Student Stories: Darragh McCarthy - MMus Music Performance

Irish Drummer Darragh McCarthy shares his amazing journey and experiences as a student in the MMus Music Performance degree at ICMP London.

Darragh tells us about his time studying in London as an international student and how his band was spotted by legendary Irish artist Imelda May, leading to a debut TV appearance and an upcoming support slot with her in Dublin.

Video Transcript

"My name is Darren McCarthy, and I'm a dedicated Irish drummer who recently completed a Masters in Music Performance at ICMP. This educational journey has been a significant milestone in my musical career. Currently, I'm actively involved in preparing for an exciting upcoming tour with my band. We have several significant shows and festivals on our schedule, and ICMP has been instrumental in our preparation, providing us with a venue for rehearsals. This opportunity to rehearse on a real stage, complete with professional lighting, has been invaluable in simulating the actual performance conditions we'll face.

My experience at ICMP has been transformative. Coming from Ireland, where I worked as a primary school teacher, I made the bold decision to relocate to London to chase my dream of a full-time career in music. The shift from teaching to music has been challenging but rewarding. The camaraderie, professional connections, and the state-of-the-art facilities at ICMP have played a crucial role in this transition. The rehearsal spaces and studios are top-notch, and the staff, including the tutors, are not just educators but also gateways to invaluable industry connections. The vibrant atmosphere at ICMP fosters a creative and supportive environment, which has been crucial in my development as a musician.

My band, Hawk, is an indie pop ensemble comprising five talented musicians from Ireland. We've been active for a few years now, developing our unique sound and style. Our big break came when we were discovered by Imelda May, a renowned Irish artist. She was impressed with our performance and offered us an opportunity to appear in her show. This led to our television debut on her Sky Arts Christmas special, a milestone that significantly boosted our profile. Following this exposure, we've seen a growing interest in our band from various industry players, including record labels and management agencies. While we're still navigating these opportunities, the interest from such industry professionals is both encouraging and affirming.

In recent months, our band has been working diligently on new material. Our latest single has been well-received, and we're currently developing several exciting projects. These endeavors are a source of great anticipation and optimism for us, signaling a bright future ahead. The journey so far has been a blend of hard work, exciting opportunities, and invaluable learning experiences, all of which contribute to the growing success of Hawk."

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