Shining brightly in 2007

This time last year, The Coronas seemed like just another group of hopefuls on the Dublin live scene, gigging constantly, releasing a few EPs and working hard to build up a fanbase.

A show in Whelan's, in December ’06, would prove to be the turning point for the young band, setting the stage for a remarkable year.
“We were all still in college and not in a million years would we have thought we’d achieve so much in 12 months,” recalls Danny O’Reilly. “We hadn’t properly released anything yet, but the gig was sold out – we arrived at the venue and there were touts on the door! At that point we all turned to each other and said, ‘We should really make a go of this!’ As it happened, we got signed to our record label that night as well and since then, things have just taken off.”
The release of their acclaimed debut album Heroes Or Ghosts in October was the band’s biggest achievement this year.
“We were originally going to delay it and release in the new year, but we’re glad we didn’t,” Danny explains. “It’s a bunch of songs about where we were at the time. We’re really proud of it.”
2007 also saw the band move up a gear in terms of live appearances, a slot on the second stage at Oxegen being the highlight. “That was a fantastic weekend! There was a load of cool artists on after us. We were on a bit early so there weren’t that many there at the start of our set, but by the time we finished there was a great crowd.”
The guys were also able to rub shoulders with some of their musical heroes, including Kele from Bloc Party and Caleb from Kings Of Leon. The Coronas have also graced RTÉ studios on more than one occasion this year, with appearances on The Late Late Show and the infamous Podge And Rodge, doing much to boost their profile.
Looking ahead to 2008, O’Reilly reckons it could be an even bigger year for the Terenure outfit.
“We’re delighted with the reaction to the album so far,” he says. “The plan is to release a new single at the end of January and do another few dates in Ireland, then go to the UK in March. We signed to a UK agent this year, so we’ll be doing a few showcase gigs and looking to get a deal over there.”
Everything The Coronas touched turned into gold in 2007 – so there should be no stopping them in the new year.

The Coronas debut album Heroes Or Ghosts is out now.

The Coronas' funky threads are courtesy of hot fashion brand Tom Tailor, which has just opened its first Irish store at the Jervis Centre, Dublin. From humble beginnings in the harbour of Hamburg in 1962, Tom Tailor has grown into one of the world’s most desirable labels. Specialising in young sporty styles at affordable prices, Tom Tailor is today sold in 80 countries. In the months ahead, further branches will open in Belfast, Limerick, Maynooth, Kilkenny and Sligo. All the stores will also feature the TT Denim line.