DIY Culture: In the Irish Music scene
If you know me at all, you know my t-shirt drawer is packed full with band t-shirts. It ranges from bands like Black Sabbath to The Murder Capital, from Blink 182 to Madrúa, and I'd like to say they're some of my most prized possessions. Not only does merch act as a longstanding reminder of memories from specific gigs, but also act as reminders to music I've loved and memories created while wearing those specific items of clothing. Although, some of my favourite items of merch I own are those belonging to local bands. There's something really personal about going to a local gig and leaving with one of their items of merchandise, being able to represent local artists you enjoy through your clothing. The culture behind making that merchandise yourself runs even deeper, a sense of autonomy behind the entire DIY culture of Ireland and Irish music.
I always look forward to looking at merch stands when I go to gigs because I believe it really gives an insight into the vibe and collective consciousness behind an artist or band. What colour they choose for the merch, the font, and the graphics are all chosen for specific reasons that are indicators of the type of band being represented. It all comes from choices made by an artist or band that are how they want to be seen and thought of. I always wondered what it was that made these decisions and after talking to Madams Last Discovery’s lead singer Flinn O’Grady, he was able to shed a bit of light on this for me. After asking about the reasoning behind their t’shirt designs that featured three eyes on the front, he stated that “Eyes were always an image tied closely to the psychedelic rock scene since the 50’s, and that was something we wanted to relate ourselves to”. The font of their logo, printed on everything they sell was made by the band itself and this I think can be read in to relate to the genre and dynamic of the band. The flowing, whimsy of the blocky structured lettering relating to the structured but raw hallucinatory effect of the band's music.
Credit: @nameisbeau
Making merch yourself is something that lies at the centre of all Irish music, being able to do it yourself acting not only as an expression of self but sometimes as a viable necessity. Rising costs and limited label opportunities have pushed artists to be able to reclaim their merchandise as their own, leading to them creating it for themselves. One of my favourite pieces of merchandise I've collected over the years is from Belfast-based synth post-punk band Madrúa. At their gig in The Deers Head in March 2025, the band sold hand-crafted screenprinted merch designed by the band’s members Eabha Campbell and Ailish Dynan. The design featured their logo, with an Irish traditional drawing of a dog. I remember being so enticed by the merchandise and after asking where they got it, being so pleasantly surprised and impressed that it was made by hand. The t-shirt was bought immediately, and I wear it often as there is something so beautiful about wearing another person’s hand-made art.
Although merchandise is one of the stand-out parts of DIY culture within Belfast, there are other elements that tie into having to ‘do it yourself’. I know myself from personal experience, making music is something I think closely tied within this. Sitting on Garage-band or other DAW’s until early hours of the morning producing a song hand-crafted in your bedroom is something I think most musicians can relate to. Making demo’s yourself to get an initial grasp of a song and the unlimited possibilities of what it can become before committing to getting it professionally recorded. Even something like putting on gigs yourself, to be able to perform and display your music during a time where gigs are getting more expensive not only to attend but to perform.
Organisations like Girls with Guts, have created several nights of music that showcase and celebrate female and non-binary talent for musicians in
Northern Ireland. Something like gender diversity has always been a struggle in the industry, but with movement like Girls with Guts putting on their own gigs it allows young girls and non-binary individuals to see themselves on stage performing for like-wise individuals. The gigs being run by themselves not only have the benefit of having hand-crafted and inclusive line-ups but also allow the dedication of the money made from these gigs to go towards certain causes. During Girls with Guts fest 2025, the movement raised £640 for women’s aid NI, a cause central to the individuals performing and those attending. The Charity itself is vital, especially considering the horrifying criminal acts committed towards women in NI currently, so by creating this night Girls with Guts took a step towards ending domestic abuse and providing services for women and children in NI.
However, it isn't just local artists and federations doing it themselves. In recent years digital platforms have allowed and empowered DIY culture. Sites like Bandcamp allow artists to sell their music on a platform but simultaneously take revenue from this. However, monthly the site runs a ‘Bandcamp Friday’, wavering their revenue and making sure 100% of proceeds from merchandise is dedicated to the musicians. This has resulted in $120 million of funds being given directly to artists, something deeply necessary for the pursuit of music.
Being able to DIY things such as merch and gigs in Belfast, plays such a crucial role in preserving culture within Ireland. Artists showcase their artistic abilities, gigs are made by musicians for musicians and dedicated towards certain foundations, and global websites are able to change and adapt their ways to be more inclusive to their clientele. The culture of DIY persists because it has to. In a country where industry infrastructure is limited, self-sufficiency becomes something of practicality; and in an era of marketability musicians carve out their own descriptions of self as something authentic and real.