Meet The Irish-Italian Indie-Grit and Alt-Pop Band Selling Out Shows in London and Dublin
Words: Rachel Hannon
Photo: Niamh Barry
Whatever you do, do NOT sleep on Big Sleep. They are the band that is on everyone’s lips lately, and for good reason. They blur the lines between dark indie, bright alt-pop, and electronica. Big Sleep delivers moody landscapes that feel cinematic, with some warm, punchy chaos thrown in for good measure. With their growing cult following and having just sold out The Button Factory last Friday, shortly after their EP release the week before, they are surely shaking up the Irish music scene.
Early Journey
The four-piece partially formed at school and through Dublin’s vibrant music scene. Lead vocalist Rónán and drummer Matteo met in school, when Matteo came to Dublin on a school exchange. Naiara and Aidan joined to complete the Irish-Italian group, beginning their blend of soul, pop, and indie. They first released their debut single in January 2020, and since then, there has been absolutely no stopping them.
The Sound of Big Sleep
When it comes to their sound, Big Sleep’s genre is a chameleon, with a parallel of gritty indie and alternative pop at their core. From Aidan’s pulsing bass lines to Naiara’s bright, clean indie-funk guitar leads, to Rónán’s honest lyrics and ghostly textured guitar layers, and Matteo’s consistent grooves, their instrumental sound is backed by all-around soulful expression.
They have different soundtracks for different days—whether it’s a warm sunny day lying out, or a midnight drive through a lit city, their music creates a strong sense of atmosphere with the feeling that anything new could unravel at any second. It’s hypnotic yet philosophical. Taking influence from the likes of The Cure, DOPE LEMON, and Big Thief, they also have a flavor of Talking Heads and The Strokes.
Big Thief is where their common musical taste lies, and their dream collab is with the lead singer Adrianne Lenker. The band also found new fandom when supporting the American band Geese last year in the Academy who in turn, became a big influence on their recent music.
Notable Tracks
- Two Cents – My two cents is that this is one of their most poignant yet energetic tracks. Solidifying their indie-pop sound, the track’s pulsating percussion anchors the ambient guitar sounds, providing the perfect backdrop for Rónán’s lead vocals and Naiara’s backing vocals.
- Easy – It does what it says; it’s easy and soulful, with a brilliant guitar hook. The video for this one is very fun, too.
- Daisy – Written about guitarist Naiara’s dog Daisy, this track is bright, airy, and memorable. With the bassline to the fore and vivid guitars and vocals on top, it’s perfect for a summer’s day—or even just to imagine one.
- Maccy D’s – Starting off with grungy, buzzy guitars and static drums, the song morphs into a gorgeous and intricate melodic chorus. It’s heartfelt, dynamic, and energetic.
Creative Process
Like their music, their creative process is unpredictable. They have described their method as “organized chaos,” which seems to be working extremely well. They embrace spontaneity, letting their emotions guide the sound rather than vice versa.
When their tracks are written, or even when they have a scaffold of a song, the group takes to their social media to perform their tracks. This gives us great insight into their creative environment and the details in the guitar conversations that happen between Naiara and Rónán.
They have said that it is usually lead singer Rónán who brings chords or the idea of a song to their rehearsal room, and they take it from there. However, in recent years, it has become a much more collaborative process. Sometimes, even if one of them makes a mistake, “it ends up growing from there.”
Their social media also depicts their gripping music videos, which are carefully thought out, eloquently executed, yet with a pinch of cheekiness and their own personalities. Music videos for ‘Tutti Frutti,’ ‘Easy,’ and ‘Two Cents’ give a warm, vintage, grainy textured feel, while more introspective tracks like ‘Tattoo’, and ‘All of the Pretty Things’ depict the power of their serious direction and the strength of enhancing their articulation through visual media. They have said , “we start off with trying to do serious things, but in the end our personalities always shine through.”
Making Waves on the Irish Scene and Beyond
Not only were they chosen as one of this year’s 2fm Rising Acts, but they have also just kicked off their UK and EU tour. Since releasing their debut EP in 2022, they are no strangers to touring around Europe. Noted previously by Ireland Music Week, The Great Escape, and Other Voices Cardigan, their latest EP Stay Put Sunshine has catapulted them even further into the Irish scene and beyond. Their support from radio, Spotify editorial lists, and international festivals is just a snapshot of what is to come. Everyone else can see how incredible they are doing; now it’s time for us to nurture this remarkable Irish act as they aim for international breakthrough.
What’s Next?
With their ever-growing fanbase and serious momentum behind them, Big Sleep is gearing up for even bigger things. After the success of their headline gig at The Button Factory last week and their sold-out Camden Assembly show during the summer, there are rumors of a bigger project on the horizon. Who knows? Maybe this time next year they will be selling out The Academy? Whatever it is, expect big things from Big Sleep in the not-so-distant future.
