KILKENNY

2007/8 -

OVERVIEW Rarely Seen Above Ground (sometimes referred to as RSAG) is essentially the work of Kilkenny multi-instrumentalist, Jeremy Hickey. He had previously played drums with Blue Ghost who released one EP in 2006. Shortly after this, Jeremy struck out on his own calling himself Rarely Seen Above Ground. As RSAG Jeremy played all of the instruments on his releases to date. In a live context, pre-recorded images of him playing guitar or bass guitar are projected onto a screen. In 2008, RSAG unleashed its debut album, a 2 CD affair entitled 'Organic Sampler'. This was an outstanding record which was, subsequently, recognised with a nomination for the Choice Music Prize in 2009. The award was, eventually, won by Jape for the album 'Ritual'. Later that year, RSAG participated in The Raw Sessions series on RTE television. On each episode, bands and artists were given 18 hours to write and record an original song. Viewers voted on their favourite compositions with the top three artists reaching the final. That final took place at The Button Factory in Dublin and was later broadcast on TV. The three finalists were Dirty Epics, The Infomatics and Rarely Seen Above Ground. The Infomatics eventually ran out the winners of the series. Hot Press later gave away a compilation CD feeaturing the artists who performed as part of that series. The compilation featured 'Movement' and 'All Along That Road' from RSAG. 'Movement' would later make an appearance on RSAG's next album, 'Be It Right Or Wrong'. This album was released in June 2010. Once again, the album was warmly received. In September 2011, made the track 'This Winding Sheet' available as a free download. It was also around this time that Jeremy announced that bass guitarist, Colm O'Caoimh, would be joining the RSAG project, in a live context at any rate. RSAG is currently working on a new album. 2008 - Release of 'Organic Sampler' album [27 September] 2009 - 'Organic Sampler' is nominated for the Choice Music Prize [January] - RSAG participates in The Raw Sessions series on RTE Television 2010 - Release of 'Be It Right Or Wrong' album [11 June] 2011 - 'This Winding Sheet' is made available as a free download [ - Jeremy announces that Colm O'Caoimh [Bass Guitar] is to join RSAG in a live context at least 2013 - RSAG features on the track 'For The Day' on Bantum's debut album ' Legion'