Pyrotechnix is newest and most exciting band to come out of Kilkenny since the era of Scuba Dice and they are to take to the small screen for the first time next week.
Pyrotechnix is made up of Aidan Byrne (vocals ), Kevin McGrath (guitar ), Brian Cantwell (drums ), James Rice (piano ), and James McGrath (bass ) and they are representing the east on RTÉ’s All Ireland Talent Show on Sunday next, January 17 at 6.30pm.
The five school pals who are aged 15 and 16 years set up their band one year ago and are now entering the final preparations ahead of their appearance on the All Ireland Talent Show. Since the band was selected to represent the east on the show, they have been in rehearsals non stop. The teens hope that music lovers across the region and beyond will row in behind them and support them.
An excited James McGrath told the Kilkenny Advertiser about their upcoming debut “It’s a challenging competition with so many strong acts from across the country but we are confident that when people hear us play they will recognise our commitment to representing the east with our best performance. We really hope people will come along and show their support. We have put a lot of work into our performance and we will do our best to make Kilkenny proud of us.”
The band was put through in their second audition by the panel of Cormac Battle, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh, and Pat Nolan, which James recalls as the best experience ever “
“Cormac Battle told us we were one of the best young bands he had ever seen! To get a compliment like that from Cormac Battle is in itself an achievement.”
The big prize on offer is €50,000 for the winner, but that’s not the only thing driving the band laughs James.
“While it would be unbelievable to win we are also just so happy to be given this opportunity, not only will it open us up to a larger audience but will give us experience on TV and broaden our overall music experience.”
While the band has only been together one year they have been honing their skills for many years.
“We are all in music class together and we love music and performing so when Aidan [Byrne] suggested we become a band we all jumped at the chance. We have spent the past year rehearsing five days a week and now that hard work is paying off.” added James. The lads hope to write and record their own material after the show — so far they are performing covers of their influences.
“We are inspired by Muse, The Killers, Greenday, and Paramore, and our style is a mix of indie and rock,” said James.
Ahead of the live show appearance they have played at a number of local schools and this Saturday, January 9, from 2 to 3.30pm the band will play a free outdoor gig in the Market Cross Shopping Centre.
