Brian Cunningham - Apple Music Refuses to Stop Industry-Killing Exclusives - Face Of Ireland

What happens when you throw $500,000 in a musician’s face?  Well, they usually take it.  But that doesn’t make it healthy for the music industry or music fans.

And so we had another giant bombshell over the weekend.  Chance the Rapper received $500,000 from Apple for making Coloring Book an iTunes and Apple Music exclusive.  We know that because the rapper told us that

Here’s what he revealed:

“I never felt the need to correct folks on my relationship with [Apple] but now that more people have tried to discredit my independence,” Chance the Rapper tweeted.  “I wanna clear things up.

“[Apple] gave me half a mil and a commercial to post Coloring Book exclusively on Apple Music for 2 weeks.”

“That was the extent of my deal, after 2 weeks it was on SoundCloud for free.  I needed the money and they’re all good people over there.

“I feel like if I didn’t clear it up people would keep trying to discredit all the work we did to make Coloring Book what it became.”

Apple hasn’t responded.  But you can believe what you want.  We’re gonna go with Chance the Rapper.

And $500,000?  Tidal couldn’t afford that.  Spotify is strapped to the hilt.  And Apple has billions in a savings account.  Guess who wins that one?

If you’re Chance the Rapper, you’re also a big winner, for obvious reasons. And nobody can fault an independent rapper for taking the cash (especially when he then gives one million dollars to help a failing Chicago public school system).

But there are two giant groups that aren’t winning here: music fans, and the music industry.  In fact, both are getting the serious shaft.

Music fans, because the music they want isn’t available where they want it.  So, after subscribing to a competitor like Spotify, they are effectively punished for supporting the music industry.

And the music industry, because pissed-off fans feel slighted by the system and start going back to piracy.  That could be the Pirate Bay, or maybe an increasingly-vilified YouTube downloader.  Either way, the money bleeds out of a growing streaming music infrastructure, and into a piracy channel that is absolutely, positively guaranteed not to pay royalties to anyone.

Apple, you’re being a douche.  Exclusives make you look short-sighted and selfish.  The music  industry hates them.  Music fans hate them.  In fact, everyone except Apple Music subscribers and the artist you’re paying hates them.

People aren’t going to quit Spotify to get a Chance the Rapper album.  They’d rather steal it.  Instead, use the $500,000 (or $5 million) to invest in a competitive feature, a budding artist career, or a sound fidelity enhancement.

Let users decide which services wins based on features, not industry-killing exclusives.  And watch the streaming music space grow even faster than it is right now. Read More ....

Brian Cunningham - The Irish Guinness World Records - Face of Ireland

In 2012 two cities of Ireland were registered in the Guinness World Records with less than a month apart. A sum of 1,436 people became the largest gathering of people dressed as nuns in Listowel, Co. Kerry on June 30, 2012. Meanwhile in July 13 of the same year 574 people dressed as the Hulk at the Muckno Mania Festival in Castleblayney.

·         The Dublin Irish Festival became the stage of the largest Irish dance involving  10,036 people, on August 4, 2007. Brian Cunningham says that the most 1-2-3 Irish dance steps in 30 seconds is 43 were achieved by Irishman Ben Carolan on the set of ‘Elev8’ (for RTÉ) in Dublin, Ireland, on August 3, 2012.

·         Brian Cunningham brings the Jockey AP McCoy to discussion when he talks about how the athlete holds the record for the most times a single jockey has been jump racing Champion Jockey, 19 times between 1996 and 2014.

Historical events and social affairs

Brian Cunningham points out that Ireland is not only made for dance and breaking records. Here are more facts about the beautiful country:

·         UNESCO designated Dublin as the City of Literature in July 2010. Brian Cunningham says it is one of only four in the world, with the others being Edinburgh, Iowa and Melbourne.

·         The waters in Ireland are considered a sanctuary to dolphins and whales. Brian Cunningham says that a small but growing whale-watching industry is starting to develop in the country, especially on the south-west coast.

·         According to Brian Cunningham, Ireland has many places to visit, but the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is the top visitor attraction, welcoming around 1,269,371 visitors, with the Cliffs of Moher in second place with  a sum of around 1,080,501 people and the Dublin Zoo appears in third with 1,076,876 visitors.  

·         The Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, the Skellig Michael and the Bru na Boinne are the island’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

·         The Irish flag is a historical political statement, with each color serving to identify one religion. The green colour represents Irish Catholics, the orange colour represents the Protestants, and the white colour represents the hope that the two congregations will be able to live together in peace says Brian Cunningham. The flag was designed in 1848.

·         The best preserver passage grave in Europe is the Neolithic site of Newgrange in County Meath, which dates 3200 BCE. Brian Cunningham says that the monument is the oldest solar observatory in the world, since its central room was constructed to  aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice.

·         The Hill of Uisneach, in County Westmeath, is considered as the traditional center of Ireland, the geographic one lies 20 km away from there. The location is considered the center since with its 182-metre tall hill from where you can see  22 counties and two-third of Ireland, says Brian Cunningham.

·         The best fact for Brian Cunningham is that Ireland has had its own Olympics since the Bronze Age. Named as Tailteann Games, the contests were held in honor of the deceased goddess Tailtiu, Lugh's wife. They were at first held from the 6th to the 12th century CE and its modern revival have been held since 1924. It is claimed that the origins of the Games go back to 1600 BCE.

Brian Cunningham - 59% increase cybersecurity spend in Face of Ireland

Almost three in five large businesses have increased cybersecurity spending because of the threat to their business, according to a major new global survey.

PwC’s 2017 Global State of Information Security Report, which surveyed 10,000 participants in 133 countries, found that 59% of respondents said they have increased cybersecurity spending as a result of digitization of their business ecosystem.

It found that more than two out of five large businesses were subject to so-called phishing scams, where criminals try to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details and even money.

The majority of organizations around the world -- 63% of survey respondents -- say they run IT services in the cloud. Additionally, approximately one-third of organizations were found to entrust finance and operations to cloud providers, reflecting the growing trust in cloud models.

The report found 56% of respondents currently require employees to complete privacy training, that 57% of businesses are turning to advanced authentication technologies to add an extra layer of security and improve trust among customers, and over half (57%) are using biometrics for authentication.

Organisations are beginning to update their cybersecurity safeguards, with 46% of respondents investing in a security strategy for the Internet of Things. Phishing is the most-cited vector of cybersecurity incidents this year, with 43% of large businesses reporting phishing incidents.

Pat Moran, PwC Ireland Cybersecurity Leader, said: “From my experience of working with clients in Ireland, the global survey findings are very relevant and are very well aligned. Clients are investing in security to provide them with a competitive advantage. I see more confidence from clients in leveraging from cloud based technologies to identify cyber threats.”

He said business leaders understood cybersecurity was a vital component to remain competitive.

“Organisations must make a budgetary commitment to the integration of cybersecurity with digitisation from the outset,” he added.c. Read More...

Brian Cunningham Face of Ireland | Dublin rings in New Year’s Eve with spectacular show

New Year’s Eve used to be a straightforward affair - a party somewhere, a countdown and then Auld Lang Syne.

It has not tended to mean watching a rowing boat being lifted out of the River Liffey and then being transported on a crane across to the roof of The Custom House.

Every year the New Year Festival Dublin puts on a more ambitious show. It started small with a torchlit procession through the streets of Dublin in years gone by, but nothing has surpassed the ambition of the performance staged by Fidget Feet outside the Custom House this New Year’s Eve.

Some 5,000 people queued patiently for entrance to the free event for which every ticket was snapped up well in advance. Others watched from across the River Liffey.

Spectators passed by a stall run by the Make a Wish Foundation, which offered them a chance to make a wish for the new year. 

The Custom House was turned into the biggest prop in Dublin for the event with drummers hanging precipitously from the roof.

A series of abseils and aerial dancers emerged from the River Liffey and passed over the heads of the awestruck crowd. 

The event culminated in two dancers spinning above the crowd like human Catherine Wheels.

It was an event for families especially those with young children that were too young to see in the New Year.

Jimmy Murray, his wife Antoinette and their three children along with other extended members of the family came from Cavan for the event and said it was well worth the journey.

“We’re going back to Cavan now to watch Mrs Brown’s Boys at 9.30pm,” Jimmy said. His daughter Ellen said her New Year’s ambition was simply “to make my own bed”.

Maria Corcoran and Peter Moran, as part of the Dublin Circus Project, were dressed as devils for the event with horns and a tail. What were their plans for New Year’s Eve? “Have a few drink and go back to hell,” said Peter.

Hanna Czebiolko and a friend arrived from Leeds via Poland. Dublin’s New Year’s Eve festival is attracting a large number of overseas visitors judging by the composition of the crowd.

“We feel there is so much to do and see here. There’s no time for everything,” she said.

She is going to the 3Countdown show at St Stephen’s Green South that was headlined by Walking on Cars, a band which has had a brilliant 2016 with their debut album Everything This Way becoming an international hit.

Dublin Gospel Choir and The Garda Band will host a free concert on New Year’s Day at 2pm at St Stephen’s Green. Read More...

Brian Cunningham - Journey of Christmas Country Concert - Face Of Ireland

Here comes the year with another country music show for all the country music lovers. Brian Cunningham a well-known and respected country music promoter have enough shows to entertain people this Christmas. This year marks the 11th anniversary of an evening of country music and Ireland’s leading country entertainers have featured on the show so far. Many of the entertainers found recognition on the show. Brian is well recognized for producing professional and entertaining shows including award ceremonies and charity events.

Brian Cunningham’s country shows are among the most awaited shows in Ireland that creates a different excitement among the patrons. Like previous years this year also, Christmas country concert tour is organizing shows in four different cities for the people who have great fascination and deep interest in country music. It is expected that like every year this year also a number of people will come to attend the concert. Main reason behind attending the show so enthusiastically is to watch the favorite stars performing live. Member artist in the team of Christmas Country Concert Tour are the center of attraction this year.

Artists of Christmas Country Concert Tour-

Artists that make up  a great team for this year’s concert  includes the Brian Cunningham and some of the Ireland’s leading and most well respected stars that includes the Queen of Country Music Philomena Begley, Ray Lynam, Dominic Kirwan, Louise Morrissey, Cliona Hagan, Barry Kirwan, Stacey Breen, Crystal Swing, Sarah Murphy and David Mills.

Philomena Begley is notable for albums such as Meet the queen of country music (1974), and Blanket on the ground(1975). Philomena Begley is also well known for a duet with Ray Lynam titled “ My Elusive Dreams”. Ray Laynam and Philomena were voted as the top European Duo by the British Country Music Association. They were also proved as the highly successful duet recording partnership and recording two albums together. Every artist of this concert has his/her own identity in the field of country music. Their show has often  been a night of nostalgia. The night is always a night to celebrate,relish and enjoy all the artists at their best. 

Check out your city’s number in the Que -

Christmas country concert is opening this year's shows with the beautiful town Tyrone. On Monday, 19th of December show will held in Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown Co. On this day the whole Tyrone will dance with the beats of the great artists. Here a special draw will be held for Charis Cancer Care. Brian Cunningham at this time last year helped his close friends Aimee and Brendan O Donnell raise over £27,000 for Charis Cancer Care following the death of his close friend Marie O Donnell, R.I.P. Brian was touched by the work of Charis Cancer Care when he visited the place, he was impressed by the fantastic work of the organization done for the people suffering from cancer those loved ones who have been bereaved due to cancer. 

Tickets for the show are now on sale from the hotel reception and from charts cancer care. 

On Tuesday the 20th of December, Tullamore in Co. Offaly will feel the presence of artists. Brian with his team will visit the Tullamore where they will be performing in Tullamore Court Hotel in association with radio station Midlands 103. Here Brian Cunningham will be joined by Joe Cooney who will co -host the show with him. 

Tickets for the show will be available in the  hotel reception priced Twenty five Euro.

On Wednesday the 21^st of December, all roads will lead to the Talbot Hotel in Wexford Town for a very special concert in association with South East Radio. Brian will be joined by Philomena Begley, Ray Lynam, Louise Morrissey, Dominic Kirwan, Aidan Quinn, Cliona Hagan, Barry Kirwan and local girls Stacey Breen and Sarah Murphy. Tickets are now on sale at Hotel Reception at the Talbot Hotel.

Tickets for the show will be available in the  hotel reception

Finally, on the last day of the concert on Thursday the 22nd of December, Brian Cunninghamwill return to Donegal to the blue stack centre in Drimarone. Here Brian will be joined by a host of artists including the Queen of Country Music Philomena Begley, Ray Lynam, Louise Morrissey, Dominic Kirwan, Aidan Quinn, Cliona Hagan, Barry Kirwan and David Mills.

Brian Cunningham’s Country Shows goes houseful every year. People stand in queue for hours to get the tickets. This year also, we have a great expectation from the show as it is one of the famous concerts of Ireland.

Brian Cunningham - Most Wonderful Places to Travel in Face of Ireland

Brian Cunningham was born and raised in the city of Teelin in Donegal, Ireland, a city well known as the Face of Ireland, being one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Brian is an executive producer and managing director of country shows but still has a passion for his city. At just sixteen he produced his first every charity cd and tape called Helping Me, Helping You which raised large sums of money for his nearby hospice in Donegal. Brian Cunningham also started a yearly concert called ‘An evening of country music’ which used to be held on the first Monday of September every year in Donegal, likewise The Christmas Country Concert Tour every year and now has become a must for all country music fan lovers.

Because of his passion for his city and his country, Brian Cunningham decided to choose the most beautiful places to see in Ireland. The country of Ireland is known for its unique and fascinating landscapes and smaller cities, like the one of Brian, that show the reality of how stunning and charismatic Ireland can be.

Galway

Galway is a medieval city on the western part of Ireland. With Spanish arches and an impressive Cathedral, the city is a mixture of architecture and a vibrant cultural scene with its picturesque streets, colorful portals, pubs, and shops. Was already voted one of the sexiest cities in the world. Brian Cunningham tip is to explore the mountains, near to the city, of Connemara National Park.

Inisheer, Aran Island

Aran Islands are famous for the roads without cars, being the perfect place to experience a traditional Irish village. It’s made of small farming communities that still speak Gaelic as their first language and drive pony traps. Besides the charming population, Brian Cunningham reminds that you can find historic forts teetering on cliff tops, endless sandy beaches, and miles of rugged coastline.

Kilkenny

For Brian Cunningham is the best place to see and feel the medieval times is this city colonized by the Normans. Kilkenny is in the middle of the way between Dublin and Cork and its impressive sights of the castle, standing above the bend of the River Nore, will make you breathless.

Dingle

Considered the westernmost point of Europe, the Dingle Peninsula has a rocky coastline, alternating with kilometers of beaches and is washed by the beautiful and cold Atlantic Ocean. Following Brian Cunningham advice, The Oceanworld Aquarium is a great place to visit here or you can take a walk in its mystical and colorful streets. It is the starting point for all hiking trails.

Clifden

Clifden has only around 2000 inhabitants, situated on the western end of Ireland. For Brian Cunningham you can relax in its colorful center, be amazed by the sight of Clifden Castle or go to the Connemara National Park, considered to protect one of the finest nature in the island.

Cliffs of Moher

With heights of 203m, it towers 214 meters over the Atlantic Ocean in western Ireland. Its extension o from the village of Doolin for around 8km to Hags Head in County Clare, stretching over Galway Bay, the distant Twelve Pins mountain range, and the northern Maum Turk Mountains. Brian Cunningham tip here is if you want to see various species of birds nestling in the cliff ledges, take a 10-minute walk beyond the visitor center.

Antrim Coastal Walk

Brian Cunningham adores its 33 miles of beautiful landscapes, with the start at Portstewart and finishing in Ballycastle. The most popular stop is the Giant’s Causeway with around 40,000 hexagonal stone columns made by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago.

Doolin

Doolin is famous for being the center of traditional Irish music. Brian Cunningham says you need to stop at the 150-year-old Gus O’Connor’s for a medley of sound and sensations. The town is just four miles from the Cliffs of Moher.

Valentia 

The place with the oldest remnants of vertebrate life on land in the world, dating from 385 million years ago, can be found on the Iveragh Peninsula. There are two ways of connection with the Valentia Island, in the southwest of Ireland, by a car ferry from Reenard Point or by a bridge from Portmagee. In this island, according to Brian Cunningham, you can visit the Glanleam House and its gardens with a collection of rare plants as a result of its sub-tropical climate. Or you can travel to Skellig Michael, an ancient monastic island.