Dean Sherry, a Dublin DJ and producer, is behind the new digital label and music publishing group IDM:Recordings. He’s also one half of duo PHUNK’DUP SoundSystem, alongside Barry Dempsey. Sherry promises new releases from his own band and a slew of domestic and international releases. See phunkdup.com

Life Fest 2012 is approaching. Making his Irish debut Mattias Tanzmann performs on day one of the weekend long festival, kicking off May 25. Describing his sound as “deep and tech house with organic sounds and grooves” he runs the labels Moon Harbour and Cargo Edition. He’s working on a new album, to drop at the year’s end. Meanwhile his remix of Silicone Soul’s classic ‘Right On’ will be released on Soma Records mid-May. Check moonharbour.com/live/index.php or life-festival.com/lifefestival2012.
Boston DJ and production duo Soul Clap are Dublin-bound, promoting debut album EFUNK – Everybody’s Freaky Under Nature’s Kingdom. Catch them April 27 at The Button Factory, Dublin. See soulclap.us.
In the mid–west, Limerick’s Beats Workings record store celebrates its first anniversary. A party is planned outside the shop with a line–up of local acts. It’s part of Limerick’s Riverfest celebrations. More than a place to browse and buy, Beats Workings offers courses in DJing, music production, and sound engineering. It is also part of B7 Events, shortly to launch a new club night in Dolans called Bounce. Dave Seamen performs April 21, and Psycatron on June 16. See facebook.com/events/398681056813400.
Party news for Derry and Belfast! La Musique, Derry’s famous club night, is re–launching at Mason’s Bar April 20 with special guest Attaque from Bad Life Records. Dollface and Jean Luc, the duo behind La Musique, also throw a Celtronic launch party on May 6, with Deep Fried Funk DJs and Ewan Pearson at An Culturlann. And Dollface will support Erol Alkan and Teed at Stiff Kitten Belfast April 21.
Alaphabet Set, a Dublin-based music collective and label, is celebrating ten years in business! On the agenda in 2012 is a split release,Logan Systems EP, with Cignol and T–Woc, due April 22 on vinyl and digital. Lovers of analogue dreaminess and dubstep unite! Check alphabetset.net