He's Electric! Doctor's Orders

A release from one of Ireland's leading techno producers has made it onto the next Fabric mix CD. Dubliner Fran Hartnett’s sparse percussive workout ‘It Was Written In Vapour’ has been selected in Surgeon’s mix for Fabric 53, the latest installment of the prestigious mix series under the banner of the seminal London club. The track has been licensed exclusively for the CD, which is out this month, but you can hear a live version of it at Fran’s myspace – www.myspace.com/franhartnett

Another Dubliner has been given the thumbs up by a dance legend, in this case DJ Shadow. Budding producer Adam Fogarty entered a competition to remix the great man’s classic ‘Stem’ (famously used on a Guinness ad) and turned in a snarling dubstep monster which ended up being handpicked by Shadow for the competiton shortlist. “He heard my remix and liked it,” said Adam, “he even left a comment on my Soundcloud profile! Unfortunately it didn’t make the final cut but I was delighted to know that Shadow liked it enough to even consider it for the CD!”
After two years on the hard drive, Ireland’s elder statesman of breakbeat, Johnny Pluse, is releasing his second album, How Much For The Monkey? on his own BreakDown label this month. The DJ, producer and multiple label owner is backing up the album with a pit-stop tour over the next three months which takes in the UK and America but most importantly McCormacks (July 31) and Lynches Motor Bar (August 1) in his hometown of Trim. Check out some of the tracks showcased in Johnny’s latest mix at www.soundcloud.com/johnnypluse
One of the most durable and consistent Irish house and techno labels, Nice N Nasty, celebrates its 90th release this month. Run by veteran Belfast all-rounder Dezy Balmer, the label has boasted the best of national talent like Chymera and Mark O’Sullivan (DK7) as well as heavyweight international names like Orlando Voorn, Terrence Dixon and Marco Bernardi. All the details are at www.nicennasty.net
The latest inclusion to the festival season happens at the end of this month when Bump Festival comes to Anglers Park, Clonlara, Co Clare on July 24 and 25, boasting Manchester drum ‘n bass pioneer Marcus Intalex, a host of dubstep whizzkids such as Rockwell, Luka Bauwell and Bearweasel plus national talent including the residents of WTF Is Tech-House, a new Limerick clubnight which is rapidly gaining attention. More at www.bumpfestival.com
Ableton Live is increasingly becoming the DJ or producer’s main piece of kit for live performance, so if you’re looking to learn more or brush up your skills, have a look at RealSound’s upcoming workshop in The Bernard Shaw later this month and enrol at www.realsound.squarespace.com
Subject Promotions are defying the grim odds facing club promoters at the moment by celebrating three years on the landscape with a birthday bash in Twisted Pepper on July 24. As well as underground house players like Berlin’s Troy Pierce and Kyle Hall from Detroit, the night also plays host to a rare full club set from Billy Scurry, who has consistently supported their operation. To whet your appetite for the night – and to score discount-priced tickets – find out more about the invite only pre-club event A Midsummer Night’s Party run by upcoming promoters Medusa at www.facebook.com/medusadublin.