Back from the USA

In the turbulent world of rock’n’roll one of the biggest career challenges for many musos is making a name for yourself on the other side of the Atlantic. Having already achieved this onerous task, Killarney native Brendan O’Shea (pictured above) now finds himself in the rather unusual position of having to cultivate a following on home soil. A regular on the New York gigging circuit, Brendan has played with a fine selection of rock glitterati, such as Elliot Smith, Peter Buck, The Cowboy Junkies and 10,000 Maniacs. As a solo artist he has sold out many of the Big Apple’s more prestigious live venues. Brendan will return home to Ireland this summer for his first solo tour in late July, having previously supported his friend and fellow former NYC bartender Mark Geary here. Check hotpress.com for tour details and in the meantime pick up a copy of his debut offering In The Light available from Road Records and CD Baby.com. Interestingly enough Bren’s career got a kick-start in the late 90s when veteran film director Ron Howard chose two of his songs for the soundtrack to the film Backdraft……..
On the subject of choices, Sack must have been very happy with themselves when Moz chose ‘Colorado Springs’ from their first album You Are What You Eat for inclusion on his recent NME compilation CD Songs To Save Your Life...
In other compilation news keep your eyes peeled for Real, a CD which showcases the talents of 13 singer songwriters from the City of the Tribes. The brainchild of Galway native, Shay Leon, all tracks on the album were recorded at his studio in Loughrea. Featured artists include Charis and Lucas. Check www.irishsingersongwriters.com for more details…..
Other releases from around the country include a debut EP from Northern rockers Myosin. The offering, entitled ‘Maintain The Equilibrium’ will be available from the band’s website at www.myosin.co.uk . The launch gig will be held in the Front Page on July 28…..
Meanwhile, in the midlands, Athlone band Bunny are preparing for the release of Slick Corporate Music. The album is ready and will hit the shops very soon. A double A side radio single is currently at you local station so get requesting ‘What Went Wrong’ or ‘Altamont’...
Tipperary’s My Name Was Clark release the follow up single to “She Knows” at the end of July. The working title is ‘Crazy’ and sees the band exploring their softer side, incorporating string arrangements and some wonderful piano from Jay Spain. The band is also working on a live studio album due for release at the end of the summer…
In other news, Irish Beats on Beat 102-103 have recently welcomed Keet Murdiff to the team. Keet has been an active member of the Irish and UK music scenes for some years now and will act as a monthly cd/gig reviewer for the show……
News from the live front now – Hal fans will be pleased to know that the band have re-scheduled two of their recently cancelled shows. They will now play the Limelight in Belfast on Wed August 18 and Whelans, Dublin on Thurs August 19...
Also, fans of Autamata can look forward to a special one-off show in Galway’s Roisin Dubh on July 19, which will be their first Irish appearance outside Dublin this year. This date and all forthcoming gigs will incorporate a whole new visuals system which will surely only add to the usual brilliance of the live show. And why not take the opportunity to get up close and personal with the man himself by checking out our At Home With Ken McHugh in this issue !

For live updates tune into The Last Splash, Sunday nights 9-11, with Alison Curtis on Today FM
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