Fionn Curran is part of a surge of incredible young Irish producers and DJs rising to prominence. Coming out of Covid, the musician found a steady footing, getting involved with Reboot – an events, music label and merch company. Going from DJing college parties to playing for thousands of people in Ibiza and Mallorca, Curran’s star is very much in the ascendant.

Still riding high from the release of his 2022 EP Dream, the decks maestro has also played the likes of the Life and Emerge festivals. Flash forward to the beginning of festival season 2023, and Curran’s hectic schedule includes Creamfields, Electric Picnic, Belsonic and, of course, Longitude.

The Galwegian expresses his excitement about festival season, as he recuperates from an Outset Ibiza gig the night before.

“It’s pretty mad to be playing at Longitude,” he enthuses. “I actually went twice when I was younger, and I really never thought it would be possible to play there. I’m playing four of Ireland’s biggest festivals over the summer, it’s so exciting. When I got the text from my manager about Longitude, it felt incredible.”

As a previous attendee, Curran is definitely sticking around to catch some of his fellow performers.

“Calvin Harris is on the same day as me, and that’s obviously a big one for me,” he says. “Also, Travis Scott on the Sunday. I’m a really big fan of his, I have been for a while, and I’ve never gotten the chance to see him live.”

Fionn confesses to liking the difference between playing festivals and clubs, and elaborates on how he’ll approach Longitude.

“It makes a big difference what time of day you’re playing,” he notes. “Obviously, most of the club dates I’d be playing would be night shows. But it feels like what time you play a festival is always a big factor in how you prepare. It’s a way different vibe, way higher energy most of the time. I make sure to read the crowd before I go on, an hour or two before. I’ll definitely be bringing out all the upbeat, higher energy tracks for the festivals.”

Curran’s latest single, ‘Shine’, came out in January, featuring MC Lynchy, and  hooked fans with its gradually building beats and fast paced rapping. Despite collaborating with lots of different electronic musicians and MCs, Curran plans to use Longitude to show off his skillset.

“I know a lot of the other DJs playing the same day as me, so I’m sure it’ll be great craic,” he says, “but for the set, I’m planning on staying solo.”

As for what to expect, there could potentially be some new pieces slipped in.

“I’m actually working on a new musical project and, hopefully, it might be out around the time of Longitude,” he says. “It’s surprisingly going a bit out of my comfort zone – it’s something a bit different. I’m excited to finish it off, I’ve to do a bit more work on it. But I’m really hoping it’ll be out for Longitude – it’d be so great to play it for the first time there.”

Fionn Curran plays Longitude on Saturday, July 1

Read the full Longitude Special Feature – featuring interviews with Jazzy, MK, TraviS X Elzzz, Multunes, Songer, Joel Corry and RAYE – in the current issue of Hot Press: