Staying around Belfast this week for a performance by Dea Matrona, recorded live at BBC Ulster Introducing from Mandela Hall on October 25th.
Officially formed in 2018, Dea Matrona have been getting high praise and an ever-growing fanbase. A few enthusiastic members of the Press have bestowed the weighty mantle of Rory Gallagher on both Orlåith and Mollie (who trade lead-guitar chores) and broke through with their stunning rendition of the Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac classic “Oh Well”.
They’ve been hitting the road, doing Summer festivals and opening for the likes of Eagles Of Death Metal and made an appearance at the 2023 SXSW gathering in Austin Texas.
Needless to say, Dea Matrona are getting around. In February 2024 the band released a new single Stuck On You along with details about their upcoming album For Your Sins and a promotional tour. In March, Dea Matrona made an appearance at The Limelight 2, supporting Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. The same month, Black Rain, the second single from the album was released, followed by the third single Every Night I Want You in April. Weeks before the album release, the band appeared in a cameo role in the final episode of Blue Lights series 2 The Loyal. They can be seen playing in a bar at the last scene of the episode covering Dolly Parton’s Light of a Clear Blue Morning.
May 3rd marked the release of Dea Matrona’s debut album For Your Sins, alongside a headline tour of UK and Ireland. Tour spanned 20 days until the 22nd of May, counting with 11 UK shows and 4 across Ireland. While touring, the band also played acoustic shows in several record stores. The band turned down a record deal, choosing to release their first album independently
Summer festival performances began shortly after the headline tour, Dea Matrona opened for Sheryl Crow on June 13th at the Piece Hall as well as supporting Shania Twain at BST Hyde Park on July 7th. The band also performed at Azkena Rock Festival in Vitoria- Gateiz, Spain on June 21st and Supersonic, Paris on June 27th.
I think it’s a safe bet that Dea Matrona are up for a big 2025 – 2024 is ending on a high note and every indication says they are keeping it going.
In case you haven’t already – dive over to their website and grab things, they are going quickly.
In the meantime . . .
