18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us. 

Kingfishr are a rising trio based in Limerick, Ireland. Comprised of Edmond ‘Eddie’ Keogh, Eogan ‘McGoo’ McGrath and Eoin ‘Fitz’ Fitzgibbons, the band have a penchant for crafting moving and irresistible indie-folk tracks. Although they are still relatively new as they are yet to embark on their first headline tour, the group have certainly achieved a lot so far. The band have supported Bruce Springsteen at BST Hyde Park, George Ezra and Dermort Kennedy. Alongside this, their handful of previously released singles have gained them nearly two million Spotify streams and their forthcoming six-date headline tour in Ireland is completely sold out. As of today, Kingfishr have released their new single, Caroline. It’s a song that manages to feel both gut wrenchingly honest and cinematic at the same time.

To celebrate the release of Caroline, Kingfishr’s Eddie (vocals, guitar), McGoo (banjo), and Fitz (bass) sit down with 1883 Magazine to chat about their new song, what can be found on the band’s rider, and so much more.

Would you say Caroline is the best Kingfishr track yet – and what does it mean to you?

Caroline is definitely a fan favourite for us. It means an awful lot, there’s a lot of good and bad memories hidden in there, but it’s more important that people find a piece of themselves in it I guess.

What’s been happening in Kingfishr’s world at the moment?

We’ve been pretty non stop all summer. Currently gearing up for our Irish tour, debut London headline in October, and our Milk Market show in December in Limerick.

Who’s the bossiest member of the band?

Probably Eddie, but we all have our moments.

Who is the funniest member of the band?

Mcgoo, most of the time he doesn’t even realise he’s being funny.

What was the last book that you read?

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

When you’ve supported acts like Bruce Springsteen at BST,  what did you ask to be put on your rider?

Kept it simple, beer, Whiskey, a photo of Steven Seagal.

What are your earliest memories related to music?

I remember watching RTE2, our national TV station, and a band called Republic of Loose came on to play a live set. I remember thinking it didn’t sound like anything I’d ever heard before, I was blown away by it.

Favourite and least favourite things about Ireland?

People and the weather, sometimes in reverse order.

Where was the last place you travelled to?

Electric Picnic last weekend.

Why are you called Kingfishr?

Eddie grew up rowing around the rivers in Wexford, there were always kingfishers around the area. We dropped the E to stand out a bit, and there’s enough E’s in the band anyway.

Have any of you ever been starstruck?

We supported We Banjo 3 in Whelan’s once, for Mcgoo I think that was a huge moment, he’s been following them for years. Meeting Dermot Kennedy and George Ezra were equally massive. So yeah, a lot.

What’s your favourite go-to karaoke song?

Tribute – Tenacious D.

Favourite quote from a film?

That’s a very hard question. Tommy Lee Jones ending monologue from No Country For Old Men popped into my head. Either that or “Aim for the bushes” from The Other Guys.

What’s one fun fact about each member of Kingfishr?

Eddie is riddled with ADHD.

Mcgoo is a botanical phenom.

Fitz is a borderline Michelin quality chef.

What is one song from another artist that you wished you had written and why?

Vincent – Don McClean. So much pain man.

What’s been the most memorable experience since starting Kingfishr?

The call to say we were supporting Dermot Kennedy was pretty incredible.

Favourite item in your wardrobe?

Carhartt patchwork jacket. It’s sick.

What would you all like to achieve with the band for the rest of this year and in 2024?

For the rest of the year, write more music. For 2024, ascend into the ionosphere of musical adoration and sell out some big, massive venues around the world.

Get tickets for Kingfishr’s headline London show by clicking here. Follow Kingfishr by clicking here.

Interview Cameron Poole