'Real' is a collection of songs by 13 Irish artists all of which are performed acoustically.

The brainchild of Shay Leon, the album was recorded at Shay's Studio, Loughrea, Co. Galway, during March and April 2004. 'Real' highlights each track in its purist form and features artists in the calibre of Charis and Lucas.

Real had its official launch on July 1st 2004 in Cuba, Galway and since then has had airplay on many local radio stations, including album of the week on Clare FM. As well as the artists involved appearing on radio, Shay Leon has also been interviewed about his involvement with the album.

For more details:

www.irishsingersongwriters.com

www.shaysstudio.ie

So what acts appear on the album?

Lucas:

Support for this band in Galway has almost come to fever pitch proportions. Their single 'Snapshot' has just entered the Irish charts at number 34.Formed in 2000 in Dublin they began to cause a bit of a stir by winning the Hotpress Ignition Unsigned Competition shortly after. Having supported Spiritualized, Damien Rice, The Frames, David Kitt and The Walls, things are on the up and up for Lucas. Their new album produced by Rob Fraboni (Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker) is due out soon.

Ciaran O'Cuinneagain:

Galway based, Roscommon born, Ciaran is a singer-songwriter who carries on the mantel of people such as Bob Dylan and Hamell On Trial. Ciaran has opened for many favourites including Nina Hynes, Rosey and Chad Dughi and has gigged extensively throughout the West Coast and Midlands. His single 'Find The Joy' is a huge live favourite in Galway.

Ultan Conlon:

Ultan has been touring the circuit since early 2004 to great acclaim including gigs in The Sugar Club, The Lobby and Roisin Dubh. He has also appeared on TnaG, Clare Fm and Galway Bay FM's infamous In Studio sessions with Jon Richards. His Debut EP 'Ultan' is currently available.

Bruce Williams:

Bruce moved to Amsterdam six years ago and since then has set up several different projects including a successful trad/rock two piece called 'An Solas Dearg' which played all over Holland, Belgium, Germany and Greece. A 3-5 piece band of the same ilk called 'Killorkway' and a dark progressive metal band called Saint Vitus Dance which was made up of four people from four totally different backgrounds (Irish, Croatian, Italian and Dutch). Bruce now plays in 'Idle Tone' - a band whose song 'Kneel' appears on this compilation.

Charis:

They have succeeded in blending the musical influences of Ireland and Spain to come up with a sound that was described by the Boston Globe as "a Celtic Dave Matthews Band".
With one independent release under their belts (Desert Dark Sky) and one Grammy short listed acoustic EP (Middle Pillar), Charis are certainly the most acclaimed unsigned band on the scene at present. They have been included on various compilation albums and have appeared on the Hotpress cover CD, 'Those Petrol Emotions', alongside the best of contemporary Irish songwriters.

They have also completed a tour of the major Boston area in the USA and consequently creating quite a stir amongst the gig going population of the city. They performed at the Greg Howard (formally of the Dave Matthews Band) show in the Middle East venue, and launched their debut album 'Desert Dark Sky' in The Burren in the Cambridge area as well as appearing on The Psychic Fashion Show, a Wayne's World type TV show hosted by the infamous Psychic Steve.

The band are looking forward to the release of their second album 'WinterFlower'

Bernard McMahon:

Bernard is a 20-year-old songwriter from Loughrea Co. Galway. He started playing music when he was fourteen and hopes to keep playing till the day he dies. He has an album called 'Another Sense' which he recorded at Shay's Studio, and he sells it himself locally.

David Morrissey:

David is from Kildare Town Co. Kildare Mor's unique style of guitar fused with his melancholic lyrics and ragged but soft voice gives him a unique standing in music. The nearest thing to David would be the band 'Lamb Chop', but it's only close.

Andy Burke:

Andy is a 30 years old songwriter from Lahinch, Co. Clare. He spent the last 4 years in Australia writing and playing gigs. His debut album 20/20 is currently available. 'The Powder Fields' is on this album. His band 'Black Bus' will be playing in a venue near you soon.

Gary McInerney:

This 24-year-old six-footer from Loughrea enjoys making any kind of music. His hairy face brings tears to a child's eye... Gary likes to play with friends and has a bizarre sense of humour that is very obvious in his lyrics.

Seamus Bannon:

Se is from Monasterevin Co. Kildare. He has a unique and compelling style, his vocal range never ceases to amaze and add a powerful extra dynamic to his songs. Se has honed his talent and created his own style through playing with cover bands and as a solo artist.

Sabrina Dinan:

Sabrina is originally from Ennis, Co. Clare but has been based in Galway for many years. She has toured Ireland and Australia. Sabrina headlined October Arts in Ennis Festival 2003 alongside Andy Irvine and the 4 of Us. She has played support to Mundy, Paddy Casey, Roesy, Relish and many more.

Kevin Cassidy: Born in Galway, playing guitar since he was 3 years old, Kevin got into pro wrestling for 3 years, and went back to music. Played with numerous bands like 'Aunt Sally', 'Rustic Tacky' and more. Kevin sounds a bit like Sid Barrett with his strong hypnotic voice. Kevin gigs in Galway city.

Neil O'Connor: Neil is a man who likes to let his music do the talking. Born in Galway, he has been playing for the last 15 years with various bands like Gardener and Drive Blind.