Dea Matrona

Dea Matrona are an Irish rock band from Belfast, active since 2017 and based in the city. The group consists of Mamie McGinn, Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe. Their music is classified as rock and soft rock, and they are an all-female act from Northern Ireland.

Formation and early development

The band begins with Orlaith Forsythe and Mollie McGinn, who are high school friends. They first perform together after both want to enter a school talent show but there is room for only one more contestant. They then continue making music together, sharing songs and influences with each other as their partnership develops. The group first performs under the name Orláith and Mollie before changing to Dea Matrona.

Dea Matrona then becomes a trio when Mamie McGinn joins on drums. The band busks in Belfast during this period. Orlaith and Mollie both sing and play multiple instruments, alternating vocal duties and swapping between bass and lead guitar.

Sound and influences

The band writes and produces its own catalogue and also records cover versions of songs they like. Their main influences include Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Their work is rooted in rock, with softer rock elements reflected in their listed genres.

Line-up changes

Mamie McGinn leaves the band in February 2022 to focus on college and other interests. After that, Dea Matrona continues as a trio using session drummers.

Releases and live activity

In 2022 the band releases the singles So Damn Dangerous and Red Button. Red Button appears in the Belfast-based Sky Atlantic series The Lovers.

In 2023 Dea Matrona tours the UK supporting Kris Barras, then tours the UK and Ireland with Chris Shiflett. They also announce their first UK and Ireland headline tour, with dates in Bristol, Glasgow and London. That year they perform in the United States for the first time at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Other 2023 festival and live appearances include Bearded Theory, Flackstock and The Iveagh Gardens, where they support KALEO. They also play Wembley Arena as part of the Jags Country concert for the NFL Jaguars UK team.

In 2024 the band releases the singles Stuck On You, Black Rain and Every Night I Want You, leading to the release of their debut album For Your Sins. They later release a cover of Prince’s Kiss and an Acoustic Sessions EP based on the album. Their 2024 live schedule includes a UK and Ireland headline tour, summer festival appearances, support dates with Sheryl Crow and Shania Twain, and a tour supporting Royal Republic.

Festival and support dates

Dea Matrona appear at Rock Werchter, Trans Musicales and The Great Escape Festival, and they support Eagles of Death Metal on their first European tour in 2022. Their later live work includes support slots with Kris Barras, Chris Shiflett, Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain and Royal Republic.