Singular Artists: New Irish Promoter In Town, Backed By Kilimanjaro/DEAG

Promoters Fin O’Leary, Brian Hand and Simon Merriman announced the formation of an independent event promotions company for Ireland and Northern Ireland.

UK-based national promoter Kilimanjaro, part of DEAG’s European network of companies, is backing the venture, providing infrastructure, accounting and “other relevant synergies,” according to the announcement.

All three men used to work for iconic Irish promoter Peter Aiken, who’s company is credited with bringing some of the biggest names in music to Ireland for the first time.

O’Leary, Hand and Merriman launched Singular Artists to build “a new future and to pick up where they left off pre-Covid-19.”

The plan is to build “a strong independent promoting brand in Ireland,” that’ll also offer employment opportunities within the Irish music industry when business picks back up. 

Singular Artists will seek to continue working with existing clients whilst developing new relationships. Artists previously promoted by the trio include My Chemical Romance, Sufjan Stevens, Fontaines DC, The Gloaming, Dermot Kennedy, Picture This, Alanis Morissette, The Murder Capital, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Billy Connolly, Yungblud, Tones & I, Sylvan Esso, The Snuts, The Dubliners, Big Thief, Julia Jacklin, The Midnight, Mahalia, Perfume Genius, SOAK, Tamino, Larkin Poe, A-ha, Loyle Carner, Mark Rebillet, Orville Peck, and many more. 

The promoters, who all carry the titles of director and promoter of Singular Artists, are also experienced in putting on non-music events such as podcasts, YouTubers, comedy and spoken word. 

Speaking of the new venture, O’Leary commented, “Singular Artists is incredibly exciting for all of us – Brian, Simon and I have worked side-by-side for a number of years so it was natural that we would join forces to create something new, given the circumstances.”

 

Merriman added, “I am delighted to be part of Singular Artists, our progressive new Irish music and entertainment promotions company. Fin O’Leary, Brian Hand and I have years of experience and expertise working together as a dynamic team.

“The added strength of our international partners Kilimanjaro Live and DEAG adds a whole new level of excitement to the venture. Here’s to a bright and vibrant future!”

Hand said, “As a team, we are keen to build Singular Artists with an ethos that Fin, Simon & myself all believe in – that of putting the artist first.”

Stuart Galbraith, CEO of Kilimanjaro, said: “Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on our business across the world and yet at times like this sometimes you have to put faith in the future, invest in both people and opportunity when it comes knocking.

“When Steve Tilley and I suggested to DEAG that we back Fin, Brian and Simon it was greeted with enthusiasm and with a long-term vision. I’m delighted we’ve been able to agree a business plan with the guys and really looking forward to helping them continue to develop their careers once we emerge out of the Coronavirus crisis.”