Keywest


Keywest is an Irish pop-folk band formed in Dublin. Beginning as street performers, the band has released four albums and two EPs since 2012.
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History

2010: Formation

The band was initially formed as a duo by founding members Andrew Kavanagh and Andrew Glover, who were childhood friends in Artane, Dublin. They began street performances in Galway before relocating to Dublin to perform on Grafton Street, a location known for its street performers.

2012: ''The Message''

Their debut album, The Message, was released in 2012 via Alphastar Records. It peaked at number 15 on the Irish charts, number two on the Irish iTunes chart and has since been certified triple-platinum in Ireland. The album was self-produced, with engineering by Mark Needham. The album was released as a double CD, with the first disc containing the main album and second disc being the unreleased EP.
In 2012, Keywest was nominated for Best New Act at the Meteor Awards, while The Message was nominated for Best Debut Album in the Hot Press Hotties Awards. The band also signed a worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic in Los Angeles that year.

2013: ''Electric Love'' EP

The band followed their debut album with the Electric Love EP, which featured the title track and lead single, "Electric Love". It was released independently through the band's label, Sonic Realm Records, and the single reached number one on the Irish charts.

2015: ''Joyland''

In 2014, the band won Best Street Artist/Busker at the Hot Press Awards. In 2015, the band was fined for exceeding noise levels under Dublin's busking by-law.
Keywest released their second album, Joyland, in September 2015, and it debuted at number two on the Official Irish Chart; the album reached number one the following week.

2016: ''This Summer'' EP

In 2016, Keywest released the This Summer EP, featuring the lead track of the same name. The EP was independently released through the band's label, Sonic Realm Records.

2018: ''True North''

The band's third album, True North, was released on 30 March 2018. It entered the Irish charts at number three, reaching number one on the Independent Music Chart. Keywest received three nominations at the 2018 Irish Post Music Awards: Best Song, Best Album, and Best Band.

2019: ''Ordinary Superhero''

In November 2018, Keywest signed to Marshall Records. Their fourth album, Ordinary Superhero, was released on 18 October 2019 and reached number 8 on the official Irish Album Chart. The song "I'm Not Me Without You" features Irish singer Una Healy.
The title track, "Ordinary Superhero," was released at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in conjunction with Irish and UK charities supplying PPE to frontline workers. The music video for the song depicted frontline workers during the pandemic.
As of 2025, the band operates independently, funding its activities through direct sales and platforms like Patreon.

Members

Current members

Former members

Awards and nominations

  • Best New Act – Meteor Awards 2012
  • Best Debut Album – Hot Press Hotties Awards, 2012 ]
  • Best Street Act – 98FM Best of Dublin Awards 2014 '']
  • Best Street Act – 98FM Best of Dublin Awards 2015
  • Most Promising Artist – Hot Press Hotties Awards 2015
  • Best Song – Irish Post Music Awards 2018
  • Best Album – Irish Post Music Awards 2018
  • Best Act – Irish Post Music Awards 2018