Juniper (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | County Kildare , Ireland |
| Products | Music recordings (EPs, singles) |
Juniper was an Irish rock group originating from County Kildare, notable for laying the groundwork for both Damien Rice and Bell X1. The band’s members comprised Rice (performing under the name Dodi Ma), Paul Noonan, Brian Crosby, Dominic Phillips, and David Geraghty. Their discography includes two extended plays: The J-Plane released in 1994 and Manna in 1996.
In 1998, Juniper issued their sole singles, "Weatherman" and "World Is Dead", both of which entered the Irish charts. They also contributed to the compilation album Natural Born Elvis that same year. Creative disagreements led to the band's dissolution shortly afterward, with Rice embarking on a solo path while the other members formed Bell X1.
Formation and Early Development (1991–1996)
The inception of Juniper dates back to 1991 when Damien Rice, Paul Noonan, Dominic Phillips, and Brian Crosby came together during their time at Salesian College Celbridge in Celbridge. Initially, Lisa Thompson provided lead and backing vocals from 1991 until 1992. The lineup featured Noonan on drums, Phillips and Crosby handling guitars, and Rice as the frontman under his stage name Dodi Ma. David Geraghty later joined the ensemble, contributing to their second EP, Manna (1996).
Their television debut occurred on the Irish talent show Go For It, where they performed "Pillars of Society". In 1994, they self-released their first EP titled The J-Plane and began establishing a local presence by playing venues such as The Kildrought Lounge in Celbridge.
PolyGram Era and Releases (1997–1998)
Juniper secured a contract with PolyGram for six albums and commenced recording sessions at Windmill Lane Studios during this period. The label played a significant role in selecting their initial single by favoring tracks with strong commercial appeal.
The band’s only singles, "Weatherman" and "World Is Dead", both charted in 1998. "Weatherman" achieved a peak position of number nine on the Irish Singles Chart and remained on the chart for seven weeks, while "World Is Dead" reached number nineteen. Despite favorable chart performance and solid live followings, critics offered mixed reviews.
Rice later disclosed that he preferred "Eskimo," a track beloved by fans, as the follow-up single; however, this was vetoed by the record company. Bootleg evidence suggests that studio versions of "Eskimo" as well as an unreleased song titled "Volcano" were recorded during these sessions. Notably, "Volcano" was subsequently featured on Bell X1’s debut album Neither Am I (2000) and Damien Rice’s solo album O released in 2002.
Disbandment and Aftermath (1998)
Disputes arose between Rice and the label over creative direction, with the company urging Juniper to produce more upbeat tracks. During a challenging emotional phase, Rice composed "Eskimo," but its release was blocked by the label, leading to his departure from the group. He then moved to Tuscany, Italy to focus on his solo work; planned recording sessions in southern France were consequently cancelled. Remaining members engaged in intense discussions about their future course.
The rest of the band continued under the name Bell X1 with Noonan assuming lead vocals. Meanwhile, Rice established himself as a successful folk artist with his breakthrough album O, which had sold over two million copies by 2006. The track "Eskimo," penned during his final days with Juniper and recorded at Windmill Lane Studios, served as the closing piece on that album. According to the Sunday Tribune, this song symbolized both Juniper’s creative climax and the cause of their split. Both Bell X1 and Damien Rice have versions of a song called "Volcano," while Bell X1’s album Music in Mouth contains "Tongue," co-written by Rice; however, he does not attribute any of his songs to Bell X1.
Although Bell X1 and Damien Rice are recognized as distinct entities within Ireland, American media frequently link Bell X1 with Rice during tours across the United States.
Discography
- The J-Plane (EP) 1994
- Manna (EP) 1996
- "Weatherman" (Single) 1998
- "World Is Dead" (Single) 1998
- Natural Born Elvis (Compilation album) 1998
External links
- Biography at Irish Music Central