Galway dream-pop outfit NewDad bring their compelling debut album Madra to Manchester Academy this October, marking a major new chapter for the fast-rising four-piece.
Fronted by singer-guitarist Julie Dawson, NewDad’s music is rich with atmosphere—spanning shimmering shoegaze, hazy post-punk and soaring alt-pop—while remaining lyrically unflinching. Madra is their most vulnerable and ambitious release to date, produced by longtime collaborator Chris Ryan (Just Mustard) and mixed in part by John Congleton (St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers). It’s a record that fearlessly explores mental health, heartbreak, guilt, and self-sabotage with unflinching clarity—yet always wrapped in lush textures and cathartic hooks.
Since their 2020 breakout, the band have released two acclaimed EPs (Waves and Banshee), toured with the likes of Inhaler and Paolo Nutini, and won fans with their emotive, festival-ready sound. Now signed to Atlantic Records, Madra sees them reach new heights—both sonically and emotionally.
Expect a live show full of hypnotic guitar tones, poignant lyrics, and powerful performance from a band that’s fast becoming one of Ireland’s most exciting exports.
