Every so often, a unique sound captures my attention and inspires me to dig deeper. DUG is just that.
DUG, a kinetic new Irish-American folk duo, is set to release their eagerly awaited debut album, Have At It!, on September 19. Their title track was recently released, which is accompanied by a music video, and the contagious energy and full sound of this duo roped me in. In addition, the band has officially announced their upcoming tour, which will see them spend much of the remainder of 2025 on the road in the US, Europe, and Australia.
“Have At It came from a text message my dad sent to our family WhatsApp group during COVID,” band member Lorkin O’Reilly said. “At the time, there was that short phase when everyone thought COVID could spread through surfaces. My mum was really worried, so she decided to get a will written. She took a photo of it and shared it in the group chat. In response, my dad sent a picture of his will — a napkin with the words ‘Have at it!’ scribbled across the front!”
Who is DUG?
DUG, who is considered a “modern” band, emerged in late 2023 with members O’Reilly returning from Upstate New York and California native Jonny Pickett. Their music blends Irish folk and American Old-Time traditions, and they have clearly established themselves as one of the most unique and relevant bands in the folk music revival, with singles like “The Big Sundown” and “Jubilee,” which have been shortlisted for two Grammy nominations.
In 2024, the duo signed to Claddagh Records (Universal Records), a label that has put them in the company of artists such as Christy Moore and Hozier.
A Closer Look at Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett
Folk artist and singer-songwriter O’Reilly, who has more than 26 million streams on Spotify, is known for uplifting sounds coupled with traditional folk influence. He moved to the US from Scotland at the age of eighteen, where he settled in the Hudson Valley. He and Pickett are Dublin-based presently.
Pickett is a Northern California-born, relocated to SoCal, “neo-folk” songwriter. Pickett takes banjo playing to a new level, and coupled the O’Reilly’s unique sound, they make magic.
Looking Ahead: Album and Tour Highlights
Beyond the release of their upcoming debut album, DUG will spend much of 2025 on the road with plans for a robust international tour. Keep an eye out for their upcoming tour dates and for the release of Have At It! coming soon. This duo is poised for a meteoric rise and stays true to their roots.
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