Get Out There, Music is Alive and Well!
See!
Look, I get it.
It's very easy to sit at home, blandly listening to the same old tunes that Spotify very dutifully regurgitates.
But let's broaden our horizons a little eh?
Despite what people like to moan about, there is, and always has been a ton of new music available by talented people creating beautiful things. You just have to be willing to do a little digging.
And because I know sometimes you'd just rather not, we've done the digging for you.
Here's a little selection of some truly delightful artists/bands from Dublin and further afield, that you should absolutely try to see live.
Live is always best.
It's cosy sometimes too
Search Results
Search Results, a gloriously bouncy three-piece alternative rock band, hails from Dublin. Fionn, Jack, and Adam united to form the band after moving to Dublin for college in 2019, bonding over their shared love for punk and garage rock. Drawing inspiration from the raw energy of Parquet Courts and The Velvet Underground, they spent the pandemic honing their craft and writing their first songs.
Lo-fi alt punk at its best.
Adore
Adore, the dynamic trio from Galway, are shaking up the music scene with their electrifying garage punk sound. This powerhouse lineup features Lara Minchin on guitar and vocals, Lachlann Ó Fionnáin on bass and vocals, and Naoise Jordan Cavanagh on drums.
Despite their formation in 2022, Adore has already made a notable impact, with gigs in London and a standout performance at Electric Picnic. Their live shows have been the main focus so far, but they’ve also been busy in the studio. Their debut single, "Postcards," is now available on digital platforms and 7" vinyl, showcasing their raw energy and talent. Keep an eye out for Adore—they’re taking their raucous sound to a venue near you soon!
Cruel Sister
Cruel Sister, the self-taught musician behind her own writing, producing, and mixing, made waves with her debut EP, girls my age, released in summer 2022. Garnering praise from tastemakers like District, Nialler 9, and CLASH, as well as radio support from RTE2 and Jack Saunders, she also earned playlist spots on NME New Bangers and The Forty Five, and even landed on the cover of The LOBF discovery playlist on Spotify.
Growing up in a musical family, Faith began playing guitar and songwriting at age 11. By 19, she took on producing her own music, driven by the belief that only she could bring her unique sound to life.
Cardinals
The Cardinals, an energetic Cork band known for their electrifying live performances and genre-blending sound, have been making some serious waves on the Irish music scene. Combining elements of rock, folk, and indie, the band delivers a dynamic and memorable experience that it seems, is beginning to resonate with audiences far and wide. With a reputation for their engaging stage presence and catchy, heartfelt songs, The Cardinals have quickly established themselves as a must-see act. Their infectious melodies and thoughtful lyrics reflect their deep-rooted passion for music and their commitment to crafting songs that connect with listeners. As they continue to tour and record, The Cardinals are carving out their place as a standout force in the vibrant Irish music landscape.
See!
This is but the tiniest droplet of creative currents in the deep ocean of Irish musical endeavours.
It is so vast and varied that maybe we should start doing this regularly but make each instalment genre specific? I agree, we should do that.
Glad we had this chat.
Anyway. Go get yourself tickets, buy some tunes on bandcamp and always, always get a t-shirt!
Until next time.