Local band Paper Dogs, known for their funky blues rock sound, the 4 piece have been announced as the winners of the inaugural Sunflowerfest ‘Grass Roots’ band competition.
Over the past months, heats were held for the competition across Northern Ireland, including in Bangor, where Paper Dogs took the top prize. The winners from each heat then played a final gig to an enthusiastic crowd in Voodoo Belfast this week, where judges, picked Paper Dogs as the firm favourite on the night. As their prize, the group will now get the fantastic opportunity of playing a set on the barn stage at Sunflowerfest on Friday 5th August 2016, at 1.50pm.
The band includes Chris Rooney (Guitar and Vocals), Nick McCully (Guitar), Mark Mahood (Bass), Kris Young (Drums) and has been together since 2012, and record their own material at Vega studio in Bangor and have recorded their most recent EP with Chris Ryan at Start together Studio, the oh Yeah Center. They hope this opportunity to play at Northern Ireland’s fastest growing festival will give them a step-up and the chance to reach more people with their music.
Inspired by bands 70’s bands such as Thin Lizzy and current artist Graveyard Paper Dogs deliver a funky or groovy blues rock sound and will be playing their own music as they take to the stage at Sunflowerfest. They also plan to debut 2 new songs they are working on at the moment. The band is just finishing their second EP, which is due for release this summer.
Speaking at the competition Chris Rooney said “Playing Sunflowerfest is going to be the highlight of our summer.” When we entered Grass Roots, we just wanted decent exposure and to meet other bands we could gig with in the future; we didn’t think we’d win! Now we’re going to be playing among 120 of the best acts in NI and further afield at the festival; we can’t wait to get down to the farm!
Michael Magowan, festival organizer, said “We are absolutely over the moon that Paper Dogs have taken home the Grass Roots crown. We couldn’t be more proud of the band! Right from the beginning they have been amazing to work with, from the initial heat through to the final, and we see big things in the group’s future.”
“Very well done to Chris, Nick, Mark and Kris. We can’t wait to see them live on stage at Sunflowerfest this summer and we will continue to support them as much as we can.”
Sunflowerfest takes place at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, 5th to 7th August. As always, the music line up at this year’s Sunflowerfest covers all genres with a wide range of local and international acts confirmed for the festival’s six diverse stages… something to suit all tastes. Weekend tickets cost from £79.95 per adult and each adult ticket admits 2 children aged 15 and younger for free. Day tickets are also available £28.
For further information or to purchase tickets visit: http://www.sunflowerfest.co.uk/