Polar Bolero

"Derry group Polar Bolero garnered plenty of attention last year with a handful of singles going hand in hand with a live reputation that saw them shortlisted for Best Live Act at the NI Music Prize."
Aaron Cunningham - Chordblossom - 2024

The genre bending six piece, Polar Bolero has been a new and exciting voice in Northern Ireland for just over over a year now “exploding onto the scene in late 2023”.

Blending styles of Folk with Jazz and Irish traditional music the group have been filling venues across the country especially in their hometown of Derry. Crafting "cinematic sounds with vocals that exude a mature depth beyond their years" the band have rapidly grown in the space of a year playing local festivals like Stendhal and Atlantic sessions and headlining Derry's own IMBOLC folk festival with a view to expand their reach to Europe and the rest of the UK in the coming months after their recently sold out show in Derry's revered music venue - Sandinos.

The band's recognition, being shortlisted for "Live Act of the Year" in the NI Music Awards in 2023 (winning the public vote), speaks volumes about their impact and dedication as emerging artists in the national music scene.

After their recent release "The Rain" (which has quickly become the bands most successful) Polar Bolero has seen national and international radio play as-well as finding considerable audiences in the Netherlands, Germany and the USA.

"Within the vast landscape of contemporary music, the Northern Irish band Polar Bolero has emerged as a radiant beacon, captivating audiences with their heartfelt melodies and poignant lyricism."
Kenny Samberg" - FLEX magazine 2024

"Ireland is full of talent, that's for sure, and it seems Polar Bolero are carving a name for themselves alongside the likes of Snow Patrol, Fontaines D.C. and more as a force to be reckoned with."
Sarah Cappelli 2023 - Subba Cultcha 2023

"‘The Rain’ is an acoustic track that sounds much like its namesake, gentle, misty and drizzly. Featuring dulcet vocals, violin playing, rain sounds and horns, the fusion brings together a folksy new sound. Polar Bolero is an indie outfit from Derry led by Cahir McLaughlin and Pearse Donaghy, that combines Folk, Jazz and Rock. ‘The Rain’ is the latest offering of the group who aim to offer an immersive experience for their audience, exploring themes of disillusionment and melancholy in post-pandemic, post-Troubles Northern Ireland and hope to provide an insight into the North’s social and emotional landscape. ‘The Rain’ offers a momentary experience of soft drizzle for listeners, allowing us to get a little lost in the feeling of it."
Hot Press - 2024