On Our Radar Q&A: Sky Atlas

When did you form Sky Atlas?

We met in music college. Louis, Danilo and Lughaidh all initially started playing together to help each other out for songwriting assessments. We clicked well together and loved the songs Lughaidh was writing, so we decided to get a set together and play a few gigs. Ryan joined us later at the end of our first year, and his furious drum chops complemented the jazz-funk style we started out playing. After four years of college and playing together, we’ve grown and settled into a style that works for us – our debut EP favours heavier riffs, darker soundscapes, and orchestral arrangements. 
 
What are the main inspirations behind your music?

Our music is quite eclectic, in that we all come from different musical backgrounds – Lughaidh would have more of a folk-rock one, while Louis is classically trained and into an array of experimental music. Ryan is a big rock and jazz fan, and Danilo likes his shoegaze and distorted, sludgy soundscapes. Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Jack White, Hozier, Half Moon Run and Fiona Apple are some of the artists we take inspiration from. I would say the majority of the tunes on the EP are quite atmospheric and cinematic. We love drama! But we also like to keep the music dynamic and delicate. 
 
What do you think of the state of the Irish music scene right now?

It’s very exciting, with everything from R&B and folk to a post-punk revival. It’s so inspiring to see fellow artists doing their thing and getting the recognition they deserve. It really helps to drive us forward and push the boundaries with our own music and ideas. 
 
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?

It’s a body of work that shows our band in its most current and genuine form musically. The arrangements are grander, with more layers, and take full advantage of our skills as musicians. It’s especially wonderful to have someone like Louis, who is able to add orchestral arrangements and play a variety of instruments on the record. You can expect a mix of intimate and pretty moments contrasted with heavier ‘in your face’ riffs.
 
What are your plans for the months ahead?

We have our EP launch in the Grand Social. It’s our first big show back and we’ve been preparing a special set of EP material and brand new songs. Lately, we’ve been focusing on writing new material and jamming in the rehearsal room. We’ve also been looking towards a larger body of work, to be recorded in 2022.In addition, we’re itching to gig again – we are a live band at heart, and having just graduated from college, all we want is to hit the road .

• The Stone EP is out now, with a launch show to follow in the Grand Social on the 11th.