The beat of Irish music just got a whole lot louder with the launch of Inis Records, a bold new independent label that's set to shake up the scene. Tom Coll, Fontaines D.C.'s driving force behind the drums, has teamed up with Michael Roe and Ken Allen to bring this exciting venture to life. With a mission to provide a robust platform for Irish music, Inis Records is tackling the long-standing need for an independent infrastructure within the Emerald Isle.
Coll's passion project promises to deliver a knockout punch of fresh releases from emerging talent, alongside reissues of rare and overlooked gems that will get your ears tingling. The label plans to serve up truly special vinyl runs that'll make you want to spin them again and again. And it doesn't stop there – Inis Records will also offer distribution support and behind-the-scenes expertise for selected labels, helping Irish music reach new heights.
As the online store stocks a veritable treasure trove of Irish sounds, from art-rock anthems to traditional folk masterpieces, Roe highlights that Ireland's rich musical heritage has often relied on external infrastructure. But with Inis Records at the helm, there's hope for a stronger, more sustainable future – one where new artists and labels can grow their businesses in Ireland, while making waves internationally.
The label is kicking off with a bang by reissuing 'Against Nature', The Fatima Mansions' 1989 debut album. Further highlights include a traditional Irish music compilation curated by Coll himself and a collection of showband recordings from Charles Hendy. And as if that wasn't enough, Inis Records has thrown open its doors to emerging artists without existing distribution deals – so get your submissions ready!
As the likes of Fontaines D.C., Gilla Band, Enya, and John Francis Flynn are already stocked on the site, it's clear that Inis Records is off to a flying start. And with Coll's bandmates busy working on various projects, including Film Noir's second album and the Peaky Blinders soundtrack, it's business as usual for Fontaines D.C. – who'll be previewing new material at Reading & Leeds and Electric Picnic this summer.
With Inis Records leading the charge, Irish music is poised to take centre stage like never before. Get ready to join the party!