Official Website > www.sabrinadinan.com

German tour 2007 > special guest to Luka Bloom

Heading For The Hills
Recorded by Paddy Flynn @ Circus Room Studios, Aug 2006
Tracklist:
1. What The Devil's Dealt
2. Dancing Shoes
3. The Train Song
4. Heading For The Hills
5. Bangkok Breezes
6. Captains Little Mama
7. Forwards Feels Wrong

Various Artists - The Garden Sessions
In Aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation

Sabrina Dinan - Sing It Out
[Listen here > www.musicload.de]
The CD features tracks from the following artists:
Roesy, Mundy, Clive Barnes, Joe Chester, Ultan Conlon, Tadhg Cooke, Cornerstone,
Sabrina Dinan, Dana Donnelly, Fred, Mark Geary, Gavin Glass, Guggenheim Grotto,
Alice Jago, The Maladies, Noellie McDonnell, Neosupervital, Brendan OShea, The
Pale, Ann Scott, Eoghan Scott, Stanley Super 800, Carol Keogh & Donal OMahoney,
Freddie White, Ian Whitty, Q, Kieron Black and Ger Wolfe.

sound sample > Download an audio clip of 'Another Drink, Another Smoke'
at www.irishsingersongwriters.com [MP3; 40 sec]

Freddie White, Albert Niland and Sabrina Dinan

December 2006, Tue 5th, 12th, 19th
The Roundy, Cork
Roundy Room Sessions - Christmas Special
Goldiefish events are delighted to be hosting the great Freddie White, Albert Niland and
Sabrina Dinan. All will be playing a half hour set, doing their own thing, jamming together
and having a blast. A special once off session for the Christmas season.
info :: www.peoplesrepublicofcork.com

Fri 29 December 2006
Sat 27 January 2007
Sabrina Dinan @ Bewley's Cafe Theatre
Grafton Street, Dublin
info :: www.bewleyscafetheatre.com

Launch Gigs for CD 'Heading For The Hills'

Mon 15 January 2007 - 8:30pm
> Roisin Dubh, Galway

Fri 19 January 2007 - 8:00pm studio
> Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis

Sabrina Dinan is ‘one to watch out for at the moment’ according to Hotpress magazine.
This is Sabrina's first solo glór gig. Highly recommended!

Sabrina has shared stages with the likes of Juliet Lewis and the Licks, Australian musician Paul Kelly, Damien Dempsey, Luka Bloom, Paddy Casey, Jack L, The Walls, Mundy, Roesy, Albert Niland and Freddy White in venues in the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland and Belgium and is due to tour with Luka Bloom again in Australia in March 2007.

Originally from Ennis, Sabrina spent the last five years based in Galway and has recently moved to Dublin. Being based in Dublin does not mean she gets to spend much time there however. Most nights of the week you would find Sabrina playing one of many venues around the country - be it Cyprus Ave in Cork, the Roisin Dubh or Cuba in Galway, The Limelight in Belfast, Dublin’s Helix or Whelans or wherever she has been invited to play. For upcoming gig listings see www.myspace.com/sabrinadinan.

Sabrina’s current CD is ‘Heading for the Hills’ available from www.myspace.com/sabrinadinan and she also has a song on The Garden Sessions CD available from www.myspace.com/thegardensessionsirl, which includes artists such as Mark Geary, Guggenheim Grotto, Mundy, Roesy and many more.

'the smoky warmth of her voice was irresistible' … '(she) kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The songs ranged from upbeat passionate numbers to songs that were so gentle and fragile that the audience seemed to hold its breath during the intricate guitar picking.' - Galway Independent

'…the minute you hear her sing you will know you’re in the presence of someone special, and it should only be a matter of time before she makes the breakthrough her talent deserves.' - Tribune

Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Co. Clare
www.glor.ie

Sabrina Dinan launches her debut EP at the Roisin Dubh
By KEVIN MCGUIRE

For fans of the acoustic scene in Galway, the name Sabrina Dinan will not be unfamiliar. The County Clare-born songstress has been wowing audiences here in the city for almost five years. Now the Ennis girl releases her debut EP The Bondi Hotel on Tuesday January 3 in the Róisín Dúbh.

Sabrina says of the upcoming release: "The reason why I called it The Bondi Hotel is because I wrote a lot of the songs that are on the EP while I was living in Australia. The songs are about three or four years old but they're still always in any sets I play."

Over the past four years Sabrina has regularly supported Mundy, Roesy, Paddy Casey, Damien Dempsey, Luka Bloom, and Aussie legend Paul Kelly. Dinan says of her Australian experience: "I went over there when I was 20 years old - like every other Irish person at the time I decided to go over for the year. I brought the guitar over with me, even though I could only play four or five songs fully at that stage. I was lucky because I ended up meeting a load of musicians over there. One in particular, Paul Mulroney, let me play 15 minutes of his set at an open mic night. After that people encouraged me to start writing my own songs. I ended up writing one song and it sort of took off from there. When I came back to Ireland I decided to move to Galway. I've become very much part of scene here since."

For many people in this country the words 'Clare' and 'music' seem inseparable. Sabrina was well aware of traditional music while growing up in Ennis; however, she admits: "actually nobody in my family plays music apart from me. From when I was very young all I ever wanted was a guitar. Eventually my parents gave in and got me one for Christmas. They've always been really encouraging and I think that's really good for your confidence as a musician. I suppose to some people it's strange that I didn't grow up in a musical household. Though saying that my Dad sings around the house now and again and my sister sings a bit. But no, I've never really learned music from anyone in the family. I think as long as you're encouraged that's the main thing."

Encouragement for Sabrina has not only come from members of her family but also from some well respected musicians. People such as Luka Bloom, Liam O'Maonlai of The Hothouse Flowers, Albert Niland, and Myles O'Reilly of Juno Falls have been singing her praises.

"It keeps me thinking that I'm on the right road," Sabrina says of the endorsements. "Sometimes I get moments where I wonder whether I'm doing the right thing. When people say nice things it makes you believe in yourself a lot more. It's really cool that all those people believe in me."

Luka Bloom believes in Sabrina so much that he recently invited her to tour with him in Holland as support act. She jumped at the chance and it has proved to be an important learning curve. "It was great because it gave me a little glimpse of what life is like as a full-time musician," she says. "It sort of motivated me to keep sticking at what I'm doing. Luka taught me so much and he gave me some good advice as to where to go from here. He's a great live performer and I learned a lot of things about that too."

Sabrina voice has been described as "a weapon, simultaneously powerful and fragile, dripping with soul". She says of her progress in music: "The most important thing about anything like this is the journey. You sort of keep at it until you get there and sure if you never get there as long as you had fun along the way."

Many of us wish that Sabrina does get there and that she has loads of fun along the way. She is a talent who has been simmering under the surface for many years and now is her time to rise to the top. Her much-anticipated debut EP will get 2006 off to a right good start.

For more info on Sabrina Dinan log on to www.sabrinadinan.com.

www.galwayadvertiser.ie

Galway Advertiser - 07 Dec 2006

Crane Bar hosts exciting triple bill throughout December
By KEVIN MCGUIRE

If you're wondering what's the best way to spend these long and wet winter evenings, head down to The Crane Bar on Sea Road to enjoy gigs by three of Ireland's most exciting songwriters and interpreters of songs. On December 13, 20, and 27 the talents of Freddie White, Albert Niland, and Sabrina Dinan share billing for what promises to be some very special nights.

Some months ago Cobh's Freddie White told me of a very exciting series of gigs he had coming up with Mountbellew's Albert Niland..... Those gigs at Bewley's proved so successful the duo decided to bring the show on the road and next stop is Galway.... Freddie White is equally well known for taking a classic song and making it his own. An example is his version of Tom Waits' 'Martha'. White says of his version of the song: "The thing about 'Martha' is that it was the song that really captured the imagination of the audience and the one that they really warmed to."

'Martha' won't be the only lady the audience will be warming to at The Crane as Sabrina Dinan is definitely a performer who can capture the imagination of an audience. Artists such as Niland, White, The Hothouse Flowers' Liam O'Maonlai, and Luka Bloom have been singing her praises. She has long been a live favourite in Galway and has played support to Paddy Casey, Jack L, Mundy, Damien Dempsey, and The Walls. This upcoming tour alongside Freddie White and Albert Niland will see her emerge as a more seasoned act and 2007 promises much.

www.galwayadvertiser.ie

Galway Independent - Wed January 03, 2007 - Vol 7 - Issue 01

Coming out of the shadows

Ennis born singer songwriter Sabrina Dinan talks to Benjamin Coombs about touring with Luka Bloom, realising her life goal to play in New York and gaining the confidence to talk to the audience

Are you looking forward to the Galway gig?

Yeah, I really love the Roisín; I feel at home there. It can be nerve-wracking though playing in Galway, because I know so many people and I have to impress them all over again. The Galway audiences are very generous though.

You're a confident performer now, but you used to be shyer?

I used to keep my head down because I found it intimidating to talk to an audience, but touring with Luka Bloom has taught me how to be comfy onstage. We talk after shows and he goes through them with me, noticing little things and pointing out ways I can improve. Albert Niland has been really helpful too.

Have you done a lot of travelling with your music?

I was touring in Germany for six weeks with Luka earlier in the year and he's also bringing me to Australia with him in February. I can't wait. We'll be playing a couple of festivals, which will be my first really big crowds.

You went to the USA with Luka too?

Yeah, we had a great time; the audiences were really receptive. It's always been a dream of mine to play New York. I always used to say to folks that I would play there one day, so being there was mad. I just couldn't believe it! I was up on stage and I couldn't stop giggling. My favourite venue of all was in San Francisco. It was this great old American music hall.

Is playing live still a buzz?

When you're in the zone, it feels so wonderful. Another thing that's special is afterwards if someone tells you about how a song touched them. That's why you do this, to reach out and connect with others and let them know that someone else feels the same way they do.

Some of your songs must be very personal. Is it hard singing them for big crowds?

Actually, after you've written a song, you feel more detached from it. You still feel the same emotions, but it's not just about you anymore. It's about connecting with others. It's about something that everyone else has probably been through as well.

It must be a wonderful feeling when a crowd cheers at the end of a gig?

Oh yeah, it's amazing, but I always wonder if they are just being polite. (laughs)
Have you ever played a concert where hardly anyone was there?

It's only happened a couple of times and you just get on with it. Five people who really listen are better than 500 who are not paying attention. You still give it everything you've got!

How do you cope if an audience is very noisy?

Usually audiences are great, but occasionally they are very chatty and that's a challenge because, if it's noisy, it's hard to get into the zone, and, if you're not in the zone, it's hard to transport others.

Tell us about your recent experiences playing live with Albert Niland and Freddie White?

We've been doing Monday nights for the last two months at Bewleys in Dublin and it's been amazing. We do a couple of songs together where they play and I sing. We do one of mine called 'The Train song' and we also do a Joni Mitchell number. I love playing with the guys; they're so good to me. They feel like family, same as with Luka. I feel so lucky; I don't take it for granted.

You're launching your new EP at the Galway gig?

Yeah, I called it 'Heading for the Hills' because so many of the songs are about leaving to go somewhere! There are seven songs on there and I recorded them in one day at Circus Room studios. It's a simple, stripped down EP with mainly just guitar and vocals. I'm really happy with it.

Do you like being in the studio?

Yeah, but I tend to be a bit impatient; I want results quickly and I demand a lot of myself. I suppose I'm a perfectionist. (laughs)

When will you record your first full album?

I want to wait till the time is right, when I'm sure of the sound that I really want.

What initiates the song writing process?

You might have a broken heart, or you might see something innocent and beautiful, or you might overhear a conversation on a bus. It could be anything. Once I've got something, I keep it as close as possible to how it first came out. I try not to meddle with it too much.

Is your guitar playing still improving?

My picking has certainly got better. I used to live in a really overcrowded house and I'd be worried about making too much noise, so the picking kind of developed that way.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to record an album and I want to keep on travelling. I want to make my living in music.

When did you first think about trying to make a living as a musician?

It was in Australia in 2001. We used to get together and mess about on guitars and someone said to me 'I bet you could write a song' and I was like 'No way!' But sure enough I went off and tried my best and a song that I called 'The Bondi Hotel' popped out, and people reacted well to it. At the time I was at a crossroads; I didn't know what I was going to do next.

What kind of movies do you like; would you like to write a soundtrack?

I love 'Amelie', 'Brick' and I also like 'Pan's Labyrinth'. My favourite soundtrack is 'Garden State' and I'd definitely like to try my hand at doing that myself.

What makes you happy?

I love walking by the ocean, reading and listening to music. I sing all the time too; it brings me away somewhere. It's like fairyland. (laughs)

What music inspires you?

A couple of years ago I really got into Bob Dylan and explored his stuff. He's amazing. I also love Jeff Buckley. I used to have his album on tape and I listened to it so much that my sister threatened to snap it. (laughs) I like Roesy too.

What was the last knockout gig you went to?

I saw the Blue Nile at Vicar Street. They were amazing.

What advice would you have for a young musician?

I'd say never force it too much; play when it feels right. Enjoy it and don't put too much pressure on yourself.

What's the secret to being happy?

Living in the moment. I think it's important not to think too much about the past or the future, to just be present. I suppose that sounds clichéd, but it's true!

Sabrina Dinan plays the Roisín Dubh on Monday 15 January.
For more info see www.roisindubh.net.

Benjamin Coombs
www.galwayindependent.com

Sabrina Dinan @ The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Support to Luka Bloom

Luka Bloom is one of the most talented and underappreciated singer/songwriters in music today. For almost 30 years Bloom has been playing music professionally, both as a solo artist and a member of various groups. And while this native of Newbridge in County Kildare, Ireland, has earned quite a following of dedicated fans over the years for his solo work, he has never gained the mainstream attention a man of his considerable abilities deserves. None of this mattered to the throng of fans that packed the charming confines of Vienna, VA’s The Barns at Wolf Trap for the opening show of Bloom’s first U.S. tour in years.

The evening started with an all-too-brief set from Irish newcomer Sabrina Dinan. This show marked her first American performance and she wowed the audience from the first few notes on. Dinan had a controlled and sultry voice that revealed a maturity that far exceeded her age, but she was also very likeable because she wasn’t afraid to show her own vulnerability as a solo artist standing alone on the stage. I expect to hear a lot more from this performer in the years to come...

By Greg Yost
Music Monthly - May 2006
www.musicmonthly.com

Sabrina Dinan @ Irish Cultural & Heritage Center, Milwaukee, WI
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Support to Luka Bloom

...However, few in the audience knew that there would be a second opening act. On this night, it was Sabrina Dinan, a young Irish musician who had been touring with Bloom since February. In more recent years, he has made an effort to take along younger, aspiring musicians with him on the road.

While some may have been a little put off that they had to wait longer to see Bloom, Dinan quickly won over the crowd with her captivating command of the guitar. She only added to a great evening of music, leaving the stage to a rousing applause...

By Mario Raspanti
Irish American Post - Spring 06
www.gaelicweb.com/irishampost