Lighting Phill & The Sinisters

A raw, soul-stirring blues band rooted in tradition and fired by passion — Lighting Phill & The Sinisters bring the blues to life across Dublin and beyond.

Formed in the heart of Ireland’s capital, Lighting Phill & The Sinisters is a powerhouse blues band blending the haunting soul of Delta blues, the grit of Chicago’s electric scene, and the swagger of Texas shuffles. From deep grooves to fiery solos, the band moves effortlessly between high-energy covers and emotionally charged original songs.

Frontman Lighting Phill (Felipe Menezes) is a Brazilian-born multi-instrumentalist who has called Dublin home since 2012. A seasoned performer, he began as a solo street busker, singing and playing guitar, harmonica, and piano — laying the foundation for the band’s authentic sound and storytelling spirit. Always sharply dressed in a suit, Lighting Phill brings the stage presence of a true bluesman, with musical influences including Sonny Terry, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and B.B. King.

He is backed by a powerhouse rhythm section:

• Cormac McCoy on drums — a world-traveled music educator with performance and teaching experience from the UK to Dubai. He brings swing, precision, and explosive energy to every show.

• Matheus Casagrande on lead guitar — a blues devotee, music teacher, and producer who delivers tasteful, expressive solos rooted in feel and tone.

• Oswaldo Andres on bass — a seasoned player with international experience, known for his deep groove, masterful control, and gentlemanly charm.

Whether playing stripped-down Delta laments or roaring Chicago stompers, Lighting Phill & The Sinisters are equally at home channeling blues tradition and pushing it forward. Their live shows are a dynamic journey — from harmonica howls and piano rolls to guitar growls and foot-stomping rhythm — filled with heart, soul, and the kind of chemistry you can’t fake.

They make people dance, feel free, happy, and emotional. Audiences often say it felt like time travel — or that the music reminded them of a grandparent who loved the blues and used to dance just like that.

The band has lit up some of Dublin’s most iconic stages, including Whelan’s, Sin É, Fibber Magees, The International Bar, and Hard Rock Café — always delivering with fire, finesse, and a deep respect for the blues.