There’s a natural magnetism to DUG’s folk brew. The duo, made up of Conor (Lorkin)
O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, are gearing up for the release of their debut album, having
formed in 2023–but you’d be forgiven for believing that they’ve been writing together for a
lifetime.
Their music stems from roots in musical traditions spanning both sides of the pond. In one
breath, echoing the great American folk troubadours, and in another, comfortably
channelling the elder statesmen of Irish folk.
This is no accident. DUG have a shared musical heritage, with members having been born
in America and Scotland before arriving in Ireland. O’Reilly himself spent almost a decade
making and releasing music in upstate New York, having picked up sticks from his native
Edinburgh, (Irish mother and Scottish father) before moving to Ireland in 2022 to start a new
musical chapter.
And you can hear that lived musical experience in singles like ‘Big Sundown’ and ‘Jubilee’
(shortlisted for two Grammy nominations). Resonator guitar and banjo, the building blocks of
DUG’s arrangements, lick and spin, with intricate finger-picking patterns whirling to a
compelling whole. Their music breathes, vamping in sync.
They’re damn funny too. DUG’s lyrics catch you off guard, eliciting an honest-to-goodness
chuckle in a moment of levity. At their very best, as on their forthcoming album, there’s a
bona fide warmth littered throughout their unique take on folk storytelling. Tracks like ‘Wheel
of Fortune’ have an easy rapport. It’s catching up with an old friend, all mischief and smiles.
There are allusions to darker moments there too; yearning and melancholy, to lessons learnt
the hard way. Taking the heavy with the light, and being able to translate it into a foot-
tapping, infectious contemporary folk sound is what DUG do best. They don’t need to
posture; their music is naturally playful and honest, inviting you along on their musical
journey.
DUG’s love for the musicians that inspired them never steps too far into reverence. They’re
an unapologetically modern band. You’ll hear plenty of Irish influence in their music, but
you’ll not find any tweed coats or paddy caps here. Instead, the band opts to be themselves-
completely natural and organic. It’s part of what gives the group’s work such a strong
charisma, and helps establish DUG as having one of the most unique takes on
contemporary folk music.
In 2024, the duo signed to Claddagh Records, a label in which they find themselves in fine
musical company. A subsidiary of Universal Records, Claddagh Records has spent the last
few years becoming a hotbed for some of the most forward-thinking musicians in
contemporary Irish folk, home to artists like Niamh Bury, Lemoncello, and ØXN, to name a
few.
It should come as no surprise that a group that delights in a touch of devilment and so
ardently remains true to themselves has built a thriving community of fans, both at their live
shows and through their often hilarious social media.
On that note, beyond the release of their debut album, DUG will spend much of 2025 on the
road with plans for an extensive international tour. Already announced are Summer dates in
the US: Colorado (main stage at Telluride Blugrass Festival), Washington, Portland and
Idaho, as well as a debut tour in Australia in October. Irish fans can expect a surely raucous
performance at almost every major Irish festival this summer. There’s plenty more dates still
to be announced, so it’s well worth keeping your eyes peeled.
 

Staying true to tradition while maintaining a bold irreverence is something that rarely goes hand-in-hand, but Hogslop String Band manages to walk that line. With their roots in old-time string band music, and their energy based in wild rock-and-roll; you could almost call them punk purists. It’s an unlikely combination, but given the talents of singer and fiddler Kevin Martin; guitarist, harmonica player and singer Gabriel Kelley; banjo player and singer Daniel Binkley, and bassist and all-round entertainer Pickle, they pull it off with natural ease. The name alone hints at their wacky ways, but catching them live will give you a true sense of these bizarre, seemingly contradictory descriptions.They thrive on crossing genres, casting off the confines of straight old-time and bluegrass, delving into a deep repertoire of rock, folk, psychedelic, and original numbers that can only be described as,"The Hogslop Sound." It’s clear that these guys are going places, and they've quickly becomeone of the most unique and exhilarating outfits in live music today.

Hannah Marie Kelley is a rising star in the world of Country/Americana, captivating audiences from the heart of Tennessee with her silky, airy voice and soul-stirring melodies. Known for her authentic songwriting and heartfelt performances, Hannah weaves stories of her Appalachian upbringing into songs that resonate with raw emotion and timeless charm. Her unique charisma shines through both on stage and in her recordings, creating a connection with listeners that feels personal and profound. With each note, Hannah Marie Kelley proves herself as a compelling force in Americana music, blending tradition with an undeniable, fresh authenticity while also paying homage to the classic country styles of the 70’s.