Simon Fagan

“Damn Honey … Wow I love it – an excellent song & performance “
– Mike McCready - Huffington Post, USA

Simon is currently half way through the recording of his debut album, which is scheduled for release on 14th May. Embodying a towering live sound with powerful harmonies, the yet to be titled album will also carry lush arrangements and is expected to feature the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. For the arrangements Simon has joined forces with the multi-talented & highly regarded LA based Irish born composer, arranger and conductor Brian Byrne. Brian’s career to date has seen him work with Van Morrison, Jamie Cullum, Bono, The Corrs and Alanis Morissette amongst others, on movie sound tracks such as In America and recently on a local level Brian was also responsible for the new arrangement for The Late Late Show Theme Music. “Damn Honey”, the lead single from the album will be released digitally on Friday 5th March. The first phase of live dates are already confirmed for 2010, some of which will coincide with the release of “Damn Honey” in March.

Feb 24th The Globe, Dublin Feb 25th Boyles, Slane, Co. Meath
Mar 4th Baker Place, Limerick (tbc) Mar 5th Bewley’s, Dublin (single launch gig) [tbc]
Mar 6th The Dew Drop, Kill, Co. Kildare Mar 11th Crane Lane Theatre, Cork
Mar 13th Chasin’ Bull, Bundoran, Co. Donegal Mar 16th The Lantern, Navan, Co. Meath
Mar 18th Spirit Store, Dundalk Mar 20th Slaughtered Lamb, Swords, Dublin
May 14th Whelan’s, Dublin (album launch gig)

With his most recent single, Simon has garnered further regard and laudation from his industry peers. Issued in Autumn 09 “Falling Into You” was playlisted on RTE Radio 1 for over eight weeks & during its release Simon was invited to perform on a number of radio shows including Today with Pat Kenny (RTE Radio 1) and Newstalk’s ‘Weekend Blend’, all appearances resulting in return visit invitations for this Spring! The single’s release was also greeted by sell-out Irish shows over October and November and a guest support invitation to perform at Laura Izibor’s sold out Tripod show in November. He had also previously guested with renowned names such as Lionel Richie & Smokey Robinson since turning solo. In parallel to his live Irish commitments during the winter of ’09 Simon also undertook some UK dates including London’s Met Bar, a venue he expects to return this spring.

Two EP releases, seventy live dates in Ireland and the UK, twenty radio sessions, including nine BBC primetime shows…all this coupled with Simon’s first tour to Egypt resulted in 2009 being an extremely busy and fulfilling year for this Navan based composer and performer. 2010 is already shaping up to mirror and indeed surpass 09. In addition to releasing his debut album, Simon has plans for a number of live tours during the year, kicking off with his spring tour. Simon also plans on doing some further work in the UK together with planning a return visit to Egypt in April.

Simon’s love of music began when he was 5yrs old, which resulted in he joining his local brass band. The classically trained composer & trumpet player studied at both the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Of his sound Simon says “you will find elements of jazz, soul, acoustic and rock which I guess comes from listening to artists like Credence, Van Morrison, Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder, however, my influences stretch well beyond these icons”. Following his graduation, Simon spent time singing with a number of bands, however, in 2007 decided to concentrate on work as a solo artist. This, Simon feels is the most natural for him and as a result …in his own view, where he has been happiest and most productive.

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