Did you know that Galway is home to a diverse array of fascinating characters? This vibrant city is full of unique personalities, and we’re giving you the chance to meet some of them. Join us as we say Howya! to some of Galway's most creative figures. This month, we had the pleasure of chatting with Galway music programmer Gugai about the summer festival lineup and what life is like working in one of Galway's most popular venues...
Q. Tell us about yourself…
I’m Gugai – I’ve been running gigs in Galway for nearly 30 years – I’m one of the owners and the music programmer for Róisín Dubh. I run Strange Brew, which is a sort of umbrella title for my small record label/agency/radio show/concert promotion thing, which also runs events like the new Torann Punk & Metal Weekender. I also book the Heineken Big Top for the Galway International Arts Festival, and I helped out with Momentum in Oranmore this year. I do a few other things also.
Q. What’s your favourite part of your job?
I get to see a lot of live music – nothing beats that.
Q. Who do you think is currently ‘one to watch’ in the Irish music scene?
Well, Shark School have a debut album coming out on Strange Brew at the end of June – anyone who has seen them live knows what an incredible act they are. I think this will be a big year for them. They are incredible.
Q. Give us 3 acts you can’t miss at this year’s GIAF?
Per day? There are 14 headlines in the Róisín and 9 shows at the Big Top – and they are all excellent, but you really can’t miss The Flaming Lips with Mercury Rev – the feel-good show of the summer. Also, I’ve been trying to get Patti Smith to Galway for a long time – that will be spectacular. Just Mustard and Sprints are unmissable. I just saw Gwenno again last week in Wales, so I’m very excited for that. Shark School’s Femme Fest is always excellent. I remember David Kitt on the original Big Romance tour in the Black Box 25 years ago – this new show will top even that. And Paddy Hanna’s Bacharach show is something really special. How many was that?
Q. Who would you love to see perform at the Róisín Dubh (who hasn’t already)?
The list of acts I’d love to see perform is almost as long as the list of ones that already have…
Q. What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
There’s absolutely no way I could pick one. I’ve been to a lot of gigs… too hard to choose. The best ones I saw last week were Two Man Giant Squid, Gwenno, Piss, Afternoon Bike Ride and Gwennifer Raymond. Ora Cogan’s show in the Róisín recently was mind-blowing.
Q. What has been your proudest moment as a promoter?
The day we took over the Róisín Dubh.
Q. How does Gugai spend a day off?
Day off?
Q. If you had to create a playlist for this summer - name your top 5 songs?
Rua Rí – Fish Go Deep
Shark School – Don’t Trust A Man
Waxahatchee – Where Does Your Love Go? (This Is Lorelei cover)
Two Man Giant Squid – 3 Hits
Burglar – Star Crossed
Q. What’s the best crowd you’ve ever seen at a Galway International Arts Festival gig?
Can’t beat the crowd at a show by The Flaming Lips, although the audience at Brian Wilson and the Burt Bacharach crowd were incredible. Kneecap was wild.
Q. Tell us a secret?
No, sorry. I need all my secrets.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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