First live gig at Solstice as NOAH takes to stage
Young Meath rockers worked through pandemic
A group of young Meath rockers who defied Covid to record a single from their bedrooms, are finally getting the chance to play live to their fans – after a 16-month wait.
NOAH’s pandemic persistence has paid off – the Ratoath artists’ songs are now being mixed by a Grammy award-winning producer who has worked with Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and All Saints.
Rising stars Ryan Hill, Adam Rooney and Ronan Hynes recorded their second single, 'Darkest Hour', from their bedrooms over Zoom as Covid decimated the entertainment industry.
Their new single, 'Hands Up', is released today, Friday, - and the band takes to the stage for its first live gig at Solstice Arts Centre in Navan, tomorrow night - with their debut EP out in early October.
"It has been a long wait, but worth it, we devoted ourselves full time to the band just as Covid hit, so the timing could not have been worse," said lead singer and guitarist, Ryan.
"But we’re glad we stuck with it. We can’t wait to play to a live audience. The Solstice concert is to a crowd of 50 people but it may as well be 500 as we’ve waited so long for this.
"People who can not be there will be able to watch it online."
The band’s debut single, 'Shine', struck a chord with BBC star Laura Whitmore and a host of Irish celebrities, leading to comparisons to U2 and admiration from chart toppers Kodaline.
The lads now have a new weapon in their armoury – working with Grammy winner Ruadhrí Cushnan, who counts Sheeran, Mumford and Sons, Coldplay and the late George Michael among his clients.
The band’s UK-based management agency, Mother Artists, is also negotiating with promoters to stage gigs in the Far East and Australia.
Nationwide tours have been confirmed for venues in Ireland and the UK early next year, giving them the chance to showcase new single, Hands Up.
"When we wrote it, it was a bit like a spiritual awakening, surrendering to yourself, starting afresh and a new way of seeing things," said bassist Adam, 25.
"After almost a year and a half recording over Zoom in our bedrooms and having the individual parts knitted together by engineers, we can’t wait for our first live appearance."
Manager Shea McNelis said the lockdown was a blessing in some respects as it allowed the lads to hone their writing and performing skills – and to upskill on recording techniques.
Hands Up is out now on vinyl and all digital platforms.