A-C Artists of the Irish Music Scene
Happy Irish Month all! Yes, March is in full swing and we are ready to be painted green while waving Irish Flags for all to see! So, I have had this idea in my head for AGES and I am delighted that Emma decided to go along with my crazy idea. A-Z of Irish Music? Hmmm, what can this entail? Well, this first post is focusing on letters A-C. We posted on our socials to get some artists’ names we may have forgotten and made a master list. From this list we then wrote out each artist/band name on pieces of paper and picked five pieces of paper per letter (where we could). We will be answering a few questions per artist/act. So, sit back and enjoy reading our round up of some incredibly talented A-C Artists of the Irish Music Scene!
A
The Academic
Hailing from county Westmeath, this four man Indie Rock band is sure to unlock some fond memories from your past while listening to their music. With one album under their belt and a number of catchy singles, The Academic are growing from strength to strength. Their music can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: Yes, regular enough. You hear them on the radio, and I have their CD. *starts singing Aftertaste*
N: Yes, they are a part of my Irish Music Playlist for work and I keep my music on shuffle on my phone. So, whenever they pop up on either of them or the radio.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: You listen to one chorus and it is so easy to pick up the lyrics and the message of the song. A lot of the songs are catchy AF.
N: Regardless of the tempo of their songs, each one is extremely catchy and they draw you in!
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘Mixtape 2003’
N: ‘Bearclaws’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: Not particularly. The guys know what their sound is and it’s so unique that you can tell it’s The Academic from the get go.
N: Honestly, no. All of their songs sound like they are there’s. They’ve all got The Academic vibe to them.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: Yes, I have seen them live a few times. They are always well worth the trip.
N: Yes, several times but not as much as I would like to!
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Videoing Shannon watching The Academic and captioning it ‘Get you someone who looks at you the way Shannon looks at The Academic’. Still looking for that someone, Shannon set the bar at Olympic standard pole vault levels.
N: Christmas Rubies 2018… *does bearclaws hand movement* … enough said. I am so sorry for almost making people lose it laughing.
Would you recommend them? If yes, what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Yes. ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends’ – I think I am recommending it because it is an upbeat cheerful song when it shouldn’t be. It is happy-sad music.
N: Yes. ‘Fake I.D’ – if you are Irish regardless of your age you’ll understand. If you’re not Irish enjoy this culture trip into Irish teen life!
Aoife Scott
Aoife Scott is one of the leading names in Irish Folk Music at the moment. She started the year with releasing her anticipated second album ‘Homebird’. Also with awards such as Best Folk Act 2018 from An Post Awards. You should check out her music for yourself here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to her music regularly?
E: I have heard Aoife Scott before but I don’t listen to her regularly.
N: Yes I have. I listen to her music at least once a day.
What aspect of her music jumps out at you the most?
E: The traditional, traditional vibe of it all. It’s so traditional it’s even in Irish sometimes.
N: Yes, she is an Irish Folk artist but, her spin on this genre of music is what keeps me hooked.
What is your favourite song of hers?
E: ‘Irish Born’.
N: ‘Irish Born’.
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: ‘Ireland’s Hour of Need’ – the political one. That one got me, I wasn’t expecting it to be honest.
N: ‘Tangled’ – in a world where mental health is only beginning to show its face in recent years as being accepted in the public domain. This one got to me. I cried after hearing it for the first time.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: I haven’t seen her live. I don’t know because it is not my usual style of music. I guess I’d have to go to see her at least once to see if it was my type of music myself.
N: Yes. Only a handful of times but, hoping more opportunities come up in the future.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: I think my memory of her music is reading Niamh’s blog post about her music. It made me want to listen to it myself.
N: The judging looks from some people of miming along to the songs off of the Homebird album at the album launch and not caring what people think! I adore that album.
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Yes. I won’t recommend a specific song because it’s not a genre of music that I listen to a lot. I am recommending it because this is something Irish. To its very core, it is what being Irish is.
N: Yes. Aoife’s version of ‘Dublin Saunter’ from there you should go explore what takes your fancy when it comes to her own music.
A Great Quiet
A stellar up and coming band from County Laois. Each of their singles shows a different side of what this band is capable of! You can listen to their music here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: Yes I’ve heard of them but no I don’t listen to them regularly.
N: Yes, whenever they pop up on that Irish Music Playlist I have for work and when they appear on shuffle on my phone too.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: They kind of remind me of Owl City, I don’t know why exactly but they do. *context: Emma adores Owl City*
N: Each song can stand alone. They don’t all sound the same or try to continue on from what they had success with before.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘Open Spaces’
N: ‘Stay Close’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: Honestly, I don’t think I’ve listened to enough of their music to give a decent answer to this but to accidentally discover an Irish Owl City was a pleasant surprise.
N: ‘Paper Tigers’ the first time I heard it. I really wasn’t expecting it to sound the way it did.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: Yes at Indie if I’m remembering correctly and I have to say they were very good
N: Yes. Once, I’ve been trying to get to a second gig for like two years now but dates have never suited.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Not particularly.
N: Gushing about their music to one of the lads relatives at Indiependence 2018 not realising who they were until the end of the conversation. Some people are great at poker faces.
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Yeah. ‘Paper Tigers’ because it is the most different and if you like that one you will love the others.
N: Yes. ‘Stay Close.’ Just down to memories I have to say this one first.
Alex Gough
An up and coming rising star in 2020, Alex is carving his own path within the Alternative Indie scene. With a number of singles under his belt and also being a rapper, drummer and producer; he is an artist we will be hearing a lot more of as the year progresses. His music can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: I can’t say that I have heard of Alex Gough before now but I don’t mind having a listen.
N: Yes. Only once before when he got added to the Indiependence line up! I want to see him live before 100% making my mind up how I feel about his music.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: The bass lines and beats there in the background. I hear those. Approved.
N: His unique take on and contribution to the Irish rap scene.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘Dear SJ’
N: ‘Step to Me’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: No real surprises yet.
N: No not yet!
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: No but apparently he’ll be at Indiependence this year so I can check him out in August.
N: No I haven’t but I am planning to go see him when he plays Kilkenny in July before his set at Indiependence in August.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Not yet. Indie might change that though.
N: Not yet! But, hopefully I will make some in the coming months.
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Yeah, I actually would. I generally like his EP ‘80%’ which is unusual for me as it doesn’t really fit into any of the genres of music I like. If I was to recommend a song to listen to I’d probably chose ‘Fool.’ Dip your toe in and if you like that song you’ll probably like the rest of his songs.
N: Honestly, I’ve listened to his songs about nine times for this blog post alone. So, I would have to recommend ‘Fool’ first if you like the rap genre of Irish music. It is also his most recent single. In terms of recommending him to others I honestly think I need to see him live to fully make up my mind on his music personally.
Alex Tierney
Probably the newest rising artist on our list. Alex’s music can be described as having elements of folk, R&B With aspects of hip hop too. His debut single isn’t out yet, but his YouTube holds an acoustic cover of ‘How Far You’ve Come’. We look forward to hearing more from this artist in the coming year. His music can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: Honestly, no but everyday is a learning day.
N: Only in passing. My first time listening to his music was for this post.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: The very Niamh vibe of it all, she lives for acoustic songs.
N: Niamh stans acoustic vibey songs. So that stands out the most for Alex.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘How Far You’ve Come’
N: ‘How Far You’ve Come’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: No.
N: No, not yet anyway.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: No but I might eventually.
N: No I haven’t, but after listening to him I have added him to my list!
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Nope.
N: No, not yet!
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Not really my type of music so I’m recommending you listen to Niamh on this one.
N: If you are into slow acoustic numbers then yes! For what it is worth, I really liked what I did listen to and would urge people to go check him out. ‘How Far You’ve Come.’
Bell X1
The longest standing bandto make our list (beginning in 1999!), Bell X1 hail from Kildare. Spanning a wide variety of genres and garnering comparisons to The Talking Heads, U2 and Bowie, their ever changing style is most likely the key to their longevity and, of course, you can listen to their music, old and new, right here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E:Yes I have, I jam to a few specific tracks of theirs every now and then.
N: Yes. No I don’t.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: Lots of bopping to their beats in the background also the lead singer Paul Noonan has easily the most identifiable voice I’ve ever heard. Also who doesn’t want to be compared to “the chocolate at the end of my Cornetto” so, yeah, lyrics are a big thing too XD
N: Regardless if you know their songs or not; you bop along when you hear them.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘Velcro’ is a great tune! Love the lyrics of it.
N: Honestly, it’s an old one. ‘ Flame’ .
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: No but I really just listen to their album ‘Blue Lights on the Runway’ so I can’t say much about their other music. I should really get on to the rest of their music.
N: Nope. I don’t listen to them enough to have one I believe.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: No I have but I would love to. I think our Gig Mammy Jess (correct me if I’m wrong) goes to a lot of their gigs and they always look like great craic though.
N: I haven’t and I’d have to listen to more of their music before considering heading to a gig of there’s. They are so well established in the Irish Music Scene I don’t think I could get away with going to see them without knowing a few of their songs.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: When I was younger, I very proudly sang my own fabulously misheard lyrics to their song ‘The Great Defector’ and I have no idea how I got the words so wrong but, hey, younger me tried.
N: My aunt dancing around the kitchen to their music and hitting herself into the table.
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Without a doubt! Listen to ‘Rocky Took A Lover,’ I love that song! It includes some of my favourite lyrics ever. “If there was a God then why is my ass the perfect height for kicking?”
N: Sure! I honestly need to listen to them more myself! ‘Flame’ it’s my favourite and the one I listen to most.
The Blizzards
Another veteran band on our list who needs no introduction are The Blizzards. Honestly, I like to describe The Blizzards as The Phoenix of the Irish Music Scene! Always surprising us and, when they came back after a break, I know I speak for the two of us when I say we are delighted these guys decided to grace us with their music again. With numerous belters to their name and a range of witty lyrics, The Blizzards’ music is sure to help you have a good time! Their music can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: Indeed and I have. I listen to ‘The Last Great Algorithm’ on my phone a lot!
N: Yes!
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: I honestly don’t know I think it’s an amalgamation of a lot of different things.
N: How catchy their songs are.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: A toss up between ‘Fantasy’ (probably a very me song) and ‘Codeine Crush.’
N: ‘Trust me I’m a Doctor!’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: ‘Camera Phone’ – I cackled the first time I heard it and it’s still one of my favourites.
N: ‘Chuck It in the F*** It Bucket’ I still see my reaction playing in my head, the first time I heard it. Also does covers count? If so their cover of ‘Can’t Move On’ readers just go listen to it. I may love Bressie’s voice on a good day but, I am still not over how amazing their cover of this Wild Youth song is.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: I have and they are very worth seeing live! Go! They know how to put on a show!
N: Once and I honestly need to go see them again. Work cancelled plans to go see them last November and December.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Does the embarrassing crush I had on Bressie count? XD “Had” Who am I kidding? Also I always add “that’s not technically correct” after the line ‘I was born before the internet’ in ‘Drop Down the Anchor.’
N: Anxiety attack during their set at Indiependence 2018… Also a happier one: Chuck It in the F*** It Bucket! It’s turned into a running joke especially followed by “my love life”.
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend, what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: 100%. Go listen to ‘Trust Me I’m A Doctor’ and if you disagree come back and see me in 2 weeks.
N: I think they would have my head if I didn’t! Ah no, all joking aside go give the Blizzards a listen! They are well worth it! ‘I Need A Win’ because everyone needs this song in their life when life goes tits up!
Bitch Falcon
One of the most underrated rock bands in the world in my opinion but one band that I am incredibly proud of that is Irish! Bitch Falcon debut E.P came out in 2018 along with several catchy singles; this group really are in a league of their own. If you have the time to watch a few of their music videos too, you won’t regret it. Their music can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: I have heard of them but have never heard their music. Also, random sidenote, can I say I love this band name. YouTube binge time.
N: Yes, when they come on my mobile music playlist.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: It’s rare to hear this genre in Irish music. Irish music is diversifying! 0.o
N: The fact they are Irish in their genre of music! Like listen to them and tell me that you are not surprised!
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: I’m going to not pick a favourite for this one. I feel like I need more than just a quick run through to pick a favourite song.
N: ‘Of Heart’ I go back to that one every time!
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: Not really but will admit I loved the “What the f*ck?” at the end of the ‘Prime Number’ music video.
N: “Damp Breath” when I first heard it I was like yasss slay!!! The one I love to dance around the room to like nobody’s watching.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: No, at least I hope I’d remember listening this music before
N: Yes, once. Hopefully I will make it to more gigs in the future.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: No memories as of yet but who knows that might change.
N: Fun fact they are the first Irish rock band that I have gone to one of their gigs by myself! Anyone who knows me will know that is a big deal in itself! Also the fun conversation I had with The Nationalists reporter about their music before they came on stage.
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Oh without a doubt! Have a listen to ‘Clutch.’
N: Yes! Do it! If you are into rock music, you won’t regret it! ‘Syncope’ is the first song of theirs I ever heard of theirs so, that would be my suggestion.
Brother Vice
Another Northern band has made it’s way onto the list in the form of Brother Vice! An up and coming Indie Rock band. Still exceptionally new, this band has Niamh’s seal of approval for what it is worth. Their debut single ‘Ultraviolet’ has made its way onto Spotify but if you want to have a listen to what they have to date click here for their soundcloud. Looking forward to seeing what these guys do next
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: I haven’t heard of them before but from what I’ve heard, I will probably be listening to more
N: No I hadn’t. Cheers to Kate for this suggestion! I cannot believe I hadn’t heard of them before now.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: That gorgeous acoustic guitar that makes appearances in multiple songs and makes everything so mellow. Even their upbeat tunes have a mellow quality to them. I like mellow.
N: Their lyrics, it seems like I connected on a personal level with their music.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘Keep Going’
N: ‘Ultraviolet’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: They’re new to me so not just yet yet.
N: Not yet.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: No but I really do want to see these guys live now.
N: No, I haven’t but they have been added to the list.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Not yet. Give me time, I’ll get there eventually.
N: Nope! But, hey put myself and Kate at one of their gigs sometime in the future and I am sure we will have a fun story to tell after it!
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Definitely – Check out their single ‘Ultraviolet.’
N: Yes! Go listen to them. ‘Ultraviolet’ it’s their debut single and also the first one I heard. I really dig its vibe.
Brand New Friend
One from Northern Ireland and one of our favourites of the Northy artists. This Indie pop band is led by siblings Lauren and Taylor. Their debut album ‘Seatbelts For Aeroplanes’ came out in 2018 and more recently their E.P ‘A Cure For Living’ came out on Valentine’s Day. Add them to a rake of airplays and a recent TV appearance; Brand New Friend are on fire! This band is one you need to check out before they massively blow up. You can find their music here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: Yup. Holla at the girls from MusicBox PR for the recommendation but I don’t listen as much as I should.
N: Yes. Shoutout to MusicBox PR for introducing me to their music! Not as often as I probably should.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: No two of their songs sound the same to me, I love it.
N: Probably the music more so than the lyrics.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘Slow’
N: ‘Mediocre At Best’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: No surprises but that doesn’t mean they won’t surprise me in the future though
N: Not yet! I look forward to the day it happens guys!
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: Not Yet! But I will… that’s not a promise, it’s a guarantee.
N: Through friends live streams from gigs. Hoping to see them live soon!
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: If You Know, You Know….and I know
N: Fun memory time… “I am apart of this ship” #IfYouKnowYouKnow
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Yes definitely. Go listen to ‘Why Are You So Tired.’ Honestly, they remind me of some really great bands like The Pixies and Catfish and the Bottlemen.
N: Yes! They describe themselves as an Indie Pop band, but honestly, there is something else to their music, another layer that draws me in everytime! ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’ the title track off of their debut album.
Craig Cooney
The surprise artist of 2019 for Niamh anyway, let alone the fact that Emma also likes his music! Craig Cooney is quickly building quite a name for himself in the Irish Rap scene. With six songs out since 2018, we hope to see this artist grow bigger and bigger as the year progresses. His music can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: I have. I listen to him every now and then, it depends on my mood really.
N: Yes. Everytime he comes on the epic playlist I have for his genre of music in Ireland!
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: It’s the lyrics and the messages in the music for me.
N: His lyrics to be honest, followed by the production behind each song.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: Has to be ‘Proud’
N: ‘Home’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: ‘Cream’ just…yes!
N: ‘Cream’ just go listen to it and you’ll know why!
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: I have! I saw him opening FM104’s The Gig and he is such a genuinely likable person and was so obviously stoked to just be onstage at the Olympia.
N: Unfortunately not! I am looking forward to the day one of his gigs works out for me!
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Just texting Niamh saying that she was going to love him because I just knew she was and, hey, guess who was right? Me.
N: So, I wasn’t at FM104 The Gig because I was at Mary Black that night. One text from Emma got me to look up Craig Cooney’s music “You are going to love Craig Cooney’s music. It is very much your type of music!” I haven’t looked back since.
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Well I already did so I’d do it again. Check out ‘Proud,’ if you can’t guess it’s my favourite.
N: Yes. Start anywhere but, I am biased if you want to start with my favourite ‘Home’. You either like this genre of music or you don’t, but I am hoping more people give him a shot!
The Coronas
One of the Irish music veterans on our list, The Coronas don’t need an introduction. With 5 albums under their belt and a rake of singles, this band has carved out a section of the Irish Music scene all to themselves. For anyone new to their music, get ready to dance along like no one is watching and I hope to see you at a future gig. Their music can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: I absolutely have and I listen to them practically everyday and sometimes go on little binges of nothing but The Corona’s songs when the mood takes me. Speaking of…..
N: Yes. I wanna say at least once a day if not every second day!
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: Honestly for me, the biggest aspect of their music to me is their lyrics. The words are simple but so emotive and the fact that Danny can’t seem to shake his Irish accent while he sings always makes me smile.
N: The emotional journey through their music.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: Personally I’ve always loved “Warm” but “The Long Way” is also very special to me as well.
N: ‘Get Loose’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most? Define surprised.
E: This might not count but I was surprised there was an Irish version of ‘Heroes or Ghosts’ and, because I am awful at Irish, I still don’t know all the Irish words #FakeFan I’ll see myself out.
N: Hopefully this counts but, ‘Find the Water’ the song vs. my thoughts on the song after watching the music video.
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: I have a few times but I would love to see them more than I do.
N: Lots of time! 2019 was by far my favourite year of The Coronas gigs, it was a whirlwind with them!
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: An embarrassing memory for me (probably surprising to everyone else) was when I bawled hearing “Warm” live for the first time in Kilkenny. I’ve loved that song for years and I’ve always said it would make an appearance at my wedding come hell or high water. Of course, belting out the chorus of “Just Like That” at the top of our lungs is always fun, regardless of the funny looks we get from people.
N: It’s between two. One: Being so ill in London, sitting on the floor in the back of the venue and making friends with the really sweet bartender who brought over a glass of water to me and sat down beside me on the floor. Two: Screaming: “I’m not saying I want you back unless you say it first!” *head snaps to us every time with the look – who hurt you! * 2018 was hard, we all laugh about it now!
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: Without a shadow of a doubt. I would recommend ‘Get Loose’ or ‘Just Like That.’
N: 100x times over, yes!
Chasing Abbey
Chasing Abbey were winners of the 2018 RTE Choice Music Prize Song of the Year with their breakout single ‘That Good Thing’ providing Ireland with a unique blend of pop, hip hop and rap. Rather than resting on their laurels, the Tullamore trio took the momentum and ran with it bringing out numerous singles including ‘Choices’ and ‘Dominos’ and their debut EP The Odyssey Project. Click here to listen to their music
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: Yes and only if the mood strikes me.
N: Yes and yep at least once a day.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: I don’t know if you can define it as an aspect but what I have noticed is that there is a huge level of care and attention given to the production of songs. Maybe it’s just me but I like the level of care and attention that each song is given.
N: Lyrics maybe important but, my favourite here is the beat and what is going on behind the lyrics. Each song has you bopping in a different way.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: In case the title of one of my blog posts wasn’t enough of a hint, it’s the unreleased song “That’s How It Is Where Your From.”
N: ‘When You Met Me’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most?
E: I’ve never been hugely surprised by Chasing Abbey’s music. I find their music is all very similar but that’s just my personal opinion.
N: ‘Lately’ – this is a brand new one and trust me when I say I was stumped for words. Even Emma didn’t know how I felt about it until after the second chorus when hearing it live last December. Chasing Abbey is bringing it to a whole new level with this one! Happy to admit that I really like it!
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: More times than I care to admit.
N: Many times!
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Being, probably, the only person at the 2fm listener party who was NOT a massive fan of the lads. I was there to represent both of the people I was meant to be going with Niamh and Niamh’s cousin, Katie, and neither of them could make it but, yeah, there I was listening to their upcoming EP trying to figure out how the hell I managed to end up there, questioning my own sanity. Oh, and correctly guessing which song off the EP Niamh was going to love. The other memory I would pick would be: “I’m part of the wall.” If you know, you know.
N: Tradition! My memorable memory is made with the lads everytime I see them. It might seem silly but, ever since seeing them play a full set live for the first time, I have always recorded the same part of ‘Choices’. No idea what I’m gonna do the day ‘Choices’ is taken off the setlist. *tries not to think about it*
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: I would recommend them but out of loyalty more than anything else but, if you need a song of theirs to listen to, I would pick “I Remember.”
N: I would like to recommend them to everyone but, I know that their genre of music is not to everyone’s taste. But, these guys are 100% Niamh approved if that stands for anything! ‘Dominos’ – it’s only a guess but, it seems to be where their music is heading to next! So, work your way backwards with their catalog of music.
Cathal Flaherty
One of the most unique voices on the Irish music scene (according to Niamh). He recently was a finalist in the TodayFM competition to find Gavin James’ support artist for his 3 Arena gig. He truly is an artist to keep an eye and ear out for. His debut E.P came out in 2018 and can be found here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: No. Cathal is a new artist to me.
N: Yes. Whenever he pops up on my playlists.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: He has a kind of acoustic rock vibe to his music which I really enjoy. Reminds me a little of The Coronas. Particularly Cathal’s song “Grow” which reminds me of “Someone Else’s Hands.”
N: His voice. I can’t explain it just listen to find out why!
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: I won’t pick a favourite based on one listen but maybe ask me in a while and I might have a proper answer for you.
N: ‘All We Need’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most? Define surprised.
E: Honestly, because he’s a completely new artist to me all his songs so far are a pleasant surprise.
N: No. Everything so far sounds Cathal Flaherty at his finest!
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: No, I’ve never seen him live but I think this is another case of I need to see him live to know if he is really an artist I would genuinely enjoy.
N: No, he has been on my need to see list for 2 years now. (Cathal if you read this please come see us down the sunny South East please)
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: Afraid not.
N: No I don’t. Let’s hope a memory can be made soon involving his music.
Would you recommend him? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: I will recommend people check him out but I won’t pick a song to recommend because he’s still a very new act to me.
N: 100% yes! Cathal has such a unique voice just, you really need to hear his stuff. ‘A Thousand Miles’ It’s such an amazing song and sets a great foundation of what his music is like!
The Clockworks
A rock band hailing from Galway but are currently taking up residence in the UK. The Clockworks have truly been on fire since the release of their debut single ‘Bills and Pills’ . They are definitely making their mark on the Irish rock scene and beyond. You can listen to their music here.
Have you heard of this act before today? If so, did you listen to their music regularly?
E: This is another case of ‘heard of them but haven’t heard them.
N: Yes, not as often as I should. I have them on my music playlist on my phone.
What aspect of their music jumps out at you the most?
E: They’re lyrics are very unique and they kind of remind me of the Blur vs Oasis era of music (very much the Blur side of it) but there’s these very modern references made in the lyrics that remind you that they are very now.
N: The stories behind their lyrics.
What is your favourite song of theirs?
E: ‘Bills and Pills’
N: ‘Rumors in the Stockroom’
Have you a song of theirs that surprised you most? Define surprised.
E: Not so far. I am looking forward to hearing more though.
N: Not yet! Looking forward to the moment I am shook by their music!
Have you seen them live? If not, do you want to?
E: Not as far as I know. Niamh will know. Niamh, have I seen The Clockworks before? (The joys of a goldfish memory!)
N: Yes, one of their Galway gigs. Look forward to them coming home again and seeing them live again.
Have you any fun, embarrassing or memorable memories or stories involving their music?
E: I don’t.
N: Not yet!
Would you recommend them? If you would recommend what song do you recommend listening to first? And if not why?
E: I would. Try out ‘Can I Speak to a Manger?’
N: Yes! If you are into punk music I would 100% recommend them. As I always say, they are more a me band than Emma’s type of music because, I like to think I am secretly a princess of punk!
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