Having undertaken over 12 months of mentorship from a range of experienced producers and curators the first cohort of Earagail Arts Festival’s new curators, Aisling Faulkner, Clodagh McIvor and Ciaran Gallagher, have selected three of Ireland’s finest socially conscious bands for their first foray in the world of event curation.

Cherym is a three-piece pop rock band based in Derry. They have had a busy year of touring, playing shows all over the world, including SXSW in Austin, Texas (USA). They are currently on a European tour. Cherym are activists within the LGBTQ+ community and the feminist movement.

Sheerbuzz is a four-piece indie alt rock band based in Donegal. They are currently in the process of writing some new music. They made their TV debut on BBC2 NI’s Ceol le Toal on the 14th of Feb this year (2022).

Problem Patterns from Belfast are not limited by age or ability or binary identities. They don’t have a front person, they swap instruments and roles to ensure that each member of the group has a voice.

They espouse queer punk and they have shared touring schedules with Bob Vylan, Crawlers, Queen Zee, & JOHN (timestwo).  They are part of a supportive musical community in Belfast that includes Gender Chores and Strange New Places. Live shows are furious, celebratory and uplifting. Outbreaks of fun and positive havoc are part of the experience. Their latest single, Y.A.W, was released on 16th March 2022.