All posts by David Moore

Matt McGinn in Concert

The Acoustic Yard Presents Matt McGinn in Concert, Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar.

Matt McGinn heads west to Westport, Co.Mayo to play in the intimate surroundings of Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. Presented by The Acoustic Yard with support by the fabulous songwriter Gillian Tuite.

Hailing from the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, in Co. Down, Northern Ireland, this is Matt McGinn. You can tell by hearing by his warm, rasping and powerful voice, by listening to his worldly wise lyrics and by seeing his wide shoulders broadened from carrying coal almost thirty years, that by no means is this Matt’s first dance. Far from it, as 2022 saw the release of his 5th studio album Time Well Spent (RTE Album of the Week) with the title track featuring Aoife Scott.

His past singles ‘Annie (Many Moons Ago)’ and ‘Lighthouse Joe’ have been described as the best songs you will hear all year.

The previous album Lessons of War has had over 100,000 plays on Spotify. The lead single ‘Bubblegum’ written with Mick Flannery was one of the most played songs on BBC Radio Ulster. Tom Robinson of BBC 6 described it ‘extraordinary’ while RTE Radio 1’s Fiachna O Braonain labelled it as ‘a beauty’.

During lockdown in 2020, with an absence of live gigs due to Corona Virus, Matt and fellow troubadour Cormac Neeson created Coccons. It is a live ‘In the Round’ that goes out through the Cocoons Group Page on Facebook every Saturday. Cocoons has featured over 100 artists worldwide and raised over £10,000 for various charities. 

When Bob Harris played a track from Matt’s 2015 album ‘Latter Day Sinner’ on BBC Radio 2, he stated…

“Darkest Before the Day, what a truly beautiful track… Matt, your album is superb. I’ve seen Matt play live, he’s fantastic… and Latter Day Sinner is a beautiful album.” BOB HARRIS – RADIO 2

Cutting his teeth on the Belfast music scene from an early age, Matt opened for blues and folk legends; Peter Green, John Hammond Jnr, Chris Smither, John Renbourn to name a few, and survived a lengthy residency in Belfast’s now legendary Rotterdam Bar.

In July 2018, Matt joined Rodney Crowell as a special guest on his Irish Tour.

With his reputation as a multi-instrumental session musician also growing, Matt was choice player for many touring bands, who occasion shared the bill with the likes of Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, and Crosby Stills & Nash.

Matt’s perspective on music and the industry was changed forever with a trip to Nashville in 2014. After performing ‘In the Round’ with Nanci Griffith, he found himself playing the legendary Bluebird cafe. Only hours after sharing the stage with Chas Sandford, writer of Tina Turner’s ‘Missing You’, Matt would be penning his 2016 single ‘The Long Way’ with songwriter and Grammy Nominee, Kim Richey.

Americana UK give ‘The End of the Common Man’ a 4.5 out of 5 star review, stating “An outstanding blend of soulful passion and melody that will haunt and inspire.”

Recorded between Nashville, Tennessee, and a farmhouse in Co. Down, ‘The End of the Common Man is Matt’s third LP. In Janurary ’18 it was Album of the Week on BBC Radio Ulster with Late Show host, Anthony Toner describing it as,

“Just amazing…such a big sound. The End of the Common Man is worth a serious listen” ANTHONY TONER – BBC RADIO ULSTER 

Tickets are available in Link

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/matt-mcginn-in-concert-tickets-309435950257

The Acoustic Yard Singer Songwriters Compilation Album Volume 7

Please support the release The Acoustic Yard Singer Songwriters Compilation Volume 7 on Bandcamp with a host of Irish Artists including Aoife Doyle Music, Niamh Strong Music, The Yellowhead Project, The Crayon Set, Amy Ellen, Peter Doran, Gary Ferguson, Janet Henry Music, Eoin Jordan Music, Graham Coe Songwriter Three Underneath Colm Gavin Music, Paul Dunworth Music, LaGracia, Aengus Devine, Joan Healy Music, Louis McTeggart, Pádraig Bennett Music, Elena Duff Music, Puddletown, Rachel Greene Music. And for the time that’s in it part of the proceeds this time will go to Irish Red Cross for #Ukraine

https://theacousticyardalbum.bandcamp.com/album/the-acoustic-yard-singer-songwriters-compilation-volume-7

New Yard Media PR Package

Yard Media

In response to my recent Facebook post about our new media promotion service, I’m outlining some details below

As you may know, I broadcast two radio shows each week on Blues & Roots Radio, one called The Acoustic Yard and one called Celtic Starfish. Both shows aim to promote independent Irish (predominately) music. This is a passion of mine, as I am myself a musician and have been in the music industry for 40 years. 

As you can imagine I receive a lot of music each week from artists and I do my best to play as many songs as I can. I also give a lot of advice to artists about recording, getting their music properly mixed and mastered, creating accessible media files and some general tips about promotion and social media. 

Musicians have started to ask me if I can help them get their singles and albums promoted in a professional and effective way and this is why I am now offering this service.

The service includes:

  • writing a professional press release
  • creating accessible media files (mp3s, wav files, images, artwork, etc)
  • recording a short promotional video to attract attention
  • sending out this information to over 100 selected radio stations, broadcasters, bloggers and news media outlets
  • checking airplay, following up on initial email on release day and one week later to maximise impact
  • guidance on social media 

As a musician myself, I know how time consuming this can be so my goal is to help musicians get some promotional materials out there in time for their single or CD launch and help those with any technical fears or barriers. 

As well as a musician, I am a music producer, broadcaster and qualified journalist. I have built up a relationship with multiple DJs and networks over time and have worked out how specific people like to receive information which makes the difference between the email being opened or immediately being assigned to the junk box. The email will contain a visually attractive package with all the correct information that DJs need.
I understand that any PR can be prohibitively expensive (been there, paid that invoice), so I am pitching this package at a guaranteed low price to help musicians in the current climate. I believe it represents very good value for money to get you up and running on the PR road. 

Email media@theacousticyard.com for more information.

I share your passion for songwriting and hope the we can work together on your next project. 

David Dee Moore YARD MEDIA

Lemonade Marinade 3rd Charity Single

 Lemonade Marinade are back with their third single during these uncertain times for the Irish mental health charity Pieta. Following on from their acclaimed singles ‘Good to See (That Some Things Still Shine So Bright)’ and ‘Venus and Me’, the Irish lockdown band release the joyeous indie pop song ‘Brilliant’ on Friday November 6th, 2020.

All the songs relate lyrically to the chosen charity and relay a message of encouragement and hope, with the risk of suicide spiralling since covid (especially in young men). ‘Brilliant’ offers lyrically an alternative to the darkness they feel with love and a wonderful future within their grasp.

With this new single Lemonade Marinade hope in some small way to help raise funds and ensure Pieta can continue their vital work.

Brilliant’ was written by songwriter, producer and organiser, broadcaster of The Acoustic Yard David Dee Moore. Vocals on this track come from legendary Nashville singer and Co.Down based Cathryn Craig (Righteous Brothers, Chet Atkins) 

The slick accompaniment comes from a band handpicked by David Dee Moore with years of musical experience and creativity. These include Nick Scott (Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Black) on bass, Colin and Janet Henry (Nancy Griffiths, Charlie McGettigan) on dobro and vocals respectively, Fintan Hanley(Vickers Vimy) on mandolin, Brian McAteer(Phil Coulter, Alisdair Frazer) on strings,  Brian Willoughby (Strawbs, Mary Hopkin) on nylon guitar and project producer, arranger David Dee Moore (Liam Clancy, Juliet Turner, Brian Kennedy) on guitars and keyboards.

The track was mixed by Grammy nominees Chris O’Brien and Graham Murphy at The Production Suite Dublin and mastered by Richard Dowling at Wav Mastering Limerick.

Contact daviddeemoore@icloud.com or Tel: 086 8752070

Brilliant by Lemonade Marinade

Lemonade Marinade 2nd Charity Single

Lemonade Marinade release their second single during these uncertain times, again it’s for the Irish mental health charity Pieta.

Following up from the acclaimed song ‘Venus and Me’ the Irish lockdown band release the joyful catchy pop infused ‘It’s Good To See (That Some Things Still Shine So Bright)’ on Friday September 25th 2020on all musical media platforms.

Both songs relate lyrically to the chosen charity and relay a message of encouragement and hope, showing there’s enough light in the world from its beauty and actions to keep hearts illuminated.

The risks of suicide has spiralled out of control and Pieta has an environment set up to help to reduce this and has given counsel to over 45,000 people. This May the charity had to cancel their ‘Darkness Into Light’ event losing much needed funds and so the band has reacted in a small way to help with ta collection of songs.

‘It’s Good To See (That Some Things Still Shine So Bright) was written by songwriter and producer David Dee Moore but this time he’s left the vocal duties to the beautiful voice of Belfast songstress Janet Henry. A smooth performance reminiscent of a Karen Carpenter or a Rita Coolidge.

The slick accompaniment comes from a band that David Dee Moore 

handpicked to add years of musical experience and creativity. These include Nick Scott (Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Black) on bass, Colin Henry (Nancy Griffiths, Charlie McGettigan) on dobro, Fintan Hanley(Vickers Vimy) on mandolin, Brian McAteer(Phil Coulter, Alisdair Frazer) on strings, the folk duo Cathryn Craig (Righteous Brothers, Chet Atkins) and Brian Willoughby (Strawbs, Mary Hopkin) on nylon guitar and project producer, arranger David Dee Moore (Liam Clancy, Juliet Turner, Brian Kennedy) on guitars.

The track was mixed by Grammy nominees Chris OBrien and Graham Murphy at The Production Suite Dublin and mastered by Richard Dowling at Wav Mastering Limerick.

The Acoustic Yard release a single and album for Pieta House

The Acoustic Yard will be releasing a compilation CD on Bandcamp with all proceeds going to Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Awareness on Friday June 5th 2020.

20 tracks of some of the best original songs that has been aired on The Acoustic Yard Radio Show in the last year including The Darkling Air, John Blek, Laura Elizabeth Hughes and many more….

https://lemonademarinade.bandcamp.com/album/venus-and-me

There is a single to be released from the album on Monday May 25th by Lemonade Marinade who are a collection of musical friends including David Dee Moore (The Acoustic Yard Radio Show), ‘The Henry Family Band’ (Colin, Janet and James Henry), Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby, Brian McAteer, Nick Scott (Mary Black, Gilbert O’Sullivan) and Fintan Hanley (Vickers Vimy). The song ‘Venus and Me’ was written by David Dee Moore in Westport and recorded all over ireland in lockdown, All proceeds are going to Pieta House, Preventing Suicide and Self Harm. It’s a song about mental health awareness, solitude and nocturnal beauty.

Festival moved to late summer

We’ve been trying to figure out whether to do a 5th Acoustic Yard Music Festival in Westport this May after the Bank Holiday weekend and although we could create one with a limited budget, I think that it would be of no benefit at that time of the year to the town.
Within the space of one month after our allotted weekend we have 2 more great music festivals happening here in Westport, Saltwater at the end of May (a new festival in the calendar), and The Folk and Bluegrass Festival in mid-June. Overkill and funding go together, so maybe it’s better to create something later in the year at the end of August instead. Nothing confirmed to add as yet but we will let everyone know as soon as possible. We have been nominated 3 times for the ‘Best Small Festival’ by IMRO and are still committed to enabling songwriters, especially those here in Ireland, to have a platform to play. Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far.

Check here for updates soon.

The Acoustic Yard nominated for an award

The Acoustic Yard has been nominated for ‘Best Small festival of the Year’ by IMRO

The Irish Music Rights Organisation CLG (IMRO) announced that the eleventh IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards will take place on Tuesday 26th February 2019 at IMRO HQ in Dublin.

The annual awards celebrate the dedication and passion of those who work in Ireland’s live music venues, providing the public with an exceptional live music experience on a weekly basis.

More than 12,000 IMRO members considered hundreds of venues across the country for the shortlist. Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue. IMRO members also voted on Ireland’s music festivals, delivering a shortlist of their top ten festivals.

Live music venues and festivals play a vital role in the music industry in Ireland, giving international and homegrown artists a platform to engage with fans and build new audiences. They also play a central role in urban and rural communities across the country, providing a social gathering space for varied audiences, and contributing hugely to the domestic economy.


The Acoustic Yard Radio Show

This week’s show features all the best releases from independent artists in Ireland in 2019 with ‘Song of the Year ‘ The Darkling Air’ and ‘Octogenarian Mermaid’.

The show is aired on www.bluesandrootsradio.com every Friday at 6.30pm GMT and repeated every Wednesday at 8pm GMT and presented by david Dee Moore

The Acoustic Yard 5th Anniversary Concert

To celebrate our 5th anniversary we are bringing one of the hottest bands on the circuit, the Madrid based Track Dogs Track Dogs

On Wednesday September 4th The Acoustic Yard hosts it’s 5th anniversary concert in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar with one of the hottest bands on the scene, all the way from Madrid the wonderful Track Dogs…Latino, Americana, Cuban rhythms and much more!

TRACK DOGS TICKETS

Track Dogs is a Madrid-based Americana-Folk-Latino outfit with members from Ireland (Dublin & Bray), UK (Sheffield) and USA (Vermilion, OH).

Sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms. 

Taking their name from the NY subway maintenance teams this closely-knit group of ex-pats have opted for cajón instead of drums and trumpet in place of electric guitar. Four-part harmonies steal the show.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is TRACKDOGS20184-1024x686.jpg

PRESS 

“…the quartet serve up a south of the border fiesta exuberance that defies you not to stomp the heels and play air castanets…the groove is most definitely on.” Fatea Magazine

“Their lively, melodic music has a strong American/Latin sentiment, a strong sense of fun and an abundance of sunshine”. FRUK 

“The antidote to a bad day” Maverick

““Groovy” is not a word I often use in this column, but that’s just the adjective I need to describe Madrid-based Irish band the Track Dogs…Released at the end of last year, the album is rhythmic, soulful and simply cool. This is indie-acoustic arranged with a hippie flair.The band’s music is, like the band of ex-pats, an eclectic cultural crossover. The Irish Echo, New York

“This band turned out to be a total discovery, with vocal harmonies on a par with groups like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, America or the most melodic style of, for example, the Eagles mixed in with the graceful irreverence of The Pogues.” Renacer Eléctrico Music Magazine, Spain

“Track Dogs were the hit of Rochester Sweeps Festival 2016. Their close harmonies, instrumentation but above all, interaction with the audience, proved a winner.” Doug Hudson, Director Rochester Sweeps

“In a battle of the stages, Track Dogs were up against festival headliner Badly Drawn Boy. Wonderfully unfazed by this, the band drew one of the biggest crowds of the weekend to the GoldenPlec Stage, cheery, Spanish-tinged acoustic proving a hit with a crowd that wanted to dance.” Vantastival, Goldenplec.com

“Track Dogs played 2 shows at Vantastival 2016 and both were highlights of the weekend. Their unique show around 1 mic was perfect for the atmospheric smaller stage with their on-point vocal harmonies and rhythmic tribal beat. Their show as headline act for our larger stage was one of the biggest audiences of the weekend and left everyone in no doubt that this is a very very special band.” Mark Staunton, Vantastival Festival Director

www.trackdogsmusic.com

What they’re saying about their album “KANSAS CITY OUT GROOVE”

“…genre-busting acoustic music built around folk, Americana and bluegrass…an album that will delight established fans and gain them plenty of new ones”

RNR, magazine July 2018, UK

“…based in Madrid and with instruments that include cajon, banjo, ukulele, mandolin and trumpet and, rather obviously Spanish guitar, the quartet serve up a south of the border fiesta exuberance that defies you not to stomp the heels and play air castanets….the groove is most definitely on.”

Fatea Magazine, UK

“There’s a rare combination of four great players who also have superb voices, creating stunning individual vocal performances and the almost inevitable perfect harmonies…The playing is outstanding, the harmonies are superb and it’s joyful throughout; just give it a listen.”

Music Riot, June 2018, UK

“…a delicious Ameri-Latino mix with – for lovers – the following recipe: one quarter Americana, two parts Latino, a hefty dash of strings…Let the summer erupt. The Track Dogs are in, let the summer begin! Feelgood festival music!”

Keys and Chords, BELGIUM

“…a nice melting pot of styles, which have one thing in common: the groove…how special the singing of the four is, across all genre boundaries…this summery album, which is extremely welcome to brighten up your and my bright spring days. Rootstime, BELGIUM

“Track Dogs grab the listeners by the collars. The dance floor beckons and must be entered. The same floor is on fire within thirty seconds…Track Dogs open the album Kansas City Out Groove overwhelmingly.” Real Roots Café, NETHERLANDS

“…the adventurous fusion of Americana and folk gets something special with Howard Brown’s ubiquitous trumpet. These Track Dogs have unmistakably their own sound, fans of the work of Manu Chao and Calexico undoubtedly appreciate Kansas City Out Groove.”

Written In Music, NETHERLANDS

Support for the evening will be talented ‘Socks in the Frying Pan’ frontman and songwriter Aodán Coyne who has just released the catchy debut single ‘Chance and Gamble’

www.aodancoyne.com