MULLINGAR, CO. WESTMEATH

2013 -

OVERVIEW The Academic is a young indie rock band from Co. Westmeath. The band members met each other met when they were studying at St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Rochfortbridge. Those students were Craig Fitzgerald [Vocals & Rhythm Guitar], Matt Murtagh [Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals], Dean Gavin [Drums & Backing Vocals] and Matt's younger brother, Stephen [Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals]. Craig and Matt started jamming togther. They enlisted Matt's brother on Bass Guitar. The trio were still without a drummer. Enter Dean who was an experienced drummer and the line up was complete. At this point in time, the quarter was known as Maginot - a reference to the 20th century defensive line between France & Germany. Maginot existed from about 2011 to 2013 at which time the quarted adopted The Academic as a name. Since then, the band has gone from strength, They released a limited release single, 'Bear Claws' at the end of 2013. The following year saw the band build up an impressive live CV performing at festivals such as Longitude, Hard Working Class Heroes and the Electric Picnic. One of the highlights of the year has to be the support slot to the Pixies who were playing Live At The Marquee in June of that year. The following year was a significant one for the band. In April, the band released the single 'Different'. The track was very well received and earned the lads a slot on The Late Late Show. The band continued to be busy on the festival circuit before releasing their debut EP. 'Loose Friends' appeared at the end of October and featured the earlier single, 'Different' as well as 'Northern Boy', 'Sometimes', 'Chasers' and 'Thought I Told You'. The future promises much more from this band. 2013 - Band formed - Release of 'Bear Claw' single 2014 - The Academic support the Pixies at the Live At The Marquee concert in Cork [30 June] - The Academic perform at the Longitude Festival in Marlay Park, Dublin [18 - 20 July] - The Academic perform at the Electric Picnic Feestival in Stradbally, Co. Laois [02 - 04 September] - The Academic perform at the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin [02 - 04 October] 2015 - Release of 'Different' single [24 April] - The Academic perform their single 'Different' on The Late Late Show [24 April] - The band performs a headline show at The Workman's Club [22 May] - The Academic perform at the Indiependence Festival in Mitchelstown, Co. Laois [31 July - 02 August] - The Academic perform at the Electric Picnic Festival in Stradbally, Co. Laois [04 - 06 September] - Release of 'Loose Friends' EP [30 October]