Dublin roots band I Draw Slow have been drumming up enthusiastic reviews in Ireland since the release of their Top 10 selling second album Redhills-RTEs album of the week. However their impact abroad is redrawing the map for these Irish Americana songwriters. Described in UK press as ‘American top league equivalents’ destined to ‘blow the opposition away’ drawing favourable comparisons with Gillian Welsh and Alison Krauss, I Draw Slow have created their own sound rooted in the old-time style of the Appalachian mountains, drawing on traditional Irish music and modern Americana.
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
Belfast based Rachel Austin, a Virginia native has spent the last 5 years playing around Ireland, the UK and Europe. She has opened for well – known international acts in venues as varied as local bookstores to the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Artists she has performed with Duke Special, Devon Sproule, Hazel O’ Connor, Eleanor McEvoy and Iain Archer amongst others. Her debut album, ‘Hello, my uglies’ (2008) set out her stall with a beautiful collection of songs that drew from a variety of sources including indie and folk, right through to grungy jazz.
Niall Toner jr is a singer and songwriter from Dublin. He was a founder, singer and guitar player with the Dixons, who had hits for U2s Mother Records and their own Purple Records. As a teenager, he and his father founded Hank Halfhead and the Rambling Turkeys, the cult country rock outfit who toured with Johnny Cash, jammed with Rory Gallagher and became a career launch pad for the many musicians who passed through it, including Glen Hansard..Joining Niall in this lineup is Dublin songwriter Jonny Rowen. Jonny was the front man and writer with Pelvis, who toured with the Divine Comedy and appeared on Later with Jools Holland. The songs and playing styles nod in the direction of 1970s Laurel Canyon and west coast country rock while also displaying diverse Brit influences such as Bowie, Van Morrison and the Beatles.
“This goes straight for the heart” “Niall's singing is reminiscent of the laid-back style of James Taylor.” - The Irish Times
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
To date Appo has remained one of Newbridges best kept secrets. A one-man bluesy-folk explosion, the gravelly voiced- last of the true troubadours is currently recording his eagerly-awaited debut album which could potentially blow his cover once and for all! With songwriting capabilities to rival Dylan or Ryan Adams, Appo’s powerful blues folk is a work of genuine veracity
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
For those of you who aren’t yet familiar with the culinary delights of Feeding Time with The Boozey Swines blogspot (‘A buns(burger) primary job as far as I'm concerned is to hold its contents together on their voyage from plate to face. With ciabatta you've to do too much work to get to the good stuff; it's like a child proof cap on a burger’) you are in for a rare treat. Upgrading the annual complimentary brunch, for those punctual arrivals to Teds Beergarden between 12.30 and 1.30, Boozeys blogspot will be coming to life on stage & in your bellies!! Full details of this participatory event will be posted
here in the lead up to this momentous occasion!
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Daydream Regime are a five piece band from the Wicklow mountains who seem totally tune with their surroundings. Formed through a mutual love of all things noisy, obscure and beautiful, they blend lush soundscapes with blissed out melodies which would see these neo-psychedelic's sit comfortably on a couch with the Super Furry Animals . Songs like 'Postcard from Venus' and 'Shot in the Dark' will take the listener on a stellar journey but ultimately show a band who really understand and love their craft.
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
Heritage Center are an Irish 5 piece band hailing from Dublin and Dundalk, who play indie rock with pop sensibilities. The band released their debut album "Alright, Check It Out" in september last year. With a string of successful Irish shows in support of the release as well as a showcase performance at Canadian Music Week, Heritage Centre are a band not to be missed.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Formerly John Skelly & The Creatures this Belfast 5-piece formed part of the evenings soundtrack for most irish households when their track 'Long May You Reign' featured in the Discover Northern Ireland TV campaign. Influenced by a wide variety of genres this act and are unafraid to mix things up when it comes to recording and playing live. Their self-titled, second studio album, (UK release Sept 2012) was made with Ken Nelson (producer to the likes of Coldplay, Badly Drawn Boy and Gomez)and has received rave reviews as well as being included in many album of the year lists, including 2FMs Dan Hegartys 100 best irish albums of 2012 .
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15.
Championed early by fans such as Damien Dempsey and Nanci Griffith, who both took her under their wing with prestigious frontline support slots – wowed by the quality of her songwriting – Ireland’s Nicole Maguire now steps out into the limelight with her debut for IRL (Damien Dempsey, Sharon Shannon, The Wonder Stuff, Sinead O’Connor, Tinariwen). Funded by the sale of her car, and working countless hours in two jobs, Nicole took off for the US to work with multiple Grammy nominee producer, Mitchell Froom, (Ron Sexsmith)who wanted on-board simply from hearing one demo.
“What You Really Mean” features an amazing line-up of musicians recruited by Mitchell’s passion for the project, signing on the line simply for the love of the music: Elvis Costello and the Attractions’ drummer, Pete Thomas; Crosby Stills and Nash’s bass player, Bob Glaub and Val McCallum, guitarist for Sheryl Crow and Lucinda Williams. Backing vocals are handled by Vonda Shepard, the award winning singer from Ally McBeal. The final piece of the jigsaw is Grammy award-winning engineer, David Boucher.
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
Electro pop duo Miracle Bell burst onto the scene with the release of their debut ‘Light Shape Sound’ record in May 2010.
Their love of synths and dark samples had the band drawing comparisons to Depeche Mode, Talking Heads and Duran Duran.
Lead single ‘Love Sounds’ launched the band into the spotlight and this combined with a reputation for their dynamic live performances, quickly enhanced their reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting acts.After being off the scene, writing and recording their second album, Miracle Bell are once again set for an all out assault on the live scene this summer.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Dwyer & Fitzpatrick: Drawn together at manys a kitchen session, these two late-night canaries (better known as Ciaran from Band on an Island, and Dan formerly The Last Tycoons now The Mighty Stef) finally realised the potential in a union of talent at Happy Valley Festival 2011 when they formed Dwyer & Fitzpatrick- playing their first ever gig together 20 minutes later in Billy Byrnes Bar Kilkenny. Annual key-players in the craic of Happy Valley these lads will kick start Monday with the very first Rollover Bingo Session in The Sportmans Beergarden from 2pm. Expect every song you want to hear, plenty of pints & BIN-GO!!!
The Sportsmans Mon 3rd 2pm
With albums to their credit in the past, Nathan Conway and the River Valley Band came together to make the Sonny Boy record in 2011. The RVB had been renowned for their live country blues sound but the introduction of brass sent them in a new direction. The band and sound have been in flux ever since and are, right now, on a deep down soul trip that can be heard on their recent Trillovision E.P.
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
Chris McConaghy aka Our Krypton Son hails from Derry, Northern Ireland where he first cut his first musical teeth with psychobilly art-rockers Red Organ Serpent Sound. Having graduated unscathed from those rambunctious ranks, Chris established his songwriting credentials as an acoustic solo act sharing stages with David Kitt, Duke Special, Gemma Hayes, Jape and Cashier No. 9 around the local club circuit. Gathering plaudits as a writer of note, Chris gathered close musician friends together in early 2010 before releasing two singles and a critically acclaimed debut album 'Our Krypton Son' in 2012.
*Played on: RTE Radio 1 (A - List), RTE Radio 2, Today FM, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Ulster, Cool FM, Downtown.*
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
The Freakles first gig three years ago saw them narrowly evading arrest for playing at an illegal rave on a mountainside. Since the then four piece have been winning the hearts and minds of the trend setting elite with the likes of Paul Mcloone,Rick O'Shea and Dan Hegarty spinning the tunes of Kilkennys self-professed pioneers of electronic sleaze folk. The bands live performances feature bubble blowing pants, exploding confetti and christmas light formal wear. Musos the length and breadth of our fair isle are creaming themselves as we speak in anticipation of the bands home recorded, shoe string budget, debut album which is due for release next year. With a sound akin to the Human League being interfered with by the velvet Underground the band are out on their own sonically. Freakish they may be , but the future looks Freaky.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Kilkenny dj Shane Tobler returns to The Bridgebrook to milk the very last of the dancing out of Saturdays all-day festivalers. With every inch of flat surface-tables, chairs, flower-beds- in Barrys beergarden occupied by dancers last year it will be another fitting end to a great lineup of live music.
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
Things have really been hottin up for these lads with the past year seeing them play too many top Irish festivals to mention, a host of their own shows and somewhere finding the time to record several more ‘yet to be unleashed on the world’ indie-pop classics. Never forgetting their roots the boys are back at Happy Valley once again but I have a strong suspiscion we’ll be lucky to nail these lads down again next year.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Oddsocks are a Dublin based Sligo 4-piece who aspire to remember the importance of the elements that make for great music: melody, harmony and groove. In March Oddsocks released new EP “There’s Something Going On”, their third release under their own label Jeanie Mac Records after their debut album ‘It’s Time’. The track has achieved national and local airplay including the Dave Fanning Show on 2fm, it’s video accumulating over 5,000 views on youtube during the release week alone.The band have gigged relentlessly across Ireland & Europe, as well as hitting the festival circuit (Electric Picnic, Edinburgh Fringe, Volvo Ocean Race, Sea Sessions). With a new EP, tour and further releases penned in for later in the year, 2013 promises to be a busy and fruitful year for Oddsocks.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
From the foot of Benbulben to the peaks of the Appalachians, this Irish four-piece are firmly rooted in old-time sounds. Old Hannah’s blend of traditional and contemporary influences reveals a unique country-roots sound that transcends geography and generations. Their music will keep you enthralled with their four-part vocal harmonies which are core to their sound. Masterful guitar picking, buckleppin’ banjo and heart-stopping dobro licks accompany melodies that take you through thrilling journeys as you “ride that train from Thomas St, on to Tennessee!”.
The Red Door Sun 2nd 9pm with Stephen Buck
Permagrin were born in Glasgow in the late 90’s and after a semi-hiatus of almost 10 years with all living in different countries the band are reforming for several summer shows and we are chuffed to be one of them!. This 3-piece Funk/Punk/Rock outfit bring their own unique blend of music and fun to the world ensuring a modicum of mayhem wherever they go. With influences including Primus/Hendrix/Zappa/Queens Of The Stone Age/Cornelius and a band motto declaring “If you can keep a straight face then yer laughing” it’s carnage on the dancefloor for these lads.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
RNA are a three piece band from Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, featuring Fionn Gardner on vocals and guitar, Chris Hynes on bass guitar and Padraic Lennon on drums. They are all currently students at Grennan College in Thomastown. In 2012, they won best band in the Rockfall School’s Talent Competition. The band play a compelling mix of original numbers alongside covers by artists such as Oasis, Tom Petty, Coldplay and Blink-182.
The Sportsmans Berrgarden Sun 2nd 3pm free adm
2011 saw the release of Solar Taxis EP She Dies With Beautiful Teeth which included the
acclaimed single The Fool-recently licensed to US movie Exit Strategy. The
band have been featured on Record of the Day (the music industry's favourite daily digest
of the best in new music) and were listed as one of Hotpress’ 50 Acts You Must Hear in
2012. Gig‐wise the band have shared the bill with 50 Cent & The Faithless Sound System, and more recently opening for Roxette in the O2
Arena in Dublin. After last year’s stand-out performance in Murphys beergarden we are very excited to hear them play their recently released critically adored debut album Brothers Broken Bells live.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Tarantella Fall are a Dublin based four piece folk-rock band looking forward to the launch of their first single “Home”
from their forth coming second album. The new material sees the band expand on their well rooted folk-rock sound into even more melodic-radio friendly numbers while occasionally delving further into the shadows of the human soul. Switching smoothly between acoustic and electric based material this is a band that always puts melody first. In recent times the band have had the privilege of having one of their songs“Dirt” chosen by the fantastic artist Barry Jazz Finnegan to accompany his drawing of Liam Neeson from Taken 2, and another song “Junk” chosen by ESPN to soundtrack their Supercross preview video.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
The Chapters are a 6 piece band from Dublin. Their eagerly awaited second album Blood Feels Warm is due for release on 17th May 2013. Having previously supported legends such as Neil Young and Chuck Berry the band are looking forward to flexing their live muscles once again. The band have undergone a change in line up for this album. Expect mature understated songwriting w ith a leaning towards blissed out alt-country...
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
Take the good-time revolutionary spirit of MC5, simmer it down to the sounds of Crosby Stills Nash and Young, add some rough-edged Eagles of Death Metal and you are somewhere near the sonic nugget that is The Hot Sprockets. Their music has been used on everything from Bulmers ad campaigns to BBC’s comedy “Fresh”, Irish film “Stitches” and RTE’s “RAW”. The band recently graced the cover of Hotpress magazine and their video for “Cruisin’” was nominated for “Best video” & “Best group” at the Irish Music Television Awards. The Hot Sprockets are living up to their early promise and stunning debut album (Honey Skippin’) by recording a mighty (yet unnammed) second album which is described as an album “to be listened to in the spirit in which it was made”. This album was recorded in Grouse Lodge, Windmill lane & Orphan Studios, it was produced by Gavin Glass and mixed by Declan Gaffney(U2) & Dougal Lott(Ray Davies).
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
Kilkenny based group The Thomas Donoghue band encompasses styles from a wide variety of artists such John Butler Trio Lisa Hannigan,Jack Conte, The Frames, Other lives and many more. They combine these influences and present a strong Rock sound with a splash of roots and folk
In a very short period of time the band have gathered a strong following supporting acts such as Damien Dempsey, The Saw Doctors and featuring with John Martyn's band at the John Martyn Tribute festival. Last year, they qualified for the regional finals of the Arthur’s day play on the day competition and were nominated for an MRU award under best unsigned acoustic.
They are currently still hard at work recording their first album with Gavin Glass and touring their recently released EP ‘In The Meantime’.
Bridgebrook Beergarden Sat 1st from 2pm €15
The members of Ghost Estates were previously of two pretty different bands SickBoy and 8Ball. Their new band may be named “after the thousands of abandoned housing estates built in Ireland during the Celtic Tiger boom years” but there’s plenty going on in their music, from
80s guitar to processed beats to a spoken word interludes and, I kid you not, a treated saxophone solo” NIALLER9
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Knoxville Morning: Knoxville Morning? Band on an Island? Dwyer and Fitzpatrick? Who even knows anymore? The one thing that is for sure that there will be the usual chaos in Murphy's on the Saturday night of this years Happy Valley! Taking in members of Band on an Island, The Mighty Stef, Super Extra Bonus Party and Humanzi, Knoxville Morning are the all singing, all dancing and all fighting product of Ciaran Dwyers wild tales of the American road. With a Critically acclaimed Debut album released this year, Knoxville Morning will take to the Beergarden stage En Masse to bring you some of these stories and invite you (more than likely on the stage) along for the ride.
Murphys Sat 1st 9pm free adm
From their origins as a Belfast based band with a rotating membership, Seven Summits have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting and consistent bands operating in Northern Ireland. Their debut album received much acclaim, given BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland “Album of the Month” award, as well as propelling them to the stage at Glastonbury in 2010.
With shades of power pop reminiscent of bands like Weezer and Grandaddy, finely crafted second album; FOSSILS captures that perfect interplay of guitars, bass, drums and keyboards, mixing it with the emotive and moving lyrics of Rory Nellis. No strangers to Happy valley we are delighted & excited to hear FOSSILS live in Thomastown.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Deetrich writes melodic songs that draw from old rock and roll and country but adds a pop sensibility
THE IRISH TIMES: ‘We hear traces of Gillian Welch and Lucinda Williams… and a whole lotta bliss’
HOT PRESS: ‘Ms Doyle’s rich, ageless voice, falls somewhere between Chrisse Hynde and Eva Cassidy’
Her debut album ‘Tug of War’ was released last year amid glowing reviews from national and regional media. The album was recorded in The Barn studios, Kilkenny with producer Leo Pearson (U2, David Holmes, R.S.A.G) at the helm.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Window Seats are a 3-piece alternative rock band based in Belfast.Taking an entirely DIY approach the band's music has received radio play nationally in the UK & Ireland.The video for "Local Superhero" is being played on MTV Rocks, Kerrang TV, Q TV and BBC big screens throughout the UK.
Murphys Beergarden Sun 2nd from 12pm €15
Stephen Buck is an occasional singer/songwriter based in Thomastown. In his formative years he listened a lot to The Beatles, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Bruce Springsteen, Ron Sexsmith, Stephen Sondheim and The Blue Nile. He also listened a lot to the Electric Light Orchestra but lost faith after Xanadu. He now envies Villagers their talent, success and youth.
The Red Door Sun 2nd 9pm with Old Hannah free adm