R.S.A.G.

R.S.A.G.

R.S.A.G. is the musical project of Jeremy Hickey, based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The name stands for Rarely Seen Above Ground. The act is active from 2006 and is known as a solo set-up centred on Hickey’s drumming and voice.

Performance style

R.S.A.G. uses projected filmed imagery as part of the live set-up rather than relying only on a backing tape or a conventional band arrangement. The visual element runs alongside Hickey’s performance and is presented in a music-video style with edits, camera shifts and other effects. Hickey performs to the left of the screen and plays inventive, dexterous drums while singing in a strained, soul-influenced voice.

Sound and presentation

The project’s sound is described through Hickey’s drumming and vocal delivery, which combine with the visual component to create an unusual live format. The performance image is closely associated with black-and-white film treatment and a stylised, enigmatic feel.