Pete Johnson is a bit of a legendary figure on the Dundalk music scene and as front man of the band rumble they could be considered as the one who got away.

Early in the summer we sat down and had a great chat about, well everything from his early childhood in Leister in England in the 80s and being the subject of racist attacks, his parents musical careers and the influence that had on him, moving to the paradise that was Blackrock and putting together his first band.

The success of Rumble, signed to a record label and being asked to do a John Peel session by the man himself. Then the tragic death of their manager and at the time Pete’s flatmate and close friend Juan Mata or Big John and Pete talks very openly about how after that he went became depressed, drank very heavily and ended up in Ardee mental health facility after having a total breakdown.

We also talked about his current musical projects which there are several and what he hopes to do in the future. It’s a great open and honest chat from a brilliant musician and honestly just and all round nice guy.

Forming just 2 years ago over lockdown Negro Impacto seem to have made a real impact on the local and national music scene. Getting asked to play Electric Picnic, All together Now and Primavera sounds in Barcelona.

One half of the duo Laurence joined me to talk about their adventures so far, about how taking what was essentially a bedroom project during lockdown to the live stage, about what inspires him and his partner in crime Chi Chi and where they hope to go in the future.

Damien talks about growing up in town, learing to play music. Recording with Orwells 84, hosting the long running local music show The First Cut on Dundalk Fm, The future of the music scene in town...oh and the little matter of meeting American president Joe Biden.