Castlepalooza 2017: 10 acts to see

Castlepalooza is returning for its 11th year and this one is guaranteed to be another raging success. For those who do not know, this boutique festival is held at Charleville Castle near Tullamore, County Offaly. The castle was once one of the favourite haunts of Lord Byron. Now guests can party it up in ways that the infamous poet of anti-heroes could have only dreamed of. Although it is one of the smaller festivals, it packs in all the fun and excitement of even the biggest events of the summer. Best of all, it is a festival that showcases lots of Irish talent. Take a look at what Hot Press considers some of the highlights of the festival this year.
La Galaxie
Le Galaxie are an electro dance pop band from Dublin that has already become widely respected for their incredible live performances. Dublin locals may have already caught performances by the band at their regular shows at Whelan’s. Others may have witnessed their incredible dance music energy when they performed at Electric Picnic and Longitude. If you have not had the chance to see them, then Castlepalooza is the perfect chance to lose yourself in the music and let your eyes be filled with the stars of Le Galaxie.
Denny
Denny is an electronic music producer and DJ who already has an international reputation. He has played shows all around Europe and has ventured overseas to America and Australia. He has a signature blend of house and techno that is a sure-fire hit. Most importantly, he has the sort of innate capacity to read a crowd that defines a great DJ. If you are looking for a show to get you grooving, then Denny is the show to see.
Rarely Seen Above Ground a.ka. RSAG
Rarely Seen Above Ground is the project of Jeremy Hickney, an Irish multi-instrumentalist who has been proclaimed one of the best drummers in Europe. He brings to the stage a stunning combination of electronic and organic music that uses all the latest technology combined with an astounding quality of artistic vision. Samplers, light shows, projections, a collection of percussion from around the world, and his own drums and vocals all combine to make a hypnotic and incredible performance that will be a highlight of the festival.
Daithi
Daithi is one of the geniuses of the contemporary Irish scene. His combination of nature recordings, old Irish samples, and analogue synths produce a type of modern electronic dance music that still draws heavily from the roots of Irish culture. His live performances are an improvised combination of building synth lines, hard-hitting drum machines, and even some Irish fiddle to round it all out. The result is a show with an immediacy and a sense of excitement that leaves no question why this artist is one of the brightest stars on the Irish scene.
Bitch Falcon
For those who are looking to rock out, you need look no further than Bitch Flacon. This Dublin-based three piece is a band raised on a steady diet of distilled grunge and daily recommended supplements of hard rock. Heavy distorted guitars are brandished with a swagger and an energy that allows this band to completely own a stage and leave nothing but its charred remains when they are done with it. One of the tightest live acts in Ireland, they never miss a note. The only thing that Bitch Falcon will drop is your jaw.
Floor Staff
This next act is more on the lighter side than the suggestions above. Still, take a break, hydrate, and go see this act. Floor Staff is a talented band that treads a line between the grandiose and the intimate. This project by Dublin-based songwriter, Anthony Donnelly, is both experimental and immediately accessible. Floor Staff has already played Castlepalooza once before and all it takes is one listen to understand why this band was asked to return. No doubt they will soon be touring festivals all around the world and will be a highlight at every single one of them.
PrYmary Colours
This duo brings the darker sound of Berlin house music to Ireland with a groove and an attitude that is guaranteed to absolutely drive the dance floor wild. While this is a show you definitely do not want to miss, be forewarned; you are likely to descend into an animalistic frenzy of sweat and passion. You might black out. You might lose friends. You might make new friends. You might lose those new friends. As soon as the first bass drum beat hits your chest, all you will be seeing is a world painted in PrYmary Colours.
Wastefellow
Take a walk on the weird side by catching the set by the Dublin producer Wastefellow. His sound leans towards the influence of experimental musicians like Flying Lotus, but this talented artist takes it in his own more pop-influenced direction. His stitched together beats combine with other-worldly synths and his own vocals to make a fascinating and unforgettable set.
Sally Cinnamon
Although some people might say that being a DJ takes no real skill, they are wrong. There is a very definite and difficult skill set. One DJ that possesses everything you want and more is Sally Cinnamon. Her incredibly deep musical knowledge allows her to draw from sources you have never even heard of to make truly excellent aural journeys. Go see her set and be ready to bow before the self-professed Lady Mayoress of Dublin.
Dublin Ukulele Collective
While the ukulele is frequently the go to instrument for people who should never be allowed to touch anything musical, this collective is filled with incredibly talented musicians who can easily shatter any prejudices you might have. This 50 piece band plays a wide variety of music from across the decades. Best of all, they are a really fun experience that is sure to be memorable. Take a break from all the chaos of the dance floor and check out this collective. You won’t regret it.