Picture This were academic non-starters. "So what?" they might ask. The Athy duo are currently riding on the crest of a wave, with their debut album shooting straight to No.1. It is a success story that mocks the widespread, over-emphasis on 'doing well' in the Leaving Cert!
In a fascinating interview in the latest Hot Press, Jimmy Rainsford and Ryan Hennessy admit that, in conventional terms, their lives seemed to be going nowhere.
“I left school, I didn’t have a job, I was on the dole until last year," Ryan tells Hot Press.
“I never thought I’d have an album,” Jimmy adds, "let alone a No.1 album. Words can’t describe how amazing it is."
Opening up to Hot Press, the Kildare duo talk candidly about how drunkenness and debauchery helped shape some of the finest songs on their debut album.
“I was just going out every weekend and having all these experiences and meeting loads of women,” Ryan explains. "Falling in love, falling out of love, meeting new friends and falling out with them. That’s what the likes of ‘Let’s Be Young’ is about – friendships and relationships
“I used to go out drinking so I could chat up girls, because I wasn’t confident enough to go up to them when I was sober... I think a lot of people are like that as well.”
In a wide-ranging interview, Ryan confesses to Hot Press’ writer Peter McGoran that he’s really an introvert, who comes alive on stage . “I think it could be mistaken for ignorance sometimes because people see me on stage and I’m a fucking animal – that’s where I come alive, as fucking pretentious as that sounds. But then people meet me in person and I’m kinda reserved.”
He admits that he might come across on occasion as Irish music’s very own version of Conor McGregor.
“If someone asked me are Picture This a good band, I’d say, ‘Yeah, we’re a fuckin’ great band’, and it’s okay for me to think that. I think Conor McGregor is great for that mentality. I mean he oversteps the mark a bit as well, but I think he’s a great role model for young Irish people to be confident in their ability.”
Check out the new Hot Press for the full, remarkable story behind the recording of Picture This’ No.1 album; how the boys hung out with celebrities and were courted by superstar producers in the States – and lots more besides…

The new Hot Press, starring Picture This, is available in stores now (September 28)– or you can order it now direct from hotpress.com. or via download in the iOS app .

• Picture This, the album, is available through Warner Music in Ireland and Republic Records/Universal Music across the rest of the world.