We’re back, snoopers and meddlers – – I, uh, mean fans! We’ve dug up more dirt and uncovered the bones of the bands that started it all for a second batch of youbloom Dublin 2015 Music Festival artists and musicians. They’ve all been incredibly gracious in sharing the deets of the awkward years (burns death threat; laughs nervously; files restraining order), and as ever, we’re super proud to show them some HEADROOM blog love. Be sure to check out your favourites at the Festival, coming up before you know it this June 12/13/14.
So, tell us about the first band you were ever in. Was it good? Cringingly bad? Is this the first one!?!?! Gahhh!! How exciting!!!
“Beware of You is the first proper band I’ve ever been in; they’re fine I guess. I let them talk to me sometimes…KIDDING! We gelled really quickly and we’re (like) a creepy little family who will send you picture postcards every Christmas. We love each other and have unreal craic, so making music comes naturally.”
– Leah, vocals, Beware of You
Gutsy, ambitious new act Beware of You have been busy this year drawing blood from the stone of pop punk and creating something earnestly elemental with their loot. Showing their colours, with influences the likes of All Time Low and Paramore, they’re ones to watch. See them on the Sweeney’s Downstairs stage on Sunday night, 14/6, at 10.30pm.
“The first band I was in was at the age of 13, when I discovered The Libertines. I listened to their second album on my bed one night through a Walkman and it sounded like NOTHING I had ever heard before. The next week I bought an electric guitar and started to seek out like-minded souls. I found a few and we actually recorded an EP in a local studio. (It was) very “Libs” inspired; all Reebok Classics and funny walks.”
– David Keenan, singer/songwriter
Yes, he really did become famous for singing in a taxi. (Don’t believe it? See for yourself here: David Keenan taxi serenade) When voices like David’s come along, well, they usually clear a path through the musical landscape that takes years to fill back in again. It’s hypnotising, mighty stuff. Don’t miss his Sweeney’s Upstairs stage set, first on on Sunday, 14/5, at 8pm.
“My first band was a street punk band: fast and raw with lots of attitude. I always thought it was really bad, but all sloppy riffs aside, people loved to come to our gigs. I recently found that someone had uploaded our tunes on YouTube. It’s amazing that (the music) is still being listened to more than 10 years later.”
– Djollie, drums, WOB!
The latest in an esteemed line of technical wizards and engrossing Irish instrumental bands, WOB!’s spin on the genre is lighter, more ebullient; all the while respecting and commanding its complex formula and precision to deliver serious whomp. WOB! deliver a lively set from the Mercantile stage on Saturday, 13/6, at 8pm.
“A few of us in school formed what you might call a band, causing considerable mirth amongst everybody else. We couldn’t really play or sing, a fact that escaped us all. Our cheerier tracks used Emily Dickinson’s poetry for lyrics.”
Jerome McCormick, The Man, Imploded View
Imploded View is a one-man electronic alchemist and connoisseur of all things catchy. From the ethereal to the downright funky, his set’ll have your hips a-shakin’ before you can say “Why yes, I WOULD love more sneaky Bucky.” His appropriately late-night set kicks off on Sweeney’s Basement stage on Friday, 12/6, at 12.30pm.
“Well, I was never in a band. I started solo and remained that way for 14 years! I do have my own band now, which is kinda cool. I love the mix of doing solo gigs and then having (a) band with me. It’s the best of both worlds.”
– Rachael McCormack, singer/songwriter/badass
The Dublin powerhouse that is Rachael McCormack wields her talent like a barely tamed wild beast, chomping at the bit to give you all of what she’s got. Every shred the entertainer, with serious guitar chops and a voice that, no, will not sit down or shut up, she’s a whirlwind. She’s first on the Busking stage on Saturday, 13/5, at 4pm.
