2014 Ones To Watch: The Original Rudeboys

My fourth tip for 2014 takes us to Ireland, specifically Dublin, and to a trio who are close to releasing their sophomore album in the hope that it will reap even more rewards than their debut record…

A guitar, a ukulele and a rapping front man. An odd combination, maybe, but Neddy Arkins, Rob Burch and Sean Walsh – otherwise known as The Original Rudeboys – make it work, and then some.

After gaining acclaim in their native country since forming in 2011, the beginning of 2013 saw the Dublin-born trio stretch their wings further across Ireland and the UK; when fellow Irish band The Script enlisted them as a support act on all dates of their arena tour.

An instant hit, the Rudeboys developed an even bigger fan base, making their debut album 'This Life' hot property during mid-2013 with its raw and acoustic sound proving to be a soundtrack for a lot of people’s summers.

This Life is the trio's debut album

With their unique sound the trio, fronted by Neddy, are already close to releasing their follow-up album which they say is just as hard-hitting lyric-wise as 'This Life,' however Neddy has stated; “While still writing lyrics that we think hit home, the songs themselves are upbeat and almost feel good in a way.”

This is exceptionally true in their first single from their second album entitled ‘Never Gonna Walk Away’ which the boys released at the end of November, and just this week (February 19) the boys gave the first play of second single ‘Feel It In Your Soul’ on the radio.

They hope to release their second album within the next couple of months, and I for one can’t wait to hear what the boys have got in store for us. I like how they, like a lot of bands nowadays, refuse to pigeonhole themselves into one genre. I think that’s what has made them turn the heads of so many people in the last couple of years, and what’s more they deserve it: they’re a band who have worked their way up on their own and, thankfully, they’re starting to see their hard work pay off.

‘Dublin hip-hop would never work there’s something missing,’ raps Neddy, ‘the accent is too deep, it’s too strong, but now most of them are singing along.’

Find out more...
Twitter: @ORBsOfficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OriginalRudeboys
Instagram: @theoriginalrudeboys
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/theoriginalrudeboys

Check out my previous Ones To Watch For 2014... 
Bipolar Sunshine
Circa Waves
The Family Rain