Dublin alternative band The WU have released their new single, Off My Head. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
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Off My Head was written with RobbieG from Belters Only and follows the band's recent performances at Ireland Music Week 2025 and Whelan's of Dublin.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
The three of us in The WU have been mates since we were kids, with Dan and myself meeting in play school. We became friends because we had the same name.
Ciaran is more commonly known by his nickname Shark, we’re still not 100% sure why that is.
We all once played football for the same team at Grange Woodbine FC, with Dan Kearns being our captain.
How would you describe your music?
Dan B: Vigorous and melodic guitar songs put through a 60s garage prism. We’re all about the art of writing a good song regardless of genre really.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Dan K: The three of us always talk about songwriting and the ins and outs of it, how some artists can extract so much from a song. The Replacements, Paul Weller, Pillow Queens. 60s rock and northern soul is a huge inspiration too. However, it might manifest itself in our tunes. The Kinks, Motown Records, The Monkees, Count Five, The Who; there’s a karaoke song in there from each of us for sure.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Ciaran: Bon Jovi in the RDS in 2011 with my dad. I thought they were so cool.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Dan B: It was Planet Jedward by Jedward. I bought it in Golden Discs in Donaghmede Shopping Centre with my pocket money. That album had a profound effect on me at a young age.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Dan K: Stay All Summer by Momma. My favourite songs are when I'm invited into a life for three or four minutes. With Stay All Summer, I'm not getting the full story but specific moments that can set such a scene and vibe. This song brings you in with lyrics and such a catchy structure, I can imagine everything clearly while it remains vague enough, it’s so cool.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Ciaran: "Picking it up isn't the easy part You've been bummin' around bitter heart of December blame it all on the weather" - Unfamiliar Sun by Twin Peaks. This band was a massive part of my (and our) teenage years, I think these lyrics really encapsulate the listlessness and uncertainty of life at that age. Separately, their gig in Whelan’s in 2020 was the last gig I saw before Covid and one of the best nights of my life, even if someone (not me) ended up in the Santry River (really, it wasn't me).
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dan B: Without a doubt it’s Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World. I was brought up with music and films from the 80s so I’ve always had an appreciation for that era. Aside from that, I just think the song is perfect, lyrically and musically.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find The WU anywhere music is streamed. We’ve also got some good stuff on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok (@thewuband).
Alan Corr
