The Academic
Westmeath four-piece who grew up in public — jangly, hook-first indie rock with a knack for a chorus you learn on first listen.
The Academic formed while its members were still at school in Mullingar, with Craig Fitzgerald singing and playing guitar alongside brothers Matthew and Stephen Murtagh and drummer Dean Gavin. They built a following in Ireland through steady gigging before a live video for "Bear Claws" spread widely online: the band played the song into a loop pedal and the footage was reversed, so the layers appeared to build backwards.
Their debut album, Tales from the Backseat, came out in 2018 and topped the Irish chart. The songs run on bright guitar figures, tight rhythm playing and Fitzgerald's plainly delivered vocal lines, usually arriving at a chorus inside the first minute.
The Academic at a glance
Where is The Academic from?
The Academic is from Mullingar, IE.
What kind of music does The Academic play?
The Academic is tagged indie rock and indie pop.
What festivals has The Academic played before?
The Academic has played Electric Picnic 2026.
Also on these bills
James MarriottTyler BallgameFlorence RoadGeeseThese Charming MenSorcha RichardsonNewDadSquareheadThe Frank and WaltersSilverbacksPillow QueensCardinals
More indie rock acts
GeeseWet LegFlipturnCardinalsWunderhorseInterpolMommaThe BethsThe StrokesArcy DriveFlorence RoadJames Marriott
Find acts like The Academic at upcoming festivals
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