Self-produced, their debut EP “Pillow Talk” was championed by BBC Introducing’s Across The Line, with the band performing at BBC stages at Reading and Leeds festivals in 2015. Pillow Talk went on to be critically acclaimed by Irish magazines and music blogs and saw R51 touring Ireland throughout 2015 & 2016, playing all major festivals in Northern Ireland, as well as performing underground clubs Germany and London.

They performed with Lonely The Brave on the Doc Marten’s “Stand for Something” Tour 2015, also appearing at a sold-out Ulster Hall celebrating the 30th anniversary of BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland in 2016, which was broadcast live by the BBC. they performed with artists such as THERAPY, DIVINE COMEDY, VILLAGERS & SOAK. In October 2016 they also supported FEEDER at a sold-out show in their hometown. Founding members Melyssa Shannon, Jonny Woods, Aaron Black and Anton Hughes began their career in 2013 when they were chosen to be featured in the prestigious music industry mentorship programme “Scratch My Progress” in the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast. They were joined by drummer Matt Killen in 2014 while self-recording their debut EP.

In 2014, they gained attention from across the Atlantic when live streaming secret gigs from dive bars in Belfast through their website, and their self-produced and released second EP “NO CHILL” (released 12th September) has had raving pre-release reviews. On the release of NO CHILL, R51 plan to tour as constantly as possible throughout 2017.