The 2:19 are set to release third album, Keep My Will Strong, with a special launch show at the Belfast Empire Music Hall on 11th January 2025. Tickets onsale across the bar at the Empire (no fees) or online from the link on this page (Ticketmaster fees may apply).
Hailing from Belfast and the surrounding areas, The 2:19 consists of Chris Chalmers (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Monty Sneddon (drums), Paul Wilkinson (guitar), Ady Young (guitar), and Marty Young (bass). Keep My Will Strong marks a new chapter for the band, with all five members contributing to the songwriting and vocal duties for the first time on a 2:19 album.
The album follows in the footsteps of the band’s previous works — Revelator (2021) and We Will Get Through This (2023). Revelator captured the tumultuous spirit of the world in 2020-21, while We Will Get Through This offered a hopeful look toward a brighter future. Keep My Will Strong brings the band full circle, reflecting on the place they call home.
Recording began in November 2023 at Start Together Studios in Belfast, with Michael Bell serving as engineer. The album was then sent for mastering to Dennis Blackham at Skye Mastering in October 2024. Notable contributions to the album include backing vocals from Suzy Coyle and piano/organ by John McCullough, renowned for his work with Van Morrison.
The 2:19’s previous album, We Will Get Through This, spent two consecutive months at #3 on the UK IBBA (Independent Blues Broadcasters Association) album chart and earned the band a nomination for “Album of the Year” at the 2024 UK Blues Awards.
Since their live debut in 2022, The 2:19 has built a dedicated fan base with sold-out shows across Ireland, including a headline performance at the Guinness Belfast City Blues Festival and support slots for Elles Bailey in both Belfast and Dublin.
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Keep My Will Strong is available to stream on all major platforms from January 2025.
Graham Munn-Blues in Britain/Rhythm & Booze “Where has this band been hiding? I’m of mind to return to Belfast and see these guys live, they are that good.”
Alan Harrison, Rocking Magpie “These kids are as good as I have heard in the last twenty years or more, and probably as good as most before that too…Timeless Rhythm and Blues with the emphasis on The Blues but with plenty of Rhythm too.”
Gary Burnett, Down at the Crossroads “A rare treat of a blues album. The musicianship is top-notch, the songs are all strong, and the arrangements just work. Go buy the album and if these guys are playing anywhere near you, don’t miss them!”
Brendan McKeown, Daily Mirror “A fine collection that will please the blues aficionados and dabblers alike.”
Mike Bradley, musiclovemusic.com “Full of the belief and swagger only a capital city can inspire, Belfast-based blues rockers The 2:19 – a band of untapped potential – are fast becoming the sound of their city.
