“This debut release from this Irish indie rock four piece brings with it something of an emotional blood-letting with another deeply personal journey into the inner turmoil of the human heart and condition” – Uber Rock
“Belfast group Madrai have just dropped their debut single ‘Leaving On My Own’, a vulnerable offering that displays heartbreak and emotional turmoil with musical ease.” – Hot Press
Madrai deliver a high-energy hit of lush pop-rock, blending sharp hooks, rich vocal harmonies, and sweeping arrangements that punch hard and linger longer. Hailing from Northern Ireland, the four-piece have carved a space of their own, echoing the emotional pull of Mk.Gee and John Mayer, the raw groove of Bricknasty, and the arena-ready fire of Kings of Leon and Inhaler.
Their debut single “Leaving on My Own” (produced by Jonny Woods of Wynona Bleach) dropped in July 2024 and didn’t just turn heads—it kicked down the door. Early acclaim poured in from Hot Press, The Beat.Ie, Chordblossom, and Rock n’ Load, landing them a sold-out debut show at Belfast’s Ulster Sports Club and a nomination for Single of the Year at the Northern Ireland Music Prize.
August 2024 saw Madrai take the top prize at the Rockshore Battle of the Bands, outshining 24 acts before headlining Belfast’s iconic Empire Music Hall for the SONI Christmas Special.
With their debut EP “What I’m Doing This For” wrapped and ready, and a new single coming summer 2025, Madrai are building something big—songs for the highs, the heartbreaks, and every late-night drive in between.
The spark that sets the EP’s story in motion. Turn It Around captures the feeling of being stuck in a rut and the uphill battle to find your spark again. Built on a danceable four-on-the-floor groove, disco-tinged guitars, and instantly catchy hooks, it’s a track made to lift the mood while keeping its lyrics raw and self-reflective. Backing harmonies and bright pop touches bring added shine, while the music video mirrors the song’s journey — from isolation to the rush of performing live.
The single was recorded by Jonny Woods (Wynona Bleach) at 1980something Studios in Belfast. Production and mixing were handled by Jonny, and the songs were mastered by Jon Moorehead of Moosetronix.
Already a live singalong favourite, Turn It Around blends energy and honesty in a way that’s quickly becoming Madrai’s trademark.
“We wrote this at a time when we were all feeling a bit stuck, like the spark had gone out. It became a kind of pep talk to ourselves — a reminder that even if it feels hopeless, you can fight your way back. It’s one of the first songs we finished as a full band, and it’s always felt like the moment things started to click.”