It isn’t easy for four young men to travel all the way to New York, there to compete against the best the world can offer and return home again with the success of having won the top award of ‘Best International Band’.
Yet that’s what fledgling Irish rock band Reemo did when, at the New York International Music Festival which took place in New York City in November 2004, they took their first step on to the international stage by capturing the coveted ‘Best International Band’ award.
One of over 500 competing acts, Reemo beat off world-class competition to win the attention of festival organisers and a judging panel that consisted of respected A&R figures and music industry hot shots.
‘Winning the Best International Band award was a great experience’ said delighted band leader Steven Connolly.
Next stage in the emergence of Reemo as one of Ireland’s up and coming rock bands is the release of their debut extended play 5-track CD entitled ‘Music Box’. With excellent instrumental values and a distinctive, driving, rhythmic rock beat that alternates between in-your-feet and in-your-face, it features five original numbers including their double-A standard compositions ‘Superman’ and ‘Beautiful You’.
Now resident in Kildare, Reemo had its beginnings in Dublin’s north inner city in the Summer of 2003. There, band founders Steven Connolly and David Reardon began jamming, that pursuit beloved of all young people who hanker after a career in pop music. Before long, two became three when lead guitarist Paul McGlue joined to form a strong singing/song writing combination. In time, they were joined by Conlath Dunne and Steven’s brother Alan Connolly.
Today, Reemo comprises Steven Connolly (vocals),Paul McGlue (lead guitar), Conlath Dunne (bass guitar) and Alan Connolly (percussion).
After much hard work spent developing their repertoire and shaping their concert programme, the time came for Reemo to hit the road. Their first live performance took place before a packed gathering in the popular Eamonn Doran's venue in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar district.
From there, they continued gigging at a hectic pace. A recording session at Loop Studios resulted in their first demo disc. This brought Reemo to the notice of promoters. New venues came on stream. Suddenly, the band was headlining at gigs throughout the greater Dublin area.
Like every name, Reemo has its own special character and appeal.
Influenced as they were by the group’s popularity during their growing-up years, the boys took the three famed initials REM into which they injected the letter ‘E’ for ‘Extra Energy’. Then, as Keane (Roy) became Keano, they did what every young Dubliner does... they stuck an ‘O’ on the end and arrived at Reemo.
‘It’s a great name’ said singer/songwriter Steven Connolly. ‘It’s short, it’s memorable, it reminds us of the inspiration we got from REM when growing up and it’s a name that is easy to reproduce on concert posters.’
Today, Reemo is becoming a familiar name on the national and international rock circuit. Local venues such as Whelan's, The Sugar Club, The Voodoo Lounge feature alongside clubs in Belfast, Paris and elsewhere in a diary of engagements that proves how sought-after the band has become. No strangers to publicity, their fame has also seen Reemo showcased on press and radio. And, like every successful group, they have attracted their own loyal fan base which follows them wherever they play.
Based in Sallins, where band members Steven Connolly and his brother Alan live, Reemo are represented by their father James Connolly, himself an independent businessman.
Under his guidance, the group plans to create a greater national presence whilst developing an even stronger international profile through the marketing of their music and publicity in national and international media. In the pipeline is a follow-up CD, an even more extensive concert programme, as well as appearances on television and radio.
Listen to 'Circus'