2FM Rising Galway

This one is incredibly long overdue all. So sit back and enjoy this blog post about my recent trip to Galway for RTÉ Rising with Laoise, Chasing Abbey and Jyellowl. 

As soon as the gig was announced in my old university town with some of my favourite acts, any excuse to visit the land of the Tribesmen was taken. Seven long years in Galway has proven that any event in any of its established venues is a night well spent and a Thursday night in November was no different. Before we get down to the gig itself, a shout out needs to be given to my secret haven up there: The Secret Garden. It is a two minute walk from The Róisín Dubh and well worth a sit in. It is a tea shop that serves some unique and incredible types of tea. Coffee is on offer also and a range of vegan, organic and scrumptious treats! My poison for the night in question was their special for the week. A Chamomile and Honey Latte made with oat milk. Trust me it is to die for and if you have a chance to call into this magical place anytime soon go for it! 

Without further ado my thoughts on the night itself. The gig was organized by RTÉ 2FM. Anyone not familiar with their Rising nights don’t worry, a description of the night can be summed up as follows: Every year some of the DJs of 2FM come together and compile a list of acts they feel are the ones to watch for the year to come. All acts are Irish and, honestly, what better way then to support your own. The RTÉ 2FM Rising gigs have been happening all over the country and this one was free to attend once you were a member of The Róisín Dubh website, which is free to sign up to.

Three incredible acts were on the bill and I honestly am going to try my very best to be unbiased. Wish me luck on this one since, for one of the acts, I think I am best described as a regular at their gigs this year (New Years Music Resolution no.1 achieved). As always Ireland is not known for being on time and my anxiety really needs a reality check when it comes to this! Doors opened 30 minutes after it was stated on the Roisín Dubh website. I can’t really complain, it was enough time for two beverages but I honestly would have spent some more time in the Secret Garden had I have known the doors had been pushed back. The Roisín Dubh is an iconic venue in its own right and be it for a gig or just a night out make sure you make a pilgrimage to this fine establishment. Many a silent disco dancing or a quiet drink huddled in a corner has been had for both of us here at Our Muchness Guide along with too many gigs to count! One complaint I do have for the entire night, and it is my only one, is the lights! It could have been just for my camera on my phone but the lights slightly drove me insane! 

Tracey Clifford is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to the tunes and thanks is needed for keeping us all bopping along in between the acts. There was always at least one head bop going on if, not a full on dance party depending on what song was booming out!

The first act up was Laoise. Laoise is a solo act hailing from County Galway so, starting the night from a Galwegian (one of their own) was a nice choice from the 2FM team. If you do not own any of Laoise music, I urge you to do so now! Like Seriously? Seriously! Laoise music includes ‘upbeat electro and synth productions’. She is an incredibly unique and talented artist; she proved this during her set that night. When it comes to Laoise’s time to shine she always brings 100%. Her energy and charismatic personality while performing entirely sucks you in. I honestly believe that when you see this artist you are either going to adore her or not entirely get her at all. There is no in between. 

Her last song of her set and most recent single “Seriously” had the entire room singing back the chorus but behind the catchy songs, the bopping dance moves and never ending charm; listen closely to her lyrics. If you stop to take in her lyrics, I feel you are truly going to appreciate her even more. A clear example of this is during what I call ‘The Controversial Song’ of Laoise set “Mad!” I personally love that song and apologies to the girls beside me for that one but my favourite part of any of Laoise’s sets is to see the audience’s reaction to that song. This is because the audience who doesn’t know her is feeling comfortable with the amazingly friendly, bubbly and upbeat artist. 

“Mad!” adds an entire different vibe to the set, a good shake up in my opinion, but you always see at least five faces in the crowd thinking “Is this the same artist?” I won’t tell you how to feel I shall let you come to your own conclusion when it comes to that song. Overall, it was a stellar performance from Laoise, being in a smaller venue than the last time I saw her at Indiependence was a real treat! The audience really seemed to get into her music and many people were either head bopping or dancing along with her! I cannot wait to hear her new song again. Looking forward to all the new music in 2020 and hopefully a lot more gig dates. RTÉ 2FM should just put her on the Rising List for 2020 because she is only going to get bigger and bigger. Keep an eye on her socials for any upcoming gig news. 

Jyellowl was the one act on the bill that when I saw the post my first reaction was “never heard of them”. Despite it being my first time seeing this act in person, he was the one who had the most impact on my memory of that night! Jyellowl is an Hip-hop, Soul, RnB, Rap & Spoken Word artist who has pulled inspiration from being born of Jamaican and Nigerian parents and raised in Ireland. This rapper is someone you really do need to see in person! 

Before their set, I was talking to a friend who was at the gig too and the one thing that was said was, “You have to have heard of Jyellowl! Do you play FIFA?” “Only when the brother forces me too. More into the RPG and fighting games.’’ “Then you do know them one of their songs is in the game!” True to my friend’s word, as soon as they began to sing it I recognized it! 

How to sum up the set? I am going to go see him again just for the energy and the interaction with everyone on and off stage, let alone his music. He made me not just think ‘Damn these guys are incredible!” but I said it out loud at least three times (mind you I was standing by myself at this point so I probably looked crazy too). They truly got the crowd going and I think it is safe to conclude a vast number of the audience were there just to see them! Jyellowl are on my list of acts to go see as soon as possible in 2020. Best new act find of 2019 for me that is how much I enjoyed their music. One thing I will say is, two songs in and I sent a text to Emma saying: 

Jyellowl are incredible. Totally my music not yours. 

So, the one downside is that I don’t think they will be for everyone but, if you are like me and a sucker for HipHop, Soul, or RnB, go stream their songs now. If you would like to see them for yourself, keep an eye on his socials for upcoming gigs.

Last but certainly not least was Chasing Abbey. As stated before, I think this year alone, when it comes to this act, I can be considered a regular. So, in a 100% blunt honesty review, this was my favourite set I have seen them do in a long time. If you are not familiar with Chasing Abbey the band consists of Bee_Fade, Ro aka Outro now? (Ro sorry man but, you did start out with that) and Teddy C all hailing from Tullamore. They are always joined on stage by DJ Poodle manning the decks (and if you make a photo/camera sign really nicely at him he’ll pose for some epic pictures). 

By the time Chasing Abbey appeared on stage the crowd size had doubled; queue Niamh moving closer to the side of the stage as when you are at a Chasing Abbey gig. My one piece of advice is: stay looking forward, don’t look behind and live in the moment! As Chasing Abbey was the most well known act of the night it is fair to say the loudest singalong went to them! In terms of crowd favourites “That Good Thing” and “Talk to Me” reign supreme but the songs off the EP ‘The Odyssey Project’ got a good response. I have started judging their performance on one song in particular “Hold On”. That night was the strongest I have heard Teddy sing the chorus in a number of gigs. Whether it was the Roisín’s sound system or Teddy being in flying form, it was a treat to hear it with all of the phone lights swaying. Another highlight was their interaction with the crowd, seeing them relaxed on stage and having fun being back performing again!

Honestly, when it comes to Chasing Abbey you really are going to either like them and not. There isn’t an in between for them. I will say go see them live, their repertoire of songs is insane and my favourites haven’t been released. Also let’s be real just go for “That’s How It Is Where You’re From. Okay? (Even Emma would agree with me on that one). Chasing Abbey play The Soundhouse, Monday December 16th and remaining tickets can be found on Ticketmaster.

Overall a great night was had. Despite some hiccups with timing, some equipment and a few randomers along the way. I cannot fault RTÉ 2FM or the Róisín Dubh. Yet another unforgettable night out! 2020… let’s try get to more of 2FM Rising nights. Anyone heading to Other Voices this weekend make sure you check out 2FM Rising stage over the entire weekend. 

Until next time this has been a slightly biased Niamh but I tried not to gush too much about some of my favourites!