Interview with Sean 'Neddy' Arkins of Original Rudeboys

Interview with Sean 'Neddy' Arkins of Original Rudeboys

I think it's fair to say that O.R.B have certainly established themselves as one of Ireland's most unique music groups, with a musical style that is very difficult to compare to. 

Comprising of three lads from Dublin - Sean Arkins, Robert Burch and Sean Walsh, the band have enjoyed notable success since coming to light in 2009, especially in Ireland and the UK.

I caught up with Sean Arkins to have a quick chat about the band's success and more!

"We all grew up in the same neighbourhood in Dublin's north inner city and attended the same schools at an early age. We played music solo for years while we were all friends and decided to come together randomly one night for what we thought would just be one song. We were very wrong!"

So the band was formed completely out of nowhere, in every sense of the phrase. Surely the lads never dreamed of becoming so successful?

"Like I said, we'd all been doing music as a hobby for years and kinda struck luck when we came together as a band and released our first song called "Stars In My Eyes" which quickly went viral. Before that there was a lot of attempts to get out there musically. We always aimed to make the best music we could and reach the biggest audience, To date we still do that but I think I speak for all members when I say we where all taken aback when the music started going viral and we were being offered shows and festival slots on some of the biggest stages in both the UK & Ireland."

Every band goes through good and bad stages in their respective careers, so I decided to put the question to the Dublin man, what did he feel were the highs and lows of O.R.B since their formation?

"The highlights would definitely be our first album going Platinum and getting an amazing response from our fans! Also winning Meteor's Song of the Year Award, being up against some huge Irish talent was great. As far as low points go we've been blessed to not have too many, I suppose making music and stressing over deadlines and stuff to do with the business side of it can be a bit boring at times."

For anyone who has ever been to an O.R.B concert, it certainly is an unforgettable experience. I have seen the guys live on a number of occasions and they truly are incredible. But what has been their favourite gig(s) and why?

"Personally, The Olympia in Dublin was amazing as it's a venue we all grew up attending other gigs at and we made it our own personal goal to headline there one day! To go on and not only headline it, but sell it out 5 times was mind boggling for us."

Speaking of gigs, Sean has some exciting news for the band's Irish fans!

"We're currently in the planning stages of an Irish Tour so stay posted on all our online sites for more info! For your readers from other countries, our two albums 'This Life' and 'All We Are' are available on iTunes, Spotify etc. You can also grab a physical copy in the likes of HMV, Golden Discs, Tower Records and Tesco."

So times are certainly exciting for not only the band, but fans too! If you haven't already checked the guys out, it would certainly be worth your while.

As I mentioned, they have adapted a very unique and diverse style of music, something that you probably will not have come across before!

Look them up on Youtube

Twitter @orbsofficial
Facebook /orbsofficial

EOIN!