The Mandolas

Today I had the pleasure of chatting with some members of the group The Mandolas, they are a 4-piece folk/pop group based in Cork, Ireland. The band make use of a wide range of acoustic instruments (mandolin, mandola, acoustic guitar, bouzuki, banjo and viola) as well as incorporating lavish 4-part harmonies into their music. The Mandolas perform original material and combine Irish and English folk traditions with a unique blend of contemporary pop.

 The group consists of Michael Grace (Kilkenny), Colm Hayes (Cork), and brothers Paddy & Dorian Kelly (West Cork/ originally hailing from Yorkshire). Drawing inspiration from the likes of Planxty, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Fleet Foxes,


The Mandolas unique folk stylings combine a wide array of musical influences to create a fresh, warm sound. In the last year, The Mandolas have been steadily making a name for themselves nationally, and have had the privilege of playing alongside the likes of Paul Brady, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Mike Hanrahan, Duke Special & Neil Hannon.

 The Mandolas have recently released their debut EP, 'My Greatest Day' and have recently finished a tour of the country promoting the release. The EP Launch Tour saw the group play established venues such as Cyprus Avenue (Cork), De Barras (West Cork), Doyles (Dublin), McCarthys Bar (Dingle), The Brewery Lane Theatre (Carrick-on-suir), The Sky & The Ground (Wexford) The White Horse Sessions (Kenny's, Lahinch) along with many more. (Details of which can be found on www.themandolas.com.)

 The Mandolas have recently recorded a new single with Christian Best entitled "Marianne" which will be released for digital download on itunes on Friday November 9th. The band have recently embarked on an extensive 16-date Irish tour and are likely to be performing at a venue near you!

Check them out on facebook here http://www.facebook.com/themandolas
Check them out on their own website here http://www.themandolas.com/index.php

Listen in to the live interview here

Shane Supple Interviews The Mandolas 1st Nov 2012 by Shane Supple on Mixcloud