The Academic

The Academic, an indie rock quartet from Mullingar, has established itself as one of Ireland’s most striking bands of its generation. Formed by Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin and brothers Matthew and Stephen Murtagh, the band broke through with Tales From The Backseat, their debut album released in 2018 that shot straight to the top of the Irish charts. Driven by youthful energy and catchy pop‑rock anthems, the record launched a rapid ascent. In 2023 their second album, Sitting Pretty, marked a new milestone, consolidating their sound between modernity and nostalgia while winning over an international audience. With overt influences ranging from The Kinks to Talking Heads, The Academic deliver music that is as melodic as it is instinctive, making each show a concentrated burst of energy, sincerity and rock communion.