Rofi James

It began during the days of teenage discos, bad haircuts and chronic debs dresses, somewhere amongst the green fields and traffic lights of Galway city - where an unlikely storm was brewing. Washed ashore by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, a red haired veteran of the Aran islands Rónán Ó Flaithearta met Full-time member of the over 6ft club Jamie Murray, with a penchant for tapping tables and most things rhythm – the unlikely two would then cross paths some months later during the Galway stop off of the Volvo Ocean Race. The pair then took to the cobbled streets of Galway city, with a mutual interest in music and in songwriting Combining Ronans nick-name 'Rofi J' and Jamie's 'James' to form the bands name 'Rofi James'. It was then they began airing their thoughts and stories on a platter of guitar strings and snare drum wires whilst finishing secondary school. Fast forward a few months, Rofi James began to replace the cold concrete of Shop Street with the local stages of Galway and in doing so, went on to take the First Place Title at the Nuig Witless battle of the bands 2013, performing their own music which was an encouraging sign for the then acoustic duo. Following this win and subsequently a debut single release, RJ started to build a name for themselves on the local scene with well received gigs supporting artists such as O.R.B, Mundy, The Amazing Apples, Ham Sandwhich and many more. Some time passed and RJ began to expand from their acoustic roots, never completely forgetting where it all started. Whilst juggling college with the demands of student life, in an effort to help expand their musical footprint and to ultimately reach new ears they entered iRadio's national battle of the bands competition. After a string of live finals they were ultimately awarded the First place title of iRadio's iRocks battle of the bands champions 2013. With 2017 upon us, it has been an eventful 12 months for Rofi James (Pronounced Row-Fee-James), following the success of their debut singles ‘Fool For Your Love’ and ‘Open Eyes’. In the past 12 Months, the band has had several high profile support slots with established artists Picture This and Ryan Sheridan, as well as two major Headline Shows in The Loft Venue, Galway, and a humbling Festival Appearance to upwards of 1000 festival goers at Moxegen 2017. As of July 14th 2017 Rofi James have been shortlisted as one of the final 30 artists selected to perform at this years Electric Picnic Festival, as part of the #playthepicnic competition ran by RTÉ 2FM. The band’s current singles have been receiving national Radio Play on RTÉ 2FM, SPIN 1038, Ocean FM, Galway Bay FM and iRadio, with ‘Fool For Your Love’ being placed on High Rotation on iRadio since it’s release in November 2016. The band’s debut single was one of the stations Top 10 Most Requested Tracks in February 2017. The band’s second release 'Open Eyes’ is currently enjoying regular airplay on RTÉ 2FM and iRadio, with both tracks available immediately across all major online streaming services and digital platforms. Fool For Your Love press quotes: - Pure M Magazine - “Rofi James have put together a powerful pop/rock piece here that’s easily as adept as anything you’re likely to encounter on the radio. Its compelling melodies combine with its accomplished musical motifs to create a universally accessible song that’s ideally suited to succeeding in the mainstream." 4.5/5 Stars - JOE.ie - “A smooth mix of pop and rock sounds, the song itself is incredibly catchy!” - Louise Clarke - iRadio ''One of the most exciting acts coming through'' ''Rising Stars'' Galway Independent ''Rofi James have winning formula'' Connacht Tribune Band Line Up : Guitar/Vocals : Rónán Ó Flaithearta Percussion/Drums : Jamie Murray Bass : Eoin Ó Conghaile Lead Guitar : Cathal Leonard Rofi James are a pop/rock band from Galway city.