Ken McHugh (songwriter, producer and mucho-instrumentalist)
With guest vocals and co-songwriting from....
Carol Keogh,
Sarah Verdon,
Cathy Davey.
Influences
Autamata - ACL Music Festival Coverage Video Codes at Roxwel
live at the Button Factory....
live on the Cafe TV show....
The promo video for "need you sunshine" created by heroes for zeroes/prickly pear
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.
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......
My name is Declan Lonergan I’m just about to open a new studio based on the border of Kildare and Dublin called Bluebird Studios. Bluebird Studios would be of a genuine professional standard hosting all the best names in analogue and digital equipment, acoustically balanced recording rooms, large control room ,natural daylight in all rooms, fully regulated power on all equipment etc.. .The reason for the email is to invite you out to have a look at the studio and discuss rates and deals I’m prepared to make for your next recording project. I very aware that every studio ad uses the word professional in their description but again I can assure you that there are literally only a dozen or so in this country operating to this standard . I invite you to have a look at website www.bluebirdstudios.ie for details on studio and equipment used.
Finally I hope you’ll consider the studio for any recording or production needs and again you’re very welcome to come out and have a look. If you have any questions re any or all above you can contact me at info@bluebirdstudios or 01 4586209 Many thanks, Declan lonergan
if any of you happen to be in the big shamoke tonight, we are supporting Ruthie Foster in Whelans. We hit the main stage at 8.15pm which is a tad early mais c'est la vie.
Tip: get your special edition discounted ticket from the blond girl wearing a polka-dot scarf reading Ulysses at the end of the front bar between 7 and 8pm.
HELLO HELLO DEAR FRIEND ! HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOOD FOR YOU ... JUST SOME WORDS TO INFORM YOU ABOUT OUR NEW RELEASE ! ALL THE BEST FROM FRANCE AND HAVE FUN : ) BRUNO & CHRIS
/// TO BOOK CITIZEN KAIN LIVE OR DJ SET /// PLEASE CONTACT: RENAUD DOYE EMAIL: RENO.NEVERENDING@GMAIL.COM
There will be a limited guest list for this evening mail back to delayguestlist@hotmail.com with inigo kennedy in the title leaving your details and where you heard about the night.
The launch of MOTHERSHIP on July 3rd. This night is expected to be HUGE. Both rooms open with New Skool R&B/House in the Diamond Bar from 9pm & Old Skool Jamz in the Temple Room from 12am. Special Guest DJs and a MaSSive end of exams party!! For guest list or to book birthdays and functions please contact guestlist@whateva.tv or me (",) Trish
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