Spotlight Sounds; Episode Twenty One with Kippax

Welcome back to Spotlight Sounds, a series by Secrets Behind the Sound celebrating the vibrant world of Irish music. Dive into the blend of tradition and innovation that characterises Ireland's contemporary music scene, featuring both established and emerging artists. Explore the influences and experiences shaping Irish musicians and join us as we delve into their creative processes, stories, and journeys. Through in-depth discussions, Secrets Behind The Sound recognises the groundbreaking contributions of Irish artists to global creativity. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, Spotlight Sounds invites you to explore the captivating realm of Irish music—a journey into the stories, sounds, and enigmas that make up Ireland's music scene.

Kippax are a rising four-piece indie rock band from Dublin, consisting of Cameron (vocalist), Ewan (guitarist), Dano (bassist), and Conor (drummer). Drawing inspiration from 80s new wave and blending in elements of disco, funk, and breakbeat, their sound is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Since forming in 2023, Kippax have quickly made a name for themselves in the vibrant Irish music scene, offering a unique fusion of styles that sets them apart. With their second single, This is a House on the horizon, Kippax are a band on the rise and one to watch in 2024.

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

We're a four piece consisting of Cameron (vocals), Ewan (guitar), Dano (bass), and Conor (drums). Ewan and Dano picked up guitar together as teenagers after discovering Oasis and The Smiths and began playing together. During lockdown we recruited Cameron and Conor and formed Kippax.

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

We fall under the wide umbrella of indie rock but we have strong influences from New Wave 80s bands. We all have our own influences that allow us to diversify our sound, for example Dano incorporates lots of disco and funks stylings into his bass playing and Conor uses some breakbeat styles throughout classic drumbeats.

What are some of the challenges Irish artists face in today's music industry?

As we're sure has been mentioned before, the cost of everything is a huge barrier. Especially recording, getting a quality track recorded and released even in the age of streaming isn't easy and the goalposts of making music as a career are forever moving further away.

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?

There's an amazing scene with loads of emerging artists, specifically some of the bands coming out of cork at the moment are releasing brilliant music. Also with the likes of Fontaine's DC reaching the upper echelons of popularity, it feels like there's an international spotlight on the Irish guitar band scene at the moment.

At the moment there seems to us to be a Stylistic trend towards a darker tone in the scene which we dip our toes in occasionally with our own music.

Can you walk us through the creative process when writing and composing music?

Usually Ewan will come to the rest of the guys with a foundation of a song and then allow Cameron, Conor and Dano to add their own flare to it, though we don't operate a songwriting dictatorship and take ideas from whoever has the best one.

In your opinion, what role do live performances and venues play in the Irish music scene today?

The venues and live performances are the lifeblood of the scene and without venues taking a chance on completely new bands, Kippax would never have escaped Dano's front room.

For us the whole point of being in a band is playing live shows and those small pubs and clubs are reason we get to do what we love. Support your local venue.

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

 We feel like we're filling a niche in the scene, somewhere between the post punk / shoegaze and the indie pop. The scene is so wildly diverse and there is literally something for everyone.

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

The best advice we ever got was to take every opportunity to play live that you possible can, so we'd like to pass that on.

Also support your local scene, a rising tide lifts all boats.

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

We currently gearing up to announce our second single ‘This Is A House' it's inspired by the jangle pop 80s bands we mentioned before and will be released on the 11th of October.

Kippax are undoubtedly a band to watch in 2024. With their unique blend of indie rock, 80s new wave, and influences ranging from disco to breakbeat, they bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the Irish music scene. As they prepare for the release of their second single, This is a House, their dedication to live performances and the creative process signals exciting things ahead. Keep an eye on Kippax as they continue to carve out their niche and rise through of the ranks of the indie music world.