Who are the members of your band and what instrument do they play?

Niamh Carney (vocalist) and Philana Nolan (vocalist, guitarist) are the original members of our band. Recently we’ve been lucky enough to add some more members for upcoming gigs, Jonathan Beatty (piano), Matthew McCaffrey (drums) and Zoe Power (fiddle). Oh and of course Eoin (claps).

What’s the origin of your band’s name?

Our best Derry gal Bronagh Brolly (BB) came up with the name. Its Taobh Eile which is Irish for Other Side.

How would you describe your sound?

Our sound is Indie Irish Folk (i.e. made up)

When did the band form?

Around three years ago.

How long have you all known each other? How did you meet? Where are you all from?

Philana knew Niamh since before she could talk (ah those were the days). In the words of our Queen Stevie Nicks she’s my sister of the moon, in the words of Ariana Grande she’s my twinnie twin twin, in reality, we’re cousins. Our drummer Matt is another cousin of ours. We met Jonny through a musical and Zoe grew up with us. We are all from Enniskillen.

What local gigs do you have coming up?

We are playing at Beanstock Festival in Lisburn in July which we are really looking forward to. We also regularly gig in Blakes of the Hollow and a few bars in Belfast so keep an eye on our social medias for dates!

What is the band’s favourite song to play and why?

We really love playing ‘Elsewhere,’ an original song that’ll be on our upcoming EP, give it wee listen to find out why.

What has been your biggest gig to date?

Probably our gig on TG4 for a show ‘Réalta Agus Gaolta.’ It was so cool to see the RTE studios and meet some really wonderfully talented musicians. We also played in Paris for the first time back in May and then returned in June for another gig which honestly was a dream.

Any funny gig/rehearsal stories?

‘Bíonn Niamh ag déanamh sraoth go minic agus tarlaíonn sé beagnach gach uair atá gig againn’… shout out to Oisin who taught us Irish that we later forgot, on stage, in front of a live audience…

What does summer 2019 hold for the band?

We are so excited to release our debut EP on July 9! We will be having a launch night over summer too so keep an ear out.

We are also really looking forward to our first festival with the full band!

Who are your major influences?

Honestly we are so influenced by all our friends we’ve made through music.

Going to local gigs, meeting so many amazing musicians and getting so much support from all these people has encouraged us to write our own songs and release our own music!

What inspires your songwriting?

Yes! Day to day life and experiences we go through inspire our songs.

What would be your dream gig?

Nothing too big, just to headline Glastonbury.

But really though a dream gig would be to share the stage with any one of our musical heroes like Hozier, Fleetwood Mac, Mumford and Sons or Maggie Rogers.

Best moment as a band so far?

Recording the EP with the help of all our amazingly talented friends.

What is the most unusual venue you have played?

Playing outdoors in a field as dead ghosts from the 70s who helped bring a princess back to life through the power of nature and music (oh Shakespeare…)

What is your ‘go-to’ encore song?

‘Everywhere’ by Fleetwood Mac is the one

What’s the best thing about performing?

When you look around the crowd and see people dancing or singing along or even just watching us sing, it makes our night to be a part of their night.

Any last words?

A huge thanks to anyone who’s ever given us a gig, came to a gig, or supported us in any way. Especially our family who we can always rely on turning up and cheering us on. Finally, to everyone who helped us with our EP, we love you all!