Nova Dream is an alternative rock band based in Dublin, Ireland, that blends rock with elements of grunge and post-punk. Formed in early 2023, the band is made up of Joshua Bartschi (bass, vocals), Gabriel Rizzo (guitar, vocals), and Danny Maguire (drums).
The band began as a creative collaboration between Josh and Gabriel, who had previously played together in a short-lived project. Driven by a shared vision and musical chemistry, the duo began writing new material. Their lineup was completed when Danny crossed paths with them, bringing his dynamic drumming into the fold and cementing the foundation of the band.
Since their formation, Nova Dream has been steadily building momentum across the Irish music scene. Their energetic live shows have seen them headline some of the country’s most iconic venues. In late 2024, they marked a major milestone with their first international shows in the UK, performing in Manchester and London.
Known for their raw, emotive songwriting, Nova Dream often explores introspective themes in their music, delving into personal struggles, self-reflection, sonderism, and the complexities of the human experience, combined with emotional honesty is at the heart of their sound.
Throughout 2024, the band released a string of singles—City Lights, Elephant in the Room, Running Out of Time, Black Cinema, and Rearrange—each showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth. These tracks have received widespread radio airplay and coverage from notable outlets including Hot Press, The Journal of Music, IMRO, The Beat, RTÉ, Dublin South FM, Radio Wigwam UK, KCLR 96FM, Lava Lounge Radio, Leyland FM, Post Burnout, and many more.
About the Song
“Lights Out” was recorded at Darklands Studios, mixed by Dan Doherty, and mastered by Pete Maher. The single reveals a different side of the band—introducing subtle electronic layers and a more atmospheric approach, while still grounded in their signature guitar&-bass driven sound. It marks a natural evolution as the band experiments with new textures and ideas, looking to the future.
‘’At the time of the recording, we were more into bands like Placebo, Biffy Clyro and Idles as well as Gurriers, which definitely helped us for a clearer vision of the path we could shift the band into new places to experiment’’
The song touches on themes of an inner search in uncertain times, where people are constantly trying to find clarity among a flood of competing narratives. It’s about holding onto a sense of direction in a world where everything feels blurred, loud, and fast-moving, as if things are losing their light.
‘’The idea began during a regular commute through Dublin city centre, with the odd image of someone quietly reading an atlas; an unexpected symbol of personal orientation in a noisy world from our perspective’’
“Lights Out” builds on the momentum of Nova Dream’s earlier singles: “City Lights,” “Elephant in the Room,” and “Running Out of Time.” These tracks reflect the band’s desire to grow, explore, and keep moving forward.