Today we get to premiere a new video that’s a little bit different from the kind of video we normally share. New Airs is an independent musical production group that aims to combine classical music with rock and pop.
Directed by Glen Austin (who also produces and arranges), they create a unique take on rock and pop music recorded live using a pop-up recording studio in each different location time. In November 2015, New Airs released their first (self-titled) album. It features the RTE Contempo Quartet with Aimee Farrell Courtney on bodhrán and Glen Austin himself on electronics.
Each track is a contemporary exploration on the combination of classical and traditional sounds across popular and loved tracks. The nine-track album is available in HMV, Tower and Claddagh Records and you can check it out on Spotify.
Throughout 2016, New Airs will expand their live pop-up recording studio approach continuing to share their unique take on rock and pop songs through their YouTube channel. Each video will be in an unpredictable location where the musicians meet to enjoy playing some of the most famous songs from rock and pop history reimagined for orchestral instruments, with electronics and percussion.
New Airs will be performing live this June with dates at Carlow Arts Festival on June 17th, as part of the Cork Midsummer Festival showcase in Triskel Arts Centre, then over to London for a headline concert with Liam ó Maonlaí , John Spillane, Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Stephen James Smith and more at the London Irish Centre on June 25th.
This video is their take on Simple Mind's - Don't You Forget About Me, arranged for vocals string quartet, electronics and cajón. The video was recorded at The Oriel Gallery Dublin and feature Rachel Voloczi on Vocals, Antonin Prihoda and Petra Lexova on Violin, Adele Johnson on Viola, Martin Johnson on Cello, Rónán Scarlett on Cajón and Glen Austin himself on Electronics. Rachel Voloczi edited and produced this video. It's a gorgeous take on a classic 80s' pop hit paired with some classical fusion.