25:08:11 SEE : HEAR
Featuring
3 award-winning short films written and directed by Nick
1 storming live show by Nick and special guests
And the secret of how rock’n’roll can teach you to make movies
Mindfield, Electric Picnic – Sunday Sept 4th, 3.30pm www.electricpicnic.ie
Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray – Saturday, October 1st, 7.30pm www.mermaidartscentre.ie
Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin – Friday, October 14th, 8.00pm www.seamusenniscentre.com
SEE:HEAR combines a live musical performance; a screening of Nick’s three highly-acclaimed short films (including the recently Oscar-shortlisted “Shoe”); and an entertaining and insightful talk on the fascinating crossover between making music and making films.
In October 2010 Nick Kelly, former frontman with The Fat Lady Sings and Choice Music Prize-nominated solo artist, embarked on the latest chapter in his musical odyssey with the release of “Nine Lives” under his newly adopted alter ego Alien Envoy. This release, created over the course of GESTATION, a unique 9 month live / online project, has met with widespread acclaim:
"Warmth and richness... a lovely experience" - Sunday Business Post
"A deep, thoughtful, sensitive and intelligent musical artist...bravo!" - Hot Press
“A poet’s eye for detail” – Irish Independent
"Incapable of constructing a duff concept, musical or otherwise" - Irish Times
“A warm, brooding and intimate affair” – Get Ready To Rock (UK)
"Kelly has taken his legacy to a new level" - Roots & Branches (UK)
In November 2010 “Shoe”, the third short film written and directed by Nick, was shortlisted to the last 10 films in contention for the Live Action Short Oscar at the 2011 Academy Awards. This recognition by the Academy is only the latest success in Nick’s nascent career as a film-maker. His previous short “Why The Irish Dance That Way” was one of just nine films selected by New York’s MoMA for Shortfest: Outstanding Films From The International Festivals in 2008, and his first short “Delphine”, lauded by the late Michael Dwyer in the Irish Times (“this witty vignette packs a sharp punchline”), has been bought for TV broadcast by 16 countries around the world. Most recently, “Shoe” won the title of “Best Irish Short” at the Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival 2011.
SEE:HEAR, which was first staged in the Project Arts Centre in October 2010, is a show which brings together both these strands of Nick’s creative life. In conjunction with a screening of all three of his short films and a live performance of his songs, Nick delivers a short and compelling explanation of the very strong links he sees between making music and movies, followed by an audience Q&A.
“Up until recently, I tended to try to keep these two distinct parts of my artistic life separate. I just felt that it might be too confusing for people”, explains Nick. “But this year, when I found myself with both a major film and a major music project coming out at exactly the same time, I realised that actually I don’t myself make a big distinction between the two forms. The subjects that inspire me, the muscles I’m using to do the work, the kinds of people and processes I interact with, the challenges I face and even the skills I’ve developed to meet those challenges are all pretty much identical.
“I really believe that my background in rock’n’roll gives me huge advantages as a film-maker. SEE:HEAR is my way of explaining and justifying my own slightly bizarre creative process, and explaining how I think these two art forms can cross-pollinate and benefit each other.”
15:07:10 ALIEN ENVOY ALBUM ANNOUNCED
The first album from my new musical alter ego ALIEN ENVOY is scheduled to be released in the Autumn.
"NINE LIVES" is a fairly unique release for several different reasons.
Its nine songs were recorded during the course of GESTATION, my 9 month live concert series, during which I worked with an array of different guest musical collaborators on different arrangements of my new songs, posting the results online for the public to listen to and give feedback on.
It's a live album of new songs (as opposed to live versions of previously released material).
And while it won't officially be in the shops until the Autumn, you can get your copy shipped to you by the end of July by pre-ordering directly from me via www.selfpossessedrecords.com.
For the last 7 months of GESTATION, you've patiently sat through me playing different versions of all my new songs. But for the next and penultimate show in the series, on Wed April 28th, I'll play a set exclusively drawn from my back catalogue (TFLS, solo or Alien Envoy) - as requested in advance by YOU.
To help write my setlist, simply email your favourite three songs of mine (in order of preference) to nick@nickkelly.ie. And while you're at it, suggest an interesting COVER VERSION for me to attempt - I'll have a go at the most intriguing suggestion, and give 4 guest list places to whoever suggests it.
All this, plus a support set from the fabulous STEAFAN HANVEY, for just €10.
GESTATIONtakes place on the last Wednesday of every month between now and May 2010 Upstairs@Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 8, doors 8pm.
09:03:10 GESTATION 7 - THE FAT LADY SINGS!
For my next GESTATION show, on Wed March 31st, for one night only I'll be reuniting THE FAT LADY SINGS. My old bandmates TIM BRADSHAW and DERMOT LYNCH will be jetting in from the UK and France respectively, along with live keyboard maestro ALISTAIR ARTINGSTALL. Ace Dublin drummer BINZER BRENNAN completes the line-up.
Given the night that's in it, we'll be playing a lot of classic TFLS tunes, but also trying TFLS-style versions of several of my new songs, which should be pretty interesting for us all.
Tickets for this very special GESTATION show are just €15, and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie or the WAV box office (Lo-call 1890 200 078). This show will sell out, so book early to avoid disappointment.
GESTATION takes place on the last Wednesday of every month between now and May 2010 Upstairs@Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 8, doors 8pm.
PLUS GESTATION 6 - SIX NEW RECORDINGS UPLOADED
I've now mixed and uploaded six new live recordings from GESTATION 6 (February 24th), featuring my full band plus guest collaborators PETE PAMF (funky guitar) and BILL'S BRASS. The new versions uploaded are of "Kingfisher Blue", "Arthur Ashe", "Anaesthetic", "Infrastructure", "45" and "Unreasonable Sex". Have a listen and tell me what you think.
15:02:10 GESTATION 6 - FULL BAND SHOW, JUST A TENNER!
For my next GESTATION show, on Wed February 24th, I'll be playing in full-band mode, with regular rhythm section Miss Metronome (drums) and Colin Morris (bass) joining me - plus special guest collaborator PETE PAMF (aka Dublin's funkiest man) on electric guitar.
And following my pledge to keep costs and tickets as low as possible for the next few shows, it'll be just €10 in (as opposed to €17 for previous full-band shows).
GESTATION takes place on the last Wednesday of every month between now and May 2010 Upstairs@Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 8, doors 8pm.
PLUS GESTATION 5 - FIVE NEW RECORDINGS UPLOADED
I've now mixed and uploaded five new live recordings from GESTATION 5 (January 27th), featuring guest collaborators ROLAND GOMEZ (cool percussion) and OSKAR SAVILLE (sultry vox). The new versions uploaded are of "Save Pluto", "Bitter Batter Bee", "Untidy", "Donnybrook" and a banjo-powered cover of Prince's "When Doves Cry". Have a listen and tell me what you think.
11:01:10 GESTATION 5 - JUST A FIVER!
For my next GESTATION show, on Wed January 27th, I'm going to be performing a stripped-down solo set - and cutting the entrance fee to just €5 (from the normal €17).
It's a chance for me to try out my new songs in really pared-down form - and also to do my bit to alleviate the particularly deep levels of broke-ness most are suffering this January.
It's a one-month-only reduction, and to keep my costs to an absolute minimum I won't be doing my usual poster run, so do spread the word and swing by yourself if you're in town. (I won't be using Ticketmaster either, so it's first come first served on the door.)
GESTATION takes place on the last Wednesday of every month between now and May 2010 Upstairs@Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 8, doors 8pm.
PLUS GESTATION 4 - SIX NEW RECORDINGS UPLOADED
I've now mixed and uploaded six new live recordings from GESTATION 4 (December 30th), when I was joined onstage by both JOE CHESTER and THE SOFTLY SWELLING STRINGS (arranged by DARRAGH O'TOOLE). These include two brand new tunes - "Anaesthetic" and "Bitter Batter Bee" - plus new versions of "Infrastructure", "Everything's Wrong", "Christmas In The City (Orla's Song)" and "Kingfisher Blue". Have a listen and tell me what you think.
07:12:09 GESTATION MONTH 4: WEDNESDAY December 30th
I'm truly privileged to be welcoming three separate special guest collaborators to join me onstage to end the year with an evening of warmth and cool.
DARAGH O'TOOLE is one of the most innovative composers and arrangers in Ireland today. He's worked with U2 (on "Sweetest Thing") and most recently masterminded the "Ballymun Lullaby" EP, a collaboration between the Ballymun Music Programme, Cór Na nOg and the RTE Concert Orchestra.
Daragh will be joined onstage by top quartet THE GENTLY SWELLING STRINGS for tonight's performance.
JOE CHESTER is both a star producer (Gemma Hayes, Mundy) and a brilliant solo artist (his "Murder Of Crows" was Choice Music Prize-nominated in 2005). Joe co-produced my last album "Running Dog", as well as supplying twinkly guitar bits on both that record and its predecessor "Between Trapezes".(www.myspace.com/joechester)
Gestation takes place on the last Wednesday of every month between now and May 2010 Upstairs@Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 8.
Tickets cost €17 from www.ticketmaster.ie or from the WAV box office (phone:1890 200 078).
02:11:09 GESTATION MONTH 3: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25th
I'm delighted to announce not one but two very special guest collaborators
this month:
The first is the man the Irish Times have aptly described as a "national treasure", SEAN (aka DOCTOR) MILLAR (www.doctormillar.com), fresh from his sold out Dublin Theatre Festival show "Silver Stars". As well as accompanying me and the band onstage, Sean will also perform a special guest slot of his own.
I'm also delighted to announce that I'll be joined by the wonderful BIATCH COLLECTIVE(www.myspace.com/biatchnight) who'll be bringing their unique downhome country gospel singing to bear on some of my new songs.
All this, plus the rocking yet cerebral accompaniment of Emmaline Duffy-Fallon (drums) and Colin Morris (bass).
Gestation takes place on the last Wednesday of every month between now and May 2010 Upstairs@Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 8.
Tickets cost €17 from www.ticketmaster.ie or from the WAV box office
(phone:1890 200 078).
PLUS GESTATION 2 - NEW RECORDINGS UPLOADED
I've now mixed and uploaded three new live recordings from GESTATION 2 (October 28th) - new versions of Kingfisher Blue and Everything's Wrong accompanied by special guest collaborator BOO HEWERDINE, plus a new version of Untidy featuring both Boo and the fabulous Briana Corrigan who wrote it with me. Tell me what you think on the GESTATION blog.
21:10:09 GESTATION MONTH 2: WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28th
My special guest collaborator this month is songwriting legend BOO HEWERDINE (www.boohewerdine.net).
Boo will be playing his own solo guest slot as well as joining me on stage. I'll also be accompanied by Emmaline Duffy-Fallon (drums) and Colin Morris (bass)
Gestation takes place on the last Wednesday of every month between now and May 2010 Upstairs@Whelans, Wexford Street, Dublin 8
Tickets cost €17 from www.ticketmaster.ie
or from the WAV box office (phone:1890 200 078).
21:10:09 GESTATION 1 - NEW RECORDINGS UPLOADED
I've now mixed and uploaded three new live recordings from GESTATION 1 (September 30th) - new versions of "ARTHUR ASHE" and "DONNYBROOK" accompanied by special guest collaborator ANN SCOTT, plus a completely new song "SMALL LOADS". Tell me what you think on the GESTATION blog.
WATCH THE BIRDIE
You can now follow me on TWITTER (@nickgestation). No twivia, I promise.
ADVANCE WARNING: GESTATION 3
The first trimester concludes on Wednesday November 25th when I'll be joined by special guest collaborator SEAN MILLAR, fresh from his stunning Theatre Festival sell-out song cycle "Silver Stars".
HEARTLAND: SONGS FOR CROI
Some time ago I was approached by West of Ireland heart health charity Croí to act as Creative Director for a CD to raise funds and awareness. "Heartland" features 10 tracks, many of them completely new recordings, by 10 great West of Ireland artists - one for each of the 10 counties where Croí operates. Each artist was asked to contribute a track with the word "heart" (or, as Gaeilge, "croí") in the title. The results are pretty stunning, as I hope you'll get to hear. I'm particularly proud, Eastern blow-in that I am, to have been asked to donate a bonus track of my own, "Walking Back To My Heart". The full track listing is as follows:
1. Broke My Heart - The Sawdoctors (GALWAY)
2. Head And Heart - Gemma Hayes (TIPPERARY)
3. Hannah's Heart – Arkitekt (LIMERICK)
4. I ♥ Sunny Days- The Screaming Orphans (DONEGAL)
5. The Girl Who Broke My Heart - John Wynne & John McEvoy featuring John Moloney (ROSCOMMON)
6. Six Days To Saturday (Never Give The Full Heart) – The Aftermath (WESTMEATH)
7. A Ghra Mo Chroí - Davy Spillane (CLARE)
8. If I Gave My Heart To You - Tommy Fleming (SLIGO)
9. Heartstrings - Charlie McGettigan (LEITRIM)
10. An Croí Roinnte- Cora Smyth (MAYO)
11. Walking Back To My Heart - Nick Kelly (DUBLIN)
You can buy "Heartland" at www.croi.ie or in your local record shop.
08:09:09 GESTATION: THE FIRST TRIMESTER…
I’ve just confirmed the special guest collaborators who’ll
be accompanying me for my
first three live shows Upstairs@Whelans. They are:
WED, SEPT 30th – ANN SCOTT www.annscott.net
WED, OCT 28th – BOO HEWERDINE www.boohewerdine.net
WED, NOV 25th – SEAN MILLAR www.myspace.com/doctormillar
Emmaline Duffy-Fallon (drums) and Colin Morris (bass) will also be playing with me at all shows.
Whelans is located on Wexford Street, Dublin 8.
Tickets cost €17 from
www.ticketmaster.ie
or from the WAV box office (phone:1890 200 078).