TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Dublin-based music group Kodaline has announced their decision to disband after more than a decade together. Recognized as one of Ireland’s most influential alternative rock bands, their signature emotional sound and heartfelt lyrics have made them beloved worldwide.
From their humble beginnings as a local act to becoming a global phenomenon, Kodaline’s journey is one of dedication, evolution, and an enduring love for music.
From 21 Demands to Kodaline
Before adopting the name Kodaline, the band was formed in 2005 as 21 Demands by Steve Garrigan, Vincent May, Mark Prendergast, and Conor Linnane in Swords, Dublin. As 21 Demands, they first gained public attention in November 2006 when they finished as runners-up in the fifth season of RTÉ’s You're a Star.
On March 3, 2007, they independently released their debut single “Give Me a Minute” through the RTÉ Pieta House website. The track made history as the first independently released song to top the Irish Singles Chart, an extraordinary milestone for a young band.
They later released “One of Those Days”, which appeared on BalconyTV and in an advertisement for SuperValu Ireland.
Becoming Kodaline
A major turning point came in 2012, when the group rebranded as Kodaline, signaling a new, more atmospheric direction in their music. That same year, they released their debut EP, The Kodaline EP, produced by Stephen Harris.
Their breakout song, “All I Want”, became BBC Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton’s Record of the Week and went on to feature in hit television series including Grey’s Anatomy (season 9) and Catfish: The TV Show, as well as Google’s Year in Review 2012 video.
By December 2012, BBC had named Kodaline among its Sound of 2013 nominees, marking their rise to international prominence.
Their debut album, In a Perfect World, was released on June 17, 2013, featuring now-classic tracks such as “High Hopes,” “All I Want,” “Love Like This,” and “Pray.” The album topped the Irish charts and reached number three in the UK.
“All I Want” further solidified Kodaline’s global reputation after it was featured in The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and movie trailers for Horns and Love, Rosie. Another song, “Perfect World,” became the theme song for Channel 4’s Gogglebox.
Lead vocalist of the music group Kodaline, Steve Garrigan performing for fans at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday, March 1, 2019. In a concert titled "Politics of Living Tour 2019", the Irish music group performed 17 of their hits. ANTARA FOTO/Dhemas Reviyanto
The Rise Continues: Coming Up for Air
In December 2014, Kodaline announced their second studio album, Coming Up for Air, preceded by the release of “Honest” on YouTube. The album, launched on February 9, 2015, entered the UK Albums Chart at number four.
Singles like “The One” and “Honest” broke into the UK Top 40, confirming the band’s ability to stay relevant in a fast-changing music scene.
During this era, Kodaline graced major international festivals, including Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, earning a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest live acts.
Experimentation and Growth
Kodaline returned in June 2017 with “Brother”, followed by “Follow Your Fire” in March 2018, which became a chart success in Romania.
Their third album, Politics of Living, released on September 28, 2018, showcased a bolder sound that incorporated electronic and pop influences.
Singles such as “Shed a Tear,” “Worth It,” and “Head Held High” demonstrated their evolving musical maturity, with the latter reaching number 68 on the Irish Singles Chart.
Returning to Their Roots
On January 10, 2020, Kodaline released “Wherever You Are” and “Sometimes”—the leading singles from their fourth album, One Day at a Time, which arrived on June 12, 2020. The album peaked at number two on the Irish Albums Chart and was praised for its stripped-down melodies and introspective songwriting, reminiscent of their early work.
Two years later, on October 14, 2022, they released their first live album, Our Roots Run Deep, recorded at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, a heartfelt tribute to their hometown and loyal fans.
A Lasting Legacy
For nearly two decades, Steve Garrigan, Vincent May, Mark Prendergast, and Jason Boland have carried their music from the streets of Dublin to the world’s biggest stages. Songs like “All I Want,” “High Hopes,” and “Brother” have become anthems for millions of listeners worldwide.
With four studio albums and one live album, Kodaline has left a profound mark on modern Irish music, celebrated for their emotional honesty, lyrical simplicity, and universal resonance.
As they prepare to release their fifth and final album, Kodaline’s story will endure as that of four friends who transformed a small dream into an everlasting legacy.
KINAR LAIMAURA
Editor’s Choice: Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" Sets a New Record in Spotify
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
