Words of encouragement have been flooding onto Susan Bluechild's MySpace (over 4,000 at last count) but one comment in particular stood out from the rest. A certain Mr P Diddy left the following missive “I think you got talent. Keep working hard, stay focused and you will make it because Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Bluechild’s career has certainly been on an upward trajectory. Her song ‘Sunrise’ was chosen from over 1,000 songs for inclusion on an American compilation album to be sold in Sky Music shops at all US airports. She was given an enthusiastic reception at the Midem music showcase in Cannes and recently performed her first showcase in London at media request. Watch this space!
Life in The Beat Poets’ [pictured] camp is comparably rosy. The band have been the subject of much label interest of late. They are preparing to record their second single with Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, Lost Prophets, Catatonia) in Wales this month. Dave Way of Foo Fighters, M.J Blige, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney fame is on mixing duties. In addition, they are the only Irish artists taking part in the upcoming Canadian Music Week. They are also getting support from fashion label Gio Gio who have Kasabian, Babyshambles, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis on their books. The band have been approached to be the Irish act associated with the label. Phew! Check them out at Radio City, Dublin on March 30.
In Dublin news, The Star Department recently released their second mini-album Auditions on Cableattack. Check their MySpace page for more info. The new release was mastered by legendary producer Kramer (Low, Daniel Johnston, Galaxie 500) who also mastered their debut effort. Since forming in November 2005 the four-piece have supported The Futureheads, appeared at Hard Working Class Heroes and on the IMRO Showcase Tour. Also, the song ‘Flickering Lights’ was chosen by Road Records and Nokia as one of the Recommended songs which showcases the best new music worldwide.
Fellow citizens of the Pale Reemo want to send their thanks to all fans that bought a copy of their ‘Rushin’ Man’ single. The song stayed in the Irish Charts for five consecutive weeks and peaked at number 33. They are now stepping back into the studio to continue the recording of their debut album.
SnowDial are set to release their debut single ‘In Your Head’ on March 16 through Cool Day Recordings. The launch is in Radio City on March 14. The Dublin three-piece comprising Eamonn and Paul Doyle and Kathy Snowe have been together since early 2006. Check hotpress.com for details of the support tour.
Ahead of the summer release of their second EP Circuits Cork-based Painting By Numbers will be kicking off a national tour at Cyprus Avenue on March 15. Support on the night will be from Dundalk’s Open Door Policy.
In other news from the south, Limerick’s Secret Police have just released their debut single ‘Bootie Call’. NOT a cover of the All Saints song!