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

Review: The Original Rudeboys, Birmingham O2 Academy3 10/07/13

Original by name and definitely by nature, the Dublin hip-hop/Indie trio of Neddy (rapper), Rob (vocals and guitar) and Walshy (ukulele) have a difference about them that makes them stand out – and it definitely works.

On their first ever UK headline tour the Dublin born band certainly had the audience in the palm of their hands, with numbers from their debut album This Life as well as some exceptional covers of well-known songs.

‘Blue Eyes’ kick started the set and got the crowd just as pumped as the band were for what was only their second headline show in England.

But the Irish boys looked at home in on stage in Birmingham; ‘Dublin Days,’ ‘Me and My Mind’ and ‘Bringing Me Down’ raised both the excitement and energy in the room, before their cover of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Give Me Love’ allowed for a sing along en-masse.

‘Feel The Same’ and ‘In Too Deep’ followed, two of the boys’ slower tracks, before flying through clear crowd favourites ‘Sunny Days and ‘Travelling Man.’

Neddy’s impeccable rapping skills were showcased further with ‘You Down With ORB’ and then it was the crowd’s turn to exercise their own vocals as the band covered ‘Someone like You’ and ‘Little Lion Man’ to completely raise the roof of Birmingham’s O2 Academy 3.

Supporting The Script earlier this year on their UK and Ireland tour definitely worked wonders, as the sold out venue belted out the last three numbers ‘Written Songs,’ Live Your Life’ and ‘Stars In My Eyes’ – raps and all – along with the band.

The last song, we were told, was written just as the band were starting out and it looks like just two years later they are beginning to make it big. You can't help but be drawn in by their charm and captivated by their true-to-life lyrics, and they can look back on last night as a terrific success. Birmingham will definitely welcome them back with open arms.

ORBs UK tour dates