Niall McGrath (Vocals/Acoustic Guitars),
Enda Ward (Electric Guitars),
Kevin O'Sullivan (Bass),
Michael Chang (Violin),
& Paul Igoe (Drums, Percussion)
Influences
Deftones,Dave Matthews Band, Tool,Sigor Ros,John Butler Trio, Kila, Bela Fleck, Adult,Biffy clyro,Preston Reed, World Music from every corner, Bluegrass, Metal, Jazz, Electronic, Celtic/Trad + all the usual classic rock influences....This list is just what I can think of now - it will go on and on and on and changes every day!!!
Sounds Like
Its terrible to pidgeon-hole and we just can't self analyse what we do - we like to call it Percoustic - The mix of Percussion, acoustic and electric....But better still you tell us what we sound like - we'd love the feedback....
Formed in early 2002, the current core line-up of AGIVEN comprises of Niall McGrath (vocals, guitar), Enda Ward (lead guitar) and Kevin O'Sullivan (bass), Michael Chang(violin) and Paul Igoe (Percussion).
MICHAEL CHANG grew up as a classically-trained violinist in the grunge world of Seattle, where he performed in several bands and shared stages with the likes of Soundgarden, Warren Zevon, and They Might Be Giants. In 1990, his folk-rock band LIKE RAIN, was voted "Best New Band in the Northwest" alongside a little-known group (at the time) called NIRVANA. In 1999, he decided to pursue his interest in Irish traditional music and settled into Galway, His interest in acoustic-based roots music led him to find AGIVEN, and he has been playing rock fiddle with them ever since.
Paul Igoe started life on the 11-03-1983. His musical career began at an early age; his initial love was guitar, which he played in a few local bands. To date Paul has drummed in Rory Galagher tribute bands, jazz bands and at the moment he is also playing in a side project with a dj. This love of drums and his passion to push the boundaries of percussion, is why Agiven found Paul such a welcomed addition to their great arsenal of talent
Niall Mc Grath doesn’t know who he is or what he wants. His life started when he got the last rights in 1995 after a short bout in a coma after catching viral meningitis. He then began playing guitar and believing in the quote by Oscar Wilde " an artist doesn’t see things as they really are if he did he would cease to be an artist”. All other objectives besides music seemed alien to him. He began writing songs at first for self-analysing purposes and mostly therapeutic reasons, until his dream of writing anti love songs came to fruition. "No miracles expected just answers please" is his question in one song, another self analysing moment to help him come to terms with why god spared when so many die, and what difference can he make.
Enda Ward, guitar player with Agiven started his musical career in true Led Zeppelin style - playing the recorder! The musical obsession developed through keyboard and then onto guitar. Starting out on classic rock, Enda joined the biker rally favourite 'Ward 9' on there adventures around Ireland. At the time Ward 9 were rated as one of the top bands on the bike rally scene and invited to play some of the top rallies across the country playing from Kerry to Cavan and Donegal toKilkenny. A move to Galway brought a new change of direction as one of the foundingmember of a jazz-blues jam collective incorporating piano/guitar/saxophone/bass/percussion with an assortment of floating musicians.
Kevin O Sullivan, a diagnosed narcoleptic found the only cure for falling asleep was to play with the multi talented .Agiven.
Hey Lads, great gig friday night, tight as fook...hey Niall, there were two leads left behind the next day, one purple one black, brought them with me, thought they might be yours??....Conor
I've posted some videos of new songs on my page, and am currently doing the rounds trying to get some feedback on the new material... would love to know what you think... Tell your friends too :) Thanking you ~Petay
Debut Single 'Imagination' will be released on Friday June 6th and will be available from iTunes and other download sites.
We'll be appearing in our Night-Time Garden in venues across Ireland to promote the release
June 4th :: The Crane, Galway June 5th :: Whelan's Upstairs, Dublin - with Rhob Cunningham June 6th :: Supporting Lisa Hannigan in Cyprus Avenue, Cork June 8th :: Cyprus Avenue, Cork - with Thomas Kitt June 11th :: Dolan's Upstairs, Limerick June 15th :: De Barra's, Clonakilty. - with Thomas Kitt
the single features 2 songs from the debut album 'Honeycomb Moons' (out Sept 2008) and a bonus track.
You can also check out the animated video for the single at www. myspace. com/armouredbear or www. armouredbear. com
hope to see you there & many thanks for all your support.. it's very much appreciated..
TOTALLY UNSIGNED LAUNCH NIGHT!!!
A Totally New Night in a Totally Amazing New Venue
The Coalition (formerly The beach Club) Kings Road Arches
Every Wednesday
TOTALLY UNSIGNED LAUNCH NIGHT!!!
A Totally New Night in a Totally Amazing New Venue
The Coalition (formerly The beach Club) Kings Road Arches
Every Wednesday
ummm.. fabulous! and u? is this spudhead?? if so, let me have your email so i know who i'm talkin to. i'm pissed that we left before we could see a show! hope ur well:)
Hey, thanks for stopping by.
