Galway Band Nowhere on Connecting With Fans On and Off Stage

By Maureen Arnold

A hard rain puttered above our heads the night I met with Galway born-and-bred band Nowhere, a foggy glass window becoming the only thing between us and the tempest we would become acquainted with as soon as our discussion found its end. Even with the battling elements playing a supporting role, nothing could pull me away from the turning wheels Nowhere accelerated following each question I sought the answer to.

A group of friends – you know the type, long hair, band-tees, effortlessly cool – but beyond the nostalgic garage-band charm of their exterior, they aren’t short on explanations for the methods for their madness. Made up of Aaron Neary on bass, Jamie Keaney and Luke Tynan on guitar and vocals, and Cian Melis on drums. You’ve seen them around town; busking, performing at open mics, and in the case of Melis, playing in a handful of other Galway-based alternative bands.

Establishing the Sound

Nowhere began as a cover band, formally coming together as Nowhere around January of this year, though they said a variation of the now fully formed group has existed for years. This year, however, they decided to get organised, with Melis even teaching himself drums for the sake of the band.

“I mean I think we play rock music,” says Neary. “We definitely take some inspiration from the Strokes sound, but we tend to be a differentiate a bit in the complexity of our structure.”

Labelling is a sore subject for the group, as they each have a different interpretation of the genre. They credit Dinosaur Jr., Built To Spill and Pavement as inspiration, with particular interest in the 90s Portland slacker rock scene.

“We’re very inspired by that scene,” says Jamie.

“But you know, we also take a lot from the artists that inspired it, and of course bands that were inspired by them as well. It’s an endless cycle, but I suppose that’s why we see so many subgenres of rock.”

They assure me the list of admiration could go on, but they had all agreed amongst each other prior to the interview not to ramble. Watching the four of them interject between each other’s comments felt like children tying their shoelaces together, as their friendly chemistry seemed to answer every question I could possibly have on how they operate so well as a band.

Songwriting

The task of songwriting is passed around between them, though they admit they enjoy when one of them brings in just the bones of a tune, allowing them all to take their stab at molding it.

“99% of the songs I write are not seen by anyone ever,” says Neary. “But when you have an idea and want to present it to the rest of the band, it’s nice to hear their feedback and so how it can evolve. Even just from one demo, any one of us can have a different take on it and I can trust the rest of them to know what to do.”

“We’re getting into the knack of it now,” says Tynan. “We all take the music very seriously, but you know it can still be a bit of trial and error. We approach each other with our solo stuff too.”

Melis details the differences in their approach from solo to work for the band, stating that in his solo project Tynan writes and plans songs with a bit more planning and calculation, whereas when writing for Nowhere he “brings a bit more fervour”, that he says they all “bite at like dogs”.

“I love the way we interact with each other’s songwriting,” says Keaney.

In terms of keeping on track, they each agree Melis’ constant motivation is what has pushed the band into actually coming to fruition. Being in two other bands, Infidel and Túr Balor, he’s well practiced.

“I actually think being in three bands has made me a better musician,” says Melis with a grin. “Now being able to expand my skills and now being confident playing two different instruments is amazing. Also working with different people and within different genres really brings a whole new approach to how I create.”

Nowhere have plans to record and even teased the idea of some singles making their way into soundscape very soon.

The State of the Scene

Considering these plans, I questioned how they might feel about the structure of the Galway music scene and whether they have the tools to produce a finished work accessibly.

“I would love to see the scene evolve in terms of support,” says Melis. “Beyond just the university, there really isn’t a public space for musicians and artists to create. We would benefit so much from a practice space that is maintained and can be accessed at an affordable price.”

Within the scene itself, they enjoy sharing space with an assortment of other bands but tell me they’d appreciate a deviation from the current Shoegaze of it all.

“There’s so many acts in Galway, which we love,” says Keaney. “But if you go to a gig on a night out, 90% of the time you’re going to stumble across Shoegaze.”

“There’s so many great genres out there, I hope people feel confident and supported enough to mix things up a little, bring a bit of diversity into the sound. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

In terms of favourite new Irish acts, there are a good few that stand out to them.

“We love seansean,” says Keaney who’s opened for Galway indie artist on several occasions. “I would describe him as someone who creates for himself, regardless of how people might digest it, which I really admire.”

“We also love Bricknasty,” Melis chimes in.

In an indie scene that is often male dominated and considering the recent rise in misogyny online and around the world, I was intrigued to find out how Nowhere navigate these conversations when attempting to cultivate a safe local scene.

“The music scene can, at times, attract the wrong type of energy,” says Neary. “Sometimes people approach these difficult situations as a sort of open secret when maybe it’s better to call it out flat out.”

“You kind of know things about other people when you’re working in a scene so small,” says Melis. “If something happens between people in other bands or in particular venues, we take note of it. When it comes to collaboration, we’re not willing to put our morals on hold simply to not risk missing out on the opportunity of another gig.”

From Crowd to Stage

Playing at their favourite local venues for the first time, Nowhere reflected on their transition from concertgoers to performers in the Galway scene.

“It’s insane,” says Neary. “I started my first band with my twin brother at 14. It was just for fun and we thought it would be cool, so that was the main motivation. To see where that’s lead me is kind of beautiful to think about.”

The band played at the Sunflower Sessions earlier this month, the local arts fundraising events in partnership with the Eating Disorder Association of Ireland, Bodywhys. They each smile when reflecting on the importance of these events, with the Session’s founder Siobhán Kelleher being a longtime friend of the band.

“Everyone loves the Sunflower Sessions,” says Tynan. “There isn’t a lick of negativity when they’re taking place. Going around shopping and listening to music, what’s not to love. And having a connection to Siobhán just makes it very meaningful for us. She does a great job putting it on every year.”

“It’s so fun,” says Melis. “If I could do a gig every day of my life, I would. Just watching big bands tour around the world and carrying the same energy through every show, you can see how much fun they’re having. I look forward to being a part of something like that.”

“Being able to do what we do in Galway- where we’re from- adds so much closeness and joy to the experience of just starting out.”

“Regardless of whether I’m up on the stage or looking down at it, I feel connected with people on the other side,” says Tynan. “And I think that’s what I love about playing locally.”

You can see Nowhere live at Galway Pulses Big Busk music and raffle event at Sult on Tuesday 10 November, alongside a variety of different acts, all in support of the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and the Irish Cancer Society.