Polar Bolero

Polar Bolero is a six-piece alternative folk band from Derry, Northern Ireland, weaving together elements of folk, jazz, and Irish traditional music to create a sound that is both cinematic and deeply evocative. Known for their immersive live performances, the band has quickly made a name for themselves, winning the public vote for "Live Act of the Year" at the NI Music Awards 2023.

Since emerging in late 2023, Polar Bolero has filled venues across Northern Ireland, delivering standout performances at Stendhal Festival, Atlantic Sessions, and IMBOLC Folk Festival, where they headlined earlier this year. Their set at Stendhal Festival was hailed as a highlight of the weekend, further cementing their reputation as an electrifying live act. They have also supported Crash Test Dummies, Gareth Dunlop, and Ocean Colour Scene, proving their ability to share the stage with major names while captivating audiences with their unique sound.

Their latest single, The Rain, has been their most successful to date, earning national and international radio play and resonating with audiences in the Netherlands, Germany, and the USA. Hot Press praised the track as “gentle, misty, and drizzly,” capturing the band’s ability to create an atmosphere that lingers long after the music stops.

Now, Polar Bolero is preparing to release their debut EP in 2025, working with Belfast producer Matthew Weir at Tuesday Club Studios. With a growing reputation and an ever-evolving sound, the band continues to establish themselves as one of the most exciting new voices in Irish music.

Press Quotes & Descriptions:

“Arriving on the scene post-lockdown, they’ve been steadily earning praise for their spine-tingling, heartfelt songs, as well as show-stealing performances at festivals like Stendhal and the Atlantic Sessions.“
— Hot Press Magazine’s ‘Hot for 2025’

“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)

“Within the vast landscape of contemporary music, 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, 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.”
— Hot Press (2024)