A West Belfast band is aiming for the big time with the release of their new single, which they've written in memory of a beloved friend who died suddenly.
Alpha Twin, comprised of Eoin Bannon, 25, Tomas Fisher, 26 and Andrew Mullan, 26 have just released their new single Live Your Life, and just weeks after release the single has already been recognised by local radio.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Eoin explained what the single was about and how the band was formed.
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"Live Your Life is about mental health, the loss of a beloved friend and how we all need to remember to make the most of the time we have," said Eoin.
"It's what we all feel is a sonic descriptor of losing a loved one and the healing process which ensues afterward. We understand it to be an earnest yet endearing depiction of compassion. In writing the song, we wanted to stay true to our own sound but also create something fresh.
"We opted for an energetic and emotive sound, with melodious vocals coupled with bone-shaking riffs, making it perfect for a rebellious mood," said Eoin.
Tomas is a full-time musician, whilst Eoin works as an Audio Visual Technician and Andrew balances his time with the band as well as working as a Nightshift driver transporting blood between hospitals.
Eoin explained how the band is now gearing up for another live show having formed at a house party and has already supported some other local stars.
"Alpha Twin was actually born from the depths of our friend James' house party. He was already best friends with our drummer Andy, and good friends with me from school but only knew Tomas through Andy.
"His parents were away for the weekend and he asked Andy, who lived next door to bring over his drum kit, I brought my bass amp and bass, and Tomas brought his guitar amp and guitar.
"We just started jamming not thinking anything of it and it just clicked. We arranged a practice for the following day and actually wrote the guts of a song in our first practice. After a few weeks, and many crudely thrown-together covers and very few original songs we wanted a gig.
"As chance would have it, our first gig was supporting XSLF in Voodoo on 12th July, getting to meet local punk heroes like Jim Reilly and Buck Defect. Even though we're not necessarily a punk band, but a rock band/alt rock band, it was still pretty dope getting to meet them," added Eoin.
The band are keen to make it on the big stage in the future but for now, they're just seeking to get their music heard by as many people as possible, and they've taken one step towards that with BBC Radio Ulster's Across the Line show choosing their single as the “Best Song in the World” on this week's show, Monday, August 29.
"Obviously an ambition is to play all over the world and to headline the biggest shows and festivals, but we've been working extremely hard with our latest releases, juggling full-time jobs, relationships, families, and just really want to do the songs justice.
"Ideally, as is the case with every band with a hunger for success, we want to be playing the biggest venues in the country, but for now we'll settle for a smaller venue packed to the gills, with sticky floors and people coming away with beer-covered shoes and sore necks from headbanging," added Eoin.
Alpha Twin will be performing at the Deer's Head in Belfast city centre, on Saturday, September 3 to celebrate the release of Live Your Life which is due for release on September 2.
You can find the band on Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube and Soundcloud.
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