Fjokra comprise of Annie Bea; vocalist, percussionist, Freddie Draper; bass, Sam Jackson; guitar and Sam White, drummer and Fi; main vocalist, visionary and writer along with garbage lids and lots of sticks and things that would not normally appear on stage with any average band.
The band have gained a reputation for exhibiting uniquely bizarre and eclectic live performances which are reflected in their insanely exhilarating videos. The visual element of Fjokra fully embraces the band’s music, encouraging the outrageous, the unexpected, removing all boundaries of reality, taking the viewer and listener to places that are equally fantastic as they are surreal.
‘Thoughtsteps’ the band’s debut EP was released a year ago, with the video and lead track ‘Get Amongst It’ collecting plaudits on a daily basis, shortlisted for the ‘Most Bizarre’ section of the Berlin Video Awards 2015 and securing a part and sync in the movie ‘Miss You Already’ starring Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore. The EP picked up numerous plays across national radio for both the UK and Ireland including the likes of BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, Absolute Radio and RTE 2.
The new release ‘Evening Lights’ will be out in October 2016 - ramping the imagery and musical stakes to a whole new level....
Unsurprisingly, Fiachra Mac Oireachtai hails from Dublin, Ireland.
Surrounded by music growing up, Fi started playing the piano at the tender age of 3… no, we mean really playing… not sticky fingers bashing keys kind of playing… His mother played the Church organ every Sunday in the local village church – which remains to this day his favourite instrument.
In complete juxtaposition to his Mother's influence, Fi’s Father was in a number of 70’s rock bands, supporting artists like Suzie Quatro and filling the house with songs from The Beatles, Steely Dan and Rory Gallagher.
As he grew up, Fi embraced a number of instruments including guitar, bass, drums, percussion, trumpet, piano and vocals – a true multi-instrumentalist.
Fi studied at the Dublin Institute of Technology before attending Salford Uni in Manchester to study popular music. His musical influences at this time included Faith No More, Deftones, Mr Bungle and Slipknot, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem – but the big turning point was when Fi found Beck, Bjork and Prince and blended ALL of these influences together into one great big sound. Pushing melodies and hooks to the max, sharp lyrical twists and unusual breaks and beats became the audio foundation of the birth of the band Fjokra.
Fi has his own impressive solo career which runs parallel to the band, collaborating as a performer, producer and instrumentalist with artists like The Clash, Duran Duran, Tyondai Braxton (Battles), Reeps One, Lazy Habits and Hollie Cook. He has written music for advertising campaigns such as EE Connected World with Kevin Bacon and G-Shock. - Never Give Up, Absolute Vodka and Philips to name just a few.
He has also performed for Quentin Tarantino, Ennio Morricone and Leonardo Di Caprio's Oscar after party. Fi's idea of bliss is eating Boursin cheese, listening to Midnite Vultures whilst playing the Korg Monotron... as well as writing, composing and of course performing!