Here's What's Happening in District 8 This Weekend

Well settled in its new Jam Park home – which boasts a soundsystem of incredible quality and dazzling lighting – District 8 is back in the familiar position of being one of Ireland’s most influential clubs. On October 25, it joins forces with the globally acclaimed Drumcode, for what promises to be some exceptional gig. Founded in 1996 by Adam Beyer, the Swedish techno label enjoys exalted status.

Always one step ahead of the game, it achieved renown courtesy of a constant flow of very successful releases, as well as the talent-scouting abilities of numerous DJs who grew to become highly respected. This special night in District 8 will showcase three of Drumcode’s heavyweights, who should delight techno lovers with high-quality beats.

For the past decade, the Dutch Bart Skils has been celebrated worldwide for his cutting-edge productions, ranging from deep magnetic grooves to upbeat techno. His long-running Voltt nights have become an essential part of the Amsterdam scene, along with his outdoor festival Voltt Loves Summer. As a techno star, Skils will headline the District 8 event and deliver one of his trademarks atmospheric-yet-banging DJ sets – which should set the dancefloor ablaze.

Hailing from Southampton, chart-topper Alan Fitzpatrick has become a favourite among techno fans, thanks to a steady stream of highly praised releases since the late noughties. While he released material via uber-hip labels like Cocoon, Bedrock and his own 8 Sided Dice, he has long been closely affiliated to Drumcode, and was also featured on BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix. Fitzpatrick’s sound is unique and instantly recognisable – a perfectly executed blend of incendiary bass lines, powerful melodies, jungle beats and funky flourishes. No doubt his infectious energy will go down a storm in District 8.

Also part of the line-up is Enrico Sangiuliano, an Italian DJ noted for his hypnotic techno productions. While he has been gaining recognition since 2009, his breakthrough occurred in 2015, when his remix of DJ Boris’ ‘Can You Hear Me’ topped the iconic Beatport chart for no less than 14 weeks. From that point on, he became a figurehead of the Drumcode stable. Indeed, in 2017, Sangiuliano was crowned as Beatport’s highest selling techno artist – another huge achievement.

For those who fancy a slightly heavier techno sound, District 8 are also hosting the fourth edition of their Circles series on Sunday, October 27. Starting at 8pm, the event boasts a stellar line-up who’ll bring the bank holiday weekend to an electrifying conclusion.

Excitingly, the main headliner is none other than Detroit legend Jeff Mills. In 1989, Mills co-founded Underground Resistance, a collective also renowned for their militant politics and anti-corporate ethos. Famed for his out-of-this-world mixing skills and unique creative output – notably expressed via his masterful live use of the T-909 drum machine – Mills’ set should be one of the Irish dance highlights of 2019.

The evening will also mark the first Dublin performance in nearly 20 years of British Murder Boys, the cult experimental duo comprised of Regis and Surgeon. Mixing DJing and live performance, their explosive shows combine punk attitude and uncompromising techno beats. Surgeon, of course, has had a devoted following ever since his seminal debut EP back in 1994. He has remained a serious force ever since, and continues to push the boundaries of traditional electronica.

Last but surely not least, Netherlands star Paula Temple will also appear as a special guest. When it comes to hard-hitting techno, she has become one of the most in-demand DJs globally over the past 15 years. Temple boasts a a myriad of floor-filling tunes, with her most celebrated track, ‘Gegen’, being especially irresistible.