Asophonics featured in final of national competition
Aaron Thompson and Sophia Jones, collectively known as Asophonics, at the Hot Press - A New Local Hero final in the Academy, Dublin
CARLOW BAND Asophonics were one of only six acts to perform in the final of New Local Hero, a competition that’s run by magazine in association with local radio stations around the country in a bid to find and promote new talent.
Aaron Thompson from Carlow and Sophia Jones from Clonmore are collectively known as Asophonics and they qualified for the national final of New Local Hero alongside five other acts at well-known music venue The Academy on Liffey Street, Dublin.
Although they didn’t win the prize of €5,000, which went to singer songwriter Calum Agnew, for Aaron and Sophia it was a dream come true, especially as The Academy holds a special place in their hearts.
Aaron saw his first gig there as a young teenager so it was a “pinch-me” moment when he found himself on the hallowed stage.
“It was weird to be the only person in the room facing the wrong direction! I saw my first gig there at the age of 14, thinking I want to do that. It was surreal and such a privilege to do it,” said Aaron.
The New Local Hero competition is a high-profile event which even attracted the attention of President Michael D Higgins.
"There is so much extraordinary musical talent in Ireland right now, as was confirmed so emphatically when independent radio stations all over Ireland chose their own Local Hero as part of Irish Music Month,” said President Higgins.
“The judges must have had an exceptionally difficult job selecting a shortlist of six from those uniquely talented artists – and so, in addition to Calum Agnew, Bobbi Arlo, Asophonics, Mia Black, Jessica Brett and Projective, all deserve our most sincere congratulations. We are in a very special moment here in Ireland, with brilliant young, creative artists like all six finalists delivering works of remarkable imagination, quality and strength.” Aaron and Sophia formed Asophonics about a year ago, having been inspired to play together after they attended a Hozier concert.
Where Aaron grew up listening to emo and indie rock, Sophia’s influences are more country-leaning. Aaron says their own music is a blend of all those styles. They’ve also released a single, , which they used in the New Local Hero competition.
“We’re doing what sounds good to us,” said Aaron.
Ireland has been on the crest of a creative wave for some years now and, at a local level, Aaron said the music scene in Carlow town is strong, aided in no small way by the Young Blood music sessions for young bands, run by Darragh O’Connor. Unfortunately, Darragh has had to call it a day with the sessions, but it’s hoped that someone else will take up the mantle to support and nurture new talent.
“It’s so important to have entry-level stages for new bands to play on. Darragh’s Young Blood sessions really sparked things off here, so hopefully we can keep things going,” said Aaron.
Asophonics and Aaron’s other band, Fox Chase Hound, play regularly in The Barracks and Scraggs Alley, so keep an eye for them.
The new single by Asophonics, , is out now on music platforms.
