The Craic

The Craic with...Rachel Tucker

Northern Ireland's very own Elphaba Rachel Tucker chats to Pete Snodden, ahead of her spellbindingly WICKED performance at the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event at Belfast City Hall

The Craic...with Gareth

Kirstie chats to the very talented Gareth from Castlederg, as he reflects on the thrilling peak of his career: his upcoming Grand Ole Opry debut! Each detail feels surreal as Gareth shares the excitement of receiving the invitation from Brett Young, sparking genuine emotions that he never expected. Gareth also discusses his plans to return home for the Christmas holidays after a whirlwind tour, and the nerve-wracking yet thrilling experience of performing in iconic local venues. Plus, hear about his recent collaboration with the incredible Joss Stone and the journey behind their duet. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation packed with music, dreams, and memorable moments!

The Craic with...Zach Top

Victoria chats to rising country star Zach Top ahead of his headline performance at C2C Belfast. Zach reflects on his whirlwind journey in the music industry over the past couple of years and the incredible reactions from fans. He shares fun anecdotes about his experiences traveling in a 15-passenger van and meeting music legends like Vince Gill and George Strait. Plus, get ready for some quick-fire questions where Zach opens up about his go-to karaoke song and his favorite backstage snack.

The Craic with...Westlife

Get ready for a special episode featuring the legendary Westlife as they announce their 25th anniversary world tour! Join Shane, Nicky, and Kian as they chat with Pete Snodden about the excitement of returning to Belfast for three unforgettable nights at the SSE next October. They reflect on their incredible journey over the last 25 years, the enthusiastic Belfast crowds, and the songs that have shaped their careers. With a setlist packed with fan favorites and a sneak peek of their new single, this episode is a must-listen for all Westlife fans! Also who do we need to speak to about getting Nicky on Blue Lights?

The Craic with...Blue Lights writer Declan Lawn

Declan Lawn, one of the brilliant minds behind the award-winning show ‘Blue Lights’ joins the Cool FM Breakfast team. Declan shares his inspiring journey from journalist to successful writer, shedding light on how the show was born from a simple idea and transformed into a BAFTA-winning phenomenon.Dive into the creative process as Declan discusses the relatable characters and the realities of life as a police officer in Northern Ireland. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, the emotional impact of pivotal series moments, and even hints at exciting new characters for season three.

The Craic with...Paddy Raff

Join us for a hilarious catch-up with comedian Paddy Raff as he reflects on the whirlwind journey since we last spoke during lockdown. From upcoming tour dates to the buzz around his much-loved TV shows, Paddy shares what’s next for him in the comedy scene. Get the inside scoop on his record-breaking tour, featuring not only stand-up but also his signature characters, including the fan-favoUrite Nigel. Discover how he tailors his material for different towns and the joy of bringing laughter to audiences across Northern Ireland.

The Craic with...Lord Mayor of Belfast Tracey Kelly ahead of this weekend's Maritime Festival

Join us as we welcome the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cclr Tracey Kelly! With the exciting Belfast Maritime Festival just around the corner, she gives us the inside scoop on this fantastic free event happening over the weekend. From tall ships to street theater, there’s something for everyone, including a brand-new food market with plenty of tasty treats to sample. The Lord Mayor shares his enthusiasm for the vibrant atmosphere that festivals bring to the city and the joy of seeing families enjoy a day out together. Get all the details on what to expect, and find out where to go for more information. Don’t miss it!

The Craic with...Chris Llewellyn from Rend Collective

Join Decky as he chats to Chris from Rend Collective, who shares his excitement for their upcoming homecoming gig at the SSE Arena in Belfast! From reminiscing about his childhood experiences at the arena to the thrilling anticipation of performing there, Chris reflects on the journey that's led them back for the third time.

The Craic with...Perrie as she releases new single 'If He Wanted To He Would'

Join John as he catches up with Perri, who’s celebrating the release of his new single, "If He Wanted To He Would." Perri opens up about his journey from being part of a collective to stepping out as a solo artist. Discover the freedom and vulnerability of songwriting as he shares how his latest music reflects his authentic self. Perri recalls a memorable experience playing his album for friends in Portugal, and the joy it brought him. Plus, get the inside scoop on the inspiration behind the new single, which dives into the complexities of modern relationships.

The Craic with...Picture This coming home for Christmas

John catches up with Picture This, fresh off a busy year filled with shows and new releases, they share their excitement about their first-ever Christmas gig in Belfast. They reminisce about their journey—from their debut at Mandela Hall to the electric atmosphere they bring to venues like the SSE Arena. With heartfelt gratitude towards their fans and the power of radio, they reflect on their growth and the special connection they've built with the Belfast audience.

The Craic with...Jordan Davis

Fresh off a whirlwind trip to London, Jordan shares his exciting journey through the hectic world of touring and new album releases. We reminisce about his past Belfast gig, chat about the upcoming SSE Arena show, and dive into the details of his latest album, "Learn the Hard Way." Jordan opens up about his favourite tracks from the album and how they resonate with his fans. With humour and charm, he reflects on the growth of his career and expresses gratitude for his dedicated fanbase. Plus, stay tuned for his plans for another pint post-show!

The Craic with...Ben Nicky

Curtis is joined by Ben Nicky, who's no stranger to Belfast and the vibrant music scene! Fresh off a whirlwind summer tour, Ben shares his excitement about his latest trance anthem, "Oxygen," which is already climbing the charts with nearly a million streams in its first week. In this episode, we delve into the thrill of collaborating with fellow artist Ardy, and reminisce about their journeys in the industry. Get ready for a sneak peek into his much-anticipated sold-out show at Custom House Square, where a spectacular laser show awaits.

The Craic with...dance music legend Fatboy Slim ahead of his Emerge headline set

Pete catches up with the iconic Norman Cook, famously known as Fatboy Slim, as he prepares for his electrifying set at Emerge. Norman reflects on an unforgettable DJ experience at the British Grand Prix and his daughter’s excitement for Formula One. He reveals his upcoming coffee table book, celebrating 40 years in music with a visual journey filled with nostalgic memories and memorabilia. The conversation dives into the current music scene and Norman’s passion for DJing, sharing his excitement for discovering new tracks. He dives deep into his creative process, discussing how he road-tests edits live and the importance of building anticipation for music releases.

The Craic with...Serena Terry and 'Therapy'

Pete sits down with the brilliant Serena Terry, who dives deep into her journey of self-improvement in her new live show, "Therapy." Serena opens up about her experiences with various forms of therapy over the past year, from the conventional to the unorthodox, and shares the challenges she faced while contemplating her identity. With humor and honesty, she discusses the often embarrassing moments on her path, including near-death experiences and her commitment to personal growth. This episode is not just about laughs—Serena aims to create an interactive experience that resonates with anyone seeking to navigate their own mental wellness journey.

The Craic with...Rachael O'Connor on Duran Duran, her new music and upcoming shows

John catches up with Rachel O'Connor as she embarks on her exciting European tour with Duran Duran. With shows in Dublin and Cork on the horizon, Rachel shares her enthusiasm for performing close to home and having friends and family cheering her on. The conversation dives into her incredible journey with the Duran family, reflecting on nearly four years of touring and the evolution of her sound. Rachel opens up about a recent period of self-discovery, where she took a step back to focus on authentic songwriting, resulting in a fresh, guitar-based approach to her music. Join us as they chat about memorable performances, including a surprising Halloween show at Madison Square Garden, and the lively energy of her upcoming gigs.

The Craic with....JC Stewart as he releases his debut album 'Space Hurts'

John Kearns catches up with the talented JC Stewart, just ahead of his highly anticipated album release. JC shares his excitement about upcoming shows with legends Nile Rodgers and Duran Duran, reflecting on what it feels like to be on the same bill as such musical icons. The conversation dives into JC's creative process, revealing how he recorded much of his music in a cozy home studio in Portrush. He talks about the thrill of performing for new audiences and adapting his set to connect with fans who may not be familiar with his style.

The Craic with...Duran Duran's John Taylor as the band take to Europe's stages this summer

John catches up with Duran Duran's John Taylor, diving into the band's exhilarating European tour. They discuss the excitement of revisiting cities they haven't performed in for over two decades and the thoughtful approach behind crafting the perfect setlist that balances fan favorites with deeper cuts. John shares insights into his evolution as a bassist, reflecting on the unique role he plays in the band and the creative dialogues that arise in the studio. They explore the significance of their enduring catalog and the connection to their audience, reminiscing about songs like "Hungry Like the Wolf" and the ambitious track "The Valley."

The Craic with...Dark Tropics

John catches up with Rio from Dark Tropics. They dive into the vibrant world of Dark Tropics, discussing their unique and eclectic sound that keeps fans guessing and thrilled. Rio opens up about the creative process behind their latest singles, including the crowd favorite "Whispers," and reflects on the emotional influences that shape their music. Listen in as they explore the balance between experimentation and authenticity, with a nod to their musical idol, David Bowie. Don't miss the buzz around their upcoming headline show at the Oh Yeah Centre on June 12th, where Rio expresses his excitement to connect with fans in a cozy, casual atmosphere. Tune in for an insightful look at Dark Tropics' journey and the thrilling music yet to come!

The Craic with...Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette opens up to John Kearns about her upcoming EU tour and her highly anticipated Belfast show at Belsonic. Join us as she shares her excitement about the connection between her and the audience, and the rapture she feels when stepping on stage.

The Craic with...Paddy McDonnell's......Gouts Out!

Join us for a chat with the one and only Paddy McDonnell as he unveils his new tour, “Gouts Out.” Paddy shares the ups and downs of his comedic journey, including his battles with gout and the quirky advice he's received from fans. We dive into the evolution of his career, from performing in small clubs to selling out arenas, and the incredible support he's received from audiences in Northern Ireland. Paddy reflects on the unique bond within the comedy community and how they've all risen together. Catch all the details about his upcoming gig on October 17th at the SSE Arena.

The Craic with...Lionel Richie: Memories & Music in Belfast

Declan caught up with a true music icon, the legendary Lionel Richie at the SSE Arena, Belfast as he puts the finishing touches to his 'Say Hello To The Hits' tour! Lionel shares his excitement for opening his tour right here in Northern Ireland, reminiscing about his first performance in the arena back in 2001. He reveals the magic of the crowd that keeps him coming back and why this audience is the best way to kick off a tour. We dive into Lionel's incredible journey from his Commodores days to his current role on American Idol, reflecting on how his music spans generations. Plus, get some surprising tips on grooming that you'll want to hear!

The Craic with...Ben Nicky as he announces the most powerful laser show in Belfast history

We welcome back Ben Nicky for a chat. Fresh off his travels from Hong Kong, Ben shares insights into his exciting journey and the highly anticipated "Field of Dreams" show at Custom House Square. Discover how this unique concept is set to deliver the biggest laser show Belfast has ever seen, complete with immersive visuals and an interactive experience that will leave fans in awe. Ben also dives into the stellar lineup for the event, featuring top local talent, and shares the buzz around his new track with Hix.

The Craic with...Frank Galligan on hosting Bluegrass Festival Omagh for 26 years

Join us for an exciting episode of Downtown Country as we welcome the charismatic Frank Galligan!Frank shares his extensive background in broadcasting and his deep passion for country and bluegrass music, having been the MC of the beloved Bluegrass Festival in Omagh for 26 years.Get the lowdown on what first-time festival-goers can expect, from multiple stages showcasing a mix of American and local talent, to open mic sessions that invite aspiring musicians to shine and a family day filled with fun activities.

The Craic with...Ryan & Jimmy from Picture This

PK welcomes the dynamic duo from Picture This, Jimmy Rainsford and Ryan Hennessy! Join the conversation as they discuss their fresh new sound showcased in their latest single, "Let's Try Love," with its organic, acoustic vibe. Discover how their casual jam sessions influenced this evolution and led to capturing the magic in the studio. The lads reflect on their journey, hint at future music releases, and share heartfelt insights about their special connection with fans in Belfast.