Bayview Sounds

  Finnian is a singer songwriter from Dundalk, Co. Louth. The singer has been building his fanbase for many years on the Irish and European scene. He has toured extensively and supported the wonderful David Keenan on many occasions. He released his debut single Even Flow in March 2019 and followed up with two more singles Where We Go and I Don't Want To Fall In Love. All three songs were taken from his debut album Under The Influence which was recorded in Dundalk at Black Mountain Studios. The album came to fruition thanks to Finnian's Fundit campaign which saw the very popular artist greatly exceed the amount he was asking for. The album was released on July 24th and more recently pressed to vinyl.  The album kicks off with the single Where We Go which is a chilled out track with positive vibes, a delightful brass section and some beautiful guitar playing. Stay is a jazz soaked offering featuring Jess Kav and Booka Brass which again emits a relaxing vibe whilst Finnian's v...

  Back in February which seems like a lifetime ago in a very different world, Dark Tropics emerged on the scene with their debut single Badlands. The single was at the time and remains one of the best releases of the whole year. Following on from the hype created by the single, the Belfast duo return with new single Moroccan Sun. Watch the video here: Moroccan Sun is a dreamy pop song that captivates you instantly. Rio's voice entices you in and you hang on every word she sings. The music creates the nostalgic atmosphere and together they deliver yet another stunning record. Dark Tropics are easily one of the best things to happen in 2020. Follow Dark Tropics: Instagram Spotify Twitter YouTube Facebook

  Makings are a Dublin based six piece electro, rock, rap act. The band comprises of Rick Burn, Barry Shock, Raul Marcos, Paddy Reynolds, Cairon420 and Julieanna. The group have been making waves with their dance infused rock' rap offerings and their energetic live performances. 2019 saw the band play Bloom In The Park, Vantastival and Whelans Ones To Watch whilst they also toured UK and Germany. This year they were due to support The Boomtown Rats before the gig was cancelled until next year. The band released an impressive 10 singles and an EP last year and committed to releasing a song a month in 2020. Their latest offering is Song For The Radio. Watch the video here: Song For The Radio is another genre bending effort from Makings. There is so much going on in the song and all of it is good. It's dance, it's rock, it's rap and it's electronic. It's got a healthy dose of humour thrown in whilst the two vocalists play off of one another to great effect. Makings...

  Banba is an experimental electronic project by two Irish natives. The duo are inspired by Irish folklore, culture, astrology and natural elements. They take their name from the word Banbha who is one of the patron goddesses of Ireland. They recently released their single  The Moon which features Riaaz. Listen here:  There is a definite sadness to the beginning of The Moon before the inspirational vocals of Riaaz kick in. The whole ambience of the song is one of a certain chilled out nature. The backing vocals add a depth of atmosphere to proceedings and overall the track is incredibly moving.  Follow Banba: Facebook Spotify YouTube

  Ruth Brosnan is a singer songwriter from Cork who last featured on this blog back in May 2019 with her heartfelt single Good Enough. The Cork School of Music graduate is back now with her latest breakup single Toodle-oo. Watch the video here: Toodle-oo is the personification of upbeat catchy pop music. The song reflects Ruth's empowerment of saying goodbye to a cheating ex. As far as pop music goes, this is definitely up there among the best. After one listen is was stuck in my head and I feel I might end up saying doodle-oo way too much now. Follow Ruth Brosnan: Facebook Spotify Twitter Instagram YouTube

  Kamino Royale is the latest project from Belfast musician Sam Morgan. Sam was the lead vocalist of alternative rock band Saint Sapphire who split up earlier this year shortly after the release of their debut album Don't Piss On My Boots And Tell Me It's Raining. The band called it a day due to the pressures the lockdown had on musicians' ability to make a living. Sam quickly moved on to his next venture and built his own studio, set up his own record label and began recording demo's. His plan is to release three singles this year, an EP in January 2021 and a full album in Spring 2021. The first of those singles is Live For The Rise, Die For The Fall. Check out the single here:  Live For The Rise, Die For The Fall is an impressive solo effort full of huge rock sounds. The music is suitably loud with some killer guitar and booming drums. The chorus is immense whilst also being perfect for singing along to. Fans of Saint Sapphire won't be disappointed as the sound is...

  Wild Wonder are a pop trio from Dublin and Meath. They released their debut single New Waves in March 2019 and their debut EP Sunday Spell last September. Now they return almost a year later with their second single Said And Done. Watch the video here: Said And Done is an all out feel good pop tune. The music is uplifting and joyful and those vocals are just incredible. Not to take anything away form the two lads in the band but it's the voice of Mags Fox that really drives this song. As someone is who isn't too keen on pop music, this could convert me. Follow Wild Wonder: Facebook Instagram YouTube SoundCloud

  Back in May of this year which feels a lifetime ago at this stage, Belfast pop rockers released their stunning single At My Worst. Their focus on theatrical rock opera sounds was evident and pretty spectacular. Recently they followed that up with new single The Guillotine. Watch the video here: The Guillotine is another huge anthem like song from the four piece. The sound is immense and deserves to be played in a stadium with a crowd bellowing back the "woah woah woah's" at the stage. Turn the sound up on this one and sit back and enjoy.  Follow Modern Rome: SoundCloud Twitter Instagram Spotify Facebook YouTube

  BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ René LaVice has teamed up with London based Irish singer Jess Young on his latest release Bad Luck. Having previously worked on official remixes for the likes of The Prodigy and Diplo, René got to work with Jess after being introduced by a mutual friend. About the single they both had this to say: René " Whether we’ve fallen on hard times or we’re approaching something daunting, hearing a voice that identifies with the part of us that engages and grapples with feelings of self-doubt can have a really cathartic effect. While in lockdown and working on this track, the lyrics really spoke to me, and reminded me that it’s OK to feel the bad with the good, and that you’re still strong enough to keep going, even when things aren’t going well.” Jess said “working with René on this song over the lockdown period has reminded me that it doesn’t matter what life throws at you, you can always make a strong comeback. If things don’t go to plan, you have to hope ...

  TYG is a 23 year old folk/pop singer songwriter from Dublin. TYG is another emerging musician who studied at BIMM and also at Ballyfermot Music College. He has played at Whelan's and earlier this year released his debut single Search For Freedom. He returns now with his second single Don't Fall which is in aid of Pieta House. Check out this live version for Cabin Space Studios: Don't Fall is a joy to behold. The lyrics combined with the melancholic guitar create a heartbreaking atmosphere. TYG's voice is phenomenal. I don't know what I was expecting but this isn't it. Don't Fall is a thing of pure beauty. Follow TYG: Instagram Spotify Facebook

  Belfast based trad/folk musician Myles McCormack is a member of the band Lonesome George. He has however released a solo album back in 2019 and played to a sold out audience at Duncairn Arts Centre. Earlier this year, Myles toured USA playing mandolin for Réalta. His style has been compared to Jose Gonzales and Nick Drake. During the lockdown he has been busy producing his own music at home whilst also working on a new album with Lonesome George. The first release of his new material is his single By Demons. Listen here: Myles McCormack · By Demons By Demons is an utterly unique song from a very talented guitarist and songwriter. The song is melancholic and whimsical in equal measure. The guitar picking is superb and there is just something about the song that is really endearing. As a huge fan of Nick Drake and Elliott Smith, I very much enjoyed this. Follow Myles McCormack: Instagram Twitter Facebook SoundCloud Official Website Spotify Bandcamp

  Peco is an indie folk musician from Kildare who last featured on this blog in march just before the world went tits up. The renowned singer songwriter is back with his cover version of Feargal Sharkey's 1985 hit A Good Heart. The cover came about after Peco was asked to cover an Irish artist's song by London based radio show The Irish Jam. He chose this because he remembers hearing it on the radio as a child and falling in love with it. Watch the video here: Peco's version of A Good Heart is an acoustic Americana style take on the classic. If you're going to cover a song then you must make it your own version and not just copy the original. That's what Peco has done with this entertaining modern update on the 80's hit. Follow Peco: Spotify Instagram Twitter YouTube Official Website Facebook

  Jack Joyce is a 19 year old multi instrumentalist from Dublin. He started his musical career at the age of 16 playing gigs in local pubs and clubs. Late in 2018, Jack released his debut demo EP Get Down. He classes his music as indie pop and cites Arctic Monkeys, Leonard Cohen and Pulp as his main influences. In the summer of 2019, Jack busked and backpacked across Europe before returning home to play at The Workman's Club, Upstairs In Whelan's and at the Dublin New Year's Eve Festival. He started this year with a feature on Mute The TV's single With You. He plans to release his next EP Big Sexy later this year and the first single is 56 Roadster. Listen here: 56 Roadster has the sound of a classic rock song with elements of indie pop. The music and general vibe of the song are infectious and upbeat. This is undoubtably a track for a hot summer day. I quite like the lyric " you look like Morrissey sings and that's a beautiful thing". Hopefully the silly ...

Patrick Hendrick is a singer songwriter from Cork. He has been writing and performing for over 15 years now and recently graduated from Cork School Of Music. His music journey has seen him play venues such as Whelan's in Dublin and The Everyman in Cork, he has also supported The Blizzards, The Coronas and Republic Of Loose. His latest single Another Mistake is the first release in a series of new songs which will culminate in an EP later this year. About the song, Patrick says " The song is about admitting to yourself you made a mistake getting involved with a woman who is bad for you and knowing she was going to eventually break your heart. There’s themes of frustration and anger throughout the song while having a hint of hope in terms of moving on emotionally and knowing you’re going to be ok at the end of it. " Listen Here: Patrick Hendrick · Another Mistake Another Mistake is a very enjoyable alternative rock song with an almost early 90's grunge sound. The hook ...

  Crescent Moon (Michael Moore) is an independent hip hop artist and producer from Kildare. He released his debut single Tomorrow back in April and was featured on this blog. He now returns with his latest single Gut Feeling. About the song, Michael says " This song is about me dissociating from my friends and family due to personal problems and mental health issues. It's an account of my feelings when I'm at my lowest." Watch the video for  Gut Feeling:  Gut Feeling is another spoken word hip hop track from the Kildare artist. The song is very thought provoking and brings up the struggles that people with mental health issues are going through. It's refreshing to hear a hip hop artist show vulnerability as it's not something that occurs often. The beat is fantastic too and has a Wu Tang vibe to it. Follow Crescent Moon: Instagram Spotify Facebook YouTube

  AYE are an acoustic duo from Belfast who started out in 2018 performing covers of classic 80's tracks to modern pop. Now they have decided to release their debut original single Closer. Watch the video here: Closer is the epitome of a feel good, upbeat song. If your step needs a bit more pep then this is the song for the job. The blend of acoustic and electric guitar works brilliantly together and the infectious vocals drive the song home. With such a good debut single, hopefully these two will focus more on their own music now. Follow AYE: Instagram Facebook Spotify SoundCloud YouTube

  Klara McDonnell is a singer songwriter from Dublin. She has featured on this blog a couple of times with the most recent being October 2019. That was when she released her single Dusty Glitter. Since then Klara has been battling cancer which she has done with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her outfits. She set out to dazzle at the hospital while receiving chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer. She shared her experiences with her followers across social media letting them in on every detail. Upon completing therapy and surgery, Klara decided to re-release Dusty Glitter but this time teaming up with Peruvian EDM artist Skynem GT for a remix version. Watch the animated video here: The remix of Dusty Glitter sees the country pop song take on a new tropical dance sound. It's quite frankly awesome. If I was about 15 years younger I would be calling this a club banger but I'm not so I will refer to it as being a pretty cool new direction for Klara and one that hopeful...

  Riley Holland is a singer songwriter from Newtownards, Co. Down. The young musician has spent her short career writing songs for musicians in London and Norway. She reached the final of the All-Ireland StarNation Competition and the semi-final of the Belfast Nashville Young Songwriter Of The Year in 2019. Riley has also played a sold out headline gig at Whelan's. Her musical style has drawn comparisons with Taylor Swift, Ellie Goulding and some other people I've not heard of. Riley has just released her debut single Someone Else's Clothes. Listen to the live demo here: RileyHolland · Someone Else's Clothes - (Live Demo) Someone Else's Clothes is an electronic pop love song. The song is about getting over an ex which some songwriters would dwell on but not Riley as the upbeat nature of the song would suggest. This is a very impressive debut single and is sure to be just the tip of the iceberg for Riley Holland. Follow Riley Holland: SoundCloud Facebook Instagram T...

  Jet Fuel Chemistry are a relatively new rock/metal band from Dublin comprised of Dan Cusack, Lorcan Macken, Danny Bochkov, Ed Orr and Ross McDermott. The band formed in 2018 and released their debut single and supported Halestorm before taking a hiatus. They are back now with their brand new EP Sign Of The Times and a rescheduled show which will now take place on 13th March 2021 at The Grand Social, Dublin. Watch the War video: The EP starts with the lead single War. The track is fucking awesome. There is a huge stadium feel to the song with it's heaviness and brilliant screaming vocals. Perfect opener. Sleep switches between heavy and soft with great results. This showcases the band's ability to mix up the styles whilst maintaining an impressive sound. The title track Sign Of The Times reels you in with it's opening monologue before turning the sound up to eleven and melting your face. Fever continues and is a fast as it heavy which is very fucking heavy. The EP closes w...

Harley & The Wolf are an alternative rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The band was formed back in 2010 by Christi McCullough, Pete Barber and Conor Ritchie whilst they studied at college. They toured around Ireland extensively before taking a break until they reformed in 2019 and added Steven Dennett to the lineup. They spent much of 2019 reworking their original songs which culminated in the release of their Youthful Souls EP. Watch the video for Lost Hope & Mixed Blessings :  The 4 track EP begins with Just A Memory which is a heavy rock song with balls. The music is punchy and the vocals are loud, a perfect match. Lost Hope & Mixed Blessings is less heavy but pushes some brilliant drumming to the forefront. Captive starts with a lull before unloading into a frenzy of noise before dipping again. The contrast between the loud bits and the sombre bits shows what the band can do, however, the heavier notes are more enjoyable, especially the final minute or so. ...

Cloakroom Q. are an art rock, neo psychedelic band from the bowels of Newry, now based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The 5 piece band have impressed with their Going For A Walk And I'm Not Coming Back EP back in 2018 before unleashing another brilliant single Leave Me At Lusk in 2019. Now they return with their latest single Nowhere To Spit. Listen to a snippet here:   Nowhere To Spit begins with an almost meditative guitar picking masterclass and quite frankly that could have been the whole song and I would be raving about it. It doesn't end there though and morphs into a completely different song which transcends many different genres all of which sound excellent. The shouty bits, mixed with some jazz and brass sections combine to make for another Cloakroom Q. song that you can't stop listening to.  Follow Cloakroom Q.: Facebook Bandcamp YouTube Spotify Instagram SoundCloud

Ellen Louise is a singer songwriter from Birmingham, England. Ellen began writing songs at the age of 14 before being invited to perform at a BBC Introducing session. She studied at the Leeds College Of Music and then released her debut album Six Feet Under in 2018. Ellen lists her influences as Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell. A couple of months ago she featured heavily on Northern Irish musician Stephen Rainey's Collaboration Experimentation EP. She recently released her own new single Sandcastles which was written about her grandad's  Alzheimers diagnosis.  Sandcastles is a beautifully poignant song filled with sadness and longing. Ellen Louise's vocals are impressive which can be equally said of her songwriting ability. She manages to write a song that is both a fitting tribute and an incredibly moving tale.  Follow Ellen Louise: YouTube Twitter Instagram Spotify Facebook SoundCloud

Cxpital are an indie rock three piece based in Indiana, USA. Tyler Maximoff and Benji Grimler are both from Indiana with Lucie Ashmore originally from Greystones, Wicklow. The band was formed in 2017 by Tyler and Lucie under the names WAVES and self released an EP. About a year lated they met Benji and the band became a trio. They list their influences as Paramore, The Strokes, Pvris and Coldplay. They recently released their single San Francisco. Watch here: San Francisco is stunning. The music flows beautifully throughout the whole song whilst Lucie's vocals shine. The song has a dreamlike quality which is accentuated by those ethereal vocals. The band have created a sound that exudes a certain moody coolness. Everything about  San Francisco is breathtaking.  Follow Cxpital: Facebook YouTube Twitter Bandcamp Instagram Spotify

Brendan Murray is a pop singer from Galway who is no stranger to the limelight. He first found fame in boy band HomeTown who were managed by Louis Walsh and released several number 1 singles and an album. He then represented Ireland at Eurovision and also was a semi finalist on X-Factor in 2018. His solo career has already seen him release singles and play sold out shows in Galway, Dublin, London and Manchester. His latest single Let Go was released on July 24th.  Watch the video here: Let Go is a pop song with some rather heavy electronic sections. The pop parts are dancey and catchy whilst the electronic parts sound a little like something Trent Reznor might churn out. Combined they make for a pretty enjoyable song even for somebody who isn't a fan of pop music and thinks X-Factor is a massive pile of shite.  Follow Brendan Murray: YouTube Instagram Spotify Facebook SoundCloud

On Sunday 2nd August, RTÉ will be broadcasting a brand new documentary about Richie Malone who is a guitarist from Dublin. Richie joined the legendary English band Status Quo back in 2016 after the death of his idol Rick Parfitt. Richie is the former frontman for Dublin rock band RAID and was a huge Status Quo fan thanks to his dad. In the documentary he will discuss going from listening to them in his house to performing across the world with them on huge stages such as Hyde Park and the 3Arena. The documentary will also feature interviews with Richie's friends and former band members, his Status Quo mega fan Dad and Quo's bassist Rhino.  The documentary is called Rockin' All Over The World and will air at 8pm on Sunday 2nd August on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra and then on podcast. The documentary was produced by award winning Scottish radio producer Heather MacLeod who has produced many radio documentaries and interviewed some of the biggest names in the music business.  ...

Benjamyn is an electronic music producer based in Dublin. He categorises his music as being surf house which is a term he coined himself. He started out making acoustic folk to indie rock music before settling into his current style. His previous singles have been played on national radio stations and received praise from many top publications. His new single Sea Of Uncertainty was released on July 24th. About the song, Benjamyn says  "I want listeners not only to feel understood in this complex emotional state - but also to feel inspired to let go and live free from that fear." Watch here: Sea Of Uncertainty is utterly brilliant from start to finish. The chilled out indie dance vibes make you feel like you are gently floating on the sea but one thing that is for certain is that this song is one of the best I've heard this year. It's refreshing and deeply cool. I'm now a firm believer in surf house music. Outstanding. Follow Benjamyn: F...