TOP 10 #Spotlightchart ELKAE LYRA

Home , Blood Harmony, Lukas Forchhammer, Lukas Graham

YOUR WEEKLY MUSIC FIX October 04, 2019

Music, Movies, Games & Video Charts Magazine IRELAND’S

N MUSIC VIDEO CHART

I TOP 10 #SpotLightChart ELKAE LYRA

IAN GUERIN

FINNEAS BLOOD HARMONY The Pondhawks

Drop Top Alibi

Conor Furlong Rapid Eye Movement Scott DeCarlo PureMzine PureMzine.com Editor: Chris Thompson [email protected]

Music Reviews Dave Simpson Danielle Holian Interviews Eileen Shapiro Music News Anne Hunter [email protected] Gig Photography Paulo Nuno Film Reviews Tommy McCormack

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We’re always looking for writers to contribute each week to our magazine... submit music, gig, or film reviews to [email protected], thank you! Lukas Graham Release Autobiographical Single 'Lie'

The Grammy Award- relationship that has proven to The track has been streamed nominated, multi-Platinum stand the test of time, and is over a billion times on Spotify, Lukas Graham share their new partially inspired by his now- a feat only 25 other artist have single 'Lie', which is out now on fiancé. In fact, the official accomplished, and resulted in Warner Records. The track is artwork for 'Lie' is a photo taken three Grammy Award accompanied by its official on the same night that the nominations. '7 Years' was video. couple met. 2016's highest-selling single by With 'Lie', lead singer Lukas Lukas Graham will embark a debut artist, and catapulted Forchhammer continues to upon a North American tour Lukas Graham to sold-out tours write from a personal and next month. See around the world, critical autobiographical place, taking lukasgraham.com/tour for a full acclaim and countless television listeners back to the beginning list of dates and ticket performances. of a young, tumultuous teenage information. The song transformed Danish Lukas Graham released their singer Lukas Forchhammer's second album '3 (The Purple life into a whirlwind a world Album)' last year, alongside the away from his beginnings. He single 'Love Someone' which was born on a couch in has been streamed over 500 Christiania, an impoverished million times. The band made quasi-commune located in the their made their global debut centre of Copenhagen, where he with their 2016 self-titled debut met his "boys" turned album, which reached #2 in the bandmates – Mark "Lovestick" UK and spawned the #1 smash Falgren (drums) and Magnús '7 Years'. "Magnúm" Larsson (bass).

03 DUBLIN POP ARTIST ELKAE SET TO RELEASE BRAND

NDubliEn Wbased, SelecItroNnic GLE Pop/Soul artist ELKAE releases new single "Conflictus" on Friday October 11th with single launch in the Bello Bar on Saturday October 19th with special guests TBA. After the success of her first 2 releases ELKAE is taking the music world by storm! After a line of festivals, she'e been selected to showcase at Ireland music week this coming October. ELKAE has had her music on national and international radio, editorial Spotify palylists, and been featured in music blogs such as Nialler9, Discovernu (UK) and TrippleHQ (US). She is now set to release her 3rd single "Conflictus".(Full bio in link below) Conflictus is an empowering electronic pop song that captures the inner conflict at the crossover point in which the

dreamer in you is challenge by pop track. Conflictus rounds off the realist in relationship the story of ELKAEs two expectations and love. It's the previous releases: SOLD the stronger side of you coming out first date, I FEEL - the and saying how you really feel. progression and now ELKAE explores a heavier side Conflictus, the exploration of to her electro/pop soul sound the mindset as the relationship and vocals with this powerful comes to an end.

04 PUREMZINE.COM LYRA ANNOUNCES HEADLINE

DTherUe is nBo doLubtI thNat LY SRA iHs OW on the rise. Having just performed at the second stage at Electric Picnic, she has sold- out recent headline shows in London and Dublin and supported the likes of Jess Glynne, Dermot Kennedy and James Bay. Now, LYRA announces her biggest Irish headline yet, at The Academy Dublin on the 5th of March 2020. The Cork singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist earlier this month released her anthemic new single 'Mother', an ode to LYRA's Mum's powerful words of encouragement to forget your insecurities and rise above the haters. "Writing this one with Phil Cook (Birdy, Ellie Goulding), was special - it came together in one day. I feel very at ease in the studio with him - there I am, to sing, also my voice. It dust off & go hell for leather wailing away - not afraid of definitely got me down - with anything and everything singing a wild note, and he's especially about the singing you want to do - and always really open and encouraging of because I felt like I'd found my remember to encourage others those wilder things - it really passion but was ashamed of to do the exact same!" helps me shape the song," doing it. A perfect blend of dark explains LYRA. My mum always told me to electronic pop, LYRA's "The song is about growing rise above it all, accept myself creativity manifests itself in up and wrestling with who I as I was, to be proud of that and songs, stories and art. Her love was - something I think we all enjoy life... It's not always easy of vocal talents such as Kate go through at one point or - I still have insecurities and Bush, Lykke Li and Bat for another in this crazy thing worry about all sorts of things - Lashes is obvious: part vintage, called life! Growing up I was who doesn't - but this song's a part contemporary, she exudes teased about my appearance reminder to pick your ass up, a sense of being free from the quite a bit and then, as I began give it a big old shake to get the constraints of time and era.

05 The Pondhawks by Eileen Shapiro

Often recited as being as well as exactly what they Jorie: They are in Chicago and reminiscent of The Beatles, the were up to... Mario is a jokester it's with Lighthouse for the Chicago based duo, The while Jorie just seems to Blind. They are really into Pondhawks are quickly rising entertain his comedy. Together PondHawks music. We had to as one of the biggest Indie they make an incredible sound bring all of our albums in, they factions in the world. Their that touches the hearts of fans wanted to be able to hear all of vocals and harmonies continue and listeners.. our music. to bend genres and delight fans. Their newest song, "Afraid of So what have you guys been What did you talk about? Love" continues to create a up to since we last spoke? buzz and fans are anxiously Jorie: Basically, what we went awaiting to see what's next. Mario: Just making it happen. over with you, the beginnings I spoke to Jorie and Mario We did a radio show this of the band, and about our regarding a psychedelic, morning. It was called CRIS, music, and songs that they fluorescent 50th anniversary and it was interesting because talked about, were they hard to festival celebrating Woodstock they were blind. do or easy.

06 PUREMZINE.COM Mario: Our favorite and stuff like that. was like except the pinada amphibians and reptiles....the didn't have any Rolexes in usual, you know... Mario: I've got enough them. They didn't give out any weirdness. bad ant- acid. You just came off doing a festival of some sort? Jorie: He's weird altogether. Jorie: It was Woodstock ....But I don't think you need all alright. People really got into it. Jorie: We did the Woodstock that gimmicky stuff if you can They had wigs on, all the tie- tour. That was actually pretty sing. dye. That's it 50 years later. good. Everyone was dressed up like hippies. Do you you do covers or only Mario: They had all the your own originals? psychedelic lights and they tried Mario: They told me to come to make it as groovy as they dressed the way I always Mario: We do covers, yeah. could, within the realm of do...the thing is Eileen, I pick a The last show we did was legality. They called it decade and I stick to it. almost a five hour show, so you Woodstock Festival 2019. know we're doing at least 3 1/2 Are you writing or recording hours of covers. We were doing Jorie: It was A private party anything new? our originals at the end for the with only invited guests, but a people that were fortunate lot of invited guests. It was on Mario: Oh yeah! We were on enough, wait I mean unfortunate this Estate. There was a sound our way to the interview this enough to miss our first set. system and everything. There morning and I was playing our That was a long day. It's was a was food and you could just new demo for Jorie. Our new groovy thing. walk around, that's how big it song. We've got about 25 songs was. in the queue. So it's like "what Jorie: We had like six encores do we want to do next?" or something. They just wanted Mario: I hit the pinada but I more. It was like a marathon. didn't get a Rolex. We were I've been reading your rolling with the punches. We reviews, and the consensus is Mario: Picture this, it was thrive on the humor of the thinking you sound like The outside Chicago....have you situation. Because you know Beatles. ever seen Billy Madison? that's what life is all about Remember every time he anyway. If you don't have Mario: It's A misnomer but graduated kindergarten his dad humor in life you're just missing God bless him for that. We're would throw him this huge the boat. into the John and Paul formula, elaborate party. That's what it but that's what it is. Jorie: The audience was entertaining for us to watch Jorie: I love it, but nobody can while we were singing. beat The Beatles. I think it's doing the more pure harmonies Mario: Life in general they are stuff where you're not using all going to be thunderstorms and these effects to make your voice lightning but you got to laugh in sound better or to have some between.... sort of weirdness to it, auto tune thepondhawks.com

07 ALEX GOUGH RELEASES BRAND NEW EP '80%' Alex Gough is a 20 year old Drummer/Producer/Rapper and member of the influential 'Anomaly' collective. Hailing from Waterford, Ireland Gough is one of the most promising artists of the currently thriving Irish music scene. Drumming since the age of 6, he fast became a well-respected master of his craft and soon turned his hand to producing while also attending Cork School of Music. Containing 3 brand-new tracks, alongside fan favourites 'Breakfast' and 'Step To Me', 80% is the first time Alex showcases his phenomenal drumming skills on a record with huge amounts of clout. 'INTRO', 'I Remember' and 'Dear SJ' all have live drum's recorded by Gough in Dublin at brand new 'The Clinic Studios'. Of '80%' Alex says – "The concept for this EP was formed thoughts per day. Of those, connotations and found very after realising a lot of the 80% are negative and 95% are few of them were positive. The subject matter of songs I repetitive thoughts. If we EP consists of 80% negative listened to or wrote myself was repeat those negative thoughts, connotations and a slightly quite negative. I went searching we think negative way more unfortunate 20% positive. But I for a potential reason behind than we think positive guess that's life. I also viewed this overtly negative stance that thoughts." the 80% as some kind of kept recurring, in the process I The 80% really stuck out to journey, hence the progress bar. stumbled across a quote - me. From this I compiled a lot The EP pans out across a day, a ""an average person has of draft songs I had with journey through the positive about 12,000 to 60,000 different negative/positive and negative of sorts."

08 PUREMZINE.COM Stomptown Brass Announce New Single

'One Last Time' is the latest their second-line jazz roots October created by award- release from STOMPTOWN with a more eclectic mix of winning Spanish visual artist BRASS, the eclectic 8-piece styles and sounds, from more Javier Longobardo, whose electro-brass ensemble who modern jazz forms to different diverse client list includes have maintained their status as electronic music genres. Kanye West. The video has one of the most eclectic and The track's relentless drive already been shortlisted for unique live acts in Ireland has made it a live favourite in awards at the New York through a wide array of diverse the band's various shows over Independent Film Festival, the shows and projects. the last two years with its epic Tokyo Lift-Off Film Festival, In 'One Last Time', the fanfare providing a memorable Mexico's Cut Out Festival and infectious energy of the band's salutation to the memory of the Oviclip Festival in Asturias. previous releases can be heard truth in the band's most recent It's sure to be the brass with a darker, more texture- Requiem for the Truth sell-out soundtrack of the year! driven groove which is typical tour in 2018. Stomptown Brass will play of the band's more recent The band is set to release an The Academy Green Room on output - music which combines animated music video this Saturday 9th November.

09 Scott DeCarlo

by Eileen Shapiro inger, songwriter, storyteller, and the next big country sensation, Scott DeCarlo will be unveiling his brand-new video, "Share The Morning Light", very soon. Having been already a Billboard chart recipient, DeCarlo continues to write and co-write future country hits. Scott DeCarlo and I shared some questions and answers to which his responses were both sensitive and enlightening. Originally from New Jersey Scott began his career writing and singing rock. He has since found a home in Country music.

Scott, you've charted already, with what songs? usually comes with it. What being selfish and trying to grow gives you that confidence? as an artist or as a writer, that I My first charting song on the was letting down the people billboard top 100 was, "Having The confidence I possess now I around me. Things where I've A Good Time." Then I charted did not always have. It's taken a failed have led me to again with "I See Trouble lot of mistakes. It's taken a lot accomplishment. Coming." Neither of them hit of self-doubt and failure to Because of the failure and the top 40 but it was an honor recognize that I needed the because I've self-reflected and and a privilege to be on the failures to grow. seeing where I have let others billboard top 100. Not just in music, but life in down, I came to understand that general. I was a terrible lover, a with helping others I will only I feel like you have a certain terrible friend, just wanting become more successful. In my confidence about you things to happen for myself, not life I have studied martial arts. without the arrogance that realizing that as much as I was You self-reflect in that training.

10 PUREMZINE.COM That was the one training that When you realize on the ground the things that I needed to do to I didn't completely intertwine level that you have to be a good be successful. That confidence with music, and in my life. A person to everything in your came in understanding that I couple of years ago I started to life, not to just what it is that made my mistakes and I'm do that. I realized that I cannot you desire and then everything doing my best not to make them separate who I am from my will blossom. Sort of like a anymore. music. It all has to be together. Lotus. Now I am that good friend When you put your heart and You know a Lotus comes and that strong songwriter that soul into your music, and you from mud. People don't really I want to be. I'm growing put your heart and soul into realize that some of the most internally so that externally I bettering yourself, it's truly beautiful flowers in the world can produce great stuff. amazing. When I recognized all comes up from muck and mud of my mistakes, when I realized and blossoms the most beautiful I hear a song in that. all of the wrong turns, I saw that flower. I had to correct myself before I When you realize you can That's possible. could become successful. The dig yourself out of the mud with minute you start believing in the mistakes that you made, you Your songs tell a story, what yourself you can become gain a confidence. You might inspires that? successful. feel that you're terrible at this or There are many different terrible at that but were you I thank you for that, but I'm here levels of success. It starts with really terrible or was it that you in Nashville where there are the believing in yourself, as the just weren't paying attention. best storytellers in the world. lover, the writer, the friend. In my case, I didn't realize The best poets in the world

11 migrate here. The best That's for my audience to vibe. I just ran with it. They musicians, they all migrate decide. come from everywhere and here. anywhere. As I venture to different Where do you get your stories The greatest thing is to co- songwriter nights and different from? write. When you co-write with events, I am extremely humbled other people, they bring their at the abilities that are in this It's interesting... I was in the image to the room that you're town. I strive to write a great elevator the other day and writing in. You may have an song with a story, which has not somebody had made a image of the girl putting on her always been the case. I've comment and I thought "well lipstick in the car but your co- always been anthemic in my there's a comment." You kind of writer might say "how about if writing and I thought that's build on a comment. You say she puts her lipstick on in the what I wanted. But I realized something, and you get an window." that the more you tell a story in image in your mind. It's not Co-writing is an incredible a song, the more you connect always a life experience that experience and you learn so with your audience. you write about. much from that. You definitely An anthem can connect, sure, When I wrote the "Lipstick get a major part of your story but not like a true story. When On My Window" song, I from your co-writer. the truth is in your story, and literally just saw a young girl Years ago when I first came that story makes great sense, it while walking down the street to Nashville I had met a fellow becomes a great song. So, I and she was trying to do her that I worked with for a while, strive to write a great story, and lipstick in the reflection of her a pseudo-manager. He was a I will continue to strive because mirror. It just gave me the idea. real great guy and the first thing storytellers here are quite She was sitting in this pretty he told me was, "you know amazing. cool car, and I just changed the Scott, your songs need to make I hope someday to be on that image in my mind as opposed more sense." I was a bit level. I believe I'm almost there, to it being this situation that I offended at first and I asked I don't know maybe I am there. was in, it was just a cool kind of him what he meant. He was so

12 PUREMZINE.COM right and said that I just had to tell a story. He told me that he knew I was trying to get everyone to sing a particular hook in my song, but my story has to bring them there. He was so right about that and it was a humbling experience because I thought I was such a good writer. I was kind of terrible. I thought, I might need a little work... or a lot of work !

If you could have me ask you any question in the world what would you want me to ask?

I guess what I would want someone to ask me is to help them do something. I go back to your previous question, it all comes down to helping others. I would want somebody to ask others. That's an honest answer As a writer it's great because me, "can you help me, because and I wouldn't know another I can try new ideas all the time. it's not self-serving and I don't answer. As an artist it doesn't keep you believe we are here to serve in one area. ourselves. Helping others is What do you feel the future of I used to write a lot of truly what life's about. And country music is? country rock, or southern rock. kindness. Now I'm able to try different I think we as a society here in I feel like it kind of goes in things that I wouldn't America, we've gone so far spurts. Sometimes you have necessarily have been able to away from helping, and we've people writing about their try if I were labeled as this type gone so deep into the direction trucks and sometimes you have of music or that type of music. of being selfish and self- people writing about the love of I think country is forever serving. their lives. evolving and I can't wait to see I'm sure that's not the answer A lot of people love their where it goes next. you were looking for, but it's trucks. Country music is really the answer I'm honest about. I cool. The last few years country Scott DeCarlo’s new single would like somebody to ask me music has taken an approach “Share The Morning Light,” is to help them somehow because where it's like a melting pot. It's now available worldwide. that's what this society needs encompassing everything now, Download your copy on iTunes more of. We all need help to every style and every genre is today! better ourselves and help finding its way into country. scottdecarlo.com

13 INTERVIEW

Brandon Gregory:

bDy Eileern Shoapiro p Top Alibi

aturated with authentic Lights" was produced by N Roll with Drop Top Alibi high energy and Grammy-nominated and five- what are you doing? effervescent confidence, time Juno award-winning SToronto's Rock N Roll songwriter and producer Well, I'm a freelance musician sensations Drop Top Alibi have Michael Hanson from Glass playing for different just launched their new single Tiger. Named Rock Search restaurants, bars, corporate like a rocket ship entitled, Champions, Drop Top Alibi is a events and I teach music part- "Summer Nights & City captivating force of nature. time. I have about 20 students Lights". I had a really awesome so that covers my expenses. I Like a fiery volcano or a conversation with co-founder play to live and working on persuasive avalanche and their Brandon Gregory regarding the making Drop Top Alibi happen. music is a compelling band's music, influences and illustration of what Rock n Roll the brand new single...... Aside What do you teach? once was. The faction was from Drop Top Alibi, Brandon initiated by Brandon Gregory supports himself as a musician. I teach guitar, vocals, beginner and Dylan Wykes in June of piano and if someone really 2016. "Summer Nights & City When you’re not doing Rock wants to pay to learn the bass

14 PUREMZINE.COM and they can't find a teacher I'll up we have now, is only about side of rock? do that. a year and a half old, but the name has been around for about Come on my email is rockstar How did Drop Top Alibi three years. It was always journalist. originate? Dylan and I. We had a few guys in and out, but now this is the You never know what a person Myself and lead guitarist real deal. This is the best four- is going for with that phrase. Dylan Wykes met when we piece we have ever had, Rock Star is kind of like its own were about 18 years old. Dylan everyone is on the same page. mythical creature at this point. joined a band from my high Things have been going really school. We went to different well especially over the last six What are your three favourite schools, but we had a mutual months. and influential bands of all friend who was my drummer at time? the time. He ended up joining I love your music. the band. We stuck together and Those are kind of two different it's been about nine years now. Thank you, is Rock 'n' roll your questions. Without a doubt, the Drop Top Alibi, with the line- go to? Are you into the heavier most influential to me has been

15 Interview: Brandon Gregory: Drop Top Alibi

Soundgarden, Led Zeppelin, was, as long as I could do it. until all I see is white. and the early era Aerosmith, the Understanding that the light first four records in the 70s. My can be blinding and that the What's it like working with favourite is still the Aerosmith light could kill you, but not Michael Hanson? thing, Soundgarden for sure, caring at all, just staring right but honestly, I absolutely have into it like "Summer Nights He's a very nice guy. He kind an affinity for Queen. I & City Lights...Getting me of sits there, let's you do your absolutely love Queen. high on their delights....gotta thing, doesn't really say much, live fast and make a but then he'll kind of chime in. Who writes your music? sound....momma don't you He hasn't really been frown...” It’s like look I'm going interjecting too much. Then I kind of write 70 or 80% of a for this, if I'm one of the he'll say, " I don't know if that tune and just bring it to unlucky ones who wastes away, riff note for note is there, but rehearsal. Sometimes the mood at least it will be a great ride. show me exactly what that changes or somebody has a Obviously, I'm a little more means...show me that riff...if I verse or a lyric idea or counter- mature now, but that was very wrote this riff it would kind of melody or a melody that ends much the idea of that. I always go a little more like this...." up working better, it's become a really loved it. I never could everyone kind of puts their lot more collaborative. The finish it. I put it through the flavour in it and if the riff sticks original ideas and a lot of the ringer once we met Michael like it is or the vocal harmony main riffs, a hook happening in Hanson and everybody really is brilliant... He produced the the chorus, it's usually myself liked it. The four of us finished songs. who comes up with that. an arrangement, Michael We went to him because his Hanson had a couple of ideas strength is in songwriting, and What was the inspiration for for extra texture and some we really wanted to see if there the new single? Did you write changes. He was much more was some extra flavor that the it? collaborative on the studio side, songs could have and he was but without the three guys that able to add some really I wrote the main theme of it I have in my band that song impactful moments to the a few years ago actually. It sat would've never been finished songs, and we are excited to collecting dust because I didn't and if it ever was finished it release them. really have anything after the would not have sounded the second verse. I didn't have that way it sounds right now. droptopalibi.com midsection or that breakdown, I didn't have any of that. When I What is your ultimate stage wrote the first verse and fantasy? plugged in the guitar parts for that I think I was 20 years old, I’d love to stare out into an maybe 21 and I was a student, I open-air festival with 60 or was playing in a band and 70,000 people where it's just partying a lot. It was very much very much a sea of heads as far that I had stars in my eyes. I as you can see, and I want to wanted to be a musician for the take a Polaroid picture just like rest of my life, and it didn't Eddie Vedder did. I want to just matter how big or small that have that Polaroid snap-shot

16 PUREMZINE.COM IRELAND’S

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The PureMzine acoustic/live video music chart featuring the TOP 10 Irish artists this week!

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g Spothlight ctharCt featurhing thea TOP r20 t ng Irish artists this week!

*MUSIC VIDEOS ARE REMOVED FROM OUR CHART SYSTEM ONE MONTH AFTER RELEASE DATE VIA YOUTUBE* 19 IRELAND’S

C ATUODIOP/LY R1IC0 MU S#IC V6IDE6 O CHART

The PureMzine Audio/Lyric music video chart featuring the TOP 10 Irish artists this week!

20 DAVID KEENAN POURS IT ALL OUT ON NEW SINGLE Irish artist David Keenan strides on from the warmly- welcomed 'Tin Pan Alley' with a further taste of his forthcoming debut album with a new song and video 'Altar Wine'. Currently on tour around Europe and the UK with Hozier, 'Altar Wine' finds him, with film director Mark William Logan, unpicking insecurities that have haunted him, and, in a wider context, his homeland, for many years. David says: "The sculpting of this visual piece of work demanded that I face - head on - all of said traumas and insecurities and repressions that lived in me since The director adds: 'Altar Wine' is the next step childhood. Art heals, that's why "Altar Wine is a film on a path that the young writer I pursue it. It gives joys, exploring the exorcism and from the border counties has insights and reliefs from the ultimate relief from the pain and been carving for the past three many madnesses that come and trauma we have all endured as a years, following a series of self- go. As a young man I felt the result of our humanness. The released EPs and all-consuming many stings of sensitivity when ancestral trauma which was live performances that have greeted with a conditioned passed down to us by our elders, added to his burgeoning societal sense of toxic who were themselves victims. reputation in Ireland and masculinity which dogged, and Victims of oppression, beyond. still dogs, rural Ireland and the judgement and abuse. Altar 'Altar Wine' was released on rest of the world. Wine is a film about the Rubyworks on Wednesday 2nd Through the medium of this demonification of the feminine October. David Keenan's debut video and as a result of my by religious institutions, the album - 'A Beginner's Guide To relationship with director Mark abuse of our planet by Bravery' - will be released on William Logan I felt ready to capitalism and the fear based Friday 10th January 2020. He is embrace all of the trauma trauma passed down through on tour in America, Ireland, the within and without." parents." UK and Europe.

21 Conor Furlong Rapid Eye Movement by Dave Simpson

Dublin based musician Conor industrious singer/songwriter “Your Sad Smile”, was once Furlong started turning heads in has released an assortment of again performed and put his homeland half a decade ago equally enthralling tunes together by Furlong alone. when he released his inaugural including 2015’s “In Paradise”, The freshly forged ten track album, “Adventure”, which, in 2016’s “Blinding Light” and compilation opens with a short addition to being an enthralling 2017’s “Right”. instrumental offering named collection of contemplative Now he’s back with a brand “Giselle” which gets things off pop/rock compositions, was new full-length record entitled to a stirring start ahead of the notable for the fact that it was “Rapid Eye Movement”, which, absorbingly buoyant arranged, performed and with the exception of a instrumentation and enticingly produced by Furlong alone. harmonica solo performed by soft yet sonorous singing of In the five years since, the John M. Ferguson on the song “Alien”. This is followed by the

22 PUREMZINE.COM affable and uplifting “R.E.M. terrifically dynamic “Athens”. cordial record here that Saved My Life Tonight”, after “Sleeping in Outer Space” smoothly fuses together which “Summer Song” is an endearingly gentle elements of the genres of pop, entrances with its upbeat addition next that showcases rock and shoegaze. Its music and pleasant melody. an assortment of soothing consistently canorous vocals When it’s done, “Dream” instrumentation ahead of the and amiable music should builds a strikingly unique and affecting “Your Sad Smile”, attract a sizable and diverse atmospheric bridge to “Bow which precedes a superbly listenership. Down”, which arrests with its spirited finale in the form of expressive vocals and cheery “In Paradise”. “Rapid Eye Movement” is instrumentation before it All in all, Furlong has available to stream on Spotify passes the torch to the composed a captivatingly and download on iTunes now.

23 IAN GUERIN by Eileen Shapiro

Recording superstar Ian Guerin continues to create a buzz with his newest album "Irreplaceable." Ian is not only a prolific songwriter, but he definitely knows how to speak to you. We shared questions and answers that were not only fun but thought-provoking. If you aren't yet familiar with Ian, he hails from Mexico to LA and the UK and is an R&B, pop, blue-eyed soul songwriter and singer. Up until now, he's had great success in the UK, winning awards, but most importantly giving people timeless songs. His album "Irreplaceable" has picked up massive momentum in the States and continues to grab the attention of those who get to appear on turns into a this album. I’ve grown up a lot, listen to it; it’s definitely a conversation that goes beyond I’ve become more confident, different affair. music, but I like that because it and I like the fact that success allows people to know me for has come gradually for me First of all, what’s been who I am as a person. As I’ve because it’s allowed me to be happening? said before: my soul focus is prepared to handle and enjoy promoting my latest album every step of the way. These past months have been “Irreplaceable,” yet there’ve amazing! I’ve met incredibly been collaboration offers I can’t If you could have me ask you talented people on both sides of pass by. I’m committed to any question in the world entertainment, the media and building a legacy and leaving what would it be and what the artistry, and it’s been great an imprint, but most would your answer be? to feel included and fully importantly to have my understood for the very first experiences be helpful to I think that the question would time in my life. Every show I others. That’s the purpose of have to be, what’s your biggest

24 PUREMZINE.COM fear and what hurts you most? thing that really scares me. I importantly, how fans are there Because fear and hurt are the know I’ll use my success for it all. I love it. two biggest walls one faces in positively; I just want them to life. stick around long enough to Is there any one of your songs The answers would be, what enjoy it too. that you like better than the hurts me the most is having had rest or are prouder of? so much love, dedication and If you could tour anywhere in joy to give in a relationship and the world what place would I don’t know if I’m prouder not having found reciprocation. you pick? of some over others, because That’s hurt me because I’ve I’m proudest of the found really incredible girls that I think there are many places, “Irreplaceable” album as a body I’ve loved intensely, and that but the States would most of work. I love hearing it alone, I’ve given my all to, but they definitely have to be my top and I wasn’t one for listening to just haven’t reciprocated. That, pick, just because I love the my music when my debut no matter who you are, makes touring culture. How they album “Madsexy” dropped. But you fearful; it makes you feel schedule tours, how they format there’s something about these like there’s something wrong shows to be theater, arena or songs that makes them special. with you. Mr Ron Russell (from stadium, how each stop is ‘Cry’ has a preferential place the world-renowned web show handled, the shops, the in my heart, because it was the The Jimmy Star Show with Ron program; I have some from my first song I wrote and released Russell) told me “it doesn’t favourite shows, and definitely that was 150% representative of only happen to you a lot, it picture how mine will look like. who I am as a person, and as an happens to everyone a lot,” and The experience as a whole is artist, in body and soul. I was he’s right. Yet it’s still painful to magic to me. But most just hearing it and that piano not be able to be in a relationship like the one you know in your heart you could have. The upside of it is I’ve written great songs that’ll help people, who’ve been through the same, pull through or at least stay strong in knowing we all have flaws but are worth loving regardless of them. No one should make anyone feel like they’re hard to love, even if I’ve been on both sides of that coin. That said, my biggest fear is not having my parents around long enough see me succeed. But most importantly, to have me use that success to make all their dreams come true. That’s probably the only

25 IAN GUERIN

intro gives me life; it’s my have been written, what songs room–changing charisma and favourite intro from the album, would you choose as the their talent, not production, ran and those snaps, and the way soundtrack of your life? the show. A time when you the words and the music could be legendary. complement each other... and That’s a hard one; I’ve used so When music was real when that hook “...cause it hurts to many songs to heal throughout talent was god-given not in fall in love with a person who my life that it’s hard to say. I’m fashion. When being notorious won’t...” I think that line going to list the ones I was fond wasn’t in trend or enough to be describes one of the most of at crossroads or defining famous, and pop culture was common yet most painful moments of my life and that fill filled with timeless elements experiences we humans have to my heart with emotions every and substance. I’ve always had endure. time I hear them. an old soul, so I’ve identified “...I’mma take this dream of with those times since my me and you babe, and I’mma Narrow Daylight - Diana Krall grandma and I watched the throw it out cause I’m just sick Waterfalls - TLC “the many movie “Singin’ in the Rain.” babe...” Lord knows I loved chances I blew to bring my life Every time I hear those big that line since I wrote it in high to a new” is my life motto. bands and vinyl statics, I crave school, so when I finally got to Fly Like a Bird – Mariah Carey being there and physically feel add it to ‘Cry’ it was perfection. Unbreakable - Michael Jackson that excitement in my guts, so ‘Cry’ opened a lot of doors for Gentle on My Mind - Glen I’d definitely be Gene Kelly for me, yet my favourite at the time Campbell a day. Frank Sinatra once said: is ‘Feature in Your Life.’ I play Cachito Mío - Oscar D’ Leon “some say you only live once, it and I feel free and confident; The Bright Side of the Road - but with the life I’ve lived, once it’s blatant, it’s honest, it’s Van Morrison is enough.” So one day as Gene hopeful and romantic... “yeah Mañana - Gloria Trevi would be more than enough. you know how it feels to be You’re Nobody Till Somebody down and low, cause you gave Loves You - Dean Martin Any new projects on the your all and got little to none, Singin’ in the Rain - Gene Kelly horizon? yeah, you’ve been there Do It Again - Cirque Du Soleil before...” Telling someone you / Zumanity Ian Guerin: I’m working on a love that you know they’re Together Again – Janet Jackson feature with a couple of Hip broken, but that you love them Star Over Again – Joe Thomas Hop artists for a radio station still, is brave. I can go on about mixtape. I most recently was each song forever so my If you could be one person for part of a charity song, but I’m personal favourites from the a day who would you choose focusing on sketching the live album are: ‘Feature in Your and why? show. I want to take Life,’ ‘Cry,’ ‘The Place,’ “Irreplaceable” on the road. ‘Irreplaceable’ and ‘A Different If it was fictional, I’d say I’ve done movie theme-songs, Affair,’ yet they’re all special, Barney Stinson from “How I collaborations, songwriting for ‘Roll the Dice’ is as honest as I Met Your Mother,” but I think fellow artists; I’m ready to hit can get in a song and ‘Free in my heart I’d be Gene Kelly. the road & meet my Time,’ is the wheel of this ship. I would’ve loved to be a star people face to face. Make it Still, follow my lead. in his time, with all that glitz, “Irreplaceable.” glamour and true nostalgia and Looking at all the songs that class; in a time when stars had ianguerinmusic.com

26 PUREMZINE.COM IRELAND’S

C MTUOSPIC 1VI0DE #O C6H6 ART

The PureMzine official video music chart featuring the TOP 10 Irish artists this week!

27 FINNEAS BLOOD HAbRy DManieOlle HNoliYan

INNEAS has listener’s attention the moment he’d seen / Would make F. Scott released his highly- the song begins. Fitzgerald cry.” It’s a stand-out anticipated debut ‘Lost My Mind’ is a heartfelt track with the emotional extended-play, addition to the EP, as FINNEAS attachment that many will, Blood Harmony, opens the track singing, again, relate to. He remembers that features seven-tracks. “You’re the sound of a song and all his favourite things and tries Opening the EP, ‘I Lost a I can’t get you out of my head. to pretend they now mean Friend’ has soaring vocals with Moving on, the chorus has a nothing. During the chorus, he a distorted bass that brings the few questions and finds his continues, “But I won’t / Break listener immediately on a singing in an emotional tone down at two A.M. and call / journey from the first note. It’s with an excellent powerful ‘Cause I don’t / Miss you at a relatable track that will production that moves the all.” connect with many in relation listener along with the story. ‘Partners in Crime’ has a to falling out with a friend. ‘I Don’t Miss You at All’ has wonderful, soothing ‘Shelter’ has a vibrant, pop a catchy synth instrumental instrumental. The chorus is soft, sound with urgent undertones detailing a story about trying FINNEAS sings, “But isn’t that over a Latin-flavoured and failing to convince yourself what friends are for / Even if we instrumental. There’s an you’re over someone. used to be more? / Like lovers infectious energy throughout FINNEAS sings, “About those or partners in crime / And you the track that will grab the eyes / The shade of green that if were still mine.”

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‘Let’s Fall in Love for the production with a modern twist current moment. He wrote, Night’ has a fluttering, groovy and exquisite songwriting performed, and produced the mood with falsetto vocals that showcase a perfection entire body of work himself. almost approach rap-style over collection that is a great It’s a perfect introduction to his the classical pop instrumental. introduction to his work overall. music as a solo artist. It reflects his adoration for love It’s plain to see FINNEAS The 22-year-old multi- songs moving forward as the has built up an incredible body instrumentalist commented on guitar-driven instrumental the of work throughout his musical the title of his EP, “I would love indie-pop anthem plays on with career being best known for his for this title to remain heart-wrenching melodies and crooning singer-songwriter ambiguous to listeners and for clever lyrics. skills and abilities. He is in a everyone to be able to imbue it The stunning EP has a blend league of his own making him with their own meaning and of fresh sounds that is stand out from the crowd with justification. The most highlighted through ‘Die Alone’ his talent. common use of the term’ blood adding more emotions and From the beginning of the EP harmony’ is an English moods as the collection comes moving towards the end, the expression for what it sounds to an end. collection of tracks wonderfully like when siblings sing As the EP unfolds, represents who FINNEAS is as together, that biologic everything begins to make a musician and the direction of chemistry—I think that speaks sense. His excellent take on music he wants to take in the for itself.”