One of Irelands most promising new artists; Deaf Joe was awarded The Models Music Residency this December, following an open call for applications earlier in autumn. The selection panel included the Models first Music Fellow John Lambert (aka Chequerboard) and Aoife Flynn, formerly Music and Events Manager at The Model. John Lambert aka Chequerboard was appointed as the first Model Music Fellow in 2007 resulting in the writing of his critically acclaimed 2008 albuum Penny Black
Joe Harney is a Waterford-based musician who performs under the Deaf Joe moniker. Joe has previously played with contemporary Irish artists including Katie Kim, Deaf Animal Orchestra and XKlima but embarked on a solo career last year, with performances at Hard Working Class Heroes and Donal Dineens Fresh Air Festival.
Recently signed with independent Dublin-based label Delphi Records, Joe has just recorded his first full-length album, which is due for release shortly.
Joe explained his experience to date of the Residency, The Models Music Residency has provided me with ample time and space to develop a stack of musical ideas, songs and recordings that I’ve had backed up for quite a while now, unable to find said time and space to work on them.
My creative work-rate the past couple of weeks has been through the roof and it’s largely down to the relative isolation the residency has provided me with. It would be great to see such patronage opportunities for musicians increase in the country, based my own current experience it could only be a good thing.
The Model has a vibrant music programme which includes an eclectic mix of contemporary and classical music. The Model develops music projects that respond to the exhibition programme, while also producing the Sligo New Music Festival and supporting The Sligo Festival of Baroque Music.
Launching the 2011 Spring Music Programme, new Music and Events Manager at The Model, Tara McGowan commented, The Model has a number of excellent and eclectic music gigs for music lovers across all genres in Spring 2011. February sees Kila as we havent seen them before, playing music from their latest album, Soisin. Also performing this spring will be a return from Dublin-based Halves, world music band Lazik and Sligo-born jazz aficionado Michael Nielsen.
The Model’s association with Con brio continues with three high calibre classical concerts and in February will launch a new partnership with Sligo Jazz Project. The Model will also make another call for applications to the Music Residency in the spring of 2011.
