S1 · E76
July 3 · 56 min
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Blowtorch Records Podcast
Blowtorch Records
Blowtorch Records is an independent record label based in Galway, Ireland. In this podcast we chat with bands and artists who are on the Blowtorch label and also a selection of our other favourite bands and industry figures. Each episode features music from the band or selected by the guest.
Our podcast was number 12 in the 2025 top 30 Ireland Art podcasts as selected by Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/ireland_art_podcasts
- 20 episodes
- Avg 53 min
- English
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S1 · E75June 11 · 1 hr 2 minEp 75 - Bertie Kelly from Limerick band Japanese Jesus
A mere four years after our collaboration started with Japanese Jesus' mighty 2022 single Bus Weirdo, we chat to frontman Bertie Kelly on all things JJ related; in particular their recent accidental debut album A Wall To Climb Over and its CD release. From being flown to London aged 17 to play for industry titans to knocking out two albums in a year, as well as a techno side project and being in SWEETS, we rattle through great tales of the Limerick music scene. Mighty craic and whopper music. Tracks played in this episode: Salty Over It Right Back Where I Started I'm In Bits A Wall To Climb Over CD GROUNDS on Bandcamp Supermodel Twins on Bandcamp Woodstar on Spotify
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S1 · E74May 27 · 56 minEp 74 - Jasper and Joe from Wifeswap on their debut EP Digging
Joe Brody and Jasper Ryan from Dublin alt rock four piece Wifeswap join us to discuss the writing and making of their debut EP Digging. The EP releases on May 28 on streaming platforms and a Blowtorch Records vinyl record. The band play a launch gig in Dublin's Thomas House on May 30 and an instore in Spindizzy Records on June 7. Tickets for launch gig May 30 Tickets for the free instore June 7 Buy vinyl EP here Tracks played in this podcast Bosman Ruling Calliope Pearl Bastard Crutch II Laughter
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S1 · E73May 6 · 1 hr 1 minEp 73 - Sean MacLeod on his new album That's When The Earth Becomes A Star
Sean MacLeod is a Dublin-born musician blending indie pop and alternative rock with philosophical themes. He was a former and founding member of the Dublin based band Cisco and now purveys shimmering pop tunes blended with some avant garde microtonal sounds. We discuss his new album That's When The Earth Becomes A Star and get a sneak preview of music from his already written next album Magic. Sean MacLeod on Bandcamp Sean's books on Amazon Songs played Light Up The Sun Who Unchained the Earth from the Sun Don't Let Life Pass You By
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S1 · E72April 7 · 1 hr 1 minEp 72 - Noise Factory United on their debut EP 'Visions from the frontier'
One of the charms of running a podcast is that when you love a band, you can have a chat with them. And so, in this episode we talk to Zena, Scott and Will from Portsmouth post punk four piece Noise Factory United. They have recently released their debut EP Visions from the frontier and we discuss the influences, feminist icons, gripes, politics and music which have helped to shape this wonderful record. Noise Factory United Bandcamp Noise Factory United Instagram Norm Archer on Bandcamp (Will's other band) Olympe de Gouges (Quickest blade inspo) London Hammer story
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S1 · E71March 12 · 50 minEp 71 - New York songwriter Jesse Bloodgood & his new EP 'Wishful Thinker'
Jesse Bloodgood is an independent songwriter from New York state whose authentic art is recognised for its earnest vocals and real, relatable emotional depth. We chat to him about his new EP 'Wishful Thinker' and he opens up with honesty about hard-to-talk about themes as we work though each track on the EP. This raises issues such as self-reflection, anxiety, depression, and other topics of vulnerability and aspiration for growth. As well as Jesse's music we talk about his experience of being an independent artist, self-promoting, crowdfunding his recording with Plaid Dog studio, the intriguing premise of Porchfest and the vast geographical distances involved in following music in the US. Jesse Bloodgood Bandcamp Porchfest Plaid Dog Studio
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S1 · E70January 29 · 1 hrEp 70 - Writer, musician & academic Eoin Devereux on his debut poetry collection
Eoin Devereux is a professor of cultural sociology at Limerick University and also one half of Blowtorch Records' post punk duo Dopamine Fix. Gardening Leave is his debut poetry collection featuring 48 poems which explore themes of working-class experience, social injustice, and nature through a bold, political, and often personal lens. They sometimes deliver explicitly local stories and sometimes widen out to show how those stories can intersect with global politics and contemporary social issues. He reads from the collection and gives his trenchant views on a wide range of topics from poetry itself to Morrissey, The Fall, the demise of universities, the self aggrandisement of political parties and class structures in Ireland and the UK. More details of Gardening Leave
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S1 · E69Dec 11, 2025 · 50 minEp 69 - Darklands' producer Dan Doherty
Recording in his Dublin Darklands studio, Dan Doherty is one of Ireland's most in demand producers. Before that he was in two well known Irish bands - Ghosts Estates and SICKBOY. He has recently picked up his drumsticks again to play with Galway chaos merchants Slyrydes. Many people might know him for his work on the first three Fontaines DC singles, however his list of credits is incredible, ranging from established artists such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, Hope Sandoval and Denzel Curry to raw, young talent bringing the latest rap, post punk or hip hop. P.S. if you do listen, sick boy is a lyric from The Stooges' Death Trip - no need to send a postcard!! The podcast opens with October and closes with Wake Up both by Ghosts Estates Darklands website Darklands on Instagram Ghost Estates on Spotify SICKBOY on YouTube
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S1 · E64Nov 20, 2025 · 55 minEp 68 - Galway post punk band In Athens discuss their debut EP Mirrorism
In this episode we are delighted to be joined by all four members of Galway band In Athens who recently released their debut EP Mirrorism, four tracks laced with notes of post-punk, shoegaze and fuzzy, experimental rock. We discuss all things In Athens related, who does what, how many other bands they have been in, Galway weather and whether or not drummer Mosey is a heavy hitter. Mirrorism is available on a 12" vinyl LP via Blowtorch Records Tracks played: Or Anything Days Into Days Tides Expiration Marks
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S1 · E67Oct 13, 2025 · 58 minEp 67 - Darragh Hansard from Unique Freaks
Beaming in from his Orc's Lair studio is Darragh Hansard, one half of funky psych pop duo Unique Freaks, along with his partner in space/time Beth Doyle. With a recent name change from Thee UFO and a brand new album to obsess over (Enjoyment Planted) there's plenty for us to chat about. For example, previous albums Beaming A Moments Reflection and Ponderous Fug; snails; production and mastering work for the likes of Search Results, The Daisy Chain, DUMB POSH HIPPIES and Puck; and err ... glasses. Tracks played: Junk Funk Garbage Surveyor Unconditionally Loving Pets Somebody Special (not Something Special as I said a couple of times - sorry!) Links Orc's Lair instagram Unique Freaks on Spotify Buy Enjoyment Planted on Bandcamp Contact Darragh: theeorcslair[at]gmail.com
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S1 · E66Sep 24, 2025 · 38 minEp 66 - Emily Dollery from Cork no wave band THERAPY HORSE
In this episode we are delighted to welcome Emily Dollery, bassist and lead vocalist for THERAPY HORSE. She tells us her musical story, how the band came together, how the music comes together and the story of their epic 12 hour recording session. THERAPY HORSE are a Cork/Limerick trio bringing a terrific blast of no wave/noise rock/shoegaze energy to the Irish alternative guitar scene. They are completed by Cormac Donovan O'Neill and Eoin Schuch, who are also in Pebbledash. Their debut single LET ME BE CLEAR was released in August 2025 and second single LOVE/MERCY on September 26. THERAPY HORSE on Instagram Powgirl on Spotify Mother of Pearl LP on CD Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath Live Dates Dolans Kasbah Oct 2 with Mother of Pearl Cork Kino Oct 4 with Skinner Dolans Kasbah Oct 16 with The Low Field The Grand Social Nov 20 with Slyrydes
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S1 · E65Sep 4, 2025 · 52 minEp 65 - Rafto and Eoin from Galway band Slyrydes
As Galway's thrillingly abrasive yet melodic four piece Slyrydes release their debut album 'What Happens If You Get Happy' five years after it was recorded, we chat to frontman Rafto and bassist Eoin. This is not a inquest into what went wrong, more a celebration that this brilliant album is now available for everyone to hear. A combination of Covid and personal issues scuppered the original release and they don't shy away from talking about the addiction and communication issues which hampered them. But now clean, sober and raring to go they look forward to live dates, a vinyl release and potentially new music. Highly recommended listening. Slyrydes Bandcamp Order album vinyl Slyrydes on Instagram Slyrydes live Tracks played: Mental Health Procrastination Is A Fear Of Failure Famous To Five Million Just For Show
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S1 · E64Jun 13, 2025 · 39 minEp 64 - Finn Ó Mainnín from Cork's Cardinals
Taking time out from a busy schedule as the band rehearse for the recording of their debut album, accordion maestro Finn Ó Mainnín guides us through all things Cardinals. A Cork band with heart, soul and principles. They continue to develop their unique sound on latest single 'Big Empty Heart' and look forward to a big festival Summer including supporting Fontaines DC. Then it's an Autumn tour taking in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. Flying high and unionising romance. Cardinals' Instagram All gig tickets
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Apr 3, 2025 · 1 hr 11 minEp 63 - The power of video promotion with Andy Gesner from HIP
In our latest episode we are heading over the Atlantic to chat to Andy Gesner. Andy is the founder and president of HIP video promotion based in New Jersey in the USA. His company have promoted over 4800 music videos, starting with someone called Johnny Cash and his video for Hurt. Interestingly they have turned down over twice that number which for us that marks them out as a company of integrity. Andy shares over 20 years of experience in this field and has great advice and tips on how up and coming artists can produce and promote videos which will help them carve out a career in a tough industry. As he says "if you are a music creative your visual is your most potent and powerful piece of marketing currency" You don't get a second chance to make a first impression! HIP website HIP on Instagram
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Mar 24, 2025 · 50 minEp 62 - A deep dive into the debut Pebbledash EP
Pebbledash are a six piece outfit from Cork who effortlessly and thrillingly mix shoegaze, dream pop, noise and traditional Irish music. In this episode I am joined by Cormac and Fionnbharr from the band to discuss their debut EP 'Four Portraits Of The Same Ugly House'. As we play excerpts from of each of the four tracks on the EP (the physical versions also have 2 bonus tracks), we delve into their creative process, find out what the slightly cryptic title means and why they are named after a house cladding material. The EP was recorded and produced by Aidan O'Mahoney at Kitten Lane Studios in Cork and mastered by Pete Maher. Pebbledash Instagram Pebbledash tour tickets Buy EP on vinyl
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Feb 11, 2025 · 53 minEp 61 - Revelino guitarist Bren Berry releases his debut solo album
During lockdown, ex Revelino guitarist and Vicar Street promoter Bren Berry oversaw the re-release of the band's debut album on vinyl. Their songs were written by Brendan Tallon. With the encouragement of his best mate (and also Brendan's brother) Ciarán, he has stepped up to the microphone with an album of his own songs 'IN HOPE OUR STARS ALIGN'. In this episode we play several songs from the album and chat to Bren about what inspired him to start writing songs and what fires his lyrical concerns. As he says, he views these tracks as protest songs wrapped in love letters post marked Dublin City. The 12 songs cover personal reflections on family, friendship, home, resilience, music & creativity, and address some of the social & political crises that we are living through in these troubled times. The album title comes from 'Fire Drill' and is inspired by Seamus Heaney’s 'The Cure At Troy'. Album on Spotify Buy vinyl on Bandcamp Bren Berry Instagram Tracks Played Come Alive Black Satellite Winter Song Neon Lights Fire Drill
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Dec 18, 2024 · 49 minEp 60 - Role reversal as Michael Smyth from Virgins interviews Richard from Blowtorch
To mark the announcement of the inaugural West x Sound West Blowtorch Records showcase, Michael Smyth from Old Crows Promotions and Belfast shoegaze band Virgins turned the tables and made me a guest on our own podcast. West by Sound West (WxSW) is on May 1 2025 and features 8 bands across 2 floors of Galway's Róisín Dubh. Virgins and Adore are co-headliners and joined by Nerves, Nixer, iNNUENDO, Some Remain, The Savage Hearts and Scattered Ashes. Rob Smith from Swedish Railway Orchestra finishes the night with one of his legendary DJ sets. WxSW tickets (early bird €10) It is a joint promotion between Blowtorch Records, A Modern Movement and Old Crows Promotions
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Oct 31, 2024 · 47 minEp 59 - Irish angry avant-garde punk Meryl Streek
"It's just a punk record with me shouting my head off" Meryl Streek understates his impact as his outspoken oratory, delivered over a mix of melodic electronica and punk, blasts his chosen targets - the catholic church, cover-up culprits and capitalism. His new album Songs For The Deceased hits just as hard as 2022 debut 796 and is earning him swathes of new fans as well as critical acclaim and radio play. He's on great form as we sit down before his upcoming UK tour and discuss what inspires him and makes him angry, and why he chose to perform using only a laptop, a microphone and a torch. We also discover he has never liked his voice and that 796 originally wasn't meant to have any vocals on it. Listen in for more great stories from the man behind the contact lenses as he completes his third album. You will find Meryl Streek mostly on Instagram and you can find all album and gig information via his Linktree Songs played Gambling Death Full Of Grace Counting Sheep Dogs Dear James by Burnt Out - check it out on YouTube
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Sep 16, 2024 · 54 minEp 58 - deep dive into the iNNUENDO 'on occasion' EP
Dublin art rock four piece iNNUENDO have released their debut EP 'on occasion' and to mark the erm.. occasion we are joined by frontwoman and pianist extraordinaire Nora Ronan along with drummer Daniel Dennehy who also plays piano along with several other instruments. We are not worthy! Listen in as we play the tracks and go for a deep dive into the making of the EP - their reflections, the inspirations, the bumps in the road and a great story about the string quartet which became a duo. iNNUENDO on Spotify iNNUENDO on Instagram Buy the 'on occasion' CD Keelin Sutcliffe on Instagram (artwork) Launch gig tickets Tracks played clear motion don't ask away astros blue brake faster on occasion
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Sep 5, 2024 · 36 minEp 57 - His Father's Voice debut album deep dive
Never ones to shy away from diving into deep waters, in this episode we delve into Black Poison Morning - the debut album from Limerick's His Father's Voice. They offset dark lyrics and edgy instrumentation with soaring pop melodies and epic crescendos. The band comprise singer/guitarist Ash O’Connor, lead guitarist James Reidy, and rhythm section of Laya Meabhdh Kenny on bass and Cian McGuirk on drums. Ash and James join us for the podcast in which we go through the album track by track for lyrical and musical insights and inspirations - "lyrically it's purposefully quite dark with obnoxiously dark titles" Follow the band and get latest updates on their Instagram profile and on their Bandcamp page The vinyl album is available to order in our online store Tracks played The Blues Night Terrors Through The Thorns Forgot To Feed Interior Decorator Breathless Arm's Length Emotional Embargo