music
'Addiction is proof there is a devil. Recovery is proof there is a God': Irish rockers Bleech 9:3 on struggle, sobriety and their stunning debut
After two friends sponsored each other in Alcoholics Anonymous, they started making music. As they gear up for a summer of 40 festivals, the band tell their harrowing yet uplifting story
TL;DR
- Bleech 9:3's music is heavily influenced by the band members' struggles with addiction and their journeys in Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Frontman Barry Quinlan and guitarist Sam Duffy found sobriety and a spiritual connection through AA sponsorship, which became the foundation for their band.
- The band's debut EP features personal and autofictional themes, with songs addressing nihilism, doomed romance, and the process of self-healing.
- Family history of addiction and the normalizing of overconsumption in Ireland are significant influences on the band's perspective.
- The members experienced spiritual awakenings that solidified their beliefs in a higher power and the fight against addiction.
- The band relocated to London to pursue their music career, drawing inspiration from their past struggles for their songwriting.
- Their music reflects themes of loss, the devastating impact of addiction, and the resilience of the human spirit.
- Bleech 9:3 is part of a thriving Irish alternative music scene, drawing from a rich cultural history.
- Despite immense exhaustion from touring and recording, the band expresses gratitude for pursuing their dreams.