International Racket Squad – Radio Revolution

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Q1. Where are you from?

Johnny: We’re a bit of an international melting pot… Miguel our bass funky player, and Angelo our dreadlock percussionist are Brazilian, our drummer Hubert is Polish – and Paddy and myself, who sing and play lead and rhythm guitars come from exotic climes of Dublin and Kilkenny respectively.

Q2. Musical influences?

Paddy: All the way from James Brown, The Clash to more contemporary musicians like Outkast, Daft Punk and LCD Soundsystem.

Q3. What’s your song writing process?

Paddy: We have two songwriters Johnny and myself. The seed for a song can come from many sources…I sometimes wake up with a tune in my head and he mumble the different elements into the voice recorder of my phone. Later I’ll try and reconstruct the sound with real instruments. Usually the feeling of the song will evoke a mental picture and this will be the source of the lyrics. Then Johnny adds harmonies and we hand it over to the rhythm section who give it the Racket Squad treatment and funk it up.

Johnny generally has a rough idea for a song and bash around with a guitar or keys until he finds something he likes. He’ll then make up a melody using rough lyrics and plays around with it for a week or two. I’ll add harmonies and help tighten up the lyrics if he wants me too. Then over to the rhythm section again.

Q4. Most bizarre gig experience?

Paddy: Probably that gig in the Dail bar, where time Enda Kenny smashed the whiskey bottle he was drinking, and shouted “Stick em up and I’ll fight you” after we sang “The government wants to take my money”. Brian Cowen just stood there with his pint of Guinness and looked on in bemusement…. Ok well maybe it didn’t quite happen this way :)

Q5. If you could share the stage with anyone, who would it be and why?

Johnny: A James Brown concert in 1983, in which the hardest working man in show business invited both Michael Jackson and Prince to the stage for a little jam. Micky J woos the ladies with some funky dancing, while Prince is piggybacked to the stage on the back of a gigantic body guard dressed in a leopard wrestler’s outfit! There was a whole load of fun on that stage.

 

In their own words

Even ten years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine a Dublin band with roots as diverse as International Racket Squad – a motley crew of Irish, Brazilian & Polish musicians who have a love for dance, rap, reggae, ska, rock, popular Brazilian music, funk and Afrobeat.

The accomplished Brazilian-Polish rhythm section provide an interesting foundation for the high energy performances of the two Irish frontmen on guitar and vocals. Despite the range of influences each man brings to the band, their sound and style is very distinct – though it’s hard to ignore the less subtle influences on band members of The Clash, Primal Scream, and even James Brown.

The live setting is a natural habitat for this band with music that feels tailormade to fill the dancefloor. Although their performances are upbeat and energetic, the subject matter also gives expression to deeper personal themes, and socio-political commentary.

The band have just taken up a monthly residency at one of Dublin’s best live venues – The Globe Bar on South Great George’s St, where a full house and dancing on the tables are likely occupational hazards. This band have also been regular guests at the Turks Head in Temple Bar.

To find out more check out their website and Facebook.

 

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20 Comments

  1. Eoin Doyle
    May 15, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    Love the band!! Super stuff.. good luck :)

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    May 16, 2011 at 8:27 am

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  3. John Hyland
    May 16, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I really love this band’s music, I can not stop listening to them! I would be shocked if they do not go a long way!!!! Best of luck to them in the future!!

  4. Bianca Fachel
    May 17, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Hi Guys! Good Stuff! I already vooote good luck!!!! xxxx

  5. Brenda Kane
    May 17, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    Fantastic band! Totally original – refreshing!!! I wish them all the best for the future xx

  6. Graham Ross
    May 17, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    Like the syle lads – hope you go all the way.

  7. khalid
    May 17, 2011 at 7:38 pm

    this is awesome.. though i am more into harder alternative and metal, but i am playing it since more than an hour..

  8. Camila Silva
    May 18, 2011 at 3:31 am

    Amazing songs!!! Love it!!
    Best of luck to you guys!!

    ;)
    Camila

  9. Sean Adams
    May 18, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Great Song guys, loved it. I already vote

  10. paddy
    May 18, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    you guys…….:)

    thanks for your support!

  13. Callum Lapsley
    May 19, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Onwards and upwards lads,Great work!!

  14. Roisin fallon
    May 19, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    Five stars to international racket squad! They are fab

  15. Marcus McKeown
    May 19, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    Good Luck Paddy – vote placed and 5 stars all the way ;-)

  17. New Entries | Rising Stars
    May 20, 2011 at 9:53 am

    [...] International Racket Squad – Radio Revolution (3.72 out of 5) [...]

  19. Paulo Pedro
    May 23, 2011 at 10:49 am

    É isso aí! Algo me lembrou the legendary : BACK IN THE U.S.S.R. of THE BEATLES http://youtu.be/kHD5nd3QLTg, great Paul http://youtu.be/XrtnnLor2UM but it’s a feeling and you are ok

  20. HARRI MAKI
    June 4, 2011 at 4:18 am

    You guys have something really fresh and the memory from the past isn’t wasted.Bravo!!