MacD on Music: Stendhal: A Look Back

So, Stendhal has officially come and gone for another year, and once again we were treated to an amazing line-up of some of the best talent from both Derry and beyond (although the Derry selection was particularly strong this year).

While at the festival I got to speak to a few of the artists that were playing. Here is part one of my exclusive look back at Stendhal 2024:

Banshee

First up is a group I discovered for the first time on the Thursday night, the Belfast-based Banshee, made up of Nick Scott on bass, Zak McConaghy on drums, Rosie McGinn on vocals and James Dawson on guitar: “We’re a little bit of a rock band, also a little bit of a groove band.” Describing their first time at the festival, they said it was “class. We love it. It’s very cool.”

I asked them a bit about themselves: “We’ve been gigging a year and a half and been together two and a half. We’ve released two singles, ‘Good Life’ and ‘Hitchhike to Paradise’. They were both fun. ‘Good Life’ has a laid back groove. Going for a Doors-y vibe, Santana vibe. ‘Hitchike…’ is a bit of everything, a bit of a muddle up.”

Finally, I asked them who else they were looking forward to seeing: “Casual Riots and TomCat. I’ve seen them earlier in the year. They’re really good.”

Pseudonym

Next up is the a group from the Nerve Centre Presents… stage in the Woody Woodland stage, Pseudonym, made up of David Cairns, Aaron Diamond and Jack Orr. David: “It’s my third time playing the festival. The last time was maybe about five years ago when I was fifteen or so but it’s great to be back again. I love playing music. It’s my favourite thing to do. Doesn’t matter how or where, just as long as I get doing something.”

Aaron: “It’s my first time ever being here. It’s brilliant. The crowds are amazing. I think the Woody Woodland is a really lovely place to be. It’s really calm and the most unique stage.”

Jack: “It’s my first time playing here and it’s phenomenal. It was such an enjoyable experience for everyone. I know the guys had good craic and I had good fun as well. It’s been a blast.”

Paddy Nash

Next is a Stendhal stalwart, the man, the myth, the Happy Enchilada, Paddy Nash: “Stendhal seems to be one of those festivals that gets better every year. Not just the acts, they could bring anybody I think. Stendhal is going to reach the stage where it doesn’t matter who’s on the stages, it’s all about the vibe, the whole weekend, the atmosphere. It’s class.”

I asked the former Whole Tribesman if there was anyone in particular he was looking forward to seeing: “The Seeger Sessions because I like Bruce Springsteen, and Dylan Walsh. He’s a great singer/songwriter. He was here a few years ago and I think he moved to America then. I’ve been watching his career and I like his style so I want to see him.”

Michael Smyth (of Virgins)

After Paddy I spoke to Michael Smyth, drummer for Virgins: “The festival is so well laid out. So many different stages, so many different types of music. Just a really nice feel to it.”

“It’s cool to just be here and play it for the first time. I’m looking forward to playing the Henry McCullough.”

I asked who else he was looking forward to seeing: “I saw Moon Landing earlier, and I know Parker, Boy M5 and Problem Patterns so I’m just going to hang out and soak up new stuff that I’ve not been exposed to before.”

Klyda

Next was Klyda (who were featured that day on NuMuze on Instagram so make sure to go check that out too). Klyda are Mattie Brennan (lead guitar), Annie McKinney (vocals and guitar), Hannah McLean (bass), Gray Fleming (drums) and John Gracey (guitar) and I spoke to them about their first time playing the festival:

“We’re an indie alternative rock band from Belfast. It’s out first time playing here and we’re actually so excited. We’re up for the weekend and we’re looking forward to seeing CHERYM and Virgins. TomCat and Doghouse were really good. So were Casual Riots. It’s been a really good festival so far.”

And that’s it for the first part of my look back at this year’s Stendhal. Now time for the socials. Banshee can be found on Instagram @thisisbanshee, Paddy Nash @thenashman, Virgins @bandofvirgins and Klyda @klydaband. Stendhal itself can be found @stendhalireland.