NewDad (Band) Biography: Members, Age, Nationality, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Nationality

NewDad, an Irish indie rock band from Galway, formed in 2018, is known for their dreamy, shoegaze-inspired sound that blends raw vocals, introspective lyrics, and atmospheric guitar work.

Consisting of Julie Dawson (vocals and rhythm guitar), Sean O’Dowd Monaghan (lead guitar), Cara Joshi (bass), and Fiachra Parslow (drums), the band has drawn comparisons to The Cure, Pixies, and Wolf Alice for their evocative melodies and emotional depth.

Their debut album, Madra (2024), and EPs like Waves (2021) and Banshee (2022) have established them as a rising force in the indie rock scene, with performances at major festivals like Glastonbury and Lollapalooza.

Profile

• Members Real Name: Julie Dawson, Sean O’Dowd Monaghan, Cara Joshi, Fiachra Parslow
• Stage Name: NewDad
• Active From: 2018–Present
• Origin: Galway, Ireland
• Nationality: Irish (Dawson, O’Dowd Monaghan, Parslow), British (Joshi)
• Occupation: Musicians
• Genres: Indie Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegaze
• Labels: Fair Youth, Atlantic
• Net Worth: $500,000 USD

Formation

NewDad was formed in 2018 by Julie Dawson, Áindle O’Beirn, and Fiachra Parslow while attending Coláiste Iognáid secondary school in Galway, initially as a way to avoid solo performances for their Leaving Certificate music exam.

The trio, inspired by a random band name generator, chose the name NewDad and began rehearsing in a friend’s garden shed.

Sean O’Dowd Monaghan, then studying music technology in Limerick, joined as a recording engineer before becoming the band’s lead guitarist, completing the original four-piece lineup.

Julie Dawson

Julie Dawson was born on March 7, 1999, in Galway, Ireland.

Her parents’ names are not publicly known but are referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Dawson. She might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

Dawson attended Coláiste Iognáid, where her musical talents developed through school performances, though she did not pursue formal higher education due to her focus on NewDad. She is of Irish ethnicity, her religion is not publicly known.

Sean O’Dowd Monaghan

Sean O’Dowd Monaghan was born on January 15, 1998, in Galway, Ireland.

His parents are name are not publicly known but they are referred to as, Mr. and Mrs. O’Dowd Monaghan. He has no known siblings.

He studied music technology at Limerick Institute of Technology before joining NewDad full-time, balancing academic pursuits with his passion for music. He is of Irish ethnicity, his religion is unknown.

Cara Joshi

Cara Joshi was born on April 22, 2000, in South London, United Kingdom.

Her parents’ names are not publicly known but are, referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Joshi. Information about her having any siblings is unknown.

Joshi attended local schools in London but has not shared details about her formal education, focusing instead on her music career after joining NewDad in 2022. She is of British-South Asian descent, her religion is not publicly known.

Fiachra Parslow

Fiachra Parslow was born on September 10, 1999, in Galway, Ireland.

His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Parslow, with no public details known. He has no known siblings.

Parslow attended Coláiste Iognáid alongside Dawson, where their shared interest in music led to the band’s formation. He did not pursue higher education, prioritizing NewDad’s early gigs. He is of Irish ethnicity, and his religion is not publicly known.

Career

NewDad began their career in 2018, formed by Julie Dawson, Áindle O’Beirn, and Fiachra Parslow to avoid solo performances for their Leaving Certificate music exam at Coláiste Iognáid in Galway.

Sean O’Dowd Monaghan joined as lead guitarist after recording their early demos, and they released their debut single “How” in 2020, followed by “Swimming” and “Cry.”

These lo-fi tracks caught the attention of BBC6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, leading to a live session and early praise from local outlet The Connacht Tribune for their inventive sound. Their debut EP Waves (2021) gained traction with over 5 million Spotify streams, establishing their dreamy, shoegaze-inspired style.

NewDad was officially formed when Dawson, O’Beirn, and Parslow, inspired by The Cure and Pixies, began rehearsing in a friend’s shed, using a random band name generator to select “NewDad.”

The addition of O’Dowd Monaghan solidified their lineup, and their early gigs in Galway’s vibrant music scene, alongside buskers and traditional Irish musicians, shaped their eclectic sound.

Their 2021 EP Waves, produced with Chris Ryan in Belfast, featured singles like “I Don’t Recognise You” and “Blue,” earning critical acclaim from DIY and Far Out for its melancholic yet biting tone. The band’s connection with fans, including sharing guitar tabs and playing Minecraft with a Hungarian supporter, helped build a grassroots following.

The release of their second EP, Banshee (2022), marked a significant leap, earning a 9/10 from Gigwise and four stars from Dork for its vibrant, expansive sound.

Themes of helplessness and neurosis unfolded through Julie Dawson’s evocative vocals, drawing comparisons to Wolf Alice and New Order.

After Banshee’s success, the band relocated to London, where bassist Áindle O’Beirn amicably left and was replaced by Cara Joshi.

Their debut album Madra (2024), recorded at Rockfield Studios and mixed by Alan Moulder, featured singles like “Angel,” inspired by HBO’s Euphoria, and showcased a heavier, grunge-influenced sound. The album cemented their reputation, with The Guardian praising its existential angst.

NewDad’s career expanded with high-profile performances at Glastonbury, Pitchfork Paris, and Lollapalooza 2025, alongside opening for Fontaines D.C. and a VIP appearance at Simone Rocha’s London Fashion Week AW23 show.

Their 2025 EP Safe, released on May 2, featured deeply personal tracks, resonating with fans and earning praise for its emotional depth.

Monster Children noted their Wolf Alice-like energy, while VIP Magazine highlighted their growing influence in Ireland’s thriving music scene. Despite financial challenges, including funding early tours via overdrafts, their major-label deal with Atlantic provided stability, allowing them to focus on music full-time.

Currently, NewDad is touring globally, with 2025 performances in China, Japan (Fuji Rock Festival), and the US, including shows at Troubadour and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Their second album, Altar, announced for release in 2025, promises a heavier, post-punk direction, building on Madra’s success.

With 684,400 monthly Spotify listeners and a growing fanbase, NewDad continues to inspire with their authentic lyricism and dynamic live energy. Their legacy as part of Ireland’s vibrant indie scene, alongside bands like Fontaines D.C., is defined by their ability to channel personal struggles into universally relatable music, ensuring their place as a leading voice in modern indie rock.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @newdad
• Facebook Handle: NewDad
• Twitter Handle: @NewDad
• YouTube Channel: NewDad

Personal Life

Julie Dawson

Julie Dawson has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships or children.

She maintains a private personal life, focusing on her music and creative process, often writing lyrics during moments of emotional struggle, as noted in The Independent.

Sean O’Dowd Monaghan

Sean O’Dowd Monaghan has no publicly confirmed romantic relationships or children.

He keeps his personal life private, dedicating his time to NewDad’s music and tours. His background in music technology shapes his role in the band, and he values the collaborative dynamic with his bandmates, as shared in Notion interviews.

Cara Joshi

Cara Joshi has not disclosed any romantic relationships or children.

Since joining NewDad in 2022, she has focused on integrating into the band’s dynamic and contributing to their evolving sound. Based in North London, Joshi enjoys the city’s music scene and maintains a low-profile personal life.

Fiachra Parslow

Fiachra Parslow has no confirmed romantic relationships or children.

He keeps his personal life private, emphasizing his passion for music and NewDad’s live performances.

Discography

• How (Single, 2020)
• Swimming (Single, 2020)
• Cry (Single, 2020)
• Waves (EP, 2021)
• Ladybird (Single, 2021)
• Banshee (EP, 2022)
• Angel (Single, 2023)
• Madra (Album, 2024)
• Safe (EP, 2025)

Net Worth

NewDad has an estimated collective net worth of $500,000 USD.

Their income primarily comes from music streaming, with over 5 million Spotify streams for Waves and growing popularity for Madra, alongside revenue from global tours, including performances at Fuji Rock Festival and Lollapalooza 2025.

Additional earnings stem from their major-label deal with Atlantic and merchandise sales, though the band has noted financial challenges, such as funding early tours through overdrafts, as shared in The Independent.