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Christmas is drawing ever closer and we've another brilliant original song for you to enjoy!

Son of The Hound with Any Old Moment- The video is out tomorrow and it looks amazing!!❄

Head to his Bandcamp to listen & download now:
https://sonofthehound.bandcamp.com/track/any-old-moment

Son of The Hound is the guitar pop brainchild of bogman in the city Michael McCullagh. Simultaneously melancholic and euphoric, his outsider songs of life’s light and shade have found a home in Belfast and beyond. He is from Omagh and never shuts up about it. This song was recorded by Nathan O'Regan for the Christmas album and it's a beauty.❄

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For anyone who hasn't heard Sasha Samara yet then you've been missing out for far too long!!!

She is absolutely amazing and I could not be more excited to see what she does and where she goes over the next few years...

We were very lucky to have her take part in the Belfast Music Christmas album this year...

It's somehow Day 18 (!) of Belfast Music Christmas Album and we've got not one, but two delightful tracks from Sasha Samara - Joy to the World & Winter Wonderland

Sasha Samara is a new voice in the Northern Irish scene, bringing a fresh vision of folk-tinged pop that is honest and insightful. After launching her debut single ‘Broken Vessel’ in late 2019, her vulnerable approach to songwriting has endeared her to local audiences. With candid lyrics and girl-next-door connection, she earned a slot at the coveted Ruby Sessions in Dublin, and won the Oh Yeah Music Centre Contender Award at the Northern Ireland Music Prize this year.💥

Head to Bandcamp to listen and download - https://sashasamara.bandcamp.com/

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OK so I just got to know these ones recently and they are class through and through. The liveliest girls you could meet and super talented!!!

Check out their version of one of the most loved Christmas songs of all time!!!

CHERYM - Fairytale of New York❄
Listen here - https://youtu.be/4pA_01VbxaY

CHERYM are Hannah Richardson, Nyree Porter and Alannagh Doherty. Fromed via a love of garage rock, pop punk and UNCE UNCE energy, Cherym exploded out of their native Derry in 2017.

Inspired by the likes of Charly Bliss, PUP and Blink-182, Cherym have taken their addictive sound all over the UK and Ireland. With a pedigree of high profile live performances (alongside Yonaka, And So I Watch You From Afar, ARXX and Valeras) and a cult following from their self-released tracks, CHERYM are the favourite band that you didn't know you had.⭐

You can check out all their music here - https://cherym.bandcamp.com/

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The full Belfast Music Christmas playlist is online now!!!

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-8aaC-TtI05pYsgyQR7rGOEHr2m294DT

Go have a listen on YouTube and make sure you check out the other music from the musicians if you hear someone you love.

This has been a tough year on music and we have incredible artists around us. Sharing music and links to merch goes a long long way for independent musicians.

Support our local artists - because they are really brilliant # # #

💜💜💜

Day 16 of the Belfast Music Christmas Album ❄

This is so so good from the amazing ROE

'I'll Be Home' by ROE
https://youtu.be/j1hYZIHzq7U

ROE is 21-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Derry, Roisin Donald, Laying down her unique brand of self-styled Dark Indie-Pop, ROE has showcased her live prowess at some of the biggest Music Festivals around the world including SXSW in the US, NH7 in India, the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury, and a UK arena tour supporting Snow Patrol. Her new EP ‘Things We Don’t Talk About’ was released in August this year, landing on several notable Spotify playlists, receiving heavy play-listing across Irish Radio and racking up almost a million streams in just a few months.

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The wonderful brand new friend are up today with an exceptionally brilliant cover of Happy Xmas (War is Over)...

I have loved this band since I first saw them - their attitude, talent and energy blows me away every time and it was a privilege to have them on this project with Belfast Music

Day 15 - our Belfast Music Christmas album track of the day is a cover from brand new friend - Happy Christmas (War Is Over)⭐

No strangers to Ireland’s buzzing live scene, Brand New Friend have been making waves with some incendiary live shows all across the island. Following the release of their debut album in 2018, they’ve toured relentlessly, playing in support of Snow Patrol, Lewis Capaldi, Kodaline, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY and Feeder and firing up festival stages from Reading and Leeds and Radio 1’s Big Weekend to Electric Picnic. Along the way, they have garnered plays on national radio stations across Ireland and the UK, including Today FM, RTE 2FM, Radio 1, Radio X and 6 Music.

With influences spanning The Front Bottoms and Neutral Milk Hotel to Circa Waves and Paramore, they released their debut album - Seatbelts for Aeroplanes in 2018, followed by EP 'A Cure For Living' in February 2020 via Xtra Mile Recordings. Their heartfelt indie pop-rock has captured a dedicated audience over a short space of time, showing no signs of slowing down.

Listen here - https://tinyurl.com/ybesyq53

and check out their back catalogue - brandnewfriendz.bandcamp.com/

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Here's another Christmas original for you from Teddy Charles Jr aka Allan McGreevy

'Will It Feel Like Christmas'

A full-time musician and producer, Allan has worked across NI and beyond. Teddy Charles Jr encompasses his solo work, arching from hard rock to soulful folk.

His latest Christmas release is inspired by the current social climate while still embracing the old fashioned Christmas ideals.
All written and recorded by Teddy Charles Jr.

Listen and download here -
https://teddycharlesjr.bandcamp.com/track/will-it-feel-like-christmas
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Day 11 and we have not one, but two amazing tracks for you from No Oil Paintings

First up - White Winter Hymnal🎄 with Open House Festival Choir
& White Winter Trees

No Oil Paintings are a vivacious, dynamic four piece alternative folk band from Belfast, Ireland. Using typical folk instrumentation and four part harmonies they produce music that’s a little more wild than what is often associated with the genre today. Despite their folk roots No Oil Paintings attack their live sets with a passion and energy commonly associated with rock shows.

Listen and get downloading here - https://nooilpaintings.bandcamp.com/
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Open house festival Choir is based in Bangor is a project run by the brilliant Open House Festival. The choir has been running for over 5 years and have performed with artists like Duke Special, Gill Landry, Ports and many more. We are so delighted to have the choir on this track!

Day 10!

I'm obsessed with this version of this track!!!!!!!!

Joel Harkin calls himself an alternative, ambient folk singer. He writes songs about cherry blossoms and old churches, about lost friends and migrations and a fear of dying. He is a humourist, a poet and philosopher.
This is a beautiful cover of 'Christmas' by The Blue Nile featuring his girlfriend Deirdre on stunning backing vocals.
He’s been influenced by Modest Mouse, Phoebe Bridgers, Conor Oberst, Gregory and the Hawk and many others. He is glad that he didn’t follow his father’s advice and become a horse doctor. His ambition is happily unchecked.

Listen here now:
https://open.spotify.com/track/7KhZej6llW5ylXJ5sKO0IC?si=hiIpjhYwS02DCNsut-Ep7Q

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Next up on our Christmas album is Brigid O'Neill Music -a beautiful stripped back version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas featuring the mighty Matt Evans on keys 🎄⭐

Described by Ralph McLean of BBC Radio Ulster as “A great songwriter with a voice that can break your heart at 30 paces” Brigid O’Neill from Co. Down in NI is a genre-spanning songsmith whose evergreen music appeals to multiple generations. An immensely gifted story teller, her latest album ‘Touchstone’ sees her effortlessly weave elements of folk, country and jazz into relatable tales of happiness, heartbreak and the human condition.

Following the critical success of Touchstone she is set to release her highly anticipated follow-up early next year and has just released ‘Leaving’, the first single, a deeply emotive song with a story tackling the impact of domestic violence with immense sensitivity and empathy.

Brigid has performed everywhere from the world-famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville to the iconic Grand Opera House in Belfast, writing with Grammy award writers along the way. She is a recipient of numerous Arts Council and Music industry awards, was this year long-listed for the Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition.
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Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6Z5v7JHHjbruD6sC72nB21?si=owJgwoXkRUSAmGborzrYEw

Day 8!! A special release featuring two Christmas covers of 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve' and 'Little Saint Nick' by Reevah 🎄

Reevah’s music is immersive and reflective allowing the listener a chance to escape the speed of life. But it’s her voice, pure, understated and fearless, that stays in the heart and the mind long after the music is over.
'One of the best talents emerging up North' - Hot Press Magazine

In conjunction with Belfast Music and Belfast City Council

Artwork by Brigid Johnson

Listen and download here - https://reevah.bandcamp.com/album/have-yourself-a-very-reevah-christmas-2

I am in awe of these two... Leah McFall and Tommy Jag

Leah is just the most exceptional singer I have ever heard and it was an absolute privilege to hear her sing in the studio.

Tommy is also amazing and effortlessly played the guitar so beautifully without a rehearsal in sight.

Please check out this version of Oh Holy Night - also featuring the great Herb Magee on bass.

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/7rWWH8fWdrl69oNxj4BA46?si=-cJcNC2ESGysXryKLewWrA

Leah McFall is an independent r&b artist from Belfast. She first became known to us after coming runner up on The Voice UK in 2013, with coach will.I.am. After supporting both will.I.am and Jessie J on tour, Leah went on to sing at the grammy event MusiCares in honour of Carol King. She shared the stage with big names such as Lady GaGa, Alicia Keys and Pink.

Leah then went on to release her independent record 'INK' which chartered in the top 3 on ITunes charts for weeks. She completed a 5 city sell out tour and is now working on her next record.

Tommy Jag is an instrumental music creator from Belfast N. Ireland. His genre palette will take you from nightclub electronic to stadium guitar solo to bedroom low fi, with a few pitstops in between.

This is soooooooooo good!!!!!

Our Belfast Music Christmas countdown has an absolute stone cold Christmas classic today from ArvoParty and LARKS - Last Christmas 💙

Give it a listen over on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4fWqjlH1U4yEXDY5sR8RuC...

Arvo Party is a pseudonym of Herb Magee, award-nominated electronic music producer. Herb has released 6 albums this year (!) as well as countless remixes and a collaborative single (‘Anyway’) with HEX HUE.

Buy his music on Bandcamp - https://arvoparty.bandcamp.com/
This collaboration is with the brilliant indie-pop artist Larks who has a Christmas EP coming out this year - we will be sharing some more of that soon... 🎄

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Next on our musical countdown to Christmas - 'theres a market in town...and it's continental'

Rory Nellis - How you know it's Christmas🎄

Another brilliant original Christmas song from Belfast based singer/songwriter/guitarist Rory Nellis who has been writing and performing for over 15 years.
Rory is currently working on his third album, due for release in the summer of 2021.
His songs stem from musings on life, death, relationships and, occasionally, politics.

Listen and share here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2N9zIv8Xh2uXEEidybGeDR...

Head over to Rory's Bandcamp to check out his back catalogue https://rorynellis.bandcamp.com/

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I am in awe of this wonderful woman Jackie Rainey - total inspiration and incredible person to work with!! CHECK THIS OUT!!

As well as being a talented songwriter who regularly travels to Nashville TN to co-write, Belfast based musician Jackie Rainey is also an Internationally touring artist and we are delighted that she's recorded a track for our musical countdown to Christmas.🎄
Jackie has been the opening act for artists such Paul Brady, Eliza Gilkyson and Gretchen Peters and an in-demand session musician who has recently been a touring member of Sinead O'Connor's live band providing rhythm guitar and backing vocals across Europe and America.
Her happy, upbeat cover of Mele Kalikimaka is the perfect song to get you right into the Christmas Spirit this year.

Head to Spotify to give it a listen:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6RY5Cc8ewLrVWCuj7DzFnR?si=G_pMsYblSiqcINVXGb_kGw
Belfast City Council

Next up on our Christmas music countdown - an incredible original song called Xmas Number 1 by four-piece punk band, Problem Patterns from Belfast out today on Bandcamp - (don't forget it's and all proceeds to go the musicians).

Listen and download here -
https://problempatterns.bandcamp.com/

"Christmas can be quite isolating for a lot of people, and in 2020 that is truer than ever. With this song, we are trying to look on the bright side of being alone this holiday season. We know this time of year can be tough for so many reasons, so we want to send love and solidarity to anyone who needs it. Staying safe is the most important thing right now, and we want people to know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by it all. So put on your favourite film, grab a treat, and look after yourselves.
Love,
Bev, Beth, Ciara and Alanah "

Formed in 2018, they released their debut EP, “Good For You, Aren’t You Great?” the following year. The band have received nominations for the Oh Yeah Contender Award in 2019 and 2020, alongside a 2020 nomination for Best Live Act at the Northern Ireland Music Prize.

In April 2020, they released the single “Big Shouty”, accompanied by a DIY music video, shot by each individual band member while in quarantine.

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On day 2 of our musical countdown to Christmas we have the stunning Rachel McCarthy who is a singer-songwriter from Bangor. Formerly of the band Farriers, she now co-writes and performs with The Darkling Air.
Rachel is covering 'The Worst Christmas Ever' by Sufjan Stevens and her voice is so beautiful it makes us weep every time we hear it. On backing vocals and extra guitar the brilliant Jackie Rainey who will be sharing a song of her own later this week!!
You can listen to this solo offering on Spotify here: https://tinyurl.com/y2mxg6xa 🎧
You can buy her work with The Darkling Air here: https://thedarklingair.bandcamp.com/ - and this Friday is when Bandcamp waive their fees 💥
Or listen on Spotify here: https://tinyurl.com/yxaepc8j
Belfast City Council

Kicking off our countdown ⏰ to Christmas is an absolutely beautiful original song "This Christmas Time" by the brilliant Philip Watts d'Alton. 🎄

It's available now on all streaming platforms and also available to buy on Bandcamp. Phil will be donating all profits from the sales to Bumbleance - the official Children’s National Ambulance Service of Ireland.

Philip Watts d'Alton is a musician originally from Dublin. He was a founding member of Master & Dog in Belfast in 2006 who gained success from their song "Long May You Reign" featuring on the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Advert from 2008 to 2011. Philip has also performed on RTE's "The Late Late Show". He is currently releasing music under his own name and producing music for other artists.

https://philipwattsdalton.bandcamp.com/.../this-christmas...
Belfast City Council

Kicking off our countdown ⏰ to Christmas is an absolutely beautiful original song "This Christmas Time" by the brilliant Philip Watts d'Alton. 🎄

It's available now on all streaming platforms and also available to buy on Bandcamp. Phil will be donating all profits from the sales to Bumbleance - the official Children’s National Ambulance Service of Ireland.

https://philipwattsdalton.bandcamp.com/track/this-christmas-time
Belfast City Council

So I've been working really hard over the last 6 weeks with Belfast Music, Half Bap Studios and a host of exceptionally talented musicians, artists and bands to bring you a new Christmas album of Northern Irish music - some originals and some covers. I can't WAIT to share them with you all as they're totally brilliant!

Will be posting more about the artists, the songs and ways to support them and their work every day in the run up to Christmas.

Song one is coming your way any minute now - go and follow Belfast Music for a new Christmas song every day around midday!

Ger ready for music from Philip Watts d'Alton Leah McFall Tommy Jag Problem Patterns Jackie Rainey Rory Nellis ArvoParty LARKS Rachel McCarthy, CHERYM Joshua Burnside Joel Harkin Beauty Sleep Reevah Cathedral Quarter Choir Open House Festival Choir, Counterpoint Choir, Travi The Native No Oil Paintings ROE brand new friend HEX HUE Brigid O'Neill Music Teddy Charles Jr Nathan O'Regan Tour Alaska Sasha Samara Conor Scott Son of The Hound

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