Blowtorch Records

Last updated
Blowtorch Records
Founded2019
Genre Post punk, punk, shoegaze, and electronica
Country of origin Ireland
Official website https://www.blowtorchrecords.com/

Blowtorch Records is an independent record label based in Galway, Ireland. The label is known for its focus on physical releases and has worked with various Irish bands, including Adore, Rob Smith's Swedish Railway Orchestra, The Savage Heart, Vigins, and Paranoid Visions. [1]

Contents

History

Blowtorch Records was founded by Richard Burk around 2018/2019 in Galway, Ireland. The label was initially established to provide digital promotion for new brands and artists and became associated with the Irish music scene, particularly in genres such as punk, post-punk, shoegaze, and electronica. Within six months of its founding, Burk took on the role of manager for the Galway punk band Turnstiles, which strengthened the label's ties to the local music community. [2] [3] [4]

The label promotes a "DIY ethic" and features a logo inspired by Soviet propaganda. It aims to support unsigned artists by providing digital platforms and physical releases, including vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. The label serves as a hub for independent Irish musicians, facilitating promotion and offering a space for their work. It is associated with a diverse music scene that includes guitar-driven music, dance, and hip-hop. Additionally, the label produces a podcast that features interviews with artists and figures in the music industry. [5] [6]

The label's releases include Ash Red's first single, "DB Cooper," which is associated with their upcoming debut album, "The Foreign Game." [7] [8] Additionally, in 2024, the label is set to release a debut EP titled "Feel Low" from Some Remain, an alternative indie punk band based in Sligo, Ireland. [9]

Albums

YearAlbum nameartist
2024Collected Works 2019-2022Turnstiles (LP)
2025Glórach [10] Nerves (EP)
2025What Happens If You Get Happy [11] Slyrydes (LP)
2025The Foreign Game [12] Ash Red (LP)
2025Cast The Sea In Concrete [13] Pebbledash (EP)

List of members/artists

References

  1. Cathal McBride. "Lighting the Way: How Blowtorch Records is Helping Shape Ireland's Independent Music Scene". thethinair.net. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  2. "FESTIVAL REPORT: West X Sound West, Blowtorch Records Showcase Festival -Róisín Dubh, Galway, Ireland - God Is In The TV". 2025-05-07. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  3. O'Connell, Cian (2025-04-17). "Big May Day celebration of blossoming musical talent". Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  4. "Richard Blowes, The Founder and Owner of the Galway Independent Label Blowtorch Records, Tells Us About the History of the Label and Its Expansion". postburnout.com.
  5. "Ep 63 - The power of video promotion with Andy Gesner from HIP by Blowtorch Records Podcast". Spotify for Creators. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  6. "Local musician Sean Keenan release new single and EP". Irish Independent. 2022-01-11. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  7. "Ash Red's Debut 'The Foreign Game': A Masterclass in Modern Post-Punk" . Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  8. Julia Mason (2025-08-22). "NEWS: Ash Red Release First Single 'DB COOPER' From Their Forthcoming Debut Album, The Foreign Game - God Is In The TV" . Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  9. "Some Remain - Feel Low (Blowtorch Records) - God Is In The TV". 2025-07-18. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  10. "Nerves - Glórach (Blowtorch Records) - God Is In The TV". 2024-03-11. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  11. "IN CONVERATION: Slyrydes - God Is In The TV". 2025-12-05. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  12. Fay, Shauna (2025-10-09). "Ash Red Set To Release New Album 'The Foreign Game'". IMRO. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  13. Workhorse, No More (2025-12-15). "Paul McDermott (To Here Knows When podcast) – A Year in Music – 2025". No More Workhorse. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  14. "Ash Red | Cork alt rock trio | Blowtorch Record label". Blowtorch Records. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  15. "Behind the music - Dopamine Fix". rte.ie. 2025-10-01.
  16. "The Goo Magazine no. 12-2024". www.e-magin.se. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  17. Piater, Zoé (2025-02-20). "West x Sound West - A Celebration of Blowtorch Records featuring Adore & Virgins to be held in Galway". IMRO. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  18. "NEWS: In Athens Release Debut Single 'Or Anything' - God Is In The TV". 2025-08-15. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  19. "Behind the music - Nerves". rte.ie. 2024-01-12.
  20. "Pebbledash: Cork alt-rockers in portrait with new EP". echolive.ie. 2025-01-23. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
  21. "The Swedish Railway Orchestra - Dance To The Drum Machine (Blowtorch Records) - God Is In The TV". 2022-07-26. Retrieved 2026-01-19.