Fran King and Duncan Maitland

Fran King: "Beautification" is the critically acclaimed debut solo album from Dublin Pop / Rock Artist Fran King. The album has received rave reviews since its release in Ireland in June 2005. Fran is a former member of Beach , who scored a top twenty hit in 1997 with their debut single. Fran left the band in summer 1999 to pursue a solo career and commence work on his debut album. He's worked with many talented people along the way, including the worlds most successful producer, Sir George Martin, with whom he performed three sell out shows in Dublins National Concert Hall with a full orchestra in October 1999. He's guested in the past in the Studio / Live with: Brendan Benson, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), David Mead, Tears for Fears, Texas, World Party, Sugababes ..to name only a few. He's completed two short film soundtracks (one with Duncan Maitland, his good friend and producer whos worked with the likes of XTC & Colin Hare of sixties legends The Honeybus). One of these soundtracks won a top award in Italy! Fran's a seasoned musician & performer who's played to an estimated 70,000 people @ O2 in the Park in summer 2004, as well as every major venue in Ireland. He's just returned from a very successful run of shows in New York ( Beautification has already sold out four times on-line in America since his return!). He's a regular visitor to the Big Apple, a lot of the album was penned there. In May 2006 Fran performed to a television audience of 1 Billion in Athens, Greece, as part of Irish singer songwriter Brian Kennedy's band in a European song festival. A second single from his album will be released in Ireland on August 16th 2006. It's titled fine day, and will also be available to download FREE right here for ONE month from 16th August.(Keep an eye out on his My Space profile for an exclusive look at the video). Summer 2006 was spent on the road, bringing Beautification to a new audience and test driving some new songs. A second tour of America in October 2006 proved hugely successful. Fran begins 2007 back in the studio resuming work on his eagerly awaited second album. He's also recording a duet "Lullaby" album with fellow band mate / Keyboard player, Nancy Falkow (a fine singer / songwriter in her own right). They hope to release it later this summer. Another tour of America is planned for May.Below are a number of links where you can purchase this fine record.. www.cdbaby.com/cd/franking www.notlame.com www.koolkatmusik.com The official Fran King homepage is located at: www.franking.tv Recent Press / Media Reviews: "Sun kissed shimmery pop/rock, equal parts Brendan Benson & Elvis Costello with old school love songs, infectious.."- HOT PRESS "Sublimely beautiful songs that slow burn their way to your heart"- DUBLIN MAIL "Somewhat of a rarity these days, strong melodies, a very fine debut.."- DAILY MIRROR "He had me after the album's beautiful intro, worthy of international exposure.." - ECHO "I like the sound of this CD. A very dry vocal sound brings to mind Emitt Rhodes and McCartney. Great melodies and chord changes prevail on this CD. I especially like " Misunderstood". Well done to Fran."- Steve ( MELODY MAGAZINE,U.S.A. ) "Sophisticated adult pop, If youre a fan of David Mead & Neil Finn, you'll love this record, one of my top twenty of 2005"- ABSOLUTEPOWERPOP.COM "King has the ability to teach doctoral studies in pop craftsmanship"- NOTLAME.COM .. --> --> --> --> --> --> --> CDBABY LINK for FRAN KING: Beautification --> WWW.ITSABOUTMUSIC.COM This layout was handmade with love by the folks at My space or yours? Go get one!

Duncan Maitland: BIOGRAPHY Duncan formed his first band The Flood in the UK in 1985 attracting interest from Chrysalis Records. After the band dissolved, producer Ronnie Stone (The Pixies, David Gray and Mansun) suggested Duncan as a worthy replacement for the guitar player who had just left Irish band Picture House then with London Records. By the end of 1993, Duncan was a full time member and one of the bands principal songwriters signing a deal with Chrysalis publishing. In 1994, Duncan moved to Ireland and a few months later, the London Records relationship came to an end. The band recorded their self-financed EP Probably in 1995 and support slots with The Kinks, Big Country and The Saw Doctors followed. Following a licensing deal made with German label Koch International, the band recorded their debut album Shine Box which included Duncans song Fan Club and a track he penned with Pete Glenister Heavenly Day which became a massive Irish radio hit. The album was released to widespread acclaim..- "...the excellent Fan Club ranks among the best songs never recorded by the Beatles.. " - John Walshe, Hot Press Intensive gigging followed including support slots with Bon Jovi and a Polish festival appearance. The band continued to tour Europe the following year and in 1998 began work on their second album Karmarama for which Duncan wrote many songs including Sunburst w