IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Castlecomer — Urban Vinyl Magazine

Family, side-stepping, and high kicks are just a few of the numerous elements that make up the essence of a Castlecomer show. Castlecomer, originally from Sydney, Australia and currently based in Los Angeles, California, showcases the talents and charisma of cousins Bede Kennedy (vocals, guitar, shaker), Tommy Kennedy (lead guitar, vocals), Pat Kennedy (drums, vocals), and Joe Kennedy (bass, vocals), along with close friend Joe Neely (keys, synth, vocals). Their EP, All of the Noise, features “Fire Alarm”, which has garnered more than 6,000,000 plays on Spotify. Their much-anticipated debut record is set for release this upcoming fall on October 5, 2018. Not only have they been recently added to a handful of radio stations across the U.S., they have performed at multiple venues and festivals all over their home country of Australia and also the U.S., including SXSW. They have additionally shared the stage with artists such as The Score.

This summer, Castlecomer embarked on their first U.S. headline tour, and stopped at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco on July 13, 2018. Taking a pause from their busy tour schedule, they kindly posed for a few portraits minutes ahead of their set, and generously contributed some time to chat about their beginnings, their two tour necessities, and recommended a restaurant to check out in San Francisco!

(From left to right) Tommy Kennedy, Bede Kennedy, Joe Neely, Pat Kennedy, and Joe Kennedy

What’s the story behind the formation of Castlecomer?

We’ve all known each other since we were born, 4 of us being cousins living in the same neighbourhood, and Neel living just down the street from all of us. We all played and loved music, and then we decided we should have a crack at playing songs together.

What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?

Violins. Thanks mum.

You released a single, “All of the Noise”, on June 22. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing the track?

This one was written with a guitar in a bedroom, but from the moment we brought it to the band rehearsal room and played it together, it almost wrote itself.

Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of?

We can’t let the cat out of the bag with unreleased songs, you’ll have to wait for the album to drop in October for that! But from the ones we’ve released, would have to say “Fire Alarm”. It really took on a life of its own, and got us to SXSW and in front of the right people.

What happens before you go onstage? Is there a Castlecomer pre-show ritual?

There is no pre-show ritual apart from our “Quack, quack, quack!” chant. Ducks fly together.

While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?

Sunglasses. Seriously don’t know what we’d do without them. And a good driving playlist.

What are you currently listening to?

Gang of Youths, Tove Styrke...but literally right at this moment, “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby” by Smash Mouth. All-time classic.

What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food in San Francisco? Any places back home in Sydney?

We only really had one day there—tour life is hectic—but that would easily be the Thai restaurant where we had dinner before our show at Rickshaw Stop. It’s called Bai Thong, and it’s bloody delicious. If you're in Sydney, any chicken burger from Lashings in Drummoyne will change your life.

If there were a drink with the name “Castlecomer”, what would it consist of?

80% Milo, 20% milk.

What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?

Q: Which band member would jump in front of a train for his dogs?
A: Neel. We all love dogs, but he REALLY loves dogs.

A tremendous thank you to Castlecomer for taking the time to respond to the questions!

Stay tuned and mark your calendar for their debut record, which will be out on October 5, 2018!

In the meantime, be sure to check out their amazing sound, and follow them on Twitter (@castlecomerband) and Instagram (@castlecomer), and like them on Facebook (/castlecomer).

Check out some more shots below!