Formed in 2024 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Paul Rodgers and Belgian-born drummer and producer Ziggy Van Wallendael, Lazember began as a recording project in Donegal Town. The pair spent two years writing, recording and releasing songs that would become their debut album. Graham Maree joined on guitar and vocals, alongside bassist Lorcan O'Donnell, transforming the project into a four-piece live band.
Paul previously toured internationally with Mojo GoGo and performed with Little Hours, while Ziggy brought experience from Belgian indie outfit Felix Pallas.
Released independently on 2 October 2026 through West Harbour Records, the ten-track debut album marks the culmination of the band's first two years. Written primarily by Paul Rodgers, it was produced, recorded and mixed by Ziggy Van Wallendael in Donegal Town, and mastered by Pete Maher. Lightning Kiss was co-written by Rodgers, Ryan McCloskey and Jordan Carty, and recorded and produced by Tommy McLaughlin at Attica Studios in Donegal.
Across ten tracks, the record moves between driving indie rock, atmospheric guitar arrangements and brighter, synth-infused moments. Songs including Finish Line, Here We Go Again, Seven Sisters, Don't Look Back and Eyes Like a Storm showcase the band's evolving sound.
“If you ain't in it, then you can't lose, but you bet against yourself time and time again.”
The title, taken from Seven Sisters, captures the album's central idea: taking chances, overcoming self-doubt and choosing to pursue something even when the outcome is uncertain. For Rodgers, the album was a chance to commit fully to creating something of his own. The record was pressed on vinyl in a limited first run of 300 copies, Lazember's first physical release.
Live Performances & Radio Support
2026 has seen Lazember perform at Stendhal Festival, Oakfest at Oakfield Park alongside The Stunning and The Boomtown Rats, Over The West Festival on Arranmore Island and Ambient in the Forest in County Cavan. The band have also headlined Whelan's Upstairs in Dublin and Róisín Dubh in Galway.
Their music has received support from BBC Radio Ulster, RTÉ 2FM, Today FM, iRadio, Dublin City FM, 98FM, Cork's 96FM and Highland Radio. The band have performed live for BBC Radio Ulster's Connor Phillips and appeared on Highland Radio's Monday Night Sessions.
With the debut album released, Lazember are already recording their second album and building on the momentum of their first full-length record. From two musicians recording in Donegal Town to a four-piece band releasing vinyl, playing festivals and headlining venues around Ireland, their story is still in its early stages.