Chris Kabs
More Than A Number


Written to raise awareness of police brutality, Dublin song-writer and producer Chris Kabs brings More Than A Number. This dance orientated and funky number brings out jazz influences and warming compositions. He says that within the black community that the global issue of police violence is ongoing. We couldn't agree more, in fact, when we stop talking about police brutality, we have an even bigger problem. However isolated these events become, they will always be the basis for needed reform and social justice. With a long list of production credits behind him, including Oh Lawd from TV's Normal People and Ozone from the FIFA20 Soundtrack, putting his own brand of production to his own name is the best thing this guy can do. So far, Chris Kabs has played live a host of times including RTE Live, Hard Working Class Heroes, Longitude, and The Sound House.


The music begins with a clear vocal that resonates with an African vibe. Synthesiser builds gradually underneath which is followed by drums. True vocals about unnecessary police violence lean out in neat bars. The rhythm rises like a summer warmth from hot yellow sand and Chris Kabs sings in flowing lines that touch the heart and move the feet. “They're supposed to protect us but they're shooting us”, how can you dance to that line? Somehow the magic works and you can protest with a smile.


You can follow Chris Kabs on Instagram


Facebook


and Twitter

Tim McGeary
Amazing


Music sounds good in Florida where Tim McGeary produces a particular brand. Having toured extensively with bands such as Duran Duran, Roxy Music, Simple Minds, Billy Idol, and The Cure, now he works on his own creations. Tim McGeary made big waves recently when he released his previous radio single, and now he has put out another. Having had songs used on TV and played on international radio, more and more fans are discovering this singer-songwriter.


It begins with a crash of drums and a slide-guitar that wails into a strummed rhythm. Bluesy notes twang on the tempo and Tim McGeary begins to sing. His husky voice reminisces on the moments of before and his heart leans this way and that as the buoyant rhythm carries forward. A story-line song unfolds jammed with emotion and confusion, accepting a different perception perhaps or just choosing to look on the bright side, Amazing is a passionate yet stalwart rendition.


You can visit Tim McGeary on Facebook
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Claudia Pop
Flashbacks


Now living in London and from the beautiful land of Romania, Claudia Pop is singing her way up the mountain. With a growing fan base and a considerable talent that she's been sharpening for years, this second radio single is set to play. Written during the pandemic, the music explores the feelings of togetherness and closeness of heart we may have been missing during this time.


Piano tones begin in a graceful and meaningful pace. Claudia Pop starts singing, her voice touches the soul as it melodiously dances from harmony to harmony. The notes continue to push at their own speed and drums fill the spaces as the next verse begins. A chorus opens and an uplifting mix of layered vocal and drum breaks bring out a sonic climax. RnB style composition and familiar feelings shine through relaxing and mindful beats.


You can find Claudia Pop on Facebook


and Instagram

Sean X
XXX


Taken from his forthcoming EP, Life Of A Lonely Pirate, Sean X brings his Irish-Nigerian brand of home-grown yo ho ho for his ever-growing fan base. Written during the pandemic and touching on feelings such as a breakup and losing freedom, this song and EP are a musical documentation of raw truth. Making a decision to live by his own “pirate code”, following the guidelines set out by the compass inside, this recording carries a sense of adventure and artful dodgery that will keep listeners afloat during dark times.


The music begins on a wave of oceanic synthesiser that floats and bobs with a gentle current. Bass plucks a groove and soulful vocals show us the flag. A delicious range of notes laps around the bow of the boat as it sails into mild waters. Bass and harmony work in mixing eddies as a powerful vocal grows and progresses into a thumping drum. Paced and rhythmic lines then rap a final verse and the drums start for real. A forward energy pushes onward as exploratory and imaginative vocal composition keeps the journey invigorating and fresh.


You can connect with Sean X on Instagram


Facebook


Youtube


and listen in on Spotify
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Gerald Ahern
Wrong


Created at Lady Shed Studios in Cork, Gerald Ahern brings us Wrong. On the radio since May 1st, the video for the track is now on air. When Gerald's mother died during lock-down, the talented songwriter had only one way to express his feelings. Putting pick to string and pen to paper, it took a journey of emotion and strength to put this piece together. With the band, Gerald Ahern has reached dizzying heights already. Their RnB hook-laden sound has landed them in support slots for Aslan, Picture This, Billy Ocean, Ryan Sheridan, and The Academic.


The music begins with a minor key. Slow notes muse on internal feelings. Unison instruments in bass and treble flow together in a thoughtful jam. The vocal opens, Gerald Ahern sings with clarity and perspective. His lyrics glisten on the bars with shimmering harmony. As the music progresses, Gerald Ahern reveals an athletic ability to change pitch into higher keys as the lyrics emote their power. The track is smooth and laid back with sensual beats that offer holding arms.


You can find Gerald Ahern on Instagram,


Facebook,


Twitter,


and Spotify.

Christian Wethered
La Madeleine


Already a YouTube hit with his previous release making onto the Hot Press playlist, Christian Wethered is back with a new track. The songwriter/poet from Dublin has enjoyed success in the live music scene, his homely and intimate sound draw crowds from every direction. Building up to the release of Mon Petit Jardin, the forthcoming album, this next single offers another peek at the artwork. The song is written to express the feeling of rejection after a relationship ends against our wishes. When we have to re-write our future dreams without the feelings we used to enjoy it can take a long time.


It begins with a shuffling beat that shakes with a snappy snare. Melodious guitars flow in on choppy ripples of chord. The vocal begins, an almost spoken word begins to describe scenes and feelings. Other-worldly sensations shimmer from the harmonies between guitar and voice. Snippets of poetry intertwine with emotional verse-lines. Gothic undertones ink the gloom behind a radiant and progressive atmosphere.


You can find the music on Apple


Spotify


and YouTube


You can follow Christian Wethered on Instagram


Twitter


and Facebook


Christian Wethered's poetry book “I Don't Love You” won the Melita Hume Prize 2021.
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​T. Cole
Sipping Not Tripping


Introducing Tunolase Margaret Cole from Drogheda. Fresh off the presses with her second single, the Afroswing idola T. Cole hits Alternative Fruit. Inspired by artists such as Prince, Amber Marks, and Jackson 5, her sound takes traditional moves and utilises modern ideas. Built entirely from a few jammed chords courtesy of her Brother Josh in the studio, a rippling synthesiser, and a vocal line captured with a phone, this track redraws the boundaries on what makes a good sound. Building a song as a group with producer Solo was a different technique to how T. Cole has previously written material. About missing someone, and the fact we have to get on regardless, this seemed the perfect way to explain the sensation.


With rattling drums and shakers, the music opens. Tonal steel drums with a delicate muffle begin to describe an effervescent feeling. A soulful voice pours through, amazing to think it was done with a phone, the melodic and dynamic voice clearly dances over the bars with an RnB style buoyancy. A repeating riff builds under harmonies and vocal progression that sees a whole forest of words thrown in expert lines as quick as a flash. A really catchy and upbeat track, Sipping Not Tripping lifts you up.


Find out more by visiting T. Cole online


Follow T. Cole on Instagram


and Facebook


Listen to T. Cole on Spotify
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The Will McBride Group
No For An Answer


North Carolina's The Will McBride Group are back with their soulful jazz-band sound and another cracking single. The band were getting along well with gradual growth in all the right places when their work was brought to the attention of the drummer from Styx. This changed everything, as the band were given support slots not just for Styx but for ZZ Top, Eddie Money, and Gregg Allman.


Their new song starts with a few hits on the cymbals before a funky guitar fill breaks open the sound. A flow of drums, keyboards, and guitar chords decorate the spaces between the spaces until a swagger laden vocal begins. Melodic and catchy lines spill out in emotive lines that roll with the groove and keep steady to the beat. Bells and extra harmonising vocals bring out the chorus, I'm Not Taking No For An Answer. As the song progresses, musical outlets provide ample room for the musicians to show why they're great and why anyone would say no to this talent is beyond me.


You can visit The Will McBride Group online


Follow them on Facebook


and Twitter

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Jody Bigfoot
Duszt LP
Out 1st May


The son of socialist vegetarians, the two meter tall Jody Bigfoot is ready with a brand new album. Jody had been instrumental in the anti-Iraq war protests and when the war went ahead anyway, he quickly lost faith in the traditional forms of civil action. If you think how you would react if a mob gathered outside your home to demand you do something for them? You'd wonder what the world was coming to. Bigfoot then decided to travel the world and get far away from his traditional society in order to find something new. Taking on the dirty jobs no-one else wanted and a few others in between, Jody was able to travel the world. When he discovered music, it became clear that through this medium the thoughts and feelings of protest can be delivered directly into homes. This is where everything began in the production of the album. Videoed in Japan and produced over a handful of years, this solo hip-hop production is a slice of the new generation with an education. The film has been produced by Tandaro, the German-born camera-man with a passion for spiritual and meaningful music. The pair met in person at Notting Hill Carnival a few years ago and decided this project was completely in the right direction. Focusing the lifetime attributes of Dao and Direction, with the kinesis of beats and rhymes, the message is being spoken.


The work is being slowly released over a period of time, and you can listen to the full soundtrack now on YouTube Music.

Jody Bigfoot is on Instagram