Pól Seoige vs Kneecap | Full Interview | The Gaeilge Rap Trio SELL-OUT North America

(*Disclaimer - conversation with Kneecap was kept under wrap until we got the GREEN light after completing a sold-out tour of USA and Canada)

Pól Seoige is joined by Móglaí Bap, DJ Próvaí and Mo Chara making their Canadian TV debut before an electrifying performance in the heart of Toronto. Three ceasefire babies have grown up to become a beacon of light for artists, patriots and have an infectious can-do attitude. Kneecap represent a new positive voice in the entire island of Ireland through our national Gaelic language.
"Kneecap," starring the Irish rap trio, was the first movie to premiere at Sundance to be in the Irish language and they have followed up this acclaim with a sold-out North American tour with another to come in the fall.

*3 Points that really stood out about the Irish rap trio ...

1. Kneecap are snipers;
No rap group on earth articulate in this precise way. They created their own genre of Irish punk rap, fusing Gaeilge and English language with electrifying energy, and spearheading a cultural revival. A live performances encapsulates you. One is engrossed with the Live show as tracks flip between satirical performance art and rampageous raves. A needle in a haystack niche genre.

2. Kneecap are born performers;
Loved because 'they are the real deal' according to fans lining the streets in the heavy snow. An infectious rebel energy and undeniable stage presence. From intimate venues in Ireland to major festivals across Europe and North America the band's magnetic performances have earned them a dedicated following far beyond the Emerald Isle. One gentleman Gaeilgeoir fan living in Canada for many years completed a six hour round trip to see 'the beautiful revival of the Irish language'. 'An-mhaith ar fad, buachaillí' was bellowed at the group with rousing applause as they entered a Ossington Street bar after their recent magnetic Canadian performance and the sing-songs continued into the wee hours. Dj Próvaí said with a smile behind the balaclava "its strange for us to come to another country and people sing back to us at this gig in an indigenous language that almost came to the brink of death".

3. Kneecap are groundbreaking Gaeilgeoirs:
Seamlessly blend the rich traditions of Ireland, her troubled past with the raw energy of hip-hop.
An Contae Aontroim musicians built up a notoriety for themselves which hasn't been seen in Irish music for many years, perhaps ever ! Condemned by some politicians, beloved by fans, kicked out of their own gigs, and packing festival tents to overflow, Kneecap are a cultural phenomenon.
Celtic rhythm of Irish Rap is not something many of us grew up listening too but the vibrant streets of West Béal Feirste shaped these men who are making their mark on the world today.

"Their balance between anti-establishment lyrics, explosive delivery, graphic humour and unrelenting charm is reminiscent of early Eminem” – LA Times.

Drawing inspiration from the troubles and triumphs of everyday life in Ireland, Kneecaps lyrics weave tales of resilience, cultural pride, and social commentary. Their music reflects the diverse tapestry of Irish identity, incorporating elements of traditional Irish instrumentation, even 'sample sounds from an infamous radio host and burning RUC wagons'.
'Tongue n cheek' as they say but no doubt this group loves the craic and our interview confirmed that Kneecap are socially conscious, just and honorable men. They want to educate on social justice and stand up for what they believe in and if that means leaving money on the table like a certain concert in Austin, Texas.
As stated by the group 'We’ve been blocked from receiving significant music funding because a Tory Minister doesn’t like our art" and Lo and behold, the new Kneecap album just released is called 'FINE ART'.

Praised by Jimmy Fallon, the New York Times, the LA Times, Dazed, Vice, i-D, the Guardian, and Late Late Show, Kneecap’s irreverent, complex, and potent lyrics speak to a time of political upheaval, youthful rebellion and discontent, and a renewed urge to party.

Brush up on the Gaeilge folks, grab the bottle of Bucky, wear green as the spectacular rise of KNEECAP will continue, with sold out tours in Europe and UK and even bigger plans to come.

Sin é.


CREDITS:
Special thanks to the amazing director and crew Ollie Murphy, Andrew Gajer, Daniel Amrollahi and Hudson Peers.

FOLLOW:
INSTAGRAM   / poljoy32  
TIK TOK   / poljoy32  
TWITTER   / poljoy32  

* FINE ART - OUT NOW ON HEAVENLY RECORDS
INSTAGRAM   / kneecap32  
TIK TOK https://www.tiktok.com/kneecapceol
TWITTER   / kneecapceol  
WEBSITE www.kneecap.ie

SPECIAL THANKS:
  / gorta47  
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  / onlyvansca  
  / embracepresents  

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