One of Ireland’s hottest new names, Lorcan Mak has big plans in 2011 for his new label Stay Hungry Records. And he wants producers around the country to get in on the action. “Our main aim at Stay Hungry is to act as an outlet to the wider world for Ireland’s forward thinking dance producers,” he says. “At the moment, there’s a small but developing scene around modern Irish house sound. However, most people are barely aware of that. We want to change this and provide a platform for it”. You can contact the label through [email protected] or submit your tracks direct through a dropbox at www.soundcloud.com/stayhungryrecords.

After scoring a club hit in 2010 on Fatboy Slim’s Southern Fried Records with ‘Factory’, Manchester-based Derry band Audiofun have rocketed upwards with their first EP, Sensor. It’s out on the Ministry Of Sound label this month. “I’m very excited to be involved with such a huge brand,” says the band’s Matthew Corry. The EP is bolstered with monster remixes from Peacetreaty and Supabeatz. More at www.soundcloud.com/audiofun.
Another Irish dance band, Waterford’s Blumenkraft, are benefitting from a big name, big room remix of new single ‘In That Space’, boasting a Fred Lilla trance stormer. The Irish based Swiss duo Marc and Kiki met the producer in the decidedly non-clubbing environs of Montreux Jazz Festival. ‘In That Space’ is their second collaboration, with one more in the pipeline. “Judging by the early reactions,” says Marc “it’s gonna set dancefloors alight”. The single is out tomorrow (Friday 14) on Galvanized Records. More info at www.blumenkraft.info.
Budding producers get a chance this Saturday January 15 to attend a free one hour electronic music technology at Dublin’s newly opened Nightmaker Studios, as part of the Swords college’s Open Day. For more details, contact [email protected]
Good news for Dublin’s flouro army. The Irish debut live performance from French ‘psytrance’ leading light Talamasca’s has been rescheduled for later this month. Check www.ptconnection.org for full details.
Belfast, traditionally a house and techno city, is playing host to a day-long festival of leftfield and fringe electronica on January 22. Maverick Belfast promoters Freakshow and Bad Taste are joining up for Bad Taste’s sixth birthday party for The Belfast Electronic Festival, a massive bash at The Warehouse which includes the likes of The Teknoist (of seminal label Planet Mu), Squire Of Gothos and Rotator. Details can be found at www.eventelephant.com/belfastelectronicfestival.