Actor Cillian Murphy has opened up about his admiration for the indie music scene, particularly his enthusiasm for the Irish band Fontaines D.C. During a recent interview, Murphy highlighted why Fontaines D.C. was a natural fit for the soundtrack of the upcoming Peaky Blinders feature film, The Immortal Man, which premieres in March 2024. His connection to the band demonstrates his ongoing passion for Cillian Murphy indie music and its influence on his artistic projects.
Fontaines D.C. and the Peaky Blinders Soundscape
Cillian Murphy, celebrated for his roles in Oppenheimer, 28 Days Later, and Peaky Blinders, praised Fontaines D.C. when discussing the film’s soundtrack on BBC Radio 1 with presenter Jack Saunders. Murphy explained that the band’s music complements the gritty atmosphere of Peaky Blinders because it carries
“that outlaw quality, that dangerous quality.”
This connection between Fontaines’ sound and the series’ tone made including their music on the soundtrack an obvious choice.
“There’s certain music that just lends itself to Peaky Blinders,”
Murphy stated.
“The Fontaines music seems to work, it has that outlaw quality, that dangerous quality.”
— Cillian Murphy, Actor
Murphy also described Fontaines D.C.’s songs as “incredible,” emphasizing how their inclusion in the soundtrack “just clicked for us.” The actor expressed excitement about having the band’s frontman, Grian Chatten, join the Peaky Blinders sonic atmosphere, which has featured a well-known lineup of contributing artists over the years. Murphy noted that moving from the series to a full-length film created an opportunity to elevate the soundtrack’s musical landscape even further.
“We’re just thrilled that somebody like Grian is now part of the Peaky sonic landscape,”
Murphy said.
“We’ve had such a storied and amazing line-up of artists over the years contributing to the show, and this was a massive step up for us to make a film.”
— Cillian Murphy, Actor
Murphy’s Personal Connection to Fontaines D.C.
In the interview, Grian Chatten revealed that Murphy has already attended a couple of Fontaines D.C. concerts. The actor jokingly admitted he might be “just a groupie” of the band at this stage, underscoring his genuine enthusiasm for their music beyond professional collaboration. This personal fandom highlights how deeply Murphy connects with Cillian Murphy indie music as part of his life and work.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on March 6, 2024, before becoming available on Netflix. The film’s soundtrack, featuring Fontaines D.C., will debut simultaneously, promising to bring the band’s vibrant energy to an even broader audience.
Murphy’s Broader Musical Interests
Cillian Murphy has long been outspoken about his musical tastes, showing a strong preference for artists who embody creativity and boldness. In 2022, he spoke admiringly of his “favourite band” Radiohead, calling them “very special.” More recently, he revealed that British singer-songwriter PJ Harvey was the artist he listened to most in 2023.
Reflecting on PJ Harvey’s artistry, Murphy praised her fearless and multifaceted approach:
“I adore her music, but also her spirit as an artist. She is fearless and polymathic and political and no album ever sounds the same, but you always know it’s a PJ Harvey record.”
— Cillian Murphy, Actor
Murphy’s appreciation for diverse musical styles aligns well with the eclectic and dynamic alternative music realm, which continues to shape cultural projects he is involved in including film soundtracks.
Fontaines D.C.’s Rising Success and Festival Appearances
Fontaines D.C. have recently released their critically acclaimed album Romance in 2024, which has been met with rave reviews for its potent lyrics and engaging sound. The band is currently preparing for a busy summer festival season across Europe, culminating in headline performances at major UK events Reading and Leeds in August. Their growing influence in the indie scene makes their collaboration with Murphy especially timely.
As Fontaines D.C. expands their reach and Murphy continues to champion their music, the relationship between artist and actor showcases how Cillian Murphy indie music offers both creative inspiration and cultural relevance. With Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man bringing this fusion to a global audience, the impact on rock fans and indie enthusiasts alike could be substantial.
