CORK

2006 - 2011

OVERVIEW Hooray For Humans was a pop band from Cork which was active in second half of the 2010s. The band was formed in 2006 by Alan Healy who had being playing with a number of local groups (most hardcore) but decided to look to do something different. He enlisted the talents of Aine Mangaoang [Vocals & Keyboards] and Darragh Enright [Drums, Keyboards & Programming]. The members were already active on the Cork music scene having performed with outfits such as Eachtra, Lerner, Painting By Numbers and My Remorse. The group is known to have recorded a 3-track demo in 2006. The band took it's name from a song by the band Q And Not You. With the members' varied musical experiences, the band's sound was difficult to describe. However, electro-indie-pop is a decent opening description. By the time of the release of its debut long-player, 'Safekeeping' in October of 2007, Hooray For Humans had morphed into a 4-piece. Wayne Dunlea, previously of Waiting Room, had replaced Darragh Enright on drums while fellow Waiting Room bassist, Dave Aherne, had also joined. This line up, too, was short-lived. By the end of 2008, Aine had left and was replaced by Limerick vocalist Jen Connell. While Alan Healy remained in place on guitar, the Hedigan brothers from Elk, became the band's new rhythm section. While the group continued to perform on the live circuit, there are no known releases during this later period - despite much talk about a second album. By late 2010 or early 2011, the group had come to an end. Jen later appeared fronting Cave Ghosts. Alan performed with a long list of outfits including Letter From Belgium, The Bridges Of Madison County and Lurch. Matt brought his bass-playing to Hands Up Who Wants To Die? and No Spill Blood while brother Lewis drummed with Total Winners as well as being a member of All Tvvins. Aine, after leaving the group, continued with her academic studies, achieving a PHD and now works at St. Patrick's College in Drumcondra. 2006 - Band formed 2007 - Release of 'Signature' single [12 October] - Release of 'Safekeeping' album [26 October] 2008 - Dave Ahern leaves the band [January] - Release of 'Already Sleeping' single [30 April] - Hooray For Humans perform as part of the Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin [September] 2011 - Band dissolved