INternational songwriting retreat 2024
Niall Breslin: Artist Wellness
Thursday 25th July: 8PM
The Lark Concert Hall
Tickets: €20 + Booking Fee
As part of the International Songwriting Retreat that is taking place from the week of July 22nd-28th in which songwriters from all over the world will stay on the Irish Institute of Music & Song Campus to study with platinum selling songwriters, Niall Breslin is joining us as a guest speaker for one very special Q&A-style conversation in The Lark around the topic of Artist Wellness.
Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin (The Blizzards & solo artist) has a powerful personal story combined with a deep knowledge and expertise of the human condition. Having had a dynamic and eclectic career as a touring musician while also disguising a rampant and destructive struggle with depression and panic disorder, Niall is the perfect person to have a conversation about artist wellness with. Niall has completed a Masters in Mindfulness at UCD and is currently completing a PhD in Mental Health studies at Trinity College, Dublin.
From the importance of promoting awareness within the music industry to the hidden risks and advice on how musicians can take better care of their own mental wellbeing and much more, this is a conversation that is not to be missed.
22nd - 28th July 2024
Mentor Spotlight :
Rob Wells
We are delighted to welcome Rob Wells back for the second year in a row!
ROB WELLS is a multi-platinum, award-winning music producer and songwriter based in Canada.
Wells has worked with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Adam Lambert, Serena Ryder, Nick Lachey, Mika, Katharine McPhee, Backstreet Boys, Kai, Paloma Faith, Alex Aiono, Nelly Furtado, Big Time Rush, Mindless Behavior, Cyndi Lauper, Corey Hart, Olivia Newton John, Boyzone, Ronan Keating, Ria Mae, Lights, USS, Frank Walker, Bobby Bazini, Tep No, Victoria Duffield, Keshia Chante, Matt Dusk, Marie-Mai, Marc Dupre, Shiloh, RyanDan and many others.
His work has been featured in numerous films, television shows, commercials and video games worldwide.
With a star on the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame, Rob has appeared as a music producer on Canadian Idol, The House Of Carters & The Next Star. His awards include first place in numerous songwriting competitions, and SOCAN #1 awards with gold, platinum & multi-platinum certifications.
Mentor Spotlight :
Maria Christensen
Also returning for 2024 is the fantastic, Maria Christensen.
Maria is a multi platinum award winning songwriter and artist with hit songs recorded by global artists including Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, N’Sync and many placements in Disney films and TV shows including Girl Meets World and Stuck In The Middle.
Originally from South Florida by way of Pittsburgh, PA, Her strong voice caught the ear of Grammy award winning producer Ric Wake, who produced such artists as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Taylor Dane and moved her to New York to record with him. The result was her self-titled album on Atlantic Records.
At that time she co wrote with some of the most successful songwriters in New York and she honed her own skills as a songwriter and began to place songs with many successful artists. This lead to a publishing deal with “Notation Music Publishing”.
Her songs have been recorded by artists including Celine Dion (“Just a Little Bit of Love” and “Christmas Eve”) both on which she also lent backing vocals, and N’SYNC (“The Only Gift”).
Later she was signed to A&M Records as the lead singer of the group 3rd Party for which she co-wrote the song “Waiting for Tonight” with TSA mentor Michael Garvin. The song went on to become a top 5 Billboard charting worldwide hit for Jennifer Lopez.
Her music can also be heard in films and TV. shows such as Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Drumline, Kiss me Guido and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
Recently she placed two songs on the hit Disney film Lemonade Mouth. From there she cultivated a relationship that resulted with song placements in other Disney TV shows such as Austin and Ally and Jessie.
Her Christmas song “Favorite Time of Year” was feature at the Macy’s Day parade last year as performed by Debby Ryan.
She also wrote the theme song for Disney’s hit TV show Girl Meets World, called Take on The World and current has the single Lucky Me with up coming young country artist Tegan Marie, She recently landed the theme song for new Disney show Stuck in the Middle.
Mentor Spotlight :
duke special
Duke Special is one of Ireland’s most-recognisable songwriters and performers. Duke Special is a piano-based songwriter with a romantic style and a warm, distinctly accented voice. His live performances have a theatrical style inspired by Vaudeville and music hall, and often incorporate 78s played on an old-fashioned gramophone, or sound effects from a transistor radio.
Duke Special is a multiple Choice Music Prize & Meteor Award nominee as well as a Meteor Award Winner Best Irish Male (2008).
His albums include Adventures in Gramophone (2005), Songs from the Deep Forest (2006), both of which were nominated for the Choice Music Prize, I Never Thought This Day Would Come (2008), Little Revolutions (2009), The Silent World of Hector Mann (2010), Mother Courage and Her Children (2010), Under the Dark Cloth (2011), Oh Pioneer (2012), Look Out Machines! (2015)and Hallow (2017).
Mentor Spotlight :
ryan sheridan
Ryan Sheridan is a Rock/Pop Artist and Producer hailing from Ireland. His passion for music started early in life and has been instrumental in shaping his career. From humble beginnings as a street performer to gaining international recognition, Ryan's story is one of perseverance and dedication towards his craft.
Ryan’s extensive list of accolades include: Festival Internacional de Benicássim winner (2010), Irish Music Television Best Male Video nominee, No.2 Irish Albums Chart (2011) No.1 Irish Albums Chart (2015), Top 10 Irish Singles Chart (2011), No.1 Ireland and Germany iTunes Singles Charts (2011/13), International Acoustic Music Awards Overall Grand Prize winner (2023)
Ryan's introduction to music began at a tender age, from learning Irish traditional music on the fiddle to finding himself learning the guitar and other instruments while absorbing various music styles from his family's diverse musical tastes.
Travelling to America at the age of 16, Sheridan had a brief encounter with the world of professional theatre, joining the widely acclaimed Riverdance. However, his heart belonged to music. After returning to Dublin, Ryan began his journey into the world of music, first performing as a solo street artist and later forming the band Shiversaint. Despite their local success, the band ultimately disbanded, which led Sheridan to pursue a solo career.
Solo success found Ryan with the release of his debut album, "The Day You Live Forever," in 2011. The album received widespread acclaim and featured hit singles like "Jigsaw" and "Stand Up Tall." Thanks to its compelling blend of modern and traditional Irish elements, the album went on to achieve, multi-platinum status. His second studio album, ”Here and Now," was released in 2015 and went straight to No.1, further cementing his status as a prominent Irish artist. Ryan's emotive lyrics and powerful acoustic guitar style resonated with fans, leading to numerous sold-out tours across Europe.
Sheridan's unique style of music has attracted the attention of music critics and fellow musicians alike. He has matured into a versatile performer, boasting a vast repertoire that includes rock, pop, and folk elements—all united under the characteristic energy and earnestness of his live performances.
As Ryan Sheridan continues to evolve as an artist, his work remains true to his roots while showcasing a deep understanding of international musical trends. His dedication, talent, and personal journey serve as inspiration for aspiring musicians, making him a cherished figure in the world of music.
