Neu Get To Know… Irenegarry

The rising Spanish artist plays Mad Cool festival this weekend!

6th July 2022

Hello and welcome to DIY’s introducing feature, Get To Know… getting you a little bit closer to the buzziest new acts that have been catching our eye as of late, and working out what makes them tick. Recently we’ve met cool AF Aussie trio HighSchool, rising four-piece Krush Puppies, Conge, the self-proclaimed “best band since Oasis” Enumclaw, and now we’re introducing you to Irenegarry, who’s set to play Mad Cool festival this weekend. If you take a glance at the line up of this year’s edition, you’ll spot approximately twice the number of headliners as most festivals. Cast your eyes down just a row or two, and you’ll spot even more names who often find themselves topping the bill. Each fresh glance at the poster, and another handful of names stand out. Jack White; The Killers; Florence + The Machine; St Vincent; Wolf Alice; Haim; Phoebe Bridgers; Stormzy; alt-J. You get the idea. But Mad Cool also prides itself on highlighting talent coming out of Spain, aiming to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Hinds and The Parrots, making names for themselves across the continent. This year’s contingent include acts such as Bikoko, Los Invaders and Irenegarry, who you can learn a little more about below…

Describe your music to us in the form of a Tinder bio.
I’m very bad at selling myself, plus just thinking of Tinder gives me PTSD. I guess that’s mainly what my songs are about.

What’s your earliest musical memory?
My mom singing Spanish pop songs in literally any context that involved just us two.
Who were some artists that inspired you when you were just starting out (and why)?
Hope Tala, Alice Phoebe Lou, Jorja Smith, Núria Graham and Crumb. They’re all incredible and ambitious musicians that make me want to improve my skills.

Are there any other artists in Madrid breaking through at the same time that you take inspiration from?
I would say Amore, Mori, Judeline, Shego, Rusowsky, Kora, and Simona. I love what they do and I feel blessed I get to learn from them or work with them or just watch them evolve.

Who would be your dream collaborator?
Right now I would say Alice Phoebe Lou maybe, or Rosalía. Just the idea of being in a studio with either of them gives me chills. I love their approach to music so I know it would blow my mind.

If people could take away one thing from your music, what would it be?
Like most artists my music is very personal. I think the easiest thing to take away is some intimacy. I love talking about myself and oversharing.

What are you looking forward to most about playing at Mad Cool Festival?
Just being there on the stage. I know I will be trying to take pictures of the situation with my mind and thinking: “OK, it’s happening, don’t miss it, be here.”

Tags: Irenegarry, Mad Cool, Festivals, Features, Interviews, Neu, Get to Know