In the ever-shifting musical landscape, The Academic has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. After their self-released debut album, Tales From The Backseat, skyrocketed to the top of the chart in 2018, the Irish quartet embarked on a global journey, touring right across the UK, Europe, and a North America. Revered for their live shows, their infectious blend of buoyant guitar hooks and poignant lyrics about teenage escapades resonated far beyond the Irish countryside where they grew up.
Fast forward to 2025, and The Academic has not only maintained their momentum but surged to new heights. Their sophomore album, Sitting Pretty, not only marks a sonic evolution but has propelled the band to a second No. Album and a global fanbase. As if that weren't enough, the year unfolded as a whirlwind of transatlantic gigs, playing stages across the US and Europe and South East Asia.
Reflecting on their journey, vocalist Craig Fitzgerald notes the band's growth, stating, "We're different people now but that's natural. We are still as ambitious as we have ever been, and we feel that our best work is yet to come. We are very excited for what is to come in 2024.”
The Academic's dedication to authenticity and genuine expression remains unwavering. Inspired by the likes of The Kinks, Talking Heads, and The Velvet Underground, their music wears its heart on its sleeve, a trait that has resonated with fans who have turned lyrics into tattoos and used their songs as soundtracks for life's pivotal moments.
As they break new ground with Sitting Pretty outside of Ireland, The Academic is unapologetically themselves, confidently navigating their own path in a music scene where comparison is inevitable. "We’re willing to change, we’re willing to evolve but we also know exactly who we are," asserts bassist Stephen Murtagh. Their music, characterised by infectious choruses and raw sincerity, stands as a testament to their self-assuredness.
For a band that started by learning Kings Of Leon covers in a local pub in 2013, The Academic's ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. With ‘Sitting Pretty,’ they invite audiences to join them on a visceral journey through the chaos of mid-20s existence, offering solace to those grappling with self-worth and identity. As they look ahead to conquering new territories, The Academic proves that their hunger for musical exploration burns brighter than ever, igniting a fire that promises to carry them to uncharted heights.