- Music
- 01 Sep 18
One up and coming band band admitted that they "want to be bigger than U2."
First up is Pillow queens, who discuss their recent gig where they played to a packed audience at Latitude where "we felt very lucky and surprised." They also talk about a brief brush with the law and supporting Future Islands. "[Samuel T. Herring] was quite reserved, very chill and zen."
Next on the line-up is Keywest, who kicked off the set by chatting about their love for playing festivals. "Whenever we play festivals abroad we're new, so we very much look forward to playing festivals in Ireland." Good news for fans, "we'll be releasing an album much sooner than we anticipated." They then treat the crowd to the fan favourite song, 'Something beautiful' from their latest album. They hope to release a single from the LP they're currently working on before Christmas.
Gavin James opens his interview by playing 'Always.' He then reminisces about his schooldays and is shocked to learn that 'Always' had reached the top 5 in Portugal. "Mad! I didn't know that! Savage!" He confesses that the new album is "not so sad as the old one...we'll they're all kind of sad, but happy sad." He then takes requests from the audience, resulting in a mesmerising performance of 'Twenty Two.' He prefaces the song by warning: "This is 'Twenty Two,' and it's real sad."
When young, in their final festival appearance of the season, discuss their journey from a group of friends in Costello's in Limerick to the band they are today. They also talk about the inspiration for their 'Collector' video. They also express their amazement at their career highlights including performing at Shane McGowan's birthday and performing oth Nick Cave and Patty Smith. They also chat about their love of fellow Limerick natives The Crannberries, and their latest cover of their song, 'Dreams.' The band also exclusively reveal the title of their new single, 'Giving Up.'
Picture This reveal their pre-show ritual, "Eoin has to do a scream...we're not very rock and roll, we just drink water." They express grstitude at the news that their debut album, one year old, has just gone triple platinum. "Our fans are amazing, and we wouldn't be able to do what we do without them." The band also go inti details about their writing process and how they manage to release a new album despite touring all year. "We write as we go, I wrote everyday... its great to have so much control over it." They also reveal hopes for the future, admitting: "I want to be bigger than U2." Despite their big dreams, the group also admit that "we're the least rock and roll band in the world."
David Keenan donning a billowing shirt treats the audience to a new song called 'Animals.' He discusses his changing sound and his plans to make an album. "It's a real... ancient Ireland kind of sound, it's just different... there's a lot of room to breathe in the song. This is the happiest I've ever been creatively." He admits "I want there to he drama in the album." He admits that he doesnt let the growing attention surrounding him affect him, "it's going to be someone else next week... any gig could be our last gig." He ends his set by inviting his friend to join him on violin for yet another new song.
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The Unelectables are quizzed on whoch of them has had the first number one record, which unanimoudly was found to be Paul. "He's kind of the grand old man... of The Unelectables." The band perform 'Love Girl. The band discuss hoe they rediscovered their passion for playing music. "I'm not going to depend on the music industry to make a living anymore, I'm going to make art." They discuss their first musical loves and their appreciation for the punk rock movement. "I felt like I was set free by punk."
The Blizzards reveal that at tonight's Salty Dog gig they will debut a number of new songs from the upcoming album, their first LP in six years, one if which being 'Chuck it in the Fuck it Bucket.' "[The album] was done over about two months." Charming frontman Bressie also reveals details about his new studio which he runs with Mullingar native and ex-boyband member, Niall Horan. Bressie also reflects on his sportsman days. "I still love rugby, I played professionally for three years and I still don't know the rules."
HamsandwicH are the final visitors of the day and it marked the ten year anniversary of playing the festival. The band were full of good vibes, particularly for the interviewer, Peter McGoran. "I do love you, Peter." Podge McNamee confessed, "this is what happens when buckfast enters your system." Farrell discusses the other Irish acts she listens to regularly, "I love Ailbhe Reddy, I think she's fantastic" and her collaboration with Ash: "I used to have Ash pictures on my maths books and English books, so I was a total fangirl." The band also hinted at new music in the future: "We've a couple songs in the works."
A great end to a successful second day of the Hot Press Chatroom.