Adam Keni is the latest Irish latop whizzkid to impress an international label. The Dubliner, previously known as one third of DJ/production outfit Arcs Of Triumph, has been branching out from their trademark electro-techno and the results, T.H.I.S. – a brooding tech-house bubbler – has been snapped up by Minimalnuts Records in South West France for release later this month.

The track has been expanded to EP format with edits and a remix from up-and-coming Mr Titus. Minimalnuts is fast gaining a good rep throughout Europe and is also home to Letterkenny producer Dane Doherty. Another Northerner done good this month is Derry’s Matthew Corry aka Audiofun, whose remix of Leeds electro act Jeuce bagged the Pick Of The Month 10/10 rating in the singles section of the current iDJ magazine.
Two of dance music’s biggest innovators have pitched up in Dublin for regular residencies. The Wright Venue, Swords have secured founder of the worldwide club culture brand Hed Kandi Mark Doyle for a monthly residency. Speaking at his first appearance there last week, Mark said “I’m really impressed with the place and the packed crowd, definitely looking forward to returning next month”. While promoters BigDishGo are teaming up with electro maverick Ivan Smagghe for What’s Your Pleasure Jerry?, starting in Kennedys on April 30 with Kompakt label boss Michael Meyer. The moody Gallic wunderkind has long been a Dublin favourite for his compelling leftfield sets.
This follows the recent securing by Bodytonic of Berghain’s Marcel Dettman for a three-a-year residency in Ireland. More good news for Bodytonic, their flagship venue Twisted Pepper has made number 54 on iDJ’s Top 100 Clubs.
Looking for a genuine alternative to the summer’s blockbuster festivals and gigs? Three have come along at once. The annual Life Festival in Belvedere House, Mullingar has been announced for the 4 - 6 June with a line up featuring veterans Phil Hartnoll and Alex Patterson, of Orbital and The Orb respectively, alongside reggae legend Max Romeo, techno superduo Ben Sims v Surgeon and a host of Irish techno, dubstep, grime and electronica DJs.
The Sibin Festival at Man O’War, Balbriggan on May 1 and 2 hosts a rare Irish appearance of Manchester drum ‘n’ bass pioneer Marcus Intalex among anothers, while the son of February’s Musical Mystery Tour warehouse rave, The Mystik Musical Festival at a secret location on July 31 will feature a strong line up of national house, techno and electro DJs. Check www.life fesitval.com, www.festivalfactory.ie and [email protected] for more details.
Carlow’s own superstar DJ John Gibbons’ Club Educate radio show on Spin 103.8 FM is set to be broadcast up North from next month on. The worldwide syndicated version of the show, Club Educate Global will air on Cool FM, Northern Irelands biggest commercial station. Once again the show has been nominated for Best Radio Show in The Irish Dance Music Awards, which is being held this Saturday at Tripod. For a chance to cast your last minute vote and buy tickets contact www.slick-djs.com