The Coronas

One of the unexpected success stories of 2007, The Coronas have taken the Irish indie scene by storm with a slew of sell-out shows across Dublin; two Top 20 singles; a well-received debut album and a Meteor Music Award.Formed as a three-piece in Dublin's Terenure when they were just 15, singer/songwriter Danny O'Reilly, bassist Graham Knox and drummer Conor Egan first made music under the moniker Kirros where their blend of The Beatles and The Stone Roses laid the foundations for what would become The Coronas sound.Changing their name in 2003, the group began the groundwork in generating a loyal fan base through numerous gigs on the college circuit and across their home city. Live album 'Live in the Voodoo Lounge' followed in 2004 before the band decamped to Wicklow to record their debut EP 'Corona EP' in 2006.Since then the band have stepped things up a gear, adding guitarist Dave McPhillips in late 2006 and building on an increasing fan base.In the interim frontman Danny O'Reilly also took time to tour as support to his mother, folk singer Mary Black, in Ireland and the Netherlands. With music very much in his blood, O'Reilly's father Joe is also involved in the business as Black's manager and head of the Dara record label.O'Reilly's focus now however remains very much on The Coronas. Last year saw the band's profile rocket with slots on 'The Late Late Show' and a healthy amount of commercial airplay for their two singles 'Decision Time' and 'The Talk'.Debut album 'Heroes or Ghosts', produced by Joe Chester, was released last October by 3ǧ Records and debuted in the Top 20. The release was promoted with a series of sold- out shows in The Village and The Button Factory, while this year also will see a hectic gig schedule.With the band expected to appear at the Oxegen Festival in July for the second time, next month will see them play their biggest headliner to date at Dublin's Ambassador Theatre.