Artist Spotlight: Big Sleep Are Wide Awake and Breaking Through
Words: Rachel Hannon
Photo: Liam McCafferty
Whatever you do, don’t sleep on Big Sleep. The Dublin-based four-piece are turning heads and tuning ears with a sound that slips between dark indie, sunlit alt-pop, and rich electronica. We’ve teamed up with Beamish to spotlight rising Irish acts worth knowing, and Big Sleep are making it impossible not to take notice.
Their latest single, ‘Pick a Cheek’, just dropeed, produced by Chris Ryan (NewDad, Just Mustard) and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Killers). The track follows a sold-out Button Factory show late last year and continues their ascent from local favourites to serious contenders on the European indie scene.
Early Days
Like many great bands, Big Sleep began in school halls and jam sessions. Frontman Rónán and drummer Matteo met during a school exchange, when Matteo came to Dublin from Italy. Add in Naiara’s shimmering guitar lines and Aidan’s soulful basslines, and you’ve got full Irish-Italian lineup bringing together elements of indie, soul, funk and even rock.
Since dropping their debut single in 2020, they’ve been slowly and steadily building a following that now stretches far beyond Dublin city limits.
A Sound You Can’t Pin Down
Trying to box Big Sleep into one genre isn’t easy. Their music flows between gritty indie rhythms and glassy alt-pop textures, underpinned by groove-driven guitar, layered production, and philosophical lyrics.
There’s a cinematic quality to it all, their tracks create an atmosphere where anything could unfold at any second. It’s dreamy and hypnotic, with a pulse.
Their influences stretch from The Cure, Big Thief, and DOPE LEMON to flavours of Talking Heads and The Strokes. Their collective dream collaboration? Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief – a nod to the deep emotional threads that run through their own work.
Songs That Stick
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.
Their Process? Organised Chaos
Big Sleep’s songwriting process is as instinctive as it is collaborative. Sometimes it starts with a riff. Sometimes a lyric. Sometimes a happy mistake. They call it “organised chaos,” and from what we can hear, it’s working.
Their music videos are part of the charm too with their vintage filters, playful edits, and flashes of serious artistry. Whether it’s the humour in ‘Easy’, the sunny grainy feel of ‘Tutti Frutt’, or the emotional weight of ‘Tattoo’, they know how to bring their songs to life visually without taking themselves to seriously.
Their new music video for ‘Pick A Cheek’ which just came out this week, strikes their perfect balance between humour and thought-provoking themes.
What’s Next For Big Sleep?
They’ve got the songs. They’ve got the buzz. And they’ve clearly got the fans. With international tours lining up, Big Sleep are getting one step closer to gaining indie-stardom.
Aside for their next headline show is in The Academy on October 24, we’re excited to see what’s next for Big Sleep. A festival headline slot? A collaboration with Adrianne Lenker? Honestly, none of it feels far-fetched anymore. Big Sleep are proof that when the mood, the music, and the passion line up, something magic happens.
Beamish are supporting and spotlighting acts over the next few months. Acts you won’t want to sleep on. Stay tuned on District socials for more information soon.
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