For Dublin band Bipolar Empire, the release of their debut album ‘Feel That You Own It’ can’t come quick enough. Not that they are in any rush – patience has always been a part of their make-up, despite the date of birth on their passports. It’s that patience, combined with a never say die work ethic that has seen them grow and develop into a stunning live act – and it all began in a field in Co Kildare.

Amidst the euphoric haze of Oxegen 2007, in a mud-laden field in Punchestown, three young Dublin musicians decided to band together and try their hands at forming a popular musical group that might one day aspire to greatness. All hailing from the Dublin suburb of Tallaght, supersonic warbler Shane O’Reilly was joined by horizontally laid back bassist Joe Leech and drumming dynamo Callum Mc Adam. And so it was to pass, Bipolar Empire was born.

Their stylistic folk infused rock’n’roll, delivered with genuine raw passion and boundless energy, began to draw the attention of young music connoisseurs and as the live shows developed into a tighter, more intense experience, so the Bipolar Empire fanbase began to blossom. In 2009, the band got a lucky break and managed to wrangle a trip to the US to work with legendary music producer, Pat McCarthy (REM, Madonna, U2, Counting Crows…). The lads packed their bags and sunscreen and headed to Los Angeles to record their debut album. Impressed by the bands vast reserve of songs (the band had thirty tracks written and ready to record), McCarthy spent the first few days helping the band to whittle the tracks down. Working tirelessly and making the most of their time in the US, Bipolar Empire played numerous gigs including turns at the iconic Continental Club and the world famous Whiskey A Go-Go before heading to Austin, Texas, to perform at industry showcase South x Southwest.

Tempomanic by Bipolar Empire

Fast forward to April 2011, and the release of their second single and title track from the album ‘Feel That You Own It’. The band enlisted the help of legendary director Kevin Godley (U2, Blur) to shoot the video video. They decided to focus on the uplifting and positive vibe of the track and approached Irish Champion boxer Katie Taylor to take part.

Speaking on the video, Kevin Godley says; ‘On screen Bipolar Empire and Katie Taylor symbolise a young and forgotten generation venting their anger and frustration against the system that created the mess Ireland is in right now. It’s rooted here because the music grew here but it mirrors the bigger picture of global upheaval currently playing out on the streets of Egypt, Tunisia, and Iran etc. It also looks beyond the fight to the triumph of dreams and goals over fear and apathy and suggests a positive force for change. Both the song and video for ‘Feel That You Own It’ are trying to spread that positive message.

The band have been working hard all summer, playing festivals all over the country – and also being asked to play at the London Feis – alongside musical heroes Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Christy Moore and Horslips, to name a few!

Crowd favourite ‘Trip Around The World’ was the third single to be taken from the album and was released on July 8 – the eve of their second Oxegen performance! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTerhD9azdg The band took to the 2FM Hot Press stage again to a happy crowd of revellers, singing their songs back to them!

They played the interval at Croke Park for the All Ireland Semi Finals 28th August, have been asked to play a prestigious gig at Facebook Ireland HQ 16th September, headline a show at Whelans on 10th September and then head off to Brazil for a tour!

This band are one to watch – but don’t just take our word for it…

What the critics say:
“..it would take a brave soul indeed not to wager on Bipolar Empire following fellow Dubliners The Script into the big league. …This is a band to watch.” Irish Independent

“Hotly tipped as one of the new Irish groups most likely to make it big on the international scene. Their debut album… is simply a knockout.” Sunday World

“Not since the heyday of U2… has there been an Irish band that has so unashamedly taken it to the audience rather than the other way around” Hot Press