Madrai deliver a high-energy hit of lush pop-rock, blending sharp hooks, rich vocal harmonies, and sweeping arrangements that punch hard and linger longer. Hailing from Northern Ireland, the four-piece have carved a space of their own, echoing the emotional pull of Mk.Gee and John Mayer, the raw groove of Bricknasty, and the arena-ready fire of Kings of Leon and Inhaler.
Their debut single “Leaving on My Own” (produced by Jonny Woods of Wynona Bleach) dropped in July 2024 and didn’t just turn heads—it kicked down the door. Early acclaim poured in from Hot Press, The Beat.Ie, Chordblossom, and Rock n’ Load, landing them a sold-out debut show at Belfast’s Ulster Sports Club and a nomination for Single of the Year at the Northern Ireland Music Prize.
August 2024 saw Madrai take the top prize at the Rockshore Battle of the Bands, outshining 24 acts before headlining Belfast’s iconic Empire Music Hall for the SONI Christmas Special.
With their debut EP “What I’m Doing This For” due for release on September 12th, Madrai are building something big—songs for the highs, the heartbreaks, and every late-night drive in between.
When The Lights Go Down
The stadium moment of the EP – For Fans of The Police, Wynona Bleach, Kings of Leon. When the Lights Go Down is a breakup anthem where the protagonist tries to delay the inevitable, questioning whether there’s anything left to save. Built for big stages, the track combines lush 80s-style chorus tones, and soaring pop harmonies, reaching it’s crescendo with a fizzing octave-fuzz guitar solo underpinned by ‘boss-fight’ piano chords. A subtle lyrical nod to John Mayer (“I kinda feel like slow dancing”) hints at the band’s songwriting influences, while the towering final chorus delivers a cathartic release. Anthemic and aching in equal measure.
The single was recorded by Jonny Woods (Wynona Bleach) at 1980something Studios in Belfast. Production and mixing were handled by Jonny, and the songs were mastered by Jon Moorehead of Moosetronix.