LOETB Birr students launch their own record label
LOETB Birr’s first Music Industry and Event Management students are making waves by launching their very own record label, Birr Star Records, by recording with Grammy nominated and IMRO Award winning producers Chris O’Brien and Graham Murphy.
The students have joined forces with O'Brien and Murphy, from the Production Suite (Westlife, Human League, Clannad, Lucie Silvas, Moya Brennan, The Blue Nile, The Waterboys and multi-platinum selling Japanese group W-inds) to release “Dance with Me Tonight” on Wish Day, Friday, April 4, for Make a Wish, Ireland.
The students chose Make-A-Wish as their charity of choice, inspired by fellow student Dan Daly’s personal experience—he was granted a magical trip to Disneyland, Florida, by the charity several years ago. Keeva Abbott, one of the lead vocalists on the recording (MTM is the artist name), who previously performed with Olly Murs suggested “Dance with Me Tonight” as Olly is a supporter of “Make a Wish” internationally.
The students going under the artist name MTM (Minds that Matter) recorded a cover version of Olly Murs “Dance with Me Tonight” in Studio One in the Button Factory last month.
The recording involved a collaboration with the Sound Training College in Temple Bar as they provided the studio and engineers Jonathon Flynn, Darragh Winters, Melinda Huian and Shane O’Neill to assist Chris and Graham on the day.
Additionally, the students label, Birr Star Records has secured a deal with Ireland’s leading radio monitoring service, “Radio Monitor” to track the success of the single. This partnership will ensure that their music reaches the right audiences, allowing them to analyse airplay data and refine their promotional strategies for maximum impact.
“This has been extraordinary opportunity for our students to learn directly from industry leaders while building a platform to showcase their talents,” John McFadden, the Executive Producer for Birr Star Records/LOETB Birr said. “The student’s creativity, combined with the expertise of these acclaimed producers and access to state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with “Radio Monitor’s” platform is a recipe for success.”
Enda Kennedy, Centre Manager, LOETB Birr added: “I was blown away by the proposal that the students presented to me last year. They have put the theory they have learned in LOETB Birr to practice at every junction and hurdle they have faced along the way."
The single is being released on Wish Day, Friday, April 4, with a celebration concert in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre the following Friday, April 11.