Frantic Jack

Frantic Jack are one the most exciting new bands to emerge from Ireland in recent years. The band consists of Daragh Fitzgerald on vocals and guitar, Mark Kelly on guitar and vocals, Pauric Hurst on bass, James Kearney on keyboards and finally but never least Ricky Byrne on drums and vocals. With influences ranging from Matchbox20 to Dave Matthews Band, they have seamlessly molded their own unique sound and captured the attention of audiences both at home and abroad.



This week I spoke with James Kearney keyboard player with the group and I asked him how things were going with the bands release of the new album, "Last One To Leave", the highly anticipated follow up to their debut album "Independence" which will be released this week, with many radio stations having already received a copy to start the promotional push before the album goes on sale to the general public.

The response has been good so far with many radio stations playing it already. We would hope that it would do as well as our first album said James. The band’s debut album "Independence" received high praise from popular music magazine Hot Press amongst others and was tipped as one of the best Irish records of 2010. The album boasts two Top 20 singles in "Firefly" (which was also 2fm's single of the week) and "Free" as well as the bands first Top 10 single "Hold On" which charted at No.9 on first week of release.

Frantic Jack was voted "Best Band" at the Toys 4 Big Boys event held in Dublin's RDS arena. In the weeks leading up to the event the lads were short listed down from dozens of bands to a list of just 10. From there it went to public vote on which 4 bands would advance to one the year’s biggest exhibition events. The lads were then asked to perform in front of the crowds in attendance before they got nod and a prize which gives the band a session with Phil Lynott's ex producer.

To date Frantic Jack have played in some of the country’s biggest venues, and following on from performances in the Olympia Theatre, The RDS, Whelan’s and The Village their live shows have become known for being highly energetic, tight and entertaining. Along the way they have performed on the same bill as the The Saw Doctors, Ash, Delorentos, Duke Special, Imelda May, Bressie, The Undertones and many many more.

After a huge 6 week, twenty five date Irish Tour in support of their debut album "Independence" during the summer of 2010, the band look forward to another tour, to coincide with the release of their second album "Last One To Leave" For this album the lads were going for a more defined sound going back to their anthemic rock roots and will be go hand in hand with an extensive Irish and International tour. For more info on the band visit their website: www.franticjack.comwww.franticjack.com

Shane Supple interviews Frantic JAck by Shane Supple on Mixcloud