Peel Your Own Spuds are the new faces on the Folk/Irish scene in the UK. The band evolved out of a large Irish community in Newport, South Wales and therefore has a strong Irish connection, 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation Irish. The band over the last year has performed throughout the UK at festivals, rugby grounds, universities and niche venues. They have gained admiration from many and have attracted a large following of very loyal supporters. There music has been aired regularly on BBC and Local Radio and the band has been featured twice on ITV television.
The original songs are delivered by a very talented set of musicians, Rosie, Dave, Sean, Mick, Keith and Tom. The instruments played in the band include accordion, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, tin whistle, bass, drums and bodhran. Their original material spans many subjects, including emigration, social problems and the “demon drink”! “The world and its woes, the crunches and strife’s, constant clock watching, the city, its life and it rains”; the chorus taken from one of the original compositions “Let it Pour”. The band continues to write and perform new original material as well as performing old favourites from the greats of the Irish music.
The original music has been best described, by the media, as “rip roaring” Irish music. It is influenced by the like of the Pogues and Dubliner’s among many. The songs can tell a story as in “Get me Out of Here” or “Fare Thee Well”, be autobiographical as in “Casey’s March” or in contrast can deal with social or economic issues of the day as in “Let it Pour”.
The effect that this genre of music has on the audience is magical. The atmosphere at a “Spuds” gig is indeed uplifting. Inhibitions are left behind; the music has this intranasal effect on many, encouraging them from the dark corners of the auditoriums to the dance floor! Brilliant craic!
The name “Peel Your Own Spuds” name was chosen for two reasons, the first being it had an original Irish feel to it which is the genre of music the band play, the second, a statement “peel your own spuds” in other words, do it yourself!