Irish indie band Ultras have released their new single, Who Did It. We asked lead singer Jay O'Donghue the BIG questions . . .
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Joining Jay in the band are Bernard McDonnell (drummer, guitarist), Jack Kelly (drummer and guitarist), Luke Whearity (lead guitarist), and Matthew Gaffney (bassist).
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Ultras name is inspired by those diehard football supporters you see going to every game of their team whether it be home or away, that loyalty, that passion that is what we want to embody.
Ultras isn’t just about songs, it’s about movement, growth, decline. We want to build the kind of atmosphere where people who come to the shows or follow us on Instagram feel like they are a part of the team.
On stage we wear our favourite football jerseys, we wear our favourite shades, we’re trying to blend the worlds of that terrace culture and music in aims that visual sets the tone. United, and most importantly, unmistakably Irish.
How would you describe your music?
We’re an Irish band. Rock. indie rock. Sometimes pacey but we can get groovy too though especially with our bassists love of disco. Raw songs, built to be chanted back.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Brandon Flowers, Michael Jackson, Bill Withers James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Royel Otis, Mary Wallopers, The Pogues, Daft Punk, Electric Light Orchestra, Parcels, Blondie, Marvin Gaye, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Carole King, Bee Gees, Dua Lipa, Hers, JID, Elton John, Tame Impala, Earth Wind & Fire, Mario Judah, Jet, Fred Again, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Deathtoricky, Fontaines D.C., Steve Lacy, Thundercat, Arctic Monkeys, Whatsupgav, Oasis, Bakar, Mf Doom, Harry Styles, Jay Z, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott. So, a good mix.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The Front Bottoms in the Academy in Dublin. But I’ll always remember doing a panto when I was four or five with a load of other kids - must’ve been 30 of us. We had from what I can recall five or 10 minutes on stage singing together in a show at the Olympia in Dublin and that was the first time I ever saw a sold-out crowd staring back at me. It’s ingrained in me, through excitement or fear. Not sure. Definitely surreal.
What was the first record you ever bought?
First record I ever bought was Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not by Arctic Monkeys. They were selling it in Temple Bar, upstairs in Urban Outfitters. I think I was probably 15, but I was definitely in a pair of ripped jeans.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Force of Habit by Paris Texas. They opened for Tyler, the Creator at the 3Arena in May this year. The three lads blew me away, still in my shower rotation to this day.
Favourite lyric of all time?
It’s not really a lyric but ever since the phrase "be like water" came into my life and I learned how to use it in daily life, it’s changed absolutely everything in how I perceive and act in the world around me.
Or actually you know what? the whole story of Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine by The Killers is absolutely flawless the delivery of the line "she said she loved me" is cinematic.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Who Did It by Ultras.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find us firstly on Instagram to keep up with us on the day to day. We’ve always something new to post about, gigs, tunes, videos, practices, anything we see, and you can find us on Spotify, too.
Alan Corr
