The Dublin Life: The Coronas

Image: Dublin (Credit: Guiseppe Milo) 

For our next city stop off, we head to Dublin, guided by native rock outfit The Coronas. After growing up in the city, the high flying band have sold out its grandest stage and managed three double platinum albums on their very own record label. 

Now signed to global giants Island Records, the Irishman have a forthcoming EP in their locker produced by the acclaimed Eliott James. How This Goes will undoubtedly be the catalyst to their success, the title track is anthemic with a marauding melody and catchy hooks that we've came to expect from the burgeoning band. 

They've recently moved to London to presumably widen their reach and exert their infectious rock on the capital, but it's Dublin where they'll always call home. This gave us the perfect opportunity to escape the tourist trail and find out the wonders of the Irish capital from some Dubliners who know it all about one of the most vibrant cities in the world. 

Where to party?

Dublin is a great town for partying. We try to avoid the touristy spots such as Temple Bar in favour of some cool hidden pubs. PMacs or Blackbird are great bars, with cool music, craft beers and a friendly atmosphere.

(Source: Jar.ie)

If you're looking for a late bar with indie music, the historic Whelans on Wexford street is always fun. The Dean on Harcourt Street is a great rooftop bar and perfect if you're looking for some late night dancing.

Favourite music venue?

We've been lucky enough to play in some amazing Dublin venues but the Olympia on Dame street is probably our favourite, it has an incredible atmosphere. It's a really beautiful, historic theatre run by lovely people. They have great bands coming through and we've had some amazing shows there and we've also seen some awesome gigs there ourselves.

Where do we buy our records?

Metro Music in Rathfarnham is a great little independent music shop, our bass players dad owns it. (ssh lads). Tower Records in town has a great selection of vinyl too.

(Credit: Dublin Rocks)

Favourite hang out?

In my mothers house. But if you don't know her personally I suggest Boojum, which is an amazing Mexican restaurant for lunch. Beckett and Bull is a lovely little restaurant in Rathgar, and Keoghs near Grafton Street is a cool old pub. The Market Bar on Fade Street has a great atmosphere, does nice food and stays open late. Froyo in George's arcade has some amazing frozen yoghurt and Lock 6 on the canal is a great cafe/restaurant on a sunny day.

Best memory?

Although we live in London now, Dublin will always be home to us and the reaction we get when playing to our home town is incomparable to any other gig. Playing in the 3Arena last February, a venue where we grew up going to, is probably my best recent memory of Dublin. All our family and friends were there to see the sold out show, it was an amazing night. 

The How This Goes EP is available now via Island Records.

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