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Gavin James is known for his love of Whelan's, his stunning voice which produces banger after banger, and his ability to make friends with pretty much anyone.

The singer-songwriter, who has achieved massive chart success at home and abroad with tunes such as Always, Glow and Nervous, from his breakthrough album Bitter Pill back in 2015.

We sat down for a chat with the man himself, who is the new ambassador for the Cadbury Secret Santa campaign, to chat to him about his "f*cking hilarious" father, his home away from home and his favourite celebrities, among other (random) things.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gavin James (@gavinjameslive) on

James has been known for his love and support for charities, especially Down's Syndrome Ireland, so it's not surprising that he's choosing a generous movement like Cadbury Secret Santa to represent this Christmas.

A Dairy Milk gift can be sent anywhere in Ireland for free, either anonymously or personalised, to someone you love. Frankly, that's adorable. After posting the very first Secret Santa gift of the campaign, Gavin speaks about what drew him to Cadbury.

"I have always loved the Secret Santa ritual; the excitement of sending a gift in secret and the anticipation of receiving a gift anonymously – it’s so much fun! My dad is also essentially Santa." After pointing his dad out to me, I had to agree. He was merry with a white beard.

The artist brings his family and friends with him to gigs any chance he gets: “Its good to be able to bring them away with me. Every time I have a gig in Ireland my entire family goes, I brought my dad to a photoshoot today, which is f*cking hilarious.”

Asking him about his early days of gigging in tiny pubs, and dedicated to his then-rock band, he describes why he transitioned into acoustic songwriting, despite still having an intense love for his electric guitar.

"I started off with my mates in Temple Bar, my hair was huge. I was also trying to sing high but I couldn’t sing falsetto when I was younger, I had a raspy voice back then and couldn’t pronounce the letter 's'.I never try to transition, genres just kind of come on their own, I think."

We're glad he found his niche, his musical talent started for him at a very young age, surrounded by musical talent within his own family. His latest album, Only Ticket Home, hit number one in Ireland and has already surpassed a million streams.

He describes his latest offering as a dedication to the art of "simplicity", with most of the songs only having four chords. 

"They're not trying to be smart. There was one song that didn’t make the album because I tried to record it and it just didn’t turn out right. It was the best song I’ve written in a long time, but it sounded too far away from the right sound of the album. I have it in my back pocket for next year though. I found loads of songs in the cloud, I was chuffed."

"There was like 40 but 33 of them were shit. I usually have 100 ideas but one works. The first idea is always the best song. It’s like a buffet, the first thing you look at is always what you want.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gavin James (@gavinjameslive) on

James has toured with some absolutely huge names in music, among them are Ed Sheeran, Niall Horan, Sam Smith and Kodaline, to name a few. With all this talent around him, we have to ask which artists have impressed him the most.

"Bands like Vulfpeck are absolutely insane, they’re so good at playing stuff that I absolutely cannot understand. It’s insane, like Stevie Wonder-esque.”

“Foy Vance sang songs next to me, and his voice starts low and aggressively builds up and I don’t even know how he exists. He’s insane.”“When it comes to Secret Santa gifts, Gavin's already done his bit for fellow musicians… and their skin, apparently. "Sam Smith. I gave him aloe vera before, he loved that. He’s a really nice guy.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sam Smith (@samsmith) on

We're sure Sam would say the same about Gavin, but is there anyone in the industry who he has been disillusioned by, who maybe brushed him off? It's a notoriously tough industry, which requires a thick skin for survival. IT seems James has a level-headed approach to the whole 'fame' thing.

"There are people I don’t want to meet purely because it would ruin how I feel about them, people I totally idolise, sometimes they’re just not in the mood and you don't want to annoy them. Everybody I’ve ever met has been really friendly to me though, but if someone isn’t being nice to me, I’ll tell them. I don’t mind saying that to people. It’s easier to be nice."

"I couldn't meet Ryan Adams because I love him so much, and Bruce Springsteen. He’s meant to be the nicest man in the world. I’d love to meet him but I’d be bricking it. I’d probably just say “thank you, Bruce, for all of these songs.”

"When it comes to growing Irish talent, I love David Keenan. He’s class. His lyrics are amazing. He has a song called Laurence of Arcadia with lyrics like;

“You're looking at the last know bar stool prophet to retire early from the trade, I'm going fishing for pearls of wisdom. I'll be dancing through the pissing rain. You're welcome to join me you annoyance, for I find you quite amusing all the same." It's amazing."

Irish artists have repeatedly found success abroad, yet the UK and US markets are infamously hard to break into. Why have some Irish artists such as U2, The Script, Hozier and now Dermot Kennedy made it big over there, and some slip through the cracks?

“The UK is a tough market. It’s a weird one, like the Netherlands kicked off for me because they love a sad song, and I'm good at those. I brought out a Live at Whelans track, and was told it would reach top of the Dutch charts by Christmas. I didn't believe it, because it was a live recording. Then it went number one in the Netherlands, but no one would think of a live recording doing that.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gavin James (@gavinjameslive) on

His second album, Only Ticket Home, is still distinctly within the style of his debut, and James makes sure that his roots can come across in his lyrics. When he's in Dublin, he loves chilling with his friends in the pub, living out a normal life despite his new-found fame.

Where are his favourite parts of Dublin, and if he had to move, where would he find himself?

“Whelan’s, but I spend most of my time in Temple Bar, even though it’s seven euros a pint.” *shivers*

"Where Doran’s used to be, my mate Robbie owns a little snug next to it, an Irish pub. I always go there because it seems like a little secret spot where I’d just have a pint with my mates.”

“I’ve never been to Coppers. I tried to get in years ago, I think they were closing up. They must have a quota of guys named Gavin or gingers, so I couldn’t get in.” (Can you BELIEVE this Dubliner hasn't stepped foot in the notorious nightclub? We are shook)

“I went on one night out to Nashville to see Ron Pope, and ended up staying there a week.”

“I’d definitely move to Nashville. Very random, it’s musical but it reminds me of Dublin in a lot of ways. I have a lot of friends there, I made a lot of friends there very quickly. It’s cheap too, it’s not f*cking mad, it’s not like Los Angeles. I’m not into L.A. How the hell do people get around there?”

Sounds like this lad has his head screwed on right, that's for sure.

We got two hugs out of him and a Cadbury Secret Santa letter, so we are officially his number one fans.

Only Ticket Home is out now, grab your tickets to see him live in 2019 here.

Don't forget to become a Cadbury Secret Santa and give a little something extra this Christmas- visit www.cadbury.ie/secretsanta and follow all the action on the Cadbury Ireland Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Hot on the heels of U2's big announcement earlier today, Kodaline have confirmed they will be taking to the stage in the People's Republic of Cork later this year.

Aiken Promotions today confirmed that Kodaline will return to play Live at the Marquee Cork this summer on June 7, and we are pumped!

Last year Kodaline fans were treated to a new single Brother, a track which will rank amongst one of their very best.

The track was produced by Steve Harris and Two Inch Punch, with long-time collaborator Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol fame and executive producer. It’s the first addictive taste from their forthcoming new album.

Prior to that Kodaline featured on Kygo’s global smash Raging and have for the first time worked with a variety of different writers and producers including pop guru Wayne Hector on their forthcoming album.

This will be their first album since 2015's Coming Up For Air, which went Gold in the UK. The band's debut album, In A Perfect World has sold over a million copies worldwide and imprinted itself on the nation's consciousness with streaming figures well into the hundreds of millions. On Vevo, the band's videos have had over 200 million views, and they have sold over a million singles.

Tickets for this date go on sale on Friday February 2 at 10am from Ticketmaster, and we'll be bringing our A-game.

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So, while our 2018 gig schedules may already be overflowing with incredible artists from around the world, we're pretty sure we can squeeze in one last show.

Kodaline have just announced a headline show at Dublin's Malahide Castle on Friday, June 8, 2018.

The announcement comes ahead of of the band's highly anticipated third album which is due for release in 2018.

Next summer's Malahide Castle line-up is better than ever with performances from LCD Soundsystem on June 5 and Liam Gallagher on June 15.

Tickets from €49.00 go on sale this Friday, December 15 at 9am.

See you there!

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In a week of cancellations, Kodaline have now announced that they will be stepping back from their previously announced tour. 

The European tour included dates in London, Manchester, Milan and Paris. 

Taking to Twitter, the boys penned a post giving fans the bad news.

'We're gutted to announce that we've decided it's the right thing to cancel our mainland European tour dates.'

'As you know, we have been working harder than ever on our third album and could not be prouder of what we've created so far! But we feel there's more to come.'

The tweet reveals that the boys are cancelling the tour in favour of putting more work into their new upcoming album.

'We haven't stopped writing all summer but we need to head back into the studio over the coming months to work on what we have.'

'We feel that it's worth the wait and hope you guys do too.'

 

A post shared by Kodaline (@kodaline) on

According to the post, all of the European tour dates will be rescheduled for 2018. 

Kodaline also took the opportunity to thank their fans for getting them to where they are now. 

'We know we have the best fans in the world amd we want to make the best record we can for you guys.' 

A full list of the previously announced tour dates are available here.

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Days after her sudden death following a Kodaline concert in Marlay Park last weekend, Ciara Lawlor has been laid to rest in her native Kilkenny.

The Dublin four-piece flew in from the UK to pay their respects to the 17-year-old girl who passed away after falling ill during their gig in Rathfarnham on July 8th.

According to the Irish Independent, the band joined Ciara's classmates in a heartfelt rendition of High Hopes as parish priest, Fr. Frank Purcell, paid tribute to the 'vivacious' secondary school student during her funeral at Saint John's church in Kilkenny today.

Due to sit her Leaving Cert next year, Ciara, who is understood to have had an underlying medical condition, was described by her heartbroken parents as "down to earth, a friend to everyone, a real people person."

Releasing a statement following Ciara's untimely passing, Kodaline spoke of their regret on Facebook, writing: "We are so saddened to say that during our concert at Marlay Park, a 17-year-old girl with a pre-existing medical condition suddenly became ill."


"We were shocked and devastated to be informed yesterday that despite the best efforts of all medical teams, she passed away in hospital."

"Our immediate thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased. We wish to extend our condolences on behalf of us and all of our crew," they added.

Ciara is survived by her parents, John and Eimear, and her brothers Barry and Jack.

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A teenager from Kilkenny has died after collapsing at a Kodaline concert in Marlay Park on Friday night.

The 17-year-old girl was assisted by medical staff at the venue before being rushed to Tallaght Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

According to Independent.ie, the girl had underlying health issues and Gardai are not treating the death as suspicious.  

A Garda spokesperson told The Irish Sun: "A 17-year-old girl took ill at a concert in Marlay Park on Friday July 8.”

“She was treated at the medical centre on site before being transferred to Tallaght Hospital where she was pronounced dead a short while later.”

"A Garda report will be prepared for the coroner and an autopsy will be carried out to determine the direction of a Garda investigation."

Concert organisers MCD have released a statement on behalf of themselves and the band saying: "Kodaline and MCD’s immediate thoughts are with the family, relatives and friends of the deceased at their very sad loss.”

"The on-site medical team of doctors and paramedics immediately treated the young lady who was transferred to hospital by one of the on site ambulances.”

"Despite the best efforts of all medical teams, the young lady passed away in hospital."

Feat image: Josh Shinner

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Kodaline took to the stage at Marlay Park last night for an epic summer gig.

But we all know the deal with concerts and queues; no matter where you go, you know you'll end up waiting in line for 20 minutes.

So, to make the crowd liven up, one security man knocked out some deadly dance moves to keep the people entertained – and it actually looks like they're all having gas craic:

We think a security guard like him should become compulsory at concerts!

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Irish band Kodaline got a nice surprise this morning when Paris Jackson revealed to the world that she is a fan of their work.

Earlier today The King of Pop’s daughter tweeted the word “fricK” with a screenshot of the band’s debut album In a Perfect World.

And being the gents that they are Kodaline replied “thank you, glad you like the tune” with a kissy face emoji.  Awh!

18-year-old Paris currently has more than 1.2 million followers on Twitter and over half a million on Instagram.

The teen regularly uses her social media accounts to discuss social issue and defend her late father.

With hits like High Hopes we're not surprised that Paris is a fan, but it sure was nice of her to let the lads know. 

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Niall Horan has been hot in the headlines this week, with the news that he's taking part in this year's Irish Open AND rumours of him managing a new singer.

But now, it seems that he's possibly the nicest guy around because last night he helped some Irish musicians promote their music.

Niall took to Twitter to show his fans what he's listening to on Spotify and the playlist included a long list of Irish artists.

Kodaline, Gavin James and The Academic were among the tracks he played online, and Dublin singer Gavin, couldn't help but thank the star.

Niall was super cute in his reply, saying: "Always support our own don't we gav."

It seems that no matter how much fame is thrown at Niall, he'll always be a sound, down-to-earth Irish lad at heart. 

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Niall Horan's definitely one of the most down-to-earth Irish celebs out there, as he proved yesterday once again.

The One Direction singer joined Snapchat just last week, and yesterday posted this photo showing him doing something very un-celeb like indeed – taking the train to a gig.

"TUBE!" Niall captioned the Snap – as caputured by Goss.ie – which shows him sitting in an almost empty carriage on London's Northern Line.

Unexpectedly, Twitter soon exploded, with Londoners having meltdowns all over the place:

Judging by Laura Whitmore's social media updates later in the evening, Niall was en route to a Kodaline gig at The Roundhouse with some friends, including Irish-Moldovan presenter Diana Bunici:

But while Niall might have taken the Tube to the gig like Joe Soap, he did of course get to watch the gig from side-stage, because, well, he's Niall Horan.

 

A video posted by thewhitmore (@thewhitmore) on

 

Just another day in the life of a superstar.

 

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Have any plans for March 16? 

Well you do now – if luck is in your favour, that is.

In honour of St Patrick's Day, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Hot Press are bringing three Irish bands to Dublin as part of their Bow St Sessions. Kodaline, Little Hours and Walking On Cars will perform a once-off March 16 "homecoming" gig at The Academy, along with Toronto natives July Talk.

The best part? The whole thing is FREE, but you'll have to be chosen from a lottery in order to get your hands on a pair.

You can apply for tickets here, but applications close at 3pm today, March 7, so you had better hurry on.

Jameson's live music sessions usually take place at their well-known Bow St Distillery in Smithfield, but the gig is moving to The Academy this time to accommodate a larger audience.

Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram if you're lucky enough to get tickets!

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If you're a Kodaline fan, then get ready to be very happy indeed.

The group have announced that they are doing a free gig in Dublin next month. Yes, FREE!

The boyband will perform alongside Walking On Cars, July Talk and Little Hours in The Academy on Wednesday 16 March.

What a way to celebrate Paddy's Day, huh? The gig is going to give everyone a taster of their new material as they get set to perform in Marley Park this summer.

 

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