Spotlight Sounds; Episode One With Post-Party

Welcome to Spotlight Sounds, an exclusive interview series exploring the vibrant world of Irish music, featuring both established and emerging artists who define Ireland's contemporary music scene. Presented by Secrets Behind The Sound, we delve into the diverse influences, stories, and experiences that drive Irish musicians, from traditional roots to modern innovation.

Join us for an intimate look at artists' creative processes, anecdotes, and personal journeys as we celebrate their fearless boundary-pushing and contributions to global creativity. Spotlight Sounds promises to unlock the enthralling ealm of Irish musical expression- a journey into the narratives, sounds, and mysteries that share Ireland's rich musical tapestry.

And who better to kick off the series with than one of my favourite Irish acts at the minute, Post-Party. Comprising of members Keelan, Colin, Peter, and Matthew, Post-Party are known for their indie-rock tunes but, as Matty likes to tell us, Post-Party are not restricted to the one genre. Post-Party started in 2018, when a fortuitous mix-up in roll-call led to the collab of Matthew and Keelan, who incidentally share both middle and last names. Since then, the band have consistently made significant strides within the music industry. Their Debut EP, We're Not Getting Any Younger, showcases their immense talent and established them as a notable presence in music. They're a band to watch as they're sure to make a lasting impact in the music world.

Can you start by introducing the band and your musical background?

Post-Party is Keelan, Colin, Peter and Matthew (myself). We’ve been doing this for around 5 years now.

How would you define the genre that you as a ban primarily identify with, and how do you incorporate other influences into your sound?

I guess we'd be indie rock but the question of "so what sort of music do you play?" rings in my ears from a million parties and smoking areas and stuff. You do never really know what to say. I've started saying we play songs that would be in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging or something. We play music that you'd find on Tumblr in 2015

How do you see the current state of the music scene in Ireland? Are there any emerging trends or unique characteristics that stand out to you?

I think it's in a good place largely. Everyone's great ya know? There's always been a very strong sense of unity amongst subculture but I think that's particularly prevalent now given that a majority of artists feel stifled by the Government. The same punk bands will always have their mates on the bill and collectives ill exist to uplift everyone in the group.

In what ways does your music reflect your Irish identity or connect with the local culture?

We're not an overtly political band or anything, which tends to be the main focal point in music that concerns Irishness. I do think there's a lot of Irish social idiosyncrasies in our music. There's a lot of self-depreciation and irony and dry wit.

I do also think that to be Irish is to inherently be a storyteller. You do look back and see the likes of Phil Lynott and Dolores O'Riordan and Brendan Behan. We draw a lot from those sorts.

Can you walk us through the creative process when writing and composing Post-Party's music?

Ah it's very loosey goosey. There's not a strict writing process the way there used to be. We learnt a lot when we were writing our second EP. Now we just do whatever sparks joy. Maybe not even joy necessarily but whatever feels right to the self. The process consists of us being very open with each other and very vulnerable with each other and we let the overall tone of those conversations dictate what we individually put into the songs.

Could you provide an overview of the current state of the genre you as a band associate with in the Irish music scene. In your opinion, has it evolved in any way over the years?

I think being a pop leaning band in Ireland welcomes the Irish eye rolling a wee bit. I don't think the Irish deal very well with the idea of a person going beyond their station. Maybe that's me being paranoid. For a while rock music, whether it be pop leaning or not, was on the decline in Ireland but bands like Fontaines and Inhaler have got eyes on our country. Historically we've produced some of the world's greatest rock bands so you always seek to do them proud.

Diversity is an important aspect of any music scene. How do you think your band's music contributes to the diversity of the Irish music scene?

I'd like to think Post-Party serves to be the escapist's band. I feel our music washes over you like a wave of good times. As I said before, a lot of bands are very politically charged or pull influence from a noisier sort of scene but I think we're one of the few that rests our laurels on strong melody, structure and song-writing.

As an Irish band, what advice have you got for other artists trying to find their own unique voice in the music industry?

My advice is not to do it. It's a pain in the arse...

But if it's meant for you, you'll do it despite the pain in any arse and you'll be happy doing it. Be yourself without apology and do what you believe is true. I think you can apply that to anything really.

What can listeners expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming releases, collabs or projects you're excited about?

Yeah there's actually a lot. our second EP is about 60% done now and that will be out soon. There'll be new music before the end of this year and of not then, early next. We're hitting the road with True Tides in November too which will be great.

I am going to finish off by asking you, what is the most bizzare fan/show experience you've had?

I wouldn't necessarily say crazy in a bizarre sense but the weekend of our first EP coming out was a bit manic. We played Otherside Festival the day it came out which was just so lovely. We were surrounded by people that we hold in our hearts and then just got to party for the weekend. Then we had that Golden Discs signing on the Sunday and we got to see so many smiling faces. It was very emotionally heavy

As we wrap up it is clear that Post-Party, as a talented Irish band, exemplifies the rich and diverse music in Ireland. With their forthcoming second Ep and an exciting November tour alongside True Tides, they're undeniable a band to keep an eye on. Their journey is poised to make waves, and we cannot wait to see what's next for this remarkable group in the vibrant Irish music scene.

Be sure to follow the band on their socials;

Instagram: @postpartyband

Twitter: @PostPartyBand

Spotify: Post-Party