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, they went on to take the First place title at the Nuig Witless battle of the bands 2011, 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. Although they were lacking experience compared to their fellow competitors, the judges credited Rofi James win to their catchy, radio friendly and commercial sound. This saw the band record its first E.P in Grouse Lodge Recording studios which they released to a near sold out crowd in April 2014 in Monroe’s Galway.
Since the release they have spent their time writing and gigging as much as possible, to learn their craft. Having recently opened Picture This and Universal music’s Leo Stannard in the Loft Venue, Galway, Rofi James are back in the studio and look forward to releasing their latest single ‘Fool for Your love’ on October 14th 2016, followed by a string of live gigs including the Loft venue, Galway on November 19th.