RAGERRA first emerged in 2019 with an alternative, heavy rock explosion under the name Valhalla. While it proved a successful formula for the Dublin trio who enjoyed giant riffs and pounding drums, they soon developed a new respect for a more melodic sound and with that came a change of name.
Formed by friends Mark Boyle and Barry Monahan, they soon invited drummer Luke Alford to join the band. This would help deliver the power they needed to round out their musical ambitions. As the band got to know each other, their musical direction and song writing began to grow and their mutual love for various genres influenced a new direction. From 1950’s rock and roll legends such as Elvis and stadium heroes Kings of Leon, to indie-folkster Sharon Van Etten and rock instrumentalists Overhead The Albatross, their melting pot of music tastes breathed new life into the practise room and with that, RAGERRA was born.
In March, 2022, the band released their first single Runaway under RAGERRA, a dreamy, indie rock tune with a blissful, pop soundscape. It created a buzz at radio with it being playlisted on 2XM and played on BBC Ulster ATL. It also featured as a track of the week on both Hotpress and The Thin Air.
Following on from the release of Runway, along came single number two in June 2022 with Hone. Another swoonful melodious track influenced by the world of lucid dreaming. Again, with great support at radio and playlisted across a number of national stations, it came as the band embarked on a tour of the UK with fellow music pals Blue Stragglers. RAGERRA are known to bring a fresh and brilliant energy to the stage and their tour cemented their passion for playing live together.
After an exciting UK stint, RAGERRA returned to Ireland and started working on more new music. In that time the band were invited to play two festivals, Playing Fields and Electric Picnic to round out the summer season. It came just before the band released Old, their third single of 2022 and one that attracted lots of media love.
To celebrate a year of brilliant live shows and three single releases, the band are rounding off 2022 with the release of three live session videos for Runaway, Hone and Old, all of which can be found on their Instagram, TikTok and YouTube channels. That’s not the end however, with an album in the works and live dates to be announced, RAGERRA are only warming up.