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CIARAN MCMEEKEN #GIVEAHOME

On September 20, thousands of musicians performed in people’s homes in over 200 cities in a world first for Amnesty International’s ‘Give A Home’ global concert series.  In the lead up to the Auckland show, Ciaran McMeeken penned a track with the same title as the concert series – available today – the proceeds of all purchases and streams will be donated to Amnesty International.

All available proceeds to go to Amnesty International

On September 20, thousands of musicians performed in people’s homes in over 200 cities in a world first for Amnesty International’s ‘Give A Home’ global concert series.

New Zealand was the first country to kick off the worldwide event with Sofar Sounds living room gigs in both Wellington and Auckland featuring Ciaran McMeeken, Theia, Tiny Ruins, Estere, Opal House and Miles Calder.

In the lead up to the Auckland show, Ciaran McMeeken penned a track with the same title as the concert series – available today – the proceeds of all purchases and streams will be donated to Amnesty International.

Of the Give A Home track McMeeken states;  "I wrote this song from the perspective of a child losing their parents in a war torn country. It really weighed heavy on me how fortunate and privileged we are here in New Zealand and also the importance of the fact that if we are able to help and give, even in a small way, then we must. I truly hope this song can be of some solace or comfort for people out there”.

"Ciaran has written a really beautiful song. To offer it up in this way speaks volumes to his compassion and Amnesty International is really pleased to see him champion refugee rights. People like Ciaran welcoming refugees and taking action to offer support will make a real difference for people who have lost everything and are trying to rebuild their lives. On behalf of all people around the world working to welcome refugees, thank you for your stand." Meg de Ronde, Campaigns Director at Amnesty International NZ

Erica McQueen, Team Leader from Sofar Sounds Auckland agrees; “Sofar Sounds is all about bringing people together through music. To have Ciaran put himself in the shoes of those we want to support with Give A Home is truly special. It helps us to connect with the cause in a unique and powerful way”.

Give A Home
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Member News Sarah Leota Member News Sarah Leota

KIWI ACTS JOIN INTERNATIONAL LINE-UP FOR GLOBAL CONCERT SERIES

MMF artists Theia (Nicole Thomas & Paula Yeoman), Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper), and The Naked and Famous (Paul McKessar) are joining a line-up of 1000 musicians playing intimate shows in 200 cities over 24 hours on September 20.

Kiwi acts Theia, Ciaran McMeeken, Estère and Opal House are joining a line-up of 1000 musicians playing intimate shows in 200 cities over 24 hours on September 20.
 
The first-of-its-kind concert series called Give a Home aims to unite people in welcoming refugees. It will bring established and emerging artists together with refugees and local communities at over 300 shows in more than 60 countries around the world. VICE and Facebook Live will be live-streaming the concerts globally.
 
The series is a collaboration between Amnesty International, the world’s largest human rights organisation, and Sofar Sounds, a London-based company that specialises in throwing secret concerts in people’s homes all over the world.
 
Other artists confirmed include Ed Sheeran, The Naked and Famous, Broods, The National, Jessie Ware, Gregory Porter, Kate Tempest, Hot Chip, Grouplove, Rudimental, Band of Skulls, Hot Chip, Morcheeba, KT Tunstall, Lianne La Havas, Public Service Broadcasting and Frightened Rabbit.
 
Theia and Ciaran McMeeken will perform in Auckland; Estère and Opal House will perform in Wellington. Fellow Kiwi acts Broods and The Naked and Famous are performing in LA.
 
"I’m so blessed to be a part of Give A Home with so many fabulous artists, giving support from around the world,” says Theia. “If we can help raise awareness, and unify and welcome people into our homes, we are showing that we are all equal and that being safe and having somewhere to call your own is a human right - not a privilege.”
 
Fans will be able to apply for tickets via: sofarsounds.com/giveahome. From the site, people will be able to select their city and the event of their choice to be in with a chance of winning two tickets. They will have the option of making a donation when applying for tickets.
 
The funds raised by the project will support Amnesty International’s work in documenting human rights abuses and violations against refugees and pushing governments to find a sustainable solution to the refugee crisis.
 
Donate at: http://bit.ly/GAHTheia for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Theia and Ciaran McMeeken or here for Estere and Opal House.

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Member News Sarah Leota Member News Sarah Leota

CIARAN MCMEEKEN ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM AND TOUR

Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper) is proud to announce a nationwide tour in support of the release of his self titled debut album set for release on August 4th.

Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper) is proud to announce a nationwide tour in support of the release of his self titled debut album set for release on August 4th.
 
With four dates around New Zealand, the tour will showcase hit tracks from his new album as well as fan favourites from his previous EPs.  A collection of 12 tracks, Ciaran’s debut album was recorded at Roundhead studios with a live band – the same band who will be sharing the stage and promise to bring a full-bodied experience for Ciaran’s first headlining tour.  With songs such as ‘City’ and ‘Which Way Shall We Go’ gracing New Zealand radio airwaves over summer, fans should bring their best voices for a lively singalong or two.
 
Diverging from Ciaran’s classic singer-songwriter sound, this debut release is genuinely genre-spanning, with songs that infuse the sounds of rock, blues, swing, soul, and jazz, all settled by his warm inviting vocals.
 
The live dates will no doubt be highly anticipated for fans throughout the country, and follow a sell-out show at Auckland’s Portland Public House to celebrate the release of his latest single That Feeling.
 
Last touring as opening act on the Avalanche City and Ronan Keating tours in 2016, this run of shows will mark the first chance for Wellington fans to see a full length set from the singer-songwriter, and will be a welcome return to his hometown of Dunedin where his last live show was May 2015.
 
Tickets are on sale now via Eventfinda for Dunedin, Queenstown and Wellington. Auckland tickets are available via Ticketmaster. More details on the album to come! 

 

CIARAN MCMEEKEN 
DEBUT ALBUM OUT AUGUST 4


CIARAN MCMEEKEN DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE TOUR
 

AUGUST         
Friday4           Dunedin           with Tom Maxwell         The Savoy         Tickets – Eventfinda

Saturday 5        Queenstown     with Tom Maxwell         Sherwood          Tickets – Eventfinda

Sunday 6          Wellington        with Graeme James      Meow                Tickets – Eventfinda
 
Thursday 10     Auckland          with Alae                      Tuning Fork        Tickets – Ticketmaster

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CIARAN MCMEEKEN RELEASES VIDEO FOR THAT FEELING

Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper) is proud to release the video for his brand new single That Feeling.  Channelling the easy romanticism of the song, the video captures everyday little moments of magic that come with being comfortable with a partner, and the casual intimacy of simply spending time together. 

Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper) is proud to release the video for his brand new single That Feeling.

Channelling the easy romanticism of the song, the video captures everyday little moments of magic that come with being comfortable with a partner, and the casual intimacy of simply spending time together.  Director Ben Chesters was charged with translating the themes of the song to the video, and has perfectly showcased not only the exhilaration one feels when both first falling in love, but the joy when that feeling is still there years later.

Shot documentary style, the video is a snapshot into the lives of four real-life couples, providing a quick glimpse into their genuine personal love in ordinary settings.  Showing how the emotion of love has no real definition aside from how two people feel about each other, the video embodies the simplicity and beauty of being in love.

That Feeling was co-written during the first APRA Songhubs program in 2016, with global songwriting superstar MoZella (Charlie Puth, Ellie Goulding, Miley Cyrus, One Direction) who brought a glossy-pop formula to the tune, enhancing Ciaran’s raw vocals to form a song that is all about passion.

 

THAT FEELING

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Member News Sarah Leota Member News Sarah Leota

CIARAN MCMEEKEN 'WHICH WAY SHALL WE GO?'

Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper and Greg Haver) is proud to release Which Way Shall We Go? - the first single from his forthcoming full length album.

Ciaran McMeeken (Tony Cowper and Greg Haver) is proud to release Which Way Shall We Go? - the first single from his forthcoming full length album.

Infusing the sounds of a quintessential kiwi summer, the track is grounded by a nostalgic, iconic guitar riff that features throughout.

Written by Ciaran McMeeken and Sam Craven (Rough Trade - London), Which Way Shall We Go? has lyrical content to match the riff - encapsulating what it is to be a young, wild and free. 

With it's clear context, the song explores the emotions that come with discovering what the gorgeous backyard of Aotearoa has to offer while falling heart first into a new relationship. 

Recorded at Roundhead Studios, acclaimed producer Greg Haver once again worked his magic to produce a track that allows Ciaran’s warm clean vocals to shine through.

Resoundingly positive, the track is a sign of things to come from the Dunedin-born singer-songwriter. 

Watch Which Way Shall We Go? on YouTube

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Member News Sarah Leota Member News Sarah Leota

INTRODUCING CIARAN MCMEEKEN

Fresh-faced with a smooth and captivating sound, Kiwi singer song writer Ciaran McKeeken (Greg Haver & Tony Cowper) is set for success, having recently announced he will be opening for Irish sensation Ronan Keating on his New Zealand tour in early November.

Fresh-faced with a smooth and captivating sound, Kiwi singer song writer Ciaran McKeeken (Greg Haver & Tony Cowper) is set for success, having recently announced he will be opening for Irish sensation Ronan Keating on his New Zealand tour in early November.

Drawing attention with his unique blend of emotive acoustic pop, Ciaran McMeeken’s honest songwriting pairs beautifully with his soaring vocals, making him the perfect fit to open the shows for the international Irish singer/songwriter.

Auckland-based Ciaran has also completed putting the finishing touches on his first full-length album, which he has been working on with acclaimed producer Greg Haver. Recognised for his talent and hard work, Ciaran also received a NZ On Air grant for this new release, complimenting the three NZ On Air funded songs he currently has to his name.

Originally from Dunedin, Ciaran moved to the big smoke to pursue his music career, spending the last couple of years focusing on writing, recording and performing.  With his self released debut EP ‘The Valley’ in 2014, Ciaran caught the attention of producer Greg Haver. The pair released a seven-track EP ‘Screaming Man’ in 2015, before continuing to team up on Ciaran’s new album.

Ciaran will be joining Ronan Keating on stage for shows at Auckland’s Vector Arena on Friday, November 4 and at The Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday November 6.

With a promising new release on the horizon, an ever-growing fanbase and genuine raw talent, Ciaran McMeeken is one to watch.

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