Let’s face it drummers are rarely the focus when it comes to bands but you can learn a lot sitting in the shadows. Ollie Murphy of HamsandwhicH would like to think he’s learned a lot about the music industry as part of one of Ireland’s most loved bands and now he’s trying to channel that knowledge into up-and-coming acts, so that they can avoid the many pitfalls of the music industry.

To this end, Murphy has been mentoring several young Irish acts including Third Smoke, Bodies, Pursued By Dogs and Skywriter and will present a showcase in his spiritual home Whelan’s featuring some of the acts he has taken under his wing tomorrow (Saturday 20th).

“It’s great to have the opportunity to showcase these talented musicians in the that venue I cut my own musical teeth in. Spreading the word to a wider audience is why I established Ollie Murphy Presents. Ireland has a wealth of amazing bands and that’s what the night is all about.”

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time” says Murphy who cites the influence of former and current managers Derek Nally and Stevo Berube for teaching him the ropes and instilling a passion for fairness within the industry. “I know a lot of people who have been fucked over or looked before they leaped and found themselves in a bad situation through naivety. I want to try and stop that happening wherever I can” explains Murphy on his reasoning behind stepping out from behind the drum kit.

However, this does not signal the end of HamsanwicH, far from it says the stickman “Not at all, we are working on new material at the moment. Niamh and Podge have been working on vocals in the studio recently and we are very happy with the way things are coming together for the new record.”

Ollie Murphy Presents Third Smoke, Bodies Munky and Skywriter in Whelan’s tomorrow (Saturday Oct 20, 2018). Tickets €10 on the door.