Biography

Being multi-instrumentalists, Hipple Street have set out with the idea of creating something new and different. Influenced by such greats as Steely Dan, Earth Wind & Fire, George Benson and Stevie Wonder - the aim has been to create and produce a brand of music that would one day live up to the qualities and achievements of these influential icons.

With the collaboration of their styles of funk, jazz, classic rock merged with the skills of pop producer Andy Reynolds, this combination led them to the Hipple Street signature sound.

Last year, at the invitation of IMRO - Ireland's Music Rights Organisation, Hipple Street entered the song "Havana" into the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) in Nashville Tennessee, reaching the quarter-finals globally. The judging panel consisted of such industry heavy-weights as P Diddy, Michael McDonald, Steve Lillywhite and Monte Lipman.

Hipple Street are:

Neil Byrne - Guitar and Vocals
Nigel Wheatley - Bass and Vocals
Andrew O'Duffy - Piano and Keyboards
James Kinsella - Drums and Percussion

Discography

Hipple Street The EP (2006)

Launched with an exciting instore performance in Tower Records Dublin and designed by Four5one Creative, U2's graphic designers, the EP was very well received. Each of the tracks have enjoyed much Local and National radio air-play.

The EP contains the following tracks:

Inspector Rita
Havana
A Time To Liberate
Eleanor

The release of "Inspector Rita" has led to the track debuting at Number 27 in the Official Irish Singles Chart on the week ending 8th of February 2007. It was also the 15th most downloaded song in Ireland that week and the second highest independent music release.

What they have said

"What impressed me about the Hipple Street CD was the abundance of talent"
- Chris De Burgh

"Hipple Street are the most melodic and musically sophisticated new band I've heard in Ireland for a long time"
- Phil Coulter

"I like it a lot, fresh and funky, reminds me of some great nights & music in 'The Bitter End' in NYC"
- Download Music Ireland

"Hipple Street; the four piece from Bray were first to take to the stage to the delight of their loyal fans. The Hipple Street lads played a great set bringing their own unique funky and sometimes bluesy sound. Neil Byrne (Guitar and Vocals) and Nigel Wheatley (Bass and Vocals) both sang brilliantly, their voices complimenting each others perfectly and harmonizing seamlessly while giving it their all through the entire performance. Although they are quite a young band they were very comfortable on stage and seem to really enjoy performing. Hipple Street are true professionals and all members demonstrated an abundance of talent and great mastery of their instruments and vocals. Their sound is so fresh, funky and energetic that you can't help but take to the dance floor when they're playing. It was unfortunate that they were the first act of the night as a lot of people missed out on seeing this truly excellent band."
- deadlybuzzlive.com review of Hipple Street's performance at the Ambassador Theatre on Friday 27th of October 2006

"Hipple Street get good response to latest single"
"Wicklow band Hipple Street were basking in their success after reaching the top thirty in the Irish charts with the latest single this week. The band's hit 'Inspector Rita' chartered at a very respectable number 27 and also reached number two in the Irish download charts which is quite an achievement for an up and coming act."
- Bray People 21st February 2007