In this edition of the IMRO Podcast we are looking at international touring - from visa requirements to customs procedures, there's a number of crucial aspects that artists need to be aware of when touring abroad.Over the course of this episode Danny Carroll speaks to a diverse range of industry experts, discussing how artists and best prepare themselves - particularly when attempting to tour the US and UK. Featured on this episode are the insights and opinions of US based legal attorneys Fiona and Ray McEntee, attorney and immigration expert Matt Covey, the music manager Maya Cullen-Petrovic and Dublin Chamber of Commerce Export Services Manager Richard Brown.Matt Covey - https://www.tamizdat.org/ & https://www.covey.law/McEntee Law Group - https://mcenteelaw.com/Maya Cullen-Petrovic - https://www.jawdroppermgmt.com/Richard Brown - https://www.dublinchamber.ie/Export-Services/ATA-Carnets

In this edition, Aoife Barry hosts a panel discussion on mental health and mindfulness in the music industry.  The podcast aims to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by creative communities in 2023, as well highlighting the platforms and services available to those working in the industry.Featured on the panel is Kim O'Callaghan (Director of Minding Creative Minds) and Joe Hastings (Head Of Music Minds Matter at Help Musicians UK). Both organisations do fantastic work in helping musicians with free mental health support and career mentorship.https://mindingcreativeminds.ie/what-we-do/24/7 Dedicated Phone Line:ROI: 1800 814 244NI/UK: 0800 0903677International: 00353 1 518 0277Or Text/WhatsApp “Hi” to 087 369 0010https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/get-support/mental-health24/7 Dedicated Phone Line:NI/UK: 0808 802 8008  support@​helpmusicians.​org.​uk

In this edition of the IMRO podcast, we have an in-depth interview with Michael McGlynn - the composer, producer, director, and founder of the vocal ensemble Anúna. Founded in 1987, Anúna has had an undeniable impact on the world stage, with Michael producing and recording 19 albums to date. The group has performed everywhere from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, to Radio City Music Hall in New York, as well as gracing stages in Morocco, China and Japan in recent years. They’ve collaborated with a diverse range of performers including Elvis Costello, Sting and The Chieftans to name a few, with Michael composing works recorded and performed by The Chanticleer, the BBC Singers and the National Youth Choir Of Britain amongst many others.  In 2023 the Platinum/Nintendo video game Bayonetta Origins was released with the title song featuring a lyric composed by Michael McGlynn to a melody by Hitomi Kurokawa and sung by his daughter Lauren McGlynn. Anúna are currently working on their latest album, being recorded in Iceland, and Michael kindly sent us the unreleased Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín, which is included in this episode among other compositions from Anúna's extensve discography. In a wide-ranging conversation, Michael McGlynn spoke to Danny Carroll about first falling in love with choral music, the development of Anúna and new singers, the requirements for a good collaboration and Anúna’s involvement in video game soundtracks in recent years.Tracks featured:1. Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín - to be released2. Wind On Sea3. Dúlamán4. La Chanson de Mardi Gras5. Sakura6. Media Vita7. RevelationAll songs can be purchased on Anúna's bandcamp page: https://anuna.bandcamp.com/

In this episode of the IMRO Podcast, Zara Hedderman meets songwriter/producer Elaine Howley backstage at The Sugar Club in Dublin. Ahead of a sold-out show supporting The Bonk, Elaine spoke to Zara about her critically acclaimed debut album The Distance Between Heart And Mouth, which was released one year ago this week, and described by Pitchfork as "an ad hoc collection of songs that draw their muted power from everyday ritual—a testament to the magic of not making plans". They also discussed Elaine's recent soundtrack work for the Charlie Joe Doherty film 'This Years Lull’, as well as exploring broader themes of performance, self-expression, home-recording and childhood influences.With kind permission, the interview contains a number of songs from Elaine Howley's back catalogue, all of which are available from https://touchsensitiverecords.bandcamp.com/1. Person Count2. Live As I Saw It3. Silent Talk4. To The Test5. See Saw Seen6. SoSo0:00 - Intro2:45 - Supporting The Bonk in The Sugar Club 4:05 - Working on the film soundtrack of ’This Year’s Lull’ and the song ‘Live As I Saw It’   11:10 - 1 Year since releasing The Distance Between Heart And Mouth and the relationship with the material now  14:15 - Themes of the album  16:49 - Influences that fed into the album  23:15 - Role of music in self-expression  26:15 - The release of performance and first solo gig  29:05 - Writing and recording process  33:05 - Home taping and music in childhood  33:15 - Influence of Mary Black   37:00 - Improvisational music and Cork music scene  41:30- Influence of surroundings on music  45:15 - Plans for a second album

Moderated by Paul McLoone, this panel discussion explores and demystifies the process of engaging and working with live music booking professionals and venues. Providing advice and insights on the panel are:Éamonn Conway - MCD Booker/Artist ManagerStephen Bradley - Booker for The Belfast EmpireEmily O'Connor - Singer with Vernon JaneAiden O'Connor - Booker for Mike The Pies, ListowelJump to Topic2:15 - When is a good time to start approaching bookers for gigs? - Eamonn Conway from MCD3:55 - Aiden from Mike The Pies perspective and how they are different to Dublin venues6:15 - Eamon Conway on being a booker and artist manager7:10 - Stephen Bradley perspective on The Empire in Belfast and when to approach for gigs.09:25 - Should bands prepare to endure a bit of hardship?11:00 - Emily O’Connor from Vernon Jane gives artists perspective on approaching bookers and getting shows, the motivation for doing them.13:45 - What are the ways you’ve gone about promoting a show?26:20 - Generally speaking, what should new bands expect from in terms of earning or breaking even on show?33:00 - Do bands need to be a bit more careerist/business orientated?37:25 - Are regional venues becoming more important?39:30 - What’s the best way to go about getting on the festival circuit?48:30 - Getting over to UK festivals as a young band55:25 - Would there be any advice that each of the panellists could give to artists/bands getting ready to tour?56:30 - Eamon Conway on the importance of a successful London show