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The Greenlight Podcast

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2026 is officially the year of the "pinch me" gig experience.

Brought to you by Heineken Greenlight, The Greenlight Podcast is the ultimate weekly backstage pass to the absolute best weekends of the year. Hosted by Dara Quilty, this series brings the conversation directly to music fans, celebrating a thriving live music scene that spans from intimate city takeovers to massive festival stages.

Each week, Dara is joined by the artists who live for the stage. Listeners can expect exclusive chats, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of craic with massive international talent and the very best of the trailblazing Irish music scene. Whether tracking down the origin of an iconic track or diving into quick-fire dilemmas with the country's biggest bands, this is the definitive insider's guide to the sounds shaping the year.

Come for the sounds, stay for the stories.

New episodes drop every week on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts. For exclusive information and upcoming gig ticket updates, head over to heinekengreenlight.ie.

Strictly 18+. Enjoy Heineken responsibly.

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  • 14 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 44 min
  • English
  • August 27 · 49 min

    EP 14: Driven Snow - A Marriage Of Musical Minds

    This week on The Greenlight Podcast, Dara sits down with Emily Aylmer and Kieran McGuinness of Driven Snow. They chat meeting on the Irish gig circuit, the highs and chaos of Delorentos and Republic of Loose-era Ireland, and how Driven Snow was born in the pandemic (with a home studio, deadlines, and kids asleep upstairs). There’s also a genuinely beautiful deep-dive into the new album’s family threads — including “Dawn Chorus”, Emily’s poem, and voices from across generations woven into the final track. Driven Snow are set to will release their stunning second studio album, Mother of Christ, on September 11, Thanks to Kieran and Emily for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts, all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts. Over 18s only — drink responsibly. Get the facts at drinkaware.ie. Thanks to Cory for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • August 20 · 34 min

    EP 13: Last Apollo - London, Love Letters and Loving Queen

    This week on The Greenlight Podcast, Dara is joined by Lucy from Last Apollo, fresh back from London with a new single, Home, and a whole lot of real talk. Lucy gets into why she writes so honestly, basically turning the diary inside out, and how songs can “keep people company” when they’re going through it. From heartbreak and big feelings to why it’s still always worth it, she explains the headspace behind the record. They also chat Queen, classical training in Trinity, the Windmill scene, and the wild Sergio Maschetzko recording story. Thanks to Lucy for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts, all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts. Over 18s only — drink responsibly. Get the facts at drinkaware.ie. Thanks to Cory for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • August 13 · 53 min

    EP 12: Cory Wong - Hungry Like The Vulf

    This week on The Greenlight Podcast, Dara sits down with Cory Wong ahead of the Vulfpeck “warm-up” show at Vicar Street. Cory breaks down what it really means to be Music Director: the difference between practice and rehearsal, how you keep a huge rotating band tight but still fluid. They also get into touring chaos, documenting Fearless Flyers, imposter syndrome, and Cory’s new record Lost in the Wonder. Thanks to Cory for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts, all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts. Over 18s only — drink responsibly. Get the facts at drinkaware.ie. Thanks to Cory for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • August 6 · 34 min

    Ep 11: Kelly-Anne Byrne - Ireland's Disco Queen

    This week on The Greenlight Podcast, Dara hits the GoLoud Lounge at All Together Now for a live chat with Irish DJ and broadcaster Kelly-Anne Byrne, from her vinyl roots in Finglas to festival sets and radio stints on Phantom and TXFM. Kellyanne talks crate-digging in London and Paris, learning to read a crowd (and surviving the occasional horror gig), plus why she’ll never do a “press play” DJ set. They also get into New York, Prince obsession (and her two-hour Prince tribute at ATN), discovering new music online, and the “keep going” motto she carries from her granddad. Thanks to Kelly-Anne for coming on to the GoLoud Stage down at ATN and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • July 30 · 45 min

    Ep 10: Le Boom - Revolutionising The Rave

    This week on The Greenlight Podcast, Dara is joined by Christy and Andy from Le Boom, the Irish electronic duo (and brothers) blurring the line between gig, rave and house party — often ditching the stage completely and playing right in the middle of the crowd. They chat the Irish-language resurgence, growing up through Gaelscoil and trad bands, and how Le Boom started with a laptop in New York before evolving into the chaotic, community-driven live show it is now. Plus: the wild WhatsApp group setup (8,000 people and counting), secret pop-ups, diaspora shows in London and Australia, and what’s coming next - including a big Limelight Belfast date and a Dublin announcement on the way. Thanks to Christy And Andy for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • July 23 · 41 min

    Ep 9: Pillow Queens - Basketball, James Corden And An EXCLUSIVE Announcement!

    This week on The Greenlight Podcast, Dara sits down with Sarah from Pillow Queens for a proper chat that starts with “nipples and hips” and ends up with a 'Pink Whale'. Sarah breaks down the real story behind the band name, how Pillow Queens went from basketball in Mountjoy Square to appearing on US Late Night TV, the band name they ALMOST went for and how releasing their debut in 2020 actually opened doors in North America (Rolling Stone reviews, Phoebe Bridgers following them… the lot). They also discuss how the band handled losing a member, her love of playing in Canada and how being in the band helped Sarah celebrate her identity. Make sure to keep up to date with all things Pillow Queens by subscribing to their mailing list at pillowqueens.com. Thanks to Sarah for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • July 16 · 55 min

    Ep 8: Aimée - Karaoke, Coachella And Going Independent

    This week on The Greenlight Podcast, Dara sits down with Irish pop powerhouse Aimée to talk nerves, graft, and what it really takes to keep going in music. From being “the dancer” in school to posting YouTube covers in her bedroom (Katy Perry, anyone?) and getting her first taste of performing at a karaoke night in a Chinese restaurant in Swords, Aimee breaks down how she earned her stripes doing pub gigs, tributes, weddings and everything in between. They chat Eurosong on The Late Late, landing a Universal deal, the politics of live music in Ireland, and why going fully independent has been the most fun she’s had yet plus the story behind her latest single “Irish Goodbye,” written for her grandad in one emotional 20-minute session. And yes… there’s Green or Gone AND we get to hear what Coachella is REALLY like. Check her out @aimeemusicofficial for the updates on the album coming out in 2027. Thanks to Aimée for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • July 9 · 52 min

    Ep 7: Jamie McKeogh - From Offaly To The Opry

    On this week's episode of The Greenlight Podcast, Dara is joined by Jamie McKeogh, frontman of Irish Bluegrass sensations JigJam. Jamie tells of his incredible journey from being a physio in Dublin, to starting a covers band and ending up on the legendary Grand Ol' Opry stage five times. He's also brutally honest about the financial realities of being a musician and the sacrifices that need to be made along the way. There's also a cameo by Garth Brooks. Thanks to Jamie for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • July 2 · 49 min

    Ep 6: Theo Katzman - Going It Alone, U2 And The Face Of Jason Statham.

    Today's Greenlight guest is Theo Katzman, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and one of the founding members of the acclaimed funk collective Vulfpeck. Alongside his work with the band, Theo has built a hugely respected solo career, blending soul, folk, rock and pop across albums like Heartbreak Hits, Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe and Be the Wheel. Renowned for his thoughtful songwriting and captivating live performances, he's currently embracing a return to his singer-songwriter roots with an intimate solo tour across Europe and North America. Here we hear of his feelings about going solo, his love of U2 and getting mistaken for Jason Statham. Thanks to Theo for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • June 25 · 40 min

    Ep 5 : Aidan Cunningham & Joe Egan - Studio Wizards

    This week Dara is joined on the Greenlight Podcast by two homegrown legends of the studio game: Aidan Cunningham Aidan Cunningham is a premier Irish mixing and mastering engineer renowned for shaping the sound of modern Irish alternative and rock music. Having worked with acts as varied as The Scratch, The Clockworks and Niall Breslin, he is highly regarded for bringing a raw, powerful, and international-standard edge to independent music. Joe Egan Joe Egan is an accomplished Irish music producer and engineer recognized for his exceptional work within the local alternative and indie music scenes. Known for his collaborative approach in the studio, he has been instrumental in capturing the authentic, driving energy of Ireland’s most exciting rising bands. They join Dara for this week's Greenlight Podcast to discuss their musical journeys, how technology has changed the landscape and why working in Nashville is the same as working in Galway. Thanks to Aidan and Joe for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • June 18 · 45 min

    Ep 4: Niall Breslin - Making Meditation Musical

    It's fair to say Bressie has been there, done that and recorded the album. Following a sold-out national run last year, he andThe Polaris Quartet return this year with a renewed series of performances across Ireland. The tour follows the release of Breslin’s latest album, The Place That Has Never Been Wounded, and new book, and continues a presentation that has emerged as one of the most distinctive offerings in the contemporary Irish music landscape. He joins Dara for this week's Greenlight Podcast to discuss the multitude of musical hats he has worn over the years, the inspiration behind his beautiful new record and he is forced to choose bewteen Joe Dolan and Tom Waits. Not easy! Thanks to Niall for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • June 11 · 46 min

    Ep 3: Mark McCabe, More Than A Maniac

    Welcome back to the latest edition of The Greenlight Podcast with Dara Quilty. This week Dara is joined by the man behind Ireland's unofficial national anthem, the legend that is Mark McCabe. Here Mark talks about the legacy and enduring love for Maniac 2000 and how it continues to shape his life. They also get into a fascinating discussion of the role of the hugely influential pirate radio scene and how the iconic Pulse FM was so instrumental in breaking the biggest dance tracks as well as the best DJ talent. Thanks to Mark for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • June 4 · 35 min

    Ep 2: From Del Boy To Deftones w/Gurriers

    Gurriers are without a doubt, one of ireland's most interesting and exciting bands at the moment and with their second album, 'Nobody’s Coming To Save You, coming out on September 25, (via Play It Again Sam), lead singer Dan dropped by The Greenlight studio to chat with Dara. We get to hear about how the band have evolved since their beginning, the importance of singing in your own voice, the influence of Only Fools And Horses and a 'forgetful' evening in the company of a Deftone. Thanks to Dan for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • May 28 · 42 min

    Ep1: Making It The Old Fashioned Way w/Sprints

    Welcome to The Greenlight Podcast with Dara Quilty, a brand new weekly deep dive into the vibrant and fascinating music scene From homegrown Irish heroes to the international acts headlined on your "must-see" list, we are diving deep into the music and the artists behind the Heineken Greenlight live series and the irish music scene in general. For the first episode Dara is joined by glorious noise merchants Sprints who discuss their origins and uniquely 'old school' ethos when it comes to making headway in the music business. Karla explains the challenges of being a female in the space and how her writing has helped her confront her own issues. We also tackle to BIG QUESTION...Whelans or The Workmans! Thanks to Karla and Zac for coming in and be sure to join Dara and The Greenlight Podcast each week for the stories behind songs of some of your favourite acts all powered by Heineken Greenlight. Head to heinekengreenlight.ie for the latest ticket info and find us on the GoLoud app or wherever you get your podcasts.

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