A couple of gigs for early next year that have just been announced. Tune Yards is quickly approaching legendary status around these parts, and if you haven’t seen her live, she comes heavily recommended. Sharon Van Etten is another artist on the cusp of stardom, she was great in Whelans last time around, so I expect it to be similar in April of next year. Full details and a few tunes are below…

Harmonic presents – tUnE-yArDs – Vicar St – March 3rd 2015

Tickets priced €22 (incl booking fee) on sale Thursday October 30th @ 9am from http://www.ticketmaster.ie & Ticketmaster outlets nationwide

Merrill Garbus has performed as tUnE-yArDs since 2009, and that band name has always been synonymous with forward movement—whether because of her explosive performance style or the always-surprising way in which her songs unfold. First gaining notice with the debut BiRd-BrAiNs, which The New York Times called “a confident do-it-yourselfer’s opening salvo: a staticky, low-fi, abrasive attention- getter,” Garbus forged a reputation as a formidable live presence through relentless touring. In 2011, tUnE-yArDs released its second album, w h o k i l l, a startling and sonically adventurous statement that led to a whirlwind period where Garbus and bassist Nate Brenner accrued accolades from critics (including the #1 spot on the Village Voice’s 2011 Pazz and Jop poll), performed in front of increasing numbers of rapturous crowds around the world, and collaborated with the likes of Yoko Ono and ?uestlove. It was a thrilling ride, but it was one that needed a little bit of recovery afterward.

Harmonic presents – Sharon Van Etten – Whelan’s – April 23rd 2015

Tickets priced €24 (incl booking) on sale Friday October 31st from http://www.ticketmaster.ie & outlets nationwide

For all the attention that was paid to her 2012 break-through Tramp, Sharon Van Etten is an artist with a manifest hunger to turn another corner. Writing with a free-flowing emotional honesty and vulnerability she creates a bond with the listener that few contemporary musicians can match. Compelled by a restless spirit, Van Etten is continuously challenging herself. The result is Are We There, a self-produced album of exceptional intimacy, sublime generosity and immense breadth.