The Upgrades
THE UPGRADES are an up-beat, alternative punk rock band with
ska and reggae influences.
The Dublin based band have covered a lot of tracks on the scene in the past few years, playing
numerous shows across Europe with bands of many different genres.
“Having successfully fused modern day influences with reggae rhythm and punchy beats, their music clearly points at a targeted audience more in touch with mainstream commercial music than just a niche market of ska or punk enthusiasts.”
The Upgrades have just released their long awaited debut album “Take A Risk” through independent UK label SYWP Records. The release was followed by a sold out launch show in the Academy 2 in Dublin, media appearances, and an extensive two week tour of the UK.
The song "Nothing" (from the album) was recently selected to represent Ireland on the "United
Colours Of Ska Volume 4" compilation, featuring 40 of the best ska bands from around the world.
Recent high profile shows include playing support to The Beat in The Academy in Dublin as well as a
sold out all ages show with Belfast based band Steer Clear. Last summer the band were selected to
open the main stage at Europe’s biggest ska-punk festival MIGHTY SOUNDS 2008 in Prague, and,
upon their return played a slot at the popular Irish festival, Electric Picnic. They were also picked as the opening act on the Irish date of the 2006 International TASTE OF CHAOS tour, in the Olympia. Sharing the stage with such acts as Taking Back Sunday, Alexisonfire, Saosin, Anti-Flag, Senses Fail and Underoath.
Other past shows include the Staatsforsten Open Air Festival in Germany, the Life Festival and the Cula Outdoor Music Festival in Ireland, and support slots with Canadian reggae superstars Bedouin Sound Clash, American rock/reggae band State Radio, UK Ska/Punk heroes Sonic Boom Six, ska legend Neville Staple (ex-The Specials), The Beat, Set Your Goals, Mustard Plug, The Planet Smashers, and two successful tours of the UK.
THE UPGRADES can be seen supporting MAD CADDIES in the Academy 2, Dublin, on Fri 12th June.
THE UPGRADES debut album “TAKE A RISK” is OUT NOW and is available from all good record stores and online outlets.