The Felonies were the result of an inspired text message. Bassist Ryan Marcell and future bandmates saw the Arctic Monkeys in Marlay Park, in 2014 and were inspired. The Wicklow-based alternative band formed in December 2015 and wasted no time getting going. They were selected for Searchlight’s Development Deal in 2016, playing the Button Factory as their first big-stage experience having performed at local pubs just a few months beforehand. The following year, they advanced to their first festival, Electric Picnic.

“It was incredible to see so many Irish acts, there’s so much talent coming out of here right now,” says Tom Brady. More recently The Felonies took the stage of Whelan’s Ones to Watch 2018 in their stride. Their set was packed out.

“The fact that we actually got the gig shows that we are in fact making head way, we’re turning heads” notes Brady.

Channeling Led Zepplin, Arctic Monkeys and Virginia-based Car Seat Headrest, the group have a raw, energetic sound with deep bass and aggressive guitars. As each member doubles as a lyricist, this leads to a versatile setlist on-stage where they aim to get people moving, dancing, jumping around. Regarding upcoming singles, The Felonies have drawn on those youthful and ever exciting teen memories to create ‘Drinking Was So Much Fun As A Teenager’, along with the contrasting ‘Berlin Blues’ which highlights issues such as sexual assault, something the group take a strong stance on and which is becoming prevalent in the youth of today.

“But at the end of the day, we’re just a group of mates that write music together. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

Hear: The Felonies most recent single ‘Drunk (3AM)’ is available now on Soundcloud.

See: Their Facebook page for a clip of the group live at Whelans Ones to Watch 2018.