SOFTDRINK MILLIONAIRE,
BARNBURNER,
EMILY BEATTIE
& ROISÍN MC KEOWN
Whelan’s Upstairs • Thur 18th December 2025
SOFTDRINK MILLIONAIRE
Softdrink Millionaire have built a following through the strength of their live shows. Their unpredictable and chaotic live sound, that blends intimacy with psychedelic improvisation, has earned them slots on Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2025, supporting Jeffrey Lewis and the High Voltage, the National Concert Hall as a part of Musictown Festival and prompted praise from The Goo, Nialler9 and Hotpress.
Their debut EP ‘SOUND’ was released in April of this year, and the band are currently working on its follow-up.
‘Irreverent, delicate and its own kind in Ireland at the moment, ‘Words / what’ indicates that this Bray DIY outfit are ones to keep your ears cupped for’ – Hotpress
BARNBURNER
Barnburner is a new alternative Irish folk duo that blends confessional lyricism and vocal harmonies with intricate guitar instrumentation. Their sound nods to artists such as Sibylle Baier, Adrienne Lenker, Pinegrove, Slow Pulp, The Cranberries and Alex G, while carving a distinctly original style.
Formed in December 2023, the pair have played key Irish venues including The Cobblestone, The Workman’s, the Button Factory, and Whelan’s, and have appeared at Phizzfest (2024), Mirabilli Festival, Wicklow (2025), Bog Trotters Fest, Offally (2025), Tingarran Fest, Kilkenny (2025) and Ireland Music Week (2025).
Their latest single “See & Sleep” is a testament to their evolving sound and marks their most exciting release to date. They are set to release their debut EP, “Nothing to Hold” at the end of January, 2026. Their previous single ‘Hills’, was described as “quietly devastating” (The Thin Air) and as a “subtle stunner” (The Goo). TikTok A&R creator Niall O’Grady described Barnburner’s sound best, as “like knowing you’re late for your dinner as a child and chasing the sunset”.
EMILY BEATTIE
Emily Beattie is a singer-songwriter from Wicklow, blending vocal harmonies and guitar to create an atmospheric, folk-inspired sound. Shaped by influences such as Kim Deal, Feist and Timber Timbre, Emily has been performing and writing since the age of 14, beginning on school stages and in local battle-of-the-bands. Having worked closely with acclaimed Irish producers including D*mp, Rory Sweeney and owin, Emily continues to build those collaborations while becoming a regular presence at venues across Dublin, bringing a warm, honest energy to every performance. She will be releasing new solo and collaborative projects in the new year.
Emily also collaborates with fellow Wicklow musician and guitarist Myles Mullarney. The pair released their debut track, ‘Three Months’, in June 2025, introducing a tender, understated approach to folk. With more new music on the way, their sound continues to shape itself into a new and exciting project for both.
ROISÍN MC KEOWN
Róisín McKeown is a singer-songwriter born in New York’s Lower East Side, and raised between LES and Dublin. Growing up inspired by Irish folk, jazz and soul, McKeown takes inspiration from different genres and musical styles, as well as the two cities she calls home, making her own unique sound through which she tells stories.
McKeown released her debut EP, ‘All My Love’ in 2024, at which time she headlined the Mercury Lounge in New York City. Her second EP ‘Spell’ was released in November 2025.
TICKETS
€11 available online from Whelan’s – 50c per ticket service charge applies.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Silent Disco from 10:30pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best (€5 cover charge), plus Late Bar