November 15th 2024.
The music industry is currently facing a serious lack of new and exciting bands. While there are certainly some out there, they seem to be struggling to make it big in a sea of 90s reunions and pop divas. However, there are a few lucky ones who have managed to establish themselves, like Kneecap and Fontaines D.C., and now, there's a new Irish group on the rise: Bricknasty.
Hailing from Ballymun, Dublin, Bricknasty has been making waves with their unique blend of jazz, R&B, and hip hop. Their newly released mixtape, 'XONGZ አስቀያሚ ጡብ', is a testament to their musical diversity and talent. Despite opening for Coldplay on tour, frontman Fatboy admits that it's still a struggle for new artists to compete with established bands.
In an interview with Metro, Fatboy coolly expresses his disappointment with the current state of modern music. He believes that many new artists are lacking in musical skill and rely too heavily on technology, resulting in a lack of genuine and meaningful music. "If the older lads want to come back and spin the block again, let them," he says. "But we should have gotten busier."
Co-founded by Fatboy and Cillian McCauley, Bricknasty first met through Soundcloud during lockdown. They began recording tracks together before recruiting Dara Abdurahman on bass, Korey Thomas on drums, and Louis Younge on saxophone and keyboard. According to producer Cillian, there is a clear difference between newer artists and those who came before them. "If newer artists were better and if new music was better, that wouldn't be an issue," he says.
While Fatboy may come off as critical, it's clear that their frustration stems from a deep love and passion for music as an art form. They believe that many modern artists are more concerned with fame and success rather than creating meaningful and authentic music. "The accessibility of creating music through technology has sparked what Bricknasty see as a little effort or thought being put into what's being shared," Cillian states.
Rather than conforming to the current trends, Bricknasty is determined to stay true to their unique vision and sound. They aim to create a distinct experience for their audiences, both live and recorded. "Just trying to make good stuff all the time is the point," Dara explains. Their visuals are designed to provoke a strong emotional response, whether it's disgust or elation.
This artistic vision may be attributed to Fatboy's upbringing in Ballymun, a tight-knit community in Dublin. He believes that this community has shaped him into the artist he is today, and he is determined to stay true to his roots despite the influence of American culture. "I'm very, very blessed and lucky that for the last few years of the flats, I got to grow up there and learn lessons about loyalty and engage in that community that's been destroyed now," he shares.
Despite the challenges they face as a new band, Bricknasty is determined to make their mark in the music industry. Their mixtape, 'XONGZ አስቀያሚ ጡብ', is out now, and they are currently on tour in the UK and Europe. So if you're looking for some genuine and soulful music that will make you feel something, be sure to check them out. As Fatboy says, "There's no fella in the back of the class trying to set the table on fire, and there needs to be."
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
