In the 2006 film “The Singer”, Gerard Depardieu plays Alain Moreau, an ageing performer who sings for one of the few remaining dance-bands in Clermont-Ferrand. Though something of an idol amongst his female audience, he has a melancholic awareness of the slow disappearance of that audience and of his advancing years.

The new single, “They come to dance”, was inspired by this film and movingly evokes a time when romance is increasingly unlikely. “They come to dance / Cos the leaves are falling / Autumn in their hearts / In other lonely arms / They no longer feel apart”. They Come To Dance is the the latest release from Weekend Special (featuring Ciarán Moran).

Weekend Special is a songwriting and production supergroup whose members have worked in studio or on stage with the likes of Nick Cave, INXS, Mary Black and Leslie Dowdall (In Tua Nua).

Weekend Special’s songwriting powerhouse is Seán Silke. With hundreds of compositions to his name, Seán’s work is recognised for its mature and imaginative lyrics, aligned with strong hooks and melodies. Through acute life observations, every Weekend Special song draws us into a unique moment in time and emotion.

The production team behind the Weekend Special sound is Beardfire Music, consisting of brothers Rohan and Al Healy, and their father David Virgin. They have a combined experience of 75 years on stage and in studio, adding up to over two thousand live shows across the globe, including appearances on Irish, French and Australian TV and The Voice UK in England, five number 1’s on the Australian indie charts, and hundreds of production and session credits and awards.

Beardfire productions have generated impressive streaming numbers through artists like RUNAH and Patricia Lalor. Their recordings have graced international radio, including numerous RTE playlists. And their artists have been signed by international labels like Motor Music, PR Records Label Group, Bonfire Records, and Atlantic Records (Warner Music Group).

Always keen to work with the cream of Ireland’s singer and songwriter talent, Weekend Special are now collaborating with celebrated Dublin artist Ciarán Moran. Ciarán brings his affecting vocals to the project , interpreting the sense of longing in Sean’s lyrics like no one else can.

In recent years, Ciarán Moran has been building a loyal fan-base throughout Ireland and beyond, gathering approval from audiences in venues such as the Olympia Theatre, Vicar Street , the Academy, Electric Picnic, and a sell out show in Whelans. Legendary Irish folk singer, Christy Moore, says of Ciarán - “He writes powerful songs, songs that deserve to be heard, about subjects that very few will write or sing about.”