Ken McHugh (songwriter, producer and mucho-instrumentalist)
With guest vocals and co-songwriting from....
Carol Keogh,
Sarah Verdon,
Cathy Davey.
Influences
The promo video for "need you sunshine" created by heroes for zeroes/prickly pear
The promo video for Jellyman created by D.A.D.D.Y.
The promo video for Jivecounty created by D.A.D.D.Y.
The homemade promo video I made for the new single "what you all about?"
The homemade film I made with my camera as
a promo for the new album colours of sound.
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Autamata - ACL Music Festival Coverage Video Codes at Roxwel
live at the Button Factory....
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live on the Cafe TV show....
Since its beginnings in 2002 Autamata has defied being pigeon-holed. Sometimes labeled electronica, sometimes rock, sometimes acoustic. Whatever the tag, this outfit has produced some of the most innovative and coolest music of recent times.
Revolving personnel reflects the band’s broad and nebulous nature but throughout its ever-changing history Ken McHugh has remained the central figure. As the main composer, musician and producer, he has directed proceedings whether on stage or in the studio.
The earliest line-up featured two of Ireland’s foremost female vocalists: Carol Keogh and Cathy Davey – both now successfully signed artists in their own right. A later configuration saw Graham Hopkins (ex. Therapy?) on drums and Sarah Verdon adding more vocal talent to the frame. At times it became more like a collective with anything up to seven musicians on stage creating a fascinating panoramic live experience.
Autamata’s debut album, “My Sanctuary”, was released by RG Records in 2004 in the UK and Ireland to critical acclaim. Almost immediately it was pounced upon by a swathe of ad execs and film directors who saw rich pickings in its fresh and vibrant sound. So began a flow of song placements in projects as varied as car adverts and Hollywood movies. “Its kind of weird because I have never sat down to write music for a film or an advert. I just make my albums because its what I do and it just so happens that people like my music enough to use it as a soundtrack to their visuals”
“Short Stories”, the band’s second album, whilst maintaining their uncanny ability to produce another crop of desirable tunes favoured for film and TV, allowed them greater scope to flex their musical muscles live and, in 2006, they played a string of festivals and headlining gigs across mainland Europe, the UK and Ireland.
At the start of each new album Ken shuts himself away in his studio for up to a year to create delicious rhythm tracks and spectacular sound-scapes using various instrumentation and an array of modern technology. “At the beginning of a new album I think of my studio as if it were a blank canvas. I start by making beats which I see as foundation lines. Melodies and riffs I see as landscape. I then colour it all in with sound manipulation and texture. In a way, I feel like I am painting a picture as much as making music¬.” As things progress he moulds some of these instrumental tracks into songs with the help of various vocalists whose tonal qualities fit the feel of the music and his way of working.
Autamata’s new album, “Colours of Sound” was released in March 2008. This time fans were treated to an up-beat, kaleidoscopic collection of tracks with notable vocal contributions from McHugh, Keogh and Davey plus the instrumental virtuosity of violinist Cora Venus Lunny. Live shows over the past couple of months included "Austin city limits" festival in Texas and "The Electric picnic" festival in Ireland as well as an extensive Irish tour.
Autamata are currently in the studio writing new material......
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There you will find some samples from a new album we are recording here in Berlin....an incredible city! Although the 3 songs there were recorded by the sea in Ireland! I know my experiences here will change the music somewhat as I can feel already how much this place has gotten under my skin!
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http://www.mytunerox.com presents RoxStar Live 2010 Battle of the Bands Dates all around Ireland. Win a Record Deal with MyTuneRox! and a managed facebook campaign to get your 1st single into the Irish Charts and Launch your Career!! Log onto http://www.mytunerox.com for more details
The Crafty Market is on this Sunday in Shebeen Chic! Featuring an eclectic, electric mix of stalls and music. There'll be Jazz, Bluegrass, Irish Trad, Solo Acts, Bellydancing, art, craft, bric a brac, vintage clothes, food and books. Get your groove down to the SoGo festival on Georges Street and pop into us for some good times!! 12-5.30pm
