The Academic Announces Surprise Galway Show, Reflects on Inspirations and Early Influences
A Westmeath-based band, The Academic, is set to play a surprise intimate show tonight, December 17th, at the Róisín Dubh in Galway. The performance comes on the heels of a recent gig at the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin in October 2025, where they showcased emerging Irish talent, Byro and Dog Swim, selected through Three’s City Stages campaign.
Formed in 2013, The Academic has quickly established itself as a prominent force in the Irish music scene, releasing two albums – Tales from the Backseat and Sitting Pretty – and even sharing the stage with rock legends, the Rolling Stones, at Croke Park in 2018. The band’s commitment to fostering new talent is evident in their involvement with Three’s City Stages, a program designed to spotlight up-and-coming artists.
Beyond their musical achievements, the members of The Academic offer a glimpse into their personalities and influences. One member recounted a formative, albeit unsuccessful, experience with early fame: “Stephen’s first brush with fame was on Quizone, the Irish kids’ quiz show. He lost; we gained a band.” The band also shared a harrowing tour story, noting a near-miss incident: “We once nearly got decapitated on a Texas highway by a flying bit of metal. Peak tour hazard vibe!” Their downtime, it seems, is often spent in spirited debate. “We argue a lot about which Nicolas Cage movies are the best, it’s basically our unofficial band pastime.”
When asked to describe their music, a member of the band characterized it as confessional. “Whether it’s an upbeat tune or a more tender number, we always wear our hearts on our sleeves. Honesty is the most important element,” they explained. This dedication to authenticity is reflected in their songwriting and performance style.
Musical inspiration comes from diverse sources, with each member bringing a unique perspective. However, one influence consistently emerges: The Replacements. “Their mix of raucous energy and heartfelt lyrics is never far from my mind, whether we’re on stage or in the studio,” a band member shared, describing the band as “endlessly influential but somehow also underrated.”
Early musical experiences also shaped the band’s trajectory. One member recalled a particularly impactful first concert: “Oasis at Slane Castle. Hard to top as far as first gigs go. They also had The Prodigy and Kasabian on that day so it was a pretty formative experience.”
Personal musical tastes are equally revealing. When asked about a song they could listen to for the rest of their lives, one member chose “Love Takes Miles” by Cameron Winter, stating it has been “on repeat all year.” A favorite lyric, drawn from The Beatles’ “Across the Universe,” resonated deeply: “Limitless undying love, which shines around me like a million suns, It calls me on and on across the universe.” The band’s earliest musical explorations began with albums like Green Day’s American Idiot, which one member credited with inspiring a generation to pick up guitars. Currently, the band is enjoying “Cure For Pain” by Morphine, praising its “fantastic instrumentation, moody but soulful” qualities.
Fans can find more information about The Academic and their music on their official website or through their social media channels, @theacademic.
.
