Heathers (band)

Lore & Background

Heathers began writing music together in 2007 and in February 2008 recorded their debut album Here, Not There while preparing for their Leaving Certificate. The album was recorded at The Hive Studios in Kilcoole by Eoin Whitfield and released jointly by Irish label Hide Away Records and US label Plan-It-X Records. The lead track 'Remember When' was used by the Irish Tourist Board in a major advertising campaign, leading to a re-release of the album through Warner Music Ireland.

In 2013, they provided vocals for Enemies' song 'Nighthawk', included on the album Embark, Embrace. Their second album, Kingdom, was released in 2014 through Sony Music (Canada/US) and Warner Music (Europe/Asia) and was nominated for an Irish Choice Music Prize. The lead single 'Forget Me Knots (It's Alright Not To Feel Ok)' became a widely used anthem in mental health awareness campaigns in Ireland and internationally. In 2016 they released the singles 'November' and 'Call Home'.

Reader's Guide

Heathers are significant as an Irish indie pop duo whose early career was shaped by a unique combination of teenage recording and commercial success via a tourism campaign. Their debut album, recorded while still in secondary school, demonstrated the potential for young artists to achieve mainstream exposure through unexpected channels. The use of 'Remember When' by the Irish Tourist Board not only boosted their profile but also led to a major-label re-release, illustrating how independent acts can transition to wider distribution. Their second album, Kingdom, earned a Choice Music Prize nomination, marking critical recognition. The single 'Forget Me Knots' became an anthem for mental health awareness, giving their music a social impact beyond entertainment. Their international touring across Ireland, Canada, the US, Germany, and Malaysia, along with festival appearances at CMJ New York, SXSW Austin, Canadian Music Week, and Electric Picnic, established them as a live act with cross-continental reach. Their collaboration with Enemies further connected them to the broader indie and post-rock scene. Heathers represent a model of independent Irish music that leveraged a commercial tie-in to build a sustainable career.

Did You Know?

• Heathers recorded their debut album while preparing for their Leaving Certificate exams.
• Their song 'Remember When' was used in a major Irish Tourist Board advertising campaign.
• Their second album Kingdom was nominated for an Irish Choice Music Prize.