Why do you think you’ve been able to sell out Whelan’s Upstairs before releasing music?
We’ve both been playing music for quite a few years and I think that’s definitely helped. Busking has also been a helpful aspect too.

How did DUG come into being?
Lorkin: I was in Upstate New York for 10 years, and I loved it, but it’s a smaller scene than Dublin. I needed a new challenge, so I took a trip over in 2021. There was such a buzz in Dublin and so many great musicians. I think there’s fortuitous timing with it all.

Jonny: I’m from California, but I moved to Dublin in 2016 for my master’s. I went to gigs every weekend, which were absolutely insane, and I felt I needed to make something happen here. We first started talking about playing music together over kebabs at All Together Now in summer 2022.

The Dublin folk scene is in a golden age, with the likes of Lankum, John Francis Flynn and countless others to the fore. How is being part of the movement?
Honestly, just living in Stoneybatter, everyone seems to be in D7. It’s all right in front of you and you can choose to participate. Even if you don’t, you’re surrounded by it. It’s an immense  privilege to be around people who are challenging you and working extremely hard.

What are your plans for this year?
We’re figuring it out now. But there’s certainly more music and gigs on the way.

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