On Our Radar Q&A - Ultras: "Being Irish is definitely a big inspiration for the songs and the feeling"

How did the band come together?

Bernard: We all started out in MyBand Society. It’s basically a course for artists where you do five or six songs over 16 weeks. We were put together to learn covers for a show in the Workman’s Club. We did that and really bonded so we just thought, ‘Why don’t we be in an actual band and make real music?’, and it all just went from there.

What’s the inspiration behind the band’s name? 

Jay: It came to us from Jack’s love for St Pat’s and League of Ireland. We’re football fans and football friends.

How would you describe your music?

Jack: Indie-rock and similar to the style of bands like Oasis.

If you could collaborate with one artist/band, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Jack: Liam Gallagher, definitely. He’s my idol.

Jay: I’d love to collaborate with Kneecap.

Jack: We’re inspired by Irish bands like Basht, Bleech 9:3 and Croíthe. They’re all doing really well at the moment.

What inspired your new single, ‘Irish Sun’?

Jay: I was sitting in the garden with my dad on a really sunny day and it just came from that.

In less than a year you’ve sold out shows in Whelan’s, The Grand Social, The Bernard Shaw and Soundhouse. What are your hopes for the next 12 months? 

Jack:  To continue doing shows, to release the album, and to sell a lot of vinyls and merch! We’d love to do festivals next summer, here and overseas, and create some new tunes.

How has being Irish shaped your debut album I Love Where I’m From?

Bernard:I think being Irish is definitely a big inspiration for the songs and the feeling. It had a big impact on how the album was created. We just love the feeling of going out, being with a group of friends, having a pint and singing a few tunes. I suppose that’s one of the most Irish things you can do!

• I Love Where I’m From is out now.