Guest Speaker Series
As part of the Irish Institute of Music & Song’s (IIMS) International Songwriting Retreat, why not join us across 4 fascinating guest speaker evening events in the intimate setting of The Square on the IIMS campus in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, to get an rare and detailed insight into the world of a professional musician.
Scroll down to see the complete list of world-class guest speakers.
Across a blend of Q&A-style conversations and lectures, the topics covered will include:
How songwriters can maintain and harness creativity over time.
The various ways artists can protect themselves within the music industry.
An insight into the life and work of a world famous touring artist.
The mental journey of an artist from writing in their bedroom to performing to adoring fans all over the world.
Universal insights into the songwriting process which transcend all styles of music.
Balancing the workload of touring, writing, recording and promoting while also allowing sufficient headspace to be creative.
Individual Tickets (1 event) - €29.50
Complete Series Ticket (All 4 events) - €85
Guest Speakers
Duke Special: Mon 24 July
Multiple Choice Music Prize & Meteor Award nominee, Meteor Award winner (Best Irish Male - 2008), Duke Special will be giving a talk entitled ‘The tug of the sleeve.’
Where do songs come from? What are the seeds of inspiration? Using examples from over 20 years of writing, recording and performing, Duke Special will speak about the creative process and his relationship with songwriting.
Paddy Casey: Tues 25 July
Multiple Hot Press Awards nominee & Meteor Award winner (Best Irish Male 2004/2005) Paddy Casey will be giving a rare public Q&A in which he will discuss his professional experiences in the music industry after the success of his album Living which is still one of the best-selling albums ever in Ireland.
Ryan Sheridan: Thur 27 July
Ryan Sheridan’s list of accolades speaks for itself. From winning Festival Internacional de Benicássim (2010) to most recently winning the Overall Grand Prize at the International Acoustic Music Awards (2023), a nomination for Irish Music Television Best Male Video, placing No.2 in the Irish Albums Chart in 2011 and No.1 in the Irish Albums Chart in 2015 as well as in the Top 10 Irish Singles Charts (2011) and No.1 in both the Ireland and Germany iTunes Singles Charts (2011/13), Ryan knows the hard work that it takes to make a live as a professional touring artist. In this rare interview-style appearance, Ryan will discuss his fascinating journey, the pitfalls of the music industry and offer his advice to those embarking on it.
Paddy McPoland: Fri 28 July
Paddy McPoland is one of Ireland’s most respected tour managers. Paddy’s tour management experience includes Snoop Dogg, Sinead O'Connor, Clannad & The Waterboys.
Paddy is joining us to discuss his experiences in the industry, his reflections on some of his tours, the changes he has witnessed first-hand in the industry, preparing for life on the road and no doubt there’ll be some fascinating stories along the way.