Gem and Jo's Irish Music

To celebrate Seachtain Ná Gaelige (pronounced: shocktin nah gwail-i-ga) or Irish Week, we have decided to be good Irish folk and share our favourite Irish music with you guys! We know when you hear the words "Irish Music" images of fiddles and dancers with their arms super-glued to their sides probably sweep into your head, and while that kind of music can be a good bit of fun, there's more to Irish Music than that. So throw down your fiddle and bodhrán (pronounced: bough-ron), and let us share with you some of the Irish bands that we have been loving!

 Delorentos

These guys are probably one of our favourite Irish bands. With their great lyrics and super catchy indie pop melodies its no wonder that these guys are so popular in Ireland. Their latest album is just great and if you get the chance to see these guys live, go! (that's an order, not a suggestion). Check out their song 'Forget the Numbers' and we swear you'll be hooked. 

All Tvvins 

If you play Fifa, you've probably heard the genius that is All Tvvins. These guys haven't even released their first album yet and have already gathered a growing fan base abroad and in Ireland. We have had their song 'Darkest Ocean' on repeat!

Two Door Cinema Club

We have always been big fans of Two Door Cinema Club. Their brand of indie pop is so upbeat it just puts you in a good mood!We have loved their last two albums and with rumours of new material on the horizon we can't wait to hear what they come out with next. Check out their song 'Something Good Can Work', it'll forever be our summer song. 

Otherkin 

Looking for something a little bit heavier, look no further than Otherkin. Another band that hasn't released their debut album yet but seem to be gaining fans by the minute. If you're into The Strokes or The Hives you are sure to like these guys. 

Bell X1

Honestly there isn't much that we can say about these guys except that they're great. A little poppy at times and a little rocky at others. While we haven't heard anything new from these guys in a while, they have started touring again which is just awesome. Check out 'White Water Song' one of our favourites that we think is often overlooked!

These are only a few of our favourite Irish bands. Honestly we could probably write an entire book if we included them all (in fact there's an idea!). 

Have you heard of these band before? Give them a listen and tell us what you think? We'd love to know. 

Until next time,

Gem and Jo's College Essentials

As college veterans, we are here to help you put aside your college newbie worries and guide you through your first few weeks of getting your degree. Here is our video on what you are going to need when the time to start college comes around.

1.  Get yourself a diary or a date book for your first day where you can keep track of important dates.

2. A notebook and Pen is essential for your first day as you'll be given a load of information that should be written down. 

3. Get a map of campus and keep it! You may need it at exam time or even in the next few years of college.
4. Bring a plastic folder to keep all the important documents you'll receive on your first day in. (Keep everything you're given during those first days, they'll likely be important and needed at some point in the future!)
5. Have a memory key on you at all times for printing assignments and saving in class work.
6. Wait a while before buying text books for lectures to make sure that they will actually be used.
7. Get a good water bottle. Most colleges have drinking water taps on campus so you can fill up your water bottle and not have to spend a load on bottled water. 
8. Get a small lunch box that you can put snacks in. You won't always have time to run back to your dorm or to the cafeteria every time you're hungry. This will save you from disturbing a lecture with a loud rumbling stomach (we've been there. Not a lot of fun!). 

Stay tuned for our next video which is all about how to mentally survive those first few, terrifying days and has some handy general tips that may be helpful too!