The Academic

At first glance, the small Irish town of Killucan in County Westmeath doesn't seem like the birthplace of an indie rock sensation. But this is exactly where THE ACADEMIC 's success story began. With energetic guitar riffs, anthemic choruses and an unshakeable down-to-earth attitude, Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin and brothers Matthew and Stephen Murtagh have made their way from the provinces to the big stages of the world.
The band came together when all members were still attending St. Joseph's Secondary School in Rochfortbridge. Their first EP, "Loose Friends", was released in 2015 and immediately sold out concerts - including a headline performance at Vicar Street in Dublin. With their debut album "Tales from the Backseat" in 2018 at the latest, it was clear that THE ACADEMIC hadwhat it took to be more than just local heroes. The album reached number one in the Irish charts and was nominated for the prestigious Choice Music Prize as Album of the Year a year later. Tours of Europe and the USA followed, as well as festival appearances and shows alongside the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Killers and Noel Gallagher.
However, the road to the top was not a simple sprint, but a steady climb supported by a clear vision. "We've changed, but we're still us," says bassist Stephen Murtagh. "Sitting Pretty", the band's second studio album, which was released in early 2023, impressively demonstrates this development. With influences from Talking Heads, New Order and Elvis Costello, their sound has expanded without losing its characteristic appeal. The album once again reached number one in the Irish charts and underlined the band's versatility, which is not driven by trends but follows its instincts.
Their journey has taken THE ACADEMIC from small pubs in Ireland to sold-out tours around the globe - a journey accompanied by fans whose passion knows no bounds. "The fact that our music has become part of other people's lives is incredible," says Murtagh.
THE ACADEMIC already have big plans for 2026: with an extensive tour of Europe, they will also be coming to Germany five times. Fans can look forward to concerts in March, when the band will conquer the stages in Germany with plenty of energy.