Undoubtedly one of the most exciting Irish rock bands on the scene right now, Sprints have made a big impression with their various singles and EPs released to date.

The Dublin indie-punk four-piece, who consider everyone from The Beatles to Radiohead to Sonic Youth and filmmaker David Lynch an influence, will play the We’ve Only Just Begun festival next month. They’ve already had a busy summer, recently making their Glastonbury debut and supporting big names like Liam Gallagher.

The festival, which runs from August 5th - 7th, hosts only female and female-led acts and will showcase a wealth of incredible talent, right in the heart of Dublin’s city centre in the iconic Whelan’s venue.

We caught up with the band’s frontwoman Karla Chubb to learn more about their background and their influences.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
I think as a band we all had pretty similar interests from Sonic Youth, Pixies, Talking Heads, Nirvana - the obligatory young goth and emo stage we all go through. We’ve definitely held on to some of those influences as well as expanding out to things like LCD Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, IDLES and more.

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Anxiety, anticipation and excitement.

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
Pints of Guinness and a little sit down in the smoking area. Our shows can be pretty full-on, so it can take a while for the adrenaline to wear off - which is why you’ll usually find us desperately trying to de-stress and de-sweat in the smoking area.

4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
'Fade Into You' - Mazzy Star

5. What is your pet peeve?
Talking through the really quiet/emotional parts of someone’s set maybe? Jack did it once at Clairo and I wanted to give him a little slap.

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
This is a really tough one because I love to read and watch films, so I’m just going to go with ones I’ve been loving, re-reading and watching lately:

Album: ‘Sometimes, Forever’ - Soccer Mommy
Book: ‘The Bell Jar’ - Sylvia Plath
Movie: 'Dead Poets Society'

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
One of Hollywood’s best actresses and fellow redhead Julianne Moore. Is that really vain? She’s so stunning but I think I had to go with a redhead. Greta Gerwig to direct it, because then it’ll be some arty “coming-of-age in your 20s” inspiring kind of movie and my girlfriend is obsessed with her.

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Always Chinese. Spice bags and 3-in-1s. You can’t beat the classics.

9. Describe your perfect day off.
Close friends, cold beers, BBQ and some music in a garden. Simple but perfect.

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
Nothing brings you back to life like jumping around to chaotic guitars, deep bass rattling in your bones and screaming along to your heart’s content - you’ll love it.

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Sprints play the We've Only Just Begun festival, which runs at Whelan's from August 5th - 7th 2022.