Bayview Sounds

  Saturday night saw the return of Don't Flop Ireland after a lengthy hiatus. The excitement had been buzzing about this event online for weeks and the packed venue was an obvious sign of that. In the lead up to the event, there was abuse flying from all sides which helped to create even more hype but thats all part of the pageantry as they embrace each other and show love and respect towards each other immediately after the battle has ended.  The battles on the night included Kid B vs The County Hunter, Sea High vs Intimidation, RapThor vs Lizzie C and an on beat battle between Scauldy and JMAC. All four battles were very impressive and calling a winner in each is extremely hard. If I was to pick winners though I would personally have chosen Kid B, Sea High, RapThor and then I honestly couldn't pick between Scauldy and JMAC. All the battlers brought their A game. This was my first time at a live battle rap event though I have been watching them online for almost a decade. As ...

Vladimir Jablokov is used to playing large venues such as National Concert Hall, 3Arena and BBC Proms Belfast, which is why it was such a rare treat to have the Slovakian violinist grace the stage at the intimate Oriel Centre. Vladimir shared the stage with Russian pianist Inna Firsova who studied piano in Ukraine and Germany. The two, dressed impeccably for the occasion descended the stairs ready to delight the eager audience.  Vladimir, who is currently touring Vivaldi's Four Seasons began with "1st Movement From Spring" followed by "2nd Movement Winter". They they moved on to Mazart's "March a la Turka" and Brahm's "Hungarian Dance No.5" before completing this segment of the show with "Meditations" by Massenet. Next the audience were treated to a sublime piano solo from Inna which captivated everybody in the venue. Between songs, Vladimir regaled with stories from his childhood growing up with violinist parents and tourin...

  Saturday night saw the return of Just Mustard to their home town of Dundalk. The five piece rock group are fresh off the back of a support slot on Fontaines D.C.'s recent tour. This sold out show was rescheduled from January and to say the crowd were hyped up and frothing at the mouth for this one would be an understatement. At exactly 10pm, the crowd got what they wanted. The music was turned off and the lights went out. The excitement that had been bubbling all evening came to the top as Katie, David, Mete, Shane and Rob walked on stage.  The band launched straight into "23", "Early" and "Mirrors" which are all taken from their recently released second album "Heart Under". Then came the crowd pleasing "Deaf" which features the now iconic moment when David Noonan sings about the money monkey man before letting out a guttural scream. "Seven" was next followed by "Sore". It was around this point that Shane Magui...

  The most renowned band from Cork graced the stage at Dundalk Gaol last night to a packed house. The stripped back acoustic gig saw half of The Frank & Walters, Paul Linehan and Rory Murphy, perform hits from their extensive back catalogue over 90 minutes. The duo took a few minutes to get started as they tuned guitars and pulled "a rabbit out of a sock" before kicking off with "Memory Lane" and "Tony Cochrane". It was evident early on that it was going to be a raucous affair with most of that emanating from one particular section of the audience. Paul joked that they had their very own percussionist in the front row who was offering hand claps both in and out of time. Undeterred they went into "Looking For America', "Trust In The Future" and "Each Tree" which saw Rory switch to the electric guitar. There was an awkward silence in the room when Paul asked a member of the audience why they were coughing and not wearing a ma...

  Mundy took to the stage donning his trademark hat at Dundalk Gaol a mere 13 months later than originally planned. The audience in attendance had waited long enough and now they had their chance to see the multi platinum selling artist strut his stuff. He began with "Window Shopping For Faith" and then went into a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Kathy's Song". The socially distanced audience were enthralled as was Mundy when he spoke of the sound achieved thanks to the walls of the prison. "Linchpin" was next up followed by "Raining Down Arrows". A funny story of how he and a girlfriend ended up on accidentally on holiday in Cuba inspired "10,000 Miles". "Rescue Remedy", "Mayday" and the lockdown inspired "Healthy" continued the show. The latter featuring a very off beat jazz drum machine. The crowd favourite "Mexico" ended the first part of the show and it was time for Mundy to ascend ...

  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