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First time’s a charm

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If you think Irish music is all fiddles and Riverdance, you’re sorely mistaken.

One Irish band is making waves around the UK for its interesting mix of folk, rock, blues and pop – and now it’s heading to the UAE.

The Riptide Movement is scheduled to play at McGettigan’s in Abu Dhabi on 26th March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Formed in 2006, the band features Mal Tuohy on vocals and guitar, Jay Dalton on guitar, Gerry McGarry on bass and harmonica and Gar Byrne on drums and piano.

In a time when bands use the internet to share their music with a wider audience, The Riptide Movement preferred the traditional method: playing live shows and touring.

Mal says, “We love playing in places where nobody has heard of us. To see them enjoying the music at the end of the evening is fun. That’s how we build our confidence and fan base in Ireland.”

The band self-released two albums – What About The Tip Jars? in 2009 and Keep On Keepin’ On in 2012 – before signing a record deal in 2014 with Universal Music.

Since then, the band has had a string of top 10 singles from the latest album Getting Through, including ‘All Works Out’, and has supported top artists including The Rolling Stones.

Mal has always been honest when talking about their decision to sign up with a major label.

“It’s difficult to get vast radio airplay if you’re an independent artist. Touring has helped us develop our sound and style. We had a good foundation in Ireland but also wanted to reach more listeners and play more shows,” he says.

The fans have been supportive and no one, at least as far as Mal knows, accuses the group of selling out.

“I remember receiving well wishes from a lot of people when they learned about our major label deal. The fans agreed with the band and are all onboard with our decision.”

Catch The Riptide Movement live at McGettigan’s in Al Raha Beach Hotel on 26th March. Free entry, food and drinks a la carte. 9pm. Contact: 02 652 4333 www.mcgettigans.com

Ferdinand Godinez 

 

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