The Goo 1
Interview Words: Éle Ní Chonbhuí IRELAND MUSIC WE
EK SPECIAL THEATRE Ireland Music Week is back to take over Dublin and showcase 50 of the best new Irish acts this October 1-3. I got a chance to talk to Dara Gooney and Seán Storan of one of this year’s biggest names – Theatre. Anyone who’s seen Theatre knows how they command the stage with an onslaught of sound. Their sleek and assured performances balance mesmeric guitars (Oscar Halpin) with Maeve O’Shea’s staggering vocals. We spoke about how IMW fosters a supportive community which is crucial to the future of Irish music. After playing at Borderline and opening for Gurriers, Just Mustard, and soon DIIV in Vicar Street, you’re one of the more established bands on the lineup. What’s the appeal of IMW for you? DARA: I suppose it was always on a bucket list to be a part of Ireland Music Week, to support other bands and have bands support you. It seems like a really, really wholesome event where everyone is just looking out for each other. Obviously, it’s a great opportunity to get in front of more bookers and maybe more international bookers from America and Europe. There’s definitely a lot of benefits for any band doing it. SEÁN: We’re very grateful to be selected for two big showcases, we’re so fortunate to have the opportunities we have. We’re ready to make the most of Ireland Music Week and put on the best show that we can. DARA: I’ve actually never gotten to experience the whole Ireland Music Week thing, like the lead up of networking with other bands and professionals. It’ll be great to experience it and it’s on my birthday! The first of October. It’ll be so good just to be in a venue for a couple of hours then go to another across the river and catch a few more bands. What’s that network of Irish artists supporting each other like? Do you think it’s strong? DARA: I think it’s pretty strong. There are so many different scenes in Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork. But the beauty of the country is it’s so small, it’s kind of one big scene. Everyone knows a few bands, or they’re good friends with people in other cities. When we started there was a really beautiful thing of “we know some friends in Dublin, we’ll play a gig in Dublin then we’ll bring them to Limerick.” It’s cool to bring other bands from different counties together and share the crowd. It’s a friendship that builds from there. SEÁN: Those friendships are the beauty of it, you know, whether you’re playing the gigs or just going to see friends, you’re always meeting new people. That bond of going to see a gig or playing at a gig, it’s a