SARAMAI
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SARAMAI

Navan, Ireland | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | SELF

Navan, Ireland | SELF
Established on Jan, 2015
Band Alternative Folk

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"EP: Saramai - Magnetic North"

Info: It's only been ten months since Saramai released debut EP Red Moon, a gentle yet powerfully beautiful opening salvo and emergence onto the Irish music scene. What has happened in the interim must have taken her and her band by surprise, not exactly what has happened, but more the pace of change. From multiple live shows, to an appearance on Other Voices on RTÉ, and most recently the video for latest single, 'Trees' (above), premiering over on Hot Press, that's a pretty impressive CV already. The show goes on, as next week see's the release of sophomore EP, Magnetic North with a headline launch show in Whelan's on the 19th of October.

Instantly with opening track 'Hanging Around' we're pulled back into the other-worldly little places Saramai created on her debut. For only a minute and a half we are reminded of Red Moon, and then the band come in, with O'Keeffe on guitar and Mallon on drums. This has been one of the key developments in the sound, both recorded and live, which has shown Saramai's desire to move notably forward, and provide us with a more wholesome listening experience. Also lyrically we are given wonderful lines with interpretive dexterity such as; "...And I've seen the devil / Looking at you / Better that you know he's there / Otherwise he's everywhere / Hiding in plain view."
Firstly to acknowledge the incredible animation in the video for 'Trees', which was created by London-based animator Aaron Brady. The second single, which was proudly premiered on these pages in July, rises and drowns any empty spaces. From that review; 'Trees' embraces the grandiose, it's opening piano bars and percussion rumble like a distant thunder before Saramai's powerful voice enters the fray. The three together are Elysian, lifting you high off the ground onto other plains. The combination should be unsettling given its force but is unexpectedly warm and comforting, an achievement in itself given the track was recorded live and in one take as mentioned above.

The overall impression left on the listener is a mix of fortitude and defiance, but also a tinge of sadness as 'Trees' progresses, regret is felt in the lyrics and vocals, and a particularly pleasing moment occurs at the beginning of the songs final third when O'Keeffe joins in harmony with the singer, whilst both are singing the same lines it feels like a conversation between two celestial beings.'

Third track 'Heavenly' starts with a superb echoed guitar riff with shades of Mark Knopfler, and Saramai's vocals have possibly never sounded so crystal clear and captivating, it's a stunning vocal performance which grabs you and then gently lets go half-way through before soaring away. One of the most glaring conclusions to be reached after listening to Magnetic North in it's entirety is that we have easily one of the finest vocalists in the country right now in Leech, and this is again reiterated on final track, 'Ships'. In between thundering piano progressions she enters Kate Bush territory, theatrically asking; 'Where is my map? Where is my anchor?'. It's on the one hand restive, but also an appropriately positioned track to close the E.P., and there's even time for some more energy via a spaghetti western guitar solo that would make Tarantino himself turn his head towards.

When I initially reviewed this first single from the new E.P. back in May I concluded that I hoped 2016 would see the band's music elevated to a wider audience, that's well in train with almost three months to spare, and I can't help but wonder what Saramai will be reflecting on this time next year. If you can, make sure you get to the launch night on Wednesday (page info below), if you can't, keep an eye out for other live dates, you won't be disappointed.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1651588771837271/ - Remy's Music and Film


"New to Hot Press: Rising acts you should be keeping an eye and an ear on"

print only - picture of article here:
https://www.facebook.com/SaramaiMusic/photos/a.1444799095795242.1073741833.1415021188773033/1785328701742278/?type=3&theater - Hot Press Magazine


"Nialler9's New Irish Music: Scoops, Katie Kim, Saramai and more"

Songs of the Week

Saramai - Trees
As seen in a promising Hard Working Class Heroes set last week, this Meath three-piece's new single moves between chamber pop, piano ballads and a grandeur that most acts can't reach. Catch them in Whelan's Dublin on Wednesday, October 19th, alongside another recommended act, Rosa Nutty. - The Irish Times / Nialler 9


"EXCLUSIVE: Saramai Premiere New Video 'Trees'"

The Co. Meath trio share their stunning new song, and Hot Press is delighted to unveil the accompanying debut video.

The rising Irish band Saramai, continue to go from strength to strength. After conquering the Hard Working Class Heroes festival, the group now exclusively premiere a sensational animation video created by London-based animator, Aaron Brady.

The euphoric-alt-pop three piece, who formed in October 2015, consists of singer-keyboardist, Saramai Leech, guitarist, Cormac O'Keeffe, and drummer, Aimie Mallon.

At the beginning of the year, they recorded a live EP in two days at Attica recording studios in Donegal with renowned producer Tommy McLaughlin - who has worked with Villagers, Bell X1 and Soak.

Saramai talked to Hot Press about how the collaboration came about. "Aaron makes these strangely beautiful characters in his work," explained Leech. "We have always loved his use of colour and the dark edge to his otherwise playful style. We were so delighted when he agreed to make our first video. We sent him the lyrics and gave him a very loose brief. We were absolutely over the moon with what he made for us."

As regards the song 'Trees', the singer delved in to the genesis of the emotive and uplifting track. "I woke up one windy night about four in the morning, and I could see the trees swaying against the night sky through the sky light," Saramai recalls. "The song really just spilled out in one piece. Thankfully, I had the sense to get up and write it all down. It's taken me years to realise how important that is. Then, we worked on it as a band, until we could feel the trees swaying and the wind blowing."

"Recently, we moved out to the countryside. It was a big change for me as I'm a townie. There are so many beautiful trees and creatures around where we live now, they were always bound to find a way into the music sooner or later."

She added, "In a way, 'Trees' is about learning to trust in yourself and in something bigger than yourself."

Saramai's EP launch takes place at Whelan's Oct 19. They are supported by Dublin-based singer-songwriter Rosa Nutty. Doors open at 8pm. Keep an eye on their Facebook, as more dates are yet to be announced.

Watch their gorgeous debut animation video 'Trees' below. - Hot Press Magazine


"Going out: Princess Nokia, Saramai, Sleaford Mods and more The best events from around Ireland this week"

Saramai
Whelan’s Upstairs Dublin 8pm €10
whelanslive.com
This Meath trio is named after their singer, who in the real world is the sister of The Lost Brothers’ Oisin Leech. We first caught a gig of theirs at Dingle’s Other Voices last December, and since, they have delivered music that eases its way into the system. This gig witnesses the launch of Saramai’s new EP, Magnetic North, and in a gesture we admire, the admission price includes a free copy. - The Irish Times


"Saramai in Whelan's this week"

Navan band Saramai are launching their second EP 'Magnetic North' in Whelan's (upstairs) this Wednesday 19th October.
This will be their last performance of their 10 date tour which has brought them to Belfast, London, Cork, Galway, Bangor, Oldcastle and more. They also performed as part of the renowned showcase Hard Working Class Heroes festival in Dublin.
Describing their sound as alt-euphoric they have developed a unique voice as a band, touring and writing together since they released their first EP 'Red Moon' in Navan's Backroom venue last November. Drummer Aimie Mallon and guitarist Cormac O'Keeffe initially joined Saramai Leech on tour as a backing band but as new songs veered away from a singer-songwriter quality to a more textured feel, they quickly realised they had a full band sound.
Since forming they have performed at 'Other Voices' in Dingle which was broadcast on RTE 2 during the summer and they have released their first music video created by local animator Aaron Brady who is now based in London. They have received radio play on LMFM, 98FM, Lyric FM, RTE 1, 2FM, Today FM, Radio France, BBC Ulster, Radio Na Life, Nova and more.
While touring their first release earlier this year they spent two days in the wilds of Donegal, in Attica studios, where they recorded four songs with Tommy McLaughlin (SOAK, Bell X1, Villagers, Cathy Davey). The fruits of this live session with Tommy is their second EP 'Magnetic North'.
Tickets into their Whelan's gig are €10 and includes a free copy of the EP.
Support will be from Rosa Nutty who performed at Navan's Blackbird Books last year. She will be joined on stage by two backing singers There will be a return bus from Navan to the gig in Dublin. Contact the band at info@saramaimusic.com or message them on facebook to book a place on the bus. www.facebook.com/saramaimusic. Doors 8pm. - The Meath Chronicle


"ATL's Track for the Day #348, Saramai"

#348
Saramai - Trees
Friday 30th September, 2016

They say:

“Trees was the first song I wrote with more than voice and piano in mind from the very beginning. I could hear textures and colours as much as melody and harmony. Over the last year it has evolved as Aimie and Cormac brought their own creativity to the track.

We had an amazing experience recording it one afternoon in the stunning Attica studio in the wilds of Donegal. The recording is completely live, one take with no overdubs.”

We say:

“The keening voice of Saramai Leech, an agitated piano and relentlessly hissing cymbals - what could possibly go wrong? From this portentious introduction, the song wows and wibbles and finishes as a huge invocation to some unguessable cosmic theme.”

Alt-euphoric act Saramai are currently playing a string of live dates - keep an eye on their Facebook page for full listings.

As often as possible Across the Line aims to bring you a great new, recent or interesting track each day, Monday to Friday. To get your new music to Across the Line send it via the BBC Introducing Uploader. - BBC's Across The Line


"Premiere: Saramai - Trees"

Info: Meath singer-songwriter and dream pop act Saramai releases her second single of the summer, 'Trees', the follow up to last May's wonderful 'Hanging Around' and I'm very proud to premiere the single here before it's official release date tomorrow, 29th of July. Of the track she says; ''Trees' was perhaps the first song I wrote with more than voice and piano in mind. I could hear textures and colours as much as melody and harmony. Over the last six months it has evolved live as Aimie and Cormac brought their own expression and creativity to the track.

We had an amazing experience recording it one afternoon in the stunning Attica studio in the wilds of Donegal. The recording is completely live, one take with no overdubs.'

Just like 'Hanging Around', 'Trees' embraces the grandiose, it's opening piano bars and percussion rumble like a distant thunder before Saramai's powerful voice enters the fray. The three together are Elysian, lifting you high off the ground onto other plains. The combination should be unsettling given its force but is unexpectedly warm and comforting, an achievement in itself given the track was recorded live and in one take as mentioned above.

The overall impression left on the listener is a mix of fortitude and defiance, but also a tinge of sadness as 'Trees' progresses, regret is felt in the lyrics and vocals, and a particularly pleasing moment occurs at the beginning of the songs final third when O'Keeffe joins in harmony with the singer, whilst both are singing the same lines it feels like a conversation between two celestial beings. It's clear yet again that Saramai is completely submerged in her song-writing process, it's not just that the music sounds great, the transference of feeling and emotion is delivered with absolute precision, whilst sounding completely unforced, and that's where the real victory lies. - Remy's Music and Film


"In this week’s edition of The Last Mixed Tape’s song-of-the-week feature The Mixed-Tape we turn our attention to Saramai and her brand new single ‘Trees’."

There can be no doubting the ambition of ‘Trees’, the culmination of washing cymbals, pounding beats, flowing piano and distant vocals the song is a dreamlike.

Everything seems removed from its context, melodies and rhythms collide into one another with conviction while Saramai’s siren-esque voice calls us further into the dream, further into the sonic world of ‘Trees’ itself.

An expressionistic piece of alternative-pop, ‘Trees’ by Saramai is a song worth submitting to and experiencing. And the experience is the key, ‘Trees’ is very much a song that you take out of it what you bring into it. - The Last Mixed Tape


"Going out: the best of what’s on this weekend"

Vantastival 2016
Beaulieu House, Drogheda, Co Louth 1pm €75/€40 vantastival.com. Also Sat, Louth.
This charming van, anyone? Boutique festival Vantastival stays in Co Louth but transfers south from the Dundalk area to Drogheda, to a gorgeous new site right beside the river Boyne. Beaulieu House opens its gates to a great selection of Irish acts (our favourites include Saint Sister, King Kong Company, Sample Answer and Saramai), with a rare live set from Manchester’s Badly Drawn Boy (below). - The Irish Times


"In this week’s addition of TLMT’s song-of-the-week feature The Mixed-Tape we turn our attention to the Saramai and their new single ‘Hanging Around’."

A bare-boned offering from Saramai, ‘Hanging Around’ is rough around the edges but big on feeling.

From the raw reverberated sound of the record to Saramai’s lilting isolated vocal, the live-take feel of ‘Hanging Around’ serves the song completely and gives the music the space to move both dynamically and emotively. Resulting in a single that has a strong depth of field to it.

Saramai will play Vantastival this weekend (June 4th) as well as the B.A.R.E festival on June 11th. - The Last Mixed Tape


"[Single] [Exclusivité] Saramai – Hanging Around"

L’enchanteur piano de Saramai nous transporte avec « Hanging Around » dans les profondeurs abyssales d’une coquille pleine de dissimulations sensibles.

Quelle douceur ! Quelle douceur que cette voix sombre et dantesque, pour laquelle nous autoriserions les plus menaçants vampires à nous croquer dans la chair. Profonde incartade dans le palais délicat d’une mélancolie superbe, « Hanging Around » se dévore sans pause. Enregistré en live dans les studios irlandais d’Attica Audio, la beauté se déploie sous les touchers délicats d’Aimie Mallon à la batterie, de Cormac O’Keeffe à la guitare et de Saramai au clavier et au chant. Cette beauté aux frissons, nourrie par la voix de Saramai qui se brise, se recompose, en osmose toujours avec le piano qui s’élève dans des sphères plus colériques : nous pensons aux décollages de Mumford and Sons, marqués par cette énergie folle et désespérée qui caractérise l’acmé d’une ivresse émotionnelle.

L’ivresse d’une angoisse, celle d’un espoir, ou d’une absence… Une poésie alcoolisée qui ne manque pas de provoquer l’arythmie sanguine des cœurs mélancoliques « And I’ve seen the devil / Looking at you / Better that you know he’s there / Otherwise he’s everywhere / Hiding in plain view ».
« Hanging Around » tremble de souffrance sans jamais se complaire dans une plainte vaine : la peur se transcende dans ce petit écrin de douceur, tendu comme un fier drapeau blanc face aux affres tentatrices du frisson abyssal. - IndieFrance


"Single: Saramai - Hanging Around"

Info: The latest single from Meath act Saramai, 'Hanging Around' was recorded live in one take in Attica Studios with Tommy McLaughlin at the helm (S.O.A.K, Villagers, Bell X1). Aimie Mallon is on drums, Cormac O'Keeffe on guitar and Saramai on keys and vocals. A video is set to follow over the summer and Saramai will also be playing at Vantastival on the 4th of June with other tour dates to be announced soon.

Saramai retains the powerful emotion of last years stunning debut EP Red Moon on new single 'Hanging Around'. A notable difference this time round however is the energy and thrust provided by bringing both drums and guitar more to the forefront. Saramai's unique vocals, at times reminiscent of a 1920's jazz club chanteuse, and at others power-pop, are cripplingly heartfelt and moving.

The songs softer moments are delicate and calming, but merely leading you toward the tempest that comes on the robust pre-chorus; "And I've seen the devil / Looking at you / Better that you know he's there / Otherwise he's everywhere / Hiding in plain view." 'Hanging Around' is strong evidence once again that Saramai is currently one of Ireland's most talented solo acts and song-writers whom I hope will reach a far greater audience in 2016. - Remy's Music and Film


"IMRO at Other Voices 2015 | Day Three Date December 6, 2015."

Meath musician/singer/songwriter Saramai has family pedigree in that she is the sister of Oisin Leech, one of Other Voices’ favourites, The Lost Brothers. Initial nervousness was quickly overcome, and Saramai – the winner of the IMRO Other Room open call – delivered a series of songs, including Red Moon and Butterfly Waltz, that made her many new friends, and tipped her as a singer-songwriter to watch out for in 2016. - IMRO (Irish Music RIghts Organisation)


"[EP] Saramai – Red Moon"

C’est une musique en flottaison, douce et éthérée, que l’Irlandaise Saramai compose et nous offre avec une sensibilité épidermique sur son premier EP « Red Moon ». Un disque beau de simplicité, parachevé par la spontanéité et la fragilité décelable de son œuvre.

Tout commence par quelques notes de pianos dont la pression des touches étire les secondes. Solennellement, la voix légère et caressante de Saramai Leech, jeune artiste originaire de Navan, au nord-ouest de Dublin, vient nous conquérir et nous émouvoir. Ses mots, ses textes, ses silences et son souffle sont le fruit d’une beauté qui subliment à eux seuls l’instant présent. La mélodie solitaire de « Fall A While » devient alors un compagnon de lumière, un guide dans l’écoute de ces délicieuses minutes d’évasion. Saramai nous irradie de la beauté céleste de ses compositions.

Son piano et sa voix subliment à eux seuls l’instant présent. Frissonnant de poésie (Butterfly Waltz), troublant d’incandescence (Red Moon) et poignant de mélancolie (Return Again Soon), le premier EP de Saramai se fait grand sans prétendre à la moindre démesure. La retenue fragile, sensible et évocatrice de « Red Moon » captive et illumine jusque dans ses recoins les plus exclusifs l’union d’une voix à 88 touches. Touché irrémédiablement en plein cœur. - Indie France


"E.P.: Saramai - Red Moon"

Info: Saramai is a singer-songwriter from Navan, Co.Meath who releases her debut EP, Red Moon, this Friday, 20th of November. She has previously opened for Irish music luminaries such as Duke Special, Jack L, Fionn Regan and Declan O'Rourke. Regarding the recording of the four-track release Saramai explains; 'Guinness Amplify gifted me studio time and I recorded in Attica with Tommy Mc Laughlin (SOAK, Villagers) I recorded all the tracks live (all from one take) on a beautiful baby grand piano and on the last track I used an old battered upright. You can hear the hammers working. The aim was to keep it honest and raw.'

As opening tracks go 'Fall A While' kind of took my breath away a little, and the more I listen to it that becomes a lot, the gentle opening piano bars soon become accompanied by the singers calming and sweet voice, and as the track goes on I start to get the stark emotions inside. 'Butterfly Waltz' is like Kate Bush without the crazy and a small dash of Sinead O'Connor's ardor, the melodies coming from the piano roll purposefully and at times I feel like there's a hint of classical Chopin which fits nicely with the songs title.

The E.P.'s title-track bursts with theatre from it's Nina Simone intro á la 'Sinnerman' to the aforementioned hammers going at full pelt, there's an energising flare dancing and expanding as the track progresses. The lack of fanfare and sense that you are just listening to music, plain and simple, continues on the final track, 'Return Again Soon', Saramai gives a throwaway hint of country vocals towards the tracks conclusion, another endearing feature of the highly gifted vocalist. Red Moon is a debut showcase that spoils the listener rotten, the fact that it was recorded live and in just the one take just adds to how impressive it is. Add to that that 'Fall A While' is one of the most moving Irish tracks I've heard this year and probably in longer, and I know I absolutely have to see this artist live, and soon.

You can purchase Red Moon on iTunes here; https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/red-moon-ep/id1051099721
or Bandcamp here; saramaimusic.bandcamp.com/releases

Upcoming tour dates:

20th November Launch Gig The Lantern Navan, Meath
27th November The CO Club, Creans, Old Castle
13th December Music @ Tivoli, House Concert - Rathgar, Dublin
22nd January Clubeo, Crolly, Donegal

29th January Aces and Eights, Tufnell Park, London - Remy's Music and Film


"Hard Working Class Heroes 2016: Day 3 evening roundup (part 1)"

The trio Saramai from County Meath are named after their frontwoman and keyboardist Saramai Leech, who also happens to be the sister of the ginger-headed Oisin of The Lost Brothers. Regardless of origin, family connections in music enthrall me. I really should not be so surprised about talent running through families, especially Irish ones: consider Mary Black, her daughter Róisín O and her son Danny in The Coronas.

However, I was pleasantly surprised that Saramai and her band have a more pop, less folk, yet as polished a presence compared to her brother’s act, effortlessly moving between ballads and more upbeat numbers. It is something special when siblings have their own talents, and at Hard Working Class Heroes, Saramai the band has made clear that their chosen way forward is one expressed through sweeping emotion. They just celebrated the release of a new EP at a launch party last night at Dublin Whelan’s. Check out their new track and new accompanying animated video for ‘Trees’ below. - There Goes The Fear


Discography

Magnetic North EP October 2016

Trees Single July 2016

Hanging around Single May 2016

Red Moon EP Nov 2015

Photos

Bio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXUIGPBcy5o

www.saramaimusic.com
www.facebook.com/saramaimusic

'...this Meath three-piece's new single moves between chamber pop, piano ballads and a grandeur that most acts can't reach....' - The Irish Times / Nialler9

' It's only been ten months since Saramai released debut EP Red Moon, a gentle yet powerfully beautiful opening salvo and emergence onto the Irish music scene.....From multiple live shows, to an appearance on Other Voices on RTÉ, and most recently the video for latest single, 'Trees' (above), premiering over on Hot Press, that's a pretty impressive CV already..........One of the most glaring conclusions to be reached after listening to Magnetic North in it's entirety is that we have easily one of the finest vocalists in the country right now in Leech..' - Remy's Music and Film

Press Release Oct 2016

Irish band Saramai are launching their second EP 'Magnetic North' in Whelan's (upstairs) this Wednesday the 19th of October. Supporting them on the night is Rosa Nutty.

This will be the last performance of their 11 date tour which has brought them to Belfast, London, Cork, Galway, Bangor, Old Castle and more. They also performed as part of the renowned showcase Hard Working Class Heroes festival in Dublin last weekend.

Describing their sound as alt-euphoric they have developed a unique voice as a band, touring and writing together since they released their first EP 'Red Moon' last November. Drummer Aimie Mallon and guitarist Cormac O'Keeffe initially joined Saramai Leech on tour as a backing band but, as new songs veered away from a singer-songwriter quality to a more textured feel, they quickly realised they had a full band sound.

Since forming they have performed at Other Voices in Dingle which was broadcast on RTE 2 during the summer and they have just released their first music video created by London-based animator Aaron Brady. Hot Press magazine premiered the video in Ireland for 'Trees' earlier this week

While touring their first release earlier this year they spent two days in the wilds of Donegal, in Attica studios, where they recorded four songs with Tommy McLaughlin (SOAK, Bell X1, Villagers, Cathy Davey). The fruits of this live session with Tommy is their second EP 'Magnetic North'.

Tickets into their Whelans' gig are 10 euros and includes a free signed copy of the EP.

Saramai has:

- just been nominated by best Irish Music Video and Best Music Video by Cork Film Festival. (Oct 18th 2016)
- been selected to showcase at Hard Working Class Heroes this October  - chosen from over 700 acts. (Oct 8th 2016)
- been picked from 600 acts to perform at 'Other Voices' festival on the IMRO Other Room Stage. (Dec 2015)
- had their Other Voices performance was broadcast this summer on national TV - RTE2. (July 2016)
- been chosen from 1000s to be one of Guinness Amplify's acts to both showcase and record in studio.
- recorded two EPs with Tommy McLaughlin in Attica Studios (Villagers, Cathy Davey, Bell X1, SOAK).
- recently released singles 'Hanging Around' and 'Trees' from the second
EP with plans to the full EP on October 19th in Dublin.
- enjoyed radio play on national radio broadcasters in France, the UK and Ireland RTE 1, 2FM, Lyric FM, Today FM, Newstalk, BBC and also Radio France among others.
- have been invited to play live sessions on Arena Arts (RTE 1), Paul McLoone
(Today FM) and The Green Room (Newstalk) among others.

Latest releases: EP ''Magnetic North'' October 19 2016, video for ''Trees'' October 12th 2016.

'Magnetic North' Irish and UK Tour Dates:

18 Sept - Sunflower, Belfast, UK
24 Sept - Canalaphonic, Dublin, IRE
24 Sept - Fealtys, Bangor, UK
29 Sept - Classified Records Instore, Dundalk, IRE
29 Sept - The Spirit Store, Dundalk, IRE
5 Oct - De Barras, Cork, IRE
6 Oct - The Islington, London, UK
8 Oct - Hard Working Class Heroes, Showcase, Dublin, IRE
12 Oct - Roisin Dubh, Galway, IRE
19 Oct - Whelans, Dublin, IRE (EP LAUNCH)


Band Members