Picture This: The Exciting New Irish Pop Rock Band

Picture This is a relatively new Irish band, having only released their debut album in 2017 (which was a huge success). However, the band is taking the world by storm and has quickly built up a strong and passionate fan base in Ireland, the UK, America, and many other places around the world.

If you haven’t already heard of them and their music, then you are seriously missing out. This is a time to love the band before they blow up even more, which is inevitable because they are an incredibly talented group of five lads.

Their music style and what they sing about are relatable, with much of it focusing on love and breakups. You’ll quickly sing along to their catchy tunes that offer deeper emotional undertones.

No wonder why they are the first Irish band ever to sell out five nights at Dublin’s Three Arena: a combination of their great music and the boys themselves, who have captured the hearts of many with their down-to-earth personalities and Irish charm.

Keep reading to learn more about Picture This and why they are destined to be one of the biggest Irish bands ever.

The Beginning of Picture This

Picture This was created by childhood friends Ryan Hennessy (lead vocalist) and Jimmy Rainsford (drums) in Athy, County Kildare. They were later joined by their friends Owen Cardiff (Guitar) and Cliff Deane (bass), who officially made up ‘Picture This’ in 2015.

Shortly after bringing the new band members together, Ryan Hennessy was writing a new song, which he later shared on social media via Twitter and YouTube. This was ‘Take My Hand,’ and it quickly gained the band’s attention. Impressively, over one million people watched the video, and the views on the video have since grown greatly.

This song would become one of their most loved and popular hits with fans. The fantastic success of ‘Take My Hand’ meant that Picture This needed to move their first official debut gig to a more prominent place to accommodate their growing fanbase. Moving to The Academy in Dublin meant they also became the first Irish band to sell out the venue for a first show.

This was pretty remarkable for a band that was just beginning its journey in the music world. The band’s dreams of becoming successful were soon becoming a reality.

Touring and Album Success

In 2016, the band toured around Ireland, gigging and meeting fans as they continued to excite people, even without an EP or album released yet. Shortly after completing their Irish tour, lead singer Ryan Hennessy and guitarist Jimmy Rainsford announced that their debut EP was to be released.

The talented group self-produced and recorded all their songs at Rainsford’s home studio. The self-titled EP ‘Picture This’s included five original songs, one being the already popular ‘Take My Hand’, debuted at number one on the Irish Album Charts.

Following a hugely successful year in 2017, the band wasted no time before releasing another catchy single from the album ‘Never Change’ followed by two more singles ‘Everything I Need” and “95”; each new song brought them more popularity than the one before.

In July 2017, Picture This made their first Irish festival debut as one of the main headliners at Dublin’s Longitude Festival. The band also released another single, “Addicted to You,” which has become their highest-charted song.

The following year saw the Irish band release their hotly anticipated second album, MDRN LV, on 23 March 2019. Two of the album’s songs, ‘One Drink’ and ‘Everything or Nothing,’ had massive chart success. After a first listen, you can understand why; both are instantly catchy and relatable.

Second Album Inspiration

Lead singer Ryan Hennessy discussed the inspiration behind the second album:

“It’s a very different album. It’s still very Picture This, you’d know it was us but it’s just sonically a lot different.”

The album is very different from their first but still offers the same themes of love and heartbreak. It says what it does on the tin: it explores Modern love in the current world.

Fans of the first album shouldn’t be disappointed because MDRN LV is full of songs that will quickly get stuck in your head. It may be a new sound from the band, but this makes it even more exciting. MDRN LV offers more relatable lyrics and great melodies, although it’s definitely a lot edgier and more experimental than what we have ever seen from Picture This before.

A New Tour for Picture This Fan

Following the success of the album, Picture This announced a second headline tour of Ireland, the UK, Europe, and Parts of America.

You can expect big things from Picture This in the future, as in the short time they have been around, they have made a massive impact with their music. People enjoy what they are singing about. Next, Picture This will hopefully be sell-out stadiums around the world, bigger and better than before. They could be the biggest band to ever come from Ireland.

If you can, you need to catch Picture This in concert because they sound just as good live as they do on their albums. They always put on a memorable performance wherever they go, but when you see them in Ireland, it’s something very special. This band is special, and right now, they are at the top of their game, with more success on the way.

Influences and Musical Style

One of the reasons for Picture This’s appeal is its ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive sound. While it is primarily known as a pop-rock band, its music also incorporates elements of indie, folk, and electronic pop. This versatility has allowed it to stand out in a crowded music industry, attracting fans from various musical backgrounds.

The band’s influences are eclectic, ranging from contemporary pop artists to classic rock bands. Ryan Hennessy has cited artists like Coldplay, The 1975, and The Script as significant influences on their sound. Meanwhile, Jimmy Rainsford’s drumming style draws inspiration from rock and electronic music, adding a dynamic layer to their tracks.

Lyrically, Picture This often focuses on love, relationships, and self-discovery themes. Their ability to convey emotion through simple yet powerful lyrics has resonated deeply with listeners. Hennessy’s writing is introspective and personal, but it also has a universal quality that allows fans to see themselves in the songs.

Navigating the Global Stage

As Picture This’s fame grew, so did its ambitions. The band began to set its sights on conquering international markets, particularly in the United States. It toured extensively across Europe and North America, playing at iconic venues like New York’s Irving Plaza and London’s O2 Academy.

Their success in America has been slower but steady. Songs like “Take My Hand” and “One Drink” have received airplay on American radio stations and performed on prominent US television programmes. The band’s ability to adapt to different markets without losing their Irish identity has been key to their growing international profile.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite their rapid rise to fame, Picture This has faced its share of challenges. Like many artists, it has had to navigate the pressures of the music industry, particularly the expectation to constantly produce new material. However, it has managed to maintain its authenticity and creative control, thanks in part to its close-knit relationship as a band.

Ryan Hennessy has been open about the struggles of fame and the toll it can take on mental health. The band’s openness about mental health issues has resonated with fans and contributed to their image as relatable, down-to-earth musicians.

The COVID-19 pandemic also presented significant challenges, as live music was put on hold. However, Picture This adapted by engaging with fans through social media, live-streamed performances, and virtual concerts, maintaining their connection to their audience during a difficult time.

What’s Next for Picture This?

As of 2024, Picture This shows no signs of slowing down. They continue to work on new music and have hinted at the release of their third studio album. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in the band’s journey, as they have repeatedly proven that they are not afraid to push creative boundaries.

In addition to their musical achievements, the band has become a cultural ambassador for modern Irish music. Their success has helped shine a spotlight on the thriving Irish music scene, and they continue to inspire a new generation of Irish musicians.

Conclusion

Picture This has cemented its place as one of Ireland’s most exciting and successful bands of the past decade. From its humble beginnings in Athy to international stardom, Picture This’s journey has been a testament to the power of authenticity, hard work, and creative vision. With a discography that spans emotive ballads, pop anthems, and everything in between, Picture This has carved out a unique niche in the world of pop rock.

As they continue to evolve and reach new heights, one thing remains clear: Picture This has a bright future ahead, and their music will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences for years to come. Whether through their relatable lyrics, infectious melodies, or unforgettable live performances, Picture This has firmly established itself as a band to watch in the global music landscape.

Have you ever been to a Picture This concert? Or do you plan to go to one in the future? Let us know in the comments below.