The Hennessy Sound Lounge returns with special guests Pillow Queens, God Knows and more

The Hennessy Sound Lounge returns for it's third run, this time in the brand new Hen’s Teeth HiFi Lounge, a listening lounge connected to the gallery, store and restaurant space.

November (and one night in December) in the Lounge will see four of the country’s finest showcasing and discussing the records that mean the most to them, in a unique, intimate, and immersive listening experience.

A premium sound system, custom crafted by Toby Hatchett, and in-depth conversation hosted by renowned DJ Sally Cinnamon, accompany the listening experience that guests of the Hennessy Sound Lounge will experience.

The night will also feature the stunning accompaniment of deliciously crafted Hennessy cocktails. As each of the evenings evolve, listening will turn to dancing when the artist of the night wraps up their conversation and gets on the decks for a specially curated DJ set of their favourite tunes.

As Hennessy continues to work with Irish artists, proceeds from ticket sales each night will be donated to a charitable organisation of the artist's choice. Each charity will be personal to them and attendees will have the option to donate to these charities at the shows.

Wednesday, November 2, sees Irish band Pillow Queens kick off the Hennessy Sound Lounge series. The 4-piece indie rock band based in Dublin comprises Pamela Connolly, Sarah Corcoran, Cathy McGuinness, and Rachel Lyons.

After the phenomenal success of their first record, 2020’s In Waiting, Pillow Queens went on to play bigger venues, and festivals, with music becoming a full time occupation for the band. At a point where most artists would get less personal and inward, Pillow Queens did the opposite. 2022's Leave the Light On is the group's most inward-focused release to date.

The band have recently played two sold out Vicar Street shows and have played to crowds across North America and Europe over what has been a busy, yet fruitful, 2022.

“We’d like to pick TENI as our charity partner," the band stated in a press release. "We admire the work that TENI put into advancing the rights and improving the quality of trans people and their families’ lives. There has recently been an increase in violence towards trans people and we would like to contribute to the support available to the people in our trans community.”

God Knows. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Two weeks later, Wednesday, November 16, brings Limerick's God Knows to the series. Known for his vividly honest lyricism and electrifying energy wherever he sets foot, God Knows has elevated Irish hip-hop to exponential levels.

As part of Rusangano Family, God Knows was the recipient of the Choice Music Prize for 2016’s Let The Dead Bury The Dead - the first ever hip-hop record to win the prestigious Album of the Year award. As one of the three founders of narolane records, God Knows is getting ready for the most prolific period of creativity of his life. Earlier this year God Knows made his narolane debut with the release of ‘Glory’ featuring Irish singer Senita.

The hip-hop artist has chosen a charity close to his heart for the event: "Mary’s Meals is my charity of choice because I really like their ethos and mission statement. €18.30 to feed a child is really practical and achievable. Their website and newsletters go into detail on what they are doing on the ground and how the donations are making a difference. I appreciate the transparency. Unfortunately world hunger is still an issue in 2022 and I like Mary’s Meals approach to solving this."

Kean Kavanaghat All Together Now 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Kean Kavanagh hits the Hen's Teeth on Wednesday, November 30. The singer, songwriter, producer and co-founder of revered Irish label, Soft Boy Records, has released a slew of solo music which caught the ear of XL Recordings founder Richard Russell. As a result, Russell invited Kavanagh to be a part of his last Everything is recorded album, alongside world renowned acts like Ghostface Killa, Aitch and Berwyn, among others.

The artist released his first full length project in the form of 10 track record, Dog Person, which garnered him a following of his own, solidifying a fanbase of which he's played sold out shows to in UK and Ireland. He's supported artists like Vampire Weekend and Lana Del Rey, and recently supported Kojaque on his US tour.

Kavanagh has chosen Guide Dogs Ireland as his charity for the event. He spoke about them in a press release, saying: "I've been wanting to do something for Guide Dogs Ireland for ages, they're a great charity and the help of the dogs that they train can be life changing for blind people, autistic children and their families."

Finally, the Hennessy Sound Lounge turns to fashion with London-based, Irish menswear designer Robyn Lynch joining the sessions for the final stint on Wednesday, December 14. Part of the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN class of 2021/22, Lynch has established herself as one of London’s emerging design talents.

From her debut collection as part of Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East program, Lynch uses her Irish upbringing and culture as the base of the brand’s ethos and inspiration, paying tribute to her roots with the youthful style and silhouette of traditional Irish cable knits.

“For the charity I’d like to choose Chime, the National Charity for Deafness and Hearing Loss," the contemporary designer said. "I chose this charity because my younger sister is Deaf and during her younger years and teenage years this organisation ran lots of workshops and adventure camps for deaf children which my sister attended and absolutely loved. She made great friends for life through these events. The cost of these camps/workshops are covered by chime through their fundraising. It will give me enormous pride to give something back on behalf of myself and my family.”

Tickets for each of the Hennessy Sound Lounge session are €10, inclusive of a complimentary Hennessy VS + Ginger, and are available at Eventbrite. Doors open at 7pm, talks are 7.30 - 9pm and DJ party sets are 9.30pm - 12.30am.