Sprints Ascends: Irish Post-Punk Band Prepares for Glastonbury Spotlight

Dublin-based post-punk band Sprints is riding the wave of a flourishing Irish cultural scene, poised to make a significant impact at Glastonbury. With a critically acclaimed debut album and a reputation for electrifying live performances, the band is navigating both artistic success and the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

A Rising Star

Sprints, comprised of Karla Chubb, Jack Callan, Sam McCann, and Zac Stephenson, have relentlessly toured since forming in 2019. Their music, a raw blend of post-punk energy, has earned them a dedicated following. The band’s 2023 tour supporting Suede, and the subsequent release of their debut album, “Letter to Self,” brought them wider recognition.

“We’re definitely in a good time for being Irish internationally,”

—Jack Callan

The band’s upcoming album, “All That Is Over,” delves deeper into their influences. It draws inspiration from various sources, including novels like “Prophet Song” and video games like “Fallout.” The band’s music also provides clarity, as expressed in their latest single, “Descartes,”.

Challenges and Catharsis

Karla Chubb has been outspoken about the misogyny she’s experienced, including online criticism and inappropriate behavior from concert-goers. She’s confronted “articles about my weight” and also “open letters from idiot men criticising my political stance,”.

In 2022, the band made headlines after Chubb spoke about being groped by a gig-goer. The incident, which also occurred during a Munich show, highlighted the challenges female artists face. The music industry has a gender imbalance; women make up just 21% of artists signed to record labels, according to a 2023 study (Statista 2023).

The Road Ahead

Despite the obstacles, the band is thriving, and they look forward to their upcoming Glastonbury performance. The band is embracing the creative freedom and possibilities of life on the road. Sprints will play the Woodsies stage at 2pm on Sunday 29 June.