section, giving vocalist Elaine a heady platform from which to sermonise; all significant viva voce and ‘sweet-but-not-that-damn-sweet’ songcraft sass. One of Ireland’s most notable new acts, they play Sweeney’s Basement stage on Saturday, 13/6, at 8.45pm.