Alt-folk duo DUG, featuring Californian multi-instrumentalist Jonny Pickett and Scottish-American artist Lorkin O’Reilly, have today released ‘Have At It!’, the poignant title track from their much-anticipated debut album. The song’s origin is a story for our times, born from a family WhatsApp exchange during lockdown. Lorkin explains:
“Have At It” came from a text message my dad sent to our family WhatsApp group during COVID. At the time, there was that short phase when everyone thought COVID could spread through surfaces. My mum was really worried, so she decided to get a will written. She took a photo of it and shared it in the group chat. In response, my dad sent a picture of his will – a napkin with the words “Have at it!” scribbled across the front!”
That half-serious, half-throwaway phrase now serves as the emotional core for the duo’s honest and evocative new music.
The single arrives alongside the band’s first official music video, directed by the legendary Ellius Grace, which you can watch below. The single’s haunting B-side is a cover of Ian Felice’s “In Memoriam.” It sets the stage for the full-length album scheduled for release on September 19th, 2025, via Claddagh Records / DECCA. Produced by Mike Halls (Clean Cut Kid), the record captures the unique chemistry between O’Reilly and Pickett.
Formed in 2023, DUG have already cultivated a dedicated following, selling out two shows at Dublin’s Whelan’s before releasing a single. Their sound draws from a rich heritage spanning both sides of the Atlantic, echoing great American folk troubadours while channelling the spirit of Irish musical elders. This distinctive blend has positioned them as a vital voice in the modern folk revival, with previous singles like ‘Jubilee’ earning two Grammy nomination shortlistings.
Fans can catch the band’s compelling live show later this year, with festival dates confirmed for Electric Picnic and Moseley Festival. DUG will also play a headline show at The Lexington in London on November 24, 2025.
Pre-Save the album: https://DUG.lnk.to/HaveAtItALBUM
European, U.K, & U.S. Live Dates:
August 24 – Another Love Story – Dublin, Ireland
August 28 – Electric Picnic – Stradbally, Ireland
August 30 – Moseley Festival – Birmingham, UK
September 9 – Americana Fest 2025 – Nashville, USA
October 23 – Left of the Dial – Rotterdam, Netherlands
October 29 – The Academy – Dublin, Ireland
November 24 – The Lexington – London, UK