Ember
We were lucky enough to have Ember join the lineup for our most recent Noise Night 003, where they kicked off the evening with a stripped-back set.
We loved their performance so much that we knew we had to get them in for an On Record session. The Dublin-based four-piece played us two unreleased tracks, which will be coming to our Instagram soon.
We also caught up with the band to find out a little more about who they are, the music that inspires them and what’s next for Ember.
MEET THE BAND
Ember is made up of Nelly on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Daire on lead guitar, Dylan on drums and Jon on bass.
Nelly spent much of her time in college working on solo music, where she eventually crossed paths with her future bandmates. The four met whilst studying and bonded over their shared love of music. When Nelly decided to put the feelers out and see if anyone was interested in starting a band, things began to fall into place.
“It felt like the perfect balance of taking the music seriously while still having a lot of fun with it.”
Their first gig was about as good as it gets for a debut, an experience they describe as a “pretty mad introduction to everything”. They shared the stage with Dog Swim and Avenue 68, two bands we know and love who have also featured on Near The Noise.
The show sold out, and the band even found themselves upgraded to the main room in Whelan’s. However, it wasn’t until later on that they began to realise just how much potential there was in what they were building.
“I think it was really after gaining more experience playing smaller venues and eventually performing at Ones to Watch that we started to realise this could become something we could genuinely build on.”
THEIR SOUND
Ember aren’t interested in boxing themselves into one particular category when it comes to their sound. Some of their tracks lean towards folk rock, others take on a more atmospheric feel, while some bring a grungier edge to the mix.
Instead, the four-piece embrace a blend of genres and influences, allowing their sound to evolve naturally.
“I think we all bring quite different influences to the table, which means we’re always bringing different ideas into the mix.”
It’s this diversity in musical taste that makes Ember particularly interesting. Their influences range from The Velvet Underground, Mic Christopher and The Mary Janes to Sprints and Soda Blonde.
“It’s a pretty broad mix, but I think that’s what makes it exciting.”
Rather than sticking to one sound, Ember seem happy to experiment and let their different influences shape the music they make together.
THE SCENE
Ember had plenty of love to share for the artists making waves across the Irish music scene at the moment, including some familiar names we’ve had the pleasure of working with, such as Dog Swim, Avenue 68, Sell Everything and Eppie.
They also gave us a few recommendations we haven’t had the chance to catch live just yet, including Telekura, Calum Agnew, For Nina, Sceptic, Ailbhee, Peer Pleasure and The Donnys.
Ember are definitely a band we’d take music recommendations from, so we’ll be adding these names to our ever-growing list and we’d recommend you do the same!
“We could honestly be here all day naming artists, which I think just goes to show how exciting the Irish music scene is at the moment.
“It’s really exciting being part of a music scene where there’s so much creativity happening around you.”
It’s always great to hear artists championing others, and Ember’s enthusiasm for the wider scene is another reminder of just how much talent is coming through at the moment.
LIVE & UPCOMING
The four-piece have already had some big moments this year, including their first festival appearance at Electric Picnic. One of the things that stood out most to them was seeing so many unfamiliar faces in the crowd.
“It’s always lovely looking out and seeing your friends at the front of the crowd, but there’s something really special about watching complete strangers listening, dancing or connecting with music you’ve made. I think those are the moments that remind you why you’re doing it in the first place.”
Looking ahead, Ember are keen to play more shows, take to bigger stages and introduce their music to new audiences in new places. We’re delighted that Near The Noise got to be part of their journey, hosting their Belfast debut at Noise Night 003.
And in a brilliant little coincidence, Nelly actually wrote their unreleased track Living the night before the show.
“I brought it to the lads and was basically like, ‘Any chance we could play this tonight?’ and they didn’t even question it, they were immediately up for it.”
Living is the track the band are currently most excited to release. For Nelly, it’s probably the most honest song she’s written, shaped by the real-life story behind it.
“I’ve always found it quite visual when I’m performing it, almost like I’m watching the whole thing unfold again.”
She hopes listeners will be able to find their own meaning in the track, adding, “I think it’s one of those songs that people will be able to take their own meaning from and hopefully find something in it that resonates with their own experiences.”
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too much longer to hear more from Ember, as the band have confirmed that their debut release is coming soon.
OUR VERDICT
From a sold-out debut gig to Electric Picnic and now preparing to share their first release, Ember are building something exciting, and it feels like they’re only getting started.
We’re delighted to have played a small part in their journey so far, and we’re even more excited to see what comes next. With a debut release coming soon and two unreleased tracks waiting to make their way onto our On Record series, there’s plenty to look forward to.