Delorentos to headline the second Dublin Racing Festival

FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival in 2018, the two-day premium racing event returns to Leopardstown Racecourse on February 2 and 3.

With a fantastic programme celebrating the best of Dublin music, entertainment, culture, cuisine and of course horse racing, the event promises to be a great weekend.

Previous Choice Music Prize winners Delorentos, who have just been shortlisted for this year’s prize, will headline the music bill on day one of the festival. Having released six studio albums to date, Delorentos have become one of Ireland’s most popular live acts whose music has been gracing Irish airwaves since 2005.

Their new album ‘True Surrender’ has been hailed by some critics as their finest work to date and the band have recently completed a sold-out Irish tour.

For more info and tickets www.leopardstown.com

Track Record with Kieran McGuinness from Delorentos

1. Most memorable moment in Dublin?

We're from Dublin, so there are loads, but personally, one of the most memorable is when I was on a lukewarm first date with a girl I liked. While walking her to her bus a man came out of a pub behind me and knocked me to the ground with one punch. Sitting on the ground, dazed, with the girl trying to look after me, a guy comes up and says "Delorentos! yeah! great band!" and walks on. Anyway, a decade later, that girl is now my wife and every time I walk past that spot when I'm in the City, I think ‘Thank you, random punch man’

2. Favourite place to visit in Dublin?

Tower Records and the Secret Book And Record store for a browse, Simons' Place or Network for a coffee, Xmusic or Musicmaker for a play of some music…. and The Workmans, Whelans, Walshes of Stoneybatter or Fallon's off Francis Street for a pint… then maybe DiFontaines for a slice of Pizza. Sounds like a good day!

3. When not performing, what else do you do?

I'm very lucky to be able to do stuff that I love – I help out students with song writing in BIMM Dublin, I play great songs on the radio on Radio Nova on a Sunday night (my show is called the NovaGuestlist!). The rest of the time I write and play music with Delorentos and hang out with my family.

4. First album you bought and last album you bought?

The first album I bought was ‘The Bends’ by Radiohead! (well technically, it was Now 30 – featuring Pato Banton, Whigfield, East 17! – huge future influences.) The most recent I bought was ‘The Greatest Showman’ – some bangers on that one. I also bought the new We Cut Corners album for me. Absolutely excellent.

5. Who are your influences?

Musically; honest, melodic, passionate music. This last year I've loved Soccer Mommy, Courtney Barnett, Villagers, Wyvern Lingo, and been listening to Arcade Fire, Suede, Beach House, and lots of great curated playlists on Spotify. Otherwise, you can hear the influence of the Donegal countryside on ‘True Surrender’.

6. Outside of Delorentos, with you fronting, who would make up your ideal band (dead or alive)?

On drums – the legendary Jay Oglesby of Liquid Wheel, Kevin Sheils of MBV on guitar, Johnny and Colin Greenwood on Bass and keys, PJ Harvey on co-vocals, my wife on whatever she likes, and the rest of Delorentos on production and vibes!

7. Any tips on life?

Try to work at stuff that you love – even if that's a dream, or feels like a reach – it’s worth it. Also try to avoid being assaulted, except if you're on a hot date. Oh, and try to listen to Delorentos and check out our new album ‘True Surrender’.