Bio

SHOOKRAH are a 5-piece outfit based in Cork, serving fresh helpings of synth-grooves, interruptive hooks and dystopian romance-themed songs. Their sound sits somewhere between neo-soul and the emerging schools of R&B/Soul that define themselves as ‘Future Soul’. Influences include the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote, Solange, Thundercat, Anderson .Paak and The Internet. Advancing from accolade to accolade (awarded 'Best Irish Band of 2017' and '50 People to watch in 2018' by The Irish Times), Shookrah are positioning themselves as important pioneers in the blossoming urban music scene in Ireland, following the release of their debut self titled album in October 2019.

Holding true to the predicted successes for 2018, Shookrah kept their foot on the pedal releasing 3 contrasting but groove laid singles leading up to the album’s release date.‘Don’t Wanna Doubt You’,‘Flex’ and ‘Notions’ racked up local and UK blog and radio attention, while the group asserted their place as one of Ireland’s top live bands by featuring on 2FM’s Rising and Studio8 sessions alongside album collaborator God Knows ( Rusangano Family). These tracks were accompanied by slick self directed and produced videos,‘DWDY’ a tongue in cheek rom-com video with a cheeky reveal, while ‘Flex’ oozed a sultry 90’s R&B-esque vibe accompanied by electrifying choreography and ‘Notions’ concluded 2019 with a stripped back, film noir conversation between two Senitas. All tracks were recorded with Brendan Fennessy (of O Emperor), the most recent of which was mixed by Michael Heffernan, produced by Emmet O’Riabhaigh and Diarmait Mac Carthaigh and mastered by April Golden. The Cork/Dublin ensemble is made up of Senita Appiakorang (lead vocals), Emmet Ó Riabhaigh (drums), Daniel Coughlan (guitar), Diarmait Mac Cárthaigh (keys) and Brian Dunlea (bass), all of whom have grown up with their own personal connection to music and creativity.

The collective are geared up for a strong 2020 with the release of their upcoming single ‘Why Can’t You Stay’ ( Feb 14th) and a UK tour ensuing Easter weekend of 2020.

For announcements, check out: http://www.shookrah.com/

[WINNER Irish Band of the Year 2017] [50 People to Watch in 2018]
"Shookrah comfortably slide into their jazzy funk style like it’s a vintage suede jacket. You can hear the influence of the groovy cats who blazed 1970s American funk and 1990s neo-soul, as well as new-age Los Angeles beat scene bohemians like Flying Lotus and Thundercat."
The Irish Times

"Impossible to confine to a genre, ‘Gerascophobia’ sounds like wicked, dirty pop music tousled with a bit of soul and funk that melds into a velvety psychedelic haze. However you want to describe it, the Cork City-based band knows how to hypnotize with their bombastic sound."
Afropunk.com

“Shookrah will certainly not be slowing down or stopping any time soon. In fact, the quintet has many exciting things lined up for 2019, including some new releases and a slew of exciting international shows.”
Made In Shoreditch

“Cork newcomers have a refreshing, unusual sound...they have found soul delirium. The six-piece have a sound that is all their own, fusing soul influences into a psychedelic template”
Clash Magazine

Cork six-piece Shookrah have always brilliantly blurred the lines between R&B and throwback soul with a decidedly more forward-thinking approach."
The Thin Air

“Gerascophobia… As young and fresh as a soul song in 2017 can be”
Nialler9, Irish Times Song of the Week

"Shookrah have stormed the scene with a fresh sound that isn't what you'd expect from an Irish group" - Hot Press (Issue 39.14)