Northside band wins Electric Picnic slot

A NORTHSIDE band is to play at Electric Picnic next month after winning a competition on 2FM.

Tanjier, which comprises Tommy Buckley, Ronan Lynch, Ann Horan and Michael Killen, are from the Artane/Raheny area.

In June, RTÉ 2FM and Oxfam ran a competition called ‘Play the Picnic’ to give unsigned acts an opportunity to play at Electric Picnic.

After entering their debut single ‘Sunrise’ into the competition, Tanjier’s track was shortlisted by independent judges as one of the top 30 songs.

“Almost 400 acts had entered the competition. This was our debut release and we were delighted to hear it had been shortlisted,” said Tommy Buckley.

To determine a winner, the public voted for their favourite act by texting. Each text cost €2 and the proceeds went to Oxfam. The overall winners, Tanjier, were announced on the Tracey Clifford show on RTÉ 2FM.

“We just want to thank our friends and family who voted for us and who asked other people to vote for us. They have raised so much money for a great cause and their support has been fantastic,” said Ann Horan.

Tanjier will be joining the likes of Noel Gallagher, Lana Del Rey, Years and Years, New Order and The 1975 at Electric Picnic which takes place from September 2-4.

“We can’t wait for it. To share a line-up with so many of our influences is incredible. Noel Gallagher was the main reason why I wanted to play the guitar,” said Michael.

The band members met each other in a variety of circumstances, from being in school or college together, to meeting in Uganda on a teacher volunteer programme. Infusing synthpop, indie rock, folk and funk, Tanjier explore many different music styles.

‘Sunrise’ was released on July 31 and they have recently put out their second single, ‘Misfit Hour,’ to critical acclaim.

You can find their debut EP on Spotify or listen to ‘Misfit Hour’ at: soundcloud.com/tanjier/misfit-hour.