Kobalt has signed rising alternative rock band Bleech 9:3 from Dublin.
Built around songwriters and guitarists Barry “Baz” Quinlan and Sam Duffy, the four-piece, completed by James Quinlan (bass) and Luke O’Neill (drums,) has built up a UK and European following.
Following the debut track Ceiling and breakthrough single Jacky, the band have amassed almost 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
Kenny McGoff, Kobalt’s EVP, head of creative UK & GSA, said: “I met Baz in a coffee shop and saw deep into the white of his eyes in real time, not just from the stage. Everything connected, the heart, mind, body and soul. Soon after, the rest of the band joined, and I knew this was something that meant more to me than any business could ever give you. The songs and shows make me feel alive and to use Baz’s quote, it's ‘attitude with gratitude’.
“Having Melissa Emert and Brian Mahoney alongside me, all playing a role and bringing these writers and the songs to Kobalt has been a gift. Lee Owens, the band’s co-manager who I have known, laughed with, and respected for years, was the icing on the cake. To then get into a new bond with co-manager Dan Pare has been a joy. Chris Brown, the legal eagle, thank you for all your efforts, top man. I would also like to thank Neil Lasher, who is sadly no longer with us but without him this new partnership would never have happened. I know he will be moshing along from whatever happy place he is, looking down at the hundreds of people he saved.”
Bleech 9:3 draw on influences from Radiohead, Nirvana, and Deftones, alongside contemporary acts such as Fontaines DC.
In a statement, the band said: “The real passion for music was clear throughout the company and so we’re delighted to be working with Kobalt.”
Bleech 9:3 have supported artists including Keo and Shame, selling out headline shows and culminating in a three-night residency at London’s Blue Basement.
“We’re excited to have the whole Kobalt team on board, especially Kenny, whose expertise will play a key role in elevating the band's profile on a worldwide stage,” said Lee Owens, co-manager of Bleech 9:3 at ATC Management.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing one of the most exciting new bands in the country to Kobalt,” added Dan Pare, co-manager of Bleech 9:3 at ATC Management. “They’re writing songs with real scope and ambition, and Kobalt is the perfect partner to take that to a global stage.”
Now based in London, the band continue to write and record new material while preparing for an extensive run of live shows.
“From the very first Bleech 9:3 song I heard, I was completely drawn in and genuinely blown away,” said Melissa Emert-Hutner, Kobalt’s SVP, creative. “Their songwriting is strikingly raw and full of longing, yet undeniably catchy, with beautifully layered instrumentation that elevates every moment. It feels like a breath of fresh air infused with a sense of nostalgia. I’m truly thrilled and honored to be working with the band, their managers Lee and Dan at ATC, Chris Brown, CAA, and my esteemed colleagues Kenny and Brian.”
PHOTO: (L-R) Dan Pare (ATC Management), Lee Owens (ATC Management), Luke O'Neill (Bleech 9:3), Barry Quinlan (Bleech 9:3), James Quinlan (Bleech 9:3), Sam Duffy (Bleech 9:3), Kenny McGoff (EVP, Head of UK & GSA Creative), Brian Mahoney (Vice President, Creative Catalogue & Business Development), Chris Brown (Sheridans) Photo credit: Betty Gonzales Gray
MAIN PHOTO: Tatiana Pozuelo
