The Irish Music Industry Podcast

BalconyTV is a cultural phenomenon, syndicated to 100 cities around the world, it brokered million dollar deals, clocked up hundreds of millions of views, and is now owned by Sony Music. Ed Sheeran, Mumford and Sons, Kaiser Chiefs, Jessie J, and all appeared on the platform in the early part of their careers. Episode 1 of The Untold Story of BalconyTV tells the story of the early days and rise of the platform.

From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the international music industry, the story of BalconyTV is as engaging as it is entertaining, and until now that full story has never been told. From rags to riches to redundancy, the story of BalconyTV is a microcosm of how the international music industry operates. Episode 2 deals with the business side of BalconyTV and discusses the decline of a globally successful platform.  

The story of BalconyTV is a tumultuous roller-coaster ride with dizzying highs and sickening lows, that leaves punters disorientated, wobbling and woozy, checking their pockets as they stumble away with the screams and laughter of the ride still ringing in their ears. Episode 3 of The Untold Story of BalconyTV looks for some lesson that can be learned from this epic tale.

Everything you thought you knew about how the music industry works is about to be challenged by Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi, The Evens, Dischord Records). He's refused lucrative gigs because the tickets were over priced, refused gigs in venues that couldn't run all-age shows, wouldn't conduct interviews with media outlets with questionable advertisers, but yet Ian MacKaye has forged a rewarding and balanced life in music. In this episode he explains his mantra "Work for free. Get paid for nothing".  If you've ever wonder whether an internationally successful, ethical and sustainable life in music is possible, the answer may lay in this episode.

Jazz pianist, saxophonist & composer Carole Nelson and punk promoter & chronicler Niall McGuirk have forged unique, sustained and admirable approaches to their lives in music. Common themes that both guests hit upon this week are using the power of music for positive change and purposely choosing paths that may not have been the most lucrative. They provide some valuable insight and example.

Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ announced a competition to find new theme music for one of their flagship TV shows. You'd imagine that a state funded organisation would devise a set of terms and conditions that promotes best industry practice for musicians rights, especially in a project involving their concert orchestra. You'd be wrong. Sarah Glenane CEO of the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland details how RTÉ's approach is more than a little tone deaf.

Composers and musicians Linda Buckley and Emmett Cooke focus on different areas of music; one having pieces played by BBC Symphony Orchestra and the other receiving an award for best original score at LA Film Awards. Both share open and honest insights into what it means to successfully make your living from the creation of music.

Music by BAFTA and Ivor Novello nominated composer Christian Henson features on a host of TV shows, films and video games, from Poirot to Alien: Isolation. He co-founded the music technology company Spitfire Audio. Such is the success of Spitfire that professionals like Hans Zimmer ring them to ask to collaborate. Christian's practice and approach provides an outstanding example of a diverse, rewarding, ethical and sustainable life in music. In this episode he maps out that approach.

What's it like to tour the globe, playing in some of the most iconic venues in the world? What's it like to lead the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and release and produce your own solo album? All-Ireland Champion uilleann piper and multi-instrumentalist Tara Howley explains all, as well as discussing the importance that chicken rolls with taco sauce can play in the recording process. 

Gareth Murphy comes from a family steeped in the business of music. He's an award winning music writer, and back in the 90's he was working on compilation albums for Buddha Bar. From where he sits in Paris he has a very interesting view of how the music industry in Ireland operates; he doesn't mince his words. Independent Derry musician Roe has achieved more in the two years that she's been a self-employed performer and songwriter than most achieve in whole careers. She talks about why she loves her job.

If you have ears, you have heard the work of engineer and producer Sylvia Massy. Prince, Johnny Cash and The Red Hot Chili Peppers are just a few of her clients. Sylvia also owns the largest collection of microphones in the world. In this episode of TIMI Podcast she discusses insights, her approach to a unique life in music, and that time she nearly killed Serj from System of A Down by hanging him upside down from the ceiling of a studio for a vocal take.

On the day that Soundcloud started their new fan-powered and user-centric royalty payment system, one of the people responsible for creating and implementing that system discusses the impact it will have on users, creators and how we think about streaming services. The guest in this episode is Mike Pelczynski, Head of Rights Administration and Strategy with Soundcloud. What himself and his team have done is game changing.

Aly Gillani discusses the view from where he sits, managing award winning indie label First Word Records and working for Bandcamp.  Mike Hanrahan toured the world, played stadiums, had the ears of politicians, shared stages with an array of Irish folk music legends, but he packed it all in to train and work as a chef. In this episode he lays bare a unique, rich and enlightening career. 

The final part of a three part special looking at the music industry organisations that Minister Catherine Martin listed as being influential in informing her departments approach to structuring the €50 Million industry support package. Who do the organisations represent and what do they hope to achieve. Part three features Pearse Doherty, production manager, former Saw Doctor, and Event Production Industry Covid-19 Working Group representative. 

Part two of a three part special looking at the music industry organisations that Minister Catherine Martin listed as being influential in informing her departments approach to structuring the €50 Million industry support package that is now open for applications. Who do the organisations represent and what do they hope to achieve? Part two features musician Matt McGranaghan, sound engineer Jackie Conboy and musician Mark O'Reilly. All three are representatives of the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland.

Part one of a three part special looking at the music industry organisations that Minister Catherine Martin listed as being influential in informing her departments approach to structuring the €50 Million industry support package that is now open for applications. Who do the organisations represent and what do they hope to achieve? Part one features Edel Curtin from the Live Venue Collective (LVC) and Coughlans Venue Cork.

Jenny Greene has been behind the decks since the age of 12. She knew what she wanted to do. In this episode she talks about the highs and lows of being one of the most successful DJ's in Ireland, what it's like to lead the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, that time she resigned from 2FM, and how it feels to see your Mam and Dad right up against the barrier at the front of one of the biggest gigs you've ever played. 

Matt Farley is an anomaly among artists. He manages to make a living from his Spotify plays. He has released more than 21,000 tracks under 80 different names. His most popular act are The Toilet Bowl Cleaners; they sing and release songs mainly about poop. This lad is something of a legend. Michael Fry, also something of a legend, records songs with lyrics provided by embarrassing internet moments. He's a one man indie band with tracks clocking up over 1 million views on Twitter. Both Michael and Matt have some unique insight and advice to share.

Ahead of the Choice Music Prize 2021, Jim Carroll who chairs the judging panel and co-founded the event discusses the purpose and the track record of Choice. He addresses some topics in this episode that he probably hasn't dealt with elsewhere e.g. does he get paid for working on Choice and do the acts who perform at the event get paid. Ben McCormack has begun a petition to introduce a full week of Irish only music on radio stations in the Republic. He discusses why he started it and what he hopes to achieve. 

Tom Gray from award winning multi-platinum band Gomez started the #BrokenRecord campaign back in 2020, it has since led to a groundbreaking U.K. government inquiry into the political and economic structure of the recorded music industry. In this episode Tom explains how the music industry is broken, he discusses how it might be fixed, he describes what himself and others are doing to fix it, and he suggests how we might help. If you only ever listen to one TIMI Podcast, it should probably be this one.

The second part of a two part special that delves into concerns surrounding the awarding of public funds through the Music Industry Stimulus Package by the non-government agency First Music Contact. Interviews in this episode with Mary Coughlan, Jeff Crossdale (Strangers With Guns) and weird one with an anonymous transparency group. After a difficult journey, some suggestions and conclusions are reached.

The first part of a two part special that delves into concerns surrounding the awarding of public funds through the Music Industry Stimulus Package by the non-government agency First Music Contact. Interviews in this episode with Sinead Troy (Yangaroo, PlayIrish, IASCA) and Emily Jane O'Connor (Vernon Jane). Some difficult topics and questions addressed in this episode. This is not easy listening.

Bassist Tanya O'Callaghan went from touring with Westlife to playing and writing with her idol Maynard James Keenan (Tool) in Los Angeles. We trace the journey from Westmeath to California, and we discuss the new television show she presents with Derrick Green (Sepultura). Since trading in his guitar for a camera, Myles O'Reilly is much more at his ease. We discuss documenting music, the joy of funding applications, and the importance of finding your groove.   

In Ireland & America, Carl Corcoran has had almost every music industry job going. We talk about being forced to retire from RTÉ and what the future might hold for Lyric FM. Chris Brazier registered as a self-employed sound engineer only four years ago. Since then he's been spending more time on the road than he has at home, well, up until recently. We talk about touring with The Murder Capital and the shape of things to come. DJ's and Italian venue managers should probably give this episode a miss.

Eimear Noone is an award winning video game music composer, who's work includes World of Warcraft and Zelda . She also composes music for film, she's an orchestrator, arranger and musician. Eimear's main gig is as a conductor, performing & touring the globe with world class orchestras. In February this year Eimear made headlines as the first ever woman to conduct the orchestra at The Academy Awards. From Kilconnell Co. Galway to Malibu Co. California, Eimear has plenty of experience and wisdom to share.

Leo Pearson is a musician, composer and producer with a client list that includes U2, Elvis Costello, David Holmes, Nike, Mercedes, Cartoon Saloon and a whole clatter more. We had plenty to talk about.  Last week The Irish Daily Mail published an article that listed the things Irish people would like to see reopen first, as restrictions begin to loosen. Where on that list do you think live music venues came in? It's not good news. Journalist Ronan Smyth talks me through his article.

Dave Allen has been booking gigs in Dublin venues for more than 30 years, the bulk of that has been in the iconic venue Whelans. Dave talks about plans to adapt the venue for the road ahead, and ways the venue might be able to help artists out financially.  Mary Greene is part of a family business called Greenshine. They record, produce, perform and promote their wares totally independently, topping playlists on RTE and BBC Radio. Mary lays out how she achieves that, and wonderfully describes what she defines as a successful music career.

Tyler Duncan has worked as musician, composer, arranger, producer, engineer and manager for a whole heap of successful acts. We talk about his band The Olllam, working as engineer with his college buddies in Vulfpeck, how an American musician managed to win all Ireland titles on both uilleann pipes and bodhrán, how he works remotely from his studio in Ann Arbor Michigan, and if now is a weird time to release an album. This episode is a music industry master class.

Kelly-Anne Byrne studied film and acting, but it was handing a mixtape into Dice Bar Dublin that kicked off her career. She went on to make a name for herself as a club DJ, establishing herself in Mother in Dublin, and at festivals around Ireland. She's presented shows on Phantom, TXFM and Today FM. In January she decided to leave Today FM, we discuss that decision. Kelly-Anne hasn't shied away from discussing her difficulties with the current housing situation and the pressures felt by professionals of all ages trying to make a home for themselves, either as renters or home owners. This week's conversation is broad, honest and deep.

Checking in with award winning singer songwriter Emma Langford who's owning creative ways to sustain her career during the lockdown. Moving on to a live panel discussion recorded at Music Minds Festival in Doolin featuring radio presenter and record label owner Ray Wingnut, music copyright & royalty consultant and Head of Business at Bimm Dublin Aaron Casey, Emma Langford also features on the panel. It's worth listening to this episode just to hear Emma sing and play at the end, a stunning performance underlining what the music industry is built on - songs.

Body&Soul is the biggest independent music festival on the island of Ireland. It costs in the region of €2.5 to run. This year, for the first time, there will be no Body&Soul area at Electric Picnic. How are Body&Soul dealing with where we find ourselves at the moment? Avril Stanley runs Body&Soul and she discusses these topics and more in this week's episode. Avril is also in the middle of completing an MA in Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy; she has some interesting and valuable insights to share.

Leo Abrahams has been described as a musician's musician. In his role as guitarist and producer he's worked with Paul Simon, David Byrne, Brian Eno, the impressive list goes on and on. We discuss his journey so far.   Tara Thomas discovered her gig photography passion by shooting her sister in The Trinity Orchestra. Over the last seven years she's worked her way up through the ranks of gigs and festivals to become photographer in residence for Other Voices. She tells us about the view from the pit.

Positive and proactive pointers. Through crowd funding, John Spillane raised €26K and Síomha raised €19.7K to produce their next albums. We hear all about that process. Charles Hendy talks about how the Mary Wallopers streamed a gig to nearly 4K people on Paddy's Night. Johnny Daly talks us through signing on for the first time to receive the Covid-19 Unemployment Payment. There should be something in here to help, distract and/or entertain.

Recorded in front of a live audience at Cork Podcast Festival, this week's episode features three guests. Junior Brother's debut album was shortlisted for the 2019 Choice Music Prize. Clare Sands in a singer/songwriter multi-instrumentalist who is currently completing an MA in composition in University of Limerick. Michael Carr is a publicist specialising in music and he presents an Irish music show on 96FM in Cork. All three guests pitch in to the collective pot of shared wisdom, Clare and Junior Brother also provide some music.  

Jim Fielder became Frank Zappa's bass player shortly after leaving school. He played Woodstock with Blood Sweat and Tears. Jim now lives in Bantry in West Cork, partly sustained by his Musician's Union Pension. Alam Kelliher has a BA in Music From Trinity College and a MSc in Sound Design from Edinburgh University. Her work can be heard with Macnas on the streets of Galway, In This is Pop Baby's hit show RIOT, in the UK National Theatre and also in her incarnation as a performing artist under the name Lux Alma.

Wallis Bird has released six studio albums. She's done the major label to independent artist thing. She's won two Meteor awards and was nominated for the Choice Music Prize in 2017. She's been working out of Berlin since 2006, affording her an interesting perspective on the Irish music industry. Aidan Foley landed in Dublin in 1989, worked his way up through the recording and live music scene to establish his own studios. Masterlabs specialise in mastering, vinyl pressing and audio restoration. His client list is a veritable who's who of the Irish Music Industry.      

Eleanor McEvoy is the chair of IMRO and sits of the board of The National Concert Hall. She's been signed to two major labels, run her own label and she wrote the title track of the biggest selling album in the history of the Irish Music Industry. Alex Gough's most successful track passed 500K streams on Spotify. It cost him €7 to produce and release. That success helped him secure slots at EP, Other Voices and Eurosonic. He's only getting started. Eleanor & Alex share their stories and insights in this weeks episode.

Michael Murphy fell into the music industry by accident, eventually finding himself working in the multimillion dollar music mayhem of 90's Manhattan. Michael worked A&R for several labels, he toured with The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, he brought Jeff Buckley to Ireland for his first gig outside New York, and all the time his punk leanings had him kicking against the behaviour and beliefs he saw around him. Dr. Michael Murphy is now a lecturer in the Institute of Art Design and Technology in Dun Laoghaire.

In 2018 more than 300 bands entered 2FM's 'Play The Picnic' competition for a shot at playing Electric Picnic. Some of the 10 finalists of that competition were never played on 2FM. The two acts that topped the text vote didn't receive the studio sessions set out in the terms and conditions of the competition.  This week's episode looks at the support 2FM affords to young independent Irish bands by through the lens of the 'Play The Picnic' competition. It's not a rose tinted lens. Guests are 2FM's Head of Music Content Alan Swan and members of competition finalists Exiles & Electric Shore. 

Jinx Lennon tackles subjects in songs like Peter Stringer used to tackle All Blacks; fearlessly, ferociously, skilfully, with a mesmerising intensity and a seeming disregard for his own well-being. Jinx released his 9thalbum last year, and it's some of his strongest work yet. We talk about family life, gigging with Christy Moore and speaking your truth.   Gugai McNamara is booker and part owner of The Roisin Dubh Galway, he owns and runs Strange Brew Records, he manages acts that include Junior Brother and Daithí O'Dronai, he books acts for Galway Arts Festival, he makes the Strange Brew Radio Show and he designs sock. 

Kieran McGuinnes writes songs, plays guitar and sings with  award winning band Delerentos. He also teaches Live Performance and Song Writing in BIMM Dublin and he presents The Nova Guestlist on Radio Nova every Sunday night. Matthew Jacobson is a drummer, band leader & composer. He teaches on DCU's BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music performance Course, he's co-director of Diatribe Records and he's currently at the business end of his PhD studies. He's a busy fella who knows how to multitask and carve out a groove for himself in the Irish music sector.  

Chloe Nagle earned her stripes as a sound engineer in Fred Zepplins and Cork's legendary Lobby Bar. She's since gone on to take control of the desk in The Royal Albert Hall, and is resident engineer for Other Voices. Chloe has toured the world mixing a host of acts and teaches on the Music, Management and Sound Course at CSN College of Further Education in Cork.  TPM are the finest rap duo Dundalk has ever produced. Mr. Not Well and The Calpol King (aka Charles and Andrew Hendy) discuss Joe Duffy's penis, their healthy disrespect for authority and even one or two music industry related subjects. 

Two diverse guests sharing their thoughts and experiences this week.  Nialler9 made a name for himself as a music blogger, but since then he's gone on to become a DJ, a music supervisor, a band manager, journalist and a curator of club nights and events. Post Punk Podge strikes a pretty unique figure on stage, wielding his fiddle, declaring his thoughts, wearing only runners, Bermuda shorts and a large envelope over his head, while tossing fake money and diplomas for fag rolling into the audience. A Post Podge gig is something to behold. He speaks honestly and openly at all times.   

Mary Kate Geraghty (aka May Kay) presents Other Voices, is vocalist with Le Galaxie and has experienced the highs and lows of semi-stardom with the band Fight Like Apes. She is also a fan of Mexican wrestling. You'll enjoy her chat.  Fiachra King has spent his final year in university researching the effect act streaming services are having on the music industry. He's arrived at some unexpected and provocative conclusions. Middlemen beware. 

The most challenging and important episode so far discusses if music and politics should be mixed. A special extended episode looks at this topic and several others through the lens of Eurovision 2019. Guests this week are Charlie McGettigan (musician and Eurovision winner), Michael Kealy (musician, Head of RTE Eurovision Delegation) and Robert Ballagh (musician and visual artist). We talk about all the stuff you won't hear discussed on RTE.

Shane Dunne owns and runs Indiepedence Festival, he's production manager with The Coronas, he owns and runs Curve Management, he promotes gigs for MCD Productions and he is one of the founders of Music Cork. He's got some stories to tell.    While studying marketing, Sabrina Sheehan sought out work experience in the PR wing of music promoters MCD Productions. She worked with them for 10 years before starting her own company, Mission PR. Sabrina sheds some light on the dark art of music promotion. 

Ros Madigan is one of the editors in chief of the music website Golden Plec, tireless advocates of all things Irish, independent and musical. He is also Community Manager with Today FM. Ros talks about managing all aspects of those things. Kate Ellis is a rare entity on this podcast, she makes her living entirely from playing music. Kate is a classically trained cellist, but she also plays traditional Irish music with vocalist Karen Casey, she plays world music with Yurodny, she's played with Katie Kim, she's as at home in the National Concert Hall as she is recording in Chicago with Steve Albini.  Kate is also creative director with new music group Crash Ensemble. In this episode she discusses her career path, funding and education.

Barrister Willie Ryan is a music law specialist. His clients include Hozier, Johnny McDaid and Walking on Cars, among others. Willie discusses pitfalls and safety nets for music industry professionals.  Laura Sheeran made music her career straight out of school in Co. Galway, playing with Fovea Hex & Nanu Nanu and writing music for film and theatre. Several years into her career she began to discover that the path wasn't all roses. She packed in music, started pulling pints in Whelans, and now she's coming at things from a different angle. In this episode she talks about her experiences. 

Miracle of Sound is the most successful independent Irish musician on Youtube with more than 200 million views. Producer, song-writer and musician Gavin Dunne has made this Youtube channel his full-time job, creating music from the spare room of his apartment in Cork. His story is worth hearing.    Connolly's of Leap is a music venue steeped in legend and myth. For many years the doors remained closed, but just over three years ago it reopened, and last year it won an IMRO venue of the year award. Sam McNichol talks about running the venue and touring with the band Talos. 

For more than 20 years Rónán Ó'Snodaigh has been the front-man with Kila. During that time they've released 20 albums, recorded award nominated soundtrack work, have toured Asia, Australia, America and Europe. Ronán himself has five solo albums and at least two books under his belt. In this episode Rónán talks about avoiding the business side of music and about the rigours of keeping the show on the road.  Bettine McMahon is one of the founders of Knockanstockan festival. As the festival has grown, so has her experience and she's branched out into band management, promotion and has gone on to study event management at third level. She also works as Creative Production Manager for events company Event Fuel. Bettine discusses her work and how she found her way in to it. 

Marlene Enright fronted the band The Hard Ground, her album Placemats and Second Cuts was nominated for 2018 Choice Music Prize and her day job is booking and promotion for the White Horse bar and venue in Ballincollig Co. Cork. Marlene discusses how she carves out a space as a singer songwriter.  Dolan's Warehouse in Limerick is a venue that features on almost every band's Irish tour schedule. The venue has won numerous awards and has branched out to promote festivals and large scale events around Limerick city. Neil Dolan discusses what his job is about and what he looks for in an act.