Irish band The Academic was formed in 2013 by Craig Fitzgerald (lead vocalist and guitarist), Dean Gavin (drums), and brothers Matt and Stephen Murtagh (guitar and bass, respectively). I played their early singles Northern Boy and Mixtape 2003 in the late Carte Blanche radio show in May 2016 and August 2016, but the band garnered more media interest a year later, after Bear Claws came out.

Most of these singles appear on the band’s debut album Tales From The Back Seat. My favourite track off the album though, is the über catchy Fake ID, that features in the Carte Blanche Music playlist since the record come out, last January. Now, it’s The Academic’s new single!

For more great new music follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

Music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Has been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, he developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart.