12 September 2009
Dingle vocalists Pauline Scanlon and Eilis Kennedy rubbed shoulders with music royalty last night as they performed their new single The West’s Awake on the Late Late Show in the presence of Michael Jackson’s brother Germaine Jackson.
Germaine, who is world famous in his own right as a member of the Jackson 5, appeared on the show to speak about the King of Pop’s tragic death in an emotional interview with new Late Late host Ryan Tubridy, his first interview outside the States since his brother’s untimely demise. Pauline and Eilis, who have formed the group Lumiere, performed their new single with Damien Dempsey straight after Germaine’s interview and we delighted to meet up with him backstage afterwards. “Germaine loved the song and asked us about who wrote it and when - he was so sweet to us, as was Ryan Tubridy” said Eilis Kennedy, who many will know her live performances in John Benny’s Pub in Dingle.
“We hope that we can get these songs heard all around the world - since Pauline and I got together singing there has been a snowball effect really, especially through the encouragement of our producer John Reynolds and our friends and families. Huge credit also to Donogh Hennessy who did amazing guitar work on the songs with us.”
The talented Dingle duo released their new album on Friday September 11th, also entitled 'Lumiere', their first since signing with music giant Sony Music - coincidently the same label which Michael Jackson was signed to.
There is great sense of anticipation surrounding the release, which is produced by legendary record producer John Reynolds who has also worked with Sinead O'Connor and U2 to name a few. Their first single The West's Awake features guest vocals from Damien Dempsey and the pair even brough Bono to his feet during their performance at Andrea Corr's wedding during the summer. The buzz surrounding the Kerry group is beginning to gather momentum; when recording executives at Sony heard Pauline and Eilis sing together they immediately signed them up. Hopes are high that the group’s unique sound will become a global hit and many industry insiders believe that they will have the potential to become the biggest traditional Irish act since Enya. With promotional commitments and upcoming tour dates, life is about to get very busy for Eilis and Pauline - however you may be able to catch them performing locally in West Kerry in John Benny’s in Dingle and Paidi O Se’s in Ventry. More information on Lumiere and their music is available at www.lumieremusic.net; their new album is in shops now.
Pictured: Lumiere backstage at the Late Late Show where they had the honour of meeting up with Michael Jackson's brother Germaine. Pictured, l-r, Damien Dempsey, Eilis Kennedy, Germaine Jackson and Pauline Scanlon.
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