There's a wealth of homegrown talent on offer alongside the big international names
Like most other Irish festivals, All Together Now is back in 2022 after taking a Covid-enforced hiatus in 2020 and 2021.
Thankfully, organisers haven’t skimped on the line-up and there’s a host of big names joining the fray at Curraghmore Estate this August Bank Holiday weekend - including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Underworld, Groove Armada, Rufus Wainwright and more.
There are also some stellar Irish acts on the bill - so if you’re heading along, make sure you put a big circle around these names on your schedule….
Gilla Band
The Dubliners’ hypnotic blend of noise-rock, punk and indie rock is spellbinding on record - but the band formerly known as Girl Band are one of the most potent live acts you’ll see on any stage, anywhere. Dara Kiely and his bandmates have just announced their third album ‘Most Normal’, which comes out in October; you may get a sneak-peek of what’s in store at their ATN set.
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Cmat
Undoubtedly one of the biggest Irish success stories of the last few years, Ciara Mary Alice Thompson has been impressing audiences all over Europe this summer (including at Primavera Sound in Barcelona last month.) It’s easy to see why - the Dublin musician’s charismatic stage persona, coupled with her catchy-as-hell tunes, makes for a winning formula.
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Sinead O’Brien
She released one of the most striking debuts of the year so far with ‘Time Bend and Break the Bower’, but perhaps it’s because this Limerick punk-poet is now London-based that she hasn’t received the plaudits she deserves. In any case, she cuts an imposing figure live - stalking the stage and putting some drama and theatrical swagger into her performance. Definitely one to check out if you’re a fan of the likes of Patti Smith.
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Silverbacks
Possibly the most underrated band in Ireland right now, Silverbacks have released two superb albums and deserve to be much bigger than they are. In any case, the Dublin band are well worth catching for their offbeat approach to indie-rock, taking in elements of krautrock, post-punk and no-wave. In short, they’re bloody brilliant.
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Aby Coulibaly
She may be a new name to many festival-goers, but this young Dubliner has marked herself out as one to watch, thanks to her soulful, inventive r&b songs that suggest a presence and maturity far beyond her 22 years. This time next year, she may be playing a much bigger stage - so catch her while you can.