Fanrealm.com » Biography

Kate O’ Callaghan ~ Bio

JaneW — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:57:06 +0000

Kate O’ Callaghan is a singer/songwriter displaying a pot-pourri of musical styles from soulful blues to jazzy folk. Born and reared in Dublin, she chose to leave behind a career in science to explore a world of music and creativity in Inishowen, Co. Donegal. Inspired by rural living, the awesome beauty of her surroundings and the whole spectrum of emotions that accompany life in general, Kate decided to pick up a guitar and start writing songs of her own in 2009. With an already established background in music – having managed and sung with the Inishowen Gospel Choir for 4 years and worked as a backing vocalist for various acts, including Jamaican born Natty Wailer & The Reggae Vibes – Kate has performed with various artists (incl. Duke Special, Liam O’ Maonlai, Foy Vance, Moya Brennan and Henry Mc Cullough) and appeared at many festivals and events including Glastonbury, Electric Picnic and the Festival of World Cultures. Kate is regularly accompanied by a number of musicians including Mark Black, Seamus Devenny, Peter Doherty (The Drifters) and Ted Ponsonby (Mary Black, Van Morrison and Emmylou Harris) and is currently collaborating and guesting with a variety of acts including The Henry Girls, Mark Black & The Roots Orchestra, US folk artist Jennifer Kimball, Californian Accordion-ista Amber Lee Baker and the critically acclaimed Massachusetts band Session Americana.

“Kate O’ Callaghan is that rare bird that manages to combine evocative melodies with intelligent considered lyrics. They cover a gamut of emotions from the sublime to the cathartic always imbued by a personal sadness that lingers constantly in the background. But this is the sadness of humanity that has the power to be uplifting” – Peter Doherty, Musician.

‘To You’ EP due for release June 2010.

www.kateocallaghan.com
www.myspace.com/kateocallaghanmusic
www.breakingtunes.com/kateocallaghanmusic

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

ENDA KEEGAN – Singer/Songwriter Bio

dianes — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:08:34 +0000

October 8^th marked the latest of many performances of greater stature for singer-songwriter, Enda Keegan as he opened up for legendary Irish superstar Finbar Furey at Nevada Smith’s in the East Village. Says Keegan “It was such a great honor to open up for Finbar, who is such an incredible artist and a true lifetime idol and inspiration for me!”

The week prior Enda had shared the stage with Bagatelle, another favorite and equally legendary band. A true entrepreneur, Enda was the driving force behind this event, entitled the “Streets of New York Benefit Night.” This benefit event raised funds for the NYPD Widow’s & Children’s Fund and honored Liam Reilly & Bagatelle for their contribution to Irish music and culture.

Taking a quick look back, Enda Keegan grew up in the small village of Owning in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Enda’s love for music began on his tenth birthday when given his first guitar. By the age of sixteen, Enda was playing many local talent shows and performing with the Carrick on Suir Operatic Society. Enda left high school after being told that music would just be a hobby, and that he should pursue a career in woodworking. He began performing throughout the Irish countryside by night, while working ten-hour shifts in the cabbage fields by day. One evening, an American businessman and his wife watched Enda perform, and made him a life-altering proposal; they offered Enda a full scholarship to the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music in Virginia. This was an offer he could not refuse.

Enda pursued his education with great passion, making the most of this rare opportunity. After graduation, Enda continued to write and perform original music, until later joining the band Surrey Lane. Their single “Some Days” was a Top 100 hit on the AC charts. They were also featured on ABC Radio who gave notice to their 9/11 tribute song “Love Must Grow.”

Enda Keegan recently toured nationwide on the American Idol 2007-08 season, (Rock Your Style Stage) alongside Constantine Maroulis, performing for thousands of new fans. With his upcoming release, “The Bridge,” Enda has created a stellar record with endless crossover appeal. Recorded at Outloud Audio Studios in NYC, “The Bridge” has something for everyone, including the tender “New York City Morning” to the traditional upbeat pulse of “Banks of the Roses,” to the anthem, “One of These Days.”

Enda is an artist on a mission and on the rise, living out his childhood dreams and loving every minute of it!

Upcoming shows:

05/21/2010 - O”Brien’s on 46^th Street , New York, NY

05/22/2010 - Rosie O’Grady’s, New York, NY

05/23/2010 - PD O’Hurley’s, New York, NY

05/31/2010 - The Light Horse, Jersey City, NJ

Here are some samples of his songs:

You can purchase his music at cdbaby or

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Declan O’Rourke ~ Bio

dianes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:13:39 +0000

Declan O’Rourke began his career on the Dublin singer-songwriter circuit in 2000 and released his debut album under an independent Irish record label in late 2004. Since Kyabram went straight in at fifth position on the Irish charts and very soon achieved Gold, Platinum and then double-Platinum status. Even now, more than five years after its release, it continues to sell steadily.

His songs have gained him much interest with a number of the industry’s top names both in Ireland and abroad. Declan supported Snow Patrol on their 2006 European tour where he played Wembly Stadium and the Odyssey Arena among others. He has also made a number of special guest appearances on stage with the band.

In 2006, when asked by Q Magazine which song from the past twenty years he most wished he’d written, Paul Weller chose Galileo, a song from Since Kyabram. Jonathan Ross, Britain’s top chat show host and foremost radio DJ, plays Declan regularly on his Saturday morning show. Declan’s songs have been recorded by a number of artists, including Brian Kennedy and Maura O’Connell. Eddi Reader’s latest studio album, released in April, 2009, covers Declan’s Love Is The Way, and is also the album’s title.

Declan’s long awaited and critically acclaimed second album, Big Bad Beautiful World was released in September, 2007, and reached fourth position in the Irish charts. In April 2007/08, Declan toured the recording, including a small Australian tour in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, with great success. He returned to Australia for an extended tour of New South Wales and Victoria throughout March, 2009. Declan plans a more extensive tour of Australia in spring 2010.

He has also toured in England and mainland Europe, supporting such notable names as Paul Weller, The Cardigans, Paulo Nuttini, Paul Brady, The Beautiful South, and Nizlopi while appearing on the same bills as Planxty and Bob Dylan. In February 2009, he shared a Belfast stage with Nancy Griffith and in October/November 2009, supported New York songwriter Ari Hest on a nationwide U.S. tour.

Declan recently sang with Swedish singer Peter Jöback on a cover of R.E.M’s Everybody Hurts. The Scandinavian sensation has also covered Declan’s song I Can See A Little Something and both songs are included in Peter’s newest album, East Side Stories, released in October 2009. This past December, Declan performed with Peter in Sweden and Norway in their largest indoor arenas to sell out audiences. Declan recently wrote a song with Midnight Oil veteran Jim Moginee.

Declan is praised for his heartfelt, intimate performances as well as his larger, energetic concerts. His popularity continues to grow steadily, with a vast amount of sell-out performances in Ireland’s most prestigious venues. A third studio album is in the works and a Spring 2010 release is anticipated.

Currently touring in Ireland, check Declan’s website for appearance dates and locations: http://www.declanorourke.com/news.php

Listen to Declan at his Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/declanorourke

Since Kyabram and Big Bad Beautiful World are available for download at:

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Gareth Brannigan ~ Bio

JaneW — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:13:56 +0000

Gareth Brannigan bought his first guitar after receiving some money on his 12th birthday. After his father showed him a few chords he was off and running eventually learning lead guitar, playing on occasion’s guest lead guitar in his father blues band. On hearing music from Damien Rice, Declan O’Rourke, Ray LaMontagne to name but a few he turned to writing his on songs, this led to him accomplishing semi-finalist status in the UK Songwriters Contest competition 2008 with Sunrise. In late 2008 Gareth entered the recording studio to lay down four self penned songs that was to become his first EP entitled Walk with me. Gareth teamed up with experienced musicians, notably John Leighton on keyboards and Elaine Sokanovic backing vocals. What resulted from these performances and Gareth’s production is a collection of songs that well surpassed all expectations of a singer songwriter so young, Gareth was 19 at the time. In 2009 he was a finalist the Newtownards Guitar Singer Song writers competition. He is now currently promoting his EP as a solo artist in various venues around the country and has recently performed live on Dublin FM’s On the verge www.ontheverge.ie with Brendan Hickey, also appearing on U105 with Lisa Flavelle.
He is currently writing new songs and hopes to go into the studio again in the near future.

Walk With Me is currently available as download from ITunes, Amazon, CDBaby, Rhapsody.

Falling Slowly (by The Swell Season)

Gareth | MySpace Music Videos

You can hear more samples at Gareth’s music at his myspace page: www.myspace.com/garethbranniganmusic

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Conor Mason ~ Bio

JaneW — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:37:26 +0000

Conor Mason, born August 27, 1981, is a singer-songwriter from Derry. Having learned classical piano from the age of 8, Conor soon progressed to a variety of other instruments including Guitar, drums and harmonica.

Conor followed a music production course at a local college where he began playing in bands and learning the art of recording. It was around this time that Conor played in a band called Gentle Ben. Soon after they split, Conor began recording songs for his first solo project.

It wasn’t long before people were taking notice of Conor’s music. His song Circles, was one of ten songs of the year in the BBC Across the line show in N. Ireland. More recently, Conor has also won both the XFM Unsigned competition and the monthy Your Sound showdown at the legendary King Tuts venue in Glasgow. This lead to a slot at the Hydro Connect Music Festival this year, where Conor played alongside artists like Elbow, Sigur Ros, the Coral and Gomez. At the end of last year, Conor released his debut album, When its Over, on Antimatter music.

Conor is back in Derry working on his new album, and playing with a new live band, which he hopes to tour with after the summer. With his songwriting consistency, and the sheer warmth of every performance, we look forward to hearing (and seeing) what Conor does next.

Next Gig: IMRO Tour 2010 @ Masons, Derry – 15th April

When It’s Over is available through ITunes (click on album cover to go to ITunes) and also at the Antimatter shop http://www.antimattermusic.co.uk/shop.html

Visit Conor at:
his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/conormason
his facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Conor-Mason/119434200227
his twitter page http://twitter.com/conor_mason
his Lastfm pagehttp://www.last.fm/music/Conor+Mason

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Paddy Nash And The Happy Enchiladas ~ Bio

JaneW — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:38:00 +0000

I came across this band first at the NI Charts site and then at myspace. They are a great band remind me a bit of the Saw Doctors in that they sing to and about real people and real experiences. Paddy sent this bio and we will review their cd when it comes out.

Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas @ Glasgowbury Festival 09

Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas – a band on a mission. With a new album ready to launch in March 2010 “When We Were Brave” and an ever growing fan base both here and away; you wouldn’t want to miss them. Their music is social commentary. Songs that make you think and then get up on a table and dance!

‘Lamenting tales of the underdog’ Is the best way to sum up the songs of Paddy Nash. Quirky, melodic and thought provoking. Originally from Derry City and now based in Limavady, Paddy was a founding member and chief songwriter of the award winning Folk Rock outfit The Whole Tribe Sings.

His new band The Happy Enchiladas consists of Diane Greer on Vocals, Liam McGuigan on Guitar and Harmonica and Jonny Nutt on bass. The band are joined on this album by a wealth of local talent including; Philip Wallace (Here comes the Landed Gentry), Junior Johnson, Connor Kelly, Robert Peoples & Stephen Carlin (Balkan Alien Sound), to name but a few.

After a fantastic performance at Glasgowbury 09 and gigs in Derry, Draperstown, Limavady and beyond. Here are just some of the things people have been saying about them.

Glasgowbury 09

Paddy Nash And The Happy Enchiladas are busy prepping over on the acoustic stage while the crowd packs in in anticipation. There’s little doubting that 2009 will be remembered for the work of Paddy and his merry team.The songs are heartbreaking (Cushialitee), begging for a sing along (Billy Bragg Jeans / Barefoot In Verona) and insightful (the utterly wonderful Works Of Art).He even has the space to add a young apprentice in the shape of shaker Finn McGuigan who joins his proud father, Liam, on stage. Paddy’s festival is a huge celebration that includes everyone. Happy, joyful and poetic music in mid-afternoon sunshine = bliss

Niall Kerr – Mid Ulster Observer

At Sandino’s a couple of nights later, myself and the blonde bit from Cork I’m shacked up with (she’ll kill me) took in an acoustic Future Chaser, a somewhat different proposition from the electrified Organised Confusion they used to be (not to be confused with the other Organised Confusion who, I think, are still called Organised Confusion.) Listen fellas. Don’t plug yourselves back in. The acoustic ambience showcased the songs like every one was newly-wrought and brightly minted, fresh out from the imagination’s fire. Davy McAuley leaned over, “Aren’t they just lovely.” I know. Not the sort of accolade enhances your cred with the street-set. But the man from Drumahoe was spot-on again. Just lovely.We finished the night with Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas. Husky harmonies, moaning mouth-organ, insistently thudding self-confident bass, Diane Greer in melodic flights to make your eyes sparkle, confiding she’ll be walking barefoot in Verona, dancing shapes in Timbuktu, singing out in Barcelona, and she will, too.Paddy finished off with Billy Bragg Jeans… “Got a head full of love songs and nothing ever goes wrong when I got my Billy Bragg Jeans on….” There isn’t a song on “No Line on the Horizon” which could hold its own over three rounds with Billy Bragg Jeans.

Eamonn McCann – Hot Press

For more info and samples of their music check out their website www.paddynash.co.uk and their myspace page www.myspace.com/paddynash Their are free downloads at their website!

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Andrew Huggan ~ Bio

JaneW — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:55:09 +0000

Andrew Huggan is a folk singer/songwriter from Central Scotland. He has been playing music ever since he was a small child but it’s only within the last decade that he started to take it more seriously.

In 2003, Andrew went to his first ever Runrig gig. He was so amazed by the gig that the very next day he went out and bought his first guitar and ordered Flower of the West (the Runrig songbook). From this, he taught himself to play the guitar and to sing. It wasn’t long after this that he wrote his first song “Ben Ledi” and realised that song writing would become a great passion in the years to come.

During the Hebridean Celtic Festival in 2007 he got the chance to play his songs “Take Me Away Across the Sea” and “Lonely Lonely Night” live on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.

In summer 2009 he was invited to play at Elphin Drift, an acoustic evening in Yorkshire. His performance went down well with the audience and he was invited back to play at the next Elphin Drift which was in November.

2010 looks to be a good year for Andrew, who is now hoping to start work on his debut album, something which has been on his mind for a few years now.

In February, Andrew will be performing at Skipinnish Ceilidh House, Oban, supporting folk rock band COAST on their debut Scottish tour.

You can sample Andrew’s music using the widget below. You can also find more info at these pages:

http://www.facebook.com/l/f09c0;www.reverbnation.com/andrewhuggan.

Andrew’s Facebook page

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Mickey Coleman ~Bio

dianes — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:11:55 +0000

Singer/songwriter Mickey Coleman, from the shores of Lough Neagh, County Tyrone Ireland is on his way to becoming the latest sensation to hit the Irish music folk scene.

Mickey who has been writing, singing and playing music from an early age completed his critically acclaimed debut album Carefully Crafted, consisting of all original material, a short 18 months ago. And, since its debut has been sharing the stage with artists such as The Chieftains, Cara Dillon, Francis Black, Liam Reilly, Steve Cooney and many more.

His talent for penning songs that in some way or another have shaped his life and which have captured the hearts of many in his live performances has been well documented in songs such as The Brantry Boy, The Holylands Belfast, My Coalisland Girl and Kilkeel Fisherman.

Drawing influences from Christy Moore, Bob Dylan and Luke Kelly, Mickey has developed his own identity saying; “I am like myself. I don’t think I sound like anyone” in an interview with popular folk artist and producer Column Sands.

James McGarrity from JW Promotions says; “Mickey Coleman is another example of the class and caliber of new musicians in the Province. This talented singer/songwriter produced a sensational debut album and is set for great things.”

Mickey is currently writing with some of Ireland’s finest and adding the finishing touches to his brand new album, Mothers Lullaby. Scheduled to launch on 29-Jan-2010, it is now available for purchase and pre-order on his website: www.mickeycoleman.com

Listen to some of Mickey’s songs now at: www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Become a fan and follow Mickey on Facebook at:

Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Chris Keys ~ bio

JaneW — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:24:24 +0000

Another great singer/songwriter I found on MySpace is Chris Keys. You have to go give him a listen too. We will be reviewing his EP when it comes out and it will be available at ITunes and cdbaby soon also.

Chris Keys 27 year old singer/songwriter and multi instrumentalist, had a passion for music from a young age and taught himself to play guitar, bass and piano. He was filmed busking in Belfast and was featured in the ‘Imagine’ best European cultural city promo video. In 2006 Chris won ‘pubstar’ and recently came runner up in the ‘Freedom live’ competition to support the Script at the Spring & Airbreak Belfast, organised by Cool fm /Northern bank. He has supported LA singer/songwriter ‘Ricky Warwick’ and is currently giging on the road with the ‘Chris keys duo’. Chris has just finished his second Ep ‘Shadows’ and at present is targeting radio stations and record labels.

You can hear Chris’s music at his website, YouTube and on his myspace page and become a fan on facebook.
http://www.chriskeys.com
http://www.youtube.com/chriskeysofficial
http://www.myspace.com/chrisjkeys
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-keys/52820986217

Unlike

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!

Oracle ~ band bio

JaneW — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:38:34 +0000

Oracle is a band I ran into on MySpace. At the time I knew nothing about them other than the fact that I loved their music. I have since been in contact with David and he sent me a band bio. I hope to have photos to add when they become available.

Oracle was formed by singer/songwriter David McClean and Brian Mellors in 2009. Chris Logan (lead guitar) and Christopher Hylands (drums) complete the line up. The band are currently working towards a debut EP with recordings “Lost and Lonely” and “Best Days” having already received airplay on local radio. Another song “Final Mile” has also received airplay on Cool FM (N Ireland’s largest radio station) but this song is not expected to be on the mini album that is as yet untitled. Chris Logan has also acted as producer and he has used his expertise to achieve a very polished and marketable sound. Currently they are rehearsing with plans for some gigs in Belfast in the new year to showcase the music. A music video is also in the pipeline for the band.

Line up

David McClean -Vocals, rhythm guitar
Chris Logan -Lead guitar, backing vocals
Brian Mellors -Bass, backing vocals
Chris Hylands- Percussion

You can hear samples of their music at the band’s myspace page http://www.myspace.com/davidmcclean

This is a great band with a great future. Go and give them a listen. Be sure and friend them too. Let them know how you found them. The more exposure we can deliver to bands the more bands we can get you info on. As fans we need to support indie bands so they keep making great music for us to listen to. And for our readers in Northern Ireland, check them out in person at one of their upcoming gigs.

If you found this post by way of a search engine, please click on the word HOME in the upper left hand corner to visit the rest of the site. Welcome to Fanrealm!