In the run-up to their eagerly anticipated Windmill Live show on Thursday, March 30, Hot Press spoke to The Academic as part of a special cover story.

The interview coincided with the release of the phenomenal Irish band's acclaimed new album, Sitting Pretty, which debuted at No.1 on the Official Irish Albums Chart.

"We wanted it to sound more 'band in the room,'" lead guitarist Matthew Murtagh said of the album, in conversation with Pat Carty.

The album was produced by Nick Hodgson, formerly of Kaiser Chiefs, at Snap Studios in London.

“We listened to a lot of mixes like R.E.M. and Arcade Fire," bassist Stephen Murtagh remarked. "A lot of indie music is very kick drum with the vocal shouting at you down the middle whereas we wanted it a bit more spacey.”

“The first album, feels like such a summery record, a young debut album," Stephen resumed. "I don’t think this album feels that way. It feels like a natural progression without losing sight of what makes us… us.”

Read the full interview here.

Taking place in the Townhall at 1WML, an iconic structure at the heart of the Windmill QTR, the band's Windmill Live show is the latest in a line of lauded gigs, following performances from Gavin James, Lisa Hannigan, The Coronas, Hothouse Flowers and more, at one of Dublin’s most rock ‘n’ roll coordinates.

The Academic's Windmill Live gig promises to be a truly special evening – so don't miss out! To be in with a chance of securing complimentary tickets to this exclusive event with The Academic on March 30, simply fill out the form below...