What a year..

In February of 2019 the band formerly known as Short Shorts, known for not knowing what was going to come next, comedy, and being cold in the winter (yes we committed!) refined their sound, image and name into what they felt true passion for. 

Perhaps one of the greatest assets to ever step into the scene finally did so, manager Martin Fagan. (<3)

In a list of SO many other possible names, and inspired by the saying, "I'd rather live one day a Lion than a thousand days a lamb", First Day Lions was picked, and molded into a lifestyle. 

It began with a cover of I Heard it Through the Grapevine, and continued into Escape *Pina Coladas*. But these were covers. A cover, if you will, to show that the Lions were alive, but also creating. Old originals were drafted over to the FDL camp. Songs like Happy Go Lucky and 70 Sense just felt right with the new name.

Within the first couple months, the Lions had supported Irish Industry legends like Aslan and Paddy Casey, and were featuring on more radio stations across the country.

Finally, a new original came on the scene, What You've Got. The support was wonderful and sparks turned into fires! 

Behind the scenes new originals were being created for something bigger. A debut album. And so Adam & Adrian locked themselves away in a room for 5 days with a drum kit, a keyboard, microphones and guitars. Around this time Adrian had purchased The Wall by Pink Floyd and was (as he usually does) playing it non-stop in the car while the guys traveled from gig to gig. The inspiration was palpable. Alongside this, The Beatles, Queen and a hint of Dire Straits had found their usual spots for saying hello during creative production.

TIME was created. A concept album completely open to the views of the listener for their own interpretations. They had the songs, purchased a fancy new microphone and hit the home studio. In the upstairs former-bedroom-now-studio of Adam's house the guys worked to make music that would define a sound. Adrian had acquired Pro Tools and was going to town on mixing.
Drums had to be recorded in studio however and that's where Lakeland Studios stepped in. With one hell of a drum engineer to lend his expertise and ear, the songs were adopting all the personality in the world. It was only until Justin McCann and Brian Rabbitte lent their ideas and skills that the music truly came to life. With Adrian at the helm of home mixing, the album finally came together.

Perfume & Cider, featuring the roof-and-hair-raising vocals of Shanna (Adam's sister!) was released. The blues/country style was a step outside the box for the new direction of the Lions, but the right call was made. The connection with the song between brother and sister is evident, and the words of support have been nothing short of humbling.

There was now only a month left before the album launch nights, but before then, there was one more release that needed to break free - Mary Lou. With its own music video and full focus on release, the song received incredible support. The Lions got their first write up in Hot Press Magazine, which aimed its awesome words towards Mary Lou herself. Featuring as 'Album of the Week' on FM104 and featured twice as Spin 1038's 'Ones to Watch', the momentum was now all leading up to the release nights.

Tuar Ard, Moate in county Westmeath and Whelans, Dublin, held host to the launch nights, to which were a roaring success! The Whelans event even received another Hot Press write up, sharing the lightning conducted energy of the night in the most amazing words. To meet so many amazing people and to feel and hear the energy from the crowd was one of the greatest experiences ever.

.. TIME was up , and wished to say hello to the Pride formally. Being shipped from just next door, to America, Netherlands, Australia, TIME now sits happily and proudly in the paws of some of the greatest music community members and amazing souls on Earth.

Over the holiday season, whilst fires were lit and merry tunes were song, Seasons Change made a reappearance under the new banner. And it was during this most festive time when many would aim to relax, put on the coco on and unwind, that the Lions worked to make sure the upcoming year of 2020 was full of content that you, you incredible soul you, can enjoy.

There are so many thank you's we want to give for the amazing success we had in 2019. From incredible friends and supportive family, to DJ's, producers and helpful hands. Two that deserve a massive thank you, the talented and irreplaceable sisters Alexandra & Claudia Tavares. Your support was immeasurable and we can't thank you enough. And finally, there's you. Taking the time to read this, listening to our music, sharing our work, giving us your words of support. It truly means the world, and you've touched these two lions' hearts.

But don't go anywhere! We're just getting started. We've achieved so much in the only 10 months of being formed. With you by our side there's nothing we can't do, and so, here's to another even bigger, even louder year ahead! Here's to the Year of the Lion, and then, the Decade of the Lion!

Peace & Love - Adam & Adrian, First Day Lions